I'll start to spend my money calling everybody honey

[aintthatbad]

Skinny didn't get much out of Tom Sawyer when he was forced to pick it up as a youngster, but he did gather that those boys had a fine appreciation for the finer things in life -- namely, goldbricking. If you worked your time right here, the days became a study in practiced idleness, and when it got boring, the options for getting interesting again

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[thewordofweb]

By the time I run into Skinny, I'm starting to get mildly concerned, nearly running into him. My ears definitely hear him coming and I exchange a wary look with him. "Skinny," I greet simply. "Have I seen you sober anytime in the last two weeks?"

[aintthatbad]

"Webster!" Skinny slows down and beams. "You're seeing me sober right now. It's just an earworm -- ain't that a great word? Somebody used it in my music class and I think it's apt as all get-out."

[thewordofweb]

I almost feel a bit pitiful for Skinny, but I can't help enjoying his company. He really is my best friend outside of Joe and that's easy enough to admit. I sling an arm around his shoulder. "Skinny, I don't care if you're drunk, I'm just wondering if your current good moods as of late have been the booze and not my fine charm," I dryly deadpan.

[aintthatbad]

"Not drunk," he insists, and blows a puff of breath at Web's cheek. "I take my responsibility to my shack in the woods very seriously, but spirits are a poor substitute for the company of friends on a desert island with a beautiful climate and excellent company."

[yo_babe]

Phyllis, the damn pig, follows him closely, but he's used to being either Eden's boyfriend, or that guy with the pig by now. He hears Skinny before he sees him, and so does the pig who goes ahead to investigate.

"Heya, Skinny," he greets when he's close enough to see who it is. "Who sings that one, huh?"

[aintthatbad]

Skinny's grin picks up at the sight of Babe. "Hey! And hey, pig." He waves, just to be friendly. "Some fella named Willie Nelson, far as I can gather. Apparently he's got braids down to his back and smokes a lot of funny cigarettes. Great tune, though, ain't it?"

[yo_babe]

"Yeah, you oughtta leave it to Willie," Babe teases, clapping Skinny on the shoulder. The pig roots around Skinny's feet like a damn dog who can't stop sniffin' crotches. Babe moves the barnyard animal with the toe of his boot. "You're lookin' happy," he comments, but Babe don't look too sad himself.

[aintthatbad]

"Hey, screw you, pal," he laughs, swatting at Babe's hand. "Least I'm not Spina. My feelings are hurt now."

He can't stop glancing back down at the pig; she's fascinating. "You know, I am pretty damn happy. Things are all right, Babe. Especially..." He reaches for the flask at his side and holds it out. "Since I've got this to keep me busy. Bootlegging's a time-consuming industry. But it's good not to fall idle.

"How about you, you getting up to anything I should know about?"