The Soup Can Kids [M]

Keri: *smiles, kisses her daughters forehead* Now get your stuff so you don't miss the bus. Your father and I are gonna walk you.

Keigan: Okay! *runs off to get her school bag*

Billy: Alrightie then. *finishes his tea and pulls a couple hot pockets out of the freezer* Anyone want one?

Ava: *jumps up* Me!!

Billy: Teeth check!!

Ava: *cracks a big sparkly grin*

Billy: *turns to Kay* You too missy.

Torin: *confused look on face, stands when Mikey starts slamming the drawers* What the fuck? *stops in front of him, holds his hands to keep him from moving* What is your deal?

Lexi: *gasps at the kiss, is left breathless, stares at his husband longingly* You're so sweet.

Asher: *checks her watch* You're pretty good at helping me waste time. I have work soon. Do you go in today? *hopes she's not being to forward*

Spencer: *sips his coffee quietly, not saying a word*

Nate: *drives quietly, reaches the building in a short time, marvels at how lazy Spencer is, since their apartment is already in the city, pulls into the garage and swipes his key card, parks and guides Spencer to the lobby*

Hayden: *nods* Do you have a cell phone?

Brae: *braves the horrible rush of lunch eaters since her shitastic associate would rather hit on customers, steals all of her tips*

Kristian: *eyesight blurs and her head throbs, lays back down and listens to the person talking* You know...for a girl, you're a really pretty boy. *clutches her head* Owwwww....

Keri: *leans into him* Actually I do training today. I'm only in for a few hours to train the new secretary. Noon to 4 I think. What about you?

Keigan: *dashes back into the room pouting* Mommy...I can't do my hair. *sniffles on the verge of tears*

Keri: *smiles* Maybe it's time for a trim? I think your ends are tangling more than usual. *sees the problem, untangles her ponytail* Cody, fetch me a brush will you? One with the big bristles.

Billy: My girls have such beautiful teeth! *prepares each hot pocket for the microwave*

Ava: Daddy!

Billy: Huh?

Ava: Teeth Check!!

Billy: *scowls* I didn't think this would point to me... *sticks tongue out at Ava, dashes to the bathroom to brush his teeth, comes back quickly* Cheese!! *smiles big for Ava to see*

Torin: *blocks his path* At this rate you'll never make it. Explain. I don't understand.

Lexi: *places a warm hand on Duke's cheek, looks deeply into his lover's eyes* I love you too, Duke. *kisses him softly*

Asher: You keep blushing and you'll turn the same color as your hair. *trashes her cup in a nearby trash can* I'll see you at work then, I'll be modeling with said British model. *smiles and heads in the opposite direction towards her job, fights the urge to look behind her at him*

Spencer: *follows Nate up a set of stairs into a very posh lobby, watches as he waves at the secretary and heads towards an office door marked "Oswald"*

Nate: *pauses in his tracks when he hears the voices on the other side of the door, tells Spencer to sit in the lobby for a moment*

Spencer: *thinks "Fuck the lobby" and walks off to find some poor unsuspecting model to play with, stumbles upon a gorgeous photographer and decides to talk to him* You're setting up quite early, aren't you? ((It's Pike))

Hayden: *sticks out his hand* Hand me your phone, Bradley. *stern look on his face, hopes he's not being too intimidating*

Brae: *tucks her tips into her bra and carries on with the next wave of customers, takes orders and flashes them her "oh but you'd love to have this" option*

Kristian: Of course you're a girl *hoping that her accent doesn't show in some of her pronunciation* Your bone structure screams it.* nods, avoiding begging for painkillers* They haven't called Mumbi and Jumbi have they? ((Mumbi/jumbi= her parents)) Oh they'll never let me hear the end of it. *attempts to not panic by taking deep breaths*

Keri: * listens to Aaron weasel his way out of the conversation* Cody, hun. Brush. For your sister.

Keigan: Hurry!! *stomps her feet*

Ava: *smiles* You're off the hook, daddy.

Billy: Good! *puts the hot pockets in the microwave* Do you have ballet class after school today?

Ava: *nods* Today we're going to learn The Nutcracker.

