lightning comes and lightning goes

[CALEB DARLING]

Bowling wasn't Caleb's thing. He had terrible aim and the balls were far too heavy for him to get a good grip on. Needless to say, he didn't frequent visits to Lightning Lanes.

Recently though, he'd been needing some extra money to make payments on his apartment and, well, babysitting could pay well at times. His current clients had an eight and twelve year old. They were both young, freckle-faced girls.

Foolishly, Caleb had thought he could take them up to the mall. What an easy fix, right? He could stroll around and not have to worry about holding their attention much, just keep them under a watchful eye. But on the way up to the Mall, they'd passed Lightning Lanes. The girls had immediately started begging him to go there.

So, that was where the three of them ended up. Luckily, the parents had given him extra cash to tide them over and so he was able to buy them two rounds in one of the lanes. The rest he spent on snacks and drinks for them. He paid for a water for himself.

"You guys can take my turn. I'll just watch." He assured the two girls.

"Noooo, Caleb, play. Pleeeaaasee?" The younger girl had begged. Well, now, how could he turn down her pout? He sighed, and pushed himself back onto his feet, going over to the bowling shoes, his nose immediately wrinkling.

"There goes my health." He muttered as he was putting them on, frowning down at them before he looked up at the two giddy girls and smiled. "Alright, let's get started, shall we?" He said brightly, masking the fact that he was totally not into this.

Handing them over their balls, he looked for a light one for him to use. All the adult sized bowling balls were insanely heavy. Eyeing the children's section, he swiped one quickly, as if someone would question his taking one.

Still carrying it over with a bit of difficulty, he set the ball down, and leaned against the ball return.

When his turn came up, he groaned inwardly and stepped up to the lane. The only good thing about his awful attempt at bowling was that the little girls got some amusement out of it. His cheeks still burned a little when people from other lanes glanced over to see his fail, but he chuckled and shrugged at the girls, making it look like he'd meant to do it.

Glancing around the lanes after a few turns had gone by, he blew out a sigh from where he sat in front of the scoreboard. Did people his age still bowl? He only saw old people and small children with their parents. He probably looked like a single father, which was probably why one of the single moms had kept eyeing him with a pointed smirk for the past fifteen minutes.

"Great job, Allie!" He'd chimed to the twelve year old who had knocked down four of the pins before taking another look around the bowling alley.

[FREUDE WAYLAND]

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Routine is a terrible thing, routine is the one thing that can get you killed. It tells everyone where you're going, and when you're going to be there. Who you're going to be with and how long you will stay. It was going to kill the old grey-ing man on lane four who was spending the afternoon with his grandson and his granddaughter. Freude was there to make sure it happened.

He was dressed in a uniform belonging to some spotty teenage employee who had been paid a substantial sum of money to keep his mouth shut. Matthew Wilson. A perfectly anonymous name. Freud had adapted it for the day and, although his name badge said it quite clearly, had introduced himself to every customer that came his way. He was already growing to detest that name, but at least he could go back to being Freude after his task was done.

His task, in fact, was to watch the man in question. A Mister J. Blake, head of a multi-national corporation. Why he was under surveillance, Freude hadn't asked. But standing in prime position, the central desk where customers collected their shoes, Freude had already taken note of three security guards disguised as tourists and a security camera that was pinned on lane four. The security guards were easy to see, the stood so stiffly and weren't paying attention to anything except the three people on lane four.

Freude smirked, tapping his fingers on the desk as he leant back in his chair. The Blake family had trundled in, right on time, Freude had taken their money, given the children their shoes and even better, had helped the old man with his. Size 11, for future reference. Mister Blake had been wearing quite an expensive suite, Freude's fingers had momentarily touched the material as he helped the man up from his seat. Expensive, but anonymous, as though Mister Blake was trying to hide his wealth.

They played two game, Freude always watching them out of the corner of his eye, making sure he wasn't drawing attention to himself. He was so wrapped up in his surveillance he didn't even notice a one, Mr Darling, approaching his desk. Luckily the lady he was working with had sorted them out; it wasn't until Mister Blake had walked out of the door that Freude took any notice of anyone else.

I'm off, he said to the lady, who nodded. The Lady was Leah Noir, another member of Freude's little team. Just around the corner was Jimmy Noir, the leader, who was poised to take out Mister Blake as soon as possible. But Freude had done his job, and, after a quick wardrobe change, he began to head out of the door.

Caleb Darling, what a nice surprise he muttered to himself, spotting the boy just before he left the building. He grinned, hands slipping into his pockets as he walked over to the boy and the two young ladies he was with.

