Jeremy woke up from his pleasant on-duty nap to a harsh knocking on the door. He expected to see Fransisco needing him to beat someone up, or worse, Ben finally interracting to him again. It had been over half way into the work week and Jeremy had been avoiding Ben at all costs; it was as if they reverted back to the old days. Though, he couldn't decide if he liked it better then or not.

However, to his relief it was Cheyenne standing in the doorway this time. She was still wearing that faded yellow tank top but now with cheerleader shorts and her hair down this time- probably was getting ready for bed. She looked pretty tired, despite not heading out at all today to Jeremy's knowledge. Jeremy raised his head and rubbed one of his eyes.

"Did I interrupt somethin'?" Cheyenne asked softly and sarcastically.

"N-No, just… haven't been sleeping well lately," Jeremy replied, feeling a bit embarrassed over Cheyenne's reaction.

"Hmph." Cheyenne folded her arms and looked around the office. It was just as untidy and

"So… you need something?"

"Nah, jus' wanna chat."

Jeremy felt the pit in his stomach grow. He had a feeling she was asking about Jeremy's new found partner. The last thing he wanted right now was to talk about that incident.

"How's Payton?"

"Huh?" Jeremy asked, both relieved and confused.

"Payton. How's he doin'? It's only been a few weeks since, y'know... but still."

"Oh, he's, uh, fine, I guess," Jeremy replied, "He's started eating regularly and tries to actually have conversations in the morning. Still drinking, but a bit less than before. Could use a shave."

It was hard to believe Payton had only been living with Jeremy for a couple weeks now; it had felt like months. There was no transition period, and Jeremy wasn't best friends with the guy, so it felt like Payton just appeared out of thin air onto his couch. Jeremy didn't even mind having him around, and actually kind of like having the company.

But Jeremy had realized something about Payton over the small eternity spent with him: Payton was the least malicious gang member Jeremy knew. Not even close to violent. He never physically hurt someone, as Payton had said and shown before.

This soft character of Payton was shown last Sunday; the Sunday after the night Jeremy explored his sexuality.

He and Jeremy were eating dinner, with Jeremy sitting at the table and Payton on the couch. The two had ordered Chinese takeout and we're watching the news (though neither really paid attention, so the volume was low). Payton was helping himself to some beer he picked up earlier that week and was having more than he probably should, but Jeremy didn't want to stop him; he knew Payton was trying to drink less. They ate and drank in silence until Payton was on the verge of being wasted and broke the silence.

"Erika…" Payton slurred quietly. He always did this when he was drunk- moan about Erika and being sorry. Jeremy had learned to ignore it by now and act like he wasn't there. It was quiet for a couple more minutes. "J-Jer? You therrre?"

"Yeah, what?" Jeremy had sighed, finally giving in.

"Y-You think Erika i-i-is gonna h-haunt me?"

"No Payton, it's not your fault she died. You said she had an asthma attack and died., so she can't blame you."

"B-But… I d-didn't wanna hurt her, J-Jer," Payton groaned, "J-Just wanna k-keep her safe… d-didn'nt wanna h-hurt her… never…"

Silence.

"It's all m-my f-f-fault… 'm so s-sorry," Payton mummbled. He was crying to himself now.

The two hadn't spoke again for the rest of the night. When Jeremy got up the next morning, Payton was knocked out on the couch, snoring lightly. Jeremy went for a run before breakfast that morning to avoid making too much noise. It was fairly cloudy that day. Payton was up but had a hangover by the time Jeremy got back.

"Hello? Earth to Jeremy?"

Jeremy snapped out of his spacing out when recollected to see Cheyenne still in the doorway, looking sour as usual.

"S-Sorry," Jeremy apologized, "You say something?"

"No, I- actually, I have somethin' to say. Next time you 'n Ben get together, you better keep it down, or I'll bang on the wall 'till you shut up. You're one of the loudest ones Ben's slept with so far."

Jeremy's mouth went dry and he got flustered. He forgot about Cheyenne living next door to Ben. to Ben. Oops. "Oh… y-yeah, sorry about that," he said quietly.

"Hmph," was all Cheyenne huffed before turning on her heel and leaving. Jeremy turned back around in his swivel chair and watched Cheyenne leave through the cameras. He thought about Ben again, wondering how much they did that night. Just the thought made him immediately push the thought out of his mind.

'I'm not going back to his place,' Jeremy thought, 'It was just a one time thing. Not gonna let that creep have his way.' It didn't take Jeremy long to go back to sleep with his head down on his desk. Fransisco was in his office with a gun, he could handle any robbers (whoever would be stupid enough to break into this place anyways).

Ben slipped into Fransisco's office when he finally heard Fransisco finish talking on the phone. He had been talking for over an hour with someone in his family, ranging from affectionate teases to borderline yelling. It wouldn't be surprised if ever one of the Fonsecos were like Fransisco- loud, charming, and love to watch people suffer. They sounded like fun. Fransisco looked up at Ben when he saw him step in and sighed. Ben smiled back at him.

"What was all that about?" Ben asked.

"My mama and lil' brother," Fransisco stated gruffly, "Mama was going on and on about never seeing me anymore. I'd like to see her in this office and deal with my half-wit staff every fucking day." He looked down at Ben's attire. White collared shirt, dress pants, and shiny shoes- what he was wearing earlier. "What do you want?"

"Oh Fransisco, I can't stop in and have a friendly chat with my boss?"

If you're looking for a good time, keep your dick to yourself. I'm not one of the low-tier gangsters you love to get drunk and seduce."

"You think I'm stupid enough to use those elementary parlor tricks on you? I think you underestimate me, sir," Ben retorted, "I just wanted to chat. Cross my heart." He'd never admit it, but he secretly loved these late night chats with Fransisco. No one trying to distract them, no club patrons, no work to be done- just them and the smell of cigars. Fransisco lit another one and Ben silently took in the rich signature smell of Fransisco.

"Is Jeremy asleep?" Fransisco asked with the cigar in his mouth.

"Yes. Completely out."

"Figures. Griffiths probably keeps him up all night with his damn talking. I almost feel sorry for the guy."

"Well no one else seems to want to listen to Payton. Jeremy is just unfortunate enough to have to deal with it."

"Or maybe he's still in mental shock about how hardly you fucked him Saturday."

Ben was slightly surprised, but smirked at that comment. "Cheyenne told you?"

"The news got to me eventually. She can hear everything you do, you know."

"I know. But he was so into it, I couldn't tell him to quiet down."

"This your way of control? Just threaten to stab him if he fucks up; worked on him the first time."

"Fransisco, I have him wrapped around my finger," Ben reassured, "Plus, he may be my new favorite soon. I love the way his body moves and those large muscles and-"

"I've heard enough," Fransisco interrupted, "Go to bed, ya weirdo."

Ben sighed dramatically. "You're so cold, Fransisco," he cooed, "Have a good night." He left the office and closed the door behind him, not letting Fransisco see the wide smile on his face. There was a reason why Fransisco made him one of his right-hand men: he kept everyone in line better than Fransisco could at times. Though, there was always benefits.

Though one this was certain now; Ben would have to make sure to get together with Jeremy again soon.