The Jokester

Chapter 11: Slip-Ups

Trigger Warnings For This Chapter: Trigger Warnings For This Chapter: Cursing, Hallucinations, Mental Illness Traits, Time Period Homophobia, Blood, Self-Harm, Gun Violence, And Panic.

   "Hmm. It looks like we'll need some aluminum." Brain mumbled to himself as he examined their leftover supplies from their last failed scheme. They were down to two more ideas before he'd have to start coming up with new ones.

   Pinky perked up at hearing Brain's voice. The shorter of the two had been silent for a while, deep in thought. "You said we need something, Brain? I can go out and get it."

   Brain turned his attention to his lover. "I think I'll go out this time and get it." Pinky had been in and out of the apartment enough. Brain supposed he could put in some physical labor. Plus, he had noticed that Pinky's behavior today had been slightly off, and he was worried about letting him outside. He had caught Pinky staring into the bathroom mirror as if he could see into it. Also, Pinky had been extra fidgety today. It wasn't anything too concerning, but Brain wanted to be cautious.

   "Are you sure, Brain?"

   Brain removed a pair of gloves and walked over to the coat rack with his gun. "Yes. It would do me some good to get some fresh air. Pinky, do you mind watching the apartment?"

   Pinky walked over and kneeled down to kiss Brain. "Not at all! I promise I won't let so much as a fly get in!"

   Brain smiled lovingly at Pinky after the kiss broke. "I'm sure you won't." He turned the doorknob and waved. "I'll be back before four. Do you remember the secret knock?"

   "Sure do! Narf!" Pinky knocked the pattern on the wall.

   "Alright, Pinky. I'll be back." Brain stepped into the hall and made his way down the stairs, purposely avoiding looking toward the mail slots. The air outside was welcomed as the apartment had grown to feel stuffy with how long he stayed in it.

   He crossed the street and made his way toward the city dump. Thankfully it wasn't a long journey, being only twenty blocks away. He hummed a tune to himself as he kept his eyes forward. He was disinterested in seeing the trash on the streets and the people walking along them.

   When he eventually approached the entrance to the dump, he pulled out a cloth pin and attached it to his nose. He headed inside without a problem. There were no guards: People or dogs. No one really cared about the place.

   He walked along the paths, looking left to right as he analyzed the mounds of garbage and junk. Aluminum, aluminum.... "Aha!" Brain rushed over to one of the mounds and climbed upwards until he reached his point of interest. A huge bag of soda cans! He grabbed the bag and carefully descended. It was perfect, especially with how easy to take home it would be.

   He went ahead and walked around some more in case something, in particular, piqued his interest. There were a few things he briefly considered but decided against.

   Brain left the dump, ignoring the stares he felt on him. A few people muttered insults, thinking he was homeless, and Brain's grip on the bag tightened. The words weren't necessarily offensive to him because he wasn't homeless. But if it was this easy for people to tear you down when they thought you were, he couldn't imagine half the things Pinky had probably put up with.

   After six blocks, Brain decided to take a break on a bench. He pulled out a cigarette and frowned. He was getting pretty low.

   As he sat, he heard the voices of people behind him. There was a café with outdoor seating. If Brain could have afforded to, he probably would have taken a break there. Fresh coffee and some pastry sounded heavenly right now. I wonder what Pinky's favorite kind of pastry is.