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Caesar left fairly early in the morning and told his first lie to Joseph. As he got dressed in the clothes he packed the night before. Joseph stayed in bed, sleepy, with his eyes still closed. He asked Caesar where he had to be so early, Caesar said he had to go to work and open the restaurant. Joseph said he could make a pot of coffee before he left, Joseph said he could drive him there. But Caesar said that would be alright, but he could do it himself. He just said get some sleep, Joseph had to work as well today. This was his lie. Caesar didn't have to go to work until much later in the afternoon actually. He had to go to his house, and have a cup of coffee with Suzi-Q.

He told Joseph this lie because he knew he would impose. Want to talk with the young lady, try to make a good impression. Maybe even sneak into a conversation with her and try to get the most information he could get out of her. He'd charm her, like he always did, and Suzi-Q would fall for it easily. Whether it be his strong arms, or sharp tongue, or sparkling eyes, he'd have her, and she would do anything for him at that point. That's what happened with her and Caesar. He said the right line, or smiled at her in some way, and now she'd do anything for him.

Caesar got home, his grandfather already out of the house, and the sweet smell of coffee was in the air. He saw Suzi-Q sitting on the kitchen counter with a warm cup in her hand. She smiled over at Caesar and raised her hand to wave.

"Hi, Caesar! Boy, you can keep a girl waiting,huh?" Suzi-Q said in her thick Italian accent.

"I know, I'm sorry. Pop's started you some coffee though. It smells good,"Caesar came over and gave her a welcoming kiss on the cheek and grabbed her waist, "Off the counter,sweetheart."

He picked her up, she giggled as her feet landed on the ground and she sat down at the table.

"He was already leaving once I got here, I made it. I know how a coffee maker works."

Caesar grabbed a mug from the cabinet and gripped the coffee pot and began to pour.

"Then it should be," He put his finger tips to his mouth and kissed them, "Magnefic"

She chuckled and sipped her drink before Caesar sat down next to her. He needed to get the first word in.

"So, how's work been going, Suzi?" Caesar asked

"Oh, you know. Same thing day in day out. Cleaning up after rich people and catching the bus. Listening to gossip. Nothing exciting ever happens for people like us."

"Oh come on. You must have more than that? How was that date you went on last week?"

Suzi-Q groaned and rolled her eyes, "Eheh, not very well at all. I don't know if we just didn't have a good connection."

"He wanted to take you home, huh?"

"They always want to take me home!" Suzi-Q whined, "They just think you can buy a girl dinner and have a small talk with her and that'll get her into bed."

"That's usually the right way."

"You can't side with him, pig!" Suzi-Q said and shoved Caesar.

Caesar chuckled and waved his hand, "I'm not, I'm not. I'm just messing with you. You look so cute all worked up."

Suzi-Q rolled her eyes. Her and Caesar had a good relationship. They had known each other since they were young. Since they lived so close it was always an easy walk to the park, or the diner, or pharmacy. They were close, but as always, when you grow up things change. People begin to work, they own their own apartment in the place they grew up, they have bills to pay, and they have lovers to pursue. Of course, once they were teenagers, and they both began to bud, Caesar would look at Suzi-Q differently. Only a few times, however. He never wanted to be with her like that. But there were times where she looked beautiful in her summer dress. Where she smiled as she made a home cooked meal for both him and his grandfather. How she screamed as whistlers on the street because she had enough of it already. Her face was so red. Where she was crying and she held Caesar so close, squeezing him tightly and it felt like she would never let go. But he abandoned the idea of a relationship long ago. He loved her, sure, and Caesar would always be there for Suzi-Q. It was hard for people like them to leave Little Italy. Suzi-Q took a sip of her coffee.

"So, where were you this morning?" Suzi-Q asked.

Shit

"Me? Oh, I stayed over at a friend's house yesterday." A bland answer. Hopefully that worked.

"Who?"

It didn't.

"Uh, I don't think you know him. His name is Joseph. He's new around here.."

