It was considerably easy to smile at someone like Milo when they were so angry. Like Morris was actually afraid of the little drowned rat. He didn't care how much CTU power that man had.
"Hello, Milo," Morris said brightly. "Did the movie reach a dull part and the soda pop come too quick? All of that stalls are presently available."
That only seemed to make them man all the more angry. "Why the hell are you here?" he demanded. His dark eyes were practically flaming. "Dragging my girlfriend away from the first date we've had in weeks—"
"I'm sorry. I didn't realize Chloe was your girlfriend. I assumed you were here on CTU business. Lots of terrorists threats involving popcorn, you know."
"You've upset her. I hate to see her upset. Unlike you, I actually care about Chloe."
There went the good mood. Morris' smile faltered. "What?"
"You don't care for her at all."
Morris decided that he really didn't like Milo at all. "I hardly think that is for you to judge."
"You broke her heart."
"I don't think you quite know the sit—"
That was when the punch came, a flying fist through the bright bathroom lights and a few stars as it struck.
Morris swore as his hand went to his nose. The blood was burning not.
And Milo just stood there, fists still clenched, mouth still scowling.
Oh, he did not. Morris took a deep breath and swung. He wasn't a bad fight himself.
He made pretty good contact, if he did say so himself.
But so did Milo.
"This isn't about the popcorn, isn't it?"
"This is about Chloe!" Milo was sounding like a child. "The woman I love."
That was it. Morris shoved him into the counter, smacking the man's head against the mirror. Milo kicked back.
It might sound strange to fight over a woman in a men's restroom, and Morris realized that. He had never liked fighting.
But somehow this was okay.
Within five minutes, the handle of the sinks had been busted off, and there was enough blood to warrant a police investigation.
And Morris' new shirt had been torn to pieces.
They leaned against opposing walls, panting and staring at each other. It was a showdown. It was OK Corral all over again.
Then, without warning, Milo threw open the door and dashed out.
He was not going back into that theatre
"Get back here!" Morris screamed as he followed.
Milo didn't slow down. He was not a bad runner.
The mostly empty snack bar was before them, teenagers staring in horror. They could not be blamed.
Milo grabbed the salt and began swinging.
How original. Salt in the eyes. Not quite the most effective weapon.
The word was out before Morris even realized so. "Soda!"
And that was when the teenagers began laughing.
The salt shaker fell from Milo's hand as his face burned with embarrassment.
Morris felt exactly the same way.
The manager would be out soon.
"I still despise you," Morris muttered.
Milo nodded in agreement.
Something had just been said in silence, and Morris had no clue as to what it was.
So they waited while one of the teenagers went for the manager. And probably the police.
He appeared at the end of the hall.
There was only one more thing to say. Morris locked eyes with Milo. "I never want to see you dating my wife again."
A long pause. "She's not your wife."
It demanded a response, but Morris didn't have one. How was he going to explain this to Sariah?
"That wasn't your fiancé, was it?" Milo continued.
No point in continuing to lie. Not after this humiliation. He shook his head. "I'm a pathetic soul who faked a girlfriend."
"You didn't have to lie about it."
The manager was there. "I saw the bathroom. Do I have to call the police?"
"No. I'm responsible for them both."
Damn. Morris closed his eyes. Chloe. Chloe was back to witness him drenched in blood. After fighting in the bathroom.
"Chloe!" Milo.
She did look so beautiful when she was angry. There was no denying that.
"You beat the crap out of each other," she said. Her arms were crossed, her face firm. "How mature."
"Chloe," Milo repeated. "I was worried… you were upset…"
"Milo, shut it. I'm mad at you and you won't be forgetting it."
"I'm still calling the police," the manager said. That awful Jeremy was next to him. Looking disturbingly smug.
"I'm not finished with them!" Chloe shouted. "Milo, the date is over and I'm not bailing you out of jail."
"But—"
"I'll call you tomorrow. Morris, now."
Uh-oh. He obediently approached her. Her eyes were those of a demon's. "Darling, I'm sorry… he started it…"
"I don't care who started it."
"But he did start it. Just to let you know."
The manager was now on the phone. And the police station was very close.
"Morris, being fought over is not as appealing as people like to make it sound."
Why couldn't he have just continued that other conversation? "Who said I was fighting over you?"
Her face paled. "You weren't?"
"Well, maybe I was, but Milo still started it."
"And you fought back?"
"Sir…" It was Jeremy. Acting like they didn't know each other.
Morris sighed. "Yes, Chloe, I did."
"Why?" There was the tiniest of smiles on her lips.
"Sir, I need you to come with me."
"I'm talking to my wife. Go away."
"I'm not your wife anymore," Chloe said, smile gone.
"Yes, well, you should be."
She blushed. "Morris, you're about to be arrested. Along with my date. And I'm actually enjoying this movie. Your fake fiancé is a very nice person."
Sariah. "You will explain to her why I'm not returning?"
"Of course." The smile was back. "Have fun getting arrested."
She had enjoyed this. How like her. She turned back to the threatre.
"Chloe!" He had no idea what he was going to say.
She turned around. "Yes?"
His tongue was numb. But he had to say it. "Chloe, I…"
"Yes?" she repeated.
"I…"
"I still love you."
The smile increased, just a little bit. "That wasn't so hard, was it?"
And then she disappeared, off to watch Keanu Reeve with his date.
Somehow, Morris didn't mind.
And watching Milo get arrested as well made it almost worth it.
The look on his face was beyond the almost.
The End.
