DEMON HUNT

Chapter 45: Purpose

Thirty minutes after the conclusion of the council meeting,Charleston runs into Toro in the hallway, headed towards the opposite direction. He waves at Toro childishly, causing Toro to stop his motion, to Charleston's delight.

Charleston: I've been looking all over the place! And guess who I've been looking for.

Charleston makes a grumpy face.

Toro: I don't know...probably Nicole?

Charleston's mouth opens. He places his hand over his opened mouth as he gives a surprised look. None of the captains wear face coverings while at headquarters. None besides Toro, that is.

Charleston: Excuse me? Of course not...well, I suppose I was...but then I didn't...I didn't exactly look for her...I was just uhh...

Realizing he's getting himself entangled in an awkward situation, Charleston stops talking. He takes a deep breath, before giving a calm response.

Charleston: It was you. I was looking for you, Toro.

Toro: Oh. I left the building. I had to pay Mario a visit. You're coming from that direction, so I assume you went to see Mari?

Charleston bursts into laughter. Toro just stares as him as he laughs unrelentingly After having his fill, Charleston gives an awkward look.

Charleston: Hah! Oh please. Martha is around. I had to make sure she's having a good time. You know, she actually forgot to...

Toro intentionally interrupts Charleston's statement.

Toro: Spare me the details. Honestly, I don't know what to say to you, actually.

Charleston smirks as he shrugs his shoulders.

Charleston: What can I say? I am who I am, I am what I am.

Toro: I'm on my way to see Mari. It's been too long. Now, I have to prepare to hear him call me ''T'', and whatever other nicknames he's got to throw at me.

Charleston: What does he call me again?

Toro: Charleston.

Charleston: Yeah?

Toro: He calls you Charleston. Captain... Charleston.

Charleston rolls his eyeballs in disgust.

Charleston: That's no fun.

Charleston's expression suddenly shifts, as he stares at Toro's masked face.

Charleston: You're actually capable of it after all...

Toro's demeanor shows his confusion. Charleston doesn't wait for him to ask before proceeding.

Charleston: Love...you actually can love. Awnnn, you've become a father! I'm so proud of you, Toro!..or should I say ''daddy Toro''.

Charleston smirks teasingly. Toro just shrugs off Charleston's taunts.

Toro: Parenting isn't my thing. We are what we are.

Charleston gives a childish response, as is his custom. He drags out his words in an annoying manner, adding a yawn to be more expressive.

Charleston: Boooooring! Let me guess, you're not his father and he's not your son.

Toro begins to walk steadily, away from Charleston, headed towards his destination, showing that he's done talking. He gives a final remark as he moves away.

Toro: They, Charleston, They. I'm not their father, and they aren't my kids.

Charleston shakes his head slowly, smiling as he watches Toro take a right turn, away from his field of vision.