"Joseph… hmm…a new guy..." Suzi-Q was in deep thought. But then she snapped her fingers, "Joseph Joestar?"

Caesar almost choked on his coffee when she said that.

"You know him?" Caesar asked.

Suzi-Q nodded, "Yeah, Lisa Lisa's son. She asked me if I could stop by her house and clean up a few things for her. He came by to visit. Heh, he had grime on his cheek. He shook my hand and introduced himself. He seems nice."

Caesar wanted to chuckle, but he stopped himself from doing so.

"He's alright."

"I never even knew Lisa Lisa had a son."

"Yeah… that seems to be the case with most people." Caesar rubbed the back of his neck. He remembered how Joseph's work clothes smelled like motor oil. The sour smell.

"So you're friends with him now,hmm? That's good. I always thought you needed more friends."

"Ouch."

"Oh don't act like that, Caesar. You do need more guy friends. You only have women on your mind and they never stay long." Suzi-Q poked Caesar's forehead.

Caesar hadn't even been thinking about women since Joseph kissed him for the first time. He had a guy friend now, not the type he ever thought he'd have. Caesar batted her hand away, she giggled. Caesar dug into his pocket and got out his pack of cigarettes.

"I'm glad. It's funny, really. When I saw him for that brief time, he reminded me so much of you."

"Of me?" Caesar said, his cigarette hanging out of his mouth, "What makes you think that oaf is like me?"

"He's big and tall like you!" Suzi-Q stretched out her arms, "And he's handsome like you too."

"Thank you."

"And he smiled so nicely at me, just like you do. His handshake was so warm and inviting. He leaned down and kissed my hand. You do that too. To me and other ladies. It felt like I knew him forever even though we had just met. You made me feel like that once too."

Caesar lit the end of his cigarette. Suzi- Q took another sip of her coffee. Was that true? Did Caesar have the same smile as Joseph? The one that almost sickened him the other day and rivaled a viper. Was his greeting similar? Caesar did like to introduce himself with a hardy handshake and a nice grin. Maybe they were more similar than he thought. But he didn't want to be grouped as being the same as Joseph Joestar. He couldn't bear the thought of wanting to be the most cunning in the room. The pressure of being three steps in front of the next person. Maybe Caesar shouldn't have lied to Joseph this morning. And maybe if Suzi liked him, Joseph couldn't be all that bad.

"Caesar, your ash." Suzi-Q said.

"Hmm?" Caesar's cigarette had started to ash all over his pants, "Ah shit."

Caesar began to dust off his pants quickly and placed the cigarette in the ashtray.

"You seemed to be day dreaming. You're acting more disty than me. And you haven't been listening to me at all."

"I've been listening."

"Something wrong?"

"Ah, no, no. Nothings wrong, I'm sorry, Suzi," Caesar got up from his chair, "I have to change my pants."

"Of course. I can get them cleaned for you if you want. Tomorrow I have to go to the laundromat anyway."

"That would be very kind of you, Suzi. Thanks."

Suzi smiled and got up to the kitchen sink and rinsed out her mug as Caesar continued to clean his pants off before heading towards the stairs.

"Caesar." Suzi-Q said.

"Yeah?"

"Are you sure everything's alright?"

What was he supposed to say? Could he be confined in Suzi-Q? Tell her that a man he only met a few days ago, who was only supposed to tune up his car, had kissed him more times than he wanted to count? That Joseph's breath tastes minty and like stale tobacco. That his chest is the perfect place to rest his head. That Caesar took him to a place that even Suzi-Q hadn't gone to just for the hell of it. Something in his gut told him that those would be all the wrong words to say. So he lied.

"I promise, I'm fine, Suzi. Maybe I didn't sleep well."

Suzi-Q laughed, "You and Joseph must have squeezed close together in bed. I don't know how either one of you would have room."

Caesar's face became red, "Hey! That's-"

"I'm just messing with you. You get all cute when you're mad."

Caesar huffed and headed towards his room. He started to hear Suzi-Q collect up the mugs and plates from breakfast. She hummed softly as Caesar shut the door. He sighed and slid down against the door. Was this who he was now? Caesar: the liar.

