boyfriend is your idea of ‘nice’?”
“You must be Rees,” Mark said, forcing a strained smile. “Frankie’s mentioned you, it’s a pleasure to
meet you finally.”
“Ha! Why don’t you come over here and get a big ol’ mouthful of this dick because a hot splash in the
face is the only pleasure I’m ever gonna give you, you yuppie fuckin’ punk,” Rees spat fiercely,
covering his mouth with a handkerchief as he continued to hack into his hand. “Who the fuck do you
think you are? Throwing your money around like that, thinking you’re hot shit? Please, you’re not half
the fuckin’ man Snod is.”
Snod finally understood the real meaning of friendship in that moment, his heart overflowing with
affection. He put his hand on Rees’ shoulder to steady him, but the old man wasn’t done yet.
“Fuck your money, fuck you, and get the fuck out of my bar,” Rees seethed. “Don’t go thinking for a
second that Frankie isn’t gonna hear all about this. Your chances of making a deposit in the Frankie
booty bank are now officially fuckin’ closed.”
Snod sputtered at that, his teeth slamming together with a loud click. He ran a hand over his face,
mumbling, “God help me.”
Athaliah was cackling, grinning at Mark’s equally disgusted expression, teasing, “Awww. Poor baby!
Can’t always get what you want, huh?”
“You’re all revolting, subhuman trash,” Mark growled, starting to back away.
“So’s your mom!” Athaliah jeered, sticking out his tongue defiantly.
Mark threw one last nasty glare at Snod, snapping, “You won’t be able to keep him forever.
Eventually, he’ll get tired of slumming with you and when he finally does, I’ll be waiting.”
Snod said nothing, sneering bitterly.
Mark huffed, turning sharply on his heel and stomping out the door.
“That was very nice work, doll,” Rees said approvingly, giving Athaliah a little nudge. He cleared
his throat, giving one last deep cough. “Mmmph. Very nice.”
“Thanks.” Athaliah beamed proudly.
“Did you have to touch him so much?” Snod asked sourly. “It looked... sexual.”
“Ew, no,” Athaliah drawled, rolling his eyes. “I was stealing his wallet. Like, duh.” He held it up
triumphantly, plucking out all the cash and stuffing it in his pocket. “Rich guys are dumb.”
Snod couldn’t resist a happy smile, coming around the bar to embrace his brother. Holding him close
