"A Taste of Desire" Chapter Three.
Story: A Taste of Desire
Chapter: Three: Moving Forward, Wasting Breath
Character(s)/Pairing: John/Claire (+ Andy/Allison)
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 2895
Disclaimer: Not mine.
Three: Moving Forward, Wasting Breath
Did I love her?
Hell no. I really ought to find whoever thinks that and make sure they can never think again. She's just one girl. Just one stupid girl. Do I really seem like the type of guy who'd fall in love just because of a little attraction coming from some unexpected piece of ass? No. In fact, I should have blown her off and reminded her why we hadn't been friends in the first place.
I should have, but I didn't. I was enjoying her - enjoying the attention. And that taste of her, forbidden and forgotten, was too fucking sweet to just throw away. I hadn't realized how strong desire could be, but that girl... she got under my skin. That's right, Cherry, I wasn't ever as indifferent as I pretended to be. I wasn't supposed to have her. Hell, I wasn't supposed to want her.
But I did.
And when I finally had her, I knew I could never throw her away. I thoroughly considered her, and decided that - if I had to fall in love, even for a moment - that it might as well be with someone no one had expected. She's like a drug: one taste... And I knew I wasn't going to be able to get enough.
xXx
The news about Claire ditching her group at lunch spread fast. Laurie and Greta, who were always eager to spread gossip, had told Milly and Shawna- both of whom had proceeded to tell their entire herd of friends. Milly was the unquestioned “queen bee”- whatever she said, the others went along with immediately. And if she said that Claire Standish had abandoned the popular kids to eat with losers, then everyone was going to believe her.
As was the usual custom, the girls met at the mall that afternoon after school let out. If they wanted to get any information out of Claire, that was the place to do it. Claire could never resist the allure of shopping. She had even skipped class to go and then gotten detention. Laurie and Greta had been upset about that for days. How could shopping ever have bad consequences?
They- Milly, Shawna, Susan, Laurie, Greta and Claire- were browsing through the new spring line at one of Claire’s favorite stores. When Claire herself was distracted by a thin, mauve blouse, the girls decided to pounce.
“So Claire,” Milly said, surprising the girl as she was flipping through a rack, “I hear you’ve got some new friends.”
The girls had formed a circle around her and Claire suddenly felt nervous. She had known that there would be repercussions- or at the least questions- about her actions, and she cursed herself for not preparing for them. “What?” she asked with a grin, still continuing to browse, “I’m not allowed to see other people? I love hanging out with you girls, but I know lots of other people, too.”
Greta frowned. “I thought we were your friends, Claire.”
“You are my friends.” She looked at Greta and smiled. “Just not my only friends.”
“We have no problem with other people,” Milly said, “but from what I hear, these new friends of yours are real losers.”
“That’s not totally true,” Laurie said, trying to defend Claire. “Andrew Clark was with them.”
Shawna giggled. “Andy’s no loser.”
Claire rolled her eyes, and quickly tried to get out of the conversation. “Girls, look- it’s not a big deal. They aren’t losers. I’m not a loser, and I assure you that none of you are going to be losers because you hang out with me. Can we just drop it, please? I’ve had a busy day.”
Milly swiftly came up next to Claire, taking the blouse from her hand. “Of course, Claire. Sorry we accused you like that, without any evidence. I don’t even have the same lunch as you.” She hung the blouse back on the rack and smiled at Claire. “Since you’re tired, why don’t we drive you home? We haven’t seen your mother in such a long time, and she really is a lovely woman.” Milly glanced around at the others with shrewd eyes and a false smile. “Isn’t she girls?”
“Yes,” they chirped together.
Claire forced a smile, wondering how she had managed to stand those girls for so long. Saturday, as stupid as it sounded, had really given her a new perspective on the kind of people she knew. “Sure,” she said politely, casting them all a smile. “That sounds like a perfect idea.”
A few hours later, Milly was driving Susan home, the other girls all dropped off wherever they had needed to be. They had stopped briefly to have a cup of tea with Mrs. Standish as Milly had suggested, but after about thirty minutes the other girls really had to be getting home.
