My jeans have a new hole...
It wasn't in an obvious spot being on the inside of his leg, but it would definitely be more noticeable soon. Leaning back, he felt his head press against the worn brick behind him. The sky, beginning to dim as day became night, loomed overhead. Clouds were also pooling over the city, foretelling an incoming storm. Zachary slowly stood, looking over at the awning he used to sleep beneath to avoid getting soaked by the rain. It had far too many holes in it now to be of any help for the night's storm.
"Guess I'll be getting a shower tonight." He said with a chuckle as he headed back toward the club he'd visited earlier. Judging from the dimming light, he knew it had to be around seven or so. The nightclub wouldn't be busy for awhile, but that just meant he'd have time to talk with George, the bouncer for a bit.
Money weighing heavy in his pocket and hunger weighing far greater on his stomach, Zachary headed off toward the club. When he didn't notice George standing outside he walked past, knowing that he wouldn't be allowed inside because of his age... and likely his dirty and torn clothing. So, he just kept walking, finding himself inside the grocery store for a second time that day.
No. You already got your food for today, tomorrow you can get some broccoli.
No matter how much he repeated those words in his head, he couldn't help but find his way over to the vegetables. His stomach growled, begging for him to just reach out and take something. Anything.
"Hello dear, how was your day? Did you find anywhere to work yet?"
Zachary squeaked, jumping from surprise as he turned to see the old cashier from earlier behind a cart with a few groceries in it.
"Oh, Mrs. Brisby. Hello, I didn't get anything today, but tomorrow, for sure." He said with an upbeat voice, even though the knot in his stomach tightened abruptly, making him wince.
"That's too bad. Well, I'd like some broccoli but I can never finish one of those big ones, but this granny doesn't like frozen food. If I buy one, will you take half so that it's not wasted?"
His tongue tied immediately, making words unable to leave his mouth. Stunned, Zachary just nodded as his stomach growled audibly, making the old woman chuckle as she picked out the biggest head of broccoli she could find. Not knowing what else to do, Zachary followed her to the register but then moved past it to stand against the wall near the exit, not wanting to seem intrusive. When she'd finally paid for her food and pushed the cart over to him, she took out the broccoli and tried to break it in half. She struggled with it for just a moment, then gave up with a shrug and offered it all to him.
"It appears like this old granny can't pull apart broccoli anymore. Ah well, I'm not really hungry for it now, you take it."
He thought he was going to pass out. It might not be much to most people, but it was an amazing dinner to him. "Thank you ma'am!" Zachary said a bit too loudly. The woman didn't seem to mind though, and the store was mostly empty so it wasn't a big deal.
"You're welcome, son. Best get going, the store is closing in a few minutes."
With that she sauntered slowly out of the store with her one bag of groceries after returning the cart. Zachary took a moment to regroup his thoughts before heading out as well, turning once back outside to head back toward the club. As he walked he dug into his food, getting odd looks from random people on the sidewalk but not caring in the least. He was going to enjoy his dinner!
He'd finished about a forth of the broccoli by the time he arrived at the club. George was standing outside, already checking ID's for those that came early. When he finished a particularly large group he glanced up and noticed Zachary. There was no smile for him, but he was used to that. With his own wide smile Zachary walked over.
"Hey George, how has your day been?" He asked cheerfully. The large man turned to check three more ID's before he looked back at Zachary and answered in a deep, rumbling voice. "Pretty good. How has yours been, kid?"
Pursing his lips, Zachary let the kid jest slide, knowing that grumbling to George about it wouldn't help.
"Pretty good. Still looking for a job, but I'm sure I'll get one soon." He said cheerfully. George grunted in response and began checking more IDs, only to suddenly stop when someone came out of the club. The man was surprisingly gorgeous, in a handsome sort of way, of course. He was wearing fitted leather pants, though they appeared stylish and not just tight. Raising his eyes from them, Zachary noticed that he was completely bare-chested. And what a chest it was. After a moment of staring his eyes rose the rest of the way, allowing him to take in the man's square, stubbled jaw, messy black hair, and cold blue eyes.
"Excuse me, but who are you? We don't allow loitering."
Zachary had to refocus his attention, then repeat the man's wor