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The city was busy. Charles wasn't a fan of it much, yet it filled the job they needed well. That and it got Fraud and Stark away from Charles for a few hours, so who's to complain?
Much as they loved their lover, Charles could admit out loud and to the others' faces, that they were annoying and got on Charles's nerves. Probably why the fuck was wanted a house out in bum fuck nowhere.
It doesn't matter. We'll, Charles will pretend it wont at least; snubbing Charles cigarette out they leave the alley to that corner store.
'That' corner store being a run down gas station not far from that school international students went too. Clearly trying to market off the distrust of Americans and, we'll, shitty cheap food is still food.
Charles has another reason for being there though. Charles found themselves somewhat of a crush. Those ugly ones where Charles needs to carve their skull in with a hammer. Fraud— the bastred— said that that's called sadistic urges.
The guy, Charles had checked they weren't a *bigot*, at the counter had shaggy long hair and a scrappy beard. He wore a rosary on top of three jackets. His favorite movie was venom, he was working towards going back to school; this was the only place that would hire him. He was mentally ill. He wasn't interesting, and Charles assumes that's what drug Charles to the other.
"Just this." A bag of chips, more cigarettes, and a shitty pre-made sandwich. Enough to not be suspicious. Enough to be normal. Enough to be overlooked.
Joshpe, name tags were worth something, rang up the items slower than normal. Something sluggish in his bones. Something abnormal. Charles notes it and plans with it. Today isn't just a normal visit after all.
That's why Fraud has the van stalling down the alleyway Charles came from, that's why Charles waited till Joseph's co-worker left. That's why Stark had a set up ready at home after all.
“You're dog doing okay?” Charles asked in a lue of conversation— watching the other perk up before his shoulders drop once more. Joseph's brows meet in an arch, lips down turned; “She uh, she didn't make it.”
That explained the sluggish movement at least, and it also meant that Charles would have to tell Fraud to not stop by their new friend's house. Disappointing because that mutt was pretty cute.
“Sorry bout that.” Joseph hums softly at Charles' word. Overlooking.
It makes Charles bite their lip.
“Could I get you something?” Charles says. Don't ask— because Joseph doesn't have a choice in the outcome no matter what the other man may think. Joseph blinks up at Charles with those stupid doe eyes, a frown of thought that Charles wants to beat off the fucks face.
Take that Fraud, he was getting good at denying themselves. For now. At least till Charles got Joseph home.
“I think you're too old for me—” Awh, he cares about that mush. “Nah.” Charles cuts Joseph off before the other can spiral into moral values and all that stuffy bullshit. “Ill treat you good. I promise.” Slide over extra cash, lean on back foot, cock head. Take the fucking hint kid.
“Oh uh—” Nailed.
Charles waves their hand, “You don't gotta.”, Charles doesn't even want them like that. His body is filthy compared to Fraud and Stark, and in all honesty sex hasn't really been appealing to Charles unless they're only watching.
“But ah–” Charles leans on the counter “I'd help pay a big some.”
It's shitty. Fucking low ball, but Charles ain't going to play fair. This fixation Joseph ain't gonna stop until Charles has the other beaten and bloody in front of a camera. Fraud did tell Charles that they should treat themselves more.
This is a treat for themselves.
“Im uh—” Joseph's bright red. “I can do something else– but not—” Bingo!
“It's alright, Kid.”
Charles has heard enough sleep deprived rambles from the man to know that he would do anything to keep himself. To keep the pills that keep him afloat; The pills that have slowly started to cost more than his rent.
Joseph's face is still shallow with distrust. A pretty look on his face, Charles will admit to no one but themself.
“I just want a few photos.” Loose shoulders, easy posture, make them believe the deal is better than it really is. Lesser evil of the option.
Joseph shakes his head, his arms wrapping around himself. Charles knows that the cameras are just for show, knows that the door has a faulty lock and that's why they chain it shut, knows that Joshpe knows hes fucked because Joshpe told him everything wrong.
“Come on.” Charles steps closer, past the counter, past the one barrier of safety Charles let Joshpe have.
“Dont make this harder than it has to be.”
Joseph sputters and struggles with himself. Backing himself into a connor. Charles is seen by the man. Truly for the first time. The bend of Charles face and nicker of Charles jacket is taken in like gasps of air.
“They won't overlook you anymore.” Charles says. To themselves, to the shaking young adult in front of them.
After all Charles will never overlook someone so fun.
There's so much you can make them believe when they can believe themselves.