So, uh...this is the brain-child of sleep deprivation and a late night. And I just couldn't resist writing it. So...yeah. Here it is. I should be working on MS...or HtM...but... :D Anyway, I'm not sure how long this thing will end up being, but it should be fun! Hopefully. MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HOLIDAYS, ETC!

Warnings: sex, alcohol, and whatever else you'd expect from a story like this!

When my eyes flicker open, I have no idea where I am. I’m not all that surprised, really. Judging by my lack of clothes and the giant bed, I went home with someone last night.

Groaning, I pull myself up into a seated position, wincing once I’m settled. Looks like I played bottom, too. Ouch. I always enjoy it while it’s happening…but I’m always sore afterwards and wondering what the hell possessed me to let a guy stick his dick up my ass.

With a sigh, I rub at my crusty and sore eyes, peering through my fingers at the room around me. The walls are a deep red, spotted here and there with random pictures and paintings. The bed’s pretty high and really soft, so I sink into the cushions. It’s comfortable. If only I could remember how I got here…

A soft yawn draws my attention to the other side of the bed, where I spot a smooth, pale back, attached to a messy head of red hair. I blink. Okay, definitely don’t remember him…

The sheets rustle as he rolls over, pushing himself up. His face turns toward me, green eyes bright through strands of tangled crimson hair. They widen in surprise when they meet mine, and all of a sudden, pieces of last night come rushing back to me. Drinking at a bar…getting picked up by a stranger…a hot stranger…more drinking…dancing…drinking…making out…drinking…

Of course, I still don’t remember how I got here.

“Um, hi,” I say, voice kind of scratchy.

“Hey,” is the hoarse reply as the man continues staring at me.

I push my fingers through my hair, hating the awkwardness. Guess it’s time to escape. “So, uh…if I could just grab a quick shower, I’ll be on my way…”

“Bathroom’s just down the hall…”

I nod, sliding gingerly from the bed. “Thanks.”

I manage to find a pair of discarded jeans on the floor, probably his, and I yank them on before leaving the room. It doesn’t take long to find the bathroom, and I idly notice how nice everything looks. No way this is a bachelor pad.

The bathroom is huge, with a large corner tub and a separate shower. Again, this just doesn’t fit with a single guy’s house. He would have to be an interior designer or something for it to look this good. Fuck, please don’t tell me I went home with some married guy…

Sighing, I shuffle over to the shower, turning on the water before shucking the loose jeans and stepping in. Oh, God…it feels so good to have a real shower again. I’m really not a fan of water, and I normally hate showers, but after relying on the community centre’s showers for awhile, I’m willing to push aside my hate for a bit.

I close my eyes and tilt my head back, moaning as the heat seeps into my body. I feel like it should be awkward showering in a stranger’s house…but with the way my life’s been going? I can’t bring myself to care. Besides, it’s not like this is the first time. I’ve lost count of the number of one-night stands I’ve had over the years; probably not the most healthy lifestyle, but I’m always safe…until last night. I’ve never gone home with a stranger while being so totally shitfaced…I hope I don’t regret it.

Fuck, I hope he used a condom…I don’t want herpes.

The sound of the door opening startles me, and I freeze, hands covered in bubbles from the shampoo. I hear someone shuffle around before the door closes again. Only when I’m sure no one’s there do I let out a breath. Being in a stranger’s house makes me skittish.

I quickly finish up, turning off the water and stepping out into the strangely cool bathroom. Shivering, I grab a towel and wrap myself in it like a blanket, before padding over to the mirror. My hand pauses on its way to the smooth surface, my brow furrowing in confusion. The glass is covered in frost. How would frost appear in a steamy bathroom?

Biting my lip, I step back and head for the door. I’m sure it’s nothing. Just faulty vents. Vents can cause frost, right? Right.

I think I panic too much.

I think I need to get out of here.

Ignoring the iciness of the doorknob (faultyventfaultyventfaultvent), I quickly return to the redhead’s room. Only when the door’s shut do I realize I left his pants in the bathroom.

“Good shower?”

Startled, my eyes flick to the corner of the room where I spot the redhead digging around in his closet.

“Uh…yeah…” I reply, walking slowly over to the soft bed. I perch carefully on the edge, watching him. “So, uh…I never caught your name.”

He gives me a strange look, strolling over to the bed with a bundle of clothes.

“It’s Felix. I guess you forgot, huh?”

