Brian then walks into “Home Base”, but stops himself and walks back towards the rest of the guys. He takes out his phone and starts talking to Russell.
“Russell, can I have your number man so we can all stay in touch? Thanks.”
Russell then immediately pulls out his phone and exchanges numbers with Brian. Immediately following that, Brian walks into the unit shutting and locking the door behind him. Russell, Kevin and Jesse then all look at each other for a minute. Russell then starts to speak.
“Alright boys, I’m totally beat, and I’m tired. If I’m tired, I know you guys are tired as well. So let’s head back.”
Jesse and Kevin both nod their heads at Russell. Jesse then walks over to Russell who wraps his arm around Jesse’s back and all three men walk towards Russell’s car. They all get inside the car, and head towards Russell’s apartment. While in the car, Kevin turns the stereo on and talks to Russell very fast and loudly, with Jesse remaining quiet in the rear seat listening.
“Russ, Brian is cool. He’s like a younger George Clooney. He’s kinda smooth and cool. I mean, yeah he did rob your bank but that’s old shit right? Now the other guy, the one who looks like the Scarecrow from the Wizard of Oz, Victor his name was? He’s just plain scary and weird, and I don’t know about him. That conniption fit he did was also very strange…and”
Kevin is interrupted when Russell turns his head over his direction giving him a disappointed look. Russell mutes the stereo volume, and proceeds to scream at Kevin.
“Kev not another word okay? I’m too tired man. Please Kev.”
Kevin then gives Russell a scared expression and turns his head forward.
“Okay Russ, I know your tired man. I’ll shut up and leave it alone. I’m sorry Russ.”
Russell turns his view towards Kevin, and shakes his head. He then turns his head back forward to the road. They continue to drive to Russell’s apartment in silence. Back at “Home Base”, Brian starts to clean up, with Victor sitting on the couch rocking back and forth. Brian becomes concerned and goes over to talk to him and pats him on his leg.
“Victor, Yo. You okay man? Do you want me to get you some water buddy?”
Victor looks up at Brian and nods his head. He then replies to him.
“I would like some water, thank you. I’m sorry, I get anxious like that a lot. I’m so tense and again, I’m not used to being in these types of situations. I’m so sorry about that.”
Brian then proceeds to get Victor a glass of water. Victor continues to sit on the couch rocking back in forth. Brian gives Victor the glass. Victor starts to take gulps of the water.
“Thank you. Brian, you wouldn’t have any Tylenol or aspirin or something? I have a really bad headache, and if you could give me something for that, I’d appreciate it.”
Brian smiles at him and pats him on the leg again. He then replies to him.
“Tell you what, Victor why I don’t I walk you to your car. I want you to pick out a change of clothes. I then want you take a shower after that okay? Once you get out of the shower, I’ll give you some aspirin alright? Can you work with me on that?”
Victor takes more sips of the water and nods his head towards Brian, replying to him.
“Yeah, okay. I can do all of that. I think I’ll feel better after too.”
Brian and Victor then walk out of “Home Base”, towards Victor’s car. Victor picks out a clean pair of clothes. A black t shirt and some khaki pants, and they walk back inside. Immediately after that, they both walk back into the unit, and Victor then heads into the bathroom to take a shower. Brian continues to clean the building, while Victor is bathing. When Victor is finished cleaning up, he goes over to where his bed and located and opens up his wardrobe dresser. He then starts to undress himself. He takes off his shirt and tie, then he takes of his pants. Brian then puts on some pajama bottoms while still remaining shirtless. He proceeds to return to the sofa area, but walks back and grabs another pair of pajama bottoms. Following that, Brian goes over to the bathroom door and knocks on it, screaming out to Victor to get his attention.
“Hey Victor, I have some sleeping pants for you when you get out. Okay?”
Victor doesn’t respond, but Brian walks away. He sits at the sofa area, and watches the news on the television.
