Trick or Treat?

Trick or treat? Truth or deceit? Brawn or brain? Pleasure or pain? The name's Bastian, but you can call me Barrel.

[mostcertainlyatreat]

Creepy Critters || Barrel & Sophie

[sweetsandsongs]

Sophie giggled when he seemed all too eager to agree with her… only to change his mind when he realized that wasn’t the point he was trying to make. She thought it was a very good reason to like he holiday. “It’s not all about fear, it’s about… fun and dressing up and candy. I don’t know I think I like Easter best… It’s bright and colorful and fun! And… more free candy!” She giggled. Okay, so she had a bit of a sweet tooth… but really, she did love Easter.

She could see him attempting to process how it made sense, but for her once she learned one it was easy to translate it to another. Sure it was different physically but a g was still a g and a flat was still a flat. It all worked… in her mind but no one ever said they could understand the young woman aside from herself. She giggled at his attempt to do… something. She wasn’t quite sure. “Oh well, guess I can rule out you for superman then.”

[mostcertainlyatreat]

Barrel frowned, slightly disgusted about her answer. "No," he said abuptly, holding his head high stubbornly. "When you take away the meaning of Halloween, you end up with losers dressed in sexy nurse outfits. It's not about the dressing up or the candy. It's about fear!" He threw his hands up, a grin spread across his face. "Screaming, terrifying fear! You want candy? Work for it! Ain't no one wanna give you candy in a cute outfit. Add some pus, cuts, and blood stains. False teeth, black contacts, long claws!" Barrel stepped forward, hands held out in a claw like matter. "Halloween isn't Halloween without fear."

Barrel tugged his head, looking at the girl oddly. "Nah, I'm not Superman. More like.. the Ghost Rider." He grinned at the thought. How cool would it be to have a skull for a face? Especially one that light on fire! Damn, that sounded amazing! Sidetracked, he froze. "Wait, what were we talking about?"

[topsyturvykyrie]

Gluttonous King || Kyrie & Barrel

[topsyturvykyrie]

The children seemed ready to leave when the older boy asked his question which enthralled a few of them, who looked at her expectantly. “Well, he sat alone for quite sometime hoping that they would return to bring him food. And bring him wine, but when they didn’t he ventured to the kitchens to find them abandoned.” She continued the story,bringing up the king puppet next to her.

"And he realized that he had to do things himself, he couldn’t rely on everyone else to do what he wanted. He was lonely and hungry and he was the only one there. What choice did he have but to starve or learn his lesson? I guess in the end— the choice is up to you." Kellan was better at improv than she was… this certainly wasn’t her forte.

[mostcertainlyatreat]

Barrel scowled, tilting his head in thought. Well that was weak, and a total cop out. The end was up to him? This was a story, not a 'pick your own ending'. "But ain't that a bit morbid? That he starved to death? I mean, he probably could have cooked for himself, but the guy probably wouldn't even know how to turn on a stove. So if he tried, he'd probably burn himself to death." He paused in thought, brows furrowed. "And who's goin' to pay the servants now with a dead king? Now they've got no food, and probably their families too. So, like, everyone's goin' to starve?" He asked, truly confused by the story, though more cruel and amused at the sudden change in story. Oh to be an ass could be fun sometimes.

[mostcertainlyatreat]

Bright Lights || Barrel and Zane

[zanerowe-blog]

The shoe came down just as the top of his friend’s head popped over the edge of the platform, not hard enough to hurt him or cause him to fall, but enough to keep Barrel from squirting him. Zane had time for a quick grin, before he lunged forward, wrapping his hand around the muzzle of the squirt gun, not quite managing to pull it away from Barrel, but definitely in a position where it would keep Zane dry.

"Truce?" he asked, hoping to stay dry, "If you get the platform wet and I slip and die, I’ll haunt your ass, and even if y’don’t, hit one of the lights and you’re forever screwed. So don’t kill me, and Jace and I won’t kill you?"

