Chapter Seven: How to Make a Three-Cheese Strata
"Hey, Rio," said Garu, "do we need anything from the Safeway?"
"Maybe a dozen eggs, and some cheddar," Rio replied. "Zero? Can you think of anything else we need for breakfast? Zero?"
The dark-haired young man dozed in the back seat, resting on Hiead's shoulder. "Do you mind?" Hiead said. "He's resting."
The car reached the bottom of the plateau, rejoining Rural Route 2. Garu drove on, reaching the junction of RR2 and Barrow Lane. He turned to the left; the walls and gates of Rosso Heights loomed on either side.
As the lane dipped, leading to the lower city, Rio piped up: "We are going to the all-nighter, right?"
Garu snorted. "As if you had reason to doubt. And the turn-off is about three or four blocks away. So, we'll need eggs, cheese---just cheddar? I think we can also use some jack cheese, and some cottage cheese. I think we should pick up some milk, maybe a crumb cake. Do we need bacon? How about a package of frozen spinach?"
"I think that about covers everything. Wait, we need some cocoa."
A sign came up, which read: Sunderland Avenue. Gareas turned to the right, driving about another six blocks, before coming up on the Safeway parking lot. "Okay, we're going in," he said, turning to Hiead. "Y'all coming inside?"
"I think I'll keep an eye on sleeping beauty here, thanks." Hiead opened the window on his left, as Rio and Garu walked into the supermarket. He felt the sting of a north wind on his face; the chill snapped him out of the muzzy sensation creeping through his limbs, threatening sleep. I do not want to nod just yet. One person in doss mode is one too many.
The cold bit into him, and he pulled the borrowed coat a little closer. Zero stirred, sighing. Hiead prayed that the young man would settle down again. Dark mocha hair tickled his chin, and fluttered across his face. He looks so charming when he's asleep.
A memory of Hiead, lying in Zero's bed, flashed through his thoughts. Stars spilled through a window, and into the room they shared at GOA. Zero lay in his arms, almost purring, face serene and sated. Hiead stared at the boy, and traced the curve of the sleeping boy's cheek, before pressing a kiss to his forehead.
Just as his eyes began to close, Hiead felt Zero shift, moving forward. "Beautiful," Zero breathed. "A treasure greater than any gem." Their lips met, in a tender, dream-scented kiss. Sweet. He tastes so sweet, like cherry vanilla ice cream. Hiead gazed at Zero's face, watching dark blue eyes---the color of a twilit winter sky---open, as a note of laughter crept into the kiss. "Zero, you do realize we have to wake up for practice."
"Can't we just call in sick?" Zero mumbled. "Don't want to look at Azuma's face."
"Not acceptable. You and I want to become Pilots, right? So we have to look at his face, listen to his lectures, yadada yadada yadada. I know you know the drill."
"Stuff the drill. I'd rather look at you."
"Really? Do tell why."
"For starters, you've got beautiful eyes. You're a great sparring partner. You have a devastating, sexy smile."
Hiead chuckled. "Tell me more."
"You always give 110% in everything you do. You keep me from getting too complacent when we're in the Pro-Ings. And you are an amazing kisser. I could kiss you all day, and never complain."
"All true enough. But we still have classes to attend, practice drills, gym, and the ongoing nightmare that is the cafeteria. We'll probably tangle over some small infraction or other, and have to get hosed down so they can separate us. But, there's the relaxation room, and then, we're off to bed. And I think, in a couple of days, we might just get some time off. Care to think of how we can spend our free time?"
"I guess you're right."
"Well, of course I am. And don't forget modest, while you're at it." Hiead kissed Zero, a deep, soft kiss, as the two embraced. Zero smiled at him, when they broke the kiss.
"Night, Hiead. Sleep with the angels," Zero said, as he closed his eyes.
"Goodnight, Rei," Hiead replied, eyes slipping shut. I think the angels are probably fuming mad, 'cos you're here with me.
A brush of lips against his cheek snapped Hiead back to the parking lot, the car, and the fact that Zero's hands were moving up, over his face and into his hair. The hell? This can't be good. If he gets any closer, we'll both be in trouble. But can there be a more delicious form of trouble? Shut up! He's not here for your amusement. But if he brings that mouth any closer, I can kiss rational thought goodbye.
"Hiead," Zero murmured, "don't go. Please, please, don't go."
"I'm here. And I'm not about to go anywhere." Zero sighed, returning to sleep.
Hiead breathed, relieved and disappointed at once.
He cast his memory back, bewildered. Another scene emerged: Zero snatching a language textbook from Hiead's hands. The two were in their room at GOA.
The silver boy sneered, his voice oozing with derision: "Enna, did that incident with the VICTIM scramble your brain? You barely speak Standard, what the hell possesses you to learn Portuguese? Not like you're ever going to need it."
Zero's face was flushed with anger and raw humiliation. "Is that all you ever think about, what you need to advance? Is there anything that you do for the sheer pleasure of it? Aside from inflicting pain on anything that moves, that is."
"Oh, and learning a new language is pleasurable."
"Believe it or not, yes. Have you even heard Portuguese? It is such a liquid language. Poetic, sensual, musical." He sighed, his face turning wistful. "It is music. Sad and happy at once. And I would love to hear someone whisper words to me in Portuguese. "
"Like you'll ever find anyone to share your secrets. Oh wait, there's that little telepathic waif," Hiead replied. "No, you're here, and he's at GIS. Scratch that."
"There are a few other advantages to learning a new language. If I get really hacked, I can read you the riot act, and you'll never guess." Zero smirked, eyes half-open. "Not to mention, I'll provide you with hours of endless mirth when I screw up and mispronounce words."
Hiead's eyes widened, in shock.
"Hey, it's not like I have to get inside your head to work that out. Besides, why wreck your precious reputation as a beautiful, soul-dead bastard? Now, if you will excuse me, Gner, I want to get back to my studies." Zero left the room, digipad and text in hand.
Hiead stood, trying to catch what was left of his breath. Did I just hallucinate, or did he just storm out after telling me off? That's so unlike him. What got his boxers bundled?
He took off, in search of Zero. Boy, you do not insult me and leave.
"And why not, Hiead? You've done that to me on numerous occasions."
He paused in the corridor, looking around. Zero's voice floated past. "Maybe you just can't stomach having someone stick you the way you do everyone in your path."
"Get out here, Enna!" he bellowed.
Zero walked up. "What's the commotion?"
"How dare you---" Hiead sputtered.
