Scout Stories: Bruised Beginnings

Old Friends

"You told him?" asked Cuno.

"I told him. You think he has one?"

Cuno nodded. "He has something."

"Scouts are supposed to help us. To save us. And because of me..."

Cuno put a hand on Thom's shoulder. "Which is why they sent me. No point in feeling bad about it when you're paying the price. There's no debt now."

"Cuno?"

"Yeah."

"You're a bastard...but I'm glad that they sent you."

Cuno pressed his forehead against his friends. "I'm not."

Thom started to cough again as Cuno drew back.

"Tell me," he said as soon as he could, "have you managed to make it any quicker?"

Cuno pulled a small pouch from his pocket. "I haven't, but you can have this if you want."

"Thanks."

Cuno pulled some paper off the counter and grabbed the stick of charcoal before it hit the ground. There was some numbers written on it so Cuno turned it over before handing both over to Thom. "You want to write her a note?"

"How long will I have after I take it?"

Cuno had to muster up the courage to look him in the eye. "I suggest you write the note first."

Thom didn't talk as he wrote, occasionally stopping to cough, but occasionally glanced up at Cuno.

"Don't worry. I'm not going to read it," said Cuno.

"Even though I could tell her that you murdered me before we could get married?"

Cuno shook his head. "You wouldn't do that to her."

"You're right. Unfortunately, I'm not as big as a prick as you. Are you going to burn me after?"

"I'll leave that to them."

"Good. Get out."

Cuno raised an eyebrow at him as Thom started to chew what was in the pouch.

"I can stay."

"No," said Thom, "I didn't want you to see her, and I don't want you to see me. Go on, Cuno. Go back to work."

Cuno nodded and stood up. He opened the door, and paused. He didn't turn back to look but spoke again. "Do you want me to check in on Emera from time to time? Make sure she's okay."

"Nah. She won't need it. I could punch through solid rock, but she's the strongest person I ever met."

"Alright."

"Cuno?"

"Yeah?"

"You were a shitty friend."

Cuno smiled. "So were you. But I liked you anyway."