Beyond Friendship (CLOSED for poppinbubbles)

[Luna_Wolf72]

Two women. One from money, the other not. Both of mixed ethnicities with a love of song, the written word and movement. Two women who met through a stroke of luck, back when they were both young enough for the different backgrounds not to mean so much.

Tyrae wasn't what one would call ordinary, not by any stretch of the imagination, even when she was younger. She had always been drawn to women, ever since she had been old enough to know the difference between male and female. Her mother had understood and had accepted it, only asking that Ty keep her preferences under wraps until she graduated from the high school her mother had scrimped and saved to be able to afford.

Seeing the other girl, all honey blonde hair and gorgeous skin...it had been hard to hide her interest. Freddie didn't like girls in that way...and Ty knew once they became friends that there would be nothing else. It didn't matter. Freddie was the only one Ty had trusted enough to come out to in high school. She was the only one who didn't act like she was better than Ty because of the money thing. She was the only one who made Ty feel normal. So they were friends. And it was enough.

Fast forward a few years~and it is still enough. Ty did the college thing for a while. Bought herself a little town house. Found an awesome Jeep Cherokee for a song and worked. Once a week she calls Freddie up, invites her to lunch...to the movies, to a near by museum. If she doesn't, Freddie is apt to call her up and yell. Ty hates that...so she keeps in touch.

It is a good friendship, the very best kind of friendship. It's enough. Or at least, it has always been enough until things...changed.

*****************************************************************
Tyrae

"Am sick of women, sick of winter, sick of this stupid job, sick of it all. What I need is a good drunk night. One where I don't have to put on a show, put up a front...one where I can just freaking...relax. Of course, that requires money, doesn't it? Not really an issue. My bills are all paid, my checking account is in the black, for once. I can probably afford it. Wonder if Freddie has anything planned for this weekend?"

The thoughts were a carousel, one that spun unending as Ty took care of customer before her, a wide smile plastered on her face. The store manager had already left for the evening and she was down to just two stock people and two cashiers plus the service desk personnel. Christmas was just a few weeks away, yet the store manager didn't believe it was neccesary to pay for extra help.

"Have a great holiday!" Ty's voice was cheerful, happy. She had to work really hard to maintain that, especially when the store was due to close in fifteen minutes and there were still people shopping. She closed her lane and made her way to customer service. Snagging the phone, she hit the button for the PA system and announced the store closing.

"We will be closing in fifiteen minutes. Please bring your purchases to the front of the store for check out. I repeat, we will be closing in fifteen minutes. Please bring your purchases to the front of the store for check out. Thank you and have a happy holiday."

An hour later, Ty pulled up to her small town house and cut the engine. The day had been too long and she was wrecked, tired beyond endurance and the evening still wasn't over. She needed to change clothes and head for Cherry Bomb to work for a bit. A few extra dollars and maybe a drink or two would not go amiss.

Snagging her tote from the back seat, Ty stepped out of the Jeep and headed for her front door. A shower, a change of clothing, maybe a phone call to Freddie? 'Nah, she had that concert to practice for.' Hell with it. Just the shower and a clothing change then.

She never took the time to look at herself, not really. She knew she was cute enough to pull whichever girl her eyes landed on and that was that mattered. Stepping from the shower, she wrapped a thick towel around herself and moved toward the bedroom. 'What to wear??' A moment's hesitation and her fingers took over, snatching black jeans, black knee high Doc Marten's and an old black and white Cure tee-shirt. She ran her fingers through her curls and shook them out, then slid into her clothes.

Giving herself a quick once over, she threw on a black leather trench and headed back out into the cold. She knew Cherry Bomb would be busy. This was fetish night, after all...and the freaks would be out. That meant mega tips and cute gothy girls looking for a quick fling before they ran home to their boyfriends. A grin and she was gone, back toward the city.

 

[Poppinbubbles]

While Ty had the grand privilege of dealing with the holiday madness that was subjected upon everyone in the retail business Freddie sat snuggly warm on the couch in her apartment. Despite the leisurely attire she wore she was not in the least relaxing. A stack of sheet music was spread around her while she held her phone pressed to her ear, a frown on her face.

Mothers… they meant well, or so she’d been told.

“Frédérique, just meet him. You’ll love him, a lawyer with the firm your father deals with, great family connections. You need this, a young lady, your age unmarried, your not getting any younger…”

Rolling her eyes she continued to listen, though it was such a struggle to not just set the phone down and give the occasional “uh-huh… oh really? … No way” She knew exactly where this conversation was headed, the same place all conversations with her mother eventually wound up and, it was beginning to get irritating.

She was happy with her life, she was a 27 well-educated, successful, strong female musician but all her mother could see was the ‘single’ in that string of adjectives. She was perfectly capable of fixing that issue if she wanted to but right now it wasn’t on her list of priorities.

“Yes, mama he sounds perfectly charming,” yeah right “But I really have to get back to work, I play Sunday night” With a sigh she looked over at the cello which lay in its open case. “Oui, sure set up a lunch” rolling her eyes she couldn’t believe she was agreeing to this ridiculousness which was starting to give her a headache. At this point she would have done just about anything to just end this stupid conversation.

Hanging up with her mother she grabbed one of the fluffy couch pillows and screamed into it, this relieved some of the tension in her head but not all of it. Looking back down at the phone she looked over at her clock then started to call her best friend but remembered Ty would probably be tending bar at the club tonight.

