[LOCATION: MAIN STREET]

[friar_trip]

[Trip liked his alcohol. That much everyone knew. Rarely a day went by when he didn't have a drink of some sort. But given the responsibilities of both of his jobs, he rarely got drop dead stinking drunk.

At last call tonight, he'd passed that 5 beers ago. Everything, from Mal's admission then avoiding him to the usual feeling in the pit of his stomach that was somehow made worse by the situation, had come to head and he just hadn't been able to stop.

And now he was walking home through the deserted street, abet slowly and with many detours, so as to avoid the disappointed looks from Leo and Felix. Everything was funny and nothing hurt. For the moment.

And that telephone pole looked fun to swing around right about now.]

Comments

[scarlock]

I never said it was smart, just that I was cowardly. If I gave you the chance to sort out your feelings, what then? Would you crush my heart or let me down easy?

[Mal's there, just trying to keep him steady the whole time, not wanting him to fall. Thankfully, he's got practice dealing with wobbly drunks and is strong enough to basically carry Trip around town if he needed to.] I need to get you somewhere so you can sleep this off. My apartment's closer, may I take you there? I have a spare bed you can use. [He pauses.] Though if you want me to take you home, I can do that instead. I don't want to make this uncomfortable for you or anything.

[friar_trip]

Are ya always this over dramatic? I ain't even askin' for a date! Yet. I just wanna be yer friend to start out with...that alright? Or does it not play into yer scenario of me breakin' yer heart? Nice respect ya got fer me by the way.

[And suddenly, Trip isn't feeling so good and the looks he knew he'd get at home would only make him feel worse.] Whatever's closer. Ma stomach is startin' a revolt.

[scarlock]

I've been told I'm usually like this. Don't take this as a slight against you, I just find that I'm a difficult person too be friends with and even worse as a boyfriend, so I don't let anybody try. It's less painful that way.

[Well, guess he'll just start half-carrying Trip to the apartment then.] My place it is. It'll only take a couple minutes.

[friar_trip]

But I wanna try. [That may have come out sounding a little like a whine.] Give me a chance?

[Thankfully, Trip is still mostly on his feet...except when he has to detour to throw up in a bush.]

[scarlock]

We'll see. [Closest you'll get to a yes right now, Trip.]

[...yep, he's definitely going to dump Trip into the shower once they get to the apartment.]

[friar_trip]

[Thankfully, or not, Trip is too busy throwing up to call you on it Mal.]

[Now that he's proceeded into the sick part of drunk, he was quite happy to let Mal lead the way wherever. He trusted him.]

[scarlock]

[He's never been so thankful for someone to be throwing up than he is right now.

...He does think he'll have to go find that bucket he has around the apartment somewhere. Though he's not really trying to drag Trip around while he's still throwing up. He'll wait until he stop, then he'll lead him down the street.]

[friar_trip]

[Real brave there Mal.

Finally, Trip empties what feels like his entire stomach into the bush and leans against Mal.]

[scarlock]

[Hey, he already admitted he's a coward.

Mal sighs and just holds him to keep Trip standing as he pulls him along, trying to ignore who is leaning against him.] We're almost there and then you can rest.

[friar_trip]

[It bares repeating.

Trip sighs softly as his head starts to hurt, suddenly very glad he'd run into Mal. For many reasons.] See? Knew you were my hero.

[scarlock]

[He'll get better about it eventually. Like when he remembers he's Will Scarlet.

That makes him snort, not really believing that.] Some hero I am. I can't even talk to you.

[friar_trip]

[And that will end so well.

Trip, on the other hand, laughs softly before it turns into a grown.] Actions speak louder then words. Ya coulda run away again.

[scarlock]

[It will be a trainwreck.

He just looks at him like he's mad for a moment.] And leave you wandering around the town drunk until you're dragged down to the jail to sober up? I wasn't going to do that. Despite how I may act, I somehow do have feelings for you.

[friar_trip]

[Trip forgives him the look, mainly because he doesn't see it.]

It's not like I haven't done it before. I woulda made it home. Or Felix or Leo woulda found me. I'm glad ya did and they didn't.

I'm glad we had this time ta talk. [Even if he won't remember it. He hopes Mal does.]

[scarlock]

Why are you glad I found you and they didn't?

Don't be glad. You're drunk.

[friar_trip]

Because I hate when they give me that disappointed look of theirs. It's a kicker. Ya ain't gonna think less of me fer this, are ya?

Hey, whatever works. [He leans a bit more heavily on Mal, the farther they walk.]

[scarlock]

Not at all. I'm quite used to carrying Christopher home after he's had too much to drink.

I'd rather we have this discussion when you're sober and I'm sure you will be able to remember it. [They finally get to Mal's building and he ignores the stairs to instead take the elevator, not wanting to help Trip up the stairs.]

[friar_trip]

[Trip laughs rather hard at that.] Yeah, a few o' those nights have been with me. Those were good nights too. [His voice gets wistfully softer.] It's no fun to drink alone.

[Trip is also thankful for the elevator, but still leans more on Mal then he probably needed to. It...felt good. Nice. Yeah, it felt nice.]

[scarlock]

So you're the one to blame for that. [He says it teasingly.] I'm not the sort to drink or I might join you next time.

[Mal is conflicted over Trip leaning against him so much. On one hand, it's nice to have him so close, but on the other hand, Trip's drunk and Mal doesn't want to do anything beyond clean Trip up and dump him into bed so he can sleep it off.]

[friar_trip]

Come on now. Everyone drinks! Just a matter a when or where or the occasion. [Trip didn't quite believe him, he thought Chris might have mentioned Mal drinking before. Or not. It was starting to get hard to keep his thoughts straight... as it's also started getting harder to stand.

He looks over to say something to Mal...and for some reason that was lost in his beer soaked brain he just stared instead.]

[scarlock]

I don't drink often then.

[Part of him thinks this is now the elevator ride from hell what with Trip starting to have more trouble standing and then the staring. After a couple moments of that, Mal seems to turn awkward, looking down at the floor.]

...Is there a reason why you're staring at me?

[friar_trip]

Well, ya should. With me at least. It'll be fun.

[Trip's face scrunches up in confusion at Mal's question.] I'm not starin'. I'm just lookin'. What's wrong with lookin'?

[scarlock]

I get rather silly when I drink, so I believe I'll decline.

[He stares intently at his own feet, ignoring the blush creeping up his cheeks.] Nothing's wrong, I'm just curious as to why you are doing so.

[friar_trip]

I think you'd be cute actin' silly.

Maybe I like it. Didja ya think of that? [The blush was adorable but Trip had the sense of mind to bite his tongue before he said that out loud. He didn't want to be left in the elevator.]

[scarlock]

I wouldn't be cute.

...w-what? [He looks up at Trip, clearly blushing at that.] You like looking at me? Why would you do such a thing?