Reformation

Chapter Eight- Dracula's Birthday Present

Mike

"Whaaatcha doin'?"

Mike closed his eyes, a faint grin spreading his lips.

"Is that... *gasp*... dead trees?!"

A giggle escaped Mike's lips. "It's called reading, Sully."

Mike lay sprawled on the couch, holding the book elevated for his line of sight. And apparently Sully had entered the room. He could hear the blue haired weirdo somewhere behind him.

"Reeaading? I dunno Mikey, sounds dangerous, like it could expand your brain or something!"

Mike laughed aloud. "Yes, and if you do that, your head will swell and explode."

"Mikey. Mikey I need your opinion."

Mike sighed. "Can't it wait? An open book is not an invitation to interrupt."

"Oh contraire! Whether thou would like to or not, thee-"

"Okay fine!" Mike said exasperatedly, getting up. He started to lift his head, only to collide with Sully's forehead, who happened to be leaning directly above Mike. Mike let out a yelp of pain when their heads smashed together with a loud crack, and Sully fell backward with a shout.

Both had their head in hands, eyes squeezed shut against the pain, their moans gradually morphing into hysterics. First Sully, crouched on the floor, began to giggle, and Mike soon joined in, until both of them were rolling around like capsized beetles, laughing like hyenas.

"What did you need my opinion so desperately for anyway?" Mike finally gasped.

Sully burst into laughter afresh. "I... I wanted to know what my next tattoo should be." He managed.

Mike snorted. "Purple, definitely purple. Polka dots maybe?"

It was a while before they could get up from the floor.

Later that day, Sully was absorbed in Mike's book when the green haired punk burst through the door, slamming it behind him with a curse. Sully sat up, startled by the boy's display of anger. Mike paced the floor like a caged tiger, muttering obscenities under his breath, his expression thunderous.

"What's up, Mikey?" Sully asked tentatively.

Mike exploded. "I [strawberry] hate the government!"

Sully stared. "I mean, they can be pretty lame sometimes, but what's got under your skin so badly?"

Mike paused whilst cursing every official he knew. "My [strawberry] ex-fosters claimed I stole money when I left, which I obviously didn't, but who does the government believe? The [strawberry] drunkard and his coward of a wife! They want me to pay them money I didn't take!" He flopped down on the sofa.

Sully sat the book down. "Man, that sucks. Listen, it's way more trouble to resist, let me pay it off for you."

Mike ran a hand through his green spiky hair, sitting cross legged on the sofa. "You would that? I'd pay you back of course, I don't take charity, but I'm low on funds at the moment..." He thought for a moment, his dark eyes stormy. "I really need a job."

Sully watched his slender friend brood. "Hey, why don't you come to my job on Monday, and I'll see if there's an opening for ya."

Mike collapsed backwards, his breath whooshing out. "Really? Thanks Sull, you're a lifesaver. Seriously, I dunno what I'd do without you."

Sully grinned. "Hey, you'd do the same for me."

Mike nodded, returning a small smile. He pushed off of the sofa. "I'm going to shower." He announced, walking away. "Try to relieve some stress..."