Part One;

The Nice Memory

Andras sat bewildered on the bench, his eyes twinkling. That had been the first time someone cared enough to ask his name. He cared… The memory of his kind eyes darted through his mind. No, he couldn’t have, could he? Andras looked down at the business card Teddy left him with. He put it up to his face, taking in the smell of card stock and cologne.

“He was real” Andras ran the length of the card against his face, almost cutting his cheek. He needed to know it was real for sure. The light pain brought a smile to his face.

“I’m not imagining this”

“wow” he carried out several verbatim wows for a while before a few pedestrians snarked at him. Teddy, he thought. The name brought a smile to his face.

Part Two;

Oh, Dear Lord

The inspector slid a file onto Teddy’s desk, frowning.

“We need your help on a case,” they said firmly.

“Alright gentlemen, what do we have here?” he replied quietly.

“The Ebony File,” the taller of the two said with a stern look on his face

“We’re reopening it, there have been more killings as of late, in the same fashion as the others,” He cleared his throat.

“So, Interpol would like your cooperation in finding the killer”

“The Ebony File is a German case, fellas. Why would you want Scotland Yard’s help?” He said

“The killer has relocated to London, the slew of cadavers as of late… is his doing”

“Oh, bloody hell.” He appeared surprised.

“Indeed, so can we expect your cooperation, Detective?”

“Yeah, suppose we ain’t got much of a choice seeing as your Interpol” he commented

“Smart man” he said with a grin.

Part Three; Hey

-Hey

-hey

-U busy Saturday

-No

-Beers?

-Sure

-5 at Lang's pub

-Yeah

Part Four;

Scotch, Brandy, And an English Dandy

The two sat beside each other, sipping on a pint.

“So, you a beer guy or a wine guy?” Teddy said, his cheeks rosy from the alcohol.

“More of a wine guy really, but beer is good sometimes. Just not a fan of very bitter things” Andras replied looking at his mug.

“Ah, yeah, you seem the type,” He said, taking a long swig.

“I like a good scotch” he went on “Brandy is good too”.

“really? Never pinned you as the fancy drinker” he replied

“Yeah, well it’s good and strong. Easy to get hammered though” He said, leaning his arm on the cool wood bar.

“So, what does the great Teddy Bailey do for a living” he asked, crossing his legs.

“Detective” he answered smugly.

“Really, you seem like more of a construction worker” he said snickering.

“Hey now dandy, I, Edward Bailey of Scotland Yard, swear to you… that I am a full-fledged detective” he said dramatically. Andras sat quietly for a moment, twirling a lock of his hair.

“How do ya sit like that lad?” Teddy asked, gesturing to his crossed legs.

“Oh, just used to it I suppose” he responded lightheartedly.

“Not much to smush then ay” he smirked. Andras nudged him playfully.

“Yeah right, you would be jealous mate” they both began to laugh heartily, the whole pub staring them down.

“Ay, Lang! bring the young lady with the crossed legs a wine” He said smugly.

“Hey!” Andras giggled

“Lang, bring a scotch to the man-spreading fool over here”

The two then drank themselves into a stupor, stumbling down London street at 1 am. They clung to each other gratefully, Andras bumping into things occasionally.

“Ay, yer a good drinkin buddy I’d say” Teddy said loosely holding Andras by the hip.

“Only the best,” He responded stumbling to a trash can to retch.

“Aw mate, sorry” He slid a hand onto his back, holding his hair.

“Common, I’ll take you back to my flat” he said, and arm around him.

Part Five;

Listless and Loving

Teddy carried Andras the rest of the way inside, rushing him to the loo where he dry heaved for a while, then asked to lie down. He put out a shaky hand for him, Andras took it leaning on his chest for a moment before taking a few steps. He lay him gently on the full-size bed.

“Help me get your shirt off Andras,” he said softly.

“uh huh” he lifted his arms, letting Teddy slip off the vomit covered sweater. Teddy noticed the man’s thin features for the first time, his ribs shone bare.

“Jeez,” he said to himself.

The thin man collapsed onto the bed, passing out. Teddy sat on the floor beside the bed, nodding off.

“Teddy?” Andras woke to a seemingly empty room.

“yeah?” he responded drowsily from the foot of the bed.

“come lay up here, it’s not comfortable on the floor”

“I’ll be fine, you just sleep”

“It’ll make me feel better to know you’re comfortable” he pleaded

“oh yeah? Fine, scoot yer arse” he said crassly

He moved rigidly to the bed, unfurling the comforter. His warmth radiated onto Andras, making him smile behind the mask of darkness.