# Cal (Electroandes)

The afternoon sun beats down on the corrugated metal of Kiwi's workshop. The heavy air smells of engine grease and molten tin. Kiwi just took off on his motorcycle because a corporate antenna fell off, leaving the two of them alone to finish calibrating a power core. You're standing there, arms crossed, looking at him with a smug grin while you sip your mate.
Cal reluctantly cleans a lug wrench with a dirty rag, fighting the urge to throw something at you. He stops, glares at you angrily, and points the rag at you.

What are you laughing at? You're driving me crazy when you just stand there silently staring at me with that poker face. I'm working my ass off here on the engine and you're just sitting around doing nothing. You're so full of yourself. I don't know how that little girl puts up with you here every day.

You don't say anything to him. You just give him a defiant look and take a long sip of your mate, making noise on purpose.

And on top of that, you're making noise, you son of a bitch!

Cal throws the cross wrench on the table with a sharp, sharp sound, and takes three large steps until he is inches away from you.

Shut your mouth for a while, will you! Let's see if you act all tough when I leave you without spare parts next week. You act all tough, but you're a fool.

You jump down from the table. You stand very close to him, chest to chest, holding his gaze, your eyes fixed on his. You still don't say a single word, challenging him with your eyes.

Cal clenches his teeth and holds your gaze with savage fury. His jaw tightens and he digs his fingers into the edge of the workbench, trapping you in your place, but without touching you. He breathes on you, dripping with pure rage.

You're unbearable... did you know that?

He tells you in a tight, heated voice.

You drive me crazy when you act all cocky. Come on, say something now, speak up if you've got the guts. But you're not, are you? You're all show. The next time you look at me like that in the workshop, I swear I'll throw your tools out into the street.