[mostcertainlyatreat]

Barrel felt a hard bop on his head, his eyes squeezed tight at the sudden attack. Pouting, he shot Zane a less-than-impressed glare. God, he was so over dramatic. Barrel rolled his eyes at his friend, head barely visible over the edge. 

"Figures. You need Jace to help. Can't do it alone, can ya?" Barrel asked, tilting his head and shooting Zane a grin. "Truce. Did ya really think I'd shoot this up here?" Barrel scoffed, letting go of the gun and pulling himself up. "S'easier just to shove you off the edge anyway. Don't sing that crap, man. It's embarrassing."

[mostcertainlyatreat]

Got a Light? || Bastian and Niko

[nikochatz]

"Depends. If the devil wants your soul, he’s gonna keep you from trading it away to heaven, isn’t he? So us demons do his dirty work," Niko grinned slightly. He studied philosophy, psychology, theology, and a lot of other stuff like that during his time as a human, and though he knew for a fact that the Greek gods were accurate, seeing as his girlfriend was living proof of that, and despite technically being on the side of "good," he still sided with a lot of sympathy for the devil crap. And an angel, the cat certainly was not. "Guess it doesn’t matter what I am, does it?" he shrugged slightly, sticking a hand into his pockets, “‘S long as you’re not dying at the moment, can’t really be bothered with which side wanted you." He assumed neither. The Fates weren’t very in control of Storybrooke, and unless he’d upset Regina, Niko couldn’t think of a single reason why anyone would be dying anytime soon.

"Sounds like a plan," he grinned, "Never hurts to have someone on your side." Niko didn’t plan on getting into fights, and as long as the Other Mother didn’t wake up, he shouldn’t have a problem doing that. Hopefully the kid would still be on his side if the curse broke, however. Never hurt to have on more member fighting for the cause. "Sister?" he made a face, "I guess that could kinda be a problem." Tsking, he shook his head, arms crossing over his chest, "Sea water’ll hurt like a motherfucker. I have a decent sink and a first aid kit. You can fix yourself up and wash off, then go home. No sister’ll find out. Sound good?"

[mostcertainlyatreat]

"So you want my soul?!" He asked, turning abruptly with wide, mock-fear filled eyes. "I ain't sellin' my soul for a cig and a little candy. How cheap do you think I am?" He shot a glare, looking somewhat insulted. "If that's all I get for it, that's a rip off. I'll sue ya for it too." Barrel shrugged, taking another drag of his cigarette. "Dunno. Cloud trampolines sound more inviting than burning for eternity. But I'll keep up the search for immortality instead."

"Cool," Barrel replied, offering a weak grin. Besides, he didn't have that much money to 'pay him back', unless sixty cents would do it. "Shock," Barrel replied with a small nod. "Kinda a big fucking problem." Barrel scoffed at his choice of words. Not like he wasn't already in pain. "The pain means it's working," he explained with a sage nod. At least that's what he thought. Salt cleaned wounds, right? If not, his self-medication had been wrong for years. He braced himself against the wall, looking back at him. "No soul sellin'?" he asked, just to be perfectly sure.

[mostcertainlyatreat]

Got a Light? || Bastian and Niko

[nikochatz]

"Whatever works, man, whatever works. At least I’m not looking to play rebound, those guys are the real assholes," he grinned, shrugging slightly, watching the boy, wondering if he was used to pain, from the way he was handling himself now. The kid was pretty together for someone who’d just gotten the shit beaten out of them. "Hope they feel the same about you." That tended to make life a lot easier. Like when the Other Mother hadn’t known about him, or his interference. "Angel?" Niko chuckled, looking down at himself, the black clothing, the tattoos, the eyeliner he knew he was wearing, piercings, and many other things that scared most people, "Demon’s more accurate, but thanks, I guess." The man tsked and shook his head slightly when the boy said he’d pay him back, "You’re good, kid, trust me, the last thing I need is to get paid. Helping out’s just the right thing to do." He already had more money than he knew what to do with. Apparently the worth of lives had inflated sometime before he traded his away to Rumplestiltskin. "Bathroom?" he muttered, thinking for a moment, "Unless you want to walk into a restaurant or something like that, home or someplace is the closest one I can think of."

