The Strange Hippie (outdated Short Story- meeting Rory)

     Despite the abundance of those eyeing Gene, not a soul dared to go chat with him. Not a single person had the bravery, nor the foolish ignorance to go sit down and talk to the broad brunette at the table. Longing eyes would wander his way in passing, and occasionally a particularly brave lad would linger by the table, but no one dared approach. Who on earth would be stupid enough to flirt with a man who was the face of risk. The face of an undercover cop.

     Of course, Gene was rather blind to the intimidation that floated off of him. He only assumed no one approached because they weren't interested, which he didn't mind. He didn’t catch the wandering eyes, nor did he notice the lingering gentleman that may float near him. He instead had his calm gaze down to the small book opened upon his lap, which entertained him amongst the rattling chatter within the room. Currently, the lead protagonist was learning to ride a horse properly, her hands being guided by the rough and rugged cowboy just behind her. Gene allowed his thumb to slowly swipe back and forth across his lip as he read, fully indulged into the novel.

     An hour ago, Ace had been whisked away from Gene, having tried to go to the bathroom and back without invasion. However, Gene had neglected to stand and save Ace from the accidental conversation he had gotten sucked into across the room. Ace was probably doing just fine on his own, better than Ace thought he was.

     It was only when Gene read over the line- ‘she let out an exhaled laughter, reaching up nervously to tuck her hair behind her ear’- that he thought of Ace. He ought to check the crowd for him and ensure he isn't cowered in a corner.

     He raised his head, looking over the mingling hippies with misty smoke clouding around their heads. However, when he spotted Ace, he was pleasantly surprised to see him smiling. Granted, the smile was hidden behind a nervous hand, but it was a smile nonetheless.

     And in front of Ace was a stranger.

     The man was shorter than Ace- though most were- with thick hair just past his shoulders. His bangs hung over his eyes like a sheep dog, and his toothy grin revealed rather jagged teeth. He had a poorly groomed amount of scruff lining his  jaw and chin, as well as a frail amount of hair spreading from the middle of his chest. A white cig hung from the man’s lips, contributing to the skunky fog that was misting the room.

     His hand was on Ace’s waist, and Ace was leaning against him. Yet, Gene was not nearly as focused on the flirty body language as he was the man’s chest.

     Hmm… What an odd thing to have nipple rings. That seemed rather inefficient. If one were to get snapped, then the man would have to enjoy life with one nipple.

     Ace… He looked incredibly happy. Infact, he was giving those gentle little giggles that were contagious even from afar. It was truly a delight to see Ace in such a glow, making a subtle smile tug at Gene’s own lips.

     Who was this strange man who was making Ace so happy?

     Gene closed his book, opening his brown leathered jacket to slip it into a pocket while his eyes remained on the two men just across the room.

     The large brunette let out a short whistle, getting an immediate familiar response from Ace. A few others gave Gene a curious look, but quickly dismissed him once realizing the call was not directed towards them.

     Ace looked to Gene as though remembering him, his face quickly forgetting joy and instead turning to the usual worry. Yet, the concern that was displayed was slightly guilty, his sleek arms crossing over his stomach to display his usual discomfort. Like a loyal dog in trouble, he wandered back to Gene with a tucked tail, having abandoned the hippie that was beside him.

     Gene raised a brow. What happened? Had he not been having a good time?

     “Sorry.” Ace’s nazalled tone muttered, sitting beside Gene once more which made the seat dip beside him.

     “M’ not mad.” Gene said back plainly before raising his hand, giving two gentle waves to the scruffy man still across the room. He responded with a giddy smile and a peace sign. “Who is that?” He asked, his arm lowering to place itself around Ace’s shoulder.

     “I don't know.”

     “You didn't get his name?”

      “Rory- I think. Sorry, I didn't mean to leave you here.” Ace explained anxiously.

     “You didn't.” Gene raised his arm again, having wished for Rory to come over. He once again motioned towards him, this time to success.

     “Please don't- Gene I don't want him over here.”

     “Sure ya do.” Gene chuckled, patting the seat beside him for Rory.

      What a rarity for Ace to enjoy the company of a stranger, enough to giggle and laugh. And furthermore to allow him to pull him close like that. What a lovely sight to see Ace taken by the waist so casually.

     “Hey man,” Rory started, his voice far rougher than Gene expected. “Heh- I was hoping you two were buds.” He chuckled as he sat, causally wrapping an arm around Gene. “I'm Rory, but you can call me Ro-bro. Or uh, heh, my group just calls me lightning!” He exclaimed, his hands opening in front of him to exaggerate the name.

     Ace jumped a bit, letting out a soft giggle shortly after.

     “Mm… Alright.” Gene responded planily. “M’ Gene.”

     “Geeeene.” He nodded as though finding the name groovy. “I was hopin you and stickman were buds. Heh, saw you two pretty ladies dancin, Just didn't wanna interrupt y'know?”

     “Mhm. Gene hummed.

     “Rory,” Ace spoke up, leaning in a bit and tucking a piece of hair behind his own ear. “Tell him why you’re called lightning.”

     “Oh- yea man you’re gonna love this.” Rory started, beginning to turn on the leather of the seat beneath him which made it squeal. He showed his back to Gene, hunching his shoulders forwards to emphasize the horror of scars spreading down his back. “Take a look at these bad boys, bet you haven't seen a walking zombie, huh?”

     Scars lining his back stretched down his spine like fingers, reaching to his ribs down his waist. Gene casually reached forward, tracing them. The skin of the scars were raised like burns rather than cuts.

     “Got struck?” Gene asked.

     “Oh yea, worst night of my life man.”

     “Mm..” Gene hummed, leaning back again before Rory turned towards the two men once more.

     “Yea- been out in a lot of storms man, guess I just got lucky one of those times.”

     Ah, so he was one of those hikers. He smelt like it, and certainly looked the part. He was incredibly lucky he was so charming.

     “It could've damaged more than just your skin…Are you sure you don't want to see someone about that?.” Ace sweetly asked.

     “About what?” Rory asked cluelessly.

     “about- haha! Rory, your scars.”

     “Oh! Yea man it's all good, if anything it gives me powers!”

     “Powers?”

     “Yea man I can pick up chicks now like crazy!”

     Ace let out an exhale of laughter, soon covering his mouth as Rory continued his chatting.

     Gene however kept his silence, allowing himself the enjoyment of observation rather than inclusion. Ace was practically glowing, leaning in to chat with the newcomer. It was simple and easy for Rory the hiker, making easy conversation through mindless dialogue that spewed from his mouth.

     He’d best keep this one around.