Never Too Far Away

Never Too Far Away Chapter 4

Never Too Far Away

Written By: Jaden

Edited By:  Greg

Disclaimer: This story involves love, relationship, and "adult" subject matter between teenage boys... so I guess that means your not supposed to read this if your under 18, but really if you are younger than that, I can't stop you. Just Don't Get Caught :)  If homosexuality offends you, then leave, or join the 21st century, and open up to it.

This Is FICTION... any character resembling a real life person is by coincidence, and in the rare event a character is based on someone in real life their name has been changed due to legal and personal protection.  You never know who's lurking around reading this.  So now the little spiel is over so hopefully someone will enjoy this.  Do Not Reproduce this story, and if you would like to have it on your web site, email me & get my permission. Thanks.  This is my first story so try not to crucify me to bad. Copyright Jaden 2002

CHAPTER 4

It Hurts When....

Where are they?!?  Ugh!  I've been up and down this boardwalk at least 20 times, with no sign of Kai whatsoever.  I'm beginning to think my paranoia about Sean has gotten the best of me.  How could I have been wrong?  Those words kept running through my head.  "I'm gonna make you look like an amateur."  It can't just be a coincidence.  I know nothing about Jordan, other than the fact he came from here.  Bellflower Academy.  Sean had enough time to befriend him, before he transferred to Arrowhead.  Maybe I'm just completely losing it.  I might as well just give up, they're not here.  I decided to just walk along the beach and try to sort out my thoughts.  I really don't need anything to go down between me and Sean right now.  There's another issue, that is way more important and needs my full attention right now.  Tyler's revelation, this afternoon.  When he kissed me, I finally felt complete.  Like, everything was right.  It was like a dream come true, but then I remembered that he's Kai's.  He's off limits.  Kai is like a brother to me, there's no way I could take away his happiness like that.  Even if it is, at the sacrifice of my own.

I headed back up to the boardwalk.  I guess I should head back and let Tyler know, that I freaked him out for nothing.  Hopefully, Scott isn't on his way out here.  I was about to walk down the ramp to the parking lot, when I noticed him, out of the corner of my eye.  Jordan.  He was playing a game of fast pitch.  I made a beeline straight for him.   He just threw his last pitch, when he turned around and came face to face with me.

"Blade, what's up..."  I quickly cut him off.

"You, tell me.  Where is Kai?  He better be all right, or it's on you."  He looked taken aback, by the conviction in my voice.

"Dude, what are you talking about?  Why wouldn't Kai be all right?  He's down in the water, surfing."  The water!  The one place I didn't even bother looking for him.

"Look, there they are now."  They?  I looked down to the shore and saw Kai on his board, in the water, with two guys in tow.  As I looked closer, I could make them out.  Drew & Andy.

"Where's Sean?"

He gave me a confused look.  "Who?"

"Sean.  Hockey player.  Asshole extraordinaire.  Goes to Bellflower... your old school.  Don't play dumb with me, I know he talked you into this."

"Blade, I don't know what you are accusing me of here, but I don't know anyone named Sean."

"Then, why did you come way out here to get help with your singing?"

"That was Kai's idea, man.  He's a surfaholic.  He wanted to come up here to help me, so he could surf for the rest of the day after we finished.  I asked Drew and Andy if they wanted to come along, when I talked to them yesterday.  They met up with us after hockey practice."

"What about Carla?"  Ha! Let's see him talk his way out of this one.

"She called this morning and said she couldn't make it.  Something about a family member being ill.  Kai still wanted to come up here, so we did."

"Carla is at school.  I saw her in the cafeteria with Anna."

"She is?  That's weird.  Why would she lie?"  Yes, why indeed.

"So, you really aren't here because of Sean?  You're not here to help him hurt Kai, to get back at me?"

"Blade, I swear, I really don't know this Sean guy.  I don't want to hurt Kai.  I just wanted to hang out with him.  I don't really have any real friends at Arrowhead.  Kai, Drew & Andy seem really cool... I just wanted to be friends with them.  They're the only people who have really talked to me since I transferred."  I feel like an idiot.  I'm standing here, accusing this kid of a conspiracy against me and all he's trying to do is fit in.  I was about to apologize when Kai and the dynamic duo came strolling up to us.

"Blade?  What are you doing here?"

"I was, uh, just, uh....." Being an asshole!  Thankfully Jordan cut in.

"He just wanted to check out the boardwalk."  Kai gave him a strange look.

"No, Jordan, it's ok.  I came out here because I thought you were in trouble."

"What?  Why would I be in trouble?"

"I just thought, well, I thought you were being setup.  I found out Jordan used to go to Bellflower and I thought he and Carla were luring you out here so Sean could get to you."

"Wait, why would Sean be....."

"Did I hear my name?"  We all turned around when we heard that voice.  There was Sean with who I'm assuming is his new chronie.

"Glad to hear you haven't forgotten me, Blade.  I know I'll never forget you."  He gave me an evil grin.  The guy with Sean must've recognized Jordan.

"Well, if it isn't little Jordan.  We miss you're pretty little ass at Bellflower, but I'm sure there's a whole bunch of guys fucking you over at Arrowhead, isn't there faggot?"

"Fuck you, Mark.  You're lucky you aren't locked up right now. You think you're so big and bad just because your daddy is a cop.  I don't have to take your shit anymore."  Jordan was fuming.