"What are you talking about? You were the one disrupting my studies. If the idea of me walking out on you offends you so much, just say so, already. You don't have to yell at the top your lungs."
"I wasn't saying a thing."
"You came through loud and clear. I'm surprised the librarians didn't track you down."
"And they didn't say a word to you?"
"Why should they? I was reading over my text when you cut in."
"I wasn't anywhere near you."
"So that wasn't you ranting about my boxers getting bundled?"
Hiead gaped.
"And you weren't raving that nobody insults you and leaves?"
"But I---but you---what the hell is going on?" Hiead asked.
"Get over yourself, Gner. I walked away. And unless you have something to say, this conversation is over." Zero spun around, heading back to the library.
Hiead stared, eyes flashing. He did not hear me. He couldn't have heard me.
Zero spoke over his shoulder. "On the contrary. You could wake the dead, the way you're carrying on." He walked on, fading from view.
Hiead shook his head. Good god, I must have been a piece of work.
Zero woke, sitting up. "You were a piece of work, Hiead, and then some. But is this the time, I ask, to replay old arguments?"
"Who said I was?"
Zero chuckled, his eyes on Hiead.
"People do change. I should know." He leaned closer to Hiead. "Come here."
Soft lips brushed against Hiead's cheek. "Did I thank you for coming with me this evening?"
"Yes, you did."
"Let me thank you again," Zero murmured, as he pressed his lips to Hiead's. The kiss, while brief and chaste, lingered, tracing flame over Hiead's lips. He drew back a little, trembling.
The dark-haired one blushed, clapping a hand over his mouth. "Oh, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have been so forward."
"You don't need to apologize. We're both grown-ups, correct?"
"Correct."
"And we both know this was a simple display of affection, one friend to another."
"Agreed."
"So let's not dwell on it. Especially since Gareas and Rio are lugging half the supermarket to the car. I think they're going to need a hand or four, don't you?"
Zero glanced at the parking lot. Rio pushed a shopping cart, laden with bagged groceries, while Garu glowered. "Is that breakfast for four or 400? Good Lord and butter! One day they're going to ban him for life."
"And lose their best customer? I think not," Hiead quipped, opening the passenger door. Zero unbuckled and did likewise. They waited for Garu to open the trunk, then started placing the bags inside.
"Next time," Garu said, glaring at Rio, "I'm putting you on a leash. You're worse than a kid on a permanent sugar high. We go in for a few things, and look how we leave."
"Hey, it's not my fault that a certain green-haired hottie started making creative suggestions for table cream and Coconut Pocky. And when did I nibble your ear while looking at jars of dulce de leche?"
Hiead and Zero whistled and packed up the last of the groceries. {Did the guys just give out too much information, Zero?}
{I think they did. But I wouldn't worry. They'll make it up.}
The four got into the car; Gareas started the engine, and pulled out of the parking lot.
Garu paused, leaning over to kiss Rio full on the mouth. When they came up for breath, Rio whispered, "Love you."
Zero blushed, looking out the window at the night sky. Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight, I wish I may, I wish I might, have this wish I wish tonight---but what happens when I get what I wish for?
Hiead watched him, mystified. As the car cruised down Sunderland Avenue, the music played.
At the intersection of Sunderland and Beausoleil Street, Garu turned left, driving three blocks down, to the corner of Beausoleil and Rivage Court. He turned at right at Rivage, made another right turn down an alley, and pulled up to a garage three houses down. Once in the driveway, he stopped the car, saying, "We've arrived, gentlemen. All out now." Rio sprinted to open the back door, while Garu, Hiead, and Zero tended to the groceries.
Hiead noted the austerity of the house, which Garu shared with Rio. Unlike Zero's place, muted colors and neutrals set the tone. A black leather sectional sofa anchored the living room, facing a home entertainment console. Rio turned on the stereo, and returned to the kitchen.
"That goes in the pantry, Hiead. Zero, keep the eggs and the sourdough out. Rio, get the grater and some bowls out, stat." Garu jockeyed between the other three, making sure the groceries got put away. He began cracking eggs into a large bowl. "So, who wants to do what?"
"I'll prep the bread," Rio replied.
"I'll start on the cheese," Zero said. "Hiead, want to start on the bacon?"
"Where do you keep the skillets, guys?" Rio handed Hiead a cast iron skillet and a packet of bacon. "Thanks. How much of the package do you want?"
"About half," Garu answered. "That ought to work." He grabbed a whisk, and began beating the eggs. "Rio, get the milk. You think we ought to add spinach to the batch?"
"No," Zero said. "We should be all right."
Rio buttered a pan, adding the torn bread to it. Garu brought the milk-and- egg mixture over to Zero, who added cheese to the bowl. Hiead turned the bacon, making sure to avoid a grease spatter.
Once the cheese and eggs were mixed together, Garu added them to the bread, mixing them together, before placing the pan into the oven.
Hiead added more bacon to the skillet, placing the cooked slices in a plate on top of the stove.
Rio changed the subject: "Favorite song when you're in a funk, and when you first heard it."
"You lead off," Zero replied.
"Okay, it's 'If You Don't Know Me By Now,' by Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes. First fight I had with Gareas, over, I don't know, leaving the toothpaste tube open and squeezed at the top. Your turn, dude."
"Just one? Let me think about that. I would say, 'Could it Happen to Me,' by Roxy Music. It was around the time I first fell in love. You know, when you figure the other person doesn't even notice. So you act like everything's cool, but inside, you're going crazy." Zero paused. "But that was a chapter from another story. Oi, Gareas, what's your in-a-funk song, and where do you first remember hearing it?"
"I have to say it's 'Me and Bobby McGee,' by Janis Joplin. Rio and I were having an argument on the road. He was furious 'cos I wouldn't ask for directions, and he wanted to stop someplace and at least get a map."
"We got lost on the way to Langley Down," Rio added. "We finally had to pull in to a truck stop just so we could eat something and figure out where we were. I think it was the Crossroads, or some such place."
Hiead whistled. "Lost nothing! You were heading into the Outlands."
"And how do you know this?" Garu asked.
"The Crossroads is a sort of rendezvous point for bounty hunters," he replied. "I've spent many nights there, loading up on bacon cheeseburgers and coffee, getting tips from the waitresses, and gathering information from others."
Hiead turned the bacon, then said, "And before you ask, my favorite song to hear in a funk is 'I'm Only Happy When it Rains,' by Garbage. Don't know why, it just is."
Zero began pulling down plates and cups from a cabinet with translucent glass panels. "Now, I have a question for you gentlemen," he said. "What color reminds you of your first kiss?"
