it takes all of dunk's considerable restraint to not blurt out something indelicate about the kid's bald head, if he's being honest. it takes him aback, and his first thought is that the boy might be sick ā arlan's hair had started to thin and fall out, toward the end. but the boy looks healthy enough, otherwise. he doesn't get much time to ruminate on it, though, before he's frowning, brow furrowing with it. he'd only been asking, out of an earnest concern, there'd been no need for the kid to get so snarky with him. āĀ you'd have a hard time gettin' hold of her. considerin' that she's dead, and all.Ā ā even as disgruntled as is about being rebuffed when he'd only been trying to bloody help, dunk can't deny the twinge he feels in his chest. a dead mother is a terrible thing to have in common, particularly for such a young boy.
another moment of shuffling his feet, debating with himself about whether or not to give up the goat and forget this entire awkward interaction, join the lads at the pub, before dunk's teeth sink into his bottom lip... then he's hopping the fence, clearing it effortlessly, almost, and putting the two of them just that bit closer. but his feet don't carry him toward the boy, they angle away, his body half-turned in the other direction. he heaves out a sigh, fingers curling around and fitfully squeezing at the strap of his bag. he can't, in good conscience, just leave the kid stranded here, especially if he's got no one coming to collect him. even if he does turn out to be a little shit. dunk supposes he can't blame him for any wariness ā he's not exactly a small man, and he's a stranger to boot.
āĀ have you eaten?Ā ā he's got enough in his wallet for him and the kid, if an empty stomach wins out over a cautious mind, and if not... well, no one can say he didn't try, can they? āĀ was headin' to the chippy, if you want to come.Ā ā as though on cue, his stomach rumbles, and dunk's teeth sink into his cheek as he tries to bite back an abashed smile. he'd worked up an appetite, out on the pitch, that much is true, though originally he'd planned on contenting himself with pub grub, washed down with a lager or two. can't exactly turn up with the kid in tow, though. at least this way he'll know he's got something in his belly, and maybe someone there will know what to do with him. āĀ or you can stay out here in the cold.Ā ā he shrugs, as though unconcerned by the outcome. āĀ up to you.Ā ā