Torin: *blinks* I've never said it. So why now, after five years, are you bothered by that? *looks away* They're just words.

Lexi: *smiles* Thank you love. *snuggles into Duke's side.

Asher: *bugged that he didn't question her plans for after work, stops in her track, turns and yells from where she's standing* Hey!! *waits until he turns to look at her*

Spencer: *smiles * A picture of me? *plays modest* I don't think I'm very photogenic. *blushes, feigning innocence*

Nate: *waits impatiently, wanting to interrupt, looks towards the lobby and quickly realizes that Spencer isn't there* That stupid.... *goes off in search*

Hayden: *says nothing, takes the phone and begins adding numbers to it, gets bothered and emails Bradley's entire contact list to himself, tosses the phone in the trash, goes to his desk and pulls out his own cell, dials a number and waits for it to be answered* Can I get a new cell phone in my office? Quickly. Yes. Like right now. I'm giving you three minutes. *hangs up and looks at his assistant, pushing away thoughts of molesting him* I'm giving you a new phone, equipped with all your original numbers AND the ones that you should've added since being hired here. That includes the company mechanic, which is yours to use when anything like this happens. OR I could arrange for a new car for you, if you'd like?

Brae: *greets the new customers* Welcome to Hooters, how about I get you seated?

Kristian: Call her. I think my head is going to explode. *winces, rubs temples*

Keri: *takes the brush and smiles at her son* Thank you, sweetie. * starts at the ends of Keigans hairs and brushes them, working her way up to her roots, checks her ends* Ohhh no. Split ends. We're gonna have to trim this after school, hun. *ties her daughters hair into a ponytail and does a once over with the brush again* Done!

Keigan: *checks herself in the mirror* Are you gonna cut a lot?

Keri: Depends on how bad it is. Are you scared?

Keigan: *nods* I like my hair.

Keri: *smiles, strokes her ponytail, decides to braid it as a protective maneuver* Sometimes change is good. A new hairstyle can make you feel like a whole new person.

Ava: *nods* But we're not gonna perform it, cuz it's long and complicated.

Billy: Is it? When is your next performance?

Torin: *bites the inside of his cheek to remain calm, fails, snaps* WHAT?! Why didn't that bug you five years ago? You know, when I was saying those words to the girl I was dating before cheating on her with you? Why didn't it bug you when I was using those words against you to convince you to go out and get a score for me? How is it that you didn't say anything after my twin and older brother got married? *follows him out to the dining room* They are words. Always have been, always will be. So why the fuck is it so important for me to say them? Goddamn right, there are other ways to show it. Like my time. Like everything that I've done, like the TWO tattoos I have of your name. Who do I come home to? Because I think I've made it obvious that I cheating never phased me. But no. Why think about that. None of that matters because I don't say some stupid phrase that only hopeless romantics and fairytale believers use in order to convey a particular feeli-- *stops short when he realizes what he'd just said, looks down, jaw clenched shut* Your keys are on the key ring by the door.

Lexi: *drifts off quickly, contented by having Duke at his side*

Asher: *bites lip, hopes she's not being too forward* You're taking me out tonight! I'll be ready when your shift ends! *turns around and continues walking, a goofy smiles plastered to her face*

Spencer: *chuckles* Oh, please. *tries not to freak out, "seduce a lover"?, spencer was lucky if he could spell that word, poses confidently nonetheless*

Nate: *runs through every set until he stumbles onto Pike's, realizes what he's doing* I told you to wait in the lobby. *walks right into Pike's shot to quarrel with Spencer* How do you expect to get a job if you can't even listen?

Spencer: I listen just fine. Besides, do I look like a 1920's housewife? DON'T tell me to go wait somewhere.

Hayden: Why would I buy it? This is a billion dollar corporation, under me you can BORROW the company cars. And I'm giving you a new phone because...well.. *tries to formulate a lie* Yours was way too outdated for you to keep up with everything here. *answers the door when a knock is heard, retrieves the new phone and goes through it to make sure it's got the right numbers, hands it to Bradley* Here. It's a smart phone.

Brae: *grabs a menu and leads him to a table* Will anyone be joining you sir? If not, might I suggest a bar seat?

