The art used for this fic belongs to the Twitter user T_Claes and is only used by their permission. Their a great artist and if your interested be sure to check out their other stuff on their Twitter page ^_^.

/t_claes_/media

Rutile wasn't one to complain about minor inconveniences, growing up in a household that valued hard work and diligence did that to her. But after four hours of nonstop driving her arms were stiff on the wheel and the tired yawns were unavoidable. But the expressway was no place to stop, and she still had a full six hours of driving left before she could make it to her destination.

"Perhaps I pushed myself a little too hard this time…" she muttered to herself as she glanced at her interactive radio screen. Work didn't start until next week, but she wanted to have a few days to settle into her flat, in hindsight maybe she should have waited another three days to go with her friends Alex and Jade. At least then they could have taken driving shifts-… Who was she kidding, she was far too stubborn to let a long drive deter her from having her way.

It was past seven now and it was getting rather dark on the streets, prompting her to turn on her street lights and tap a button on a rather expensive and portable looking coffee machine at her side and within a minute the plastic cup holder was filled with some freshly brewed coffee. Without averting her eyes from the road Rutile picked the cup and took a light sip of it, savouring the familiar taste and burn in her throat it gave, it was a great buzz, but after two cups its effects were weighing.

As she drove down the high way, she noticed some signboards pointing to a nearby town and sighed, her compulsions told her to keep driving and rest when she was at her destination, but the more prudent side told her that arriving a day later than expected wouldn't be the end of the world. Her tank could take the trip but she was thoroughly sick of driving at the moment. "Break it is then" she said as she finished her cup and turned her Mercedes left on the next intersection heading to the town.

She usually couldn't sleep well in places she wasn't familiar with, so a simple motel she could relax in would do. Or maybe she could find a simple café she could lounge about in, really, she just needed to get the blood flowing back into her legs. Then again if it was a small town, odds where it wouldn't have too many twenty four hour joints. And she was right.

As she drove down the streets a lot of her regular cafés were closed, save for a few utility shops, oh and a handful of strip clubs. The latter would possibly have places to sit but that wasn't really a place for a strait-laced girl in a lab coat, the sort of sleazebags those places attracted would probably have her mistaken for some roleplay side attraction. So where else could she go?

As if some higher force was listening to her inner monologue a pair of large neon lights illuminated on her windscreen, highlighting a large nightclub called 'Saucey's club'. It probably wasn't a benevolent deity though since nightclub over a strip club was just choosing the lesser of two evils… Though that probably said more about her than it did about the actual nature of the joint. She'd after all almost never visited one of these places before.

"I could drive around for a motel, but I don't think my legs will last the meandering…" she said as she slowed her driving to twenty-kilometer' s/hour to accommodate the smaller streets. She sighed when it dawned on her that she was doing it again, talking to herself that is. Extended isolation did that to her. "Ugh, screw it. Nightclub it is" she said as she drove around the back to an open parking lot. It took some searching, but she found herself a single spot and parked her car. If the number of parked vehicles was any indication the club must have been making a good profit.

'assuming people aren't just using it for free parking space,' she thought in mild amusement as she tapped the off switch and put her keys in her coats inner pocket. Grabbing her handbag she got out and locked the door with a tap of the button.

With a heavy sigh, she took in the cold night air and stretched her legs slightly before making her way along the parking lot. She could probably ask the staff for some directions to the nearest motel once she'd gotten a drink or something. Either way, she didn't plan on lingering too long.

Stepping to the entrance, she noticed some bouncers outside, there either to keep the more violent partygoers out or stop minors from sneaking in.

"Identification ma'am?" a burly male asked as she approached. Did she really look under twenty-one to these guys? She wasn't sure if she was flattered or annoyed but without much trouble, she reached into her bag and pulled her license.

"I look that young, do I?" Rutile asked as she handed it over to the brown-skinned man who chuckled lightly and as he scanned her identification.

"You fit right between looking just young enough," he said, handing it back to her. "You're cleared. Sorry for the holdup."

