Part Two
It was late and she suspected she had drunk too many cocktails. More than Avon certainly. They stopped outside her quarters, "Well it’s been a most… entertaining evening," stop acting like a schoolgirl, woman. She smiled at him, "So… " He kissed her, That’s more like it, I wonder if-
"There are subtle differences, wouldn’t you agree?"
She stared at him.
"Between kissing women and kissing men."
He’s not a telepath- I’d know. And even if he were-
"The labrys tattoo on your left breast." Talia’s idea. "It wouldn’t be visible ordinarily but if you wear something with such a low neck-line," he ran a finger down her cleavage, "an observant companion…And then there’s the graffiti in the Men’s Room-"
"I’ll order a cleaning team straight away." He grinned at her. "That last bit was a joke, right?" Oh don’t bother answering, just kiss me again.
"What do you want, Susan? It isn’t me, now is it?"
"No- yes, I don’t know- just kiss me."
"I’ll see you tomorrow then."
"Can’t we talk about it?"
"In the morning." He turned and walked away.
You bastard, Avon. From Ivanonva’s observations if you offered men something on a plate they invariably took it. With someone like Avon you might need to make a little extra effort: offer him coffee (from her special supply of real beans); program something suitable into the audio system (Lyta swore by mid to late twentieth century performers so she’d found some Patti Smith and Suzanne Vega); and play the obligatory verbal games. He wasn’t supposed to walk away before she’d even had a chance to invite him in- what was wrong with the man?
Avon didn’t know why he’d walked away. Surely he couldn’t be developing morals? He had definitely turned the lights off when he left his quarters but they were on when he returned.
He opened the door...
"Somehow I expected I would find you here sooner or later."
Vila stopped reading and looked up at him, "I wasn’t sure if you’d be back tonight but I saved you some food just in case."
Avon inspected the item on the table, "What is it?"
"Centauri delicacy- slices of spit-roasted beast in a pocket of unleavened bread dressed with chilli sauce. Tastes better if you reheat it."
"Are you quite sure it’s dead? And safe?"
"Of course. Try it: I had the other half earlier and I’m still here."
"Hardly reassuring. Anyway I had a stir-fry earlier. I’m not hungry right now."
"That’s another thing- how come your quarters have cooking facilities?"
"Possibly because I actually cook. Were you here for any particular purpose?"
We need to talk.
"Only for some reason I’ve been missing your company. You were planning on staying the night?" Sleeping with Ivanova would have caused all sorts of problems but he would quite like to have a warm body to curl up next to right now. Besides Vila did know how to push most of the right buttons even if he was squeamish about inflicting pain.
On the other hand we can always talk later.
---------
It’s good to be back, thought Captain John Sheridan as he surveyed his office. It was still tidy so evidently there had been no major crises in his absence.
"Ah, Garibaldi, have you time to introduce me to our visitors from another reality?"
"No problem. You’ve studied the files on them?" They headed out of the office.
"Briefly. Interesting psychological profiles. We don’t have much background on either of them though."
"They claim to have no military history but are involved in a rebellion. Not striking me as idealists, I’d suspect them to have something of a shady past. Not been able to pin anything on them since they’ve been here, other than a minor brawl with a known criminal and we have been watching them closely."
"Zack’s report seems less favourable than the others."
"I think they make him nervous."
"How so?"
"Zack’s an uncomplicated sort of guy. He likes to fit people into categories: men are men; women are women; aliens are aliens. Those two seem to bat for every team available."
Sheridan smiled, "That could improve morale around here."
"Just ask the Commander"
"Ivanova? But isn’t she?"
"That’s what I thought, but she was being awfully friendly with Avon last night. And annoying the hell out of Vila in the process."
"Should we really be dropping in on them?"
"I checked C and C: Ivanova’s up there on duty at the moment. Here we are."
