Across Universes

"I completely understand, trust me." He walked out afterwards. "Which tavern? The one Charles and I visited fine with you?"

Beat: Why not? Just hope I don't make a fool of myself again.

"I'll cover for you. Things happen, after all." He brought her to the same place, the Flaming Snake. "Here we are."

Completely random, I assure you.

Beat: Whiskey please.

Bartender: Ooh, wht's a married woman doing out here with a man other than her husband?

"She's getting a drink, not being on a date. Can't friends help eachother through the rough times?" 'Nix sounded a bit annoyed at this man accusing him of hitting on someone, for multiple reasons.

Beat: Thanks, friend.

The bartender picked up on the extra emphasis and decided to address Hydronix.

Bartender: So what about you my large friend?

edited 11th Dec '10 9:28:33 PM by RhymeBeat

"Scotch, of course." 'Nix kept his tone a bit nicer this time, not wanting to cause more drama than needed.

Beat: I just realised. I don't have any other friends.

"What about the rest of the crew? I mean, not just the ones we met, but the other guys back at the boat." ...Did I just say that? Fuck. For that matter... Am I really her friend...?

Forgot about those extras.

Beat: All of them were just sailors I picked up from our last raid remember? I told them they're free to go after they restock the ship.

I didn't.

"True. I'm glad to help you through these times, though." 'Nix smiled.

Beat: Some of them really got into the act though. But I've seen most of them in port somewhere. They seem to be courteous enough not to report me. But yep... You were the only permanent member of my crew till now.

"Well, I like to help out where I can." ...I just want to tell her the truth right now. Even if she kills me... but it'd break her heart to know that her only friend... was a traitor.

Managing all those extras would have been a headache anyway.

Beat: There's something... Though I don't know any of the crew that well.... Well that incident with Brian last night... I wanted to know what he thinks about what happened.

That was just embarassing.

She took another sip of her whiskey.

"Perhaps you should ask him, then? He seemed to be a bit tired overall."

Beat: Nope... That would complicate things. Make me vulnerable to stupid mistakes. You saw what happened to Norma last night.

"Then I guess I'm the one who'll do the questioning." He takes a big drink of his scotch. "When you want me to do it?"

Beat: Whenever it feels natural. But considering you.. maybe it never will be.

She chuckled. Nice to laugh after a stressful day.

"Wait, what?" 'Nix was a bit lost, but just laughed instead. Maybe... I made a mistake...

Beat: I mean you're not one to talk about feelings, you know? And you don't really have romantic feelings.

"Well, I usually try not to, but that's because I'm the person who likes to keep his mind on the job. True on the romance, though." 'Nix smiled a little. "Though our conversation back at the hotel should show that I'm not afraid to tell the truth." ...I should shoot myself for the last sentence.

Beat looked at him for a second not noticing the discomfort on his face when he said that.

Beat: What do you mean? And try bringing it up if the conversation veers toward alchohol. That's probably your best bet.

"Perhaps. Not sure if Charles enjoys a good drink, though." 'Nix laughed a little. "Seems you love your liquor, though."

Beat: Charles? I've already discussed my issues with him. I was talking about Brian. And yes... I do have an unhealthy drinking problem. I guess.

"Oh, right. I guess the first thing the Bartender said got stuck in my mind a little. Anyway ...Brian. If he can keep his head in the game, I think we'll be fine. To tell you the truth, he puts me off a little."