"I don't take it, I just give it to little queers like you.  You'll always be a no good queer and you'll always get treated like one.  I should've killed you, and did the whole world a favor."  Jordan practically lunged at him but I grabbed him before he got to Mark.

"Let me go!  I'm going to strangle that son of a bitch!"  I just held onto him, until he calmed down a bit.  I shot a glare at Mark.   He was a big guy.  I'd say around 6'4 or 6'5, and a good 230 lb.  Definitely not a looker.  He looks like he doesn't know what a shower is.  One things for sure though... He could probably break Jordan in half if he wanted to.  I've heard enough of his mouth.

"You don't take it?  Does that mean Sean's the bottom in your relationship then?  You're a real tough guy, going after someone almost a foot smaller than you.  You want to fight, then there's more than enough of us here to show you what it feels like to get beat down."  Mark just sneered at me.

"You better watch what you say, pretty boy.  Wouldn't want to get messed up before your big game."

"You're the one that will be messed up, if you don't stay away from Jordan.  I don't know what you did to him, but you'll never do it again.  You and Sean fit together perfectly.  A couple of pricks who think they are some big shots, when you're really just a couple of wannabe thugs who can't take care of things by themselves.  So you seek out other losers, like each other."  Mark looked puzzled.  Either he expected me just to back down or what I said was too complicated for him to comprehend.  I'm guessing the latter.  Sean decided to speak up.

"You can talk all you want, Blade.  You think you're some great protector, when in reality you aren't shit.  You'll get yours, eventually.  Believe me, I will get you.  And for good measure, maybe I'll have to test out Jordan.  I know Mark wouldn't hesitate to take another shot at him."  He put on an evil grin as I just glared into his eyes.

"I'm gonna get you and the rest of your pansy brigade.  Just wait, it's coming very soon.  Oh, by the way, send my regards to Tyler.  Let's go Mark.  "  With that, they turned and headed the opposite way, up the boardwalk.  What was that supposed to mean?  Why did he bring up Tyler?  Kai just looked at me strangely, as if to ask what the hell that meant.  I yelled out to Sean as he walked away.

"Don't make threats that you can't deliver on.  I beat your ass once and I'll do it again.  Don't forget that!"  He just gave me a look then continued on his way.

"Is everything OK guys?"  Geez!  People have to stop sneaking up behind us like that.  Apparently Scott and Tyler were walking up behind us while I was arguing with Sean.

"Yeah, Scott.  I overreacted.  Thanks for showing up though, after what happened this morning."

"Don't worry about it, we're cool.  I was out of line anyway.  You were aiming for the locker though, right?"  I just smirked at him, and gave him a wink.  "Blaaaddddeee..... you weren't really gonna hit me were you?"  He gave me his puppy dog look.  I had to laugh at him.

"Nah, if I was aiming for you, I wouldn't have missed.  Remind me not to make a habit out of punching lockers though.  They're not to friendly on the hand."  He playfully punched me on the arm.  With all the ruckus going on, I didn't get a chance to take in the scenery.... of Kai, Drew and Andy, all wet and half naked!  How thoughtless of me!  Drew and Andy were very similar.  Both have that mousy brown hair, brown eyes, I'd say 5'10 & 5'9 respectively, and some nice, chiseled bodies.  Very cute, if I do say so myself.  The only thing was, standing next to Kai made them pale in comparison.  He's absolutely gorgeous.  His golden suntan, along with the remaining drops of water, accentuated his lean, muscular body.  His sun bleached hair brought out his sparkling blue eyes.  A perfect specimen.  How could Tyler not want him anymore?  I was snapped out of my daydreaming when Kai spoke up.

"I think someone should fill me in on what the hell is going on here.  Blade, you seem to know, so I think we need to chat."  He must've been oblivious to Tyler's presence because when he looked over at him, his eyes lit up.  He walked over and threw his arms around him.  "We'll talk in a minute, Blade, all right?"

"Uh, yeah, sure."  Tyler was looking over Kai's shoulder at me.  I don't know if he was trying to gauge my reaction, or if he was saying I'm sorry through his eyes.  I guess it'd be better to not see them being affectionate quite yet.  The wound is still fresh there.  I guess Scott, Drew and Andy already knew about Kai & Tyler being a couple.  There was no reaction to them acting how they were, except for the small smiles forming on their faces.  There was, however, a noticeable look of shock on Jordan's face.  I decided to pull him aside to talk to him.

"Jordan, come take a walk with me please."  He just looked over at me and nodded.  We started to walk along the boardwalk, pretty much in silence at first.  I  took this opportunity to look him over as we walked.  Jordan is a very attractive boy.  He had that medium-type length of hair that you could basically style any way you please.  Definitely died blonde on on the tips because you could see his dark roots.  He had it styled in that messy, spiky look today.  You can tell he's lived here near the beach for a long time by looking at his deeply tanned skin.  He looks to be in good shape, another one with that lean swimmer's build.  He's also kind of small, like I said before, I'd say around 5'7 maybe.  Not that that's a bad thing.  I think shorter guys are adorable... just wanna go up and hug them.  Hehe, I'm a weird one, I know.  The thing that really stood out on Jordan was definitely his emerald green eyes.  You could definitely get lost in them.  Definitely a heart throb.  Not exactly up to Tyler standards, but very close.  I decided I better find out if he's going to freak about Kai and Tyler's little show back there.