Milly had kept up a believable front the whole time. She didn’t like Claire; she never had. And even though that dislike spawned from jealousy, Milly had never seen any reason to try and resolve it. The other girls didn’t bother her; they seemed to realize Milly was dangerous and knew that she didn’t care for sharing her spotlight. Claire was oblivious; though she was far from stupid, she didn’t seem to realize that someone could possible have ulterior motives for being her friend.
Casting a glance over to the girl beside her, Milly smirked. Susan was the perfect friend- she didn’t have any opinions she hadn’t taken from someone else, she did whatever she was told, and she was just smart enough to have figured out that she liked to be liked. Milly appreciated those qualities, and she had no qualms about using Susan for her own- occasionally malicious- purposes.
And beating Claire Standish out for the renowned position of “most popular” was a purpose that Milly had been working towards for months.
“Milly,” Susan said, as they turned into their neighborhood, “why were you so nice to Claire today? Usually you’re really strict about reputations and stuff. Don’t you care that she was seen with that geeky physics boy and the creepy girl who was caught climbing the tree on the first day of school?”
Milly smiled. “Oh Susan, you really can’t think that badly of me, can you? Claire is our friend. We should support her.”
Susan looked confused. “Really?”
She laughed. “No. That bitch is going to get what’s coming to her. But not now- we can’t have her crumble or we’ll all fall. I don’t understand why she would even want to hang out with... those kind of people.” She scrunched her nose up. “They’re poor, unattractive and...”
“Weird!” Susan finished for her.
“Yes. They certainly are. Don’t worry, though. We’ll give her a chance to regain her senses. And if she doesn’t...” Milly adjusted her rearview mirror to check her make-up. “Then we’ll make her wish she had.” The car pulled into Susan’s driveway and she got out.
“Thanks for the ride, Milly,” she said happily. “I’ll see you at school tomorrow.”
“Goodbye, Susan, and remember what I said. Claire Standish’s reign is over. It’s my turn now. I want you to dig up any dirt on her you can. Understand?”
“Okay Milly; I’ll do it. Bye!”
xXx
Andy and Allison had started eating lunch together every day.
Sometimes, if one wasn’t in a sociable mood, they’d just sit there silently- but they would sit there together. That’s not to say that there were no problems; Andy’s friends disapproved. They were very put off by Allison so they never really approached the two, but they definitely felt Andy’s judgement was lacking. They had tried to talk to him, but when one came to school the next day sporting a black eye, not another word was mentioned.
Claire sighed as she watched them from her usual table, surrounded by her group of friends. They didn’t care- they were happy together, so happy. She had retreated back to the safety and familiarity of her socially acceptable circle. She didn’t avoid the others (except John), and she still talked to the others occasionally (except John), but it was just so much easier to stick to the same group she was used to when she was in a heavily populated area like the cafeteria. Her own feelings made her sick and she glanced over at Andy and Allison again. She was trying to get him to try a part of her lunch, and as could be expected he appeared to be adamantly refusing. They laughed together happily, completely oblivious to the fact that they suddenly had a secret observer.
Was it time to venture out again? Claire couldn’t help but wonder if maybe she should throw the safety net away. Watching Andy and Allison certainly made her think.
The bell rang then, signaling the time to head for their next class. Claire stood up with the rest of the students. She pushed a piece of hair behind her ear as she headed to the trash can to throw the remains of her lunch away.
Suddenly, she was hit with the wildest idea. Biting her lip, she wound her way threw the crowd headed not to her next class, but to the bathroom. She walked quickly inside and stood at one of the mirrors, pretending to be adjusting her make-up.
She glanced at the few girls beside her nervously. She had no idea what had possessed her to even consider something so crazy. But she knew that Bender usually skipped sixth period... And she knew he usually hung out by his locker for a few minutes at least... She took her lipstick out of her purse and began to slowly apply another coat. The other girls left then, one soon after the other, and after a quick look at her watch Claire knew that the tardy bell would ring in another minute.
So she stayed there, still pretending to be fixing her appearance even though she was alone.
Then the bell rang. She swallowed nervously. Exiting the bathroom, she made a bee-line for Bender’s locker, hoping beyond hope that he would be there.
