tell me what i want to hear

best left forgotten

"They're gone."

William glanced at Scott, who was peering over the edge of the ferris wheel. He followed Scott's gaze to the ground.

"So they are," William replied, noting the electronic parts that were spilling out of the control panel. "How long do you think it'll be before they come back?"

Scott shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe they gave up."

William found Scott's hand on the railing, taking it. Scott flinched at the touch before facing William.

"Tell me, Scott," William said, a smirk stretching across his lips. "Why would they give up when they've already put so much work into fixing it? It would be a waste to turn back now, wouldn't it?"

Scott was peering over the metal beams once again.

"I don't think so," he answered hesitantly. "I don't think it would be worth it to keep putting work into trying to fix something if it never gets fixed." He shot William an uneasy glance. "Maybe they're not coming back at all."

"That's a surprise," William chuckled.

"What?" Scott turned to William once more.

"I've never known you to be so pessimistic."

"I am," Scott said plainly. "Ask Vincent. Hell, you could ask Michael. They'll tell you some stories."

"There's not a single bone in your body-" William poked Scott's chest, challenging him. "-that firmly believes we're going to get out of here."

"I know we'll get out of here," Scott began, pushing away William's hand, "when the fire department arrives."

William stifled a laugh. "Scott, dear, how old are you?"

Scott paused for a moment, his eyebrows furrowing.

"Why do you ask?" He responded suspiciously. "I mean, I'll tell you. I'm 23. I'm just wondering why you need to know."

"I find it hard to believe you're that young, especially with all the life experience you have. You don't have to lie to me; I won't tell anyone." William's smirk grew, sending a chill through Scott's spine.

"I'm not lying, William. I graduated high school the same year as Michael. The past few years have just been a lot for me." He stared pleadingly at William. "There's no reason for me to lie about my age, especially when it's all over my job applications." Scott sighed, his expression softening as he faced the ground. "I wish I could say I lied; that I'm not young enough to be your son and that I'm not just a whore for letting you-" He abruptly stopped, William's silence slicing through him like a knife. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that."

After a minute of silence, William cleared his throat.

"I remember how Michael was fond of you when you first began working at the pizzeria. Now that I think about it, it makes a lot of sense for you to have already been friends. As for us..." William waited until Scott met his gaze. "I really did think you were older, but I don't mind that you're not. I'm surprised because kids your age normally lack the-" William spoke through his teeth. "-maturity that you've shown me."

Scott hesitantly nodded, not sure how to respond.

"And, I hope you know that I- at least- don't see you as a whore at all."

Sighing, Scott looked up at William. "Really?" He asked, his expression plain but his voice filled with concern.

"Yes, Scott." He placed a firm hand on Scott's shoulder. "You're just really good in bed, that's all."