Title: Tribute
Author: McJude
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Dylan shaves his legs.
Disclaimer: Andromeda is property of Tribune.
Author's Note: This story is an answer to Mandy's shaving challenge. Strange muses still visit me on quiet days. The characters do not belong to me, nor do the lyrics. This story is dedicated to the memory of Kevin Smith, who had he lived would be appearing this month in the Rocky Horror Show in New Zealand.
Dylan Hunt made an unpleasant face and closed his eyes.
"I'm not going to hurt you." Beka Valentine said without the usual confidence in her voice.
"Yea, sure."
"I've done this before."
"And not for how long?"
"A while, but it's like riding a bike."
"Yea, you slip, get cut, bleed. I remember learning to ride a bike."
"Bad analogy. Sorry. But. . . . still . . . I can do this."
She shot the foam onto her hand and began running it up Dylan's leg. At least it smelled good.
"You don't do this regularly, do you?" He commented again.
"I have nanabots, the same kind you use on your face."
"So why can't I just take some of them."
"They're geared for female bodies, who knows what hair they might remove on a man. You wouldn't want to lose your precious . . .
"Enough, Beka."
"Actually I was thinking about chest hair. Honest I was."
"Sure you were."
She reached down and picked up the pearl handled straight razor.
"That's lethal. Where did you get it?"
"Harry gave it to me. It was the only one I could find."
"Figures, bet he still uses it, too."
"He said he had a big collection."
"Yea, some of them probably have depth gauges for his racing stripes."
Beka had no idea what Dylan was talking about, but started gingerly, working at the ankle, removing the foam and with it the hair on Dylan's legs.
"I did this once in high school, when I was on the swimming team. I had this female coach who said we would go much faster if we shaved our body hair."
"The Razor's edge." Beka quipped. "And did you?"
"Well, I was faster, but not at swimming."
"Well, don't expect. . ."
"Careful, if you cut me the whole point of this will be lost."
"I'm being careful, Dylan."
"I still don't know why Tyr can't do this. He's the one who's been rehearsing."
"He knows the lights and sound board. Do you think you could learn that with such short notice?"
"Why did Harry back out anyway?"
"Don't know. Said something about not being able to face . . .
"Or Harper, he could do it."
"He's playing the other role. He and Trance . . . ."
"Yea, I guess."
"What about the new guy?"
"He's perfect for his part. You've got to do it Dylan."
Beka finished one leg and ran her hand along the smooth skin. "Looks pretty nice, Dylan. You have beautiful legs."
"Do the other one and get it over with. I need to practice walking in those shoes. I can't believe you talked me into this."
"I can't hurry, have to take my time. No nicks you know."
* * * *
Dylan looked out into the crowd that filled the hall. He should feel self-conscious. He was standing in front of them dressed in a black leather corset, black satin panties, black fishnet stockings, and teetering on high heels. It should be the most embarrassing thing he had ever done, but deep inside he realized it probably was also the most heroic.
It had been fun, and so far everything had gone well. Trance and Harper captured the parts of the innocents so well. Dr. Phlox, who everyone had claimed was a natural for the part, had roared in on the motorcycle and amazed everyone with his voice. Now it was his turn. The rest of the evening he had always had someone else performing with him. Now he was alone on the stage. He sang the silly lyrics the same way he had sung the other songs. It wasn't so bad.
His fingers found the small earring Harry had given him for a good luck charm, and he found tears in the corners of his eyes, even though he didn't know why.