A Night to Ourselves.

Instructions

“Y’know, Char, I don’t really care about who ya used to be, who ya dated, or whoever the hell ya hung around with. Ain’t my business.” Charles glanced at him. “Then why are you bringing it up?” “Because I do care about what’s happenin’ to ya now.” Wretch sighed. “That relationship with Skylar, ..or whatever her name is-” “Lucy.” “Yeah, her. Whatever.” Wretch waved a paw dismissively. “It ain’t healthy, Charles. An’ that’s sayin’ somethin’ comin’ from me. I’ve only dated, like… once or twice in my whole twenty-five years.” Charles gave him a flat look. “But from what I know, gettin’ scratched up like a feral cat in the middle of summer ain’t exactly what folks call a healthy relationship.” Charles went quiet. Then his eyes narrowed. “…Don’t tell me you’re about to confess.” Wretch froze for half a second before giving an awkward laugh. “Hah… well, I mean…” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah. I do like ya.” Charles stared at him. “But I know ya don’t see me that way,” Wretch continued, his smile becoming a little more subdued. “An’ that’s fine. Really. I ain’t gonna try an’ force ya into somethin’ just ‘cause yer current relationship’s gone to hell.” “You’re taking this surprisingly well.” “Not exactly.” Charles raised an eyebrow. Wretch sighed. “Look, it hurts. I ain't gonna lie about that. But that don't mean I get to make it your problem.” Charles said nothing. “Ya deserve somebody who’s gonna take care of ya,” Wretch said. “Someone who actually respects ya. Not somebody who cheats on ya, gets pissed at ya, or takes their anger out on ya.” “…You think I deserve better.” “I know ya do.” Charles looked away. “Tch.” His ears lowered slightly. “I don’t understand how your idiot of a sister can be so damn happy.” “Oh, Silly?” “Who else would I be talking about?” Wretch chuckled. “Well… between you an’ me, she ain't exactly the happiest.” Charles frowned. “Your sister’s really what keeps her smiling.” “…What?” “Lilith.” “I know who you mean.” “Just makin’ sure.” Wretch grinned faintly. “Silly puts on that whole loud, goofy act, but… she ain't always feelin’ that way.” Charles crossed his arms. “So why does she act like some stupid—” “Hey, hey. Language.” “Don’t start.” “Sorry.” Wretch snorted. “Old habit.” Charles sighed. “Continue.” Wretch's expression softened. “It mostly comes from our parents.” Charles looked at him. “They were good people,” Wretch said quietly. “Never yelled at us. Never laid a paw on us. Pa was always crackin’ jokes, makin’ people laugh. He was real close with Silly, too," He paused. “Then they died.” Charles's expression changed ever so slightly, “…The car crash.” “Yeah.” Silence. Wretch looked down at his hands. “They were young. Too damn young.” He swallowed. “Official story says Pa did it. Homicide.” Charles's ears twitched. “You don’t believe that.” “No.” “Why?” “Because I knew him.” Wretch's voice was firmer now. “That man loved his family more than anything. He would've never done that.” Charles didn't respond. “There was somethin’ wrong with him near the end, though,” Wretch continued. “Pa got paranoid. Started actin’ strange. Sometimes his eyes…” He hesitated. “…Looked purple.” Charles stared at him. “Purple?” “Yeah.” Wretch shook his head. “But that’s a story for another day.” Charles remained silent. “So, after the crash…” Wretch sighed. “I was thirteen. Silly was eight and a half.” Charles's expression hardened. “You raised her.” “Had to.” “You were a child.” “Yeah.” Wretch gave a small, humorless laugh. “Guess we both kinda grew up too fast.” Charles looked down. “And Silly…” “She didn't take it well.” Wretch's voice became quieter. “Still doesn't, sometimes.” Charles's eyes flicked toward him. “She tries to make everybody smile because that's what Pa used to do. She jokes around, dresses crazy, acts like nothin' can bother her…” Wretch smiled faintly. “Course, she can be annoying as hell.” Charles snorted. “She annoys me, too.” “There ya go.” Wretch chuckled. “But that doesn't mean she's actually happy all the time.” Charles was quiet for a moment. “…Lilith helps.” “Yeah.” “How?” “She gives Silly somewhere she doesn't have to pretend.” Charles's eyes lowered. Wretch continued, “She don't have to be the funny one. Don't have to make everybody else smile. She can just… be Silly.” Charles stared at the floor. “…Huh.” “Yeah.” “I didn’t know.” “Most people don't.” Another silence settled between them. Then Wretch spoke again. “Maybe… ya need somethin’ like that, too.” Charles looked at him. “Someone who lets you be yourself,” Wretch said. “Someone who ain't gonna make ya feel like ya gotta be angry all the time. Someone ya can actually trust.” Charles's expression remained stoic. For once, though, there wasn't any bite behind it. “…Maybe I do.” Wretch smiled. “Yeah.” He gave Charles a gentle pat on the back. “Everybody deserves somebody like that.”