Flushing, I shrug, burrowing deeper into my warm towel.

“Sorry.”

“You really were drunk, weren’t you?” He laughs, then winces, clutching his head. “Damn, I hate hangovers…”

I twist my fingers in my damp brown hair, glancing away. I’ve never had a hangover.

“Well, um, I’m gonna get going…”

Felix glances at me in surprise. “You’re leaving already?”

I stand up, looking around for my clothes. “I’m sure you have things to do, so I should go…”

He touches my arm, eyebrows raised imploringly. “At least stay for breakfast?”

I pull away, shaking my head. “It’s okay. I’ll eat when I get home.”

“Where do you live? I’ll drive you home.”

This guy really doesn’t give up, does he?

“Really, I can walk…”

“How far do you live?”

“Um…what street is this?”

“Hazel.”

I do some quick calculations. There’s an apartment complex near here…

“I live on Spruce,” I say, still vainly searching for my clothes. “It’s only about a ten minute walk.”

“I don’t want to leave you on your own…”

I raise an eyebrow at him. “I think I can handle myself. Now, where are my clothes?”

“Oh, I put those in the wash while you were in the shower.”

I’m at a loss. I can’t go outside in just a towel…

“Here, I brought you some clothes.” He picks up a pair of pants and a shirt from the bed, holding them out to me. “You can keep them.”

Warily, I accept the clothes, not caring much if I get mine back. It just feels disturbingly intimate to be wearing the clothes of a one-night stand.

“Did you want some boxers, or something?”

My eyes widen and I quickly shake my head. Now that’s just way too intimate.

Felix smirks, but says nothing, instead turning his attention to getting dressed. Way past the point of modesty, I drop the towel and yank on the borrowed clothes, noticing idly that they’re a little big on me.

“Well, uh, thanks for…” I trail off, not really sure what I’m thanking him for. A night of sex I don’t remember? A shower? Clean clothes? Sighing silently, I just tack on, “See you later.”

His eyes follow me as I hurry out of the room and down the stairs, keeping my eyes open for anyone else. However, the house appears to be perfectly silence, and I can’t see any other people.

My shoes are quickly located and put on my feet, and without a second glance, I’m on the sidewalk and heading away from the rather nice house. However, my feet are not taking me to Spruce Street…instead, I head for a little park in the opposite direction, my hands shoved in my pockets and my head bowed. I lied when I told Felix I lived around here. I don’t live anywhere. I didn’t even know I’d still be alive today.

The park is deserted this early in the morning, so I perch on one of the swings, battered shoes digging into the sand. Now that I’m away from Felix, all my feelings of depression come rushing back, leaving me sick and sullen. It’s a long while that I sit like that, staring blankly at the delicate grains of rock surrounding me, before I hear footsteps. I instantly stiffen, my head snapping up to watch the approaching man. My eyes widen in surprise when I realize who it is.

“What are you doing here?” I demand, gaze darkening slightly.

Felix shrugs, dropping down on the swing beside me.

“Spruce is in the opposite direction.”

“So? What are you doing here?”

“I followed you. Why aren’t you going home?”

I glower, slouching down defensively. “I didn’t feel like it.”

“Then why didn’t you stay at my place awhile longer?”

God, he asks a lot of questions…

Instead of answering, I ask my own question.

“Are you married?”

He falters, blinking.

“What?”

“Are you married?” I repeat, watching him steadily.

He bites his lip, finally nodding.

“Yeah.”

I sigh, looking away. “That’s what I thought. Fuck. Why’d you bring me home with you?”

He scratches his head, smiling sheepishly. “It’s complicated.”

“What kind of ‘complicated’ would make you cheat on your wife, or whatever?”

“I didn’t cheat,” he snaps, scowling. “I told you it’s complicated.”

I roll my eyes, staring moodily at the sand. “Right.”

“And what the hell are you complaining about? You’re wearing a wedding ring, too.”

My gaze snaps back to him, confused. “What? No, I’m not.”

He raises an eyebrow. “Look at your hand, then.”

Obediently, my eyes fall on my ring finger, and I freeze, staring. What the hell? There, around the slim finger, is a delicate gold band twisted around a silver one; undeniably a wedding ring.

“But…I’m not married…” I whisper, stunned.

Felix snorts. “Apparently you are. Why else would you be wearing that?”

“I’ve never seen this before!” I yelp, panicked. “I wasn’t wearing it last night!”

