Auggie was going to go first, but Annie beat me over the head with a blunt instrument, telling me that "There was no way that she would let Ben sing a song like that and get away with it." So I had to let her go next. She threatened me with bodily injury, what else could I do?


Annie gently, but firmly pushed Auggie back into his seat. "No your not."

"I'm not?"

"No, your not."

Annie made her way through the maze of tables, up to the stage. Ben was watching her with a hopeful smile, thinking that maybe he had changed her mind about their relationship. Annie took the microphone, whispered something, probably her song choice in Flint's ear, and took her place. Ben's hopes were crushed when he heard the music.

You're struttin' into town like you're slingin' a gun
Just a small town dude with a big city attitude
Honey are ya lookin' for some trouble tonight
Well all right

Ben's face fell. His eyes searched Annie's for any sign of sympathy or love, he found none. He turned his attention to the audience. He could see Anderson, the blind techno-geek at Annie's table. He was laughing at Annie's song choice. Laughing at HIM! His face dark as a thundercloud, he moved silently towards the table.

You think you're so bad, drive the women folk wild
Shoot 'em all down with the flash of your pearly smile
Honey but you met your match tonight
Oh, that's right

"Anderson." Ben's nonchalant voice cut through Auggie's darkness.

"Mercer." Auggie's voice mirrored Ben's. He had no idea what Ben wanted, so there was no need to be aggressive. Not yet, anyway.

You think you'll knock me off my feet 'til I'm flat on the floor
'Til my heart is cryin' Indian and I'm beggin for more
So come on baby
Come on baby show me what that loaded gun is for

"Do you really think she's going to choose you over me?" Ben asked him softly.

"She already has. She just doesn't know it yet."

If you can give it I can take it
'Cause if this heart is gonna break it's gonna take a lot to break it I know tonight
Somebody's gonna win the fight
So if you're so tough
Come on and prove it
You heart is down for the count and you know you're gonna lose it
Tonight you're gonna go down in flames
Just like Jesse James

"ooh, I do not envy you right now." Auggie said, smiling at the thought of Ben squirming with discomfort at Annie's choice of song.

"You should. I mean, I'm handsome, successful, popular..." Ben said with indignation.

"So am I, dear boy. So am I." Auggie said with a shrug.

You break the laws of love in the name of desire
Take ten steps back cause I'm ready baby
Aim and fire
Baby there's nowhere you gonna run tonight
Ooh that's right

"Yeah? At least I can see. I can appreciate her physical beauty, while you can't." Ben said without thinking. Instantly regretted it, he looked over at Auggie with trepidation. He had gone dangerously quiet.

"Maybe, but I can see her most important aspect. The single, solitary, thing that you cannot. I see her inner beauty."

Well you've had your way with love but it's the end of the day
Now a team of wild horses couldn't drag your heart away
So come on baby
Come on baby
Come on baby Come on

"Come on, Anderson. Women don't fall for that "sensitive male" thing, do they? I tried it, and believe me, the "sexy macho man" act works much better."

"Maybe for you, but tell me this. How well did it work on Annie?" Auggie asked with a knowing smirk.

If you can give it I can take it
'Cause if this heart is gonna break it's gonna take a lot to break it I know tonight
Somebody's gonna win the fight
So if you're so tough
Come on and prove it
You heart is down for the count and you know you're gonna lose it
Tonight you're gonna go down in flames
Just like Jesse James

Ben felt his temper rise to the surface, but he quickly beat it down. Attacking Annie's best friend right in front of her wouldn't help his case any. "I'm relying heavily on the fact that she knows me better than you." Ben said with a cold smile.

Auggie smiled as well. "So am I. I'm hoping that she does know you, and she remembers all the times you 've deserted her, and the fact that I haven't abandoned her once."

Ben's face drained of color as he realized that Auggie had found the one loop hole he had never even considered.

Tonight you're gonna go down in flames
Just like Jesse James


I'm actually glad Annie went instead of Auggie! I was planning on having Auggie and Ben talk eventually, and this was the best time to do it!