To the readers at ff.net:
I appreciate your comments and requests for more very much! I'm afraid this is a *very* long story. The first 'book' is complete, at nine chapters, but due to real life conflicts, I have not finished the second 'book', yet. I am reaching inspiration, though, and will be able to work on it, soon. You will notice, I'm sure, that the characters become increasingly sappy and out-of-character through the rest of this book; for that, I offer my apologies, but it's what my muse told me to do.
---
Experienced Outlaw Star fans:
Allow me to beg your forgiveness. This is my first OS fanfiction, and as of yet, unfinished. The characters are as I see them, having only watched the series twice through. If you don't like the way I spell the names, that's your problem.
This is a alternate time line fic, which means it does not follow the time line set by the actual series. Actually, it follows a similar time line, but at some point it breaks off into a paradox and becomes a different story entirely.
---
Disclaimer: I own nothing except the pictures in my head. Original characters do belong to me.
Warning: As of yet, this is an alternate time line fic, with yaoi (m/m), het (m/f), and humor. Small dashes of sap, language and angst thrown in for good measure. Pairings--wouldn't you just like to know? This fic reaches into the very edges of lime, but do not expect any lemons. If you don't know what that means, email me and expect to be embarrassed. Underage people are drinking--don't try this at home!
Author: Kasey
Archive: Not unless I send it to you.
Status: Incomplete, self-edited.
Key: /italics/ and *emphasis*
---
"At a Minute or Two 'Till Two, Today"
---
-Part Five-
---
"Why are we moving back here, Gene?" Jim asked. "I was kinda getting used to that big bedroom."
"Just unlock the door," Gene replied, his face masked. They were standing outside the Starwind and Hawking warehouse that Fred had kept cleaned and claimed while they were away from Hayfong. Now, they were moving back in. "We can't live off of Fred's charity forever, and it'll be a few days before Mel's ready for us to get rid of that Harry MacDougal."
"It makes sense," Suzuka said. She was there to help them readjust, and to move Harry MacDougal in, as well. "It's better to have MacDougal here, anyway. There's more room, and it will be easier to keep an eye on him."
"Then we'd better go get him," Jim said. "I hope Mel's got him ready."
---
"What are you doing?" Harry asked Melfina. She was studying his left shoulder intently, from behind him. "I don't like not being able to see your face," he said softly. "Please come around so I can talk to you."
Melfina turned him so that they were facing. "How long have you been crazy?" she asked.
Harry blinked. "I...I don't know. As long as I can remember, I think."
"Did you know you have a virus?"
"Wh-what?!" Harry's eyes flew wide open. "What kind of virus?"
Melfina used her command of her domain to bring up the images Gillium had used to demonstrate Harry's problem for the crew of the /Outlaw Star/. Harry stared at them.
"At some point, a virus was implanted in your left shoulder," Melfina said. "It's taken over a great deal of your body, particularly the connections between your nerves."
Harry swallowed. He looked back at Melfina. "Why are you telling me this?" he demanded. "Why? You're just going to kill me... did you have to tell me?"
"I don't..." Melfina stopped. She glanced away. "We're going to remove the virus," she said, finally. "I have to do it from here, and the nano-bots in your real body will remove the probe."
Harry was astounded. "You'll... you'll do that, for me?"
Melfina smiled shyly. "Well... Jim wants to take a look at the virus... and, well... *I* wouldn't want to have a virus, so..."
"Thank you," Harry said. "Thank you, Melfina."
"I haven't done it yet," Melfina replied, shrugging her shoulders. "We're going to move you, first. I'm plugging you into Gillium's portable computer, so the firewall won't break."
"I won't hurt you, Melfina," Harry insisted. "I'd never hurt you. Not again. I'm so sorry for what happened..."
"I... I know," Melfina said. She looked down. "But you keep trying to hurt Gene, and he's my friend."
"Gene!" Harry's eyes narrowed. "Melfina, forget him! He's not like us! He doesn't understand..."
"And neither do you!" Melfina snapped. She whirled around so that her back was to Harry. "You don't understand, either." Then, she disappeared.