"So Jordan, are you ok?"

He must've been in deep thought because he acted almost startled when he heard my voice.  "OK with what?  Kai and Tyler?"

"Well, yeah."

"Yeah--it just took me by surprise, that's all.  I mean, they act like it's no big deal."

"It's not, really.  I understand if you have a problem with it.  I mean, I did too, just for different reasons than you.  It doesn't change who they are.  They're the same people, they just happen to be attracted to guys.  I hope it doesn't stop you from wanting to be friends with Kai, or Tyler for that matter."

"No, it won't.  It would be pretty hypocritical of me, if I did."

"So you're gay then, right?"

"Yeah.  That's what got me into a lot of trouble at Bellflower."

"What do you mean?"

"Well...the reason I flew off the handle back there ... well, it was because of what that scumbag Mark and his goons did to me.  He and some of the guys at Bellflower caught me looking at a kid I liked, in the locker room one time.  They started beating me up all the time.  No matter how hard I fought, I couldn't take on all of them.  Then ... then eventually things got worse.  They decided they were going to use me as their own personal fuck toy and ... and there was nothing I could do about it.  God, I hate them!  They took away my virginity ... and I can't ever get it back.  It was awful ... having them all take turns fucking me.  I was afraid I was going to catch AIDS, or something else, but thankfully I didn't."

He had tears streaming down his face at this point.  I took him over to a bench so we could sit down.  I put my arm around him as he continued to pour his heart out to me.  "Eventually, my parents saw a huge change in me.  They said I acted like a zombie ... like the life had been drained out of me.  So, I finally broke down and told them what had been going on at school.  They called the police, but it turned into my word against Mark and the others.  It didn't help matters, that Mark's father is on the Police Force here.  There was nothing we could do about it, they had us backed against a wall.  That's why we moved to Anaheim, just so I could get out of that school."  :sniff: "It's just not fair ... I mean they got off, without getting punished for ... for basically raping me.  I always would tell myself it was my fault.  I asked for it...."

"Jordan, look at me."  He slowly brought his eyes to meet mine.  The unbearable pain behind those emerald greens was almost enough to make me break down and cry with him.  "It was not your fault.  They forced you to do stuff against your will.  You can't control being gay, just like they can't control being straight.  It's not wrong, and don't let anyone ever make you feel that it is.  Nothing like that will ever happen again ... I promise.  Me, Kai, Tyler, Scott, Andy & Drew are your friends now, and we'll always be there to look out for you.  No one deserves to be treated like you were."  I paused slightly. "If you ever need anything just ask, k?  I'm really sorry about accusing you earlier.  I just jumped to conclusions.  I was just afraid that Sean was going after Kai."

"He's really lucky to have a friend like you."

"Yeah, real lucky ... I haven't been much of a friend to him lately.  I've been a complete asshole since he told me Tyler was his boyfriend."

"How come?"  Do I tell him?  I'm not sure it's such a great idea... I don't think he will, but I don't need him to slip and tell Kai.

"It's kind of complicated.  I'll fill you in when everything gets sorted out.... and hey!  What do you mean he's lucky to have me as a friend?  I'm your friend now too!"

"You are?"  He smiled at me, his sadness fading away little by little.

"Yup, Yup.  Well, that is of course if you want to be my friend."  I gave him my saddest puppy dog look.

"Ha ha.... of course I do!  Just no more puppy dog looks.  You look way to cute when you do that."  He must have let that slip out because he immediately covered his mouth with his hand.  "Dude, I'm sorry, I didn't mean for that.."

"Ha ha, it's all right, bud, it happens.  Well, I think we should be heading back to the others.  They're probably wondering where we ran off to.  Ready?"

"Yup."  We got up and started walking back towards the fast pitch booth.  Doesn't look like they are still there.

"You see them anywhere?"  We both scanned the boardwalk and the beach for any sight of the group.  I don't see them at all.  They wouldn't have just left... well at least I don't think they would.

"There they are, over by the café."  Sure enough there they were.  I was about to start over to them, when Jordan grabbed my arm.  "Blade, um, about what I said...."

"Don't worry it's between us."

"Even the me being gay part?"

"Sure, if you don't want them to know.  But they probably already figured that part out.  They'll be cool with it though.  All this info and I can't even give it to anyone.  You're no fun!"  He stuck out his tongue at me.  "Can I at least tell them you think I'm cute?" I gave him a mischievous grin and bolted to the café.  He stood there, shocked by what I said.  He finally snapped out of it and chased after me.  The guys all looked at us, like we were crazy.

"Hey, guys, guess what?  Jordan says that I'm c......"  I was cut off by a hand over my mouth.  Of course it was Jordan, trying to keep me from embarrassing him.

"Are you gonna behave?"  I nodded my head and he took his hand away.  Of course I wasn't going to really behave!

"So, we were talking and Jordan told me he thinks I'm c....."  I was cut off again, by his hand.

"You said you were gonna behave!"  He was trying to be serious but wasn't pulling it off too well.  He was trying to stop himself from laughing.  Scott laughed at us.