Kristian: *chuckles and then winces at the throbbing, silences the bickering women* Will he be coming soon? I've seen stories of people dying from not getting this looked at fast enough. And I would hate to have my father, the Supreme Court Judge Vimmel Patel, have to sue you for malpractice, no?

Keri: *kisses her forehead* Perhaps we'll straighten it. It'll take a while but taking a flat iron to your curls isn't bad every once in a while.

Keigan: Straighten! Yay!! I can wear it down! And...and.... Mommy, I can't do much with straight hair.

Keri: *chuckles* It took me 19 years to figure out the same thing. Don't worry, it'll only be until the weekend. We'll wash and style it then okay?

Keigan: Good! *hugs her mom* Mommy, why doesn't everyone like us wear their curly hair?

Keri: *is surprised by the question* Well...*wraps arms around her, smiles to herself at her daughters "like us" referral to black people* When you're young, you see models and adults with pretty things and you want them. You want them so bad that you do your best to have it. So as kids, we saw other girls with straight hair and lots of popular people with straight hair and we wanted that.

Keigan: I love my hair. Except when it get tangled.

Keri: I'm glad, baby. Because I love your hair too. And I want you to always feel comfortable just as you are. Okay? Now! let's get your brother and Papa so we can go to the bus stop.

Keigan: Okay! CODY!!!!

Ava: In one month! Original production of Cinderella!

Billy: Really!! Why are they keeping it a secret? I have to buy tickets before it's sold out. Who's playing Cinderella?

Ava: It's a surprise.

Torin: *avoids making any eye contact, cringes when Mikey slams the door but doesn't follow him, clenches his fist and paces the hall over and over again before losing his reserve and pulling open the door only to see that their parking spot was unoccupied* Shit... *slams the door and grabs his cigarettes, squats in front of the door and lights his cig, puffing angrily, stopping every now and then to face palm himself for his stupidity, without fully admitting to himself that he thinks he has singled-handedly destroyed his relationship, he pulls his phone from his pocket and stares at the screen for a bit, running his thumb over the picture of Mikey, sets his phone down and continues chain smoking*

Asher: *walks away proudly, waits until she turns the corner before she jumps up and down* Oh MY GAWDDDDD! *blushes, smiles to herself contentedly before continuing her walk to work*

Nate: *clenches fist* Ughh! I swear you get more and more ridiculous with each passing second! Why can't you just be normal!!

Spencer: *starts to yell but then goes silent at Nate's mention of being "normal"* I AM normal. There is nothing wrong with me. I am also an adult. I can do whatever I want so DON'T classify me as abnormal just because I choose to act freely. *turns to Pike* I apologize for the interruption, but I'm sure we'll have plenty of time to finish this. I'll be working here. *smiles and walks away, calling behind him* I'll be waiting in the lobby, master.

Nate: *punches the air, and sighs, looks at Pike and feels his heart skip a beat, the same way he felt every time he saw the gorgeous creature* I'm sorry. My brother. He's... *gulps* He's an idiot.

Hayden: *eyes widen* Do you live under a rock? *sighs, takes the phone from him and shows him the most basic commands* This is your menu you. You can find your contacts, phone settings, key pad options and other stuff here. There are apps that you can download too but we'll go into that later. How do you become a whiz with computers and not know how to work a hi-tech cell phone. It's like a handheld computer.

Brae: *tries not to roll her eyes, smiles* Well you're in luck. Due to my good for nothing co-worker, this whole side is my section. Let's get you a place at the bar then.

Kristian: *giggles* No. He isn't my father. He's my uncle and he actually wouldn't do a damn thing for me since I've dishonored our family by liking women.

Keri: I can tell who you've gotten your sarcasm from. How about we call uncle Torin over for dinner tonight? I have heard his mouth in a while.

Keigan: Uncle Torin?! *blushes* Yeah, yeah! We should call him!

