No, come on, I want to know.

Want to know what?

There is nothing to know.

I think they’re stonewalling you, Jake.

I know they are. You two always do this!

Do what, dearling?

Shut me out, like I’m some kind of … straight man.

Whoa there, cowboy, are we finally gonna have that talk?

Damn it, I knew you’d go there. No, we’re not, yes I am straight, shut up.

All right then, so what’s the problem?

I just feel left out.

And I don’t?

You haven’t known either of these two as long.

I still haven’t seen either of them naked.

Me either.

Is this some kind of contest?

Does Jacob want to see you naked, Mark?

I never have, nor do I want to, I’m just saying.

Mark and I have a different type of relationship.

One that includes a lot of nudity, it seems.

Not a lot, no, but we’re both comfortable with it. And so sometimes, it might happen. Not a big deal.

Not at all. But it would be for you, Jacob, or you Melina.

It wouldn’t be…

No? Then let us go in the back and you can take off your top for me.

What? Why would I?

You see?

This isn’t a big let’s all show either our bodies, ourselves, type of moment. I am just curious.

You’re still on this. Ever since the pictures. It’s a quest for you, now, isn’t it?

Maybe. I mean, nothing personal Tashi, I’m just curious. It isn’t you.

Did you just tell me that while you want to see naked images of me, or myself naked live, it isn’t about me personally, you just want solve some mental riddle?

Well when you put it like that…

Good thing you aren’t trying to sleep with her.

So what is it? A tattoo you hate?

Of a dragon fighting a fairy?

It is not a tattoo. And certainly not of a dragon fighting a fairy.

I was trying to think of something you would be ashamed of.

You found it.

Stop discussing my tattoos! I’m not ashamed!

No!

No, not at all but I had to.

Hahaha yeah you did!

So anyway, piercings, then.

Mmm.

Nipples?

Oh I hope not! I hate that!

What do you have against nipple piercings?

Yes, what? I admit to my own curiosity here.

I like my nipples! Why would I want to stab them in the face?

When you put it like that…

I might have to wince on principle here.

Well mine have not been “stabbed in the face,” so there’s that.

TO BE CONTINUED