Out of All the People (Derek Seong)

[Vincent Romanov]

Vincent visited the Rochester Inn on rare occasions, but tonight was one of those nights. He had just left work, a long day of new security assignments along with a boat load of paper work. Yeah, it sucked. Vincent was a hands on sort of guy and sitting behind a desk for most of the day was torture. It was his job though and while he hated the pencil pushing part, he enjoyed being the one on the front lines of making sure the school was secure. Tonight however, Vincent was tense and rather moody. He needed a drink, possibly a large steak and more drinks. He was off duty tomorrow so he could afford a good night of drinking, something he had not seen in several weeks. Tonight was going to be perfect, no work to worry about, no work in the morning, just a nice night of knocking a few back........Or so he thought. Vincent had no idea of what social storm awaited him at the Rochester for if he had, he would have chosen a different place to drink the night away.

Pulling into the parking lot of the Rochester Inn, Vincent put his jeep into park and just sat there for a moment. The night was semi-quiet and the sun had long set, leaving only the inky blackness of the night. He closed his eyes and laid his head back against the headrest of the seat. Vincent could feel a slight throbbing in the back of his head, the signs of an oncoming headache, hence the need for drinking. Also, he hadn't been sleeping well as of late. Vincent suffered from PTSD and while he had made strong strides in overcoming that, there were still some nights he could hear the screams and swear he could smell the smoke. Opening his eyes reluctantly, Vincent opened the door of his jeep and slowly climbed out. The night air was cool and refreshing. Vincent took a deep breath of the air and felt his muscles relax just slightly. With some effort, he forced his feet to propel him forward toward the Inn and more importantly toward the bar inside.

Walking through the doors of the Inn, Vincent smiled at a young woman behind a desk of sorts and continued his way further toward the bar. Inside the bar, Vincent slowed his pace even more and found a stool at the bar to relax upon. He could have took a table, but like sitting at the bar better. He raised a finger to the bartender who smiled and nodded, making his way over to Vincent. "Domestic and keep 'em coming," Vincent said casually to the bartender. He was beginning to feel a bit better already, even without the beer. The bar wasn't too loud, it was calm in a way. Too bad sitting only a few stools down from him was someone he would rather not see ever. Vincent and Derek had been at Hammel together in their youth and certainly didn't get along. Derek was always smarter and more popular than Vincent which stung more than a little and gave Vincent enough of a personal excuse to always pick a fight with him. So, as Vincent rubbed his eyes and thanked the barkeep for the beer, he looked over and sighed, "You gotta be fucking kidding me?," he said with a bit of defeat in his voice, staring Derek dead on and knowing this night had just progressed to being horrible.

[Deleted]

After surveying the bars and clubs around Pilot Ridge(and effectively getting banned from one of them for getting into a drunken tiff), Derek had decided an a regular watering hole for himself: The Rochester Inn. Even if one wasn’t staying at the inn itself, the lounge was open for anyone’s business. It was quite, most nights. Exactly the kind of atmosphere that Derek needed, not the high-energy, youthful atmosphere that some of the other places gave. He’d come here a number of times by himself and with that woman, Percie Hobbes, for a quick nightcap before heading home for bed. It had become routine by now, to end his day with a scotch on the rocks. Not so much that he couldn’t drive home, but just enough to ebb out the worries of his day.

He’d finish himself off properly once he returned to his small residence.

Derek had taken a stool at the end of the bar, where he blissfully enjoyed his drink in silence. And alone.

Which was promptly interrupted by a voice, although aged, he recognized as belonging to someone he’d rather have never met again during his remaining lifetime.

Derek closed his eyes upon hearing Vincent’s complaint and took a long, controlled breath as he attempted to find polite words. He didn’t quite succeed. “I’m attempting to find something polite to address you with, but…” Derek turned towards the other man. “It seems even I can be rendered speechless in the face of something like…you…” Derek’s face twisted into one of clear disgust. He turned back to his drink.