That night Caesar got ready for work like he always had. Dressing all in black like he always did with his apron around his waist. He was already behind the bar counter. Cleaning off the glasses with a white cloth, looking at them in the light to see if there were any specks. He heard the shoes of waiters and waitresses setting up their sections, making sure it was swept up and the tables were wiped down. Caesar was ready to make money, ready to turn on the smiles and the charm. On people who would fall for it, and slip him a fiver. His aprons had a full book of matches for lighting cigarettes and the bottle opener next to it. He began to hum softly, his back turned away from the entrance while he picked up another glass.

"What did you tell that man? He's a clever man," Caesar quietly sang, "Did you know? I bet he works for the government. Hmm hmm…. hmm hmm hm hm…"

He heard the door open, it sounded like the back door. Caesar just assumed that it was just a late waiter. He paid no mind to it. He just slowly swung his hips and rubbed the rim of the glass. He didn't notice but the footsteps were coming closer to him. He checked the glass in the light, and as he hummed, he felt hands sneak on his hips. He jerked up and turned around.

"Gotcha." Joseph whispered against his ear.

Caesar immediately pulled away and turned around.

"Hey! You can't be back here, Jojo!" Caesar exclaimed, brushing off his apron.

Joseph put his hands up and shrugged, "When your mother owns everything, I think you can go anywhere you want," Joseph put his hands in his pants pockets, "I thought you were supposed to open the diner this morning. Not work the bartending shift."

Caesar huffed and tapped his foot, "I picked up a quick shift. Need the money, you know?"

Again, a lie. Why? Why was he still trying to lie? Like Joseph really would believe it. He sat down the glass and ran his fingers through his hair as he passed Joseph behind the bar.

"Lisa Lisa said that you were only scheduled for this today. Six to nine."

"So now you're looking at my schedule huh? You're like a little stalker. That's creepy, not charming, Joestar."

"Well, I had to know if you would be available for tonight."

"Why?" Caesar asked, brash as he checked the bottoms of liquor bottles, "You saw me this morning, and last night, and the morning before that. Why would you possibly want to see me again? Aren't you sick of looking at me yet?"

Joseph chuckled, "I want you to be my plus one tonight."

"A plus one?"

"Yes, Caesar. You know, to like a party."

"Obviously not. You know," Caesar raised a bottle of whisky and shook it, "Working."

"It's to one of Lisa Lisa's little get-togethers. You know, wealthy people shit and all."

"This conversation just keeps getting more and more annoying. The answer was no the second you started talking."

"Was it the second we started talking or when I caught you in a lie?"

"Wow, I didn't think this could go more downhill than it already has. Can't you take a hint and leave already? Harassment isn't cute."

"Oh you don't like knowing you're a liar, huh?"

Caesar slammed down the bottle on the back counter. It was quiet in the building after that. The glass had shattered in his hand. Of course not. Caesar never liked lying. A white lie here and there was fine. Like telling his grandfather the ugly hat he bought looked nice. Or the girl he had finished kissing, saying her lipstick looked perfectly fine. But he had lied to Joseph. He had lied to his grandfather and Suzi-Q too. But why did he blame it on Joseph? It wasn't his fault. Caesar was a grown man. He had to take responsibility, at least Joseph took action rather than hiding behind words. The liquor began to sting his hand, but he seemed not to notice as blood trickled to his wrist.

"Jesus, Caesar!" Joseph exclaimed, grabbing the rag from the counter. He grabbed Caesar's wrist and applied pressure to his palm, "Christ, I should have kept my mouth shut."

"So that's what it takes, huh?" Caesar mumbled.

"Caesar, this cut is deep, this isn't the time to make snide comments to me. You need a doctor."

"You think I can afford one? No, no doctor. I'll be fine."

"Listen, it's deep, and you're bleeding a lot. God-can I get another rag here?! Please?!" Joseph shouted.