And sure enough, she spotted him. With a silent sigh of relief, she held her head up higher and continued down the hallway. When she was only a few lockers down from him, she leaned down, pretending to readjust one of her shoes. Her heels had clicked obviously on the tile floor, so she knew he had heard her coming. Would he say something? Would he ignore her? She stood up again. Well, apparently she was going to actually have to speak to him if she wanted his attention.
Walking up slowly, she leaned against the locker next to his and waited. He shut his locker then pulled out a comb and swept it through his hair.
“What’re you doing here, princess?” he asked, finally acknowledging her. “You lost?”
Claire rolled her eyes and nervously patted her hair. “No. I am not lost.”
A brow raised as he studied her. He put the comb back into his jacket pocket. Then I ask again- why are you here?”
She sighed and crossed her arms defensively. “Maybe I just want to be here.” She looked away.
Bender grinned mockingly. “No, I think you want to be in sixth period.” He leaned turned and leaned against his locker, pretending to study his fingernails. “You should be studying.” He shot her a casual glance. “I know how academically inclined you are, after all.”
“Look Bender, I just-“
“Just what?” He straightened up, adjusting his dingy denim jacket. “Thought that you could make a statement by gracing me with your royal presence? Thought that I’d drop everything to see you? Well listen, honey, because-“
“Just shut up, John!” she snapped. “I did come here to see you, but I realize now it was a big mistake. Sorry for ruining your day. I’ll just... just go, then.”
He grabbed her arm as she started to walk away. “Wait.”
She yanked her arm away and fixed him with a wrathful stare. “Why?”
Unfortunately for her, explanations just weren’t his style. Instead, he pulled her towards him and kissed her fiercely, cutting off her yelp as his lips roughly found hers.
After a long moment, he pulled away. He was quite pleased to see Claire looking stunned. “Because,” he said, voice pitched to a level that, in his experience, would make any girl forgive him- and usually start kissing him again, as well. “I want you to stay.”
She wasn’t, unfortunately, like just any girl. “It sure didn’t seem like that a second ago.”
He smirked. “I don’t think I’d mind convincing you.” He let his eyes run obviously up and down her body. “And since I know you’d have no problem paying for the dry-cleaning on those pretty clothes of yours...” He grinned as she blushed and looked ready to slap him.
“Cut it out, John,” she said without any real vehemence.
He kept grinning. “So princess,” he said, throwing an arm around her shoulder and beginning to lead her down the hallway, “what exactly did you have in mind?”
“I don’t know,” she answered honestly. “Will you think I’m desperate if I say I just wanted to see you?”
“Yes.” She hit him teasingly. “But I never said that I didn’t like the attention.”
xXx
They were hanging out at the old playground again, smoking and laughing and enjoying the crisp air of the cool spring night. There were streetlights near- streetlights or spotlights, whatever, spread out around the area, coming on automatically when the sun went down.
Lillian grinned, hanging off Dax like he wasn’t dating her best friend. “So Bender,” she said slyly, looking for a good chance to tease him. “What’s this I hear about you...” She pointed at him mock-accusingly. “And some rich little airhead being friends? Can’t be true, right?”
Randy laughed. “True? I mean, you’re talking about Bender... our Bender? No way. He’s like... totally beyond all that. He wouldn’t dare be seen with someone like...” He paused. “Wait, who the fuck is this girl anyway?”
Lillian giggled. “Claire Standish.” Both Dax and Randy gaped at her, mouths hanging open. She nodded. “Claire fucking Standish.” She gave Bender a look. “But what has John to say for himself, huh?”
Bender glared. “He says keep your nose in your own business. His shit is his shit- and he’ll fucking deal with it on his own.” He took a long, slow drag of his cigarette. “And what the hell’s this rumor about anyway?”
“Oh, well I don’t know,” Lillian said, “but Mary-Jane heard that somebody saw the two of you talking. Not you bringing her high-and-mighty ass back to earth- but having a damn civil conversation! And I’m just curious to see if that could possibly, possibly... Be true?”