You need to bend over more, he said with a wink, as he took the bowling ball from Caleb's hand. It was one of the lightest in the room and Freude was surprised to find Caleb struggling with it. Like this, he offered, taking Caleb's go for him. Bending his knees and following through with his arm, Freude managed to knock down eight of the ten pins. The last two on opposite sides of the lane.

My bad, he chuckled, ruffling Caleb's hair as he walked past the boy and sat down. Aren't you going to introduce me to your new friends? he smirked as one of the girls scowled at him for interrupting their game.

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calebtag
panicatthediscomusic
hereoutfit
lots?count
me cause im awesome credit
contract killers ftwnotes

[CALEB DARLING]

Caleb had stopped in the middle of his turn as he was walking up to the lane because out of the corner of his eye he saw- ehmahgawd- Freude. Caleb's heart skipped a beat like it always did when he saw the boy. He only stood still as the boy showed him the correct technique to bowling, biting into his lip as if it would stop the blush in his cheeks.

The boy was so beyond help.

"That was good." He'd said softly, still processing the fact the boy was here. Who better to show up at the alley than Freude? No one! That's who!

Smiling more brightly as Freude sat down, he slid onto the seat next to him, immediately slipping his hand into the boy's. "I didn't know you could bowl." He chuckled, nudging the boy lightly in the side before looking back over to the girls. They weren't happy nor completely comfortable with the new company. And Caleb would never admit something so vulgar or rude out loud- but he didn't give a crap. Freude was here.

"Oh, this is Allie and Meagan. I'm babysitting them while their parents are at a business meeting." He informed Freude, mouthing gambling to him after the "business meeting" cover-up.

Leaning his head on the boy's shoulder as Allie took her turn, he looked up at him,

"So, how've you been? I feel like I haven't seen you in forever." Honestly they'd probably seen each other within the past two weeks, but even a few days to Caleb could seem much too long.

[FREUDE WAYLAND]

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Freude chuckled lightly as the other boy came and sat next to him. Casually he swung his arm over the boy's shoulder and pulled him closer slightly. Not wanting to draw too much attention to himself. He gave the girls a polite nod and almost laughed out loud when they scowled in return. He knew it was because he was taking away Caleb from them, but it wasn't like he was going to stay the night. I didn't know you baby...sat, Freude said after a moment, grinning again when one of the girls muttered that she wasn't a baby.

I used to be a professional, you know, he said, smirking at the boy and flexing his muscles in the arm that wasn't around Caleb. Until I suffered a great injury, he added, trying to keep a straight face. Which was almost impossible when Caleb's attention was so captivated. He stopped his story there and gave a dramatic sigh, slipping down the seat slightly.

Oh...a business meeting, eh? he said, eyebrows raised. I think we have one of those coming up, y'know after the book club, he winked at Caleb and mouthed the word 'fucking'.

He knew Caleb didn't like the word, but 'making love' was far too corny and besides...it wasn't love.

Aww did you miss me? he teased, poking the boy lightly in the ribs and kissing the top of his head. I've been good...just doing a couple jobs here and there, what about you? excited for college...shame I won't be attending... he said, adding another fake sign and then a grin. Well...attending your classes.

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[CALEB DARLING]

"Yeah, only sometimes for some extra cash." He explained, playing with Freude's fingers in his own hand. He kind of wished now that he didn't have these little girls here with him. It was a good thing he was getting paid for this because these little girls were keeping him from more Freude time.

He smiled anyway, just glad the other boy was here. Eyes widening at the Freude's story about supposedly obtaining an injury that had put his bowling days to an end. "Well, you seem to have recovered pretty splendidly. You should start it back up." Caleb nodded, poking Freude lightly in the stomach.

At what the boy said next he paused, trying to figure out the word Freude had mouthed to him. Tilting his head to the side, he processed it before his mouth formed an 'o' in realization. Turning bright red for a second he turned back to see Meagan trying to get his attention before taking her turn. He watched her for a moment, biting into his lip, trying to make the red tint in his cheeks disappear.

"Wow, Meagan, you're getting good!" He said brightly, giving her a thumbs up, before he rested his head back against Freude's shoulder. His turn could wait a moment longer. "Of course I missed you, silly." Caleb said up to the boy, snuggling up a little more to him.

Caleb smiled even more brightly a second later, "Yeah, I'm excited. Can't wait to do some job shadowing." He replied, "What are your majors, Mr. college-goer?" He asked curiously, so excited to have Freude with him for college. He didn't like going off on his own.

[FREUDE WAYLAND]

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Freude couldn't stop grinning at the other's reactions, his hand stroking up the boy's back and over his shoulder, keeping Caleb close. Extra cash? You know I can help with that, right? Don't want my little house-wife all worn out before he comes home, he said, his lips grazing over the boy's ear, making sure the girls didn't hear the next part: Especially when he looks so good on his knees.