Avon was eating toast and trying to make sense of a Minbari technical manual. There had been a multitude of messages on the coms system this morning: three from Ivanova, becoming increasingly apologetic; one from Marcus, letting him know that Lyta would be back by Monday; one from Londo Molari asking him to please remind Vila about the race being broadcast in the casino at 1300 hours.
He got up to answer the door, kicking a pair of handcuffs under the bed as he did so.
"Garibaldi- I was expecting- but no matter. Excuse the dressing gown- I let Vila use the shower first as he has an important meeting in the casino."
Sheridan looked at Garibaldi who shrugged and walked into the room.
"Avon, this is Captain Sheridan."
"Pleased to meet you. Coffee?"
"No, thank you. Why don’t you- and Vila- drop by my office at say 1900 hours and we can discuss things then?"
"No problem."
The Captain and Security Chief walked out; Avon swore he could hear giggling coming from the bathroom.
---------
"So what did I do wrong?" Ivanova pushed her food around the plate in the hope of convincing Marcus that she was actually eating it.
"Maybe you didn’t. Strange as it may seem, not all men always want to put out on the first date." Probably not a good time to mention that Vila spent the night in Avon’s quarters… "Why Avon anyway?"
"Just because." And if it turns out I’m making the biggest mistake of my life at least he’s not going to stick around and remind me of it.
"Three pieces of advice: go and talk to him; ask him out on another date; buy a dress- just because he likes boys don’t think that he won’t appreciate you in something feminine." And I will regardless so it’s got to be worth suggesting.
Ivanonva sighed, "Thanks, Marcus. I’d better get back to C and C- I’ll see you later."
-----------
Avon was still working on the ship when Ivanonva finished her shift. He slid out from under a console when he heard her approaching.
"Hi. Your coms system is down again."
"I disconnected it while I tested a new theory. Besides it keeps Vila from disturbing me every five minutes with trivia from this absurd race series he’s watching."
"The ten systems cup? Even I’ve got a wager on that."
"You surprise me, Commander."
Whatever happened to ‘Susan’?
"So this theory of yours?"
"Was wrong. I’ll put coms back on line then take a break. Hold this for me." He handed her a capacitor and disappeared under the console again.
"About last night…"
He slid back out again, "I listened to the messages you left for me." Eventually: I wasn’t going to interrupt a half-decent shag just to satisfy my curiosity about all the people trying to contact me.
"I don’t normally-"
"Invite strange men back to your quarters?" I hope this is leading somewhere, Vila might find another Centauri tart if I’m late getting to the casino.
"React badly to rejection." Why did I just say that? What is it about him? "Now I sound crazy don’t I?"
"Sanity is a relative concept."
Well he should know- psych tests off the scale according to Franklin. But he does have very long eyelashes… what the hell.
She kissed him and he was responding- the he broke off and stared at her.
"You never did answer my question."
You bastard, Avon. "No, I didn’t." She turned and walked out. For once Avon looked confused.
---------
"So tell me about him." Lyta Alexander sprinkled more chocolate on her cappuccino.
"He’s aggravating, opinionated, arrogant, untrustworthy, totally insane and I’ve got a massive crush on him."
"Understandable," only a slight trace of irony in her voice. "So when do I get to meet him?"
"Not until tonight- he and the Captain are working on some Vorlon texts that may be relevant to why the ship shut down. Anyway I’ve got to get back soon- someone’s tampered with one of the audio channels; the music’s driving everyone into spiralling depression and I’ve got four main suspects. Here’s the least likely candidate right on cue."
"Morning, ladies," Vila set a large black coffee on the table and sat down on the empty chair. "Looking forward to the reception? ‘Cos I’m not."
"Vila, have you or Avon been messing with Audio Three? It seems to be playing back to back Leonard Cohen albums."
"Wouldn’t know how to. And if it was Avon you’d have Nick Cave today- he threatened to disembowel me with a negative torque wrench just because I told him tonight was Black Tie." Lyta raised her eyebrows. "Well that’s our Avon for you."