At Russell’s apartment, himself Kevin and Jesse are now walking in. Upon walking into the building, Kevin directly runs to the sofa area and flings off his suit jacket. Russell and Jesse remain over by the front door watching him. He turns the television set on, and coincidentally “Family Guy” is on. He then takes his shoes and socks off and shouts out to Russell.
“Russ, you wouldn’t have any beers would you? I could really use a cold one right about now. That is, if you have any.”
Russell puts his suit jacket on the kitchen counter and gives an angry look directed towards Kevin, who has his view towards the television screen. Russell then goes into the refrigerator and pulls out three cans of beer, which incidentally he only had three left. He walks over to where Kevin is lounging, and gives him one of the beers.
“Thanks Russ, you’re a good friend man.”
Russell then hands Jesse a beer, but Jesse sets it down on the counter. Jesse then walks towards the bedroom, talking to Russell while walking in that direction.
“I’m going to go change clothes.”
Russell nods his head, and takes a sip of his beer. Russell then walks over to sit by Kevin on the sofa. While he’s sitting down, he removes his tie and sets it on the coffee table. Russell unbuttons the top of shirt, and takes his shoes and socks off, setting his shoes under the table. He then takes another sip of beer and starts to watch the television. Kevin while he still is facing the television, starts to talk to Russell.
“Thanks again for letting me spend the night Russ.”
Kevin takes a sip of his beer, and Russell does the same. He responds to Kevin after that.
“It’s okay Kev, you can stay as long as you need to man. You know that.”
Jesse walks out of the bedroom wearing a white graphic t shirt that’s covering his boxer bottoms, with a celebrity tabloid magazine in his hand. He takes a seat on the other side of the sofa. Russell looks at him puzzled, and speaks to him.
“Jesse, is that what you really want to wear? Okay. It doesn’t seem at all appropriate, you could have picked something else. In fact, I almost feel like telling you go to back into the room and change, but I don’t know.”
Jesse tilts his head and opens his mouth towards Russell, and is appalled.
“Fuck you Russell, I can wear what I want. This is what makes me comfortable, so I want to wear this. I’m going to bed soon anyways, so why does it matter?”
Jesse then takes a sip of beer. Russell while looking at the television screen, takes another sip of beer, and responds to Jesse in a soft manner.
“Well, I don’t care what you wear, but Kev is here and he’s company and…”
Kevin takes a sip of beer, and while watching the television, claps back.
“Russ, he’s gay. I’m bi, you’re bi. We’re all men here. Fuck you Russ. Leave him alone.”
Russell while still having his vision towards the television screen, laughs and shakes his head. He looks over at Jesse who is reading his magazine. Russell then gets up from the sofa and stands in front of Jesse softly slaps him on the back of the head. Jesse laughs, and Russell then starts to rub his hair, then kissing him on the forehead. Jesse smiles at him, and Russell smiles back. He returns to where he was seating at the sofa, takes another sip of beer and watches television. Kevin who was watching them both, smiles, and turns his head back facing forward. Kevin takes another swallow of his beer, and starts to talk to Russell.
“Russ, you’re a good man, but sometimes you act so crazy. Let the boy wear what he wants, shit. But anyways, Russ, there is something I need to talk to you about.”
Russell starts to scratch the back of his head and responds to Kevin while keeping his vision ah
ead watching the television program.
“What is it now Kev? I’m all ears, go on ahead and shout it out.”
Kevin takes another sip of his beer, and turns his head towards Russell.
“Russ, I left my yarmulke in your car I think. I don’t have it. I left it in your car.”
Russell starts to laugh while having his view still at the television.
“Kev, you can get it tomorrow then. That was it? That was what you had to tell me? I know you Kev, that isn’t what you wanted to tell me, so again, shout it out.”
Kevin laughs and turns his head towards the television replying to Russell.
“Yeah you’re right Russ, but seriously..., OH MY GOD RUSS, WHAT’S THAT!”
Kevin starts to scream and point towards the front door area. Russell and Jesse both look in that direction and don’t see anything noteworthy. Kevin then starts to laugh.
“Made you look. Ha-ha. You guys are so stupid. Ha-ha. Suckers.”