[Vincent Romanov]

Vincent took a long swing of his beer, nearly finishing the bottle in one go. What, he's a war veteran for crying out loud, you expect any less of him? He really had a strong.....dislike, for Derek and that rivalry went back far and deep. Derek and Vincent had known one another when they were both students at Hammel. Back then, Vincent was far from controlled and if you thought he didn't think things ahead now, he was even worse back then. Vincent had a long rap sheet at Hammel, all of it consisting of assault on other students and a few times attempted assault on staff members. His anger was at its prime back then, but the odd thing was, there was no real reason for any of it. Vincent came from a great home, he loved his family. His life growing up in his old neighborhood wasn't that bad, not any worse than any other place in America. Vincent just had this black and white view as a child, mostly due to his religious upbringing. None of this applied to his dislike of Derek though, it was just plain old hate...with a bit of jealousy maybe.

As Derek spoke, his words made Vincent's skin crawl. How well educated and so proper. Derek had been the popular one back in school and as such, Vincent thought that some of the teachers and other students allowed Derek to have too much from everyone and everything around him. Whether this was true or not, who knows, but it was how Vincent saw it. Also, it didn't help that Derek was much more smarter than Vincent and always seemed to make Vincent look like an ass whenever they clashed. Even now, Vincent still felt that old hatred rising to the surface, baiting him to lash out at Derek for no real reason. It took a great deal of Vincent's small self control to reign himself in and not throw Derek across the bar.

Putting his beer bottle on the table, Vincent turned more to face Derek and smiled mockingly. "One like me....Really? And what exactly am I you little piss ant?," Vincent asked, his anger wanting to take over. Vincent was quick to anger like this but he had learned some self control while in the military. He had to remember his position here, even if he was off the clock. He represented Hammel, wherever he went. If he started some random bar fight, it would be all over town and while that sort of thing wasn't uncommon, the fact that a meta had started it would be the basis of things. Sure, Pilot Ridge was more tolerant of metas than most other places, but there were still those even here that were just waiting in the wings for such a thing to happen to prove their so called points.

[Deleted]

Derek had always prided himself for the person he was back in high school. Diligent. Smart. Popular with both the teachers and the students. He wasn’t the most popular student in the school, not by far, but he got along well enough with most of them to avoid being the target of a bathroom swirly. Being a straight A student of Asian descent during the 80s, it was impossible to not become the target of his fair share of bullying. But since he was not your ‘classic’ nerd, and he was far from being their usual meek little doormat, Derek managed to dodge being labeled with those kind of preconceptions and slipped right in with the ‘in’ crowd.

There were still others, of course, who found other reasons to start conflict with Derek. And most of them were pretty standard of the brainless brutes from which they came.

The sort who only knew how to punch first and ask questions….wait no, as Derek remembered, Vincent was never smart enough to ask questions ever.

“The kind of brainless thug who does not even know the meaning of the insults he flings at others.” Derek inspected his drink, swirling the golden liquid in the stout rocks glass. “Tell me, are you always so asinine, or merely when you attempt to speak?” He took another sip of his drink.

[Vincent Romanov]

Vincent wasn't the brightest, never had been. He was of average intelligence when it came down to brass tacks. In school he graduated with average scores and had no real clear idea of what he could do with that next part of his life. The military seemed like the only and best option for him considering his meta ability. There, Vincent had excelled for the first time in his life and proved more than competent when it came to reading a battlefield. This sort of skill and intelligence meant d*ck in the civilian world though. Derek had the upper hand socially, he always had and now that he was casually demeaning Vincent only made Vincent more angry. He had no idea what the word 'asinine' meant, but considering Derek had called him that, Vincent knew it wasn't good.

Vincent stood up, leaving his beer bottle behind, taking another as the barkeep nervously handed another to him. Slowly, Vincent made his way over to Derek, beside him. Vincent pushed the empty stool next to Derek back a little to give him room to lean against the bar. Vincent made sure to violate Derek's personal space, in an attempt to draw the other man's anger to the surface. For a second or two, Vincent just stood there. He took a drink of his beer and stared Derek down hard. "You know, its good to see such an accomplished doctor here in Pilot Ridge. Oh wait, I don't. I do however, see a sad little failure of a man," he said before taking another drink of his beer.