"You guys are weird.  You make Kai look normal!"  Everyone started laughing at that... except Kai, who put a look of mock hurt on his face.  I was having a hard time laughing with Jordan's hand covering my mouth though!  I started to mumble for him to let go.

"Nope, you have to promise to behave.  Are you going to?"  I gave him a bemused look and shook my head 'no.'  "Well then I guess you won't be talking anytime soon."  We'll see about that!  I think he could see the mischief in my eyes.  I stuck out my tongue and licked his hand.  Mmmm, he tastes good! He let go of me, which I was planning on.  The look on his face was priceless.  I just stuck my tongue out at him and laughed.  The rest of the guys were practically on the ground laughing hysterically at our little show.  Well, all except Tyler.  He was giving me a strange look.

"Thank you , thank you, we'll be here all week.  Now, who wants something to drink?  I'm buying!"

That was smart.  They all wanted something, so it ended up costing me like twenty bucks for drinks.  I should have known they wouldn't want just sodas!  We all got frozen daiquiris, virgin of course.  We all just sat there and talked.  It was a good time.  Kai suddenly jumped up, pointing at his watch.

"Guys, we have to go.  We're 30 minutes late for rehearsal!"  I looked at him, amused.

"Dude, you haven't been in school all day.  Don't you think it will look a little suspicious that you show up for rehearsal?"

"Who cares?  What's the worst they can do?  Give me detention?  Any ways, lets get going, we can all come back here this weekend and hang out."

"All right, lets get to the cars.  I'm parked in the east lot.  Where are the rest of you parked?"

"In the west lot.  Me and Jordan rode up in Drew and Andy's car."

"Ok, so I'll see you back at school..."  Kai cut in before I could finish.

"Wait, I'm riding with you."  I looked at him and knew exactly why.  "Everyone else can go back how they came, sound good everyone?"  Everyone nodded in agreement.  Jordan, looked kind of lost though.

"What's wrong Jordan?"

"Oh, uh, nothing.  Just thought maybe we could talk more on the way back."  Awww... he wanted to get to know me.

"Well, I'll tell you what.  I'll give you my number...."  I borrowed a pen from the waiter and wrote it down on a napkin, "and you can call me later.  I doubt we'll have time to talk at rehearsal."

He smiled, "Thanks.  I'll call you tonight.  Thanks for listening."  I gave him a friendly smile, gave him daps and walked over to Kai who was standing there, gazing at Tyler.  I don't know if Kai noticed or not, but Tyler was staring at me... or maybe it was more of a glare.

"Ready, Kai?"

"Yeah, lets roll."  He gave Tyler's hand a gentle squeeze.  "Bye, baby, see ya in a little while."  Ty smiled at him, took one last look at me, then headed off with Scott.  I just yelled out my good byes to Scott, Andy and Drew, telling them I'll talk to them tomorrow.  We got in my car and headed back to school.  There was a bit of an awkward silence, but it didn't last long as Kai spoke up.

"So, I guess you know why we need to talk."

"Yeah.  Look, I'll get straight to the point, Kai.  I'm sorry for the way I've been acting lately.  I don't have anything against you and Tyler.  There's just something that I have to work out by myself.  I talked to Tyler today and I realized that I shouldn't push you away, even if it is hard for me at the moment.  You're my boy and I don't want anything to change that. Oh, and I am not, I repeat, am not, homophobic."

"Then why did you react like you did?"

"I... I can't tell you right now.  It's just something that's better left unsaid."  Like forever.

"Will you tell me eventually?"

"Maybe, it just could do more bad than good at this point.   We'll just take it easy for awhile, then work our way up to inseperable status again, ok?"

"Ok.  As long as I know you still want me as your friend.  It hurt a lot when you just stopped talking to me."

"I'm sorry, I really am.  We'll always be best friends."

Well, at least that's settled for the moment.  I told him all about why I came looking for him.  Of course he had to bust my balls about it.  "Awww... I knew you loved me!  You didn't want your Kai to get his face beat in."

"Ha ha.... yeah man, I love ya, as a friend of course, and I would never want you to get hurt, especially because of me."  He gave me a big smile and we rode the rest of the way back to school in a peaceful silence.  Nothing but the sounds of the stereo playing.  Tyler and Jordan were standing by the front doors, waiting for us to arrive.  From the looks of it, they weren't really hitting it off.  When we got to the auditorium, Mr. Trollis spotted us and he didn't look to happy.

"Gentleman, I believe you were supposed to be here almost a hour ago.  This is the last rehearsal before the concert.  You all know that tomorrow is just for setting up.  Let's go, get ready, and get up on stage."  Whew!  We got out of that one easier than I thought we would.  Rehearsal went by pretty quickly.  We didn't really have time to go through the songs that we picked out for the concert, so we just did some voice exercises instead.  I was keeping an eye out for Carla but she must've been there and gone already.

After Mr. Trollis let us go, we headed back to my car.  Kai's car wasn't there, so I told him I would give him, Tyler and Jordan a ride home.  Of course they all tried to call shotgun, so I just told Kai and Tyler to sit in the back, since they'll be getting out after Jordan anyway.  It was a pretty quiet ride home for the most part.  I glanced in my mirror a couple times and saw Kai holding Tyler's hand.  I don't think I visibly winced but I know I felt it.  I'll eventually get used to it... I have to.  Jordan just sat in his seat looking out the window.  He really hasn't talked that much since we got back to the school.  I don't want to put him on the spot in front of Kai & Ty, so I'll just ask him what was up on the phone later.