"We want to know, first off, what your color is," Garu replied, grabbing a box with crumb cake from the counter, and slicing it. "Hey, can you spare a plate? I really want to get this to the table."
Zero handed him a salad plate, and began setting the table. "One word: cerise."
"Cerise? What the hell kind of color is that?"
"Kind of a cherry red, only brighter, with some blue mixed in." Garu snorted.
"Now, then, Mister Elidd, tell us about your color," Zero said. "Rio, can you help me with the utensils, please?" Rio nodded, opening the flatware drawer.
"Tangerine. That's the color I recall when I think of my first real kiss," Garu said, giving his love a roguish wink. "Hiead, do you have a color in mind?"
Hiead turned out the last of the bacon, and turned off the burner under the skillet. "Do you always ask each other questions this silly?"
"Nope," Zero replied. "Sometimes we sit and discuss the merits of existentialism, and argue over who had the clearer vision, Kierkegaard or Sartre. But not very often."
Hiead sighed, laughing. "Trust you to be the wiseass. All right. If you must know, the color I always think of when I think of kissing is.well, midnight blue. Happy? Thank you; now, Rioroute, what color makes you think of your first kiss, hmm?"
Rio grinned. "Aquamarine, with more green to it than blue."
Garu set the dish with cake on the table, then pulled out a honeydew melon, a bag of red seedless grapes, and a container of sour cream. "My turn. What's your favorite flavor of ice cream? I'll tell you mine right now: apple crumble. Who's next?"
"I've got two favorites," Hiead said. "Mocha fudge swirl, and cherry vanilla. Zero?"
"I've also got two flavors," Zero replied. "Mint Oreo, and blood peach. Though the only time I can ever get that one is in summer. Not that I mind the wait, well, not too much." He grabbed a bowl from a draining rack, and handed it to Garu. "Now, Rio, what say you?"
"Boysenberry," Rio replied. "Especially when a perfectly buff-looking sensei feeds me spoon after spoon, straight from the container."
"Well, this buff one requires you, a jar of honey, and some poppy seeds," Garu called out.
Hiead and Zero gave each other a sheepish look.
"You sure you two don't want some time alone?" Zero asked.
Rio and Garu broke into laughter. "Enna, could you please get your brain out of the gutter? I just need a few ingredients for my poppy seed dressing. A little restraint here, s'il vous plait."
"Sorry there. I'll just go into the living room now, and kick back, so 'scuse me, guys."
Zero retreated to the couch, face flaming, and draped his body across part of it. He heard a muted "Excuse me," followed by the sound of feet approaching the living room.
"Looks pretty busy in there," Hiead said, sitting on the floor near Zero. "You holding up?"
"I'll be fine. What about you?"
"I'm a little shagged out. I could use a nap right now."
"Climb on up, there's room and then some." Oh, great. You may as well have said, "Let me give you a radical tonsillectomy." Mother Kali, strike me dead, now. Come on, Enna, it's just the shock of everything that's gone down today, and tomorrow you'll have the whole day with Kizna. You're halfway to matrimony. You're not in love with Hiead, you're not; that ended seven years back---so why did I melt when I saw him? I can't fall again. I've lost so much. I can't risk losing Kizna. But the prospect of losing him again---that strikes terror.
"Move it over, Zero. I'm coming up." How are you going to manage this, Gner, without turning into a slack-jawed, drooling idiot? One, I might add, who wants to play tonsil hockey with the most sensual man on the planet? Think: he's crazy for Kizna, crazy for her; whatever we had died with the Final Battle---and the minute I see him, I feel like I'm alive again, and I don't understand how, wheretofore, or why. Just that he has enchanting eyes, and when I see him in pain, I feel my heart crack; he has hair that no amount of pomade or gel will ever control, so warm and soft and safe. And as for the lips---does he taste like coffee now? Lower the volume, Gner---he's not yours. He's her Zero now. Mother Kannon help me, but I'd swap places.
The two lay on their stomachs, facing each other. Hiead locked his gaze on Zero, who refused to look away.
"Hiead?" Zero asked. "How long will you be here in town?"
"Depends, I guess. Your fair city's the epicenter for Quark, so I need to get information and access to the source. That may take a while, especially since there's a connection between Q Labs and the trade. Maybe it's nothing more than a case of someone pirating the drug, but somehow I doubt that. So I could be here for weeks, or even months."
"Will you return to the Outlands?"
"I might." Give me a reason, and I'd stay with you.
"What are the Outlands like?" And could you take me there?
"The Outlands are wild. You can travel for ages before you see another person. There are only one or two big cities, and next to what's here, they're still small. You'll find your share of crime out there, but you can find that here, too. If you travel far enough, you'll reach the ocean. I have a little bungalow at Luritja Cove. I go fishing, take walks on the beach, and watch the sun set. Hey, I don't get bounties every day. And I sing as loudly as I please. My nearest neighbor is half a kilometer away, so I don't have to worry about disturbing the peace."
"You ever get lonely out there?"
"Sometimes I do. When Mickey was alive, and we didn't have a case, I'd stay with him and the family. His wife makes the best crawfish boil this side of the Deluges. Nothing like it in the summer! Kick back, grab a longneck, dance till dawn; and when you get up, you do it again. Of course, you can't do that forever. And I never did like the idea of staying there too long."
"You must miss the guy."
"I think about him all the time."
"Ever meet anyone there?"
"I weathered a few crushes, went on some dates, even slept with someone."
"Oh." Is she still waiting for you?
"But I can't say I ever fell in love." And the only reason I slept with someone was to try and get your image out of my head. He wasn't too happy when I screamed your name in the middle of the sex act. I didn't make love; I had sex. Stupid, plastic, junk sex! I wanted the ground to swallow me when we were done.
"I'm sorry, Hiead." So, the goddesses do love me. Yes, yes, yes. Wait a minute. Why are you so happy that he hasn't been in love since you? You're hardly in a position to claim, wait, to ask him out on a date. You're not in love with him. You are so not in love. Like hell you aren't. Oh my god. What do I do? Stuff it. Take a nap, Enna.
Zero saw Hiead's eyes slip shut; he closed his own, dozing within a few minutes.
A dream took shape: Zero stretched out, in a hammock, wearing grey-blue swim trunks. A small table, with a pitcher of iced peppermint tea and a bowl of frozen red grapes, lay within reach. A calico cat nestled in his lap, purring. He looked up; the sky peered through shade trees. Zero smiled, humming a secret tune.