Throwing one last glance at the cello she decided a drink, and the look on Ty’s face when she showed up at the bar would better relieve the rest of the tension than playing. Jumping off the couch she went up the short flight of steps to her bedroom and stood in front of her closet a few minutes since the tracksuit was not proper drinking attire.

Grabbing a drapey red tank and distressed black leggings she added a belt zippered boots and a few accessories before lining her eyes and tinting her lips. There now she was presentable she thought fluffing her curls a bit. A smile curled her lips as she thought of Ty’s face when she slid up on one of the barstools. Hers was probably the last face she’d be expecting. With that she flipped off the light ran down to grab her purse and coat before she was off on her way.

((outfit))

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

Ty feels like she has been running non stop since she walked in the door. Luckily for her, they are playing decent music for a change. Usually fetish night is all dark and depraved~music to slit your wrists by. Not tonight. They are playing a mix~Bauhaus, Manson, Dead Kennedys, the Misfits, The Cure, the Cult, The Clash...good music. Music you can head bang and shimmy to.

She is dancing, behind the bar, after the first rush. Her curls are all over the place and it's manic and magic and relaxing. The girls that are here tonight aren't up to her usual standards, all wraith thin and utterly pale, but they will do in a crunch if all you need is eye candy. It's good enough.

The bass line for "Bela Lugosi's Dead" is throbbing through the club when she feels a waft of cold air. Dark brown eyes flick toward the entrance, a fast skitter, then stop. Looks like...it is!! She waits while her best friend ever makes her way to the bar, looking sexy and edible. She fits this place. She shouldn't but she does~gorgeous caramel skin, hair that hasn't ever been touched or dyed, lithe and limber with that sexy little "fuck you" grin.

"Freddie!! What the hell are you doing out? Thought you had that concert to practice for?"

Ty pitches her voice to be heard over the the music, her smoky alto a perfect counterpoint to the wierd throbbings and wailings of Bauhaus' signature song. Her dark eyes feast on the shape shown by Freddie's give em hell outfit and for a moment, Ty wishes that her friend was someone she didn't know. Someone who liked women in the same way as herself. She shook that thought away and grinned at her girl.

"What can I get for you, bae? Make it a good drink, I will get me one too..."

 

[Poppinbubbles]

It was amazing how just the thought of seeing her best friend could put a smile on her face. And once she stepped into the club and actually saw Ty looking like the perfect cup of coffee in her element -dancing behind the bar, pouring and mixing up drinks, playfully flirting with the various patrons- she pretty much forgot that whole annoying conversation with her mum, and felt a twinge of jealousy. Not the evil green monster kind, just the ‘wish I could be more like that’ kind. Ty made everything seem so… so… effortless. From the way she looked to the way she interacted with others, she was so confident.

Ah, she was spotted, her plans to surprise the multiethnic woman foiled, but she didn’t care. All smiles she picked her way through the masses and somehow arrived at the bar. “Wow, it is crowded tonight.” Laughing at the comedy of nearly being knocked over by some clumsy dancers, she shook out her loose curls and set her olive toned eyes on her friend. Even in plain jeans and a concert tee she was a knock out.

“I did!” she said with a grin “well, I mean I still do, but I ‘ad to get out of the ‘ouse, and it seems like I ‘ave not seen you in ages.” Setting her coat down on a bar stool she leaned over the counter to embrace her friend and kiss her cheek. She was an affectionate person by nature (the fact that she was French and African didn’t help) to any that she held dear. Ty was definitely one of those people the fact that she was a lesbian? Didn’t change a thing. It wasn’t like she thought of Freddie in that way, they were just friends.

“You smell good.” She giggled, releasing the woman to go sit down. “Soo, oui, yes, ‘ere I am.” Ty asked about a drink and she frowned thoughtfully, she wasn’t entirely sure what she wanted. She was normally a glass of red wine kind of girl but she was definitely not in the mood for that. “Purple Rain?” anything with vodka was always good. “So ‘ow was your day? Anything exciting?” Elbows on the counter leaning in to watch Ty and better hear her over the impressive falsetto, and gritty guitar of Justin Hawkins of The Darkness.

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

"Purple Rain?" Ty grabbed her mix book and pulled out the recipe, taking a shaker from a nearby shelf to pour the ingredients into: Vodka, Grenadine, Blue Curacao, lime and pineapple juices. She doubled all the amounts...and added ice to two glasses before divvying the drink up. "Here ya go..."

Looking around, she caught the eye of the bartender closest and gave a little head motion. The guy cracked a grin and did the "go on" thing with his hands. Ty laughed and strode toward the end of the bar, coming around it to sit on the other side with Freddie.

"As for whether or not this day contained any excitement? Hell no. I was stuck in Retail Hell and now I am here, dying of hunger in the center of all this fleshly feasting. I swear, sometimes I wish I could dig guys instead of girls. Men are just so much easier. Women? Bah~stress and need. Make my head hurt. Did I tell you what Jillian pulled this time?"

Ty's voice was light, airy. It would take someone who knew her very well to hear the skitter of pain that underlined her last few sentences. Freddie knew her. Ty waited, seeing Freddie's hair bounce against her shoulders as she shook her head No. With that one little motion, Ty knew Freddie would listen, just like always and not judge.

