(Untitled)

[_heather_v]

I can't believe it! Today Principal Emerson told me that the play is canceled. Completely, utterly canceled. I tried to assure him that the production could be salvaged, but he was adamant. Now, I know that some really shocking things have gone on with several of the performers. For instance Sophie--I would never have imagined her depressed enough

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[stefan_d]

Sometimes a beer's just what you want after a day doing construction work. I'm beginnin' to have my doubts whether or not the school will ever be finished, but hey, it's a living, ya know? I push through the door at Willy's, throwing up my hand at Astra, who's bussing tables. They must be short-handed again.

Moving over to the bar, I see that Heather's sittin' there, looking extremely bummed. I slide onto the stool beside her, saying, "Hey. Long time no see."

[_heather_v]

I glance at him. "Hello, Stefan," I say. Seeing him cheers me up for a minute. I mean, we did have a really nice time the one night we were together. But then I remember Taffy threatening me about him and wonder again if he's worth the effort. "How've you been?"

[stefan_d]

I order a beer from Willy and say, "Pretty damned good. How about you?" I tap my fingers on the bar, assessing her. "You look kinda on the unhappy side tonight."

[_heather_v]

I sigh. "Yes, the play has officially been canceled. After all the work everyone put into it, it breaks my heart. I don't know if you heard about the student fight last week, but several of my leads were involved, and well--" I spread my hands out in a gesture of helplessness. "That's that."

[stefan_d]

"I don't guess I'm going anywhere," I say, sippin' at my beer. "This is home to me now, weird as it is."

I reach out and goose Astra as she walks by, and she smacks me. Ya know, there's nothin' like friends who are as close as family. Hell. I like my friends better than most of my family anyhow. Chuckling, I turn back to Heather. "This place kinda grows on you."

[_heather_v]

I raise my brows at the playfulnss with the waitress, but don't comment. A little Neanderthalish, but I certainly didn't mind the one night.

I pick up the drink she left and take a good swig. "I suppose it does," I agree. "Maybe that's why I decided to come back here when I needed a change. Although, it's not the same. My parents retired and moved to Pheonix, and most of my school friends are off to other places now."

[stefan_d]

"Everything seems different after you grow up," I agree. "You know, I've thought about it, and I'm not sure if I ever wanna live in New York again." 'Course, there's the fact that most of my family's nuts; that doesn't help.

I finish my beer and trace my fingers through the condensation left from the heavy glass.

[_heather_v]

I nod. "Big cities are lonely, in spite of all the people. L.A. was not exactly the exciting single life I'd expected it to be. Not that there's all that much to do around here, but the company is nice, anyway." I smile, finding myself a little mesmerized by the movment of his fingers. I wouldn't mind being that beer mug right now.

[stefan_d]

"Sure, that'd be nice," I say. I toss money on the bar to pay for my drinks. I shrug, grinning at her. "Uh, I think I need to soundproof the walls before I have company again."

We make our way toward the door.

[_heather_v]

I add some cash to what he's left for my drinks and follow him out. "Oh my, the neighbor's not happy with us?" I guess I knew why Taffy had been in such a snit now. "I guess I do get a little vocal at times. Come to think of it, you did, too." I lean in close to his ear to whisper, "I liked it."

[stefan_d]

I shiver as her lips brush my ear; maybe Taf's right. Heather is evil but, I suspect, not for the same reasons she's thinkin'. "Yeah, I guess I did." Nothing more articulate will come out of my mouth for some reason. We get to her car and I pull her door open for her after she punches the locks open.

I walk around to the passenger side and get in, feeling a little bit hot and bothered. Why does it have to be a work night?

[_heather_v]

Hmm, speechless again? I thought we were past that stage...or maybe it's a compliment. "Sorry, I didn't mean to embarrass you," I say. "I know a lot of men don't really like to talk about that sort of thing as much as...well, do it."

I turn the key in the ignition and head down the street. The way to his house is getting familiar, I think, with a small smile. I don't mind that one bit.

[_heather_v]

I smile and lean into the inviting opening he's made for me. "Hmm, well maybe my place next time? I never hear the neighbors playing music or anything, so I bet we could get as loud as we wanted there." I place a very light kiss on his left temple, and oops, my other hand goes down to keep me from losing balance.

I laugh a little. "Sorry, I slipped." One finger tucks into his belt loop as I straighten up.

[stefan_d]

I shift a little closer and start to kiss her, one hand moving to her neck, underneath her hair, and the other arm circling her waist. I'd had no intentions of doing this when I first ran into her, but hey, what harm's in a good night kiss? Maybe even a grope or two.

[_heather_v]

Mmm, nice, no problem here with the direct approach or his lack of chattiness. I shift my free arm up and run my fingers lightly over his ribs, and add a little teasing tongue action to the kiss--he seems to like that. The other arm insinuates itself between him and the leather seat, sliding down to play just inside the top of his jeans.

[stefan_d]

Wow, it's just like high school. You don't wanna know the things I've done in a car. I conveniently forget we're in front of my house with a streetlight shinin' in the window and get serious about the kissing, pressing close to her and sliding one hand underneath the back of her shirt to find the bare skin there.