18 February; Blue Bayou; Kevin Spacey, Trent Reznor and Viggo Mortensen; PG
Cross posted to reznor_q, our_quarter and viggo_q

For once Kevin actually scanned the floor of the Bayou Bar before he entered. He was hoping Trent might be there. He had no conscious thought of why except that he had actually enjoyed talking to him. Don't be stupid, he won't turn up Kevin reprimanded himself and went up to the bar. At least Viggo was on duty, he was always ready with a smile and a double scotch for the price of a single.



"Kevin," Viggo grinned over the noise around him. "How you doing tonight? Looks like it's gonna be busy."

"Looks like it," Kevin looked through the crowds still searching with a little hope for the slight black figure. He dragged his attention back to Viggo. "I'm fine thanks. How are you apart from busy?"

"I'm good," Viggo nodded pouring Kevin's drink without needing to be asked. "You expecting someone or just checking out the scenery?"

"Just checking out tonight's band," Kevin blushed, "a frie...someone I know might turn up but probably not."

"Anyone I might know?" Viggo asked as he slid the glass across the bar. "I get to know most of the patrons on the traditional nights."

"Trent," Kevin replied feeling it necessary to answer Viggo even though he didn't want to. He was sure Trent wouldn't turn up and he'd just look like a loser.

"Reznor?" Viggo frowned surprised Kevin would know Trent. "If that's who you mean I know him ... plays in a band over at Missing Mile; heavy industrial stuff."

"That's him, but no doubt he'll be playing at the Mile...or going out with friends or someone." Kevin looked down and took a sip of his scotch.

Viggo shook his head and leant on the bar, "Nah ... Trent's here and on his own as usual. I know the crowd he hangs out with at The Mile and this is not their scene."

"Trent's here?" Kevin tried to hide his enthusiasm but he knew it was still evident. "Just we said we might meet up," he muttered.

With a chuckle Viggo said, "Maybe you should take your drink down to the lounge area ... not too busy there and you can still hear the band."

Kevin smiled and thanked Viggo. He knew the guy was giving him a break and subtly letting him know where Trent was.

Trent sat on the couch in the corner where he could see everything that was going on without really being noticed by those around him. He'd taken a look around the bar and recognised a few of the faces, but had to admit the only one he was interested in talking to wasn't there.

Kevin scanned the lounge area. Not a Trent to be seen. He frowned and then told himself not to be stupid. Trent would have left already, bound for cooler places and cooler people. He wouldn't want to hang around with an old fart like himself. But then in the darkness he spied his outline. It was hard to spot black in the dark! He took a deep breath and headed over. The worst he could get was a brush off and he'd had plenty of those in his time.

The old guy at the microphone finished his number and announced a short break. Trent sat back in the seat and reached down for his drink not noticing the approaching figure until he straightened up again. "Kevin ... hi," he smiled, "I wondered if you'd be here tonight."

"You wondered about me? A few people do, but not quite in that way," Kevin laughed. He hesitated to be so forward and then realised now Trent was in front of him he really wanted what he was going to ask. "Mind if I join you?" He was fully expecting Trent would say he was already here with someone or someones else.

Trent smiled and shuffled over to make room. "Most of the people I know won't come near this place." He raised his empty glass and pointed to it when he caught Viggo's eye.

"I'll get that one for you," Kevin smiled and waved a note at Viggo. "Tonight's music is of a certain taste. That old guy though, he's got a wonderful voice. Viggo told me he's been singing here for years...same night same time. Only break he's ever taken was Katrina time and apparently he still wanted to turn up!" Kevin shook his head. "Amazing!"

"Thanks man," Trent smiled a little shyly, "I'm getting close to my limit here. Viggo always cuts me off and gives me juice after a few."

"You better believe it," Viggo said as he handed them their glasses and pushed the note back into Kevin's hand. "Need you sober for the next set because Mavis is here tonight so you're in for a real treat."

Kevin noted the exchange and thought back to the night Jake had found Trent unconscious in a gutter. Seems Trent escaped the 'Viggo care net' that night. "Mavis!" he smiled. "Now she is something as well." Viggo had the drink patter down pat, but that was not a topic Kevin felt comfortable dealing with. It was embarrassing enough for Trent that he had had to be dragged back to his place.

"She's in fine form tonight," Viggo grinned, "Already had one of the other barmen pinned against the bar. So Trent, when are you playing next?"

"Got a gig coming up. You be there this time." Trent gave Viggo a broad smile and turned to Kevin, "You ever been to the Mile?"

"The Mile?" Kevin questioned. "I'm sorry I've barely heard of it. I only come here really, and that's just for the performers."

"The Missing Mile is a club where my band plays," Trent explained suddenly a little embarrassed. "Might not be the kind of music you'd enjoy though ... have to get Vig drunk to go there."

"I'd go," Kevin blurted. He looked down and suddenly found the outline of his fingers around his glass very interesting. No doubt it would not be his music, but he'd like to see Trent.

Viggo grinned at the pair and patted Kevin on the back before heading to the bar.

"Our show is pretty full on but maybe we could have a drink after or something?" Trent suggested and glanced away trying rather unsuccessfully to sound like he didn't care either way.

"That would be good," Kevin gave a slight smile. "Umm, is there a dress code or something?' he asked thinking he had better check.

"Nah," Trent shook his head, "Come as you are. You'll see all types there."

Kevin didn't want to sound too forward, but if he did got to this Missing Mile Club he'd like to be sure Trent was playing. "Which nights are you on?" he asked casually sipping at his drink.

With a small smile Trent said, "Usually Fridays, but I can drop in a flyer if that would help?"

"It might," Kevin smiled. "Sorry I'm not really up with all this but I'd like to see you." He quickly added, "See your band that is."

The comment threw Trent for a second; People like Kevin didn't usually pay him much attention ... in fact those that did usually just wanted free recording time, access to the band or drugged up sex. Kevin was different. "Cool," Trent said quietly and suddenly a little flushed diverting attention by holding up his now empty glass to Viggo who merely shook his head. Trent smiled and shrugged, "Reached my Viggo limit."

"Would Viggo let me cheat the system and buy you a coffee then?" Kevin grinned.

Trent laughed and nodded, "Yeah ... I think he would."