"She called me tonight at work...whining about wanting to come home and work things out. Personally, I think she wants to come back because she has too hard of a time paying her own damned bills." Silence as those words settled into the morass of noise that filled the club. Tyrae heard the underlying hurt, the anger, she kept pushing away and shut up, her black eyes focusing on Freddie. Hell with that noise, don't wanna talk about that bitch...

"So, how bout you~Freddie, m'love? What's good in your neck of the woods? Your momma set you up with a decent prospect yet?"

The strains of The Cure's Love Song bled through the final chords of the previous song. Ty's head began to bounce to rhythmic guitar and keyboard, her eyes drifting partially closed in enjoyment as she awaited Freddie's words.

 

[Poppinbubbles]

Freddie gave an appreciative smile and wave at the other bartender when he signaled Ty to go ahead and come round to Freddie’s side. Raising her glass Freddie took a sip of the drink “good, you’re my favorite bartender for a reason” she chuckled, before she got comfortable to hear about Tyrae’s day.

A frown creased her delicate features as her friend mentioned the ex. Freddie made no point in hiding her distaste for the woman in question. “Don’t give in to ‘er. She is only after one thing, besides, she ‘ad that gap in her front teeth, you could ‘ave parked your Jeep between it. You can do way better” This was largely over exaggerated as the gap was actually kind of cute, but Freddie had never liked her and therefore found it annoying as hell.

Slipping her arm round Ty’s shoulder she hugged her close for a moment. It broke her heart to hear that tremor in her friend’s voice, but tonight was going to be happy. No matter what happened she was going to make sure they had a good time. So when the subject of her mother rolled around Freddie waved a hand in front of her face. “Pft, I’m meeting with a lawyer on Monday. What girl turns down a free lunch” Shrugging to make light of the annoying matter she grinned and took another, larger, sip of her drink.

“O! The Cure!” Freddie wasn’t all Vilvaldi and Straus. Her musical tastes were actually quite eclectic, 70’s punk and 80’s new wave holding a special spot in her heart. “When do you get off for break? I ‘ope the DJ keeps on this streak because we might ‘ave something to dance to then.”

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

"Am on break now, love. I have a special request coming up. Get up, wench and bring that sexy ass to the dance floor...."

The Cure was winding down but I heard the bounce as the first few notes of Tainted Love~Soft Cell~ echoed through the bar. The wave of people leaving the dance floor reversed itself. I grinned over at Freddie, my eyes sparkling.

"I asked 'em for a two fer one~Soft Cell and Manson...back to back. You know you don't want me to be out there all alone to this. Who knows what sweet young things I might end up with, if you don't save 'em from my perversions." Laughter, as Ty swallowed the last of her drink and hopped off the stool.

I thread my way through the crowd, turning just once to make sure Freddie is behind me. It seems like the song is half over before I find a space and relax enough into the music, the wail of it, to just start dancing. Peace. Like a balm to my soul. Hair flying, hips moving, screaming it at the top of my lungs.

"You don't really want anymore from me
To make things right"

I see my best friend in the world, her eyes closed, her body a whirl of motion, of perfect rhythm and I want to grab her and hold on, because her movements are poetry set to driving guitar, blazing. They don't let Soft Cell finish though, instead, the DJ mixes it...a few scratches, a slide...and Manson takes over. That guttural growl, the yell...I want to jump, bounce, head bang. Fuck, I love Manson!!

"Don't touch me please
I cannot stand the way you tease"

Hands reach out of their own accord, grabbing Freddie's wrist. My mouth is stretched into a wide grin, no control. I want to share this high with her. But she knows it. She knows me. Finally, just when it starts to get real good to me...the last bit fades out. I can hear the sound of hoof beats, an addition the DJ mixed in and then....Personal Jesus by Depeche Mode. Sweat is starting to drip down my back. I know I need another drink. With no words, I give a quick head toss and motion to Freddie.

"Bar, need a drink??"

Drifting off the floor, my mind buzzing...love this song!

Your own personal Jesus
Someone to hear your prayers
Someone who cares
Your own personal Jesus
Someone to hear your prayers
Someone who's there

 

[Poppinbubbles]

It seemed as soon as Tyrae informed her of being on beak Freddie was taking a final sip of her drink and hopping off the barstool. She was rarely one of those people that had to be dragged out onto the dance floor. In fact she was usually the one doing the dragging.

Tainted love, oh man how she loved this song! It was a classic sadly the beat had become adulterated by pop culture sampling it, but right now all Freddie’s mind was on was the original version, which reverberated throughout the club. Letting the music flow through her felt so good, her hips her shoulders, it was like she was part of the notes and it was so easy to loose oneself too. Normally everything faded inside her mind, aside from her and the music but, with Ty, she stayed.

Cool fingers wrapping around her wrists made her look up and smile as she naturally gravitated toward their owners, feeling the music through someone else. So fun so easy. Olive hues sparkled under the low lights of the dance floor, a smile stretching her full pink lips as she looked at her friend, both girls lost in their own little lyrical world, till the beats changed completely, and Ty motioned toward the bar.

Nodding in a flurry of bobbing blond curls, it was Freddie’s turn to grab the milk chocolate wrists of her friend. The floor was a sea of people and stemming the tide proved a chore but they finally made it to the bar. Though Freddie was less thirsty than she was giddy, ready for fun and excitement. It’s the effect dancing had on her, a natural drug.