Russell then reaches over, and smacks Kevin in the back of the head hard. Kevin then starts to laugh, and turns his direction towards the television screen again. All three men sit in silence for about ten minutes, then Kevin calls out for Russell yet again.
“Okay Russ, scouts honor. This time I’m not fooling around and I have something important I need to tell you. I promise this isn’t a joke this time.”
Russell puts his hand over his forehead, and replies to Kevin.
“Kev, what the fuck do you want? This is now the third time you’re trying to tell me this. I’m starting to think this is some type of game you’re playing. I don’t find it funny Kev, if there is something you need to say well then just say it, stop fooling and joking around like that.”
Kevin then takes another sip of his beer. He stops laughing, and begins to act more serious and responds to Russell in a formal tone.
“Russ, I wanted to say that today has been very long and eventful, and just this morning I remember I was goofing off, and flashback to now, another game changing day Russ. Every day seems to be something else with us. I don’t know how you handle it Russ.”
Russell laughs and turns his head towards Kevin, and takes another swallow of his beer.
“Well Kev, I don’t know how I do it. I don’t know how I do anything. I’m just an insane, crazy, psychopathic, ginger, demon looking, evil, hot headed, asshole right?”
Jesse begins to giggle to himself, then continues to read his magazine. Kevin takes another swallow of his beer, and turns his head towards Russell.
“That’s correct Russ, and that’s why I love you man. Ugh, Russ this is the most unfunniest episode of “Family Guy” I’ve ever seen. This episode sucks so much man.”
Russell takes another sip of his beer and laughs. He responds towards Kevin.
“Yeah this is really bad. “Family Guy”, is hit or miss for me. This one is not funny at all.”
Kevin laughs at Russell, and takes another swallow of his beer. He then responds to him.
“Russ, do you remember that episode of “Family Guy”, where they did a crossover with “The Simpsons”? That one was so funny, I was laughing so much. The part where Peter and Homer began to fight like that was so damn hilarious. You remember that one Russ?”
Russell laughs at Kevin, and drinks more of his beer keeping his vision forward.
“Yeah I saw that one Kev. I agree, that was a good one.”
Kevin continuing to watch the television, asks Russell more questions.
“Russ, do you like “Futurama”? Do you ever look at that show? I watch it sometimes, it’s pretty funny. I think I’ve seen all the episodes of that I believe.”
Russell looks up towards the ceiling and scratches his head, he then responds to Kevin.
“Hmm, “Futurama” is alright. I mean I don’t like or hate it, it’s alright. I’m not that well known about it like you are, so. But it’s an okay show I guess Kev.”
Kevin takes another swallow of his beer, and continues to ask Russell questions.
“Russ, do you like “Stargate”? Oh man, I love that show so much. I wonder if it’s on.”
Kevin takes the remote control and flips through the channels. Russell then starts to close his eyes and put his hands behind his head. He roughly responds to Kevin.
“Kev, I’m not a fan of “Stargate”, but yeah I’ve seen it. You’re more of a Sci-Fi guy, that’s not really my thing.”
Kevin while still going through channels on the television, replies to Russell.
“Well, you like “Star Wars”, right Russ? I know you said you don’t care for Sci-Fi, but you do at least like “Star Wars” don’t you? How could you hate “Star Wars?”
Russell grumbles out to Kevin with his eyes closed feeling extremely tired.
“Uh, “Star Wars” is alright Kev. I like “Star Wars”. I like Darth Vader, Kylo Ren, C3PO, R2D2, Yoda. You know I like “Star Wars” Kev, stop acting silly like that. Now Kev knock that off, I way too tired for all of that man.”
Russell then begins to close his eyes and fall asleep. Kevin while he’s flipping through the channels, starts to doze into sleep while responding to Russell, whom he doesn’t know is asleep.
“Sorry Russ, I was just asking and making sure. Ugh. I’m so sleepy.”