"It's the 5th house on the right."

"The huge one with the pillars?"

"Yeah."  Wow!  His house was huge!  I guess his parents must be pretty well off.  I pulled into the drive.... which just happened to be the size of a miniature race track!  Hmm... I wonder if he'd let me roller blade around this thing....Oops!  Letting my mind wander.  I stopped behind the Bentley parked in front of the front steps.  Kai must've been checking out the pad and the car because he decided to start shooting away with the questions.

"Dude!  Do you live with Puffy?!?"  I burst out laughing.  He's such a dork sometimes.

"No, my Dad is part owner of the California Angels and my mom is an anthropologist.  But she's well off from her inheritance from my Grandfather.  That's why we live in this oversized house.  That car is just one of the many my dad has in the garage.  He tends to go a little overboard, when it comes to things like that."  I had to pipe in.

"You have to give me a tour sometime!  This place is awesome!  Oh, and Kai, it's P. Diddy now, not Puffy.  Brush up on your rappers."

"Funny, smart ass."

"That's my job and I do it very well."

"Yeah, get a real job."

"Oh, I already did.  Just have to see when I start.  So when's your job start?"  I gave him a devious smirk.

"Uh... just shut up and lets go."  Hahaha....victory is mine!

"Nice comeback.  You're losing it Kai."  Jordan was just sitting there with a smile on his face, watching our little exchange.  I heard him clear his throat, so I stopped pestering Kai for the moment.

"Thanks for the ride and everything, Blade.  I'll definitely give you a tour sometime.  I'll call you tonight, k?"

"Sure, talk to you later."

"All right... bye Kai..." he paused for a moment, and seemingly, forced out, "bye Tyler."  Kai said good bye, while Tyler just kind of grunted at him.  What is up with that boy?  Aww... it was such a cute grunt though!

"You two are going to Kai's, right? Or am I taking you home Ty?"

"I have to go home, or I'll never hear the end of it."  Kai, started whining after he heard that.

"Awwww.... do you have to?  I want you to come over!  Pleasssseeee...."

"KK, you know I can't.  I'll probably be over later, we can hang out then."  KK?

"KK?  What's up with that?  Some kind of pet name you gave him Tyler?"

"Not really, it's just his initials.  Just something I started calling him for no reason."

"But I like it.  Only Ty calls me it, so it's special."  Boy, he was so far in love with him, I don't think anything could pull him out of it.

Thankfully, we had just pulled into Kai's driveway.  I couldn't take much more of that stuff.  "All right, enough of the mushy stuff.  Get yer ass out my car, corn ball."

"Skip the fake accents, Blade, you suck at them."

"Oooo, but you swallow!"

He grinned at me evilly.  "Maybe, I'll get back to you on that."  Check and mate.  I didn't have a response to that and he knew it, judging by that cheshire grin he was sporting.  "Who's the best smart ass?  Me!  Later clown.  Thanks for the ride."  He leaned over and kissed Tyler, then got out of the car.  "Call me if you want to come over babe.  If not, call me any ways!  Later."

Tyler decided to take the opportunity to hop in the front seat.  I know it's not fun having to sit in the back.  He played around with the radio then turned to me.  "So I guess you panicked a bit earlier, huh?"

"Yeah, but I really thought that Kai was in trouble.  What if I hadn't gone and something did happen?  I couldn't let Kai get hurt because Sean wants to get at me.  Besides, Sean did show up, so I can't be sure him and Gigantor wouldn't have gone after him."

"I know, that's really sweet, that you care that much about him.  A lot of people wouldn't put themselves in danger for their friends."

"Well, friends are something worth fighting for.  I've lost some very special ones and I know that people take friendship for granted.  Once you feel what it's like to lose them, then you know how special they really are.  I don't want to lose any of you guys.  I'll tell you what happened back in NY sometime.  Then you'll understand why I am this way with friends."

He smiled at me.  "You're too perfect, you know that right?"

"I wish.  I'm far from perfect.  No one can say they are perfect.  Everyone has flaws ... that's what separates us from other people.  The small things that you learn to appreciate about someone.  If anyone is too perfect, it's you.  You're absolutely gorgeous, sweet and have a great personality."  He blushed, then started flipping through the radio stations again.  Suddenly he spoke up again.

"What about Jordan?  You two seemed to hit it off."

"Yeah, he's a really good guy but he's been through a lot though.."

"And he's really cute, right?"  I was pulling into his drive way when he asked me that.  I stopped, then turned to look at him.  He was looking right back with a serious look on his face.

"Well, yeah, he's very attractive.  Is there something you're getting at here Tyler?"

"No, just forget it."

"Come on Ty, what's up with you?  You've been acting weird since we were at the boardwalk."

"You and Jordan looked to be hitting it off really well.  Maybe, since you think he's so great and cute, you should be with him."  Ah, now I got it.  He's jealous.

"Dude, you're jealous, aren't you?"

"No!"  A little too defensive with that answer.

"Yeah, sure.  That's why you're throwing a fit, because I was being friendly with Jordan.  I just met him and the whole thing at the café was a joke.  You're getting worked up over nothing."