He looked panicked. Like for once he realized actions have consequences. Caesar could feel Joseph's tight grip through his pulse. Caesar was now starting to feel the pain, he must have been so angry earlier. At the whim of other workers, piles of rags began to show up. And after arguing with the manager, he said it would be best if Caesar at least went home for the night. But of course Joseph wouldn't just let Caesar go home. Not while he was around.

Defeated, holding a bloody rag to his palm, Caesar leaned his head against the window of Joseph's car. Watching the bright street lights turn on as the roads and neighborhoods became darker. The bleeding had slowed, but there was a sharp pain in his palm. Caesar should have just agreed to going to a doctor, he would have been quicker and had less of a lecture. Why do you always get so mad at me, huh? Now you went and did something stupid. God, Lisa Lisa is gonna kill me, hell she might even kill you. This went on for sometime, a one-sided conversation that Caesar was barely listening to. But on the drive to Joseph's apartment, once they got close, Joseph shut his mouth. Finally paying attention to the road.

Once they got to the house, Joseph rolled his sleeves as Caesar sat on the edge of the bed. Cigarette hanging out of his mouth mindlessly. Joseph brought back a handful of items. A few were a needle and some black thread. He had a bottle of alcohol in a plastic container with a rag next to it. He knelt down on the floor.

"Do I really piss you off that bad?" Joseph asked.

"Hmm?" Caesar hummed and turned his head, "This really had nothing to do with you."

"I shouldn't have pushed that hard. I thought it was… I don't know, playful?"

Caesar breathily laughed as he started to see Joseph dab the cloth in alcohol. He avoided the statement fully. Caesar did know Joseph didn't mean any harm by what he said. He thought he still sounded smart when he said it. But something inside him made him break the bottle. It was the rage he had for his own actions. Joseph held out his hand, waiting for Caesar to give it up.

"You're playing doctor now?"

"Someone has to. Come on."

Caesar removed the blood soaked rag from his hand. A giant gash appeared, his hand looked pale and smelled like copper. It was dried up now, Caesar didn't think it was actually as deep as Joseph said. It stung more after the pressure of the cloth was removed. Joseph took his hand, slowly and gently. It was a nice gesture. His hands felt clean, less clammy than they usually did. Joseph placed Caesar's hand on his knee as he dabbed the cloth with alcohol. He picked it back up.

"Brace yourself."

Joseph placed the cloth on the open wound. Caesar bit the butt of the cigarette and seethed. He wanted to pull away, but Joseph knew that. That's why his other hand was around Caesar's wrist.

"Mother fucker!" Caesar exclaimed as the pain grew more intense.

"I know, I know."

Caesar took a drag of his cigarette and breathed out, slowly, trying not to think about the ache in his hand. He bit down on his bottom lip as his legs began to shake.

"No quip?" Caesar asked.

"Was I supposed to say one?" Joseph pulled away the rag and grabbed the needle and thread, "Look at where one of those quips got us."

"I already told you, it wasn't your fault."

"That's hard to believe. Sometimes I should learn when to keep my mouth shut."

"Your mouth has gotten you this far," Caesar said and took another drag, "...You were right."

"Right about what?" Joseph asked, carefully threading the needle. Not really soaking up Caesar's words like he should have.

"I shouldn't have lied to you. I should know better by now."

Should have known better. Why? He hadn't known Joseph that long. Yet he felt like somehow there had been a situation like this before. Like a past life. Where one of the two was hurt and in this situation it was Caesar. Now he just wondered if the two of them could ever learn. Caesar felt Joseph place his hand on his cheek.

"Don't lie to me again. Got it? Look where it gets you." Joseph said, smirking.

Joseph patted Caesar's cheek and just like that he was done stitching up his hand. Joseph took Caesar's cigarette before he could say anything and put it in his mouth. Caesar sighed and started to wrap his hand with gauze. Joseph got up and went to the kitchen to wash his hands. As he finished, Caesar stood in the doorway.

"What time is Lisa Lisa's party?" Caesar asked

"Hmm? Oh, ten o'clock so about an hour or two. Looks like I won't have time to find someone to go with."