A few minutes later Jesse starts to feel tired and decides to close his magazine. He looks across the sofa and notices that both Russell and Kevin who are sitting on different ends of the sofa, are fast asleep. He laughs to himself, and turns the television off. Jesse then walks over to Kevin who’s sleeping, and removes his glasses. He sets them on the table in front of the sofa. After cutting all the lights off, he walks into the bedroom and lays down on the bed. He then falls asleep.
Back at “Home Base”, Victor begins to walk himself out of the shower. He has on a towel and starts to walk towards the sofa area not giving Brian eye contact. Brian who was paying attention the television, quickly takes a peek as Victor walking from the shower. He notices Victor’s self-harm scars on his arm. He tries to keep his eyes on the television and away from Victor’s body, but he cannot help himself and continues to watch him. Victor starts to put the pajama pants that Brian left for him on, and sits down on the couch. After he’s dressed he looks down towards the ground. Brian looks at Victor’s self-harm scars one more time and becomes more distraught over it. He talks to him.
“Hey Victor, were you bullied a lot in school man? Growing up did other kids pick on you or make fun of you? I’m curious about that, and you can tell me. Because I was bullied when I was young and I know it’s tough being made fun of.”
Victor continues to look down towards the ground and ignores Brian. Brian starts to frown and feel extremely sad for Victor. He then cuts the television off and talks to him again.
“Victor, what’s wrong with you man? What’s going on? How old are you?”
Victor looks up towards Brian, and whispers out his answer.
“I’m twenty-nine. I haven’t done shit with my life. I’m nobody. I look like a fucking creature feature. People fucking hate me. I always have mood swings like this. I’m sorry.”
Brian then smiles at him, and responds to him in a calm way.
“Well I’m only a little older than you. I’m thirty-one. I don’t think you look like creature. If everyone looked the same, this would be a boring world right? I just think you’re a misunderstood man, and I see a lot of myself in you. Me and you are quite similar really”
Brian starts to feel much empathy for Victor, and feels that he’s a very damaged person. He tries to continue to make him feel comfortable and happy with himself. Brian continues to press Victor in an attempt to get him to feel more relaxed.
“Victor, you don’t have any friends do you? You feel alone, don’t you Victor? People make fun of the way you look, people bully you. You start to feel isolated and alone. You start to hate yourself. I don’t have much friends either. But I’ll be your friend.”
Victor looks back towards the fl
oor again, feeling ashamed of himself. Not realizing that Brian is using psychology tactics to mess and control with his emotions. Brian continues.
“We’re a part of a special group now, and we all need to stick together and be there for each other. I don’t want for you to feel alone or neglected Victor. I care about you, and I feel you’re such a lost soul, and you never had anybody love you before have you Victor?”
Victor starts to become very enraged and upset. He still doesn’t realize that Brian is offering him words of kindness. Victor views it as Brian trying to make fun of him or harass him. Victor has been victimized in this situation many times before, so it becomes difficult for him to assess when people are being sincere with their thoughts, and when people are not. Victor starts to have pent up anger. He keeps his head down towards the ground. Brian then continues.
“Victor, you don’t have to be afraid. You don’t have to hate yourself. I’m your friend.”
Brian then starts to rub Victor’s self-harm scars on his arm and speaks to Victor very softly.
“Victor, I’m your friend and I’m here for you man.”
Immediately following this, intensely, Victor grabs Brian’s neck and tackles him to the ground. They begin to wrestle and fight each other on the ground. This continues for a couple minutes until Victor manages to grab Brian’s neck, and brings Brian’s face, to his. Victor then kisses Brian for almost a minute. Following that, he pushes Brian to the floor, stands up and laughs and screams very loudly.
“Ha-ha. Brian, DON’T YOU EVER TOUCH ME, AND DON’T YOU EVER TALK TO ME AGAIN LIKE THAT! Do you understand me Brian?”
Brian while still down on the ground with an angry look on his face, nods his head. Victor continues to laugh, then sits back down on the couch watching the television, laughing to himself. He looks down on the ground where Brian is and and talks to him.
“Brian, I’m happy to be your friend, just don’t ever talk to me like that.”
Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained Page 25