abyssdressing | (no subject)

I approached the child that deeply resembled my original, my mind racing to try to figure out what this 'Ran' he spoke of was- then it hit me, like a bullet of whiskey to an empty stomach.

The hell is 'Ran'?

I quickly regretted this response, but it was too late now- All I could do was wait for the kid's answer, and see if I couldn't help out.

...I think you hit your head.

And Ran's my dog.

I felt my eye twitch a bit at his brusque way of speaking, but I knew there was no use trying to talk to him about it- kids'll be kids, ain't nothing you can do about that. Trying to wrap my head around him wanting to ask about my dog, I took a swig of the bottle I carried in my pocket- bourbon never hurt no one, and it was my constant companion.

What the fuck would I care about your dog for?

I knew I needed to increase my alcohol tolerance, but I never thought I would need to do this much drinking.

Why are you saying everything you're thinking?

My palm went up to my face almost as a reflexive gesture, my instincts wanting to cover my eyes with my hand so I wouldn't have to look at this twirp- I had no idea what he was talking about, after all, but the kid had a rotten streak I could smell even over the smell of my horse from a mile away, and my horse ain't a bed of roses.

What did you want.

I wasn't talking to you, I was trying to talk to a different Luke. One who isn't stupid.

If I poured booze down my throat any faster, it was gonna catch up with my lunch- but I couldn't help myself, this kid just brought the worst out in me. Could this have been what I was looking for all these years, someone to help me realize how bad my drinking had gotten? Somehow I felt we'd become friends, a deep and unbreakable bond formed between us.

...We aren't friends. You're creepy.

I couldn't help but smile at his overt denial of our friendship- Throughout all the years I'd known the kid, I knew he would never admit closeness to anyone, least of all me. I corked the bottle, placing it in my pocket- it wasn't going anywhere. It would still be there later.

...We haven't known each other for years. We just met.

I laid my cards down on the table- a straight flush. Unless the kid had something up his sleeve, the hand was mine.

...What?

It was showdown time, and I knew he was hesitating- was it his loss, and he was afraid to admit it? Or did he have the upper hand on me after all, and was just waiting to build my fear? I didn't know it at the time, but this was a match that would change both our lives forever- for better or for worse...

...Is he stupid?

*sighs* No, definitely not. Who said that he was?

Luke...

Sheesh. What's with you two..? Ran's very smart, so don't worry about what he said.

You're sure...?

I am. I think Ran tried to help me find you before.

That's what I told him... But then he said I was stupid for getting kidnapped in the first place.

*scowls, resting a hand on his head.* That isn't true either. I'm really going to have to have a talk with him.

...You mean it's not true?

No, it isn't.

You're sure?