"I'll go with you."

Joseph turned off the faucet and dried his hands, "You'll what?"

"Get the wax outta your ears, I said I'll go with you," Caesar lingered into the kitchen, "I'll take a shower here, borrow some clothes, and we can go."

"Heh, you should hurt yourself more."

Caesar sneaked up behind Joseph and wrapped his arms around his waist. He took in his smell.

"Joseph, I'm a very stubborn man," Caesar said, "I hate when people plan without me, I can't stand when things change, and sometimes I just say no simply because I can."

"Tell me something I don't know."

"I want to go with you…"

Joseph turned around, he lifted up Caesar's chin and leaned in close.

"I know, you're just crazy about me now huh?" Joseph smiled.

"You're right, you need to keep your mouth shut."

Caesar kissed him. Gently and quickly. But Joseph wanted more and leaned in again. Kissing him deeply and holding him close. What he said to Joseph was the truth. Tonight he knew he had to start saying the truth. Caesar pulled away and caught his breath, Joseph's eyes watched him.

"What's wrong?" Joseph asked.

Caesar sighed and patted Joseph's chest, "We should start getting ready."

Was that the truth? Or did he stop himself once again?

Joseph smiled, "But you look so kissable right now."

"Shut up," Caesar chuckled and shoved him.

"Why do you always drive?" Caesar asked, checking his hair in the side view mirror.

"Because I'd like to get to the party alive."

Joseph lit a cigarette and passed it over to Caesar. Caesar rolled his eyes and took it from his hand.

"I'd get us there faster."

"I bet you could."

The wind was cool tonight. Summer was great for a night drive like this. The flowers smell better, the road was smoother, and you could see the stars. The two men wore matching black suits. Joseph wore a red tie and Caesar a blue. Caesar had been to Lisa Lisa's house before, but not on a night like this. He'd do a chore for her, mow her lawn when he needed a few extra dollars, but to show up for a black tie event was different. He never thought he'd show up with her son, that's for sure. Joseph pulled into the long driveway. Cars that were worth more than Caesar's apartment crowded the grass and pavement. Young woman attached to the hip of older men waddled their way into the bright house. It looked yellow inside, while music flooded out of the open door and windows. The garage door was open and Joseph smoothly parked the car inside. He turned off the lights and car. Caesar sighed.

"Don't you think you'll look a little ridiculous coming to a party with a waiter?" Caesar asked.

"With one as handsome as you? Never."

"You can't act like that here, Jojo. You'll get us in trouble."

"Back at you. Just try and keep your hands off of me," Joseph smirked and got out of the car, "I'm not stupid, Caesar."

"Could have fooled me."

Caesar sunk into his seat as the cigarette hung out of his mouth. He didn't want to get out. He was nervous, and Joseph could see right through him. Joseph closed the garage door, making a loud rustling noise as he did so. Joseph walked over to Caesar's side of the car door and leaned over. He took the cigarette out of Caesar's mouth and tossed it.

"You gonna stay in the car or should I carry you out?"

"Joseph," Caesar groaned, "Stop it."

"You were the one who said you wanted to come."

"That's not what I meant. I mean stop saying stuff like that here. People can't know about… you know."

"Ah yes, us. I'm just getting it out of my system before we go in."

Caesar sighed and took a drag of his cigarette. He wanted to be here. He wanted to be here with Joseph. But he was worried about what other people might think. Things like this didn't happen, and when it did it wasn't necessarily smiled upon. Caesar tossed out the cigarette and finally got out the door.

"Just… please behave. We're friends here."

Joseph pulled Caesar closed to him by his hips and tilted up his chin.

"Good friends."

Joseph kissed him. It was reassuring. Knowing it would be the last time for the night. Caesar reached his hand towards Joseph's chest, but he didn't grab at his shirt. Instead, he pulled away. Caesar quickly rolled his eyes and walked towards the stairs where a side door was.

"What?" Joseph asked as he followed behind.

Caesar's hand reached the door and turned his head towards Joseph.