[mostcertainlyatreat]

Barrel snickered, taking another drag. He could handle pain well. He'd hurt himself plenty of times when his pranks went wrong, or he misjudged a jump or the likes. Not to mention fighting was common in the D'Ceit household, though it was always somewhat 'playful'. They were just rough players, though they never broke bones. Those belonged to the people who sought out to hurt him. Fuckers. "Already have a demon. His name is Lock. Sorry ta break your heart, but that possitions filled. 'Sides, ain't it an angel's job to protect ya?" Or at least that's what he was led to believe. He shrugged, not caring. Angel or demon, he was happy to have him at this point.

"I didn't mean money," Barrel replied, turning back to him. "I just mean if you run inta trouble, you can count on me." Barrel flinched, eyes flickering away as he wrapped his arms around himself. He didn't like that idea. "Can't let my sister see me," he replied simply, taking another drag. He didn't want to worry her, or for either of his siblings to think he couldn't stand his own ground. He knew they'd both set out to kick the other kids' asses for him, but he still didn't want them to worry.. "Home's a no. Not 'til the bloods washed off. 'S fine," he decided, already slinking off in the same direction. "Sea water will do."

[genuinesourpatch]

[Date Raffle/Dance] Better Than Expected | Barrel and Vannie

[genuinesourpatch]

"I rather have a real monocle and a top hat to match. Could you imagine the funny faces you’d get prancing down town with your chin held high?" She said with a slight laugh. "No?" her head tilted slightly, "I’ve always dreamed of being a sticky punch monster…" Though throwing it on someone would be even more fun and would save her from what could’ve been an avoidable shower.

Vannie shrugged a little. She approved of Sophie’s reason and already was a fan of this Chandler guy. If someone could make her friend this happy, she could tolerate them and include them in schemes (maybe). “Don’t worry about it. She’ll be here. She’s awesome with music and the techie stuff,” or so VonSchweetz hoped, “and will know how to rewire everything.” The girl grinned as she saw something shine from inside Barrel’s sleeve. A long and big coat really was the way to go with these things! She followed behind him, weaving through and wiggling through backs as people rudely ignored her seldom ‘excuse me’s. Once at the bowl, Van bit her tongue to keep a manic laugh from slipping past her lips. 

Though she didn’t drink, the bowl in front of them was too tempting. One cup isn’t going to make me drunk… just a cup then only water for the rest of the night. Van poured herself a glass of punch and took a fairly big sip. Her face twisted into disgust as she tasted the alcohol, shortly followed by a violent cough. She hit her chest hard with her palm and slowly blinked as she got over the taste, pouring the rest of her punch back into the bowl for the next sucker. “So much for that,” she mumbled to herself. Before her spirit could be crushed from an embarrassing fail of trying to prove her strength, she turned back towards Barrel in a short spin. “Have any ideas on how to pass the time until the third arrives?”

[mostcertainlyatreat]

"Well you don't have 'em on hand, do ya? So marker will have to do. But we can always try it in the future," he replied with a wink. "But only if you join me, old chap. A gentlemanly stroll through the town sounds delightful. Tally-ho." He hadn't the slightest clue what tally-ho even meant, but it sounded perfect and pompous. He was already making plans in his head. "Punch monster?" Barrel scoffed playfully. "VonSchweets, you could do so much better. We don't need anotha Kool-aid man."

"Well she better get here soon," Barrel replied, crossing his arms and eyeing the stereo system. All these techy planning things were Lock and Shock's forte. Barrel glanced back as Vanessa apologized to people. Girls were weird like that. Always getting out of other people's way when they were the ones blocking the path. Apologizing when someone else cut them off or ran into them. Barrel didn't get it. When someone cut him off, moving directly into his way, Barrel simply shoved past them keeping a direct path. "I'm walkin' here," he called, shooting the guy a glare. If someone got in his way, he wasn't going to move for them or apologize. 