"Enjoying the shade, love?" He peered over, and saw Hiead, in a white t- shirt and mulberry swim shorts, a saucy grin on his face. "Have you got room for one more?" Zero nodded, moving over. "Habibi, little love, may I borrow your couch for a while?" He nudged the cat, which jumped down.
"So, what are we doing today?" Zero asked, wrapping his arms around Hiead. He giggled, feeling slender hands in his dark hair. He reached up, with one hand, to play with the other man's silver-white hair. Their legs tangled, as Hiead lavished butterfly kisses on Zero's face and throat. Zero kissed Hiead's fingertips, his wrist, and the crook of his arm.
"Today's agenda? Hmm. I thought we might just stay here, enjoy something cool, and maybe make love till the sun goes down; then we could take an evening swim, make love on the shore; and we could go inside, have a bite, and spend the night making love to the sound of the tides. You have any ideas as to what else we can do?"
"Somehow, I doubt I could improve on that idea. That doesn't mean I don't want to have a little fun." Zero reached for the bowl, popping a grape in Hiead's mouth. "You mind?"
"Not at all," Hiead replied, positioning the grape between his teeth. {Come and get it, Zero.}
{Don't mind if I do.} Zero touched his mouth to Hiead's, biting down on the fruit. The kiss that followed tasted of grapes and each other. Hiead teased Zero with another grape, which he devoured. The two teased each other, grape by grape, until the bowl was empty, and they were exchanging kisses. Zero's hands removed Hiead's t-shirt, which fell on the ground. Hands wandered, followed by lips and tongues.
"Breakfast is ready!" Rio sang out. "Last one to the table has to do dishes."
Hiead and Zero woke, startled. They shuffled to the table, sat down, and waited for Garu to join them.
"Anyone here care to say a grace?" Garu asked, when he sat down.
"Well," Hiead said, "I learned this little grace from a fisherman in the Outlands. 'Rub a dub dub, thanks for the grub. Yeah, God!' I hope that's okay."
"Dandy. Now let's eat."
The four ate, chatting about little goings-on with former comrades: Clay and Saki were now married, and expecting twins. Tsukasa had a design studio; Wrecka worked in the Aztlan division of Q Labs. Roose and Yamagi ran a bistro in the Waterfront section of Red River City. Leena worked as an engineer in the Midlands; Tune had become a nurse, and worked at Point Rosso Medical Center. Phil opted for a career in obstetrics.
"So whatever happened to Yu and Kazuhi?"
Rio, Garu, and Zero looked at each other. Zero spoke up. "Well, you see, their relationship got really, um, unhealthy after a while. They took Yu to Borstal Seven, a psychiatric colony. Kazuhi is at Borstal Nine. They can't ever see each other again."
"Never?"
"No, never again. They were stockpiling food and weapons, planning to marry under assumed names, the whole nine. I heard Kazuhi, at one point, had miscarried. At any rate, if they had had children, they'd be separated too."
They finished the meal in silence. Zero washed up; Hiead dried, and Rio put the dishes away.
Once everything was done, the four returned to the car, driving six blocks down Rivage, to the athletic field at Red River High. Hiead and Zero got out.
"See you tomorrow, then," Rio said. "Good night Hiead, good night, Zero. You dudes stay safe."
"We'll do our best," Zero replied. "Night Garu, night Rio.
"Good night you two," Garu said.
"Good night gentlemen," Hiead answered. "So," he said to Zero when the other car pulled away, "may I drive you home?"
"I'd be honored." Zero yawned. "Besides, I really could use some sleep. And you?"
"Ditto." The two walked over to the two-door. Hiead opened the door for Zero, who climbed in, opening the driver's side. Hiead started the engine, driving to the alley behind the house which Zero shared with Kizna.
They locked the car. Zero opened the back door, and the two made their way upstairs.
"Wait here. I think I have a nightshirt you can borrow." Zero bounded into his room, and brought out a burgundy nightshirt, with a robe. "In case it rides too high."
"Thanks." Hiead followed Zero to the guest room. His eyes widened, as he took in the décor: reds dominated the room, with copper, green, and blue complementing the main color. Middle Eastern and Indian flourishes abounded, from the comforter to the walls. "Why are you giving me the best room in the house?"
"What else do I give a guest?" Zero replied, in a matter-of-fact tone. "Get settled in. I'll put some towels out for you, so you can shower in the morning. You'll meet Kizna then, too. Meanwhile, time to hit the hay, no?"
"Yes." Hiead kissed Zero on the cheek. "Thank you, Zero, and goodnight."
Zero hugged him, saying, "Night, Hiead, sleep with the angels." He walked to his room, shutting the door.
Hiead shut the door to the guest room, dressing for bed, and climbing under the covers. Rei, you sleep well, too.
Hiead Gner closed his eyes, drifting into a deep sleep.
Author's Notes
After the "Free Space" column, I hit a few snags with this chapter. A few false leads, a few dead ends, the usual. But here is the seventh chapter, for your perusal, and I hope, for your pleasure.
If it seems a little strange that Zero would want to learn Portuguese, well, he has something in mind. You'll see. 88: here's the latest! Thanks, and I do hope you enjoy. UE: Glad you liked the FS. Shakespeare is a master, though I have never mastered the sonnet. I've also read a good deal of Russian literature in translation. Gogol is one of my favorites, as are Andrei Bely, Anna Akhmatove, Marina Tsvetaeva, Abram Tertz, and Yevgeny Yevtushenko. Music-wise, I've got a lot to learn. Nozomi: thank you, my dear. I love Tolkien, and yes, I do plan on seeing all three LoTR installments.
Food fun facts: a strata is something between a casserole and a savory bread pudding, made with milk, eggs, and other such ingredients, and baked till it rises up, bubbly and golden. Table cream is a special brand of cream made by Nestlé, for the Australian market. It's thick and pretty good with fresh strawberries (they sell it here at Publix). Dulce de leche is a sweet made by cooking milk and sugar together till they're dark and thick. You can also make it by boiling sweetened condensed milk (not to be done without extreme care, though). It can be a liquid, or thick enough to spread (the thicker variety is also called crema de leche, or cajete, depending on where you buy it).
Coming up: Hiead meets Kizna again for the first time! How will they respond to one another? The Kuerten funeral promises to be a powderkeg. And when the gang gets together for a dinner party, what will Clay do when he sees Hiead alive? What will Yamagi and Roose perform for the "dinner show"? And could Zero persuade Hiead to sing for the guests? Stay tuned.
Again, thank you all for reading. Your reviews mean more than mere nerds can say.
