Author's Note: The characters and events in this story are the product of my own imagination. The universe in which this story takes place is based off of the MMO - Champions Online which is owned by Perfect World Entertainment and Cryptic Studios. All rights belong to the respective owners. The main characters of the story are based off of characters I created when I was playing the game. Similarities to people or places are simply coincidence or have been produced with the approval of the individual. This story is intended to be a serial novel, not a "wham-bam, whip it out, get off quick" kinda of story. This story is focused around a gay couple, and if that offends you then you may want to move on now. This story does start out slow, but I believe it's worth the wait. Any feedback would be much appreciated (WriterJT11@gmail.com), Flames will be used to heat my house this coming Winter. :-) So without further ado, onto the Show!
Prologue The inevitability of my future fell like the gavel to the sound block. The lead judge of the Federal Recognition Board addressed me, "Colonel Kieran 'Apollo' McTierney, please stand." I stood proudly, smoothing the jacket of my formal military uniform emblazoned with several service medals. I knew what was coming next. "You are hereby discharged for moral and professional dereliction under the United States Military code of conduct in violation of the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy." The crack of the gavel served as the division between the life I'd known, and a future of uncertainty. There was chaos in the courtroom: shouts of assent and dissent at the ruling. Cameras clicking and reporters narrating. As the panel of judges filtered out of the courtroom, my lawyer apologized to me as sincerely as I'd ever seen him. I shook his hand in gratitude for the time he spent in trying to defend me and save the life I had known. I turned to exit the room. The noise of the courtroom faded in my mind as my eyes locked with the radiant blue eyes belonging to the young man who served as the catalyst for my current situation. In spite of myself, and the crumbling of the life I had known, I couldn't help but flash him a small smile, longing to hold him in my arms again. Ten years of loyal service, of unquestioning loyalty and of extraordinary performance ended because of a single night of passion. A night that changed my life in every way possible. Chapter 1 "Assholes! Could you be any more stereotypical?!" Alexei Demidov muttered to himself as he climbed back to his feet, noting the new grass stain on his Hollister jeans. "What did you say, faggot?!" Brick asked as he stopped in his tracks and turned back to Alexei. Brett Kisinski was a co-captain of the high school football defense team. Nicknamed 'Brick' he was built like one, both in body and mind. With two members of the team on each side of him, the group as a whole resembled a wall... both in body and in mind, Alexei thought to himself. "Nothing." Alexei said quietly. Knowing what was coming next. This routine happened enough times in the week that he'd be Valedictorian if it qualified as an Honors class. Brick stepped close to Alexei, forcing him to smell the onion on his breath from lunch. Alexei was tall, but not the almost six feet that Brick was, he was more toned though. He wouldn't have been surprised if Brick outweighed him by a hundred pounds. "You dress like a fairy, you act like a fairy, and you talk like a fairy... and you call me the stereotype?" *Shit, who would have thought he actually knew what that meant?* Alexei though to himself. Brick shoved him back hard, and Alexei stumbled back to the ground. "This time, stay down, fag." The group, as if acting with a singular simple-mindedness laughed at the taunt as they walked out of the courtyard. Alexei sat on the ground and took note of an additional grass stain and tear in his jeans. From behind him, he heard the familiar female voice of his friend Shuniqua. "God, Alex, are you okay?" "Fine, Shu," he said as he stood up and dusted himself off. "Those assholes ruined my new Hollisters." Shu gave his outfit a once-over. His wore a light blue muscle shirt that clung tight to his thin swimmer's build. The color matched his brilliant blue eyes perfectly. The deep black color of his hair gave him an exotic look. The neutral tones of the bead and hemp necklace he wore was broken up only by the single turquoise gem in the center. His low-slung designer jeans would leave his lower abs exposed when he stood up straight. *If only he weren't gay*, she thought to her self. She shrugged, "Don't say a thing. With your rep most of the school will be convinced it's the new 'in' thing in fashion. The girls will be intentionally staining their own jeans before the week is out." Alexei gave her a weak smile. It was sad, but true. The curse of being a slave to fashion. "Last day and we're out. Four years with the twits, sycophants and Neanderthals is way too long. God... I can't wait for graduation. Things are going to be so much better when we get to Millennium U." Shu flipped her wrist in mockery of the move he often made, "Honey, it's going to be FAH-bu-lous!" Alexei gave her a gentle slap on the arm and chuckled as they headed back to the school for the last day of classes. "Speaking of fabulous... I know it's still two months away, but I know you're planning your 18th birthday party already." "You know it." "And?" She eyed him. He smiled slyly, "I'm not telling. You'll just have to wait and see. It's going to be...unforgettable."