Billy: *looks at Kay* Isn't she too young to be keeping things from her father? *pouts*

Ava: *giggles* I'm not at liberty to tell. *kisses her father's cheek*

Billy: Oh no, she'll be saying the same thing 8 years from now! *pretends to sob*

Torin: *goes through his pack quicker than he thought he would, sighs and stands to go back into the house, passes pictures on walls and counter tops and in his own frustration, knocks them all over* ...... * grabs his wallet and his keys and storms out of the house, pulls his phone from his pocket and dials Keri, listens to the ring*

Keri: *notices her phone ring and smiles* Speak of the devil. *answers* You're coming over for dinner right? I'm ordering pizza. Unless you want to cook.

Torin: Actually, I'm coming over now. I need to talk to you.

Keri: I've got work at noon.

Torin: Cancel. Listen, how often do I need you?

Keri: Never. In fact you don't even come over when you need food.

Torin: Then you can see how important this is.

Keri: Guess I'm staying home today. I hope you pay me for this.

Torin: I'll make your favorite.

Keri: And? *makes sure that Cody and Keigan have their backpacks* You know I can make up to $400 in a shift like this right?

Torin: Chocolate lava cake topped with caramel.

Keri: *scowls* Kids?! Uncle Torin is making dinner and dessert tonight. * hears Keigan cheer* Why do you always win with food? *pouts*

Torin: Because the only good meals you make involve noodles or cheese.

Keri: I'm good with pork and chicken too!

Torin: Not as good as you're hoping. It's my fault. I babied you. *opens his car door and slides into the drivers seat* I'll be there in ten minutes.

Keri: Whatever. I'll go call out.

Asher: *boards the trolley and ride it all the way to channelside*

Spencer: *sits in the lobby patiently, irritated look on his face*

Nate: *tries to hide his blush* I spend most of my time behind the camera too so I know what you mean. I didn't mean to distract you from your lighting check. Uh, how about I make it up to you? I can stand here for you.

Hayden: *shakes his head* I had to do that myself since my assistant was late.

Brae: *smiles politely and holds up a finger towards Gerard* Give me one moment please. *turns to douche bag customer and sits beside him, smiles at him and shoots him the most menacing look ever* What would you like to order sir? I could get you a beer and lace it with bleach. Or how about food? Would you like a burger? I'm sure I can find some sort of toxic sludge to spice it up a bit. But you know... I don't think you're hungry. Wouldn't want you to waste your money if you don't really want to eat. So how about you remove yourself from my section so you can have a head start before I call the manager in here and have him inform the cops that you just sexually harassed me in front of all these witnesses. *waits for his reply*

Kristian: *shakes her hand* Nice to meet you. And thank you for saving me. That jerk made an illegal left turn. If I hadn't gotten knocked out, I would've given him a piece of mind.

Keri: *hangs up with Torin and nods to her husband* I can pick up Cody and Keigan after school. Although I would like to see you during your lunch break. *frowns* I'll make Torin keep an eye on the kids and you and I can enjoy a short date while you're on lunch. How's that sound?

Keigan: We'll get to see Uncle Torin after school. I hope the day goes fast.

Keri: I hope your uncle stops cursing and sobers up by then.

Keigan: Huh?

Keri: Nothing! Now go! There is no way you are missing school. *kisses both Keigan and Cody on the head* I love you both very much. *kisses Aaron sweetly on the lips* And I love you too. *quickly texts her boss about not being able to come in today*

Billy: *gasps* You would help her hide things from me too?! * dabs his eyes with a napkin* I'm so hurt. *pouts* Both my girls are going to keep me out of the loop. *sighs* I know what this means... *turns to Kay, places a hand on her cheek* We need to adopt a boy. I think I'm too outnumbered.

Ava: *giggles* Daddy's being silly.

Torin: *starts his car and revs it a bit, pulls out of his parking spot and makes the short drive to his sister place*

Lexi: *sleeps peacefully, stirring every now and then to turn over*

Asher: *gets off at her proper stop, making the short trek to her job in a few minutes, waves at the receptionist and punches in*

Spencer: *fidgets with his hands, taps legs impatiently, walks to the receptionist desk and asks her to make an announcement for his brother*

Nate: *smiles* Okay. Uh, so just stand here right? I don't have to pose do I? Because I'll admit that it makes me a bit embarrassed. *rubs the nape of his neck nervously, focusing his eyes elsewhere to avoid making eye contact with Pike*

Hayden: *blinks away the image of holding Bradley's head to a certain region of his body, bites his cheek to calm himself* You're forgiven. But you'll have to make it up to me. * goes though a stack of files on his desk until he finds an envelope with pretty calligraphy* I have a dinner tonight that, apparently, I must bring a date to. I'd like you to accompany me.

