Disclaimer: Though they are fictional characters from a show, they are based on real people. I do not own these people or the people who own them.

Notes: I don't own them, but man, I wish I was a part of their world. Their world was better. They were better, they were pretty, they were popular, people liked them. Okay. No more quoting, promise. This is my first bit of Taboo slash, but it's been almost a year and a half in the making. I've been wanting to write some Taboo stuff ever since I saw it back in December of 2003, but nothing came to me until recently.

Roger -

Thanks for your help inspiring me with this one, hon. Your insight to Marcus and Sue has helped me write them to the best of my Philip-brained ability.

- April

------

Out of Fashion

"Honestly, George, I don't understand it."

"There's nothing to understand, Philip. I love him."

Philip's gaze dropped to the floor, his facade of nonchalance momentarily lost. Before George had time to respond to this, he hitched his smug grin back up and tossed his black curls off his shoulder.

"Fine."

He began to walk away, plaid hips swaying as though nothing had happened.

As if he hadn't been turned away for the umpteenth time.

"Philip, don't be like that."

George pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed.

"I'm sorry, alright? I can't help it. He's just so.. he'll take care of me. He's smart and funny and sweet and--"

"Oh, I don't care what he is, George! He's a liar and a fake and he'll end up hurting you. You'd be safer just sticking with us - people like you," against his better judgement, he took George's hand and brought it to his chest, "people like us, we're not part of their world. You'll never fit in there. He'll ask you to change to

belong and he'll never accept you. They'll never accept you. I--"

George pulled his hand away angrily and ran it through his long brown hair.

"I don't care! And he wouldn't. He loves me, Philip. He loves me and he wants me just the way I am. If you'd stop being so thick for a minute you'd see that. He doesn't want to change me. He knows who I am."

"And I don't."

The only thought running through Philip's head was that he mustn't cry in front of George. It would ruin his makeup, his image and worst of all - George would feel sorry for him. That was unacceptable.

"Philip, please. Just.. let me do this? Please?"

Without looking up at George's face, Philip nodded, toying idily with the chain around his neck.

"Fine. But I don't want to hear one word of complaint when I'm right."

"Why don't you believe me?"

"Haven't you ever wondered if the only reason he even looked twice at you was because you were convenient? And, conveniently, you look close enough to being a girl to not cause a problem."

"Of course I have! Don't you think I wonder about that all the time? But I know that's not the only bit. And besides, why shouldn't I be able to have what I want for once in my life? I shouldn't always only have to be with guys because they want me. And I want Marcus."

"Oh. Oh, I see."

Philip had wanted to question whether or not George had ever wanted him, but it was painfully apparent to him that this was not the case. Rather than stare at the floor any longer, Philip tossed his head back and put his haughty smile back on.

"Very well, then. But ask yourself, seriously, George; is he strong enough to protect you from himself?"

"You're still a friend, Philip."

"Since I'm obviously not wanted here, I'll have to excuse myself. Some of us have friends to attend to. And outfits to work on."

"Philip.."

But Philip was already flouncing his way through George's flat and slamming the door.

"Philip!"

He threw the door open to yell at the dark curls that were retreating.

"Philip, don't do this!"

But he was already gone and now there was nothing George could do but sit at his vanity and cry for the loss.