"I'll take that as a compliment," she said with a slight smile before walking in through the door.

The entrance hall was dimly lit with only a few neon lights illuminating the walls to guide patrons down a long corridor. But the closer she got, the louder the music got, the decibels rising with each step as she got to the end where she pushed a revolving door and instantly felt like she was in the heart of a lion's den.

The club was massive with dozens of patrons partaking in all sorts of activities she'd only heard of. From having a chat with their friends along the numerous armrests, having drinks on any one of the three bars that had enough stools for seven people at a time and most noticeably, watching some scantily clad women dance around on a thin pole in some especially sensual manners. It was a little much to a first timer, and she made a conscious effort to keep her composure, no need to make it evident to anyone.

Walking up to the bar she took a seat and turned to the bartender who gave a practiced smile.

"Evening hun, what can I get you?" asked the young woman that was serving her.

"I'll have a beer" she answered as she brushed some hair back "Make it a medium"

"Alrighty, cash or card?"

"Cash" she answered to which the woman turned to the tall shelf filled with numerous alcoholic beverages most of which she'd probably never heard of. She was a very simple person when it came to this stuff. A minute later the woman returned with a medium glass and of the martini, placing it on the table and accepting her payment. "So, I don't suppose you know any places nearby a passer-by can shack up for a day, do you?" she asked after a sip of the cold beverage.

What she wasn't expecting was a flirty response from the woman. "Well, my place is open past ten pm. I don't usually go for girls, but a pretty young thing like you is more than welcome" she replied with a wink that made Rutile's heart skip a beat. Was the bartender seriously hitting on her, but something about the confident spark in her told her it wasn't a joke.

"I think you misunderstood the context. I just want some directions" Rutile replied, hoping it was just a misunderstanding. But then she felt the woman touch her arm in a rather sensual manner, instantly throwing out all doubts.

"No misunderstandings here sweet cheeks, just an opportunity to add some extra meaning," the woman said, looking Rutile straight in the eye with a seductive glint. The woman looked old enough to be her aunt, maybe in her early forties. That made the young doctor very uncomfortable, and a little irritated.

"Cut it out" she said sternly, her tone serious, and her demeanour showing she wouldn't tolerate any kind of coercion or seduction. The woman in response sighed in dissatisfaction before looking back at Rutile, a hint of teasing in her eye.

"Shame, could have had a hell of a time with that thin body of yours… I don't know about any motels though, only a few where I live and they're a bit of a rip off if your just passing-by" the woman said throwing in one last flirt before going into a more serious attitude, as though she flicked a switch. If she'd met this lady anywhere else she'd happily cuss her out, or maybe give her a good slap on the cheek but that would probably get her thrown out… And that would be counterproductive.

"Any maps I can use?" she pressed on, setting aside her annoyance.

"Nope, sorry sweet cheeks" she replied. She didn't say anything, but the glint in her eyes said the sex invitation was still open. She didn't reply and sighed in exasperation before taking a swig of her glass.

"Can't get away from assholes no matter how far you travel" she muttered under her breath once the woman was out of earshot.

"Well, when your half a century old and single, people will do anything to feel young" she heard a voice next to her mutter, prompting her to turn her gaze to a pair of bright crimson orbs, decorating a pretty face.

The person in question was dressed in a sleeves black suit over a white button shirt, a purple bow tie on the collar that was noticeably loosed out of place with long flowing red hair that was tied in a ponytail that fell to their hips.

Rutile stared for a good ten seconds trying to discern the individual's gender, there was definitely a full-bodied effeminate shape to their face but the clothes looked like the sort of thing a man would wear.

"Hello?" she replied, not sure what to make of the person sitting next to her. The person gave a polite smile as they lowered their glass of water on the table.

"Hey" they replied, resting their chin on their knuckles. " Pardon the nosiness but I just couldn't ignore whatever THAT was" they said motioning to the woman who hit on her. "Had the same thing happen with a glass holder dude yesterday" they said with a thoughtful look.