Brae: *watches him leave and counts the money he left her, smiles proudly and rolls up the bills, stuffing them into her bra, returns to her customer's side* Sorry about that sir. Oh, and I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Brae, and I'll be your server today. How you decided on what to eat?

Kristian: *nods and tries to conceal the worried look on her face, really hopes that when she returns to the room, this newfound friend and hero will still be there* See you soon Cameron, I guess.

Keri: *waves them off* Have fun at school. And Cody! No making your teacher cry!

Keigan: Bye Mommy! *waves*

Billy: *smiles, nuzzles Kays neck* I think I'm serious. You think the stork would let us? Of course your parents would slaughter me if I didn't.... *opens the microwave, pulls out a hot pocket and hands it to Ava, set another one on the counter for himself, and pretends to pull another hot pocket and hands Kay a small ring case*

Ava: *gasps* Daddy!

Torin: *reaches Keri and Aaron's place in no time, pulls into the driveway and waves at Aaron and the twins as they pass by, parks the car and hops out to run into the house*

Keri: *sees him before she closes the door, lets him in and shuts the door behind him* You have a lot of explaining to do.

Torin: *explains everything to her without hesitation* So...yeah.

Keri: You're stupid. Like really stupid. Words can feel just as important sometimes. And think of it this way. HE helped you get over your guilt when you cheated. Especially after she offed herself. HE helped you through your addiction. HE gave you those tattoos. Mikey did all of it. So with everything that he's done for you...why can't you just do this? They are words. They will always be words. But does it really seem like he's asking too much of you just to say them every now and then?

Torin: Are you serious? The only other person you ever said that to was me! I really didn't think you'd take that side.

Keri: By that side, do you mean Mikey's? What does he ask you for Torin? He's never begged you to do anything. Except get clean, but that wasn't for himself. Everything that Mikey has done for you so why *slaps Torin's arm with every word* are.. you.. giving.. him.. so.. much.. hell?

Torin: *doesn't flinch* Ow! owowowow! * stares at his sister as he contemplates everything, sighs, and slumps sadly* I don't know how to fix this.

Keri: Start practicing. And go ring shopping. Because that perfect future of yours, could disappear before you know it if you don't learn to give just a little. You're already married. But making it concrete and evident to everyone who sees you, not a bad idea. He'll have something to look at every day.

Lexi: * sleeps until a text message interrupts his slumber, knocks phone off the counter*

Asher: * looks over her schedule for the day, heads over to the snack table and eats a few grapes*

Spencer: *chuckles when he hears the announcement, walks over to the door he left Nate at*

Nate: * stays perfectly still until Pike is finished, scowls when he hears his name on the loud speaker* I'm sorry, I have to go...* walks past Pike and kisses him quickly, like a couple kissing each other goodbye before work, starts to walk away and pauses, eyes wide* I-I-I'm so sorry! You're probably not even into that. Oh god, you probably don't like men! I- I didn't mean to. S-sorry, it just felt so.... *blushes bright red*

Hayden: Nonsense. It's more likely that I bring a boy to this anyway and most of our models are not the brightest. Besides, you look good when you're dressed up, and since I'm paying your salary AND forgiving your tardiness, this is how you can repay me. *smiles, gives him a stern look that suggests Bradley might be in for a lot more than just a simple dinner, hopes that his thoughts don't show on his face* What do you say?

Brae: * eyes go wide at such a large order* You sure brought your appetite. *smiles, begins to walk away without writing it* I'll go place your order and get your drink.

Kristian: * is wheeled away to do her scans, tries not to worry, smiles at the prospect of Cameron still being there when she returns*

Keri: *watches as Torin fidgets, smiling to herself to see her brother contemplate doing something so simple*

Keigan: *waves out the window once she's found a spot* Bye Daddy!!