"No--!" Harry knew he was too late. Why did he keep chasing her away? All he wanted was for her to know how he felt, how much he longed for her... And every time he got closer to her, he pushed her off of another cliff and she could never forgive him.
"Damn!" he cried. "Melfina, please come back!!"
---
By the time Gene, Suzuka, and Jim had arrived at the space port, Melfina had successfully attached Harry to a small, portable computer. The uploading had included her firewalls, so Harry was still unable to access use of his body.
"We're here!" Jim said, announcing their presence.
Melfina was sitting in Asjia's seat, looking at Harry. She stood up. "Hello."
"Are you done?" Suzuka asked. "Were there any problems?"
"No," Melfina answered. "The transfer went smoothly."
Gene frowned. "Mel, are you feeling okay? Did that guy try to--"
"No!" Melfina shook her head vehemently. "No, I'm okay. Harry doesn't want to hurt me, Gene."
---
Fred stood in his office, staring out the window that overlooked the lake in his "backyard."
The guards on either side of the door to his office had sensed he was tense, but were not sure just *how* tense until he suddenly yelled at them to leave him alone.
So he was alone.
Fred sighed. He could have guessed that by telling Gene how he felt, he would chase the other man away. But still, he had hoped...
Gene had been right. He was frustrated, and really quite lonely. When the crew of the /Outlaw Star/ was around, all Fred wanted to be was cheerful and accommodating, simply because he liked to see his friends happy.
But now...
A tap on the window startled Fred, and it took him a few moments to realize that Suzuka was stepping in though the balcony door. As it dawned upon him, Fred gasped and backed up towards his desk. "T-Twilight Suzuka!"
Suzuka smiled. "You don't have to worry," she said calmly. "My agreement with Gene prevents me from fulfilling my contract, as of yet. Besides, it's long past midnight." She pointed to the ornate clock on the wall above the door.
Fred looked behind him. It was almost 1AM. He sighed, relieved.
"I don't think I'll fill my contract, anyhow," Suzuka continued conversationally. "The man I am working for has received a sudden change of funds, and tells me he is unable to pull together the money to pay me. You wouldn't know anything about that, would you?"
Fred sat down in his chair. "Of course not," he lied, smiling. "I would never pressure anyone's business partners into seeing things my way. It's simply not my style. Please have a seat," he offered, gesturing towards a chair on the other side of his desk.
"Thank you," Suzuka said, sitting. She smiled back at him. "I didn't think you had anything to do with it. Now, tell me, why are you up at such a late hour?"
"I could ask the same thing of you," Fred countered evenly. "I understand that invading a workplace in the early AM hours is not exactly commonplace."
"Neither is burning the midnight oil on a Sunday," Suzuka said. "So, you chased him away again?"
Fred's eyes widened. "What? Who?" he asked.
"Gene. He moved back to the Starwind and Hawking building."
"Oh," Fred sighed. "Gene."
Suzuka nodded, studying Fred's expression.
"Well... why do you think I chased him away?" Fred asked warily, after a moment.
Suzuka gave him an understanding look. "To one who prefers to observe, it is easy to tell your emotions concerning Gene Starwind. You're in love with him."
Despite his careful upbringing, Fred's shoulders sagged and he slouched in his chair. "To put it bluntly, yes," he confirmed. "But you didn't come here to rub my nose in that, I hope."
"You told him, didn't you?"
"You're very good at this, you know," Fred said, his voice a bit tight. "I was feeling bad enough before you came in, and now I'm feeling worse. Do you mind?"
"I'm curious," Suzuka said. "You and Gene seem to be good friends."
"For about four and a half years, now," Fred said. "I hired him to track down some missing cargo, and it took longer than expected. We got to be friends..."
"And you fell in love with him," Suzuka finished.
"Well..." Fred frowned. "Not until about a year later, I think. But why are you so interested in this? It doesn't do me any good. Or Gene. He doesn't care that I like men, but it bothers him that I--"
"...Am attracted to him. He's a very good-looking man, and you're about the same age," Suzuka said.