Barrel snorted, hand covering his mouth in a desperate attempt to stop himself from setting off again. It didn't help, eyes creased as he burst into a giggle fit. It hadn't been that strong, had it? You shouldn't laugh. You really shouldn't laugh. "I'm sorry!" He blurted out, holding his stomach as the laughter broke through. He could keep it to a low rumble to keep attention off them, but he couldn't stop. "I-It's likea- a- habit- tick- just need a- a second." Barrel braced himself against the table, taking another drink hoping that would quiet the nerves. Goddamn his body was weird. He nodded, turning to tables where dates were chatting. "You any good at tyin' knots?" He asked, grinning. "I distract 'em, you tie guys' shoelaces together. Can you handle that, VonSchweetz?"

[mostcertainlyatreat]

Bright Lights || Barrel and Zane

[zanerowe-blog]

Zane looked down at the ladder as he sat, having nothing better to look at than the wall a few feet away, and down was a better option. He didn’t have a fear of heights, but even if he did, it was too dark below to see to the bottom. At most he was only seeing ten, fifteen feet down, and Zane had jumped off higher things before, nothing that would give him even the smallest fright. He was pretty content to just sit up there, chill, until he saw something move, and immediately pulled his earbuds out, taking off a sneaker and moving back so he was lying on the catwalk, not visible until one would get to the very top of the ladder, at least until Barrel saw him move, and could walk the other boy on the top of the head, hopefully a preemptive strike that would keep Zane from getting squirted.

[mostcertainlyatreat]

Barrel crept silently, slowly yet surely, hoping to keep the element of surprise. He hadn't the slightest inkling of fear. Just adrenaline. Pure adrenaline. If anything, he reveled in the panicked rush of vertigo. He would glance down, taking in just how high he was, a grin slipping in place. Fear was such a strange and fascinating thing.

Creeping further, he reached the top, poking his head up. It took him a moment for his eyes to adjust, and by the time they had, it was far too late. "Shit!"

[mostcertainlyatreat]

Got a Light? || Bastian and Niko

[nikochatz]

"Have to get a guys attention somehow, no one’s single forever," Niko joked, raising an eyebrow and smirking. The reality was that he wasn’t interested, he had a girlfriend, but flirting was amusing, on occasion, if only because it tended to fluster people. "Actually, yeah," he chuckled, amused that he had sweets for once, "I guess Wybie and Coraline might kill me, but you look about half dead yourself," he pulled a candybar out of his pocket, offering it to the boy. "Washing up probably wouldn’t be a bad idea."

[mostcertainlyatreat]

"Hit ona gal when she's weak. Classy." He replied back with an incling of mirth, the anger subsiding to amusement. He took another drag, straightening himself ignoring the protest of his ribs. One felt broken.. fuck. "Don't know who they are," he replied, ashing the smoke and watching eagerly for him to deliver. Grinning, Barrel gratuitously took the bar, unwrapping it and breaking off a piece with his teeth. "You're, like, my guardian angel right now, bro. I owe ya double." Candy and smoke, the perfect combination. "I'll pay you back somehow. Cross my heart and hope to die. Stick a needle in my eye." He pressed a hand against his chest. How he was going to do so, he didn't know. Bracing himself against the wall, he took another bite of the sweet candy before staggering along, "know where a washroom is?"

[mostcertainlyatreat]

You're Single, Right? || Chrissy & Barrel

Another dance. Another date. Not that Vanessa hadn't been, well, great, but Barrel was fairly sure something was up with her and Zane. Well, at least on Zane's side. He hadn't actually told Zane they'd kinda-sorta-not-really 'dated', but he'd seen Zane's sketch of Vannie. And, well, bros were bros, right? Which left him lost on who to ask. Sure, he could go alone, but committing crimes was better with a alibi. Plus it was fun dragging someone else along. The question was who?