Vincent knew about Derek, had heard the rumors and had looked into a few of them. It amused him to see Derek fail at his life goal. It was a small victory, but a victory none the less, for Vincent. If he had his way though, Vincent would drag Derek out into the parking lot and tear him apart like a rag doll. Of course, Vincent knew it wouldn't be too satisfying. Derek wouldn't be able to do anything in the fight save for beg and cry. Even without his ability, Vincent surmised Derek wouldn't be much of a challenge for him. So, it was the same old song and dance, a verbal debate. Unfortunately, Derek always won these.

[Deleted]

Derek would like to say that it figured that such a muscle-bound brute ended up in nothing better than a life in the military after high school. However he knew that even in the military there was a place for researchers, doctors, medics - people who knew how to do something more than simply punch their way through their problems. But he could say still that at least the military had some use for a person like Vincent as well, so it was still the perfect place for him. A lot better than ending up with a lifetime career of security.

Oh wait.

Not that Derek knew about Vincent’s position as Head of Security over at the Institute, but had he, Derek would have given the man his properly deserved congratulations. Or should it be condolences?

It was little surprise to Derek that just a few simple words could provoke such a brute into into approaching him like he had a bone to pick with the Korean man. Derek was, unfortunately for Vincent, not about to play into his hands, and certainly not against such elementary intimidation tactics. He continued to nurse his whiskey. The comment stung more than Derek let on. He wasn’t about to give Vincent the satisfaction. So he just snickered, his lips spreading into a mocking, condescending smile. “While that may be true, it’s actually quite amazing how my worst is still better than some people’s best.” Did he really have to spell it out to Vincent who “some people” were?

On another note, it was Vincent’s folly for underestimating Derek’s physical abilities, assuming that he was just another sub-standard and stereotypically unhealthy bookworm and office worker. While it was true that he wasn’t the meat head that Vincent no doubt was, Derek had himself an adequate regimen to maintain his own fitness. Of course, Derek only used his powers for good. Like against that faggot who continually invaded his personal space the other night long after Derek had declined his unwelcome “offer”.

[Vincent Romanov]

Vincent hated these verbal arguments with Derek simply because Derek was better equipped for such arguments. Vincent openly admitted he wasn't overly smart but hearing that truth come from someone such as Derek stung more than just a little. Vincent was out of his element here, but the man didn't know the meaning of backing down. He would continue to sit here and fling insults back and forth with Derek until as always, Derek would get the upper hand, forcing Vincent into doing something stupid. One would think age and time would have tempered Vincent and while it had to a degree, he was still a hot head. Besides, Derek just knew how to push Vincent's buttons.

Vincent came close to reaching out and grabbing Derek by the back of the neck and tossing him across the room, but that little voice in the back of Vincent's head told him to control himself. "Does anyone like you? You're the biggest asshole I've ever met and I've had to kidnap dictators so that's saying a lot. I mean, third world war lords have better manners," Vincent went on doing his best to quell his own anger. "You were a dick in school and you're an even bigger dick now. Maybe its time someone knocked you off your high horse mister perfect. I'm off the clock so I've got plenty of time to help you with that. We can step outside and let me educate you in the art of having the hell beat of you," Vincent rambled on, knowing Derek wasn't stupid enough to take that sort of bait. Vincent didn't have much to really run with though and so he was just falling back on what came natural to him, violence.

[Deleted]

It wasn’t hard to get a mush-for-brains like Vincent riled up into doing something stupid. He was like an open book, Derek didn’t even have to try. And a lot of times, at least back when they were younger, he didn’t even have the intentions of instigating. It wasn’t Derek’s fault that the man had to be corrected on his grammar every other sentence, or that he didn’t know the meaning of words and thus used them improperly. There was no shame in being an idiot, if you made efforts to improve yourself. But Vincent was such a hot head, any criticism was taken so poorly. And he was a bad loser.

It definitely wasn’t Derek’s fault that Vincent never beat him in a simple game of chess. Though just the same, Derek had never won a silly game of basketball, however Derek couldn’t care less about that. It was just a game, after all.