"Actually, he's a year younger than I am."
"I'd have thought it was the other way around," Suzuka commented, raising an eyebrow. "You look much younger."
"Well, thanks." Fred sighed. "The problem is with me, and there's nothing I can do about it. I may be attracted to Gene, but it's like one north magnet chasing another. Every time I move closer, he moves that much farther away. I want positive-positive, he wants positive-negative. Completely incompatible."
"A problem?" Suzuka asked.
"I'm gay!!" Fred shouted, standing up.
Suzuka sat in the chair, watching him, not at all surprised by his outburst.
Fred put a hand to his forehead, closed his eyes, and visibly composed himself. He sat back down slowly. "I'm sorry," he said softly. "I shouldn't be this strung-up. The problem is that I like men, and Gene likes women. End of story. I'm chasing the end of the rainbow." He laughed quietly. "Doesn't that make for a beautiful analogy? The end of the rainbow..."
"What did Gene say when you told him?" Suzuka asked.
"Nothing," Fred whispered. He folded his hands on the desk, and stared at them. "He just nodded, stood up, and left."
"Sounds like Gene."
"Maybe I'm just worried that I've lost my best friend," Fred mused, sitting back in his chair. "I pushed my limits, and broke them. It's not that I can't handle Gene not returning my feelings, it's that I'm afraid he won't be my friend anymore. Suzuka, perhaps you'd better go. I think I'm going to find a nice, quiet, all-night bar, and drink myself into oblivion."
Suzuka closed her eyes and stayed where she was. "It sounds like you're trying to run away from the problem."
Fred stood up again. "No... I can't be running away. I reached a dead-end, and I'm cutting my losses and turning back. The business man's approach." He smiled lopsidedly. "Like a candy company losing value on the stock market. I'll just look back on this in five years, laugh, and think of what a fool I was. Excuse me, I think I hear a daiquiri calling me."
With that, Fred strode across the room. At the door, he turned, bowed stiffly to Suzuka, turned back around, opened the door, and walked out.
Suzuka did nothing until the door had shut behind Fred. Then she smiled, and chuckled.
"There is only one all-night bar on this side of town," she said to herself as she walked to the balcony door. "And Gene is currently drowning his problems, too." She stepped outside, carefully closing the door behind them. "What a strange coincidence."
---
"You've had enough, Gene," the bartender said, wiping out a glass with a wet rag.
"Nope," Gene mumbled. He was sitting at the bar, propping his head up with one hand. His eyes were closed. "I still know my name. Gimmie another one."
"It's past one, Gene. Why don't you head home? You're never out this late," the bartender said, shaking his head.
"I can't never be out this late," Gene said. "If I was never out this late, I wouldn't be here right now."
"What happened? A pretty girl dumped you? Business problems?"
"...Naw..."
The bartender shook his head. "I don't know what to say. It may be good for business, but you're going to have hell, tomorrow, Gene. I don't know anyone who can drink one of those..." He pointed to the empty glass in Gene's hand. "...And not wake up with a hangover."
"How many is this?" Gene asked, lifting the glass.
"Three of those, plus a shot of whiskey and two beers."
"I c'n handle the whiskey and beer," Gene said. "...Good. I'll have three hangovers."
The bartender sighed. "I don't think it works that way." He looked up, over Gene's shoulder. "Good morning," he said. "Can I help you?"
"A daiquiri," Gene heard the newcomer say. Gene stiffened, recognizing the voice. "And a pint of whatever you've got that causes heartburn."
Gene spun around on his stool. "Fred!"
---
Fred and Gene sat across from each other in a booth in a corner of the bar. Fred quickly downed his first daiquiri, and then two more. Gene decided he could not get any more drunk without killing himself, so he sat and watched Fred drink.
It was quiet, except for Fred occasionally asking the bartender for another drink. At 2AM, they were the only ones in the bar.
"...You left pretty suddenly," Fred said quietly, finally breaking the silence.
Gene closed his eyes. Fred sounded pretty hurt. He could not really blame him. "Sorry."