Billy: *smiles* Only way to tell is to open it. *pulls out an actual hot pocket and set it on a plate* Now... it may not be perfect. I apologize if it's too plain. We can get another if you want.

Ava: Open it! Open it!

Torin: *paces, fighting with himself, punches the air* Fuck it! No way am I saying it. I shouldn't have to!

Keri: Then get ready to live miserably due to your stubbornness.

Torin: Shut up. This is so stupid. I'm not saying it. And I'm not getting him a ring. I don't care about marriage. It's all a crock of shit anyway.

Keri: My marriage is shit to you?

Torin: Depends, would you have gotten married five years ago if Aaron didn't get you pregnant?

Keri: *without thinking, she slaps him, hard* DON'T insult my marriage just because you can't find it in yourself to believe that people actually have fairytale love stories. You're full of shit if you think you can live your whole life fucking to show your love. My marriage is a symbol of how far Aaron and I have come. We LOVE each other. And our marriage has tied us to each other for the rest of our lives. What is tying you to Mikey when you hit 50 and have no stamina? When your dick no longer works and all you have left is words. That's right. * glares at her brother* When all that you can do is tell him that you love him, how could you possibly show it? * waits for him to say something*

Torin: *stays silent, jaw clenched as he listens to his sister*

Keri: * goes to the kitchen, grabs an apron and oven mits, shoves them into Torin's hands fiercely* Now go to the kitchen and make the dinner that you promised. Maybe the steam will get to you and you'll see how stupid you're being. I'm going for a walk. * grabs her keys and stomps teary-eyed out the door*

Torin: *sighs, head to the kitchen to pull out all of these ingredients*

Lexi: *turns to lay on his stomach, attempts to fall asleep again but has some trouble* Damnit.

Asher: *chats it up with the other models*

Spencer: *get impatient, knocks on the door in front of him*

Nate: *hopes that his face doesn't show any hurt, nods* I'm so sorry that I did that. If I made you uncomfortable in anyway.... *not sure what to say, blushes*

Hayden: It doesn't matter. You can even have the head costume rep fit-- * stops abruptly when he hears the knock, opens the door* Can I help you?

Spencer: My brother brought me here to see if he could get me a job. I'm not gifted in much secretarial wise but I'm a quick learner.

Hayden: * the wheels start turning* Who is your brother?

Spencer: Nate Montgomery. One of your photographers.

Hayden: You're hired. You'll be stationed with the Advertising's head. His name is Dalton. Have the receptionist lead you to his office.

Spencer: *thinks "That was way too easy"* Do I have to be qualified in anything?

Hayden: * can't help but be blunt* You any good at giving head?

Spencer: * eyes widen* I get around, learned a few things.

Hayden: Then you're more than qualified. Your boss is a pain in the ass that prefers to get around also. You'll be paid 15 an hour just to follow him and present your ass.

Spencer: Isn't that sexual harassment?

Hayden: You're Spencer right? Do you really care? I'm sure he's your type.

Spencer: I don't really care. Is he? Then this shouldn't be so bad.

Hayden: Good. I'll print out the necessary paperwork and have my assistant bring it to you. Welcome to the staff, Spencer.

Spencer: *smiles* Thanks, uhm?

Hayden: Hayden. Hayden Oswald. Work hard and keep your boss out of my hair.

Spencer: No problem. * walks to the receptionist*

Hayden: *shakes head* That wouldn't have worked if Nate didn't tell me that kid was a fiend * turns to Bradley* Right. Anything you want. Just be presentable. Check your email for the invite.

Brae: *places his order and grabs a cup, fills it with mountain dew and walks back to her customer* Let me know if you need anything. I'll be back with your order shortly. *set down his drink and makes sure he has everything*

Kristian: * gets told to lay in the scan bed, once she enters the room, lays in the room and listens to the instructions given to her*

Keri: * was walking in a stupor until she noticed Aaron by her side* Huh? Oh... *sniffles, wipes her eyes* Torin's just a big poop face. You know how stubborn he could be. *shrugs*

Billy: * smiles, hugs her back* I wasn't sure if it would be right. I figured if I just got something simple, we could build on it or add to it. *holds her at arms length* Is it really okay? I mean, I still want you to finish school, but this is fine right? You really like it?

