⠀ “ oh , y’know — ” leans in , shit - eating grin on face , thick arms over chest . crossed in that characteristic way of his . the dark fabric of sleeves strain around the pillars . ⠀ “had to dig ‘round . ask some questions . ” verona ? he’d done some research . ⠀

⠀ ⠀

⠀ is it allowed to take the entire tray ? — no answer is awaited , he’s taking it anyway , already chewing on one , grimace evident . ⠀

mataría por un cigarro en este momento .

sure , why not . tho , if ya’ wanna give ‘em to me , i wouldn’t oppose exactly . ⠀ be a good samaritan , yeah ?

woah — i ain’t say nothin’ . all good over ‘ere . ⠀ … how ‘bout ya gimme both & we share ?

hey a ti . ¿ que te trae por aquí , muñeca ?

( nod of head . hands shooting to grab at packs & placing inside denim pocket , not without retrieving two cigs from inside . ) ⠀ atta - boy . that’s what i’m talking ‘bout . ⠀ ( offering one betwixt fingertips , a brow raising . )

my back’s fuckin’ sore , jeez …

ya veo . podría decir lo mismo , supongo . puedes llamarme patrick — todo un gusto , preciosa .

well , good thing i do . ⠀ ( from back pocket , a silver zippo is retrieved . he’s fast with setting both ends of cigs ablaze . ) ⠀ ya’ think i enjoy these ? ( a cackle . ) nah — it’s called oral fixation , kid .

ya’ sure you wanna hear ? — don’t feel like gettin’ on your bad side today …