Antoinette (poetisa)
"Hey, Rio," said Garu, "do we need anything from the Safeway?"
"Maybe a dozen eggs, and some cheddar," Rio replied. "Zero? Can you think of anything else we need for breakfast? Zero?"
The dark-haired young man dozed in the back seat, resting on Hiead's shoulder. "Do you mind?" Hiead said. "He's resting."
The car reached the bottom of the plateau, rejoining Rural Route 2. Garu drove on, reaching the junction of RR2 and Barrow Lane. He turned to the left; the walls and gates of Rosso Heights loomed on either side.
As the lane dipped, leading to the lower city, Rio piped up: "We are going to the all-nighter, right?"
Garu snorted. "As if you had reason to doubt. And the turn-off is about three or four blocks away. So, we'll need eggs, cheese---just cheddar? I think we can also use some jack cheese, and some cottage cheese. I think we should pick up some milk, maybe a crumb cake. Do we need bacon? How about a package of frozen spinach?"
"I think that about covers everything. Wait, we need some cocoa."
A sign came up, which read: Sunderland Avenue. Gareas turned to the right, driving about another six blocks, before coming up on the Safeway parking lot. "Okay, we're going in," he said, turning to Hiead. "Y'all coming inside?"
"I think I'll keep an eye on sleeping beauty here, thanks." Hiead opened the window on his left, as Rio and Garu walked into the supermarket. He felt the sting of a north wind on his face; the chill snapped him out of the muzzy sensation creeping through his limbs, threatening sleep. I do not want to nod just yet. One person in doss mode is one too many.
The cold bit into him, and he pulled the borrowed coat a little closer. Zero stirred, sighing. Hiead prayed that the young man would settle down again. Dark mocha hair tickled his chin, and fluttered across his face. He looks so charming when he's asleep.
A memory of Hiead, lying in Zero's bed, flashed through his thoughts. Stars spilled through a window, and into the room they shared at GOA. Zero lay in his arms, almost purring, face serene and sated. Hiead stared at the boy, and traced the curve of the sleeping boy's cheek, before pressing a kiss to his forehead.
Just as his eyes began to close, Hiead felt Zero shift, moving forward. "Beautiful," Zero breathed. "A treasure greater than any gem." Their lips met, in a tender, dream-scented kiss. Sweet. He tastes so sweet, like cherry vanilla ice cream. Hiead gazed at Zero's face, watching dark blue eyes---the color of a twilit winter sky---open, as a note of laughter crept into the kiss. "Zero, you do realize we have to wake up for practice."
"Can't we just call in sick?" Zero mumbled. "Don't want to look at Azuma's face."
"Not acceptable. You and I want to become Pilots, right? So we have to look at his face, listen to his lectures, yadada yadada yadada. I know you know the drill."
"Stuff the drill. I'd rather look at you."
"Really? Do tell why."
"For starters, you've got beautiful eyes. You're a great sparring partner. You have a devastating, sexy smile."
Hiead chuckled. "Tell me more."
"You always give 110% in everything you do. You keep me from getting too complacent when we're in the Pro-Ings. And you are an amazing kisser. I could kiss you all day, and never complain."
"All true enough. But we still have classes to attend, practice drills, gym, and the ongoing nightmare that is the cafeteria. We'll probably tangle over some small infraction or other, and have to get hosed down so they can separate us. But, there's the relaxation room, and then, we're off to bed. And I think, in a couple of days, we might just get some time off. Care to think of how we can spend our free time?"
"I guess you're right."
"Well, of course I am. And don't forget modest, while you're at it." Hiead kissed Zero, a deep, soft kiss, as the two embraced. Zero smiled at him, when they broke the kiss.
"Night, Hiead. Sleep with the angels," Zero said, as he closed his eyes.
"Goodnight, Rei," Hiead replied, eyes slipping shut. I think the angels are probably fuming mad, 'cos you're here with me.
A brush of lips against his cheek snapped Hiead back to the parking lot, the car, and the fact that Zero's hands were moving up, over his face and into his hair. The hell? This can't be good. If he gets any closer, we'll both be in trouble. But can there be a more delicious form of trouble? Shut up! He's not here for your amusement. But if he brings that mouth any closer, I can kiss rational thought goodbye.
"Hiead," Zero murmured, "don't go. Please, please, don't go."
"I'm here. And I'm not about to go anywhere." Zero sighed, returning to sleep.
Hiead breathed, relieved and disappointed at once.
He cast his memory back, bewildered. Another scene emerged: Zero snatching a language textbook from Hiead's hands. The two were in their room at GOA.
The silver boy sneered, his voice oozing with derision: "Enna, did that incident with the VICTIM scramble your brain? You barely speak Standard, what the hell possesses you to learn Portuguese? Not like you're ever going to need it."
Zero's face was flushed with anger and raw humiliation. "Is that all you ever think about, what you need to advance? Is there anything that you do for the sheer pleasure of it? Aside from inflicting pain on anything that moves, that is."
"Oh, and learning a new language is pleasurable."
"Believe it or not, yes. Have you even heard Portuguese? It is such a liquid language. Poetic, sensual, musical." He sighed, his face turning wistful. "It is music. Sad and happy at once. And I would love to hear someone whisper words to me in Portuguese. "
"Like you'll ever find anyone to share your secrets. Oh wait, there's that little telepathic waif," Hiead replied. "No, you're here, and he's at GIS. Scratch that."
"There are a few other advantages to learning a new language. If I get really hacked, I can read you the riot act, and you'll never guess." Zero smirked, eyes half-open. "Not to mention, I'll provide you with hours of endless mirth when I screw up and mispronounce words."
Hiead's eyes widened, in shock.
"Hey, it's not like I have to get inside your head to work that out. Besides, why wreck your precious reputation as a beautiful, soul-dead bastard? Now, if you will excuse me, Gner, I want to get back to my studies." Zero left the room, digipad and text in hand.
Hiead stood, trying to catch what was left of his breath. Did I just hallucinate, or did he just storm out after telling me off? That's so unlike him. What got his boxers bundled?
He took off, in search of Zero. Boy, you do not insult me and leave.
"And why not, Hiead? You've done that to me on numerous occasions."
He paused in the corridor, looking around. Zero's voice floated past. "Maybe you just can't stomach having someone stick you the way you do everyone in your path."
"Get out here, Enna!" he bellowed.
Zero walked up. "What's the commotion?"
"How dare you---" Hiead sputtered.
"What are you talking about? You were the one disrupting my studies. If the idea of me walking out on you offends you so much, just say so, already. You don't have to yell at the top your lungs."