Not able to help a giggle she leaned let herself fall onto a small unoccupied space on the bar and looked from the various bottles lining the shelves. Throwing a glance over her shoulder to her friend, she grinned, her shoulders and hips still moving slightly in time with the music. “I don’t know about you, but I want to do shots. Do you ‘ave work tomorrow?”

Her words slightly labored thanks to maneuvering through the crowd. Just because she didn’t have work in the morning didn’t mean everyone had that luxury, and doing shots for Freddie meant she was probably not getting up before 10:45 the next morning. Which made sense considering that would mean she wasn’t getting to bed too many hours before that time anyway.

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

Moving through the crowd was difficult but Freddie's warm, strong hand guided Ty through the morass of people with something like ease. By the time they reached the bar, Ty was out of breath and giddy from lack of oxygen. She heard Freddie's question and answered it, all while trying to find a spot to slump into.

"Nah, am off, thank you Lord!!" Tyrae giggled as she watched her friend eye the multi-colored bottles behind the bar. Of course, she knew she couldn't take more than one or two shots. Her break was almost over, then it would be back to work for another forty-five minutes. "I can do one or two now, but then I gotta hustle. Won't be done here til 1:30. Bar don't close til 3 though. So if you wanna stick til I finish, we can hang out til closing time..."

Tyrae looked around for Elliot, the bartender who was covering for her. She spotted him by the far end and waved in his direction until he meandered over. She ginned up at him and asked, "Hey, papi. Could you bring me two shots of Stoli? Told my girl I would take a shot before I come back behind the bar...."

The gentle giant gave her a grin, his hazel eyes sparkling merrily as he took two chilled shot glasses out and filled them. "No prob, Bob...now take your shots and get back here woman!! My man is giving me the eye!"

Ty turned to Freddie with a slow smile, one shot glass held out for her friend. "Here ya go, bae. Ice cold vodka. Gonna take it and dash. Hopefully your high yella ass will still be here when I get done!" A few moments later, Tyrae had moved away, setting action to words, only stopping long enough to kiss Freddie's cheek in parting. "Gonna be crazy busy...so if you are staying til I finish, come find me around 1:30 and don't let all these voracious lesbians drive you crazy!"

The next hour was insane. Ty didn't have a moment to talk to her friend and after the first few minutes of scurrying back and forth like a crazed person, she kept herself at the far end of the bar, allowing Devlin to run the other side. No time for talk outside of "What can I get for you?" No time for talk, just busy, busy, busy. Finally, Cherry Bomb's co-owner came to relieve Ty from her duties. "YES!! Now I can drink!!"

The music had mellowed a bit. Right now they were playing Kerli's Walking on Air. Ty bobbed her head a bit, digging the way the little blonde Goddess used repetition in her refrain. She sat on a bar stool and ordered a sloe screw, her eyes darting hither and yon. "Damn, I hope Freddie didn't bounce."

 

[Poppinbubbles]

Wincing when Tyrae spoke of work, Freddie shook her head “I am so sorry Ty, I forgot.” A pouty frown replaced her giddy grin, and she was about to protest her original proposal, but only for a moment. Forty-five minutes that was it? “Of course I will stay.” The grin was back, and there was no question about it. Music was good and she’d had a drink already.

“I promise I will be good” she smiled with the friendly peck on the cheek, which was all things considered probably a very good thing Ty did that. To anyone that didn’t know the two women, it could have been the parting kiss of a couple, and that meant she was less likely to be hit on. She was only interested in dancing after all. The hooking up was on Ty’s to do list.

By the time 1:30 rolled around Freddie had bounced. And twirled, swished, swayed, and shaken what her mama gave her to the point that she was grateful for the lull in dance music. Not that she didn’t like the Estonian singer but this song was more fitting to getting another drink rather than rocking out.

It seemed she had perfect timing too, seeing the mocha skinned woman relaxing at the bar halfway to her destination. This time she would surprise her friend she thought with a mischievous grin. Looking for the best way to get to Ty without her noticing, she picked her way through the densest parts of the crowded floor, receiving a few nasty looks since she could have chosen a more direct path. Shrugging them off with a polite smile and well timed “pardon me, sorry” she kept to her path, not caring.

By the time she was close to the bar it appeared Ty’s chocolate hues had yet to spot the blond and she grinned to herself. Siding up behind the drinking woman she leaned in close and affected a most seductive tone “Hey baby, I lost my number will you give me yours?” It was a struggle to keep a straight face when using such a horrible pick up line but some how she managed not to succumb to the fit of laughter that bubbled up inside as she waited for her friends reaction to her jest. How the hell guys did this seriously she had no idea, but it made for a good joke.

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

The voice was husky and seductive, with just a hint of little girl laughter. Ty waited for a moment before replying and the absurdity hit her. It was just like Freddie to sneak up on her and talk trash! Tyrae took another sip of her drink, finishing the glass and slapped it down on the bar. Turning quickly, her hands moved of their own accord and clamped on her best friend's hips.

"Well sure you can have mine, just make sure my girl don't find out. She gets jealous quick!" Tyrae grinned up Freddie, her dark brown eyes sparkling gleefully. "You just had to try and get me, didn't you?" Not waiting for a response, Ty scooted over onto an empty bar stool and waited for her girl to take a seat.

