[PUNCH CLOCK ANIMAL] ASHTRAY

[skinstealer]

Matthias turns, getting ready to hop in the back of their truck. 
 

MATTHIAS: Maybe I just wanna see the world go to pieces and don't mind being taken down with it.
BUCKET: You certainly are quite the piece of work aren't you?
MATTHIAS: As best I can be. 
MATTHIAS: You coming?

 


Bucket hesitantly climbs in, hauling their luggage up with them. 
 

BUCKET: I pray this is the last time we are seated in the same vehicle.
MATTHIAS: Oh, we got plenty of time together! 
MATTHIAS: There's a whole other leg of the trip after we rest tonight! 
BAZIL: Great... 

 

 
Bazil sighs as he climbs in after them, having a bit of an easier time than Chelsea did.
 

BUCKET: Ah... you're paying for your own meals from now on.
MATTHIAS: Sure! 

  
Matthias settles against the far wall, crossing his legs and putting his hands behind his head. 
 

MATTHIAS: Fair's fair.
BUCKET: I assume you're paid quite well if you're this committed to your craft during a normal work day.
MATTHIAS: Oh, yeah. 

 
Bazil sits down in the other far corner as he talks, avoiding eye contact with either of them. 
 

MATTHIAS: My wallet isn't hurting.
BUCKET: I would also appreciate it if you were at your own table.
MATTHIAS: Easy. Any other requests?
BUCKET: Minimal interaction for the rest of this trip.

  

  
The truck starts up, Matthias yawning as it rumbles and the overhead light flickers on. 
 

MATTHIAS: If you say so. 
MATTHIAS: Your loss, though.
BUCKET: Oh?
MATTHIAS: It's just, we have so much to talk about. I have so many questions.
BUCKET: Such as?
MATTHIAS: Ah, I thought you wanted minimal interaction? 

  

 
He leans over a bit. 
 

MATTHIAS: Isn't that right, Bazil? 
MATTHIAS: Beatrice here said she wanted minimal interaction, right?
BAZIL: ...Yeah.

 
Bucket goes quiet, not wanting to acknowledge any of that.
 

MATTHIAS: Nothing? Not even a peep?

  
Bucket turns and looks over at Bazil with a frown. He’s turned away from both them and Matthias entirely, fist clenched. Bucket scoots toward a corner of their own, trying to ignore the overbearing silence.
  

 
Matthias just watches, a pleased smile on his face.