"I scared you off, didn't I?" Fred did not wait for an answer, knowing he would not get one. "I figured I was going to, eventually."
"...It was time we moved back, anyways," Gene replied. He knew his response was pretty weak.
Fred knew, too. "I did mean what I said, Gene," he said softly. "But I don't want to stop being friends."
"Me neither." Gene gave Fred a small smile.
Fred smiled back briefly. "But it bothers you, doesn't it?"
Gene's smile faded. "...What does?"
"That..." Fred took a long swallow of his fourth daiquiri. "...That I'm attracted to you."
Gene raised an eyebrow. "I *knew* you were... attracted, to me... You only leave innuendoes everywhere you walk..."
Fred shook his head. "No, no... I meant that I'm in love with you. That bothers you."
"...Yeah," Gene said. "I think it does. A little." He frowned. "I don't know why."
"I'm sorry," Fred sighed. "I... You can just forget it, okay? I hate being a bother to you, I really do..."
"Forget what?"
"Forget what I said!"
Gene snorted. "How am I supposed to forget *that*?"
"I don't *care*," Fred groaned. He tossed back the rest of his daiquiri. "Just forget it. So we can be friends."
Gene tilted his head. "So it's just like that? Snap, you don't like me anymore?" He snapped his fingers to emphasize his question.
Fred shook his head. "No, I still like you... but just... just as a friend."
Gene leaned forward over the table. "Fred," he drawled, "I think you're lying."
Fred raised an eyebrow. "Why do you think that?"
Gene grinned. "Because you're my friend. And I know you. You don't give up on things that easy, Fred."
Fred looked down at his empty glass. "No..." he said, reluctantly. "I... I guess not..."
Gene reached a hand over and rested it on Fred's shoulder. "It's not that you bother me, Fred," he said, "It's just that you're always so open about it. It makes me nervous."
Fred blinked at the weight of Gene's hand on his shoulder. "...What?"
Gene smiled, letting the alcohol in his system take over. "Fred, it's not you. It's not gay. I don't care. It doesn't bother me at all. I kind of like it. But I'm not used to people flaunting it, you know?"
Fred leaned forward. "You... kind of like it? Gene?"
"Fred, I'm drunk," Gene said slowly, making sure that his words were clear. "But don't let that get you wrong. I notice other men, too. I just prefer women, okay?"
Fred tilted his head. "I never notice women..."
Gene grinned. "Ever tried one?"
"A number of times. All complete failures." Fred sighed. "Gene, why do I have such a high tolerance for alcohol? I should be drunk by now, I know I should..."
"Give it a couple of minutes," Gene said. "Or try one of those awful mixes I had. Tastes like turpentine and feels like glue, but the guy promised me a hangover. I think it's 99-proof."
"Oh, good." Fred called up for the drink, and a moment later, the bartender walked by with a glass.
"Good luck," the bartender mumbled as Fred paid for his drinks. Then he left.
Fred took a sip of the drink, and grimaced. "It tastes like coke mixed in cognac, with a stale strawberry fizz as chaser."
"Close enough," Gene said. "Drink up."
Fred closed his eyes and took a long draught of the mix. "Ah!" he gasped after swallowing. "Yes, I am going to have a hangover. Yes, yes, yes..."
"What were we talking about?" Gene asked as Fred took another sip.
Fred swallowed. "Men."
"Good topic."
"That's what I always say. So, have *you* ever slept with another man?"
"Once."
Fred stopped just before taking another sip of his drink. "Once?"
Gene frowned. "Yeah. And he was a sadistic bastard, too."
Fred shook his head. "No wonder you prefer women. You've never slept with a good man. That's an offer, Gene Starwind."
Gene chuckled. "An offer? Are you a good man, Fred?"
Fred drank the rest of his drink down. He sighed, and slitted his eyes open just enough to look into Gene's eyes. "You tell me," he said slowly, smiling.
Gene tilted his head and met Fred's eyes. "You know, Fred," he said softly, "I am *just* drunk enough..."