"I was thinking about the Black Tie comment actually. What are people planning on wearing?"
"No idea. Where I come from they don’t let people like me into formal events unless we’re involved in food prep."
"Well, I’m going shopping when I’ve finished this; so if you want to tag along I could help you choose something. How about you, Susan?"
"I’ve had something made already."
"What’s it like?"
You’ll see tonight."
---------
Vila felt most out of place at the reception. He stayed very close to Avon, which probably gave everyone completely the wrong impression about them, but he was at least heeding Garibaldi’s warning to behave. Avon was most surprised about how well Vila smartened up- he’d have to send Lyta a bouquet of flowers or something…
On the subject of Lyta: Vila thought she looked particularly stunning in an all-encompassing velvet catsuit and little suede ankle boots. There didn’t seem to be any fasteners so getting her out of it could be quite… interesting. The integral gloves made a refreshing change to the leather gauntlets she usually wore although Avon might have disagreed if he weren’t too busy staring at Ivanova.
He’d been intrigued enough when she’d arrived wearing a full length crushed velvet cloak but then she’d removed that to reveal a wrap-over evening dress in the same material, fastened only by two small clasps above and below her waist. Dainty little shoes too. It wasn’t at all what he’d been expecting her to wear: now was this purely for his benefit or did she have some other ulterior motive? The two women were coming over so maybe he’d find out…
"Hello, boys. Lyta and I were just wondering if you were ever going to ask us to dance."
The men looked at each other; Ivanova smiled to herself: school disco all over again.
"Well…"
"Of course. Susan." Avon took her arm and led her to the dance floor as a slow song began: not anything he recognised but the feel of her pressing into him was compensation enough. Glancing across he observed Vila and Lyta in a similar situation. So that’s ok then. She dances well, I wonder if she…
A faster track was playing now and Ivanova led Avon off the dancefloor and through a door he hadn’t noticed before, locking it behind them.
"A storeroom?"
"Why not? Or are you too classy to fuck during a party?" He wasn’t; and even if he had been she would have had little trouble persuading him. She wanted him, he wanted her; just two supposedly rational adults acting like teenagers and having sex up against a wall.
Returning to the reception he was greeted by a whispered, "You tart, Avon."
"Jealous, Marcus?"
"Envious would be the adjective I’d use. Vila’s been looking for you."
What was the point of having your cake and eating it if you didn’t leave space for apple pie as well?
"Let’s go, Vila."
"I thought you’d never ask."
---------
"I’m not going to insist you come back with me. If you’d prefer to stay in this reality I would quite understand."
It was morning. Lyta had contacted Avon’s quarters with the message that she would be speaking to Ambassador Kosh about the ship over lunch. Not seeing any point in struggling with the main drive until he had some answers, Avon had elected to spend the morning in bed with Vila.
"But you’re definitely going back anyway?"
"Of course." Blake. But neither of them would say the name out loud.
"I think I’ll go with you if it’s all the same. This place is all well and good but I’d miss you- and the others- too much. Besides I can’t spend the rest of my life looking over my shoulder in case Garibaldi or the Thieves Guild are watching me."
"But you would be looking over your shoulder for the Federation if you went back."
"That’s different- I’d be with- everyone else. And I know where I am with the Federation: they’re definitely the bad guys."
"You know we can’t…"
"I always knew that. I’m happy that we’ve had this. We’d get sick of each other in no time in the real world."
"Maybe. Shall I make breakfast?"
"Later." Vila was contented and wanted to make the most of it.
---------
Lyta had been pacing her quarters for an hour when Avon arrived. "No Vila?"
"For some reason he trusts me to negotiate by myself." Vila had offered to cook for the pair of them but Avon had no intention of letting Lyta in on this picture of cosy domesticity.
"I’ve spoken to Ambassador Kosh: he knows what’s wrong with the ship."
"But?"
