nexus_crossings | Manhattan's Diamond King

Manhattan's Diamond King

Jack had been wandering the streets on a night watch with Diamond. The people of the Party and their Ministry of Truth goons were getting bold. It made Jack antsy and he wasn’t sleeping. It was weird sometimes how he went days and weeks here and there without sleeping. No one knew how he could do it.

The scenery had changed oddly when he turned a corner, Diamond at his side whining. He reached down and patted the white mutt that went with him everywhere. Straightening, Halloween Jack shifted the automatic weapon slung over one shoulder that stood in stark contrast to his feminine clothing including spike heeled black boots and gaudy diamond bracelets and earrings. He came very close to shooting the hologram when it startled him by appearing on his blind side. He’d seen something like this before but couldn’t remember where. He listened to it all the while wondering why the guy was in the weird get up. It looked enough like a military uniform to make him suspicious of the Nexus.

Walking on he kept looking up at the building corners, the trees, anywhere something could be hung. Though the gun was back in a resting position, he remained jumpy and jittery.. one part drugs and one part nerves. Diamond was watching the people coming out into the plaza. Normal morning traffic of shops opening.

Jack narrowed his eye at the people and eventually asks. “There aren’t any cameras or drones here?”

He is confused as hell about what is going on. The dog sat at his feet, looking up expectantly at her one eyes master. In the back of his mind there is a lingering worry that this is some Party trap or that he had been caught again and this was something in his own mind.

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Hiroki stops and stares at Jack, wide-eyed. His right arm's trembling.

Ziggy, please, I've just met your clone and he says I'm hot. Need help.

Why is he thinking towards Ziggy? Surely Ziggy won't hear him anyway. Wait. Wait, he might. He just might. Atlas. Pilot. Quintessence. Connection.

Hiroki resumes walking towards the restaurant. He pats Jack's head like one would a child, ruffles his hair playfully.

Jack leans into the touch as they walk. It may be what was given to a child but he still likes it.

After a moment Ziggy reaches out, quiet in Hiroki's mind because of distance. Where are you?

Of course Hiroki doesn't back away. He enjoys closeness. He enjoys the touch.

He pictures the place excatly for Ziggy.

We're going to the restaurant. The poor guy, he's practically skin and bones!

He's a prostitute, Hiroki adds after a moment, so that Ziggy doesn't misunderstand poor Jack's behaviour. All of the clone's thoughts and feelings on Jack are platonic and brimming with compassion.

Jack leans in closer because it feels like his closeness is welcome.

He gets a mental message from Ziggy that he's on his way.

Jack meanwhile looks to his new companion. "What kind of resturant?"

It's the same restaurant to which Ziggy had taken Hiroki. Hiroki describes it to Jack cheerfully, with details.

Jack gets visibly excited. "I don't remember having sushi ever."

One of the only good things about the loss of his memory was that everything was new again.

Ziggy is waiting for them at the restaurant at a table with seating for three. He smiles when he sees Hiroki but his already pale skin pales farther when he sees Jack. He hadn't expected to see someone who looked this much like him. He thought maybe Hiroki was exaggerating.

Jack stops dead in his tracks too and stares at the person standing from the table.

"Maybe you've never had it. Today can be your first time! Isn't that great?"

Upon going into the restaurant, Hiroki Shirogane, who's on high alert, immediately sees Ziggy. Relief floods him. He gazes at Ziggy adoringly and with gratitude, and hope.

So much tension leaves him, it must be palpable. It's like just after a battle.

He gently pats Jack on the shoulder reassuringly.

"Jack, meet Ziggy Stardust, my beloved. Ziggy, meet Halloween Jack, a refugee."

Ziggy has sake already at the table and, knowing what Hiromi likes, has already ordered food but it hasn't arrived yet.

He smiles and gives Hiroki a hug and a quick kiss before turning to the newcomer who is still startled. Ziggy gives Jack and open and overly friendly hug which takes away Jack's tension.

However, Ziggy's mind is focused on Hiroki. Where did you find him? He's half Anthean like I am. I can feel it. I didn't think there were any others like me. Maybe??

Ziggy trails off as Jack pulls away. He slips into the booth, Jack on one side and motioning for Hiroki to come to the other. Ziggy is busy telling Jack about the food but his mind is still wide open to Hiroki to hold a mental conversation. Ziggy is startled, confused, concerned and doesn't know how to handle this particularly.

The clone flops down at the table, then rests his head on it, groaning quietly.

So tired. So utterly tired.