---
I appreciate your comments and requests for more very much! I'm afraid this is a *very* long story. The first 'book' is complete, at nine chapters, but due to real life conflicts, I have not finished the second 'book', yet. I am reaching inspiration, though, and will be able to work on it, soon. You will notice, I'm sure, that the characters become increasingly sappy and out-of-character through the rest of this book; for that, I offer my apologies, but it's what my muse told me to do.
---
Experienced Outlaw Star fans:
Allow me to beg your forgiveness. This is my first OS fanfiction, and as of yet, unfinished. The characters are as I see them, having only watched the series twice through. If you don't like the way I spell the names, that's your problem.
This is a alternate time line fic, which means it does not follow the time line set by the actual series. Actually, it follows a similar time line, but at some point it breaks off into a paradox and becomes a different story entirely.
---
Disclaimer: I own nothing except the pictures in my head. Original characters do belong to me.
Warning: As of yet, this is an alternate time line fic, with yaoi (m/m), het (m/f), and humor. Small dashes of sap, language and angst thrown in for good measure. Pairings--wouldn't you just like to know? This fic reaches into the very edges of lime, but do not expect any lemons. If you don't know what that means, email me and expect to be embarrassed. Underage people are drinking--don't try this at home!
Author: Kasey
Archive: Not unless I send it to you.
Status: Incomplete, self-edited.
Key: /italics/ and *emphasis*
---
"At a Minute or Two 'Till Two, Today"
---
-Part Five-
---
"Why are we moving back here, Gene?" Jim asked. "I was kinda getting used to that big bedroom."
"Just unlock the door," Gene replied, his face masked. They were standing outside the Starwind and Hawking warehouse that Fred had kept cleaned and claimed while they were away from Hayfong. Now, they were moving back in. "We can't live off of Fred's charity forever, and it'll be a few days before Mel's ready for us to get rid of that Harry MacDougal."
"It makes sense," Suzuka said. She was there to help them readjust, and to move Harry MacDougal in, as well. "It's better to have MacDougal here, anyway. There's more room, and it will be easier to keep an eye on him."
"Then we'd better go get him," Jim said. "I hope Mel's got him ready."
---
"What are you doing?" Harry asked Melfina. She was studying his left shoulder intently, from behind him. "I don't like not being able to see your face," he said softly. "Please come around so I can talk to you."
Melfina turned him so that they were facing. "How long have you been crazy?" she asked.
Harry blinked. "I...I don't know. As long as I can remember, I think."
"Did you know you have a virus?"
"Wh-what?!" Harry's eyes flew wide open. "What kind of virus?"
Melfina used her command of her domain to bring up the images Gillium had used to demonstrate Harry's problem for the crew of the /Outlaw Star/. Harry stared at them.
"At some point, a virus was implanted in your left shoulder," Melfina said. "It's taken over a great deal of your body, particularly the connections between your nerves."
Harry swallowed. He looked back at Melfina. "Why are you telling me this?" he demanded. "Why? You're just going to kill me... did you have to tell me?"
"I don't..." Melfina stopped. She glanced away. "We're going to remove the virus," she said, finally. "I have to do it from here, and the nano-bots in your real body will remove the probe."
Harry was astounded. "You'll... you'll do that, for me?"
Melfina smiled shyly. "Well... Jim wants to take a look at the virus... and, well... *I* wouldn't want to have a virus, so..."
"Thank you," Harry said. "Thank you, Melfina."
"I haven't done it yet," Melfina replied, shrugging her shoulders. "We're going to move you, first. I'm plugging you into Gillium's portable computer, so the firewall won't break."
"I won't hurt you, Melfina," Harry insisted. "I'd never hurt you. Not again. I'm so sorry for what happened..."
"I... I know," Melfina said. She looked down. "But you keep trying to hurt Gene, and he's my friend."
"Gene!" Harry's eyes narrowed. "Melfina, forget him! He's not like us! He doesn't understand..."
"And neither do you!" Melfina snapped. She whirled around so that her back was to Harry. "You don't understand, either." Then, she disappeared.