"The Vorlons don’t generally share their technology with other races. I need to put up a more convincing argument before he’ll help."
"How about if I speak to him?"
"That was my first suggestion. But he wants me to scan you and tell him what I learn." Avon looked dubious. "It would be unethical for me to reveal my findings to anyone else- Commander Ivanova for example. But none the less a lot of people are unhappy with the idea of a deep scan."
"Will it hurt?"
"No more than those foul cocktails I’ve seen you drinking with Susan."
"And this is the only way to ensure I get back home? I suppose I must go though with it."
"If you’re sure…" He nodded. "Sit here." She positioned herself facing him and removed her gloves. "I don’t require physical contact but it might help you feel more comfortable with the procedure." She took his hands in hers and began to search…
He’s nervous; doesn’t completely trust me; few minor criminal infringements while he’s been here but that won’t interest Kosh… Hmmm, don’t suppose he’s actually told that to Vila or Susan… so what’s under the surface? Oh boy! I’ve never seen a mind this fragmented in someone so apparently rational. It was like a highly compartmentalised maze with some areas almost completely cut off from the rest. She pushed deeper: so many people who’ve hurt him- no wonder he has trust issues. Lots of conflicts- especially about Blake- oh you don’t like me looking too closely in there, do you? She carried on looking for the information Kosh wanted (I can see how the Federation’s harmed you but is that the real reason you fight?) but found herself more and more trying to patch up the most damaged areas of Avon’s mind as she did so. Just give one- or both- of them a chance; you might be pleasantly surprised… Let me smooth that particular fear away while I’m here… You don’t really need that memory, now do you? Eventually she’d found all she needed for Kosh and done all she could for Avon and came out.
She was shocked to see their entwined hands were covered with blood: both of them had gripped hard enough to break the other’s skin in several places.
"That’s at least three of Susan’s cocktails. Is the experience usually so intense?"
"No. But from what I’ve seen, the Ambassador will be more than willing to help."
"Thank you." He kissed her." "Now if I can just wash my hands?"
---------
Vila was shocked by how pale and fragile Avon looked when he returned.
"What happened?"
"I’m fine- we should have the ship fixed tomorrow."
"But-"
"No talking." Avon pulled Vila onto the bed and kissed him. For once the need was more than just purely physical.
---------
They were actually leaving: Avon had gone to say his goodbyes to Ivanova two hours ago leaving Vila with plenty of time to obtain a large selection of flowers and take them to Lyta’s quarters.
"So what are these for?"
"I don’t know what you did to Avon yesterday but he’s been a lot easier to live with since."
"Make the most of it: there was only so much I could fix without changing his core personality and what little I managed won’t stand up to the stresses he’s bound to face when he gets back."
"So we get our old Avon back: I can cope with that."
Lyta bit her lip, wondering how much elaboration would be ethical. He’s heading for a major breakdown and I don’t think Vila will be able to prevent it. Fussing over Avon is only going to make him worse anyway.
"Look after him won’t you?"
"Of course."
"No matter how much he bitches at you?"
"Promise."
"You’d better go- Kosh won’t let you keep him waiting." Vila kissed her on the cheek then thrust the flowers into her arms and rushed back to the ship where Avon and the Ambassador were waiting.
"You are certain you want to do this?"
"As much as you are."
"Let’s do it then."
Kosh glided out; Avon hit a seemingly random series of buttons and the ship began to move towards the hanger doors. Vila glanced across at his companion. Hey ho- back to normality and the usual sarcastic remarks.
They were away from the station; there was a blinding blue flash that went on and on and then they were emerging into normal space with the Liberator looming in front of them.
"That was convenient. Why’s that red light flashing?"
"Liberator- this is Avon. Two to teleport now!"
Vila gripped the satchel containing the films he had ‘borrowed’ from Garibaldi as they left the Vorlon craft seconds before it exploded.
Back to Adult Stuff
Back to HQ