"Let's just have a fun night," Caesar smiled, "I wanna waste some of Lisa Lisa's booze money."

Joseph chuckled, "That sounds like a plan," he pinched Caesar's butt. That quickly earned him a slap, "I'll be your driver. Take you home with me tonight, party animal."

"If you're lucky."

Caesar's hand still hurted. Not sharp anymore, just aching. As the smell of cigarettes and ladies perfume hit Caesar's noise, he felt as if he had gone to Heaven. But since Joseph was there it must have been purgatory. This would be his place of rest for the night. His shoulders bumped against men who would then lift their drinks and nod. His arms rubbed against women, who then grazed their hands on his suit. If he didn't know Joseph was following behind, he would have stopped at every woman. God did he love women. He was baffled on how Joseph ever conned his way to kissing Caesar. He finally made his way to the open bar. Three bartenders were behind the counter, making drinks and grabbing orders. A woman rested her forearms on the counter and looked at Caesar.

"What can I get you, handsome?" She asked

"Old Fashion, darling."

"And for your friend?"

"A lemonade. Add a cherry."

Caesar turned and saw Joseph. Smiling, just happy to be there.

"I don't like lemonade with cherries." Joseph said

"Shouldn't you be rondeauing with some of these people? You're the son of a very important woman here."

"Eh, it's not really my scene."

"Would you do it for me just so I can have two seconds for myself?"

"Space, huh?"

The woman dropped off the drinks. Joseph pulled out a dollar from his pocket and handed it to the woman. He was thanked by her with a wink, he said welcome with a smile. Caesar handed Joseph his drink and waved his hand.

"Go."

Joseph clicked his tongue, but for once he walked away. Tonight must have scared him. He was too pushy, he needed to learn when to pick his battles. Joseph wandered into the crowd. Caesar faintly smiled and turned his head back to take a sip of his drink. He liked the fact he was able to do something he wanted to do. Something must have been growing between the two in this short time. He pulled out a cigarette and popped it in his mouth. A lighter case in front of his face and he moved it towards the flame.

"Grazie." Caesar said

"Prego!"

The voice was familiar. The voice of a sweet girl. He turned his head. Caesar saw Suzi-Q with a big smile on her face. She wore a red vest, tight black trousers, and a white shirt.

"Sweet heart, what are you doing here?" Caesar asked, opening her arms up.

Suzi giggled and went in for the hug. She patted Caesar's back a few times and kissed his cheek before she pulled away.

"Needed a little cash. Lisa Lisa told me one of the girls tonight was sick and I could fill in for her. All I have to do is grab drinks and light cigarettes. How easy is that?"

"Easy as pie." Caesar breathed out. He patted the seat next to him and Suzi sat down.

"What are you doing here? I thought you had work tonight."

"Work accident." Caesar waved his bandages hand in the air.

"Caesar Zeppeli! What on God's green Earth is wrong with you?!" Suzi exclaimed

She grabbed Caesar's hand. Examining it as if she had just gotten her doctorate in that seat. But that quickly faded as her slim hands brushed over the white bandage. Her brows look worried. Scrunching a little part of skin above her nose. Suzi looked as though she wanted to kiss the wound, or atleast look at what was under there.

"I'm okay. It's not as bad as it looks under there," a white lie. But it was only to make Suzi feel better, "A glass broke in my hand and cut me. Got sent home."

"And somehow you made your way to Miss Lisa Lisa's party? Quite a story. How did you even get invited here?"

Caesar chuckled and took a drag of his cigarette, "I'm a plus one."

"Ooo, look at you. Who's the lucky lady you hit on to get here?"

"I'm not a pig."

"You are, but you're charming and can get away with it. Come on! Who is she? The little blonde over there in the red dress? Or oo! The brunette with the short hair. Not your type really but I know she'd be hard to get. Or maybe-"

"Suzi-Q, I didn't come with a woman," Caesar interrupted, "I… I came with a friend."

He was reluctant to say, but he didn't want Suzi pointing at any strange woman. Wouldn't look good for a worker.