He leant away from his boy slightly when he caught the girls staring at them. He smirked, waving them away so they could carry on with their game. I think it's your turn, Freude commented when one of them began pulling on Caleb's arm. Remember to bend over, show me something nice, he smirked, winking at Caleb.

He watched the boy take his go, and applauded in all the right places, grinning when most of the pins fell to the floor. Errr, I think I'm taking like...criminal justice and umm...something like engineering? I don't remember...I wrote it down somewhere. Freude began, shrugging his shoulders. Shame we're not sharing a dorm, otherwise you'd never be attending classes.

Crossing one leg over the other, Freude stretched his arms up, revealing a little of his stomach just as a gunshot was hear from outside the bowling alleys. Target hit. Brilliant. Freude's lips curled into a smirk before anyone else realized what had happened. Calls of 'get an ambulance' 'call the police' could be heard on the street and the crying of the two children. But Freude didn't hear that, all he heard was his phone in his pocket.

Bonus.

Oh Jimmy and his short text messages. They told Freude everything without saying anything. Did you hear that? Freude said, pretending to be shocked, looking around him as though he expected to see anything. Caleb didn't need to know about Freude's involvement.

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[CALEB DARLING]

Caleb smiled lightly as Freude told him that he could always ask him for extra cash. Caleb would never do such a thing, though. He never felt comfortable asking anyone for cash. And, if he really wanted to, he could just ask his parents. They were plenty well off. He just didn't really need much more interaction with him. It was always awkward. At the second, softer comment Freude added, Caleb's face went red again, and swatted at the boy lightly,

"Freeeuuude," He said with a slight giggle. The boy by his side could turn him into such a giggly little school girl. Finally getting up when Freude pointed out that it was his turn, he walked up to the ball-return.

With a bit of a struggle he carried the ball up to the lane, and aimed slightly, trying to put what Freude had showed him earlier to use. It worked pretty well actually, and he almost got spare, if it weren't for the pesky four other pins that still stood.

Settling back down next to the boy comfortably, he grinned as he talked about his classes. "You're supposed to knowww these things." He chuckled, head in the crook of Freude's neck, breathing the other boy's scent in. "Yeah, I'm rooming with Icarus, though. So, it's pretty cool." He nodded with a light smile, hoping Freude wasn't rooming with some shady guy.

The gun shot from the distance made Caleb sit up straight, jumping again when the pins in the lane next to him got knocked down by someone who was taking there turn.

"Yeah." Caleb, nodded. He was already going into concerned-mode. Eyebrows knitting together, biting into his lip as he worried about what was happening outside. "I hope they got the shooter..." He said, feeling more responsible than normal with two kids under his care and Freude right here with him.

[FREUDE WAYLAND]

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Freude nodded briefly at Caleb's comment, would Jimmy have been caught? Nah, he was too fast, he knew Vegas like the back of his hand. Every alley and every side street welcomed him with open arms. Even so, Freude got out his phone once more and sent a message to the other boy: Ace?

He pocketed the phone, not expecting a reply. Jimmy was probably still running, so Freude sat up almost too fast when his phone vibrated in his pocket. A frown on his face he opened up his phone: You have no idea...might wanna get out babe, the fuzz are on to us. Getting questioned yet?

Fuck Freude muttered under his breath, the sound of pins being knocked down right at the back of him mind. He re-pocketed his phone, a frown still on his face when he realized he was still with Caleb. He couldn't run off without arousing some suspicion. He bit down on his bottom lip, how on earth was he going to get out of this?

Hey, do you three wanna go get pizza? I'm hungry... he asked Caleb and the girls, hoping the answer would be a resounding yes as they had just finished their game. My treat

He looked Caleb up and down with a smile on his face and pulled the boy towards him, We'll go out the back, just in case there's still drama on the street. Don't want the girls seeing that, he said with a sincere smile, pulling Caleb forward for a kiss.

Getting to his feet he slung his jacket over his shoulder and nodded towards the exit, I think I'm sharing with Abraham...I haven't moved in yet though he said after a moment, bringing the conversation back to school, you're welcome to come over whenever you like. I don't think Iccy would enjoy my company very much

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[CALEB DARLING]

Watching Freude's expression as he got some sort of text, he frowned slightly to himself. Caleb always did get nosy about things when involved anyone he was close to, and he was really wondering what that text said...and who it was from. He'd learned by now, though, that it wasn't a great idea to butt into business that was obviously not his own. If Freude wanted him to know, he'd tell.