By then, Dev had refilled her glass and prepared another Purple Rain for Freddie. Ty gave a slight nod, letting him know she would pay for it when the bar closed for the evening and he skedaddled, kept hopping by the customers who crowded the area. After taking an appreciative sip, Ty allowed her eyes to focus on Freddie once more. Her friend was vibrant, color up, wide eyes sparkling with unabashed happiness. The bass line of the song now playing meant she kept right on moving, even while seated, as if the music had her on strings, like a puppet.

"So, I take it the hungry lesbians didn't try to attack you while I was busy and couldn't defend your honor?"

 

[Poppinbubbles]

Freddie couldn’t help but jump a little at the hands clamping down on her hips; the move was sudden and unleashed the giggles she’d been suppressing. “I will make sure she does not” watching her friend slide her hands from her hips and move to a nearby stool. Her raspberry lips still curled up in a teasing smile that seemed to match Ty’s own -gosh that girl had a wicked smile- and followed suit.

Eyes following Tyrae’s gaze she gave a slight frown and shook her head “No, no, tonight is on me” she insisted even as she took a sip of the drink that was meant for her, and quickly put up one hand as if to silence any protests on the other woman’s part. “You will just owe me” A wink and a grin putting that sparkle back in her green eyes, as she settled on the seat.

Laughing she shook her head “No, no. But that is only because we seem to be involved. Of course I ‘ave ‘ad several offers just in case you don’t treat me right” Glancing over her shoulder she waved at a tall, lanky, girl with lips to match the color of her crimson dyed hair. The girl smiled at Freddie but gave a less than ecstatic nod of acknowledgment to Tyrae. Turning back to her drink the sandy haired blond took another sip “So you better watch yourself.” her voice taking on a slight warning edge at the last part of her words but the grin was a sure sign that again, she was just teasing.

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

Tyrae cracked up, her laughter overflowing at Freddie's teasing words. "Watch myself? Ha! I better keep both eyes on you! Who knows what'll happen if I let you outta my sight for just one moment!"

Ty heard Freddie's answering giggle and grinned again. Of course, the skank with the crimson hair was being a hater. Freddie was hot! Ty had always known that, she didn't need no skinny, hating-ass broad pointing it out. Taking yet another sip of her drink, Ty allowed her eyes to graze the crowd, noting prospective over night guests for another day. Wouldn't do to pick someone up while she was with Freddie, the lesbians would be all over her girl if they thought she was single.

After a moment's thought, Ty set her glass down and leaned over, her full lips placed just by Freddie's ear. "Hey, I will be right back. Gotta go make a request. Watch my drink?"

Her girl nodded and waved her off. Ty slid off the bar stool and meandered through the crowd, bumping into women, and men, with a wide grin and a murmured, "My bad..." Finally, she made it to the DJ booth and motioned for him to join her.

"Yo, Paul. Play something for me? Slow, seductive. Obviously Manson ain't gonna do but see if you can find something else within the same genre'. Hell if ya can't give me some R & B all mixed up the way you do. Leona Lewis or something. Don't wanna fuck up the party vibe too bad."

Paul gave Ty a wink, his mouth curving up into a naughty grin. "Ah, you got a hard on for one of these girls, huh?"

Ty laughed. "Hell, nah. You know I don't dig bony fetish chicks!! Just wanna help my friend relax. Something slow will calm her down..."

He grinned again and turned away. "Gotcha. Lemme see what I can find."

Ty made her way back to the bar, her mouth curved up into a teasing grin. She reached Freddie's side just as Paul made a general announcement over the mic, his voice mellow and deep. "Listen up, we 'bout to slow it down for my girl Tyrae. Might not be the right type of music for tonight but she wanted something slow and sexy. I just happen to have Bleeding Love...right here....with a lil bit of DK thrown in to confuse things. So here ya go Ty, get your ass on the floor."

Tyrae grinned at Freddie and grabbed her hand. "C'mon, blondie, let's go fuck with the party girls..."

 

[Poppinbubbles]

“Okay?” Drink raised to her lips Freddie quirked a curious brow at her friend and watched her fight her way through the crowd to the DJ’s booth. Soon enough she’d find out just that the Cheshire grin on those full lips was all about. It didn’t take very long either; as soon as she’d crossed the sea of moving bodies the deep baritone of the DJ was announcing Ty’s request even as the mocha skinned beauty saw her way back to the bar.

Hearing the words soon followed by very familiar beats she could do nothing but shake her head at her friend and laugh. “You’re so mean,” Her lips said it but her eyes added an unspoken “but I love it” as she slipped off the barstool. A firm hand curled round hers just as she was setting the empty glass down and she began to follow the lead of her friend out onto the dance floor.

“I guess we ‘ave to give them a good show, non?” She spoke, leaning in close so Tyrae could hear her above the mix of music. A spark of excitement hitting her as there were definitely a good amount of eyes on the two women. It made her think back to their high school days when parading around the school with Ty gave her that same feeling. That oh yeah I’m friends with the cool kid, feeling of pride.

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

"A good show? Oh yes."

Tyrae waits until there is just a bit of a room in the center of the floor and tugs Freddie close, her hand riding low on the other girl's hip. She aligns their bodies~ hip to hip, breast to breast~ and began the slow grinding motion that makes it impossible for any girl NOT to want to follow.

But something happened for the very first time with you
My heart melted to the ground, I found something true
And everyone's looking round, thinking I'm going crazy

Ty is singing, her low husky alto a perfect compliment to the sexy singer's lusher, higher tones. Her mouth is just by her friend's ear and her hands are keeping their bodies moving, leading her girl into each slow, seductive dip, grind, twirl. The music is rhythmic, leading, pervasive and for just a bit Ty forgets what she is doing...and who she is doing it with. She tugs Freddie closer and croons another verse.