Bender’s hand nervously came up to his left ear. Snake noticed, but chose to say nothing. “True? You cut me, Lills. Would I really talk to somebody not worth my time?”
Lillian smiled and said, “That’s my boy.”
Bender didn’t say much after that, but no one really seemed to notice his rather characteristic lack of chatter. Everyone was too happy, too high, having too much fun to care. It was late, getting later, but the time had always been irrelevant to them. After Dax reminded everyone that they had school in the morning, the group decided to depart. Everyone was laughing hard at some crude and amusing story Lillian had told, already heading off to where the cars were parked. Bender let out a huff of breath.
Suddenly, Snake grabbed his arm. “Whoa there, weary traveler- such earnest retreat speaks on its own. And I happen to be traveling your way, so stroll with me for a brief moment of shared reflection.”
Bender looked ahead to the others, but they were talking and laughing and hadn’t even noticed that the two had fallen behind. “What do you want, Snake?”
“My motives are pure.” He stopped for a moment and looked Bender over, studying him closely. Then, abruptly he said, “That’s a real diamond. But only one? I simply must ask- where’d you make such a find?”
Bender got defensive immediately. “What the hell does it matter, Snake? I didn’t steal it, if that’s what you’re wondering.”
Snake shrugged. “Merely searching for connections. I can’t help but think that this new earring might have once belonged to another. Was it a gift, perhaps? And from whom?” He blinked. “Someone... worth your time?”
“I ask again- what does it matter, Snake? If she’s fucking worth my time or not, it’s my business.”
Triumphantly, Snake smirked. “So our wanderer has a women behind the scenes.” He clapped Bender on the back. “John, old boy, I give you my blessing.” He winked. “Saw you two kissing in the hallway today.” He started walking towards the others, leaving Bender standing there rather shell-shocked.
“Snake... Hey, Snake, wait, I-“
The older man turned around, grinning. He kept walking backwards towards the rest of their friends, arms up in a shrug. “Time for me to return to the homeland. If it’s your wish to keep this liaison a clandestine affair, then rely on ol’ Snake to be silent. Later.”
“Damn it,” he cursed quietly. “Looks like this just got complicated.”
~~~
Previous
Chapter: Three: Moving Forward, Wasting Breath
Character(s)/Pairing: John/Claire (+ Andy/Allison)
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 2895
Disclaimer: Not mine.
Three: Moving Forward, Wasting Breath
Did I love her?
Hell no. I really ought to find whoever thinks that and make sure they can never think again. She's just one girl. Just one stupid girl. Do I really seem like the type of guy who'd fall in love just because of a little attraction coming from some unexpected piece of ass? No. In fact, I should have blown her off and reminded her why we hadn't been friends in the first place.
I should have, but I didn't. I was enjoying her - enjoying the attention. And that taste of her, forbidden and forgotten, was too fucking sweet to just throw away. I hadn't realized how strong desire could be, but that girl... she got under my skin. That's right, Cherry, I wasn't ever as indifferent as I pretended to be. I wasn't supposed to have her. Hell, I wasn't supposed to want her.
But I did.
And when I finally had her, I knew I could never throw her away. I thoroughly considered her, and decided that - if I had to fall in love, even for a moment - that it might as well be with someone no one had expected. She's like a drug: one taste... And I knew I wasn't going to be able to get enough.
xXx
The news about Claire ditching her group at lunch spread fast. Laurie and Greta, who were always eager to spread gossip, had told Milly and Shawna- both of whom had proceeded to tell their entire herd of friends. Milly was the unquestioned “queen bee”- whatever she said, the others went along with immediately. And if she said that Claire Standish had abandoned the popular kids to eat with losers, then everyone was going to believe her.
As was the usual custom, the girls met at the mall that afternoon after school let out. If they wanted to get any information out of Claire, that was the place to do it. Claire could never resist the allure of shopping. She had even skipped class to go and then gotten detention. Laurie and Greta had been upset about that for days. How could shopping ever have bad consequences?
They- Milly, Shawna, Susan, Laurie, Greta and Claire- were browsing through the new spring line at one of Claire’s favorite stores. When Claire herself was distracted by a thin, mauve blouse, the girls decided to pounce.