Barrel lent against the counter of the bakery, chin resting in the palm of his hand in thought. He was here often enough. Not enough to know people by name, but enough to remember a face. When the girl behind the counter came to serve him, he eyed her curiously, head raising. "Two mini bee sting cake, please," he replied cheerfully, thinking it over. She was about his age, right? And fairly good looking. Waiting for her, he casually lent against the counter attempting his most charming smile. "Quick question: you're single, right?"

[mostcertainlyatreat]

Got a Light? || Bastian and Niko

[nikochatz]

"Cops are biased, in my experience, I don’t know how they swing when it comes to you," he shrugged slightly. Niko stayed off the radar, for the most part, but in his cursed memories he’d gotten in trouble in the past, though it was often just because of his appearance. "Then you’re cooler than half the people in town," Niko smiled, almost approvingly, glad he’d met someone who wasn’t a total prick. There were more than enough people like that in town. "Look, man, I’d feel like shit if I left you on the streets like that, so’s there anything I can do? Get you dinner? I dunno… You seem like a decent guy."

[mostcertainlyatreat]

"Y're tellin' me," Barrel replied dryly. Always looking out for themselves.. "But I'm the lucky one. Always slippin' out of trouble," he replied with a grin. It was true enough. Out of this siblings he'd always been the one to narrowly avoid danger, usually getting them caught up in it in the process. He had a knack for getting a lucky break, even if he didn't quite look it there and then. "I know," Barrel chuckled, wincing at the sharp pain it brought. "Y'gotta be loyal to those who help ya, you know? Or else they ain't gonna help you out later. Plus, it's kinda a dick move notta."

Barrel took a deep breath before coughing, doubling over as a small giggle fit hit him. "Dinner? You move fast, don't ya?" He joked, forcing back the tick. "I'm good. Unless you happin' to be carryin' any candy on ya?" He asked, looking at him hopefully. "I'll get off the streets. Need to wash up anyway. My mouth tastes like rust and copper."

[mostcertainlyatreat]

Bright Lights || Barrel and Zane

[zanerowe-blog]

Zane stopped singing when he saw the earbuds go in, pulling his legs up to sit cross-legged at the edge of the catwalk, just barely peering over the edge to see what Barrel was doing. Shit. His friend was smart. Zane hated it when he did that! “I guess I’ll stay up here ‘til Jace comes to bail me out.” He pulled out his earbuds, pulling them into the audio jack until he put on some of his own music, leaning against the railing as he resigned himself to just wait.

[mostcertainlyatreat]

The music was blaring in his ears, drowning out Zane's voice. Nor could the boy see his friend, and it irked him not knowing how Zane was responding. Had he finally shut up? Or was he looking for another was around him? His foot tapped impatiently, eyes flickering up then back down again. He'd 'caught' Zane, but half the fun in catching something was in the chase. Barrel tapped his fingers against his cheek, eyes skywards in thought. Would Zane be distracted? It was a possibility. Removing one earbud, he was relieved to find the horrid song was gone. It was a good as time as ever to try and creep up.. Moving slowly, Barrel was thankful for how dark it was and how easily he blended into it. He crept up the ladder, hoping Zane wouldn't notice.

[mostcertainlyatreat]

Not A Good Idea || Shock and Barrel

[shockwave-dceit]

"Perfect," Shock said, laughing at her brother, "Now, we gotta mix it all together, put it in an oiled pan and let it cook," she said, emptying the contents of the chocolate cake powder into the bowl. "Shit… Measuring cup. Where’s that?"

[mostcertainlyatreat]

"Can't you just guestamate?" He asked, already riffling through the draws. Barrel wasn't much of a cook. Not because he wasn't good at it, but he couldn't be bothered most of the time. But the promise of cake at the end of the cooking tunnel was tempting enough. "It's only a suggestion anyway. Could always afford a little more sugar," he replied impishly, grinning ear to ear as he found the cup. "'Ere you go!"