But nothings greater then the rush
That comes with your embrace
And in this world of loneliness I see your face
Yet everyone around me thinks that I'm going crazy
Maybe, maybe

She wants to do more....and it is only the thought that Freddie is her friend, her girl, that stops what would have normally turned into an initiated kiss. Tyrae eases her grip, her dark eyes lock to Freddie's and she grins, her voice rising on her favorite part.

And it's draining all of me
Oh, they find it hard to believe
I'll be wearing these scars for everyone to see

She swings Freddie into a slight twirl, her eyes releasing her friend's to glance around. There is a bigger space now as others have backed off to watch. Ty grins, a dimple popping into view.

"Looks like we have an audience." Ty's laughter is low and dirty and it seems the sanest thing in the world to swing her friend close and brush a kiss over Freddie's mouth.

 

[Poppinbubbles]

Was it the music? The drinks? The fight with her mum… Whatever it was Freddie couldn’t quite say, except that her enjoyment of this dance was becoming less and less of an act. With every dip and sway that made it impossible for thighs and chests not to press and rub, the fabric of clothing so warm with the promise of the supple skin that lay beneath that pretence seemed to slip.

The full lips of her friend brushed her ear as they had a thousand times over the years she’d known her, because after all its what friends do. Tell one another secrets, ask for help out of a sticky situation, tell the other of some change in plan and so on. And yet this time… This time hearing those husky hushed tones of her the song coming from Tyrae’s lips gave the girl goose flesh.

Never had she felt electricity like this before and she naturally leaned into it, let the other guide her. But it was all an act, a game, to insight jealousy, she reminded herself and for whatever reason Freddie had the nerve to feel more than a little upset about it. So much so in fact that when Ty brought her back in from the twirl that, if Ty wasn’t surprised by the events to follow, Freddie definitely was.

A hand, Freddie’s hand, was quick to find Ty’s cheek. Anchoring the girl’s face in place as lushly full, cashmere soft lips tried to retreat from what had only been an impulsive innocent kiss between friends. A kiss that she probably had not expected her friend to return, after all Freddie was straight, always had been, always would be... But here she was in the middle of the dance floor kissing her best friend, with no idea why, other than the fact that something about it, at least at this very moment in time, felt like the most natural thing in the world.

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

Fuck, she is kissing me back. Damn, she feels good. Let go, Ty. STOP. She has been drinking and stressing and she is finally relaxed. Let GO!

The words were a murmur in the back of her brain. Long moments passed and Ty was still fighting to pay heed to them. Her hands had pulled Freddie closer, curving over a perfectly tight butt while the music faded and left nothing behind but soft lips beneath hers.

What is she doing? What am I doing? What the hell are we doing?

Ty struggled with herself, trying to be a good friend and NOT take advantage but Freddie had shocked her, surprised her, captured her and there was no where she could go. Not without looking as if she were running away. She didn't want it to be a battle so...she softened further, one hand drifting upward to tangle in honey colored hair. Lips met and parted, gently. Once and then again until the kiss stopped on it's own.

Tyrae leaned forward, resting her forehead against Freddie's. She kept her eyes closed, and tried to control her breathing. Hands remained unmoving from their spots, cupping bum and neck with equal fervor. Finally, dark eyes opened and stared into Freddie's own.

"Wow. Um, I think we need a drink...or five. Come with me?"

Don't give her time to worry, to overthink, to feel bad. Move. She is just a little off balance. Don't scare her. Don't worry her. Make it be natural. MOVE!

Body followed thought and Ty turned away, hand groping for Freddie's own. She led them both through the crowd, her mind whirling.

"Whatcha want, bae?"

 

[Poppinbubbles]

Freddie had had her fair share of kisses good great and terribly awful but nothing, absolutely nothing could compare with what was happening just now. Lips so soft and full, not unlike her own, moistened by a touch of gloss, moved with effortless grace and had her hungering for more.

Lost so deep in a world of lips and roaming hands that felt so right in their respective positions, that none of the thoughts running through Ty’s mind had caught up with hers. That is till their lips parted for the last time, a small smile curved the blond’s lips as she felt her friend resting her head against hers, thinking the reaction mutual till the silence was broken by words that caused the corners of her mouth to droop.

She froze on the exterior, unsure what to make of things, she thought… she hadn’t thought. She hadn’t thought and she’d crossed a line and now it made things awkward and uncomfortable. Tyrae had just wanted to give a little show and there Freddie had to go and take things too far. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. And one would think reading female signals would come more natural than reading male signals. Idiot.

Oh yeah, it would take at least five drinks before she could look her friend in the eye again and play it off as what was supposed to have happened. Senses coming back to her she couldn’t help but smirk at the slight irony of the painful wailing chords of Seether’s version of Careless Whisper pulsating through the club as they made their way back to the bar. Just sub cheat with kiss and that summed up things nicely she thought coming up to the bar and letting her hand drop from Ty’s.

“Blue g’ost, but no banana” somehow finding her voice, granted it was easier to do since she was looking at Devlin and not Ty.