“So Claire,” Milly said, surprising the girl as she was flipping through a rack, “I hear you’ve got some new friends.”
The girls had formed a circle around her and Claire suddenly felt nervous. She had known that there would be repercussions- or at the least questions- about her actions, and she cursed herself for not preparing for them. “What?” she asked with a grin, still continuing to browse, “I’m not allowed to see other people? I love hanging out with you girls, but I know lots of other people, too.”
Greta frowned. “I thought we were your friends, Claire.”
“You are my friends.” She looked at Greta and smiled. “Just not my only friends.”
“We have no problem with other people,” Milly said, “but from what I hear, these new friends of yours are real losers.”
“That’s not totally true,” Laurie said, trying to defend Claire. “Andrew Clark was with them.”
Shawna giggled. “Andy’s no loser.”
Claire rolled her eyes, and quickly tried to get out of the conversation. “Girls, look- it’s not a big deal. They aren’t losers. I’m not a loser, and I assure you that none of you are going to be losers because you hang out with me. Can we just drop it, please? I’ve had a busy day.”
Milly swiftly came up next to Claire, taking the blouse from her hand. “Of course, Claire. Sorry we accused you like that, without any evidence. I don’t even have the same lunch as you.” She hung the blouse back on the rack and smiled at Claire. “Since you’re tired, why don’t we drive you home? We haven’t seen your mother in such a long time, and she really is a lovely woman.” Milly glanced around at the others with shrewd eyes and a false smile. “Isn’t she girls?”
“Yes,” they chirped together.
Claire forced a smile, wondering how she had managed to stand those girls for so long. Saturday, as stupid as it sounded, had really given her a new perspective on the kind of people she knew. “Sure,” she said politely, casting them all a smile. “That sounds like a perfect idea.”
A few hours later, Milly was driving Susan home, the other girls all dropped off wherever they had needed to be. They had stopped briefly to have a cup of tea with Mrs. Standish as Milly had suggested, but after about thirty minutes the other girls really had to be getting home.
Milly had kept up a believable front the whole time. She didn’t like Claire; she never had. And even though that dislike spawned from jealousy, Milly had never seen any reason to try and resolve it. The other girls didn’t bother her; they seemed to realize Milly was dangerous and knew that she didn’t care for sharing her spotlight. Claire was oblivious; though she was far from stupid, she didn’t seem to realize that someone could possible have ulterior motives for being her friend.
Casting a glance over to the girl beside her, Milly smirked. Susan was the perfect friend- she didn’t have any opinions she hadn’t taken from someone else, she did whatever she was told, and she was just smart enough to have figured out that she liked to be liked. Milly appreciated those qualities, and she had no qualms about using Susan for her own- occasionally malicious- purposes.
And beating Claire Standish out for the renowned position of “most popular” was a purpose that Milly had been working towards for months.
“Milly,” Susan said, as they turned into their neighborhood, “why were you so nice to Claire today? Usually you’re really strict about reputations and stuff. Don’t you care that she was seen with that geeky physics boy and the creepy girl who was caught climbing the tree on the first day of school?”
Milly smiled. “Oh Susan, you really can’t think that badly of me, can you? Claire is our friend. We should support her.”
Susan looked confused. “Really?”
She laughed. “No. That bitch is going to get what’s coming to her. But not now- we can’t have her crumble or we’ll all fall. I don’t understand why she would even want to hang out with... those kind of people.” She scrunched her nose up. “They’re poor, unattractive and...”
“Weird!” Susan finished for her.
“Yes. They certainly are. Don’t worry, though. We’ll give her a chance to regain her senses. And if she doesn’t...” Milly adjusted her rearview mirror to check her make-up. “Then we’ll make her wish she had.” The car pulled into Susan’s driveway and she got out.
“Thanks for the ride, Milly,” she said happily. “I’ll see you at school tomorrow.”
“Goodbye, Susan, and remember what I said. Claire Standish’s reign is over. It’s my turn now. I want you to dig up any dirt on her you can. Understand?”
“Okay Milly; I’ll do it. Bye!”
xXx
Andy and Allison had started eating lunch together every day.