They were a bit odd looking but hey this was the friendliest face she'd seen all day and felt obliged enough to reply. "You mean all the staff are this unprofessional?" she asked with an incredulous look.

The young man… or woman shook their head in response and giggled. "Ha, not all. Most are pretty professional but let's just say it's not unusual for patrons to makeout with them in the kitchen". Even their voice was soft spoken enough to not lean to heavily in either direction, not helped by the slight accent in their voice. "At least in the week I've been here…" they added.

She supposed this place was worse than she expected, or perhaps normal. How did nightclubs usually function? "Sounds like the owners pretty lax."

"Definitely a safe answer" they replied with another sip of their water. "I'm gonna take a wild guess and say this is your first time in a nightclub," they said. Rutile instantly turned to them with a look of surprise.

"What? How'd you get that idea?" she asked, lowering her glass away from her lips.

"Well, you've got that fish out of water look in your eye. You're constantly shifting your posture and plugging your ears" they explained with a smile.

"You some kind of detective?" she asked with a raised brow. Surprised by the specificity of their words.

"I wish dude, I've just been in the same position and had people read me like a book," they said. "Plus, my work involves a lot of loud music,". The person was peaking her interest even more now.

With a small smile, she reached out her hand to the redhead. "Nice to meet you…"

"Padparadscha, a mouthful I know," they said as they accepted the handshake with an equally welcoming smirk.

"You mean like the gem? That's a really fitting name" Rutile said, what a pleasant coincidence it was their parent choose the same kind of names for them. "And kinda freaky considering mine."

"Ha, I see someone knows their gems. Yup, I'd say I got lucky with my name. My parents could have been lazy and named me something generic like Roseria or Scarlet" they said with a proud smile. Whether Padparadscha did that unpurpose or not Rutile wasn't sure as both of those names were designated to a boy and girl.

"You certainly did. It so happens I'm named after Rutile" she said.

Padparadscha blinked, perhaps questioning if she was joking or not but when she gave a reassuring nod the redhead had a sly grin on their lips. "Must be fate then. You and I will henceforth be rock buddies".

Rutile gave an amused smile in response, finding the phrasing quite silly and comforting at the same time. "I hope your joking," she said, but the unwavering smirk was a bit on the convincing side.

A brief silence passed as the two of them finished their glasses before resuming their fun chat." So then Rutile, care to take this conversation to the balcony? It's a lot quieter up there" Padparadscha inquired with an encouraging smile. Of all the times for her to meet an intriguing stranger, it had to be on some trip. She was supposed to just get a drink and leave, but now she had a change of heart.

"Sure, I don't really like It here anyway," Rutile said with a shrug, ordering a refill of her glass before standing up and following Pad through the dance floor.

"I'm telling you those new DC films are just atrocious" Padparadscha exclaimed from their chair, a glass of wine in hand. It was the redhead's fifth glass of it, and they were already looking a little tipsy

They'd chatted about a lot of things, from Rutile's job which as the lab coat would indicate was medicine, technically she was a surgeon but dabbled enough in other fields to be a bit decent at pharmacy. As for Padparadscha, turned out they were a musician of sorts though they didn't elaborate any further, telling Rutile Pad wasn't very open about talking about themselves. Perhaps something to do with their very androgynous appearance? Idle speculation really.

"So I've heard" Rutile replied with a smile, she had no idea how the conversation had come to discussing superhero movies but it seemed Padparadscha was quite a nerd about it. She'd only watched a few of those Marvel films that none of her friends would shut up about and found them entertaining on a casual level. "I believe there was supposed to be a Man of Steel sequel that got axed" she said with a sip of her glass.

"Yeah, but with what they did to Superman's character. I don't mind the cancelation all that much" Padparadscha stated with a frustrated groan. It was honestly quite amusing the way they got worked up about it.

"Huh, but wasn't the intention to make his character deep or more human?" she asked, she was just humouring them at this point.