"Am I?  It didn't look like nothing to me.  I saw the look in his eyes every time you talked to him.  That dreamy, far off look.  Then you go and lick his hand at the café.  There were other ways to get him to let go."

"Tyler, stop it.  Number one, it's not really your business if he likes me.  Number two, stop acting like my jealous wife...I'm not your boyfriend.  Number three, if I were interested in dating Jordan, I would expect you to respect that, and not give me shit about it."

"Ha!  So you admit it, you want to date him."  Sigh....

"Tyler, will you please stop with the accusations.  Jordan is cute.... very cute in fact.  He's got a great personality to go along with his looks.  A perfect catch... But he's not you.  I don't love him, I love you, period, end of story.  I wish you would get that through your head.  It's not fair for you to go all ballistic on me because I hit it off with another guy.  If I did ever end up asking Jordan out, then I would hope you could be happy for me."

"Be happy for you?  Yeah, that would make me unbelievably happy, to see the guy I've fallen for go out with some teen model look alike.  Maybe you should just go out with him, if that'll make you happy.  I mean, I obviously don't."  He was fighting with his own emotions.  His anger was boiling over but the hurt was what was pushing it to the surface.

"Whatever, Tyler.  Have you heard a word I've said too you?  Don't talk to me about not being happy because the one you want is with someone else.  I should go out with Jordan?  Maybe I should.  Maybe you should go with your boyfriend.  How's that for fair?"  He just looked at me and let out a scream of frustration.  He got out of the car and went inside his house.  I can't catch a break with anything, I swear.

I went home and tried to do my homework but I couldn't concentrate at all.  I threw the work on the floor in disgust and went down to the kitchen to find something to eat.  Eric was down there with a friend sitting at the table.  He was cute...kind of thin, but still a looker.  He had a red baseball hat on backwards, which only made him more appealing.  Dark brown eyes and, from what I could tell, brown hair.  I decided to be sociable.  "Hey, Eric what's up?"

"Not much.  Trying to cook."

"Ha ha, yeah the key word being, *Trying*."

"Shut up!"

"K.  Who's your friend?"

"Oh, my bad.  Matt, this is Blade, Blade meet Matt."  I gave him daps, then took a seat across from him.

"What's up, Matt?  You go to Arrowhead?"

"Yeah, I'm a sophomore.  You're Blade, the captain of the hockey team right?"

"Yup, in the flesh.  So, you've heard of me....he he good or bad things?"

"Good.  I heard you're an awesome player.  Oh, and that you kicked Sean Jacob's ass!  That is so cool!"

"Ha Ha.  Yeah, well he's an asshole, so he deserved it.  He started the fight with me, so I didn't really have a choice but to fight him."

"Well, he's been a bully at school since he got there.  I've heard stories of what he would do to the younger kids.  I was fortunate enough not to run into him.  Now, thanks to you, no one has to worry about that anymore."

No one has to worry about him anymore...yeah, unless they are associated with me.  "Well, there's always gonna be someone who picks on other people at school.  It's just how it is.  Well, enough about that, I have to find something to eat in this place.  Nice talking to you, Matt.  I'm glad to see little brother has good taste in friends, at least."

That earned me a glare from Eric.  I always bust his chops about his taste in clothes and just about everything else.  Hey, it's my right as the older bro!  I warmed up some leftover pizza and made off with that.  "Lata, guys."

After I finished eating I tried to get my homework done again.  I had better luck this time, as talking to Matt momentarily took my mind off everything else plaguing my thoughts.  The hours flew by and before I knew it, it was 9 o'clock.  I had just finished up the last bit of work, when the phone rang.  "Hello?"

"Um, hey, is Blade there?"  It was Jordan, no mistake about it.

"Speaking.  What's up buddy?"

"Not much.  Sorry for calling this late.  I can just talk to you tomorrow if you are busy."

"Nope, we're gonna talk now.  I'm not busy, I just finished my homework.  It's not too late either, it's only 9."

"Oh, cool.  So, um what do you want to talk about?"

"He he.  You don't talk on the phone much, do you?"

"No, sorry."

"Nah, dude, it's ok.  I'm just playin' with you.  Well, there's one thing I wanted to talk to you about."

"What?"

"Well, I was just wondering why you kept shying away in the car and stuff.  You just seemed uncomfortable."

"Oh...well, it's just that Tyler didn't seem to like me very much.  So I didn't want to start anything with him and I felt uncomfortable talking about stuff in front of him."

"K, gotcha.  Don't worry about Tyler.  He has some issues right now.  He'll come around.  He's a really great guy once you get to know him."

"Why doesn't he like me?"

"Umm... well it's kind of complicated."

"Oh--in other words you don't want me to know.  I understand."  *Sigh*  He had to lay the guilt trip on me.

"Ok, Jordan.  If I tell you, you have to promise to keep everything that's said between us."

"I promise."

"Good.  Ok, the reason Tyler was acting weird around you was because he's jealous of you."

"What?  Jealous of me?  Why?  If he thinks I'm going after Kai, then he needs to know I'm not.  I mean he's really hot and sexy, but...."

"Hahaha, dude, just let me finish.  He's not jealous because he thinks you want Kai.  He's umm... jealous because of how friendly me and you were today."

"I don't understand.  He's afraid I'm going to take you away from him--that you'll stop being friends with him, to be friends with me?"

