Ya know, my cat just had kittens. Rock really wasn't listening. He was walking to an assembly with Swanson, but it could have been anyone talking beside him. There was another outbreak in Zone One and he was thinking about how he should break the news to his fa.... Duke Red.

Swanson cocked an eyebrow and bent his head a bit, trying to catch a glimpse of Rock's eyes behind the shades. You're kinda out of it today.When am I ever NOT out of it?Whoa! Dat's a surprise. He had hair that was longer on one side than the other, and when he laughed, it would levitate and flow. His whole body shimmered when he smiled. But Rock hated that type of hair cut.

I thought youse were in a daze. Didn't think you'd hear what I asked ya.'

And a Boston accent. You could tell right away the people who weren't from Metropolis.

Swanson first transferred to the city eight months ago, but even during the early first few days he arrived, an obsession over Rock began to grow. Or, if you prefer, a He was never really good at anything, whether it be running to holding a gun straight. In fact, the only reason he was applied a position in Rock's rank was lack of transferred soldiers. But there was another reason. Rock liked Swanson, and didn't want him to be declined just yet. It was nice having someone to talk to, and though Rock hated to admit it, Swanson was becoming his best friend.

They're just little balls o' fuzz, ya know?

Rock massaged his temples. He knew where this was going and he didn't like it. I'm not taking a kitten.Aw, c'mon Rock. My landlord says I gots to get ride of dem by t'night, else he's gonna take em to da pound. I gots four o dem kittens homes, and dere's one left.Well, what makes you think I want one? Rock turned his gaze and frowned, although no one could tell, because he was wearing sunglasses.

Oh, you want one. Ya know ya do...What's that supposed to mean?

Swanson turned to Rock and smiled, one that showed all of his perfectly straight and white teeth, one that said Hey. I'm a happy person.'

Their pace must have slowed down because there were already dozens of people in front of them. The assembly ball room was right down the hall, and a seat was reserved for Rock in the front. He was going to have to make a speech again. He had that sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. Anxiety was taking its toll, as always, and there were so many things to do today. Rock couldn't think straight.

..

It was one of those stomach aches that didn't really hurt. Not one that just disappears after you squat and relieve yourself, nah, it was the kind where you take a dump, feel better for lie ten minutes, then need to tae a dump again. If limbo was real, Rock thought it might be like that.

What's up in dere? Rock had heard Swanson walk in and knew he had been waiting by the sinks for a while. You okay?I'm fantastic! Rock cried out from behind the paint chipped metal stall door. He put his head in his hands and cursed the day for blowing up in his face. He rocked his body back and forth until all of the toxins had flowed out.

Awww..... poor Rock. Ya know what ya need?

Rock sighed. No Swanson. What do I need?A kitten! Rock stood up and flush the discolored waste down the pipes. He rubbed his hand back and forth over his poor stomach to comfort it as he walked lazily out of the stall.

What's da bet dem pipes don't go nowhere.

Rock smiled as he turned on the sink to wash his hands. It made sense. However a big deal this assembly was, it was held in the worst possible place. In an old elementary hall located past the Zone One registration building. Not the worst place in the colonization below top gate, not at all, but still a place Marduks were likely to avoid if they could help it. To make things worse, it was one of the dirtiest places Rock had ever seen. The school was falling apart and the restrooms were everything but attractive. The best thing to do at a moment like this is to just get the hell out as fast as one can and go home where they're safe. At least that's what Rock wanted to do. There were still a few hours before he was completely free. There was still a board meeting he had to attend in the cafeteria. Oh, how pathetic.

I gotta get outta here, Swanson announced, lifting up his sleeve and taking a quick look at his watch. But listen, I'm stoppin' by t'night. Youse really don' look too hot. He picked up his jacket and headed towards the door. He stopped suddenly and turned around. Rock's head was bent and he was looking into the sink.

You gonna be sick?

Rock shook his head.

Hey, c'mon now... Swanson swung his jacket over his shoulder and walked over to the smaller marduk. Much smaller. He put a friendly arm around Rock and gave him a good pat on the back. You just hang in dere. Hey, what time?

Rock lifted up his head in thought. Mmmmm.... eight. No, no wait... seven. No! Eight.Ehhhh, you don' know what youse want. He put his hand in Rock's hair and ruffled it up a bit.

Rock shied away but couldn't help playing a smile on his lips. No. Actually, Duke Red called me down for around that time. I need to give him my report about what happened today in Zone One.Yo' dad still jivin' ova' dat?

Sometimes it was like Swanson was speaking another language. Rock bit his lip a bit and stifled a giggle. Swanson looked towards the tiled floor of the restroom and ran his tongue over his mouth. Yeah... yeah... whateva... But Rock liked it. Rock liked the way Swanson called Duke Red his father. Sometimes even Rock was afraid to let the word leave his throat, scared that someone might be hiding or skulking around who isn't supposed to hear it.

Swanson walked out the door and into the dingy hallway. Rock was left alone. He looked in the mirror, sighed, took off his shades and splashed his face with cold water.

See ya.

..

Author's Notes: According to spell check, Swanson doesn't speak english.... TT() Next chapter will be longer, promise.