"No--!" Harry knew he was too late. Why did he keep chasing her away? All he wanted was for her to know how he felt, how much he longed for her... And every time he got closer to her, he pushed her off of another cliff and she could never forgive him.
"Damn!" he cried. "Melfina, please come back!!"
---
By the time Gene, Suzuka, and Jim had arrived at the space port, Melfina had successfully attached Harry to a small, portable computer. The uploading had included her firewalls, so Harry was still unable to access use of his body.
"We're here!" Jim said, announcing their presence.
Melfina was sitting in Asjia's seat, looking at Harry. She stood up. "Hello."
"Are you done?" Suzuka asked. "Were there any problems?"
"No," Melfina answered. "The transfer went smoothly."
Gene frowned. "Mel, are you feeling okay? Did that guy try to--"
"No!" Melfina shook her head vehemently. "No, I'm okay. Harry doesn't want to hurt me, Gene."
---
Fred stood in his office, staring out the window that overlooked the lake in his "backyard."
The guards on either side of the door to his office had sensed he was tense, but were not sure just *how* tense until he suddenly yelled at them to leave him alone.
So he was alone.
Fred sighed. He could have guessed that by telling Gene how he felt, he would chase the other man away. But still, he had hoped...
Gene had been right. He was frustrated, and really quite lonely. When the crew of the /Outlaw Star/ was around, all Fred wanted to be was cheerful and accommodating, simply because he liked to see his friends happy.
But now...
A tap on the window startled Fred, and it took him a few moments to realize that Suzuka was stepping in though the balcony door. As it dawned upon him, Fred gasped and backed up towards his desk. "T-Twilight Suzuka!"
Suzuka smiled. "You don't have to worry," she said calmly. "My agreement with Gene prevents me from fulfilling my contract, as of yet. Besides, it's long past midnight." She pointed to the ornate clock on the wall above the door.
Fred looked behind him. It was almost 1AM. He sighed, relieved.
"I don't think I'll fill my contract, anyhow," Suzuka continued conversationally. "The man I am working for has received a sudden change of funds, and tells me he is unable to pull together the money to pay me. You wouldn't know anything about that, would you?"
Fred sat down in his chair. "Of course not," he lied, smiling. "I would never pressure anyone's business partners into seeing things my way. It's simply not my style. Please have a seat," he offered, gesturing towards a chair on the other side of his desk.
"Thank you," Suzuka said, sitting. She smiled back at him. "I didn't think you had anything to do with it. Now, tell me, why are you up at such a late hour?"
"I could ask the same thing of you," Fred countered evenly. "I understand that invading a workplace in the early AM hours is not exactly commonplace."
"Neither is burning the midnight oil on a Sunday," Suzuka said. "So, you chased him away again?"
Fred's eyes widened. "What? Who?" he asked.
"Gene. He moved back to the Starwind and Hawking building."
"Oh," Fred sighed. "Gene."
Suzuka nodded, studying Fred's expression.
"Well... why do you think I chased him away?" Fred asked warily, after a moment.
Suzuka gave him an understanding look. "To one who prefers to observe, it is easy to tell your emotions concerning Gene Starwind. You're in love with him."
Despite his careful upbringing, Fred's shoulders sagged and he slouched in his chair. "To put it bluntly, yes," he confirmed. "But you didn't come here to rub my nose in that, I hope."
"You told him, didn't you?"
"You're very good at this, you know," Fred said, his voice a bit tight. "I was feeling bad enough before you came in, and now I'm feeling worse. Do you mind?"
"I'm curious," Suzuka said. "You and Gene seem to be good friends."
"For about four and a half years, now," Fred said. "I hired him to track down some missing cargo, and it took longer than expected. We got to be friends..."
"And you fell in love with him," Suzuka finished.
"Well..." Fred frowned. "Not until about a year later, I think. But why are you so interested in this? It doesn't do me any good. Or Gene. He doesn't care that I like men, but it bothers him that I--"
"...Am attracted to him. He's a very good-looking man, and you're about the same age," Suzuka said.