The redhead opens his mouth to say something, but closes it as his eyebrows draw together. After a moment of deep thinking, his eyes widen dramatically, and his jaw drops.

“Holy shit…”

“What?!” I demand, practically shaking. What happened last night?!

“I…I think I know how you got that ring,” he replies, voice quiet.

“How?!” I lean closer, searching his face.

He avoids my gaze, biting his lip.

“I, um…I think we…y’know…”

“We what?”

“Well, uh…got…married.”

I stare at him, stunned. Then I glare.

“Quit fucking around.”

“I’m not!” he retorts. “I mean, we both drank a lot…”

“Then why would I believe you?”

His fists clench in frustration. “Because I remember you suggesting it! And I agreed!”

“Wait, I suggested it? Why the hell would I do that? And why the hell did you agree?!”

“I don’t know! How many people do you know who think straight when they’re completely pissed?”

“But…I just…how?”

“How do you think? Face it: we got drunk and we got hitched.”

I look down, still not wanting to believe him. But at the same time, I know he’s right. There’s no other explanation for the ring if I was with him all night.

“So…what do we do?” I ask softly, my stomach a ball of stress.

He sighs. “I don’t know. Just…come back to my place and we’ll figure it out, okay?”

I meet his gaze, bright, green, and pleading. I can’t refuse.

“Okay,” I mumble, rising reluctantly from my swing.

The walk back to his house is silent and awkward. My mind still can’t seem to wrap around the idea of us being married. It just…it just doesn’t make sense.

Felix, however, doesn’t seem as bothered by it. Sure, he keeps shooting my glances and biting his lip, but I doubt he’s having the same internal freak-out I am. I mean…married?! What the hell?!

I trudge up the stairs behind him, barely glancing at the house and its neatly kept yard. When we get inside, I silently kick off my shoes and follow the redhead down the hall to a large, brightly lit kitchen.

“Want some coffee?” he asks, glancing at me as he walks to the stove.

I shrug, standing awkwardly in the middle of the room. “I guess.”

“You can sit down, y’know,” he remarks, shooting me a lopsided grin while setting up the coffee pot.

Wordlessly, I pull out a chair and lower myself onto it carefully, back stiff as my dark eyes follow Felix’s movements. We don’t say anything to each other until he joins me at the table, setting a mug in front of me.

“Did you want cream or something?” he asks, catching the look I’m shooting the black liquid.

“Cream or milk.”

Nodding, he walks over to the fridge, pulling out a small carton. I carefully tip most of my coffee into his mug before accepting the container.

“That’s more cream than coffee,” he remarks, watching me fill my mug to the brim before taking a sip.

I shoot him a crooked smile, glancing down at the pale liquid.

“I guess I like my coffee weak.”

He snorts. “I’ll say.”

My toes curl around the bar beneath my chair as my teeth gently nibble my lip.

“So, um, about this marriage thing…”

Felix pushes a hand back through his messy hair, looking away.

“It’s okay. I’ll get it annulled or whatever. You don’t have to worry about it.”

I trail my finger along the rim of my mug, nodding.

“Okay.”

He frowns, peering at my face.

“You don’t sound very enthusiastic. You alright?”

I fix a smile on my face, glancing up at him. “I’m fine. Just…overwhelmed.”

His eyes tell me he knows I’m lying.

“Seriously, Kit, you can tell me what’s wrong.”

“Nothing’s wrong,” I insist, raising my diluted coffee to my lips.

A sigh escapes him as he slumps in his chair, levelling me with a serious gaze.

“Why did you lie about where you live?” he asks, eyes boring into me.

“I didn’t,” I mutter, refusing to look at him.

“Stop lying. I know you did.”

“I didn’t!” I exclaim, hands tightening around my mug as I shoot him a glare through my hair. “I was just sitting in the park before going home!”

“There’s a park on Spruce,” he points out, sitting straight.

“So? I like the one here better,” I grumble, shoulders hunched.

“That’s a lame excuse.” He leans forward, voice lowering. “What’s going on, Kit? Where do you really live?”

“None of your business,” I mumble, eyes narrowing. “Why do you care, anyway?”

“Well, we’re married—”

“That was a mistake! We don’t even know each other!”

He sighs, resting his arms on the table. “Okay, I know it’s cuz we were drunk. But why can’t I care?”