"Kind of.  Tyler, um... kind of has a thing for me."

I heard a smack.  He must've dropped the phone.  "What do you mean he has a thing for you?  He's with Kai."

"Yeah, I know.  I told him he has to work out his feelings, that I can't hurt Kai like that.  That was really hard for me to do, but..."

"Wait, did you just admit that you're gay?"  Shit!  I didn't even realize, I had basically outed myself to him.

"Um..yeah, I guess I did."

"Wow!  I would've never guessed!  So that's why you didn't freak out when I said you were cute."  He pepped up considerably at my revelation.

"Ha ha, yeah I guess.  I don't think I would've freaked if I was straight either, but I'll never know."

"This is so cool!  I felt so alone at Bellflower...like I was the only gay person on the planet.  Now I find out that you, Kai and Tyler are all gay too!!"

I had to smile at his enthusiasm.  "Yup, I think there's something in the water around here.  See, now you'll never feel alone again."

He became silent for a moment before he spoke again.  "Thanks.  Um, so, Blade..uh...do you think maybe--um we could---uh go out sometime?"  I wasn't really expecting him to ask me out.  I could just about hear him blush over the phone.  How cute.

"I'm flattered, really, but..."

"Oh...it's ok.. I understand."  I could hear the happiness deflate out of him.  "I'm not what you're looking for, right?  I don't look good enough.  That's why, isn't it?"  He was desperately looking for a flaw in himself, to find out why I was saying no.  Now that I think about it, why am I saying no?  It would just be a date.  Not like I'm cheating on Tyler.  Hell, I'm not even going out with Tyler!

"Jordan, I'd love to go out with you sometime."

"Wha... You would?!?"

"Yeah, sure.  There's nothing wrong with you, so don't go looking for flaws.  You're gorgeous and have a great personality.  Not much more you could ask for."

"Well, I could ask for a boyfriend, maybe."  Uh, too fast.

"Uh, well how bout we just go out on a date, before we jump into a relationship.  That cool?"

"Yeah, definitely.  I really like you, Blade.  You're so nice, not to mention hot.  You make me feel good, just by talking to you."

"Awww... thanks.  You're not so bad yourself you know."

"So, how bout tomorrow night... is that good for you?"

"Oh, well the big opening game is tomorrow night..."

"Oh, I forgot.."

"But we could go to a movie or grab something to eat after it's done, if you want.  It shouldn't be too late.  You are coming to the game, right?"

"Yeah, I'll be there.  This is great!  Ok, um... well I'll see you tomorrow in school then.  K?  Thanks, Blade, you have no idea how much this means to me."

"The pleasure's all mine.  See you tomorrow, J.  Lata."

"Bye!"

After I hung up I started to feel guilty.  I wasn't leading Jordan on was I?  I mean who's to say that I won't end up with him in the long run?  I just kept seeing Tyler in my head and thinking about our tiff this afternoon.  I don't even know if Tyler is ever going to be available to me.  I just can't let him go though, not yet.  I'm in love with him and he said he loves me, so that's reason enough for me not to give up hope.  Jordan is great, though.  I know he would make a great boyfriend and I won't hurt him.  I'll just have to make everything clear to him.  God knows, he's been through more hurt than anyone ever should.  I drifted to sleep with my thoughts.

I woke up, bright and early, about 6:30 am.  It was actually refreshing to get up.  Hey, it's early but not anything compared to getting up at 4:30 every morning to get ready for practice!  I grabbed a pair of black wind pants, a pair of silver boxers and a tank top.  The team was supposed to wear their jerseys to school on Friday games, so I didn't have to dress to impress today.

I jumped in the shower and started in on my shampooing.  I'm feeling particularly frisky this morning.  I have some time to kill, might as well make good use of it.  Besides, I haven't gotten any relief in like three weeks!  That's unheard of for a teenager!  I soaped up my dick and slowly started pumping.  Oh, how I missed this feeling!  I started seeing images of Tyler, standing naked under the shower head in the locker room, the water sliding down his smooth, soft skin.  The beauty of him could not be matched.  So timid, yet so sexual.

I could feel myself getting closer.  I could taste his lips again... his soft, beautiful, pouty lips.  The electric shock, that his kiss produced in me was like nothing I've every felt before.  That distinct taste of peaches that lingered in his mouth... it was all so fresh in my mind.  I can only dream of what would have happened if I hadn't stopped him from going any further.  I started stroking at a more furious pace, imagining what it would be like to have all of Tyler.

As I got closer to the brink of no return, my images started changing.  I could see Tyler but then he would fade and images of Jordan came up.  This kept happening until I knew there was no stopping.  The last image to pop in my mind was of not just Tyler nor just Jordan--but of both of them ready to give their love to me.  Unhh!!  My knees got weak and I shuddered as I shot my cum onto the floor of the bathtub.  Shot after shot... at least 8 streams of my juice splattered on the tile.  I held on to the soap dish shelf for support, so I didn't end up smashing my head if I fell.

I slowly started to regain my awareness and finished washing up quickly, all while trying to figure out what those thoughts meant.  I loved Tyler... but where does Jordan fit in to all of this?  Do I have feelings for him, besides lust?  I need to figure things out.  I toweled off and fixed my hair.  It actually cooperated with me for once!  I pulled on my clothes and headed back into my room to get my books together.  I took a quick glance at the clock...7:30!  I have to get my ass moving.  I threw my sneakers on then ran down the stairs.  Eric was already down there, eating some cereal.