"Actually, he's a year younger than I am."
"I'd have thought it was the other way around," Suzuka commented, raising an eyebrow. "You look much younger."
"Well, thanks." Fred sighed. "The problem is with me, and there's nothing I can do about it. I may be attracted to Gene, but it's like one north magnet chasing another. Every time I move closer, he moves that much farther away. I want positive-positive, he wants positive-negative. Completely incompatible."
"A problem?" Suzuka asked.
"I'm gay!!" Fred shouted, standing up.
Suzuka sat in the chair, watching him, not at all surprised by his outburst.
Fred put a hand to his forehead, closed his eyes, and visibly composed himself. He sat back down slowly. "I'm sorry," he said softly. "I shouldn't be this strung-up. The problem is that I like men, and Gene likes women. End of story. I'm chasing the end of the rainbow." He laughed quietly. "Doesn't that make for a beautiful analogy? The end of the rainbow..."
"What did Gene say when you told him?" Suzuka asked.
"Nothing," Fred whispered. He folded his hands on the desk, and stared at them. "He just nodded, stood up, and left."
"Sounds like Gene."
"Maybe I'm just worried that I've lost my best friend," Fred mused, sitting back in his chair. "I pushed my limits, and broke them. It's not that I can't handle Gene not returning my feelings, it's that I'm afraid he won't be my friend anymore. Suzuka, perhaps you'd better go. I think I'm going to find a nice, quiet, all-night bar, and drink myself into oblivion."
Suzuka closed her eyes and stayed where she was. "It sounds like you're trying to run away from the problem."
Fred stood up again. "No... I can't be running away. I reached a dead-end, and I'm cutting my losses and turning back. The business man's approach." He smiled lopsidedly. "Like a candy company losing value on the stock market. I'll just look back on this in five years, laugh, and think of what a fool I was. Excuse me, I think I hear a daiquiri calling me."
With that, Fred strode across the room. At the door, he turned, bowed stiffly to Suzuka, turned back around, opened the door, and walked out.
Suzuka did nothing until the door had shut behind Fred. Then she smiled, and chuckled.
"There is only one all-night bar on this side of town," she said to herself as she walked to the balcony door. "And Gene is currently drowning his problems, too." She stepped outside, carefully closing the door behind them. "What a strange coincidence."
---
"You've had enough, Gene," the bartender said, wiping out a glass with a wet rag.
"Nope," Gene mumbled. He was sitting at the bar, propping his head up with one hand. His eyes were closed. "I still know my name. Gimmie another one."
"It's past one, Gene. Why don't you head home? You're never out this late," the bartender said, shaking his head.
"I can't never be out this late," Gene said. "If I was never out this late, I wouldn't be here right now."
"What happened? A pretty girl dumped you? Business problems?"
"...Naw..."
The bartender shook his head. "I don't know what to say. It may be good for business, but you're going to have hell, tomorrow, Gene. I don't know anyone who can drink one of those..." He pointed to the empty glass in Gene's hand. "...And not wake up with a hangover."
"How many is this?" Gene asked, lifting the glass.
"Three of those, plus a shot of whiskey and two beers."
"I c'n handle the whiskey and beer," Gene said. "...Good. I'll have three hangovers."
The bartender sighed. "I don't think it works that way." He looked up, over Gene's shoulder. "Good morning," he said. "Can I help you?"
"A daiquiri," Gene heard the newcomer say. Gene stiffened, recognizing the voice. "And a pint of whatever you've got that causes heartburn."
Gene spun around on his stool. "Fred!"
---
Fred and Gene sat across from each other in a booth in a corner of the bar. Fred quickly downed his first daiquiri, and then two more. Gene decided he could not get any more drunk without killing himself, so he sat and watched Fred drink.
It was quiet, except for Fred occasionally asking the bartender for another drink. At 2AM, they were the only ones in the bar.
"...You left pretty suddenly," Fred said quietly, finally breaking the silence.
Gene closed his eyes. Fred sounded pretty hurt. He could not really blame him. "Sorry."
