Early Bird (Erkenci Kus)(Part 2)

46. Disputes about love

"I've brought you some tea, honey," Aysun coos as she steps into the lingerie shop where Muzaffer is sitting behind the counter with Ayhan keeping him company. "Here you go."

Muzaffer takes the glass and smiles.

"What would you like for dinner?" Aysun starts massaging Muzaffer's shoulder and Ayhan looks on, thoroughly weirded out. "My darling boy."

"Mother, a man doesn't pick and choose what he eats once he leaves the army. He eats whatever he finds."

Ayhan groans. "Muzo, you're acting like you were gone three years. It was three days," she rolls her eyes. Muzaffer gives her a blank look. "You didn't even make it past physical. You're not fit to be in the army."

"Not fit? What does that even mean? The state decided that my talents could be of better use here so they sent me back."

"Yes my attractive boy," Aysun coos, massaging his cheeks and neck.

"Mom, what are you doing?" Muzaffer asks against her palm, turning his head and standing up. "From now on there is no 'my son' or 'my boy', okay? I'm a war veteran. I served my country, so it will be only 'my hero' or 'my lion'."

Aysun smiles proudly. "Alright," she nods.

"Yes. Good. I can't go around known as a boy anymore I - "

"Well, well, well," Ihsan crows as he comes in with a large smile. "Captain Muzaffer! You're back! Welcome!" He salutes Muzaffer and then laughs. "We've been waiting."

Muzaffer's stares at Ihsan blankly, leaning against a shelf with a grin. "What a rude entrance," he mutters and then narrows his eyes, "Mr Ihsan, what are you doing here?"

"You again?" Ayhan looks Ihsan up and down in disgust. "Really?"

"Again?" Muzaffer frowns. "What does that mean? Is he here all the time? Looks like the second I leave you alone for just a minute, the jackals descend." Ayhan couldn't argue with that. "You go and tell your friends, Mr Ihsan, that Muzaffer is back and he won't allow them or you to surround us with your rotten nonsense."

"Muzaffer," Aysun says sweetly as Ihsan just nods and rolls his eyes, still lazily leaning against the shelf next to Ayhan. "Don't be rude in front of the man, he's been helping me with the bills while you were away. Don't make me ashamed to be your mother, now." She gives him a pointed look.

Muzaffer blinks. "What?" His head whips to Ihsan. "What?" he repeats, looking at his mother again. "What?! How did that happen?" He looks at Ayhan who shrugs and shakes her head. They had all tried talking Aysun out of working with Ihsan. "You filled my absence with this filthy Ihsan, mother? I was gone for 3 days...3 days and you replace me just like that? Everything's changed around here, I hardly recognize the place! You've forgotten me!"

Ihsan snorts and sighs, looking at Aysun. "Aynway, Aysun, I wanted to talk to you about work for a few minutes, can we go outside?" She nods and passes Muzaffer and Ayhan to follow Ihsan.

"Wha - " Muzaffer frowns, watching them and Ayhan steps closer to the counter to lay her head on her arms.
"What are you doing?"

"Watching a disaster," she mumbles.

"Well stop and leave. I want to be alone. I went to the army for 3 days, it feels like I've lost everything. My mother, my girlfriend - " Ayhan rolls her eyes, "And now Jackal Ihsan took over the business too..."

"He's not only taking over the business, he's been here grinning at your - " Muzaffer's head snaps to her and Ayhan stops herself and coughs, patting her chest, her eyes wide. "It's so stuffy...in here..." She waves a hand and looks away from him, coughing.