Of quiznaking course he is half-Anthean, Princess! What'd I tell you?! Trust me! Met'im in Nexus. Thinks I bought'im to quiznak him. Help me, Ziggy Stardust, you're my only hope.

Ziggy feels the tiredness and smiles, a hand stroking Hiroki's back. "Why don't you lay down in the booth and rest until the food gets here. You can use my leg for a pillow.."

Already though, Ziggy is funneling energy to Hiroki. Zkggy can't help the little giggle that escapes.

If I were a prostitute I'd want a strong, kind and incredibly handsome and sexy man to buy me too. I can't blame him. Ziggy teases but he's serious about the compliments.

Ziggy turns to Jack who is asking if Hiroki is ok and Ziggy just off-hands that he has been working a lot and probably just tired.

Go ahead and lay down. I'll take care of Jack. You need to rest.

Hiroki's absolutely grateful to his boyfriend as he takes his suggestion and does just that, lying down. Ziggy's truly his saviour.

Have I ever told you how quiznaking beautiful you are, Love? The most beautiful. There's no one like you. Thank you.

Oh, he remembers exactly every time he has, in detail, naturally. That's not the point.

He lies down. He trusts Ziggy with Jack. Ziggy's Quintessence, as always, feels simply divine.

And you are too handsome to resist. Ziggy sends back with affection then settles in to stroking Hiroki's hair, shoulder and side while he talks to Jack.

They both drink and Jack fills Ziggy in about his Earth. It's horrifying to Ziggy to hear about the cameras, the patrols, the fact that enjoying life is not legal. He gets some details about what happened to his mind and soon Ziggy has Jack leaning against his side with arms wrapped around him and Hiroki laying in his lap. He really doesn't want this to feel vaguely erotic but it does.

After another moment, Ziggy comes back to Hiroki's mind more directly. I can't tell genetically, but I don't think he's me.. close? Maybe MaryLou was pregnant and Tommy didn't know? That would explain the half Anthean part at least. I'd have to have my mom look to know and do genetic tests. His mind has a lot of damage. I'm not sure I should tell him he's part alien yet.

No, you.

As Ziggy strokes his hair, Hiroki moans with pleasure.

He listens groggily as Ziggy and Jack talk. Good. This is necessary.

No, don't tell him yet! It'll be too big of a shock, you can't imagine.

"Mhm..."

Is it possible he's-------- he's a clone? Of yours? That's my gut instinct. What do you think, Ziggy? Am I wrong?

Ziggy puts his other arm around Jack, letting him lean in close, because he feels like he needs the comfort. As the other man rests and falls silent it gives Ziggy time to talk solely to Hiroki.

The question is one that Ziggy has to consider and then shrugs. If what you said about cloning, where few of you survived, is true then I don't think so. I barely survived and with not many clones, in general, surviving the odds are very low. He also didn't mention anything about cloning. You'd think a government who rewrites people and openly talks about it, would also openly talk about clones.

Ziggy doesn't really know. That is just his best guess. I'd think we'd need a genetic test to know. He does have my empathic and telepathic abilities but they're.. well whatever happened to him ... it's like someone shut them off or a computer stuck in hibernation mode.

Food does come finally and Ziggy leaves Jack to eat. Whether he is a clone or not, Ziggy knows it takes a lot of starvation to make an Anthean lose that much weight. The man needs to eat even if they have to work out some detail of repayment later. He doesn't tell Hiroki to get up, instead offering him a sushi roll piece where he's laying.

Ziggy suddenly adds. Feeling his presence, I think Jack is older than me. What's left feels like a much older Anthean.

Oh, and I forgot to say it, but, Love, don't be angry with Jack for trying to seduce me. He's innocent.

We should do a genetic test. But we musn't do it without his consent. So we've got to wait.

Older? But, you know Nexus can take people from any time. For example, Allura's from my future. Sometimes, I wanna ask her if I still exist in her time. But then I, I'm afraid. I'm a coward, Ziggy.

Nevermind. Jack. We've gotta take care of him. Make him feel welcome. That's what important now, so I shouldn't be thinking of some trifles.

Hiroki nuzzles Ziggy, almost purring.

Edited 2020-10-04 15:07 (UTC)

Why would I be upset with him? Ziggy didn't understand necessarily but laughs playfully. Obviously, he's got better vision with one eye than a lot have with both. You're hot.

Ziggy leans down and kisses Hiroki's cheek. Nothing says the timeline she lived is the same one you......