"On Paper yeah, but call me old fashioned but the Superman I watched as a kid was supposed to be a Paragon to live up to. Yeah writing him as flawed could be interesting but Hollywood's too scared to play him straight anymore". Their attitude was akin to one of those nineties kids that liked those older hero flicks way more, her parents didn't let her watch a lot of TV growing up, so she didn't really get how people could so attached to something so obviously fictional.

Rutile nodded, indulging them to keep talking. But when Padparadscha glanced back at her and snickered into their hand she could tell they'd caught on.

"You probably don't read comics or watch any of those movies, do you?". It was a rhetorical question but Rutile replied anyway.

"Mother only let me watch TV past seven pm, and even then she blocked a lot of channels until I was seventeen" Rutile explained with a thoughtful look. They meant well but looking back they're all work and no play approach to parenting made Rutile miss out on a lot of things her classmates took for granted.

"Talk about helicopter parenting. Didn't you ever do anything fun, like visit amusement parks or movies?" Padparadscha asked with a concerned look. They had that look a lot of people had when they found out about her relatively uninteresting childhood.

"Dad hates amusement parks, calls them overpriced breeding grounds for ride accidents and junk food" Rutile replied with a reminiscent smile. "Could write you a whole book on why they're bad for society. He doesn't mind the cinema as much, but they were super rare about those".

"They must be fun at parties," Padparadscha said sarcastically, she merely shrugged in response.

"They were very strict but on the other hand, they did a good job of preparing me for adulthood. So silver lining I suppose. We truthfully don't talk too much these days."

"I guess so. So now that your independent do you indulge in the stuff you weren't allowed to?" Padparadscha inquired, finishing their glass and laying it down.

"No, not really. I've been a working doctor for a whole year now with almost no leave days."

Padparadscha gave a disapproving look and moved to sit next to her, arm placed on her shoulder.

"Rutile, from one young adult to another, give yourself a break. Your twenties is the best time to go wild and have fun being independent. There's a time and place for work but if that's all you do then your not living."

The words rang true, she did spend an inordinate amount of time doing more work than was expected of her but it was just so engrained in her mind to always keep busy. And it had definitely worked out in the productive side of things, she could afford an expensive car and five-star hotel any day of the week. Yet she wasn't really enjoying any of those returns.

Padparadscha averted their gaze and chuckled lightly, looking a bit embarrassed. "Sorry, nobody likes a philosophical drunk," they said, prompting the lightest of laughs from the usually reserved Rutile.

"Well, I take it your parents gave you all the leeway you wanted then?" Rutile asked. She'd talked enough about herself, and it was only fair Padparadscha do the same.

Taking a moment to ponder the question Pad shook her head. "I know I had a lot more freedom than most kids, not always for the better though."

"Are you not on good terms with them?" the brunette asked as she reached for some finger food, funnily enough, It was pizza on a stick of all things. "classy" she muttered as she waved it for Padparadscha to see.

"Very" they echoed in agreement and reached for a piece of their own from the table. After taking a bite and swallowing it whole, they turned back to Rutile. "My folks are complicated, Rutile. They're divorced now but growing up they constantly fought" the redhead explained as they leaned back on the leather armrest.

"Oh… I'm sorry to hear that Padparadscha" Rutile said with an apologetic look, knowing that had to be a sore topic. But surprisingly Padparadscha gave a dismissive wave and sat back up, the tips of their long red mane tickling Rutile's side with the pleasant scent of grapefruit shampoo invading her nose.

"No, don't be. Its only fair I talk about myself."

"Only if you're comfortable…"

"I am," they said poking Rutile's shoulder playfully. "There's not a whole lot to really tell but basically a salaryman and Grocer meet at a bar one night and get drunk, they hit it off and spend a night together. The next day they go back to their respective jobs and act like nothing happened, two months later the grocer checks in at the hospital to look for some medicine to stop her bouts of nausea and vomiting except the doctor tells her she's pregnant. Next thing they know two people who thought they were just friends with benefits realise they have to raise a kid they didn't even want."

