Author's note: Quick FYI. This takes place after Drunk On Emotions so there will be a connection to that story.

Just Friends

So why don't we go out and get a drink on the west end.

Smoke a cigarette and talk shit about exes.

Take a couple shots and see where the night ends.

Stop pretending like we're just friends.

Why don't we go out and get a drink on the west end.

One more dance, are you feeling the tension.

Take a couple shots and see where the night ends.

Stop pretending like we're just friends.

Just Friends - Virginia To Vegas

Leifang finishes up her work day and makes her way toward her car to head home. She checks her phone and there is a message from her long time friend Hitomi.

"Hitomi is in town," she says to herself as she checks the message. She becomes excited as she reads on. "And she wants to meet up."

She opens the door and slides into the driver seat before typing back a reply.

I know a good place. 729 Eagle St. Around 6 or so.

There is a few minutes before a reply comes from Hitomi.

Great. See you then. ;)

Leifang smiles to herself as she finishes reading the message. They haven't been able to chat for quite a while due to their jobs keeping them busy. She puts her phone away and reaches for the ignition. "It will be nice to see her," she thinks aloud as she puts the car in gear.

After about a 20 minute drive, Leifang pulls up to their specified location. A quiet bar in the business side of town.

"I am here a little early," she says, checking the clock on the radio. "Guess I could head inside." She switches off the engine and steps out to the cool evening air. Her eyes scan the building as she closes the door. "Good old Zack's"

She makes her way through the door and is greeted by a friendly redhead behind the bar. "Welcome to Zack's."

"Hi Mila," Leifang says as she takes a seat at the bar. "Is Tina here tonight?"

Mila throws a towel over her shoulder. "I texted her, but she has been caught up with something." She leans on the bar top. "What can I get you?"

Leifang gets her drink and takes a sip. "This is pretty good."

"So?" Mila asks. "Are you here alone?"

"No. I am waiting for someone."

"A friend? Or a date?"

"A friend," Leifang answers. She turns her head when someone calls to her. "And speaking of. Hi Hitomi."

Hitomi walks up and takes a seat next to her. "This is a pretty nice place."

"Thank you," Mila says. "What can I get you?"

Mila gets Hitomi her drink and she takes a sip. "So Leifang," Hitomi says, placing her glass down. "How are things between you and Jann Lee?"

"Not good," Leifang answers. "We broke up."

Hitomi places her hand on Leifang's shoulder. "Sorry to hear that. I know you liked him."

Leafing takes a drink. "Yeah." She stares into the glass. "That is how things go sometimes. What about you?" she asks, looking up toward Hitomi. "Weren't you with someone?"

"Not really," Hitomi answers. "There was someone I liked, but it didn't last long."

"Men," Leifang says as she takes a drink.

Mila lets out a laugh from behind the bar. "That is why I don't date men."

"Oh yeah," Liefang says. "How are you two?"

"Good," Mila answers. "We have a date tomorrow night." She moves down the bar. "Maybe you two could try it."

Hitomi and Leifang watch her. "What did she say?" Leifang asks. "You two should what?"

Hitomi starts to feel embarrassed. "She said that basically that men are overrated."

"Maybe," Leifang replies. "What's wrong?"

The German takes a big swallow of her drink. "Maybe she has a point."

"About men? Well I guess I haven't had the best of luck." Leifang runs her finger around the rim of her glass. "I don't know."

Hitomi watches Leifang for a moment. "Why not us?"

"I suppose we could try.." She lifts her head. "Wait. What?'

Hitomi locks eyes with her. "I mean you are my best friend." She pauses. "And to be honest….well…I have been feeling something lately."

"For me? For how long?"

"I am not exactly sure," Hitomi confesses, lowering her gaze to her drink. "I found myself feeling jealous when I would see you with Jann Lee."

"I don't know what to say."

"You could say yes," Mila states from the other side of the bar.

"Thank you for that,'' Hitomi tells the redhead. She focuses her attention back to Leifang. "Could you give me a chance. You are my best friend and I want to become closer with you." She leans in and tucks a strand of Leifang's brown hair behind her ear. "Much closer."

Leifang swallows the lump in her throat. There is a moment of silence as she compiles her thoughts. "Hitomi," she says. "Maybe I could give it a try. Maybe we can make it work."

Hitomi's expression brightens. "Really?" She pulls Leifang into a hug. From down the bar she spots Mila. The redhead is pressing her finger on her puckered lips and changes to a grin, to which Hitomi gives her a playful scowl. Mila responds with a laugh and moves to help a customer.

They pull apart and Hitomi lets out a little laugh. "So is this like our first date?"

"Works for me," Leifang answers. She downs the rest of her drink and raises her glass. "Mila," she calls. "We need another."

"Oh," Mila replies as she spots Leifang's hand intertwined with Hitomi's on the bar. "Celebrating good news?"

"You bet," Hitomi answers.

"Well then." Mila places a couple of fresh drinks on the bar. "These are on the house."

"Thank you." Hitomi and Leifang each take a glass and clink them together.

They take a drink and Hitomi eyes her glass. "Do you think this tastes funny?"

"I thought it was pretty good," Leifang responds. "Why do you ask?"

"Maybe I need another taste."

Leifang turns her head to find Mila. "We could ask for another if you would like."

She feels a tap on her shoulder. "Hey Leifang."

After turning her head, Hitomi quickly pulls her in for a kiss that leaves the Chinese girl stunned. After a moment her eyes fall closed as she relaxes into the kiss. They pull apart and Hitomi gives a grin. "You are right," she says. "It does taste good."

Leifang brings a couple fingers to her lips as she returns Hitomi's grin. "I'll say."

After a couple more drinks, they decide to call it a night. "Thanks Mila," Leifang says as she pays the tab. "The first date is on me."

Hitomi feels a warmth in her heart as Leifang turns to her and takes her hand. The two make their way from the bar, filled with new affection for each other."