When the sun streamed through the frayed curtains of the crappy motel room the next morning, Kai was content. Despite not getting as much sleep as previously planned, he felt as sated and calm as after peeling off the mask of the man in the alleyway. Opening his eyes, he saw his psycho standing there, a cigarette between his lips and a steaming cup of crappy “FREE COFFEE” from the lobby downstairs in his right hand. Kai smiled.
“G’morning dolly, how you feelin’?”
Kai hummed, not particularly eager to leave his bubble of peace. “Good. You made me feel good.”
“I’m glad,” came the reply. There was a hint of a smile on the corner of his lips. “There’s a shower if you want one, and I brought you coffee from downstairs, but it tastes like shit. There’s a pack of cigs too. We can get breakfast on our way into town, only about an hour before we’re there.”
“Okay, breakfast sounds good.”
“You know, Kai, you made me feel good too. Last night.” The use of his name stunned the flower boy momentarily- it was unusual to get such an honest admission from the elder. Kai smiled largely, dimple making an appearance.
“I’m glad. I think that was the closest to heaven we’ll ever get.”
“Me too dolly, me too.”
----
The diner Sami had stopped at was small, but welcoming. It was obviously a southern establishment, Kai thought, with the menu mostly consisting of various items covered in gravy. When the man (who appeared to be the only employee) saw Sami, he grinned widely.
“Samuel! It’s been years! How are you?” Kai saw Sami’s jaw clench with the mention of his full name, and a fire light in his eyes. But a plaster smile quickly made an appearance on his face.
“It has been years hasn’t it John? I’m good, just been off at school I suppose. How are you doing?”
“Well, well. What can I get you today?” The man behind the counter-John- asked. Sami locked eyes with the boy at his side. Kai shook his head, a silent I have no fucking clue. The message was received, however.
“We’ll take two number nines if you don’t mind, to go please.” John nodded in affirmation and read off the price. Sami paid, plaster smile still on his face, fire still in his eyes. His shoulders were tense, and his left hand was twitching. Kai brushed his knuckles against the pretty psychos (reminding him that he was there), and watched him relax slightly.
As soon as they left the diner and turned the corner, Sami grabbed Kai’s hand fiercely. “I hated that, I didn’t think he’d still remember me. I should’ve known better though.” Then, there was silence.
“I didn’t know you could be so polite,” Kai mentioned once they were back in the old car. A laughed bubbled out of the psycho next to him, and Kai smiled.
“That’s southern hospitality for you darlin’, you’ll get used to it.”
“I’m not sure I want to.” Another laugh.
“There’s my boy.”
YOU ARE READING
SUGAR AND STEEL
Teen FictionIn which a boy as sweet and sickly as cough syrup and cotton candy meets a boy that tastes like Juicy Fruit and cigarettes (and is best friends with a butterfly knife)
