As usual...

All that work, yesterday, for nothing. A suggestion I made two weeks ago that was tossed aside suddenly became the way to go, meaning I'm not traveling, at all. Which, in reality, is good because it was going to be a difficult situation to deal with. So part of me is relieved.

BUT...part of me is pissed off. I've never been to Oxford and wanted to go. I'd have had a day there before continuing the trip, and it's always lovely to go places on someone else's money. 

That...kicked me into into a nasty mood...which Simon was enjoying. He's taken on more of an attitude, and now actually wants to snipe at Brian Walstead instead of ignore him and his associate, Elissa. Wants to piss them off. 

Before they enter the courtroom, Brian and Elissa technically surround Simon on a bench in the hallway. Initially, I had just Brian doing this and Simon refusing to engage with him. But now? Brian brings up Simon's gay adult poetry, thinking he'll put the man on the defensive, saying:

“We can use these things against you.”

Elissa almost smiled. “They could show inclination and maybe even intent. You might have been planning to do something to Officer Paley, once you got him to your hotel.”

Simon looked at her in awe. He’d actually thought she was smart. Instead, she’s the worst aspect of a team player, who knows what’s doing is wrong but puts her intelligence aside. Brian’s made his decision and she will back him up, like a dutiful wife or victim of abuse.

He sighed and said, “I’ll give you a list of my work. It’s not just on Gay Portal. There’s Plumbr. BDSM2. Gay sections. My blog on WordPlay has some of the more palatable ones, for you. Oh, and GayTrip as well as 2Queer2, too.” 

“You’re pretty cavalier about what these could do to you, in that courtroom,” Brian said. 

“Again, pay attention. My name is on them all. That should tell you something, not just how they found them so quickly. Google me and the first one that usually comes up is The Best Way to Make a Straight Man Gay. It’s been banned a few times. People thought it was a how-to manual.” 

Elissa tried to keep her voice snotty and mean, but Simon could sense surprise behind it. “It’s not?” 

He rolled his eyes at her. “Another reason you should read my work for yourself.” He turned back to Brian, smiling, “I wrote one little ditty that would fit you perfectly. 

Big bad boy Paley decided to gloat
That he’d seen how Brian would quietly dote
On him walking by, then he’d sneer and quote,
“So, Bri, it ain’t sex if I cum down your throat.”

Brian stiffened and all but snarled, “I’m not gay.” 

“As you say.” Then he put his portfolio in his backpack. 

“Simon,” he said, his voice low and growling, “if we don’t deal, here and now, I’m aiming for jail time.” 

“I prefer to be addressed as Mr. Halloran.” 

“I mean it. Six months to a year, thanks to the special enhancement. Thousand dollar fine.” 

Simon rose, laptop in one had, backpack slung over his shoulder, saying, “It amazes me that you graduated from Harvard Law. And passed the bar. Even taking into account you were just a legacy entrant. That school has lost all my respect for it.” 

Elissa circled Simon to return to Brian’s side. “You’ve been doing your own research.”

“And it’s better than yours, obviously. Courtroom’s open. I’m going in. I prefer you both stay away from me.”