Sometimes, if one wasn’t in a sociable mood, they’d just sit there silently- but they would sit there together. That’s not to say that there were no problems; Andy’s friends disapproved. They were very put off by Allison so they never really approached the two, but they definitely felt Andy’s judgement was lacking. They had tried to talk to him, but when one came to school the next day sporting a black eye, not another word was mentioned.
Claire sighed as she watched them from her usual table, surrounded by her group of friends. They didn’t care- they were happy together, so happy. She had retreated back to the safety and familiarity of her socially acceptable circle. She didn’t avoid the others (except John), and she still talked to the others occasionally (except John), but it was just so much easier to stick to the same group she was used to when she was in a heavily populated area like the cafeteria. Her own feelings made her sick and she glanced over at Andy and Allison again. She was trying to get him to try a part of her lunch, and as could be expected he appeared to be adamantly refusing. They laughed together happily, completely oblivious to the fact that they suddenly had a secret observer.
Was it time to venture out again? Claire couldn’t help but wonder if maybe she should throw the safety net away. Watching Andy and Allison certainly made her think.
The bell rang then, signaling the time to head for their next class. Claire stood up with the rest of the students. She pushed a piece of hair behind her ear as she headed to the trash can to throw the remains of her lunch away.
Suddenly, she was hit with the wildest idea. Biting her lip, she wound her way threw the crowd headed not to her next class, but to the bathroom. She walked quickly inside and stood at one of the mirrors, pretending to be adjusting her make-up.
She glanced at the few girls beside her nervously. She had no idea what had possessed her to even consider something so crazy. But she knew that Bender usually skipped sixth period... And she knew he usually hung out by his locker for a few minutes at least... She took her lipstick out of her purse and began to slowly apply another coat. The other girls left then, one soon after the other, and after a quick look at her watch Claire knew that the tardy bell would ring in another minute.
So she stayed there, still pretending to be fixing her appearance even though she was alone.
Then the bell rang. She swallowed nervously. Exiting the bathroom, she made a bee-line for Bender’s locker, hoping beyond hope that he would be there.
And sure enough, she spotted him. With a silent sigh of relief, she held her head up higher and continued down the hallway. When she was only a few lockers down from him, she leaned down, pretending to readjust one of her shoes. Her heels had clicked obviously on the tile floor, so she knew he had heard her coming. Would he say something? Would he ignore her? She stood up again. Well, apparently she was going to actually have to speak to him if she wanted his attention.
Walking up slowly, she leaned against the locker next to his and waited. He shut his locker then pulled out a comb and swept it through his hair.
“What’re you doing here, princess?” he asked, finally acknowledging her. “You lost?”
Claire rolled her eyes and nervously patted her hair. “No. I am not lost.”
A brow raised as he studied her. He put the comb back into his jacket pocket. Then I ask again- why are you here?”
She sighed and crossed her arms defensively. “Maybe I just want to be here.” She looked away.
Bender grinned mockingly. “No, I think you want to be in sixth period.” He leaned turned and leaned against his locker, pretending to study his fingernails. “You should be studying.” He shot her a casual glance. “I know how academically inclined you are, after all.”
“Look Bender, I just-“
“Just what?” He straightened up, adjusting his dingy denim jacket. “Thought that you could make a statement by gracing me with your royal presence? Thought that I’d drop everything to see you? Well listen, honey, because-“
“Just shut up, John!” she snapped. “I did come here to see you, but I realize now it was a big mistake. Sorry for ruining your day. I’ll just... just go, then.”
He grabbed her arm as she started to walk away. “Wait.”
She yanked her arm away and fixed him with a wrathful stare. “Why?”
Unfortunately for her, explanations just weren’t his style. Instead, he pulled her towards him and kissed her fiercely, cutting off her yelp as his lips roughly found hers.
After a long moment, he pulled away. He was quite pleased to see Claire looking stunned. “Because,” he said, voice pitched to a level that, in his experience, would make any girl forgive him- and usually start kissing him again, as well. “I want you to stay.”
She wasn’t, unfortunately, like just any girl. “It sure didn’t seem like that a second ago.”