“Since my return Pilot Ridge, I’ve had the pleasure of entertaining several women already,” he boasted with a smug smile. That may have been a slight exaggeration, but the number was still more than three. “I’m sure at least one of them likes me, as she’s allowed me this pleasure in generous amounts.” Though Percie did indeed think that Derek was a dick. It didn’t seem to make a difference, because they still ended up in bed together, which was an absolute victory for him. Derek would bet his life on Vincent living a poor, lonely, very celibate existence right now.

“I’m sorry, I refuse.” Not because Derek didn’t have the confidence to win a fight with Vincent(he probably couldn’t though), but because while it was foolish to think problems could only be solved through violence and taunts, it was even more foolish to give in to that person’s taunts. Derek kept his smug smile as he finished his scotch. He didn’t need to explain himself to Vincent either.

[Vincent Romanov]

Vincent gritted his teeth as he continued to fight his more violent side. Derek went on about his supposed sexual conquests since his return to Pilot Ridge. Vincent didn't doubt what he heard as Derek had been rather popular with the ladies back when they both were younger. This didn't really eat at Vincent had he himself had had his fair share of women abroad when he was in the service of his country. At this thought though, Vincent decided to fall back on that part of himself. Using the tricks and taunts he used to use on his fellow soldiers.

Vincent laughed a bit, reaching out and patting Derek on the side of his face. "Whores aren't really conquests Derek. Even pathetic has been losers like yourself can get laid for a nickle," Vincent said, casually looking away from Derek now, gazing across the room at nothing, relaxing his body in some vain attempt to try and hide his anger. "And let's be honest, a pretty boy pansy like you probably had a role in the sheets with some little fairy boy. I'm not judging you, but if you gonna brag at least be honest about it. You don't have to hide in the closet these days. Being queer seems to be the thing now anyway," Vincent said with a smug smile. Yeah, he sounded like some raciest gay hating bigot, but in reality, he really didn't care about that topic. Yeah, he was a devout Catholic and as such had his religious opinions about the homosexual lifestyle, but Vincent himself had done some many horrible things in war that he was in no place to judge anyone.

Looking back to Derek, Vincent continued to smile smugly, "I know. I bet you keep that queer side hidden because you don't want to embarrass the family....Well....anymore than you already have," he said, baiting Derek to hit him, to throw his drink at him or something. That violent side of Vincent was craving a fight, a good old fashioned bar fight. It had been a while since he had enjoyed a good fight like that.

[Deleted]

Derek moved his hand at the invasive touch that Vincent dared to give him. “If you saw them, then the last thing you’d be calling them are “whores”, Vincent.” Because Percie was anything but. Neither was that weather woman. They were both incredibly accomplished and professional women. Aside from that, Vincent ought to know that he didn’t go for cheap, easy women….well, that may not be entirely true, but he never considered any of them whores. Except a random few mistakes he’d made which he chose to forget happened altogether. And he’d be able to if one hadn’t resulted in his very own disappointment of a son.

The jab to Derek’s sexuality, however, was the exact button that Vincent had been looking to press. He tensed his jaw at the offensive assumptions, telling himself that they were just the useless, ignorant blatherings of an idiot who had no more cards to play. The truth was, however, that that kind of implication was the one thing which disturbed Derek the most.

He was no gay! Derek was a tried and true ladies man! How could anyone even begin to make that mistake about him!? Where was Vincent even getting this information anyway?

Derek’s first thought was that Vincent was playing off rumors that may have circulated in high school about him and one of his close friends…but that was nothing but hogwash! They didn’t know what they were talking about either!!

Derek gripped his glass tightly, his muscles tense and very much indeed wanting to lash out and pop this brainless brute in the mouth for his stupidity. “Vincent,” he said with a dark calmness. “I suggest you stop talking now before you embarrass yourself any more than you already have.” Though if Vincent wanted a fight, he only had to give Derek one more push. The only reason Derek was holding back was because he’d already been 86’d from a bar in the area for fighting, and he didn’t want that to happen here, at his favorite watering hole.