I roll my eyes, mouth a thin line. “You’re an idiot. I’m just some guy you picked up at a bar.”

“Well, maybe I was hoping you’d be something more,” he mutters, dropping his gaze.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” I snap, staring at him in shock. “Who the hell picks up a drunk guy at a bar hoping for a relationship? That’s the stupidest thing I’ve heard. Not only that, you’re already married.” He opens his mouth to say something, but I hold up my hand to stop him. “Don’t give me that ‘it’s complicated’ crap. I don’t want to hear it.”

He glowers at me, green eyes dark. “Well, what am I supposed to say?”

“Don’t say anything!” I yell, slamming my hands on the table. “Just…stop! I’m not even supposed to be alive today! But because of you I’m still stuck here with my fucked up life and you’re making things worse!”

A sort of stunned silence falls after that, broken only by my harsh breathing, as Felix stares at me.

“What do you mean you’re not supposed to alive?” he asks quietly, eyebrows furrowed.

I snort, eyes narrowing in self-loathing. “Why do you think I was at that bar? For fun? No, I was trying to get drunk. Really really fucking drunk. I was hoping that maybe I’d be so wasted I’d wander in front of a train, or fall in the lake and drown, or something…or at least be too numb to feel any pain when I finally shot myself, slit my wrists, or whatever.”

“But…why?” His tone has lost its challenging edge, becoming softer and almost gentle.

Sinking lower in my chair, I play with the ring around my finger, trying to match my voice to his. Deep breaths, Kit, deep breaths.

“About a month ago, I lost my job,” I mumble reluctantly. “I didn’t make much in the first place, but after I lost it, I couldn’t afford rent. I got evicted a couple days ago, and I couldn’t find anywhere to work. I slowly sold off pretty much everything I owned just to survive…but when I ran out, and couldn’t find a job, I guess I just got depressed and figured I might as well end it all…so I sold the few things I had left, took the money, and headed for the bar. But then you found me and I figured what the hell, might as well have some fun before I die, right?”

“But…you were going to kill yourself?” he demands, green eyes disbelieving. “That’s…so selfish.”

I snort, a bitter smile twisting my lips. “It’s only selfish if there’s anyone who’d miss me.”

“What about your parents? Siblings? Family?”

A short humourless laugh leaves me. “I don’t have any. I never did.”

He seems at a loss for words, chewing on his lip ‘til it’s raw. I lean forward, touching his mouth.

“You’re gonna make yourself bleed.”

He looks at me briefly before sighing and sitting up straight.

“If you have no place to go, why don’t you just stay here?”

I lower my hand, fingers curling as I shake my head, grimacing.

“Because I don’t know you.”

I can tell he’s getting annoyed; hearing about my plans probably didn’t help.

“That didn’t seem to matter last night.”

A scowl pulls at my features, nostrils flaring. “That was different.”

Felix rolls his eyes, lip curling slightly. “I could get you drunk and screw you again, if that would make you feel better.”

Fucker.

“That’s not what I meant,” I growl, fists tightening.

“Well, what the hell do you mean? Jesus, Kit, I’m offering you a place to live without any ulterior motives. If I were planning to kill you or something, I would’ve done it by now.” He shoots me a pointed look. “Not that you’d care about being killed.”

I wince, slumping in my chair.

“That’s a low blow.”

He sighs, his limbs loosening slightly. “Sorry. Look, what’s wrong with staying here? I mean, we’re already married.” Noticing my opening mouth, he barrels on. “I know it was a mistake, but think about it; being married can offer you a lot of security.”

My lip curls derisively. “I don’t need secu—”

“You’re homeless and suicidal,” he deadpans, eyebrow quirked. “I think you need all the security you can get.”

A smile attempts to take the edge off, but it still stings. My eyes bore into the table as I mull over his words, lip caught between my teeth. I really hate to admit it, but he’s right. I really have nothing to lose by staying here.

“Okay,” I whisper finally, eyes fixed on the smooth tabletop and fingers winding tightly together. “But only for a little bit, until I get my life sorted out.”

I’m not sure if the sudden grin he’s shooting me is out of happiness at me staying or because of his victory. Without knowing him and his personality a good deal better, it’s impossible to tell.

I jump in surprise when a hand touches my cheek and soft lips press against mine, red hair tickling my cheeks. He pulls away before I can react to what’s going on, grinning playfully.

“You’re cute when you’re surprised.”

My cheeks flush, and I force a frown on my face.

