Collins (Offshoot of the Milliways time warp, 1992)

[mm_ali]

Collins is in a fantastic mood today. So fantastic that his professors and classmates kept eyeing him warily, wondering who would be the recipient of his creative endeavors.

Preferring to let them squirm rather than explain, he makes his way to a cafe just off campus.

Can't call him yet. Give him some space.

He's humming.

Comments

[the_antiangst]

It so happens there are days when you need to get more than the usual distance between yourself and school. Granted, not much of anything's likely to ruin Angel's mood just now, but he's trying to make sure it stays good. In any case, that explains why he's at this end of town.
"...I swear, I didn't plan this."

[mitanarchist]

"I'm gifted, it'd seem."

[the_antiangst]

"Well, I certainly think so."
Careful, Angel. Your bias is showing.

[mitanarchist]

"I'm glad you do."
His bias seems to be showing too.

[the_antiangst]

"Guess it's a good situation for everyone involved, then."
Or at least for the two of them. And really, no one else counts.

[mitanarchist]

Not at this moment anyway. And again, it is such a lovely day. Better enjoy the weather while it lasts, right?

[the_antiangst]

Of course right. And the comapny just makes it even better.

[mitanarchist]

Eventually the coffee shop gets abandoned. Narration trusts it will survive the loss.

[the_antiangst]

It might even relax a little, with the known troublemaker out of the way.
Angel, meanwhile, will be enjoying said troublemaker's company.

[mitanarchist]

It should know better. It's always the unknown troublemakers that are the problem.

But anyway. They continue on, the habit of basking in each other's presence not abating.

And then, ".........well, Tommy, I had wondered why I couldn't get you on the phone."

Collins...sighs. "Hi, Mom."

[the_antiangst]

Angel's just going to stay quiet, for right now. Seems like the best course of action.

[mitanarchist]

She's doesn't look threatening. "And pardon me, honey, for interrupting."

"It's all right." Collins lets Angel go long enough to kiss his mother's cheek. "Mom, this is Angel. Angel, my mother."

"God help me."

"Mom!"

[the_antiangst]

Angel grins. "Nice to meet you."
At least she's got a sense of humor about it?

[mitanarchist]

Oh, one has to have a sense of humor in the Collins clan. "You too and I have to say, that is a darling skirt." She tugs on her son's flannel shirt. "Can't get him out of the house without at least four layers on."

Collins rolls his eyes. "At least I've learned how to iron by now."

"Which is a plus. Honey, I hope you don't mind me asking, but...well..."

"It's all right, Mom. We're both..."

Mrs. Collins shakes her head with a sigh. "Such a damned shame."

[the_antiangst]

"Yeah, well. We both figure we might as well work with whatever we've got. And thanks - made it myself."
Angel was quite surprised to find people thought any self-respecting table would put up with the pattern, but it works quite well as a piece of clothing.

[mitanarchist]

"You've got a good head on your shoulders, it seems. All right--Tommy, bring him by for Sunday dinner one of these weeks."

Even Collins knows better than to argue. "Can it wait till after the break? We've got a trip in the works."

"Of course, baby." She kisses his cheek this time. "You be careful, now. Both of you." And she's off, crossing the street to her original destination.

Collins is more like her than he'd ever admit.