[Vincent Romanov]

There it was, the spark Vincent had been looking and hoping for. Derek was like any other man out there, wound his pride enough and he would strike. The one problem still remaining was getting Derek to act on his violent wants. Vincent could poke and prod Derek's pride all night long, but if Derek just sat there steaming then Vincent would have lost. He needed Derek to lose his cool publicly. Vincent wasn't too worried about his own reputation as it was sort of tarnished beyond recognition anyway. People in town knew he was a hot head, mostly because half the town had attended Hammel with him in his youth. Vincent hadn't been one to worry too much about reputation anyway. Derek on the other hand, had way too much pride, he always had. Eventually he would have to make a decision. He could either let Vincent humiliate him verbally and look like a coward or he could grow a pair and at least make some sort of stand against Vincent.

Clearing his throat, Vincent then smiled. "Making a fool out of myself is a daily routine Derek so the way I see things, you're swinging empty threats around. I can understand your hesitation in sacking up and being a man for once in your life. You've got to be intimidated a little. That little twig like body of yours ain't fit for much of anything outside of hanging up your blouses in the closet," Vincent said, poking Derek's pride a bit more. Vincent really had nothing to gain from having Derek loose his cool. It would be a small victory acknowledge by no one except Vincent's own pride. However, this was enough.

Vincent locked his eyes on Derek, waiting to see just what his old rival would do. Derek was smart and Vincent knew getting the man to sink down to a physical level was a million to one shot. However, pride was a powerful motivator. Whenever it gets questioned, pride seems to have this destructive will to prove itself.

[Deleted]

Ah, so that’s why Vincent was okay with being an idiot. He had no pride, and thus, no drive to improve himself. But unfortunately for him, he still only had one tactic: provoke and brawl. There were more ways for one to fight back than to simply sling insulting words back and forth until those words became fists. It was a fool who thought that battles were only won through physical altercations.

As upset and irritated as Derek was, he was determined to not have a repeat of what happened at the bar the other night. It was also the fool who did not learn from his previous mistakes and make efforts avoid such mistakes in the future.

Derek was angry. His free hand was flexing with an itch behind it to swing at the offending person next to him. Derek was not one of those homosexuals and he resented being associated with them. But, he kept telling himself, Vincent’s insults were baseless and the result of him trying to incite a response. Derek would not give him that pleasure.

“Barkeep,” he said, calling out to the man behind the counter. “This gay man is sexually harassing me and disturbing a time when I’d much rather just enjoy my drink alone and go home. I would rather not have it turn to a brawl, especially not in a fine establishment such as this, as I’d like to return to it someday.” Maybe Vincent would call this tattling, but what else can one expect from someone with the mind of a child?

The bartender nodded then turned to Vincent. “Sir, I’m going to have to ask that you leave this man alone, or I’ll have to call security to escort you out.”

[Vincent Romanov]

Derek had declared checkmate with his tattling to the bartender. Vincent was left with only one viable option and that was to just walk away. He could have made a scene, but nothing good would have come from it. A violent incident which would probably lead to his arrest and possible lawsuit would certainly lead to his dismissal from Hammel and give anti-meta groups ammunition to use against his kind. Vincent wasn't a highly intelligent person by any means, but he wasn't stupid either. Vincent knew to pick and choose your battles....now. Derek would cross his path again in the future, hopefully next time in a thinly populated area.

Pushing away from the bar, Vincent nodded to the bartender before giving Derek and false smile. If Derek thought attacking Vincent's sexuality would rile him, he was mistaken. Vincent was used to such jabs. When he was in the army, it was a common thing for all soldiers to rib each other about their sexuality. You put a bunch of alpha males together and all sorts of disgusting words flew about. Vincent set his beer on the bar and reached into his pocket pulling out a rather worn leather wallet. Picking out a few bills, he slammed the money on the bar next to his bottle, all without taking his eyes off Derek. "My friend's next drink is on me," he said, putting his wallet away, "I'll see you again Derek," Vincent said, patting his old 'friend' on the back, perhaps a bit harder than he should have. Rolling his neck in order to try and pop it to relieve some tension, Vincent then turned and slowly made his way out of the bar, leaving behind a defeated confrontation, but readying himself for the next one.