Two People Walk Into a Hotel Bar

Everly gritted his teeth, but let it go. Instead, he tried to forget how long it had been since he had last slept next to someone. It wasn't a feeling he was used to, anymore. It had been years since he'd last slept next to his wife, and many years before he'd slept next to a stranger.

He sighed deeply, his grip on the sheets tightening. Perhaps things would look up for him, or perhaps they would get worse.

"You're fidgeting," he commented. "Can't sleep? Want to cuddle?" He chuckled, his voice deep and ominous in the dark.

"It's okay if you're afraid of the dark."

"No, I don't want to touch you," he growled angrily. "I'm not afraid of anything, especially not the dark, and especially not you."

That, however, was a lie; he was somewhat afraid of Charlot, like he was afraid of everyone. He was afraid that he'd become attached again, just like with his wife.

Nothing scared him more.

"You sound like you're afraid," he said, scooting closer. "It's fine. I'll make an exception this once."

"Make an exception for what?" he snapped, sitting up in the bed. "I warned you about touching me!"

"I don't like people touching me either, but you're entertaining," he laughed, wrapping his arms around Everly. "What are you going to do?"

Everly glared at him, though it was pointless in the darkness.

"Why do you find me so entertaining? I'm positive that if I were to annoy you, it wouldn't be so funny," he grumbled grumpily. "Fine. Do what you want. I'm sleeping."

He laid back down, turning away from Charlot and snuggling up with the blankets. He would jump out the window if he had to.

Charlot snuggled up to him, pressing his bare torso to Everly's chest.

"Come now. It's not because I'm black, is it?"

"Of course it's not," he replied, rolling his eyes. As if he cared. "I'm just not interested."

"Not interested in what? Friendship? That may prove to be problematic for you."

"In you, or anyone else," he replied bluntly. "I'm not stupid, I know exactly what you want from me."

"I want your allegiance," he admitted with a shrug. "If I have to go through certain means to get you comfortable, it's of no difference to me.

"If you want to sleep with me, go ahead."

"How many times do I have to tell you that I don't?" he growled. "I am completely disgusted by the very idea of touching a man like you, covered in as much blood as you are."

"And you aren't bloody as well?" he asked seriously, grabbing Everly by the chin. "Your hands aren't also so red that the taint everything and everyone they touch? That it will never wash off?"

He chuckled again, low and soft.

"My friend, if you believe that, you are mistaken. I've seen the look in your eyes--we are the same. Takes one to know one, Monsieur."

"The blood on my hands is only there because whoever it came from deserved to have their blood spilled, and there is no exception," he growled, barely restraining himself from strangling the other man. "You and I are nothing alike, my hands have never seen the blood of innocents and they never will."

"If that allows you to sleep at night, friend," he laughed, though he released Everly. He rolled over and said no more for the rest of the night.

-x-

"We're landing soon," said Charlot, jerking his thumb at the window. "Are you excited? Why, have you ever been to the City of Angels, Monsieur Everly. It's quite the place, despite the smog."

He popped another free chocolate coated mint into his mouth, grinning.

"Are you hungry? We can get some real food when we hit the ground--even when it's first class, it's still airplane food."

"I'm not hungry," he replied.

He looked out the window, watching and fidgeting. The waiting was always the worst part. He despised having nothing better to do than sit around, waiting for him to reach his destination.

"I assure you," he said, sitting up in his seat. "This city is not full of angels."

He snorted and slapped his armrest.

"Ah, I knew there was a reason I brought you along! No, Everly, there are no angels in this city--that is why I like it so. The irony is delicious, no?"

His chuckles shook both their seats.

"I'm sure a man like you will appreciate a city like this. It's a place for people who can hold their own, that's for certain."

"This city is full of filth and men like you," he said bluntly. "It's no place for a man like me. If I was younger, I would love to clean up this city, but that's not what I do, anymore."

He narrowed his eyes.

His grin only widened, his white teeth contrasting sharply with his dark skin.

"Would you try to clean me up? What an interesting idea--simply novel. I know--why don't I try to corrupt you? I bet I'll do a wonderful job."

He nudged Everly's arm, raising his eyebrows.

"I'd be glad to try, by any means necessary. You amuse me."

"The only way to clean up filthy men like you is to kill you," he snapped. "Don't be an idiot. You couldn't 'corrupt' me. There is nothing more you could possibly do to me that hasn't already been done to me."

"Is that a challenge?" he purred, the word resonating deep in his throat. "If it is, I accept. I'll have you crooked as me by the end of our little team-up, if not sooner."

He held up a chocolate-coated mint and winked.

"Mint? They're delightful."

He snorted, scoffing at the idea. There was nothing Charlot could do to him.

"Fine, it's a challenge, then," he replied, taking one of the stupid chocolates.

"Delightful," he said, resting his head on Everly's shoulder. "You're not claustrophobic, are you? I think you and I will be spending a lot for quality time together for a while.

He just scoffed.

"I'm not afraid of anything, least of all small spaces or being stuck in them with you."