to catch a skylark || onc2022

five

"That's not what happened," Sadie said. As a quick, petty afterthought, she added: "And it's couldn't care less."

Baz stared at her. "What?"

"You said could care less. So really what you're saying is—"

"Oh, like I give a shit." He let out an exaggerated yawn. "Today on least interesting points ever made: whatever you were about to tell me. Why don't you get off your high horse for once and say something actually useful?"

She folded her arms. "Funny, you talking about high horses when you've been this judgemental for the past three years."

"Seriously, this again?"

He was right, she realised. The conversation was rapidly devolving back to how it had been last time they'd spoken. The last thing she wanted was a repeat of that.

Sadie ran a hand though her hair and let out a long sigh. "Listen, I didn't come here to fight," she said. "I was just wondering if you knew where Mags and Roy were staying so I could swing by and see them."

"Hm," Baz folded his arms, one thick eyebrow raised. "What for?"

"What, are you gatekeeping Etta's parents now?" Sadie said. "I just want to see how they're doing."

"Don't you have their number?" He was smiling now, a sly curl at his lips that drove Sadie crazy.

"No, I don't have their number," she said. "If I had their number I wouldn't be talking to you, would I?"

"'Course you wouldn't." Baz let out a harsh, spiteful laugh. "Fucking typical of you, isn't it? We don't speak in three years and when we do it's because you need something."

Sadie groaned. "Why'd you always make out like I'm physically incapable of doing nice things for people?"

"Hmm..." Baz tapped a finger against his chin, as if deep in thought. "Let's see. You didn't want to see them when they were devastated about Etta and needed your support. But now when everything's blown over, you're suddenly super keen to catch up? Concerned about their wellbeing?" He laughed again. "Go on, cut the crap. What is it you really want?"

"Nothing," Sadie snapped. "Maybe you've forgotten, but I spent as much time with them as you did. It's not weird for me to want to see them, okay?"

Something seemed to occur to him. Baz smiled and leaned towards her, suddenly smug.

"Waaaait, I know what this is," he said. "Go on, who tipped you off?"

Sadie's brows furrowed. "Sorry, what?"

"Cut the bullshit, Sadie," he said. "You're saying you had no idea about tomorrow?"

Tomorrow? Sadie considered it, on the off-chance there was a national holiday or something she'd forgotten about. But nothing sprang to mind.

"The fuck are you on about, Baz?"

Baz leaned away, arms folded. He looked Sadie up and down, but the complete bafflement on her face must have been enough to convince him.

"Well, I'm going round for dinner tomorrow," he said, finally.

Sadie had to hide her surprise. She knew Baz was still in contact with Etta's parents, but she didn't realise they'd stayed that close.

"Yeah, and?"

"And the timing's fucking shady, obviously," he said. "You don't speak to me for years and the day before I'm about to see them you pop up asking for their address?"

"Alright, alright, keep your stupid tinfoil hat on," Sadie said. "Not everything's some great conspiracy. Christ."

"Yeah?"