"I scared you off, didn't I?" Fred did not wait for an answer, knowing he would not get one. "I figured I was going to, eventually."
"...It was time we moved back, anyways," Gene replied. He knew his response was pretty weak.
Fred knew, too. "I did mean what I said, Gene," he said softly. "But I don't want to stop being friends."
"Me neither." Gene gave Fred a small smile.
Fred smiled back briefly. "But it bothers you, doesn't it?"
Gene's smile faded. "...What does?"
"That..." Fred took a long swallow of his fourth daiquiri. "...That I'm attracted to you."
Gene raised an eyebrow. "I *knew* you were... attracted, to me... You only leave innuendoes everywhere you walk..."
Fred shook his head. "No, no... I meant that I'm in love with you. That bothers you."
"...Yeah," Gene said. "I think it does. A little." He frowned. "I don't know why."
"I'm sorry," Fred sighed. "I... You can just forget it, okay? I hate being a bother to you, I really do..."
"Forget what?"
"Forget what I said!"
Gene snorted. "How am I supposed to forget *that*?"
"I don't *care*," Fred groaned. He tossed back the rest of his daiquiri. "Just forget it. So we can be friends."
Gene tilted his head. "So it's just like that? Snap, you don't like me anymore?" He snapped his fingers to emphasize his question.
Fred shook his head. "No, I still like you... but just... just as a friend."
Gene leaned forward over the table. "Fred," he drawled, "I think you're lying."
Fred raised an eyebrow. "Why do you think that?"
Gene grinned. "Because you're my friend. And I know you. You don't give up on things that easy, Fred."
Fred looked down at his empty glass. "No..." he said, reluctantly. "I... I guess not..."
Gene reached a hand over and rested it on Fred's shoulder. "It's not that you bother me, Fred," he said, "It's just that you're always so open about it. It makes me nervous."
Fred blinked at the weight of Gene's hand on his shoulder. "...What?"
Gene smiled, letting the alcohol in his system take over. "Fred, it's not you. It's not gay. I don't care. It doesn't bother me at all. I kind of like it. But I'm not used to people flaunting it, you know?"
Fred leaned forward. "You... kind of like it? Gene?"
"Fred, I'm drunk," Gene said slowly, making sure that his words were clear. "But don't let that get you wrong. I notice other men, too. I just prefer women, okay?"
Fred tilted his head. "I never notice women..."
Gene grinned. "Ever tried one?"
"A number of times. All complete failures." Fred sighed. "Gene, why do I have such a high tolerance for alcohol? I should be drunk by now, I know I should..."
"Give it a couple of minutes," Gene said. "Or try one of those awful mixes I had. Tastes like turpentine and feels like glue, but the guy promised me a hangover. I think it's 99-proof."
"Oh, good." Fred called up for the drink, and a moment later, the bartender walked by with a glass.
"Good luck," the bartender mumbled as Fred paid for his drinks. Then he left.
Fred took a sip of the drink, and grimaced. "It tastes like coke mixed in cognac, with a stale strawberry fizz as chaser."
"Close enough," Gene said. "Drink up."
Fred closed his eyes and took a long draught of the mix. "Ah!" he gasped after swallowing. "Yes, I am going to have a hangover. Yes, yes, yes..."
"What were we talking about?" Gene asked as Fred took another sip.
Fred swallowed. "Men."
"Good topic."
"That's what I always say. So, have *you* ever slept with another man?"
"Once."
Fred stopped just before taking another sip of his drink. "Once?"
Gene frowned. "Yeah. And he was a sadistic bastard, too."
Fred shook his head. "No wonder you prefer women. You've never slept with a good man. That's an offer, Gene Starwind."
Gene chuckled. "An offer? Are you a good man, Fred?"
Fred drank the rest of his drink down. He sighed, and slitted his eyes open just enough to look into Gene's eyes. "You tell me," he said slowly, smiling.
Gene tilted his head and met Fred's eyes. "You know, Fred," he said softly, "I am *just* drunk enough..."
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