This is utterly stupid.

Relax, dearling.

I don’t see the point!

Don’t fight it.

I just don’t get what you think this will do, for either of us.

For a start, it will reduce our thirstings. But it will also make this easier.

Make what easier?

This conversation.

So you want to sit here and do shots of tequila while we try and have a conversation.

Truth’s there!

But we both know you can out drink me, so this would quickly become a game of meaningless prattle while you laugh at me.

Hmm. Point taken.

Yeah. So what did you want to talk about?

I thought you wanted to talk.

You invited me, remember?

Yes, yes, but I meant only that I thought you wanted to talk.

Not really.

Why do you not like me, Jacob?

What? I like you, ‘Tashi, you know that!

Do I?

You do.

I question.

Well don’t. I like you, ‘Tashi, shit, come on, after all we’ve been through? That time you set me on fire?

I did not set you on fire!

You dropped a flaming shot on my leg. And set fire to my pants.

A small fire, then!

Yeah, but see, come on, we’re friends.

Then Jacob, explain to me why you get so angry with me whenever Mark and I have a moment that has nothing to do with you?

Ahhhh, I’m like that with everyone, I don’t know, guess I’m just jealous, or crazy or both.

No, Jacob, for serious thinking now, if Melina and Mark do something you do not get upset. It is only I.

Ahh ‘Tashi…

Tell me, Jacob. Are you jealous of him or of me?

Wha?

Is it that you fear my being so close to him or that you wish you were so close to me?

Don’t flatter your…

Oh please!

Hmph. No, you two are just really close and it feels like he shuts me out when he’s having fun with you, which is more and more.

And so you realize that you are, in truths, crazy and need to get over it?

I suppose so, yah. I’ve known the guy…

Since you were both five, yes, we know. But you are five no longer, though you both might try and prove different some days. Why not just be his friend in the now and here instead of the then and there?

Yeah, I guess I should, huh? Thanks, ‘Tashi.

You still want me.

Oh really?

Your blood boils and sings for a stolen touch of my skin. You ache for a caress.

I ache for some tequila.

Better!

My blood boils and sings?

Melina lent me some of her shit romance novels.

And you read them?

I had to try one or five, really, to be polite.

No, you didn’t.

No, I didn’t. They are awful, Jacob!

I know! I’ve flipped through some of them, too.

I can not see you reading one of these books.

Then we’re even.

More tequila!

Less boiling and throbbing!

No, no, throbbing is good. But more tequila is better!