Ava: * giggles, runs around the kitchen cheering* I'm gonna have a mommy!!

Torin: * pulls out all of he necessary pots and pans, begins slicing and dicing his vegetables*

Lexi: *hears someone moving about in the bathroom, slips out of bed and walks cautiously to find Duke, stands in doorway and smiles* Getting ready, my love? * walks behind his husband to wrap his arms around him*

Asher: * continues chatting*

Spencer: *can't believe he managed to bag such an easy job, asks the receptionist where he can find Dalton's office.

Receptionist: *smiles* I can take you. *leads Spencer to Dalton's door, opens it, not expecting to see anyone in there* You can wait in the chai-- Oh! I'm so sorry sir.

Spencer: *waits behind the lady*

Nate: *shrugs* I promise you can ask me for anything. I'll pay you back, for sure. * runs off to go find Spencer, comes to halt in front of Hayden's door, knocks obnoxiously*

Hayden: Yes. all you have to do is--- * glares at the doorway* One moment. *pulls open the door* What?!

Nate: Have you seen---

Hayden: Yeah, i hired him. He was lucky that Dalton wanted a personal toy.

Nate: You hired my brother so he could work as Dalton's boy toy?

Hayden: Now he makes money doing what he does best. *smiles cordially*

Nate: *blinks, can't disagree with that* Is that even allowed?

Hayden: If he has a problem, he can work under someone else. *tries to hold a serious face*

Nate: You can be really lame sometimes, Hayden.

Hayden: Oh come on. At least he'll stop bringing home random guys. If you're lucky, Dalton will wear him out so much that he doesn't have time to go out and pick up anyone else.

Nate: I have a feeling that I should disagree with your decision but....I can't seem to.

Hayden: *chuckles* So if there's no problem, are we done here?

Nate: Where is he?

Hayden: *checks his watch for the time* Hopefully starting his first day working for Dalton.

Nate: One more thing. Why is it that you hired him out of the blue like that?

Hayden: I've already got Asher and you, why not hire Spencer to do something? The Montgomery family is okay in my book. At least you can keep an eye on him. Dalton might even be able to tame that wild little brother of yours.

Nate: *nods* Thanks. I'm kind of banking on that. I'm gonna go prepare for the Naomi lady.

Hayden: Well, if he fucks up, it's on your head. *closes the door and returns to Bradley, quickly shows him how to check his email* So you sign in, and there you have it. got it?

Brae: *returns with her customers order* Five hot wings, set on fire. One Clint Eastwood burger, no spuds. A chicken Caesar salad and Moby Dick sandwich. *sets each plate in front of him* Need anything else?

Kristian: * sighs and stays perfectly still as she goes through the cat scan*

Keri: *chuckles, places her arm around his waist* Oh hun...Punching Torin wouldn't solve anything. He's gotta hit rock bottom before he sees the light.

Billy: Tell anyone you want. *smiles, kisses her cheek* I'm glad you like it.

Torin: * sets a pot of water on the stove to boil, prepares the shrimp Keri left to thaw*

Lexi: *giggles warmheartedly, stands on tippy-toes to kiss the shaved portion of Duke's face* Nonsense love. With that body and your gorgeous face, you could never be old. *teasingly nibbles his ear* In fact, you have me feeling like a googly-eyed teenager all over again.

Asher: *waves off the other models when she notices the time, goes to hair and makeup station*

Lindsay the Receptionist: *blushes beet red* A-actually, it's Lindsay, sir. I didn't mean to barge in, I-I was just told to bring in your new assistant. Mr. Oswald sent him.

Spencer: *taps foot impatiently, pushes Lindsay aside politely, walks into the office* Lindsay, right? It's okay, I'll explain it. *turns to Dalton* Spencer Montgomery. I've been hired as your personal assistant. Sent straight from Hayden.