Glancing only briefly to the girls for some kind of answer, he turned back to Freude and nodded, smiling lightly, "Pizza sounds great, especially since the girls and I have only had a small snack." He agreed, already getting up from where he was seated beside Freude.

Following the boy like a faithful pup, especially after that lovely kiss of his, he brought the girls in tow. Yeah, the two were probably in pissed little girl mode, but Caleb was in 'dgaf about anyone but Freude' mode.

"Abraham, huh?" He sighed, slightly, not exactly excited to be seeing that guy again. He was one of Freude's more scary friends (he seemed to have a lot of those), liked to light things on fire even inside. He'd come over to Freude's more than once to find Abe sitting on the couch with a lighter, flicking in on and off in a infatuated fashion. Creepy. He figured if he'd got on with it for this long, he could continue to. "I'll come over, just let me know when Abraham's out or not in the mood to light things on fire." He said, making light of it, but a serious tone under there somewhere.

[FREUDE WAYLAND]

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Freude smiled as they left the bowling alley. Pulling his jacket on he pulled Caleb closer and swung his arm over the boy's shoulder, walking his his head resting on Caleb's, his other hand stuffed in his back pocket. He had almost forgotten that the girls were there until a stern complaint came from behind them. You're walking too fast!

Freude bit down his lip to stop laughing, he hated children, he didn't know why Caleb loved them so much. He wanted to be a teacher, how ridiculous was that? Freude wouldn't even managed sitting in a room with children for one second, let alone a whole day! and then a whole week, with only the weekends free. Urgh, that was not for him. He let his arm slip off Caleb's shoulders and took the boy's hand instead, purposely slowing down his walk. This was going to be awkward...

At the mention of Abraham, Freude tried to hide another smile. The boy who set fire to anything he could lay his hands on. One of Freude's best friends. Don't worry, I'll get him out, tell him there's a bonfire going on somewhere, Freude smiled, pulling Caleb closer again to keep his full attention.

Rounding the next corner they came face to face with the pizza place and almost no one in sight. Obviously people had heard the gunshot from here and gone to see what had happened. Pushing open the door with a little too much force, he held it open for Caleb and the girls to walk through. Table for four? asked the waitress with a little skepticism in her voice.

Yeah, and they're not mine. I've borrowed them for the day, Freude said, and eyebrow raised as she looked at him. Clearly she didn't have a sense of humor. Rolling his eyes, Freude made his way over to the table and flopped down in one of the chairs, pulling the menu towards him and burying his nose in the contents. Something big, meaty and cheesy...what are you gonna have?

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[CALEB DARLING]

After a few huffy complaints from the girls, Caleb reluctantly took the younger one by the hand and led them along, leaning comfortably into Freude's arm even as he tried to keep the girls in his sight. He didn't want the girls complaining to their parents and risk losing a good baby-sitting client. Freude was sweet for offering to help him out with any money issues, but Caleb wasn't sure of the methods Freude would use. The boy tended to have a bad-boy rep around town, and Caleb didn't want to hear about Freude "borrowing" any money for him.

Smiling lightly up at Freude and chuckling when he promised he'd find ways to get Abraham out of the way for them to spend time together he nodded, "Well, okay. I mean, he's not that bad. He can just be...intimidating." Caleb explained, sugar-coating the truth, which is that he was fucking terrified of Freude's tattooed pyro friend.

Caleb bit into his lip as the waitress seated them, trying to avoid her scrutinizing look as he helped the girls into their chairs and then settled down in the seat next to Freude.

"I usually just get the cheese sticks here." Caleb said, remembering the past times he'd come here to eat. "They're good." He nodded, licking his lips now realizing exactly how hungry he was.

Scanning the menu for the kids section he spotted a few choices for the girls. "What would you like, Allie, Megan?" He asked between them, a bit worried by the pouty look on the girls faces. "They have milkshakes, do you want milkshakes?" Their faces brightened the slightest bit and the both of them nodded. Relieved, Caleb told the waitress to get them two chocolate milkshakes when she came back for the drink order.

Glancing back up to Freude with a smile, he hooked an arm through the boys, and leaned in beside him to read over the menu again.

"Maybe I'll try a little of whatever you get. I always get the same thing." He mused casually, slipping his hand into Freude's and squeezing it. As long as the girls didn't get moody again, he was sure the afternoon was going to go smoothly.

