"Sleazy" Is Every Lawyer's Middle Name

He frowned.

"...Do you not get it? I'm admitting it. I'm interested in men, and I'm attracted to you, and I have been. You're...not a fucking faggot. I didn't mean that."

"...does it look like I care? At all? Because I don't. Good job, you figured out you're sexual preference. So have I, and for your information, I have a boyfriend. One who doesn't treat me like an object, and one whose entire life isn't built upon filthy lies." Addock shoved Stephen. "Now get out of the way."

"Who is he?" he asked, subconsciously baring his teeth.

"What?" Addock asked, caught off guard. "It doesn't matter. What do you care?"

"Maybe I want to date you," he replied, shrugging. "Maybe I'm just curious. Either way, I want to know."

"I'm not telling you his name! Who knows what sort of twisted thing you'd do to him," he snapped. "Is this interogtion over now?"

Stephen pulled Addock close and kissed him on the lips.

Addock was almost too surprised to do anything. Unlike normal people, he had no warning before the kiss. Yet, when he regained his composure, he still shoved Stephen away.

"This is exactly why I will never date you!" He shouted angrily. "You have no regard for my disability! How dare you?!"

"Tell me you felt nothing," he replied. "Tell me you felt absolutely nothing, and maybe I'll leave you alone."

"Of course I felt nothing," he shouted angrily. It was a lie, but hewas reluctant to tell the truth. He had been trying for weeks to let it go, and failing. But he persisted by reminding himself of the horrible things Stephen had done.

"You're lying," he replied, unimpressed. "You're lying through your teeth--are you honestly trying to bullshit me?"

He caressed Addock's cheek. "Tell me the truth and maybe I'll leave."

"What does it matter if I'm attracted to you?! I don't have feelings for you, for Christ's sake! I hate you all the same! It doesn't chsnge anything, Stephen! I have a boyfriend now who I really like, and I'm not letting you ruin it for me and Peter." He took a deep breath, trying to calm down.

"Peter's his name," he repeated, his voice thick with distaste. "Where'd you meet him?"

Addock frowned. Oops.

"Fine, you care so much? I met him through Alexei. He's Russian, and very sweet, and if you do anything, I will never forgive you. You will ruin every chance of a relationship we might have."

"Fine," he hissed. "Whatever you like. But you won't stop talking to me."

"Oh, really?" He asked, only partially amused. "Why is that?"

"That's what friends do, isn't it? They talk. And if we aren't dating, what else would you call us?"

He took a step back, freeing Addock. "I expect you to make no plans for this Thursday; we'll have dinner as usual. But as friends."

Addock laughed. He couldn't stop himself. He laughed at the absurtity of the entire situation. It was one of the many times he wished he could see the look on Stephen's face.

"You're joking, unless I really did mishear that tone in your voice," he replied, no longer smiling.

Stephen scowled, and was glad Addock couldn't see.

"I wasn't joking, I insist. I'll pay for everything."

"I don't think you understand, Stephen. I think you're human scum. How much more clear do I need to be?" He asked, tapping his cane. "Why should I even acknowledge you exist outside of work?"

"Because I'm asking nicely," he replied, though it wasn't very convincing.

Addock frowmed.

"Fine. We'll have dinner together, but that is it." He replied. "We'll meet at a restaurant. Name the restaurant and the time."

"You don't have a preference?" He asked, surprised.

"Name the restaurant and the time," he insisted.

"Mizuna, seven sharp," he replied reluctantly, hunching over and slipping his hands into his pockets. "Is that fine with you?"