Ziggy trails off to stare at Jack for a moment. I think Jack is fine eating and leaning against me. Are you hungry? I can keep feeding you.

You could be jealous, Ziggy, the young man explains.

No, Princess Allura is from the same--

Hiroki trails off. He kisses Ziggy, briefly, because they're not alone. Briefly but with a promise of more later.

I'm fine, I'm not hungry. Besides, today I'm paying for Jack's dinner.

His stomach grumbles.

I've got no reason to be. I'd understand you finding him attractive, you find me attractive... and I know even if he did seduce you that you'd come home to me. Ziggy was almost saying as much about himself as his feelings toward Hiroki.

Ziggy's mind lingers on the thought that this might be some alternative future self and it is only that kiss that stops him from frowning deeply. But it brings a bright laugh.

Actually, I ordered the food so you need to eat too. Ziggy runs a hand down Hiroki's torso. And I think I like Jack's thoughts on you repaying me for food. Ziggy winks at his lover before turning his attention back to Jack and having a few pieces of sushi himself.

Dummy, you're the only one I desire.

Alternative self, huh? Wait, Jack doesn't have to be a clone, he might be--

Jack might be you from another Reality! Why didn't I think of that. Then again, I've heard of Sven from others, but I've never met him. Right, I'm sure you don't know what I'm talking about. It's a long story-

His thoughts trail off as he's kissing Ziggy. Mhm.

Alright, sure, you caught me, I am slightly hungry. But I'm still paying for Jack's dinner, Hiroki insists. And our guy can think whatever he wants, but I'm never repaying you that way.

Now Hiroki just watches Ziggy and Jack, trying very hard not to doze off. He's glad he's called Ziggy for help.

I don't have to be. Ziggy shrugs and lets the topic go.

I think I've met him. He was lost. Ziggy glances at their new companion. He could be me from this existence even, or the child of another Anthean and human?

Ziggy pauses and then adds very concerned. I've never seen a mind like this where there's just blank spots where there should be something. It.. I don't know.. It upsets me.

But that kiss is soothing and laughs. You don't want me to promise to make love to you because you've taken me to a nice dinner?

He asks that of Hiroki while explaining to Jack what some of the foods are that are on the table. Ziggy has a lot of sympathy for Jack. He's so hungry and injured. He feels Hiroki falling asleep and asks gently.

Do you think I should offer him our couch for the night?

You've met him? Huh. He's Shiro from alternate reality. Jack might be you from alternate reality. A horrible reality, it seems.

Hiroki frowns and thinks, His mind... he said some Ministry deleted his memories, so that's what this is. I'm sorry you had to see this, but Jack needs help.

The clone grins at that.
How about we make love anyway?

At the question, Hiroki replies, Of course! He needs a place...

And then he can't keep himself awake anymore and dozes off.

Ziggy considered this and the worry grew. He could be my future. I'll see thousands of years on Earth.

Ziggy shuddered at the idea but Hiroki's hope is infection. I'll ask mom and Tommy if they can help with his mind but everything might just be gone.

Ziggy laughs. I will make love to you any time you want.

He nods and continues to stroke Hiroki's chest while he and Jack eat and drink. He likes the other man and the way he leans into contact which stays mostly platonic, at least by Ziggy standards.

Drunk and laughing they di manage to carry Hiroki out to the car and into the house. Between trying not to jostle him too much and Ziggy's mental abilities they allow him to sleep.

Once on the couch the other two find they are sleepy too and just nestle down with the human on the couch.

Nowadays, when he sleeps, his mind goes to Atlas, sometimes. Sometimes. Now was such a time, so when he wakes, he's not sure what's going on, at first.

And then he realises. Oh. This is nice. He cuddles up.

By the time he wakes up Ziggy is curled up with his head on Hiroki's shoulder. Jack's long limbs all tangled up with Ziggy's and pressed in close to both of them. Diamond and the cats curled at the end of the couch.

"Good morning, love." Ziggy mumbles without opening his eyes, whether or not it is morning doesn't matter. He snuggles in closer to Hiroki and causes Jack to shift around and grumble before he settles in again.

"I love you." Ziggy whispers.

"I love you, too, Ziggy. Sorry for falling asleep on you like that."

Hiroki kisses Ziggy's cheek.

Then thinks back on the whole encounter.

"How's Jack?"

He glances at Jack. A guy with experiences like that, he can imagine he might thrash or something in his sleep. Or maybe not, who knows. Everyone's different.

Edited 2020-10-17 06:23 (UTC)

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