"I wasn't saying a thing."
"You came through loud and clear. I'm surprised the librarians didn't track you down."
"And they didn't say a word to you?"
"Why should they? I was reading over my text when you cut in."
"I wasn't anywhere near you."
"So that wasn't you ranting about my boxers getting bundled?"
Hiead gaped.
"And you weren't raving that nobody insults you and leaves?"
"But I---but you---what the hell is going on?" Hiead asked.
"Get over yourself, Gner. I walked away. And unless you have something to say, this conversation is over." Zero spun around, heading back to the library.
Hiead stared, eyes flashing. He did not hear me. He couldn't have heard me.
Zero spoke over his shoulder. "On the contrary. You could wake the dead, the way you're carrying on." He walked on, fading from view.
Hiead shook his head. Good god, I must have been a piece of work.
Zero woke, sitting up. "You were a piece of work, Hiead, and then some. But is this the time, I ask, to replay old arguments?"
"Who said I was?"
Zero chuckled, his eyes on Hiead.
"People do change. I should know." He leaned closer to Hiead. "Come here."
Soft lips brushed against Hiead's cheek. "Did I thank you for coming with me this evening?"
"Yes, you did."
"Let me thank you again," Zero murmured, as he pressed his lips to Hiead's. The kiss, while brief and chaste, lingered, tracing flame over Hiead's lips. He drew back a little, trembling.
The dark-haired one blushed, clapping a hand over his mouth. "Oh, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have been so forward."
"You don't need to apologize. We're both grown-ups, correct?"
"Correct."
"And we both know this was a simple display of affection, one friend to another."
"Agreed."
"So let's not dwell on it. Especially since Gareas and Rio are lugging half the supermarket to the car. I think they're going to need a hand or four, don't you?"
Zero glanced at the parking lot. Rio pushed a shopping cart, laden with bagged groceries, while Garu glowered. "Is that breakfast for four or 400? Good Lord and butter! One day they're going to ban him for life."
"And lose their best customer? I think not," Hiead quipped, opening the passenger door. Zero unbuckled and did likewise. They waited for Garu to open the trunk, then started placing the bags inside.
"Next time," Garu said, glaring at Rio, "I'm putting you on a leash. You're worse than a kid on a permanent sugar high. We go in for a few things, and look how we leave."
"Hey, it's not my fault that a certain green-haired hottie started making creative suggestions for table cream and Coconut Pocky. And when did I nibble your ear while looking at jars of dulce de leche?"
Hiead and Zero whistled and packed up the last of the groceries. {Did the guys just give out too much information, Zero?}
{I think they did. But I wouldn't worry. They'll make it up.}
The four got into the car; Gareas started the engine, and pulled out of the parking lot.
Garu paused, leaning over to kiss Rio full on the mouth. When they came up for breath, Rio whispered, "Love you."
Zero blushed, looking out the window at the night sky. Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight, I wish I may, I wish I might, have this wish I wish tonight---but what happens when I get what I wish for?
Hiead watched him, mystified. As the car cruised down Sunderland Avenue, the music played.
At the intersection of Sunderland and Beausoleil Street, Garu turned left, driving three blocks down, to the corner of Beausoleil and Rivage Court. He turned at right at Rivage, made another right turn down an alley, and pulled up to a garage three houses down. Once in the driveway, he stopped the car, saying, "We've arrived, gentlemen. All out now." Rio sprinted to open the back door, while Garu, Hiead, and Zero tended to the groceries.
Hiead noted the austerity of the house, which Garu shared with Rio. Unlike Zero's place, muted colors and neutrals set the tone. A black leather sectional sofa anchored the living room, facing a home entertainment console. Rio turned on the stereo, and returned to the kitchen.
"That goes in the pantry, Hiead. Zero, keep the eggs and the sourdough out. Rio, get the grater and some bowls out, stat." Garu jockeyed between the other three, making sure the groceries got put away. He began cracking eggs into a large bowl. "So, who wants to do what?"
"I'll prep the bread," Rio replied.
"I'll start on the cheese," Zero said. "Hiead, want to start on the bacon?"
"Where do you keep the skillets, guys?" Rio handed Hiead a cast iron skillet and a packet of bacon. "Thanks. How much of the package do you want?"
"About half," Garu answered. "That ought to work." He grabbed a whisk, and began beating the eggs. "Rio, get the milk. You think we ought to add spinach to the batch?"
"No," Zero said. "We should be all right."
Rio buttered a pan, adding the torn bread to it. Garu brought the milk-and- egg mixture over to Zero, who added cheese to the bowl. Hiead turned the bacon, making sure to avoid a grease spatter.
Once the cheese and eggs were mixed together, Garu added them to the bread, mixing them together, before placing the pan into the oven.
Hiead added more bacon to the skillet, placing the cooked slices in a plate on top of the stove.
Rio changed the subject: "Favorite song when you're in a funk, and when you first heard it."
"You lead off," Zero replied.
"Okay, it's 'If You Don't Know Me By Now,' by Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes. First fight I had with Gareas, over, I don't know, leaving the toothpaste tube open and squeezed at the top. Your turn, dude."
"Just one? Let me think about that. I would say, 'Could it Happen to Me,' by Roxy Music. It was around the time I first fell in love. You know, when you figure the other person doesn't even notice. So you act like everything's cool, but inside, you're going crazy." Zero paused. "But that was a chapter from another story. Oi, Gareas, what's your in-a-funk song, and where do you first remember hearing it?"
"I have to say it's 'Me and Bobby McGee,' by Janis Joplin. Rio and I were having an argument on the road. He was furious 'cos I wouldn't ask for directions, and he wanted to stop someplace and at least get a map."
"We got lost on the way to Langley Down," Rio added. "We finally had to pull in to a truck stop just so we could eat something and figure out where we were. I think it was the Crossroads, or some such place."
Hiead whistled. "Lost nothing! You were heading into the Outlands."
"And how do you know this?" Garu asked.
"The Crossroads is a sort of rendezvous point for bounty hunters," he replied. "I've spent many nights there, loading up on bacon cheeseburgers and coffee, getting tips from the waitresses, and gathering information from others."
Hiead turned the bacon, then said, "And before you ask, my favorite song to hear in a funk is 'I'm Only Happy When it Rains,' by Garbage. Don't know why, it just is."
Zero began pulling down plates and cups from a cabinet with translucent glass panels. "Now, I have a question for you gentlemen," he said. "What color reminds you of your first kiss?"