[FREUDE WAYLAND]

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Freude smiled when Caleb sat next to him, and shook his head slightly at the hand in his own. Oh Caleb, how typical. His hand untangled itself from Caleb's and settled on the boy's thigh, squeezing it slightly as he ordered a bottle of red wine for himself and Caleb to share. His hand traveled up the boy's leg slightly as he waited for his drinks, his eyes focused on the two girls who were having a grand time using the free crayons to colour in what looked like a pig on a unicycle. He leant over to Caleb, when he was sure the girls weren't looking and bit the boy's earlobe slightly, I better be allowed a little bit of you when we get home he murmured, squeezing Caleb's thigh again.

He smiled innocently at the boy as he sat up again, thanking the waitress for their drinks. The girls ordered their food first, something small Freude imagined. Then it came to him, he looked At Caleb for a moment and removed his hand from the other boy, settling both his elbows on the table. I'll have the extra meaty, large, stuffed crust, extra cheese and a couple of cheese sticks and some of those dough balls you do. he said, not really bothered by the shocked expression on the waitress's face when he turned to Caleb. And you'd like? he asked with a wink.

He slowly explained to the waitress that they would be sharing and she huffed away, not giving them a second glance. Which was alright, because Freude was already pouring them both a glass of wine. He was so glad he looked a lot older than he did. Though his fake ID was still in his pocket if someone asked. No one really cared in Vegas though.

So, I was thinking, he began as he waited for his food. You know, like, how we're...y'know...like this. He said slowly, picking up his glass and swirling the liquid around. Do you...err Well this was going well. Do you, y'know...wanna...like...doyouwannadothisproperly?

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[CALEB DARLING]

Caleb bit into his lip as Freude ordered red wine. He really shouldn't drink, the blonde boy was the biggest lightweight around. He figured if he took it slow and only had one glass he'd be fine. Eyes snapping down to Freude's hand, he broke out into another bout of blush. Looking over to the girls like they'd somehow since the movement under the table, he swallowed bashfully.

"As long as you can behave yourself in front of the children." He chuckled under his breath, sliding his hand over Freude's to keep it from moving any further up his thigh, and also just because he loved the feel of the boy's hand in his.

As soon as the waitress placed down their large order, Caleb's hand went over to the cheese sticks and he took an eager bite, swallowing it down with a sip of that red wine- which was really good, to be honest. Caleb turned his attention to Freude as he sipped at the wine, brow raising as he tried to figure out what Freude was struggling to say.

"Properly? Whatta you...? Are you you- I mean, do you mean you want to....date?" Caleb's eyes were starting to widen measurably as he realized what he was pretty sure was going on here. He tried to stifle the large cheesy grin that was trying to break onto his face at being asked out by Freude. He didn't want to rush his conclusion, though, just in case Freude meant something else- which sometimes happened with them, on two different pages in the same conversation.

He sure hoped this wasn't one of those times.

[FREUDE WAYLAND]

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Freude blew out a breath he didn't even realize he was holding when the food was placed in front of them. He smiled fondly at Caleb as he took a cheese stick. Yeah...date...if you want he said after a moment, tearing off a piece of pizza and fitting it into his mouth. He chewed it for a moment before taking a couple of gulps of the wine.

His eyes lingered on the girls who seemed to be trading bits of food and milkshake between them. They seemed content. Taking another slice of pizza he offered it to Caleb, a smile on his face.

Well didn't that feel like a whole weight off his chest. He knew Caleb wouldn't have dared ask him, right from the beginning. Caleb never asked for anything, he just waited until Freude got the hint. Freude knew he should have probably said it earlier, but he'd never really had the confidence. Though he would always tell people he was waiting for the right moment. Hurriedly blurting it out while having pizza with two children. So romantic.

I mean like...nothing'd change...like...between us...we'd just be...y'know..dating. Right? Like...no freaking out about it, yeah?

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[CALEB DARLING]

Caleb was too busy going off into fantasy land in his mind to really hear what Freude was saying. He knew he'd say that, yes, he did mean dating- and that was enough to get Caleb all hyped up inside his own mind. The images of him and Freude were definitely that of Caleb's own creation. Freude would hardly be the type to burst through the door with flowers- but Caleb's mind came up with this image anyway.

What Freude said was true, things wouldn't be much different- he was pretty sure Freude had already stopped fooling around as much. Now Caleb just had him all to himself. Take that Jimmy.

Smile finally breaking onto his face when he was done with his crazy fantasies, he leaned his head onto Freude's shoulder and hooked his arms around the boy's arm, snuggling into it without any care of the look the waitress gave them in passing.

"I'd love to date youuuu." He chimed lightly, eyes sliding up to Freude's face and giving him another big smile before taking the piece of pizza the boy offered him and picking off small bites contently.

"Yeah, no freaking out." Caleb lied as his mind continued to soar, he'd contain himself, though, for Freude's sake.