[mostcertainlyatreat]

Bright Lights || Barrel and Zane

[zanerowe-blog]

Zane’s expression got caught somewhere between a superior smile and a grimace as Barrel ran off, knowing exactly what his friend had in mind. “Shit…” he murmured to himself when he had a chance to breathe between verses, looping the song back to the beginning, not relishing the idea of getting wet. He winced and rushed back to the ladder, climbing up to the top before sitting down, dangling his feet over the edge. The catwalk was high enough that even if Barrel fired straight up, it’d miss him, and hopefully his friend was smart enough to know that if the catwalk got slippery they risked breaking their necks. He should be safe. Zane wouldn’t be able to get down, but at least he’d be dry.

[mostcertainlyatreat]

Barrrel caught the guns, grinning when he found them fully loaded. Perfect. He could still hear Zane, though it was getting fainter by the second. Looking back curiously, he pushed himself up, holding both guns out for the ready. Returning to the stage, his eyes were drawn up to the lights again. "Hey! No fair!" He huffed, pointing one gun in the other's direction accusingly. He considered climbing and throttling him, a completely understandable reaction to this song. Barrel paced for a moment, glaring in the other's directions. Smartass. Scratching his hairline with the muzzle of one watergun, his eyes lit up as he remembered something.

Passing one gun to the opposite hand, he dug out an iPod, placing the buds in his ears and turning the music to max. Drowning out Zane's singing, he grinned up at the other, mouthing 'check'. Waltzing over to the ladder, he sat himself at the foot, glancing upwards. "What now, devil spawn?!"

[mostcertainlyatreat]

Got a Light? || Bastian and Niko

[nikochatz]

"I can see that," Niko murmured, giving the boy another once over, "You look like you got your ass handed to you." He raised an eyebrow, biting his tongue in an attempt to keep himself from asking the boy what he’d done to bother the assholes so much. Deciding to occupy his lips, to keep from being overly curious, he pulled his own cigarette out of the carton before pocketing it again, taking back the lighter and using it for himself before that got put away as well. "D’you need any help?" he asked, eyebrow quirking, "It’s a nice enough night, I really don’t need to be questioned by cops about who started a fight, if they come back. You should get out of the streets, for now."

[mostcertainlyatreat]

Barrel breathed a humourless laugh, regretting it instantly when it jolted his already saw side.  "Four against one. So, yeah, you could say that." Wouldn't stop him, though. It never did. Barrel didn't smoke often. It was a luxury he didn't want to pay for, and they were hard to steal. Easier to 'borrow' one from someone. He took another deep, satisfying drag, humming happily to himself. It was helping. His hand had stopped shaking thankfully. Barrel snorted, dropping his head. Last thing he needed was Sinclair on his ass. "M'fine. Nothin' a little sleep and sugar wont help. Doubt the cops will come. 'Sides, what have they got to complain about? I'm the one who should be pressin' charges."

Taking another drag, he ashed it, looking down the street where the boys had disappeared down. He'd really enjoy putting the cigerette out on one of them.. "Thanks for the advice, brother, but the cops and I have a special relationship." Or at least one of them. Whether it was Sinclair, Graham, Swan, or what ever other cop infested these streets, he'd probably only end up in a cell overnight. "I said I owed ya one, so I ain't gonna throw you into the shit even if cops come sniffin'. 

[mostcertainlyatreat]

Not A Good Idea || Shock and Barrel

[shockwave-dceit]

"In your dreams!" Shock scoffed as she made her way into the kitchen, immediately heading toward the fridge to retrieve the eggs and milk. Okay, so the recipe called for water, milk made it taste so much better. "Grab the bowl, spoon and oil, will ya?"