“I am not.”

He shrugs, moving back to his side of the table, eyes sparkling. The change in the atmosphere of the room after I agreed to stay is unbelievable. Maybe Felix just genuinely wanted me to stay…

My coffee’s gone by now, so I pull up my knees, curling my toes around the edge of the chair while playing with the wedding ring. I don’t know how I didn’t notice it before Felix pointed it out; it’s not like I usually wear rings.

My ears perk at the sound of almost-silent footsteps, and my eyes snap up to the doorway of the kitchen. Standing there, yawning, is a tall Asian man with long tousled black hair. He’s wearing nothing but a pair of black pyjama pants riding low on his hips, so I have a very good view of his lean, lightly muscled torso. My face heats up and I have to look away before he catches me staring. Holy fucking God, that guy is sex on legs.

Noticing my strange behaviour, Felix looks around and grins at the tall man.

“Hi, Sei! You’re up early.”

He grumbles something back, before shuffling over to Felix and leaning over to wrap his arms around him.

“Missed you last night,” he murmurs, dark eyes closing briefly.

Felix blushes, smiling. “Ah, got caught up clubbing.”

Sei smirks, pulling the slightly shorter man closer. Before I can blink, he’s pulled him into a deep kiss, and I mean deep. I stare in shock for a moment, too stunned to say anything. When they finally pull away from each other, Felix is blushing harder and Sei’s eyes have darkened even further. I gulp, eyes wide. Shit, don’t tell me Felix cheated on this guy with me…

I think I make a small surprised noise, because Felix’s head suddenly snaps toward me, face a picture of horror.

“Oh, shit, I forgot to explain…”

“Explain what?” I ask, feeling a little ill. I knew he was already married, but to actually see the proof far worse than just knowing.

The redhead’s hands twist in his shirt as he bites his lip.

“Um, please don’t be mad or freaked out or anything…”

“What is it?” I press, the sick feeling growing stronger.

Sei’s eyes are flicking between us, eyebrow raised. He looks amused.

“Well, uh…I’m…well, we, uh…”

“What?” I demand, voice rougher than I wanted.

He coughs, avoiding my eyes. “Well, um…we’re…we’re polygamists.”

._.-.-._.

My finger runs through the condensation on the bar, creating little streaks. A row of empty glasses sits in front of me, while a full one rests by my hand. While not full-blown shit-faced just yet, I’m quickly on my way there. A few more drinks should finish the job, and then I can get to the real mission of tonight.

“Drinking by yourself tonight?”

I look up, brown eyes squinting at the figure in front of me. Tall, tanned skin, a crazy mess of spiky red hair, and a pair of bright green eyes. Damn, is he hot.

I turn back to the bar, lifting the full glass to my lips.

“Maybe.”

“Well, mind if I join you?”

I shrug, draining half the burning liquid. He takes this as consent and hops onto the stool beside me, signalling the bartender.

“I’ll have two more of…whatever that is,” the redhead says, gesturing at the drink in front of me.

The bartender nods and moves to make the drinks while my new companion looks at me.

“So, what are you doing getting drunk by yourself?”

I sigh, eyes fixed on the scratched bar.

“No reason. Why are you here alone?”

“I was clubbing and decided I needed a break somewhere quiet.”

Rave boy. Of course. Explains the blinding skimpy clothes he’s wearing.

“What’s your name?”

I glance at him before returning my attention to the remaining liquid in my glass.

“Kit.”

“That’s a nice name. I’m Felix.”

I nod, but don’t say anything. I don’t know why he wants to talk to me.

“Here you go.”

The bartender sets two drinks in front of us and Felix slides one over to me, cradling the extra in his hand. I finish off the liquid in my half-empty glass before picking up the fresh drink and staring into its neon orange depths.

“Drinking isn’t gonna make you happier, y’know,” my companion remarks, glowing green eyes fixed on my face.

“I’m not trying to be happy,” I mumble, refusing to meet his gaze.

“Why not?”

I shake my head, draining the burning liquid with a grimace. We don’t say anything for a bit, until Felix suddenly grabs my hand.

“C’mon, you’re coming with me.”

If I were sober, alarm bells would be going off in my head. As it is, I see no harm in letting him pay for my drinks and pull me out of the bar.

“Where are we going?” I ask, stumbling along beside him.

He grins widely, standing out like a beacon in the dark night.

“Dancing.”