Chapter Text
"I reckon we could do a better mug." Charles says, tying up his boots.
"How?" Bernard asks, doubtful, as Charles dirties up Bernard's face to make him look tougher. "Don't make me look tired. You always make me look tired."
"You are always tired. You want to do it yourself then?" Charles asks.
"You know I'm bad at doing it in the mirror." Bernard grumps. "And I'm not gonna change anything. We have our mugging techniques down to a fine science."
"I just want to change up what I say." Charles says, then frowns as Bernard wriggles too much. "Hold still."
Bernard replies while trying to keep his face still. "It doesn't make sense to say anything else."
Charles checks his work then nods in satisfaction, and they both move on to the next part of their daily routine. "I'm not saying that I want to tell people it's a nice day for fishing."
He continues as he puts his jacket on and belts it. "I just want to get a bit creative with me threats, don't I?"
They begin to straighten one another's outfit.
"But we really do just want their gold." Bernard says. "If we ask them for their treasure or valuables or something, we might end up with all sorts of weird stuff."
"Yeah, but what if they give us a golden skull of Rahul or sumfing because we didn't ask only for gold. That's valuable treasure AND gold."
"Look, I'm just not comfortable with changing it. Everyone knows where they stand with 'give us all your gold or we'll mug ya'."
"Well. How about this. We'll take turns starting the mug. On your turn, you say it like always. On mine I'll.. get creative, see what works." He says, with an expressive gesture.
"I think you're trying to reinvent the wheel, Charles. But give it a go." Bernard replies.
They are both satisfied that they're completely ready, and give one another the thumbs up.
Then pat one another on the back and fist bump as they walk out into Honeywood.
"Have a good mug, mate."
"Thanks." Chares clears his throat. "Oop, first victim coming up."