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"Son, I'm just a bit worried about..." Engineer pauses, bites the inside of his mouth.
Scout looks at his nails boredly. "Worried 'bout what?"
"Well, I just have some concerns about, uh..." Engineer scratches the side of his head. "You and Spy."
Scout clenches his fist, cringes. He sighs and rolls his eyes.
"Ugh god. Please tell me you ain't about to lecture me, Engie."
"Erm... not exactly," Engineer says carefully. "I just need y'to promise me y'ain't gettin' involved with him like I think you are."
Scout gives him a scrutinizing look. "Depends what y'mean by involved. Not that it's any of your beeswax, but... I guess you could say that we're dating. What's the problem with that? Are you a homophone?"
It's Engineer's turn to cringe.
"Homophobe, and no. I ain't no christian pure, but I think he may be a tad too old for you, son, that's all."
Scout glares at him. He looks like he's about to give an angry response, but then, he seems think. And then he smirks. Engineer would compare him to a mischievous cat.
"Guess y'could call me a bit of a grave robber. Is that a crime?"
"Oh boy..." Engineer reaches up and pinches his nose.
He doesn't have to look up to know Scout is giving him his widest grin.
"Listen, son. The problem ain't you. It's him."
Scout huffs indignantly.
"And what's so wrong with him? He's a nice guy. Well, nice is a bit, uh... forgiving. He's an asshole. But I like him, shouldn't that be the thing that matters?"
"Listen, Scout, normally I'd say yes. But that snake is nothin' but trouble, I'm telling you. He's gonna lie, cheat, and lie again. Trust me, I know."
Engineer crosses his arms and looks up at Scout sternly.
"And to answer your question, the problem ain't you bein' a grave robber, no matter how much hearin' you say that gives me chills. It's that he's too old to be foolin' around with someone like you."
An incredulous look passes across Scout's face, and Engineer thinks he might have just made a point in that dumb boy's brain. But then the grimace arrives.
"Okay, let's get one thing straight," he says, voice full of fury, "I ain't a kid, and I know exactly what you're tryin' to imply. M'not stupid, and Spy isn't takin' advantage o'me. So you can go take y'concern and shove it up your ass."
"Scout—"
"—No, shuddup. We're done here. I ain't listenin' to your bullcrap. And you can go ahead an' find a new assistant, I'm out."
Scout turns his back on him and storms out of the workshop. The heavy door slams upon his exit, shaking the walls.
Engineer sighs. He sits down and rubs his face.
"God n'heaven. What am I gonna do with that boy?"