Rutile narrowed her eyes uncertainly but didn't interrupt, sure she wanted to get to know Pad better but not at the cost of the lovely mood they'd built up. Instead she opted to take another rolled pizza and ate it.

"Turns out they only met up for the casual sex and as soon as they had to live together it was nothing but arguments and minor quarrels on how they had to raise their new brat" Pad took another sip from their glass. The redness in their cheeks showing they were quite drunk now. "My uncle told me that story, though I kinda already knew they didn't want me. Still, I had a ton of support from relatives who took care of me when things got too toxic between them. So, it could have been worse" Padparadscha said with a reassuring smile.

Something about their tone told her that Pad was probably omitting some details but she didn't want to push them into talking more about it so instead she gave a pleased smile at the somewhat reassuring end. "That's good, it would be horrible for any child to get stuck in that home environment"

"I suppose that's my silver lining as well" they replied as Rutile reached for a third pizza role. "Someone's enjoying the rolls" they teased, bringing a mild blush to her cheeks.

"Ah, they're just tasty I guess…" Rutile answered sheepishly. Padparadscha quietly snickered in response and averted their gaze to the city the balcony overlooked. The dead of the night giving it a quiet air to it, at least now that the dubstep was just a mild thumping downstairs.

But now that they'd spent a fair bit of time together she didn't feel as uncomfortable asking the question that had been on her mind from the moment they met, they didn't seem like the type to get offended over assumptions, but Pad had been such pleasant company that she didn't want to risk making them mad.

"I've got another question Padparadscha" Rutile said, bringing the redheads gaze back to her.

"Shoot" they replied. Well that was enough encouragement.

"Well it may be a bit weird but…. Are you a boy or girl?" she asked, watching Pads brow raise with her anxiety rising. Surely, they realised just how effeminate they looked, then again they were wearing a suit so they could be a guy. But then the long hair was a bit much for a guy so they must have known it.

They took another sip from their glass before turning back to Rutile, their features a lot softer than before. "Tell me Rutile, what gender do 'you' think I am?" Padparadscha asked. She couldn't tell if they were offended or not but tried to answer anyway.

"I don't know honestly, you kind of look like a girl but I know a few guys that can pass as girls…" her answer was a bit less filtered than she would have liked but she was trying to be honest. "I mean, it doesn't really matter to me either way, but I know some people prefer specific pronouns and I don't want to step on any toes," she said.

Smiling Pad crossed their legs and sat up. "I appreciate the thought Rutile, most people tend to just assume my gender half the time. Thing is I'm not nearly as complicated with that as people assume. I mean…But I guess my choice of clothing doesn't really help" Padparadscha said.

"So, are you a crossdresser then?"

"Not at all, well I suppose from someone's point of view it could be called that". Now Rutile was even more confused. "Ugh, I'm bad at explaining. To put it simply I just don't dress like my genders a factor, I mean weather I have a Vagina or Penis between my legs doesn't matter when I'm shopping for clothes" Padparadscha said, trying to explain as simplistically as possible.

"I follow, as Doctor you meet patients that prefer gender neutral pronouns more often than you think…" she wasn't really satisfied with the ambiguity of that answer, but she supposed it was better than nothing. But evidently her slight disappointment didn't go unnoticed and Padparadscha giggled lightly.

"I'll tell you what, make a guess right now on my gender" Padparadscha suggested.

"Are you sure about that?"

"I am, now guess". Rutile sighed and took a moment to scan Padparadscha from head to toe. Trying to get a beat on them. Maybe there was something there she hadn't noticed before.

"I think you're a guy" she finally replied.

"Final answer?"

"Yeah, I guess…"

"Alrighty then, from now on I'm a dude to you" Padparadscha said with a definitive look. It honestly didn't feel like they cared a lick about their gender, odd or reassuring was anyone's guess, probably both.

She was about to respond when she felt an uncomfortable rumbling in her gut. She felt all kinds of wrong right now and placed an arm over her mouth.

"Are you ok…?" Padparadscha asked as they placed an arm on her shoulder.