Nate: * walks over to the set, checks the list to see if everything is in order*

Hayden: If you have anymore questions, don't worry. Just ask. * leans on his desk, trying to rid himself of the idea of Bradley asking him for more than just cell phone help*

Brae: *shocked at first, assesses the fact that no one has properly asked her on a date in years, takes in this polite gentleman's appearance, smiles* I get a lot of customers that ask me out to dinner, but none as polite as you. * slides into the seat next to him* But you're gonna have to visit just a bit more if you want to take me out. * uses her order pad to write a number down, rips the sheet and slips it to him, stands and begins to walk away* Six more visits and you'll be able to call me. *smiles, leaves*

Kristian: * continues with her scanning*

Keri: *sighs* In the five yeas that they have been together, Torin has never once said "I love you". Mikey finally got fed up and snapped, saying that he would marry Torin in a heartbeat but Torin would never consider it because he says it's not necessary. You know my idiot brother. Ever since getting with Mikey he believed in showing it. Because words can be misleading.

Billy: * chuckles, noms his hotpocket and sips his tea*

Torin: *continues preparing the meal, mumbles to himself, stopping every now and then to question his stubbornness* Maybe I should...? *shakes head* No fucking way.

Lexi: * eyes widen* You mean my darling brother can pull his dick out of Mikey long enough to start an argument? My my... what progress. I'll make something appropriate for Torin's "I'm sorry, you were right. Please don't leave me" speech. Maybe I'll go buy a cake. *chuckles* What happened?

Asher: * stops the make-up artist when she attempts to put mascara and eye shadow on her* Check the list, hun. I'm cast to play male in this one.

Spencer: * smiles at the compliment, gets rushed out the door and thanks the stars that Dalton closes the door because as soon as it slams, his face takes on the look of panic* I have no clue where to get coffee here. *runs to the receptionist* Lindsay! I need your help again.

Nate: *flags down a prop person to ask about the backdrop* This is supposed to look like a cave with hidden treasures. This is the wrong background.

Hayden: * chuckles at how cute Bradley is* Yes. The lock button is over here. You press it when you're not using the phone then key in your code when you want to use it. *shows him how to set a code*

Brae: * greets and handles other customers, comes back moments later to check on everything* How are you liking your meal?

Kristian: * comes out of her scanning and gets wheeled back into the room* So it looks like I've survived. And you're still here.

Keri: Isn't it? Even I'm stunned that Torin hasn't said it. Poor Mikey. *sighs* I can understand why Torin wouldn't say it. He's said it to lots of people, but it's never meant anything, either to himself or the ones he was saying it to. And saying it to E pretty much blew up in his face when he pissed all over it by...well, never mind. *gasps as if an idea hits her* He'll never admit it, but...do you think he's scared?

Billy: *calls Ava in to eat and grab her stuff*

Ava: * eats and gets her backpack*

Torin: *grabs a skillet to start the stir-fry, checks on the water and adds the noodles when it's ready*

Lexi: * plays with a loose strand of his hair* But perhaps Mikey isn't convinced anymore. I think that every relationship relies on both, hun. I can't imagine you only saying that you love me without you being close to me. Wanting to touch me. Wanting to make love to me. I believe you when you say that you love me, of course, but the words are confirmed in your most intimate actions. And what's more intimate than having sex? I think Torin is just skipping over the words and going right into the confirmation part, without thinking about how Mikey might feel.

Asher: *finishes her hair and make-up, get placed in her outfit for the shoot, makes sure nothing is exposed*

Spencer: *makes a mad dash for the coffee station, fills the cup with piping hot coffee and adds a drop of hazelnut creamer, pours in the two sugar packets and stirs, places a cap on the cup and walks quickly back to Dalton's office, knocks on the door and enters* Hot coffee, one drop of hazelnut creamer, two sugars.


Nate: *smiles at Andy* Thank you. I mean you'd think everyone would read the prop list first.

Hayden: *nods* I need the forms for Spencer Montgomery drawn up and sent to him in Dalton's office. Also, he needs to be added to payroll and get him his IRS info and New Hire packet. I want all of those formed filled out before you leave today. And...*stomach grumbles* Think you can get someone to bring me a turkey& swiss?

Brae: Absolutely. * leaves to retrieve his boxes, comes back with the bill* Here you go.

Kristian: *gets helped into her bed by a nurse* Oh no. I don't want you doing that for me. What if you get in trouble?