[mostcertainlyatreat]

Barrel followed closely after, dropping the supplies on the bench. "We'll see," he shot back playfully, squatting down and resting his chin on the board as he shot her a grin. "But by the end of it, you're gonna be pink as hell." He watched with bated breath as she read the recipe, straightening as she gave the order. "Gotta ya!" He replied cheerfully, giving a salute before rummaging for a bowl and the wooden spoon. He placed them before her, then starting the search for the oil. "Then what?" he asked, picking out the oil container and bringing it to her.

[topsyturvykyrie]

Gluttonous King || Kyrie & Barrel

"And the king continued to eat and eat, ignoring the requests of the villagers of the kingdom he resided over. He continued to eat, denying the people the things they asked. And when his food began to dwindle, less and less arriving on his plate eat day, the king threw a terrible fit…

Why is my plate empty?!He demaneded. S-sir! The peasants have moved, the court is… empty… There is no one to plant the wheat and care for the cows…. I care not if it’s imported! Bring me my lunch! Your majesty… there is no one left to send an order, or bring in the shipment… FETCH IT FOR ME! But the king’s steward finally stood up for himself and he turned to his king and said Your Majesty… FETCH IT YOURSELF! and with that he turned and left, leaving the gluttonous king alone with an empty plate and an empty castle…” Her puppets acted out the scenes she described and finally she popped up from behind the stage and grinned, giving her very small audience a grin.

[mostcertainlyatreat]

Barrel was childish. He knew it. He wasn't ashamed, not in the slightest. Being child like had it's perks, and was far more entertaining. He often left the 'thinking' to his siblings or boss. He could follow orders, it was more fun to do so. To not worry. To not have a care. It made it easier for him to entertain himself, or for someone else to entertain him. So when Barrel had seen the stall of puppets with only a couple kids, Barrel plopped himself down cross legged like the others. He watched eagerly, listening to the story.

It ended all too fast, and Barrel pouted when it seemed to finish. When a red haired woman popped up, Barrel rose his arm, much like a child in a classroom. And much like said impatient child, Barrel asked his question before being called upon. "So did he starve or what?"

[mostcertainlyatreat]

Got a Light? || Bastian and Niko

[nikochatz]

Niko’d spent the day watching over Wybie, trying to keep up with a boy rushing to make the most of the end of summer. Usually he was up for the challenge, but he hadn’t gotten much sleep the night before, and he’d ended up exhausted by the time he dropped him off at home. Unluckily for the man, he still had to run errands. Or at least go grocery shopping. The house was empty, as he’d been pushing it off for a week now, and by that night, there would really be nothing left to eat. Meaning he had to walk back into town, to go get things, not really wanting to drive. He had a car, but even in the winter he preferred to walk, if it wasn’t too icy out. The cat was a bit uncomfortable with the idea of automobiles, and had never adjusted to them, despite nearly three decades as a human.

He was nearly at the grocery store, walking past an alley, when he was stopped by a very obviously beaten boy. Niko wasn’t sure whether to ask him if he needed help, or to prepare for a fight, but the boy asked for a smoke, something innocent enough, and he just barely nodded, pulling a carton out of his pocket and offering it to the kid, using his other hand to pull out a lighter. “What happened to you?” he couldn’t help but ask, eyebrow quirking.

[mostcertainlyatreat]

Barrel was in luck, his eyes brightening as the other guy reached for something. A cigarette, he hoped. When a carton was offered, Barrel took it with shaking hands. When had his hands started shaking? Holding it in one hand, he stared down at his free hand, turning it over as he watched it lightly shake. Weird. "Thanks man. I owe ya one," he replied, not nearly as much zeal and enthusiasm as he usually held. Now that the laughing had stopped, he only felt bitter and pissed. Not at this guy. No, this guy was a life saver at the moment. But those other guys.. He'd get them back for it. Right now, he needed something to shake the jitters.

Taking the lighter, he lit himself one, taking a long satisfying drag before handing it over again. "Got the shit kicked outta me," he replied bluntly, as if it were a regular occurrence. "Just some assholes. Why? Does is look bad?"