"Bathroom…" she just managed to blurt out before standing up and hurrying out.

After spending a whole thirty minutes throwing up into a public toilet that was the first and last time Rutile would ever have pizza rolls or anything from that nightclub ever again. She was already tired enough from a whole day of driving and partying it up, so the wooziness and stomach ache was the last thing she needed. Quite frankly she wasn't sure she was in any condition to linger in the place any longer.

"Yeah, I think you've had enough for one night" Padparadscha said as they rubbed comforting circles around her back. Of course, with their looks, most people wouldn't bat an eye if they walked into the lady's room, after ten minutes had passed and she still hadn't returned their concern for her evidently outweighed their patience. Something she felt pretty mixed about.

She hardly knew them but she felt like she could trust the redhead, having them around certainly made her feel better. But at the same time she felt mortified to have Padparadscha witness her in such a wretched state.

"I just need a place to rest for a few hours, don't worry" she replied, trying her best to sound reassuring and falling flat.

"That'll take some doing…" they replied as they brushed their bangs back. Noting they didn't have any toilet paper Pad reached into their pocket and offered her a handkerchief to wipe her mouth once she'd emptied the last remnants of that godforsaken pizza. "Here. I'll walk you to your car" they said as Rutile discreetly wiped her mouth with a very bright blush on her cheeks.

She knew she was sick and much as she wanted to not appear fragile she knew as a Doctor that such an attitude was misguided. "I'd appreciate it Padparadscha" she said as she stood, feeling her legs wobble slightly but picking herself straight back up.

"Just Pad's fine. And just let me know if you think you might fall" Padparadscha said, they're demeanour far less relaxed and worried.

"I can manage now. But if I do need I'll tell you" she replied as she washed her hands and face of any puke. "Sorry for ruining your handkerchief". She wouldn't blame them if they thought she was gross or some kind of slob now. She certainly wouldn't have found the sight pleasant.

"Their cheap, I've got spares at home" Padparadscha replied as they stepped out of the bathroom.

The stairs were a bit daunting considering they were on the third floor but with Pad offering Support she made it without tripping. And when they had to push through the crowded lobby without asking the redhead wrapped an arm over her shoulder helped her push through the crowd until they were both out. Felt like she was a child being lead around by her Mom, the mere thought gave a blush to her cheeks. Thankfully though they released her when they were back in the parking lot. The moonlight illuminating the lot for them, with the wind blowing their hair back.

She only felt comfortable at a slow walking pace, as any faster made her feet feel like butter. She'd probably never been so happy to see her Mercedes

"I can drive fine, at least that doesn't have me moving much. You can give me directions to the nearest motel" she said as she unlocked her car door. Pad looked a bit uncertain but got into the passenger seat without protest. Locking the doors, she turned on the engine and the familiar low grumble of the engine coming to life, putting her seatbelt she took off the handbrake and tried to reverse. Keyword being tried as the vehicle jerked backwards so fast she just barely braked before they could ram into an SUV behind them.

Both of them heaved a sigh of relief, seeing that they didn't have anything else to worry about, heaven knew she didn't need a vandalism case on her back.

"I'm sure you're a great driver when you're not half drunk but can I have the wheel before we drive into another parked car?" Padparadscha asked with a nervous smile, though she was pretty sure a good bit of it was the mini heart attack the cars jerking gave them both. She really could only bury her face in the wheel and put the handbrake back up.

"Yeah alright… Just watch the acceleration, its a bit stronger than most cars" she warned as she unbuckled her seat belt.

"Got it" Padparadscha replied as they swapped seats. Once they were both settled the red head adjusted the seating to their preferences Padparadscha hit drive and safely navigated them out of the parking lot and onto the freeway. "Just get some rest, I'll tell you when we're there" they soothed as they drove down the quiet streets.

She wanted to make a sarcastic retort, maybe pretend to get mad but she the consequences of overexertion making their presence and she just wanted to rest now. And despite her best efforts she ended up passing out on her seat ten minutes into the drive.