"A friend? Well where are they? You shouldn't leave a buddy alone, Caesar.

"I asked him to give me some space for a second. That's all."

"Well who is it dummy, I like meeting new people."

"He won't be new to you…"

"What does that mean?"

"I mean-"

"Sweetheart, could I get a light from you?"

Suzi-Q turned around. Thinking she would be in trouble for sitting down on the job. And when she saw the voice's face, she stayed terrified. Joseph was smiling, leaning down with a cigarette between his lips.

"Oh! Mr Joestar! I-I'm sorry of course," Suzi began to pat around her chest and dig in her pocket for a lighter, "Oh, uh, it's here somewhere…"

Caesar sighed, pulled out his lighter from his jacket and flicked it. Lighting in for Joseph. Suzi-Q's cheeks glowed pink, embarrassed and still in fear. She quickly stood up.

"I'm sorry Mr Joestar, I was just chatting for a second with my friend-"

"Oh, Caesar has more than one friend? I'm shocked, I'm not surprised that it's a beautiful woman though," Joseph took a drag of his cigarette, "Please, sit sweetheart, I'm sure you've been working hard. I'm not as mean as my mother, I won't tell if you don't"

Suzi giggled and waved her hand. Caesar could see she had fallen into the pit with Joseph Joestar just as he had. He wrapped her in his voice, his smile, even his kindness. Caesar knew Suzi long enough to know her ditzy laugh came out because of his charm, a nervous flirtatious move she did often with young men. Caesar only hoped that she would leave rather than continue to talk to him. But maybe it was because he didn't want to be alone. Or he didn't want Suzi to be alone with him.

"I really must get back to work. If you're here Lisa Lisa is probably close by. It was nice seeing you again," Suzi-Q turned back towards Caesar and kissed his cheek, "I'll see you later, Caesar."

"Work hard."

Suzi-Q tripped as she went back into the crowd, her blush still on her face as she started to look for men holding out cigarettes frantically. Caesar shook his head as Joseph slid towards him on the counter. Sly as ever.

"She is just as cute as ever." Joseph said.

"You gave her a terrible fright. If you were a gentleman you'd apologize."

"What's her name again? Susan? Sylvia?

"Suzi.Suzi-Q. And don't go prying around her. She's too good for you."

"Why would I do that when I got a pretty blonde right here?"

"Don't say that here," Caesar snapped, "I told you that you can't do that."

Joseph hummed. He took a drag of his cigarette and pulled on Caesar's sleeve.

"Then let's get out of here." Joseph simply said.

"We just got here. I'm not leaving yet. I haven't even had a second drink yet."

I didn't mean leaving the party. I just meant to leave here. There's a nice big hill outside of the house. I know you're fond of hills."

Caesar looked around the room and licked his lips. He just let his eyes wander. Seeing if by chance an old friend would show up and pat his shoulder. Or a woman would give him a wink. At this point, he was praying Lisa Lisa would show up and scold him for getting a work injury. He just wanted to see if there was anything actually there to make him stay. Or if he was just here for Joseph's sake. He was. Caesar finished his drink.

"Get me another drink. I'll meet you outside." Caesar said, hitting Joseph's shoulder as he passed him by.

He didn't look behind him as he cruised through the crowd. Politely putting his hand on strangers arms and shoulders, but he knew Joseph was watching him. He knew Joseph was smiling, popping out his hip before asking the bartender for another drink. What did he have that made him so enticing to Joseph? Was it destiny? Was it a game? Was it the fact that Joseph had a thing for blondes? Caesar didn't know, and he didn't know why he did it for Joseph to begin with. But he did, and as he made his way to the door he would wait for him. Joseph came outside shortly after. He had gotten himself another lemonade with cherries and another Old Fashion. He handed Caesar the glass and pointed towards the way of the tall hill. They started to walk. As they walked away from the mansion, they saw more stars in the sky, and heard faint sounds of crickets over the blasting sound of music. Nature makes you feel lonely and secure at the same time. The elements surrounded you in a calming way which made you feel alone with yourself. Even with someone with you. The two young men climbed up the hill, trying to drink fast enough so nothing would spill as they walked. They reached the top, and they sat down together. The sky was awfully beautiful. They sat their drinks on the grass.