"We want to know, first off, what your color is," Garu replied, grabbing a box with crumb cake from the counter, and slicing it. "Hey, can you spare a plate? I really want to get this to the table."
Zero handed him a salad plate, and began setting the table. "One word: cerise."
"Cerise? What the hell kind of color is that?"
"Kind of a cherry red, only brighter, with some blue mixed in." Garu snorted.
"Now, then, Mister Elidd, tell us about your color," Zero said. "Rio, can you help me with the utensils, please?" Rio nodded, opening the flatware drawer.
"Tangerine. That's the color I recall when I think of my first real kiss," Garu said, giving his love a roguish wink. "Hiead, do you have a color in mind?"
Hiead turned out the last of the bacon, and turned off the burner under the skillet. "Do you always ask each other questions this silly?"
"Nope," Zero replied. "Sometimes we sit and discuss the merits of existentialism, and argue over who had the clearer vision, Kierkegaard or Sartre. But not very often."
Hiead sighed, laughing. "Trust you to be the wiseass. All right. If you must know, the color I always think of when I think of kissing is.well, midnight blue. Happy? Thank you; now, Rioroute, what color makes you think of your first kiss, hmm?"
Rio grinned. "Aquamarine, with more green to it than blue."
Garu set the dish with cake on the table, then pulled out a honeydew melon, a bag of red seedless grapes, and a container of sour cream. "My turn. What's your favorite flavor of ice cream? I'll tell you mine right now: apple crumble. Who's next?"
"I've got two favorites," Hiead said. "Mocha fudge swirl, and cherry vanilla. Zero?"
"I've also got two flavors," Zero replied. "Mint Oreo, and blood peach. Though the only time I can ever get that one is in summer. Not that I mind the wait, well, not too much." He grabbed a bowl from a draining rack, and handed it to Garu. "Now, Rio, what say you?"
"Boysenberry," Rio replied. "Especially when a perfectly buff-looking sensei feeds me spoon after spoon, straight from the container."
"Well, this buff one requires you, a jar of honey, and some poppy seeds," Garu called out.
Hiead and Zero gave each other a sheepish look.
"You sure you two don't want some time alone?" Zero asked.
Rio and Garu broke into laughter. "Enna, could you please get your brain out of the gutter? I just need a few ingredients for my poppy seed dressing. A little restraint here, s'il vous plait."
"Sorry there. I'll just go into the living room now, and kick back, so 'scuse me, guys."
Zero retreated to the couch, face flaming, and draped his body across part of it. He heard a muted "Excuse me," followed by the sound of feet approaching the living room.
"Looks pretty busy in there," Hiead said, sitting on the floor near Zero. "You holding up?"
"I'll be fine. What about you?"
"I'm a little shagged out. I could use a nap right now."
"Climb on up, there's room and then some." Oh, great. You may as well have said, "Let me give you a radical tonsillectomy." Mother Kali, strike me dead, now. Come on, Enna, it's just the shock of everything that's gone down today, and tomorrow you'll have the whole day with Kizna. You're halfway to matrimony. You're not in love with Hiead, you're not; that ended seven years back---so why did I melt when I saw him? I can't fall again. I've lost so much. I can't risk losing Kizna. But the prospect of losing him again---that strikes terror.
"Move it over, Zero. I'm coming up." How are you going to manage this, Gner, without turning into a slack-jawed, drooling idiot? One, I might add, who wants to play tonsil hockey with the most sensual man on the planet? Think: he's crazy for Kizna, crazy for her; whatever we had died with the Final Battle---and the minute I see him, I feel like I'm alive again, and I don't understand how, wheretofore, or why. Just that he has enchanting eyes, and when I see him in pain, I feel my heart crack; he has hair that no amount of pomade or gel will ever control, so warm and soft and safe. And as for the lips---does he taste like coffee now? Lower the volume, Gner---he's not yours. He's her Zero now. Mother Kannon help me, but I'd swap places.
The two lay on their stomachs, facing each other. Hiead locked his gaze on Zero, who refused to look away.
"Hiead?" Zero asked. "How long will you be here in town?"
"Depends, I guess. Your fair city's the epicenter for Quark, so I need to get information and access to the source. That may take a while, especially since there's a connection between Q Labs and the trade. Maybe it's nothing more than a case of someone pirating the drug, but somehow I doubt that. So I could be here for weeks, or even months."
"Will you return to the Outlands?"
"I might." Give me a reason, and I'd stay with you.
"What are the Outlands like?" And could you take me there?
"The Outlands are wild. You can travel for ages before you see another person. There are only one or two big cities, and next to what's here, they're still small. You'll find your share of crime out there, but you can find that here, too. If you travel far enough, you'll reach the ocean. I have a little bungalow at Luritja Cove. I go fishing, take walks on the beach, and watch the sun set. Hey, I don't get bounties every day. And I sing as loudly as I please. My nearest neighbor is half a kilometer away, so I don't have to worry about disturbing the peace."
"You ever get lonely out there?"
"Sometimes I do. When Mickey was alive, and we didn't have a case, I'd stay with him and the family. His wife makes the best crawfish boil this side of the Deluges. Nothing like it in the summer! Kick back, grab a longneck, dance till dawn; and when you get up, you do it again. Of course, you can't do that forever. And I never did like the idea of staying there too long."
"You must miss the guy."
"I think about him all the time."
"Ever meet anyone there?"
"I weathered a few crushes, went on some dates, even slept with someone."
"Oh." Is she still waiting for you?
"But I can't say I ever fell in love." And the only reason I slept with someone was to try and get your image out of my head. He wasn't too happy when I screamed your name in the middle of the sex act. I didn't make love; I had sex. Stupid, plastic, junk sex! I wanted the ground to swallow me when we were done.
"I'm sorry, Hiead." So, the goddesses do love me. Yes, yes, yes. Wait a minute. Why are you so happy that he hasn't been in love since you? You're hardly in a position to claim, wait, to ask him out on a date. You're not in love with him. You are so not in love. Like hell you aren't. Oh my god. What do I do? Stuff it. Take a nap, Enna.
Zero saw Hiead's eyes slip shut; he closed his own, dozing within a few minutes.
A dream took shape: Zero stretched out, in a hammock, wearing grey-blue swim trunks. A small table, with a pitcher of iced peppermint tea and a bowl of frozen red grapes, lay within reach. A calico cat nestled in his lap, purring. He looked up; the sky peered through shade trees. Zero smiled, humming a secret tune.