He smirked. “I don’t think I’d mind convincing you.” He let his eyes run obviously up and down her body. “And since I know you’d have no problem paying for the dry-cleaning on those pretty clothes of yours...” He grinned as she blushed and looked ready to slap him.
“Cut it out, John,” she said without any real vehemence.
He kept grinning. “So princess,” he said, throwing an arm around her shoulder and beginning to lead her down the hallway, “what exactly did you have in mind?”
“I don’t know,” she answered honestly. “Will you think I’m desperate if I say I just wanted to see you?”
“Yes.” She hit him teasingly. “But I never said that I didn’t like the attention.”
xXx
They were hanging out at the old playground again, smoking and laughing and enjoying the crisp air of the cool spring night. There were streetlights near- streetlights or spotlights, whatever, spread out around the area, coming on automatically when the sun went down.
Lillian grinned, hanging off Dax like he wasn’t dating her best friend. “So Bender,” she said slyly, looking for a good chance to tease him. “What’s this I hear about you...” She pointed at him mock-accusingly. “And some rich little airhead being friends? Can’t be true, right?”
Randy laughed. “True? I mean, you’re talking about Bender... our Bender? No way. He’s like... totally beyond all that. He wouldn’t dare be seen with someone like...” He paused. “Wait, who the fuck is this girl anyway?”
Lillian giggled. “Claire Standish.” Both Dax and Randy gaped at her, mouths hanging open. She nodded. “Claire fucking Standish.” She gave Bender a look. “But what has John to say for himself, huh?”
Bender glared. “He says keep your nose in your own business. His shit is his shit- and he’ll fucking deal with it on his own.” He took a long, slow drag of his cigarette. “And what the hell’s this rumor about anyway?”
“Oh, well I don’t know,” Lillian said, “but Mary-Jane heard that somebody saw the two of you talking. Not you bringing her high-and-mighty ass back to earth- but having a damn civil conversation! And I’m just curious to see if that could possibly, possibly... Be true?”
Bender’s hand nervously came up to his left ear. Snake noticed, but chose to say nothing. “True? You cut me, Lills. Would I really talk to somebody not worth my time?”
Lillian smiled and said, “That’s my boy.”
Bender didn’t say much after that, but no one really seemed to notice his rather characteristic lack of chatter. Everyone was too happy, too high, having too much fun to care. It was late, getting later, but the time had always been irrelevant to them. After Dax reminded everyone that they had school in the morning, the group decided to depart. Everyone was laughing hard at some crude and amusing story Lillian had told, already heading off to where the cars were parked. Bender let out a huff of breath.
Suddenly, Snake grabbed his arm. “Whoa there, weary traveler- such earnest retreat speaks on its own. And I happen to be traveling your way, so stroll with me for a brief moment of shared reflection.”
Bender looked ahead to the others, but they were talking and laughing and hadn’t even noticed that the two had fallen behind. “What do you want, Snake?”
“My motives are pure.” He stopped for a moment and looked Bender over, studying him closely. Then, abruptly he said, “That’s a real diamond. But only one? I simply must ask- where’d you make such a find?”
Bender got defensive immediately. “What the hell does it matter, Snake? I didn’t steal it, if that’s what you’re wondering.”
Snake shrugged. “Merely searching for connections. I can’t help but think that this new earring might have once belonged to another. Was it a gift, perhaps? And from whom?” He blinked. “Someone... worth your time?”
“I ask again- what does it matter, Snake? If she’s fucking worth my time or not, it’s my business.”
Triumphantly, Snake smirked. “So our wanderer has a women behind the scenes.” He clapped Bender on the back. “John, old boy, I give you my blessing.” He winked. “Saw you two kissing in the hallway today.” He started walking towards the others, leaving Bender standing there rather shell-shocked.
“Snake... Hey, Snake, wait, I-“
The older man turned around, grinning. He kept walking backwards towards the rest of their friends, arms up in a shrug. “Time for me to return to the homeland. If it’s your wish to keep this liaison a clandestine affair, then rely on ol’ Snake to be silent. Later.”
“Damn it,” he cursed quietly. “Looks like this just got complicated.”
~~~
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