Cloud Association: Pretty Boy Psycho

Wild Child

Earlier in the morning than I expected I am greeted by Geordie sat at the kitchen table, drumming his fingers against our commissions jar. Cupboards are flung open, revealing empty innards.

"This ain't good enough. What did you three do with our commission from that job in Dover?"

I perch on the edge of the table. "We bought grey cloaks."

"Let me get this straight you spent our own money on a job."

"Technically rescuing you wasn't an official job," points out Charlie.

"Don't get smart with me. Fact is we're poor while Team Cain pig out on barbecues."

"Barbecues?" says Charlie sounding puzzled.

"Cain's an aussie, he barbecues."

"That's highly stereotypical of you."

"Blah blah blah. Head in the game Charlie boy. We're gonna fill up this jar."

"Mate, I don't think you should be thinking about working so soon after -"

Geordie snaps, "-after what? Being abducted. I ain't gonna mope round feeling sorry for myself. The past is the past end of. Midnight's gonna wish she never heard about my blue hair. Hurh Lucky. I'll give her some fuckin' luck. We're going to HQ and getting a B-grade job."

"No. I refuse to get any grade of job for the time being." Charlie goes around the kitchen, shutting cupboard doors. "Argue with me as much as you like I'm not working. You need to take a week or twos leave."

"I've got those pain killers. I'm fine."

"Pain killers won't solve the emotional strains."

"Who says I have emotional strains?"

"You've been brutally tormented of course you're emotionally damaged. I heard you groaning last night. Danny had to sit with you."

"I had a nightmare big deal. I can't have dreams on jobs when I'm awake."

"Please try to understand I am concerned for your wellbeing. If you're worried about us going hungry don't, I can figure out a way to tide us over. I could help Al sell his art or even ask my family for assistance if we get desperate."

Only Geordie isn't that bothered about commission, he's more concerned about his reputation.

"Fine you stay home. I'm gonna get a job. It's not as though you're a major contributor anyway."

"I do appreciate your opinions," sighs Charlie on closing the last cupboard door.

"Saying I appreciate them don't mean I have to like or agree with them. You're coming with me aren't you Al lad?"

I want to side with Charlie but if I do I run the risk of Geordie shutting me out of his problems. "Sure." Doing what he wants is the best way to keep myself in the loop. I slip off the table, straightening out my scarf as I go with Geordie out the kitchen.

"Give it three seconds and Danny will follow. He won't hang home while I'm out stirring trouble with you." Right after he's spoken Danny jogs to catch us up as we exit the house. "Now wait ten seconds and Charlie will trail after us in a huff."

In my head I start counting to ten. On nine Charlie trudges down the veranda steps with his hands balled up within his jacket pockets.

I giggle. "You know us so well."

"Yeah those two are easy to figure."

I hate how it's only a real short flight to HQ. Wanting to add a minute or two onto my journey I get Sunshine to fly higher, shooting away from the others. So cold up here but I don't mind. It would be a shame to waste such a wonderful morning in a stuffy office being briefed on a silly old job.