"Enjoying the shade, love?" He peered over, and saw Hiead, in a white t- shirt and mulberry swim shorts, a saucy grin on his face. "Have you got room for one more?" Zero nodded, moving over. "Habibi, little love, may I borrow your couch for a while?" He nudged the cat, which jumped down.
"So, what are we doing today?" Zero asked, wrapping his arms around Hiead. He giggled, feeling slender hands in his dark hair. He reached up, with one hand, to play with the other man's silver-white hair. Their legs tangled, as Hiead lavished butterfly kisses on Zero's face and throat. Zero kissed Hiead's fingertips, his wrist, and the crook of his arm.
"Today's agenda? Hmm. I thought we might just stay here, enjoy something cool, and maybe make love till the sun goes down; then we could take an evening swim, make love on the shore; and we could go inside, have a bite, and spend the night making love to the sound of the tides. You have any ideas as to what else we can do?"
"Somehow, I doubt I could improve on that idea. That doesn't mean I don't want to have a little fun." Zero reached for the bowl, popping a grape in Hiead's mouth. "You mind?"
"Not at all," Hiead replied, positioning the grape between his teeth. {Come and get it, Zero.}
{Don't mind if I do.} Zero touched his mouth to Hiead's, biting down on the fruit. The kiss that followed tasted of grapes and each other. Hiead teased Zero with another grape, which he devoured. The two teased each other, grape by grape, until the bowl was empty, and they were exchanging kisses. Zero's hands removed Hiead's t-shirt, which fell on the ground. Hands wandered, followed by lips and tongues.
"Breakfast is ready!" Rio sang out. "Last one to the table has to do dishes."
Hiead and Zero woke, startled. They shuffled to the table, sat down, and waited for Garu to join them.
"Anyone here care to say a grace?" Garu asked, when he sat down.
"Well," Hiead said, "I learned this little grace from a fisherman in the Outlands. 'Rub a dub dub, thanks for the grub. Yeah, God!' I hope that's okay."
"Dandy. Now let's eat."
The four ate, chatting about little goings-on with former comrades: Clay and Saki were now married, and expecting twins. Tsukasa had a design studio; Wrecka worked in the Aztlan division of Q Labs. Roose and Yamagi ran a bistro in the Waterfront section of Red River City. Leena worked as an engineer in the Midlands; Tune had become a nurse, and worked at Point Rosso Medical Center. Phil opted for a career in obstetrics.
"So whatever happened to Yu and Kazuhi?"
Rio, Garu, and Zero looked at each other. Zero spoke up. "Well, you see, their relationship got really, um, unhealthy after a while. They took Yu to Borstal Seven, a psychiatric colony. Kazuhi is at Borstal Nine. They can't ever see each other again."
"Never?"
"No, never again. They were stockpiling food and weapons, planning to marry under assumed names, the whole nine. I heard Kazuhi, at one point, had miscarried. At any rate, if they had had children, they'd be separated too."
They finished the meal in silence. Zero washed up; Hiead dried, and Rio put the dishes away.
Once everything was done, the four returned to the car, driving six blocks down Rivage, to the athletic field at Red River High. Hiead and Zero got out.
"See you tomorrow, then," Rio said. "Good night Hiead, good night, Zero. You dudes stay safe."
"We'll do our best," Zero replied. "Night Garu, night Rio.
"Good night you two," Garu said.
"Good night gentlemen," Hiead answered. "So," he said to Zero when the other car pulled away, "may I drive you home?"
"I'd be honored." Zero yawned. "Besides, I really could use some sleep. And you?"
"Ditto." The two walked over to the two-door. Hiead opened the door for Zero, who climbed in, opening the driver's side. Hiead started the engine, driving to the alley behind the house which Zero shared with Kizna.
They locked the car. Zero opened the back door, and the two made their way upstairs.
"Wait here. I think I have a nightshirt you can borrow." Zero bounded into his room, and brought out a burgundy nightshirt, with a robe. "In case it rides too high."
"Thanks." Hiead followed Zero to the guest room. His eyes widened, as he took in the décor: reds dominated the room, with copper, green, and blue complementing the main color. Middle Eastern and Indian flourishes abounded, from the comforter to the walls. "Why are you giving me the best room in the house?"
"What else do I give a guest?" Zero replied, in a matter-of-fact tone. "Get settled in. I'll put some towels out for you, so you can shower in the morning. You'll meet Kizna then, too. Meanwhile, time to hit the hay, no?"
"Yes." Hiead kissed Zero on the cheek. "Thank you, Zero, and goodnight."
Zero hugged him, saying, "Night, Hiead, sleep with the angels." He walked to his room, shutting the door.
Hiead shut the door to the guest room, dressing for bed, and climbing under the covers. Rei, you sleep well, too.
Hiead Gner closed his eyes, drifting into a deep sleep.
Author's Notes
After the "Free Space" column, I hit a few snags with this chapter. A few false leads, a few dead ends, the usual. But here is the seventh chapter, for your perusal, and I hope, for your pleasure.
If it seems a little strange that Zero would want to learn Portuguese, well, he has something in mind. You'll see. 88: here's the latest! Thanks, and I do hope you enjoy. UE: Glad you liked the FS. Shakespeare is a master, though I have never mastered the sonnet. I've also read a good deal of Russian literature in translation. Gogol is one of my favorites, as are Andrei Bely, Anna Akhmatove, Marina Tsvetaeva, Abram Tertz, and Yevgeny Yevtushenko. Music-wise, I've got a lot to learn. Nozomi: thank you, my dear. I love Tolkien, and yes, I do plan on seeing all three LoTR installments.
Food fun facts: a strata is something between a casserole and a savory bread pudding, made with milk, eggs, and other such ingredients, and baked till it rises up, bubbly and golden. Table cream is a special brand of cream made by Nestlé, for the Australian market. It's thick and pretty good with fresh strawberries (they sell it here at Publix). Dulce de leche is a sweet made by cooking milk and sugar together till they're dark and thick. You can also make it by boiling sweetened condensed milk (not to be done without extreme care, though). It can be a liquid, or thick enough to spread (the thicker variety is also called crema de leche, or cajete, depending on where you buy it).
Coming up: Hiead meets Kizna again for the first time! How will they respond to one another? The Kuerten funeral promises to be a powderkeg. And when the gang gets together for a dinner party, what will Clay do when he sees Hiead alive? What will Yamagi and Roose perform for the "dinner show"? And could Zero persuade Hiead to sing for the guests? Stay tuned.
Again, thank you all for reading. Your reviews mean more than mere nerds can say.
Antoinette (poetisa)