Right Hand On My Heart

I'm Affected

Dave doesn't like feeling this way. He doesn't like feeling as if he's been stretched so thin that he might snap and break given the slightest bit of tension. He knows he's being toyed with right now, he just wishes he knew who was pulling all the strings. But the whole Kirk thing? Dave still couldn't fully believe it; didn't want to believe it. It happened a few months ago, perhaps the information was taken out of context.

Either way, how could Kirk sneaking off with Marty to Dave's office be justified? He's trying to look at it from James' point of view, after all it was part of James' job; to see everything from a different perspective. His first instinct is to accuse Kirk of cheating and possibly being in cahoots with Marty, but what motive does he have is the real question. What's their gain from having an affair and/or stealing?

Marty was an intelligent man; capable of running his own business much like Dave one day. Marty was a smartass, sure, but he wasn't conniving. Dave was the stepping stone towards Marty's future, so why would he renege on the countless years it took to build up their relationship. With Kirk, no less. Dave didn't want to buy into the paranoia, but there was no escaping either. He needs to play it safe and cover all bases no matter how much he doesn't agree with it. But who does he question about it?

He could question both of them and see if their stories match up, but how cooperative will Marty be if he's being accused? He might just quit on the spot and walk out if he takes offense to it. Maybe Dave's best bet is to just talk to Kirk. Him and Kirk have been together for almost two years now. If Kirk truly loves him, then he'll get an honest answer, right? But does Dave trust him enough to be honest? He wants to believe. Christ, does he want to believe. But there's something that keeps him from having complete and utter faith. He could chalk it up to past relationships; trust issues. He just doesn't want to get hurt by the person he cares about the most.

Sitting alone in his office makes him feel claustrophobic; almost like he's a stranger in his own establishment. It's cold and sterile; medical in a way, like a waiting room at the hospital. It doesn't feel welcoming anymore. It just serves to fill Dave up with dread, knowing that all of this and more could potentially be gone in just a few short days. What's worse than that are the implications that it's all because of someone close to him. A friend, a colleague, a lover... He doesn't like what this business has done to him. He's too old to start over and wipe his slate clean; doesn't want to start over for that matter. Too much was at stake.

For all intents and purposes, Dave was happy with where his life's at right now. Current situation aside, of course. He had finally started to settle down, going so far as to consider taking his and Kirk's relationship to the next level, but then all this happened and now Dave isn't sure where he's at in life anymore. There were too many questions left unanswered, stones left unturned, and yeah, he was scared. Dave Mustaine was scared for once in his life.

A knock to his door rattles him out of his paranoia induced stupor.

"Yeah!" Dave calls out, seeing the vague outline of Marty.

"It's been fifteen minutes. Just making sure you're still alive," Marty remarks, but doesn't open the door.

"I'll be down in a minute," Dave replies, waiting for Marty to walk away before pushing his chair back.

Dave makes his way towards the door only to turn around sharply and head over to his safe. He punches in the numerical password, hearing the affirmative beep before it clicks open. He peers inside briefly, scanning the contents of the safe, what's left in it at least. Dave's taken a few things out this past week or two, but there were still a few items. A couple of files, receipts and documentation collected over the years, and a small black velvet box that could fit in the palm of his hand. He eyes it for a moment, wondering if he should take it with him, but shuts the safe instead.