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

Tyrae heard the hesitation, heard the doubt, but didn't really know the cause and was scared of the way her body had betrayed her. Freddie had always been her very best friend, her one confidante. To hear the slight tremor, to feel the unease, the underlying worry? It fucked her up.

Had she reacted inappropriately by ending the kiss? By trying to take the pressure away? Was Freddie ok? Was she? Hell, could she even begin to fix this? To take that slight frown away from her friend's face? Should she try?

"Got it bae."

Ty beckoned for the nearest bartender and gave their orders. Her mind was still whirling, still caught up in the kiss. She had never felt so unsure in all her life. No one else would have even began to cause this sort of reaction in her head, in her heart. Only Freddie...but she didn't know. Maybe coolness wasn't the way to go.

Two drinks were placed before them but Ty decided to not give herself the chance to chicken out, to cover it up. After all, Freddie shouldn't be ashamed, worried or freaked out. It was her fault for leading the dance...in every way. So she turned toward her friend and a hand reached out to pull Freddie into the space between her thighs.

Ty's head dipped, her mouth positioned itself right above Freddie's ear. The other hand joined the first in pulling Freddie closer and then locked to discourage the other girl from escaping. Ty had no ideas concerning what she should say...but her heart differed in it's response and never allowed her to back down.

"Thank you for the kiss. Do you know I have wanted to do that since the very first time I laid eyes on you? You have managed to make me the happiest dyke I know. The luckiest, too."

Husky laughter. Ty leaned back, a smile curving her lips upward. Freddie knew her and Freddie would know that she wasn't lying. Ty had never been able to lie, not convincingly, not to her.

"Please, let me just pretend. Just for tonight, just while we are here. I may never get the chance again...and you tasted so sweet."

 

[Poppinbubbles]

Their drinks came, being set hastily on their small territory of the bar with less than a second glance thrown their way. About to reach for and down the suddenly needed drink Freddie found herself suddenly caged. Tensed with uncertainty, her friend didn’t need to fear her escape, she was too stunned to move. Still unable to meet the brown eyed gaze of her oldest and best friend, her green eyes trained on Ty’s arm.

She’d no idea what she’d been expecting with that kiss, much less what she was going to do after. What was wrong with her? And why the hell was she feeling so upset? All their time together and Ty had been the equivalent of a perfect gentlewoman. Never before had the thought even crossed her mind. No, no that was a lie, actively the thought never crossed but if she was completely honest with herself she knew that subconsciously it had always lingered.

Eyes downcast, mired in the guilt of knowing she’d probably just ruined the best and oldest friendship she had, they suddenly fluttered up at Ty’s words. Looking at the woman through a fan of long blackened lashes, she searched the other woman’s eyes. Her own a haze of surprised confusion. Lips parting to speak to ask what that was supposed to mean, but the words hung on her tongue and didn’t seem to want to let go.

And it was a good thing too because as Ty continued to speak, her shock mixed with a flutter of hope. It was as if Ty were reading her mind and speaking the unsaid words that had clouded Freddie’s brain word for word, things the blond was too timid to admit to.

But was it right? Should they do this to themselves, to push at the barriers of friendship and not hope to rend it into unrepairable pieces, just to satisfy a subconscious curiosity? The first step on the road of no return had already been taken and it didn’t matter now what they did as their friendship could never and, would never, be the same again.

But these second and third thoughts were too intellectual for Freddie’s mind to handle right now. They were thoughts of the morning, the daylight, when all the harsh and ugly angles night time shadows concealed and made appealing were revealed in all their appalling reality. And so the only words that finally slipped from her frozen tongue were not words of doubt or regret.

“Y-you’ve always wanted to kiss me?” Such a simple question, for a mind so simplified by the course of the night, and yet so full of timid hope reflected in the slight upward turn of her mouth. That same school girl pride from before beginning to light up her face as she warmed in her friends hold.

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

Laugh. Right now. Help her to be easy. Explain.

"C'mon, bae. You are my very best friend. I know you don't dig females like I do but a woman would have to be blind, deaf and dumb to NOT want to kiss you."

A smile. Please, make her understand.

"Seeing as I ain't any of the three, the answer should be obvious. Plus you KNOW me. Inside and out. How could I tell you a lie?"

Tyrae allowed herself one quick squeeze and then forced herself to let go, grabbing both drinks and putting one of them into Freddie's hand. Truth always went down better with alcohol. And let's face it, after this, we both need a drink...or twenty.

Music was blasting again. Fast and furious. This time it was The Misfits~Die Die My Darling mixed with Metallica's cover of the same. Tyrae started bouncing, her empty hand moving to cup her friend's hip and pat to each rhythmic fulisade. The songs were short, but rambunctious, a perfect counterpoint to what was going through her head.

Die die die my darling
Don't utter a single word
Die die die my darling
Just shut your pretty mouth
I'll be seeing you again
I'll be seeing you
In hell

Then the DJ got it...a perfect match. Manson and the Eurhythmics~Sweet Dreams. Tyrae started to sing, a husky alto rising over the chatter of near by party people. Her other hand divested itself of the empty glass before snaking out to tug Freddie even closer.

Some of them want to use you.
Some of them want to get used by you.
Some of them want to abuse you.
Some of them want to be abused.

Teeth found an earlobe and tugged. Tongue teased the same spot between beats, at the place where Annie Lennox did battle with Marilyn Manson's subvocal growls.

Sweet dreams are made of these.
Who am I to disagree?
Travel the world and the seven seas.
Everybody's looking for something.