"Cold?" Joseph randomly asked.

"No, Jojo."

"I think you are. I think I may see you shivering."

Joseph scooted closer towards Caesar. Caesar shook his head and chuckled.

"Jojo, it's the beginning of summer. I'm not cold. If you want to put your arm around me just say you do."

"Trying to be romantic."

Caesar laughed, it came from his stomach it was so hard.

"Romantic?! Romance? What are you talking about? Me and you are not romantic."

Joseph clicked his tongue and put his arm around Caesar.

"And why can't we be?" Joseph asked.

"Because you're a beast," Caesar said and sipped his drink, "You take what you want and that's not romance."

"A beast. My god you make me sound like a monster for making a move on you. Even when I know you like it. Why else would you come up here with me?"

"Because somehow, someway, I would have come here. It was easier just to say yes. And there is something in me that wants to come here to be with you."

Joseph grinned and pinched Caesar's cheek.

"You are falling for me."

That was supposed to be a joke. But Caesar didn't take it that way.

Caesar smacked his hand away, "Shut up," Caesar growled and rubbed his cheek. He looked up at the sky, "Are you falling for me?"

Joseph sighed. Almost like he had practiced for when and if this question actually came up. Maybe he didn't think it would be so soon. Joseph pulled Caesar closer. His face is close to Caesar's.

"I don't know love. I've just always heard about it," Joseph whispered, "My father died when I was born, and my mother left too. But I knew she loved him dearly. She would do anything for him. My granny told me how she would never love anyone more than she loved my grandfather. But he was gone too. She told me stories about him, and everytime she did I saw her eyes glow. It seemed like she was a young girl again, and his arm was around her like this."

"That's all fine and well, but that doesn't answer my question."

"I've never been in love. So I don't know how to go about it. I don't know if I'm falling for you. I know I like to be around you. And I'd be really upset if I couldn't be. I guess take that as you will."

That was supposed to be reassuring. But it made Caesar feel like a fool. A fool because he didn't get up immediately and walk away. He didn't do this because he felt the same. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad. If it didn't feel bad, there was no way it could be. Caesar finished his drink quickly.

"Get up." Caesar said and moved away from Joseph.

"Was it something I said?" Joseph nervously chuckled.

"I want to dance, so get up," Caesar stood and held out his hand. Joseph took it, "If you want some romance you can have some."

"I'll have you know, I have two left feet. I'll probably step on your toes and you'll have to wonder if it was an accident or on purpose."

"Then you won't know if it's an accident or if I purpously pushed you off this hill. Here," Caesar grabbed Joseph's hand and placed it on his shoulder. Caesar placed his on Joseph's waist, "You'll have to follow my lead."

"I don't like that very much." Joseph said as they began to sway with the music in the distance.

"Then get better. Next time you'll get to lead."

"Next time?"

"Just dance with me."

So he did. The big band continued to play, but the crickets made the perfect music for the two to sway their hips and lean in close to each other. It was funny to see two big men slow dancing. If there were onlookers they would have a long and hardy laugh. But for the two of them, this was their romance, and the first time of it. They would switch on and off again who would have their head on each other's shoulder. Taking in their sweet scent, and eventually Caesar would lean in for a kiss. Tasting the tart cherry on Joseph's lips, and soon their hands dropped, and they stopped spinning in a circle. The band had finished their song, and the air fell silent. This all seemed to be pretend. Neither one of the young men knew what they were doing or what they were even creating. But Caesar knew he liked feeling the muscles around Joseph's arms become tense as they kissed. And Joseph knew he liked feeling Caesar's long lashes tickle his cheek.

They liked each other. And maybe that was how things were supposed to be for them now.

So I hope you enjoyed. Review, follow and favorite if you did. See you next update!