Laughter as the meaning of this slow sordid song, this seduction, became clear. It was a dual, yet not. The mix was gifted. A blazing track that had people moving no matter where they were. Tyrae breathed it in and whispered the final bit into Freddie's ear...

I'm gonna use you and abuse you.
I'm gonna know what's inside.
Gonna use you and abuse you.
I'm gonna know what's inside you.

"Finish your drink bae. We still got an hour to go before reality intrudes. Let's not waste it, huh?"

 

[Poppinbubbles]

How could she not smile at Ty’s words? The basic principles of human vanity applied even to her, who didn’t want to be wanted. Whether it was by someone that they liked or not, deny it if they wished it felt good no matter who did the wanting. The fact that it was her best friend, whom she found to be a creature of unique and unequaled beauty in both spirit and character, was just an added bonus, straight or not.

The shot was gratefully downed, alcohol did a magnificent job at blurring and diffusing the lines of reality, and had been a factor in her small –ok it wasn’t that small- misstep in the first place. She didn’t see how adding more could make things any worse for either of them.

Her mind barley registered the song that caused her to move subconsciously to its energetic beats, the alcohol clouding her mind the way it was supposed to. It wasn’t till strong hands pulled her closer that Freddie’s eyes dared to open on her friend again. Only to flutter closed with lips brushing against the skin of her ear before smooth white teeth teased her. It was perfection. It was like Ty knew, of course she knew, she was her best friend who else would know Freddie better? Would know how to make her knees weak with that deep laugh like a low roll of jubilant thunder.

“What are you talking about?” Her head pulling back just enough so green eyes were firmly fixed on brown, a question sparking them “Sunrise is not until 7 o’clock, much farther away than just an ‘our” her hushed tones, filtered through a soft smile where a lighter match to Ty’s own. The side of a thumb softly brushing the full curve of the brunettes bottom lip.

“Reality comes with the dawn cher, we can be prisoners to follies of night until then.”

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

“What are you talking about?”

Tyrae's voice caught at the question. Was Freddie offended? But the sparkling of olive green eyes, the curve of her lips said no. Then she finished the statement and Ty stopped thinking.

“Sunrise is not until 7 o’clock, much farther away than just an ‘our.”

Tyrae heard no hesitance, no fear and was moved. Freddie trusted her to make it all right. To make it not be odd or crazy or anything more than the giving in to fanatsy. Could she do it? Could she? Without hurting herself in the process? The final statement brought all thought to a halt.

“Reality comes with the dawn cher, we can be prisoners to follies of night until then.”

"You are right, love. Of course you are. And when the sun rises, this will just be a sweet dream I had. Like the many I have had before. That will be all it is."

There was no more need for words, not when the dance floor was still crowded, not when Ty wanted Freddie to stay just where she was. Not when the dawn was hours and hours away. So Tyrae gave in and let go of reality, for herself, for her friend. Morning could take care of itself.

"One more drink, bae and then let's dance. Yes?"

Ty waved her hand at the bartender, two flashed fingers for a repeat and then turned her attention to the woman between her spread thighs. They would drink and dance. When the club closed? Well, who knows what they would do then?

 

[Poppinbubbles]

With a nod and a smile Freddie reached out a caramel hand to brush back a few displaced jet locks from Ty’s face. From her peripherals she saw the two drinks set down for them by the bartender and grabbed one at a time, so that her eyes never left her friends, and gave the first to Ty. Raising her glass in toast she smiled again.

“Then let us drink to fantasy, oui, non?” With that she drank her shot, waiting for her friend to finish her own and set the glass down on the counter before she took booth Ty’s hands in her own and began to pull her up out of her seat and towards the middle of the dance floor. They might as well enjoy the guaranteed hour of dancing before them, before the rest of the nights uncertainties set in. Like what would happen once they left the club.

Right now all that mattered was the energetic beats of Bloc Party’s Helicopter that had the mass of bodies on the floor bouncing and loosing themselves to the British bands dynamism. And the fever was not lost on Freddie who moved in fluid abandon with Ty.

 

[Luna_Wolf72]

The final song of the evening had played and ended. Last call had been shouted, repeatedly. Tyrae was just a bit more than tipsy and it didn't look as if Freddie was very far behind. Ty had placed her friend in an out of the way corner while she helped to do a final walk through of the club, chasing out hidden pseudo couples from their musky little corners. The night had been good, after the initial oddness. A few more kisses, a couple more slow dances, whispered secrets. Tyrae wasn't worried. Things were what they were and there was nothing to be done about it, not really.

About twenty minutes after three, the last patron had been chased out, the last bright light had been clicked on. Ty headed for Freddie and grabbed her by the hand.

"OK, bae. What we gonna do now, hm? My vote is food. Am hungry. Hit that all night diner? Grab a burger, some fries. Then, my house? At least til you sober up?"

Ty's voice was husky, a wide smile graced her face, her eyes glittered. This had been a very good night and she knew Freddie had enjoyed herself. What more could she ask for? Sharing laughter and food, maybe a cuddle til the sun came up and then, the fantasy was over. It was a good plan. It was completely feasible.

She turned and headed for the exit, dragging Freddie with her. If Freddie wasn't cool with that idea she could speak up while they were walking. They reached the parking lot a few minutes later and Ty faced Freddie once more, an inquisitive smile, a question, in her eyes.

"So, yes? No?"