"Hey, Blade."

"Hey.  You catching a ride with me today?"

"Yeah.  So, do anything *fun* lately?"  Shit.... he must have heard me!  Sneaky little bastard.

"Uh.. I don't know what you're talking about."

He gave me a knowing smirk.  "You sure?  Did you fall in the bathroom or something?  I mean why else would you yell out UNHHHH!"  He started snickering uncontrollably.

"Eric?"

"What?"

"Five seconds."  He looked puzzled at first, then a look of realization came upon his face.  He shot up out of his chair and bolted out of the room.  I didn't actually count to five but I ran after him and tackled him before he got out the front door.

"Now Eric, it's not polite to spy on people is it?"  I had him pinned to the ground and he shook his head 'no.'  "Good, then we agree.  I don't give free shows, you know.  Anyway, you're one to talk, Bouncy.... I'm surprised that your bed is still in one piece."  He blushed furiously at this.  I got off of him, then gave him a hand to help him up.  I noticed a tent forming in his shorts.  Hmm...if I didn't know better I'd say he enjoyed that little contact.  Nah!  Just his hormones, going wild.  "All right, let's get out of here."

We both hopped in the car and headed off to school.  I must've embarrassed him enough because he didn't say a word the entire way there.  I pulled into the parking lot and parked in my usual spot, next to Kai's car.  Kai was standing outside his car next to Tyler.  They seemed to be half asleep as neither of them looked like they were too talkative.

Eric and I got out of the car and made some small talk with them.  Tyler, who was obviously still pissed at me, barely said more than two words.  Great, another thing I have to fix.  There was about ten minutes until the bell rang, so I decided now would be the best time to talk to him.

"Hey, Kai, Eric, could you give me and Tyler a few minutes.  I need to talk to him about something."

They both looked at me and said "sure," and headed off to the entrance where a lot of the other students were hanging out on the steps.  I took a quick look over there.  Was that Carla greeting Kai and my brother?  Yes, no doubt about it... Anna was right behind her.  There's something strange about her.  I thought I saw her look over at me but maybe I'm imagining things.  Oh, well.  I looked at Tyler and motioned for him to come stand in front of the car with me.  Tyler just glared at me.

"Look, Tyler, we have to sort out what happened yesterday."

"There's nothing to sort out-- you made it clear that you don't want me."

"Ugh!  Tyler, I never said I don't want you!  Matter of fact, I told you I'm in love with you!  Which part of that don't you understand?"  I was getting extremely frustrated.

"You told me that you should be with Jordan...and I should be with Kai!  How does that show that you love me?"

"Don't put words in my mouth.  I was pissed at what you were saying and I said that out of frustration."  Sigh.  "Tyler, I don't want to fight with you.  I don't want to hurt you... but how is it fair to me, that I have to stand around and wait for something that might not even happen?  I'm not going to lie; I do like Jordan."

He winced when he heard that.  He just gave me a hurt look and started to turn away.  I gently put my hand on his shoulder and turned him around.  "No.  This is not how it ends.  Like I said, I like Jordan, but I love you.  You know the situation but yet you expect me to just hold out hope that one day you and Kai will break up.  On one hand, I don't want you to break up because I know what it would do to Kai.  He's so in love with you... and it would tear him apart not to be with you.  On the other hand, I want you to break up because I want to be with you.  I want to be able to hold you, hug you, kiss you, wake up next to you....do all of the things that go along with a commitment.  The thing is, I can't.  That's just how it is right now.  Do you understand where I'm coming from?"

His voice cracked a little when he spoke.  "Yeah, I do.  It's just hard for me.  I want to be with you so much that it hurts.  I can tell you feel like that too.  I guess I'm just selfish... I have a beautiful boyfriend who loves me to death and that's not good enough for me.  It just kills me to know that someone else might take my spot in your heart before I even get the chance to fill it.  I know Jordan is capable of doing that.  I'm afraid, Blade...afraid that you're going to fall for him."  He looked so vulnerable when he said that.  It almost broke my heart to see him like that.

"Ty, no one will ever take your spot in my heart.  It's yours and it always will be.  Is it possible that I might fall for Jordan?  Yes, it is.  What's not to love about him?... But you have to understand that right now it's you I am in love with and I don't see that changing any time soon."  I paused, trying to decide if I should tell him about tonight.  "Ok, I'm going to be completely up front with you right now.  I'm going out tonight with Jordan after the game."

He looked up at me.  "Going out?  You mean...on a date?"

"Yeah."

"Moving kind of quick aren't you?"  He was seriously worried...his voice always gives away his emotions.

"No..well I don't know.  It's just a date...one date.  Not like we're going to run off and get hitched.  I just want to know that you're ok with this.  I couldn't stand for this to hurt our friendship."

"Well, I don't really have a choice.  Just promise me that you won't totally eliminate me from the picture.  Man, I can't believe how much this hurts."  I pulled him into a hug and just held him there.  He was visibly upset, so I don't think anyone would think anything of it.  The tears flowed freely down his face.  "I love you Blade.  No matter what happens."

I let him move back a little bit, and I put my forehead against his, our noses touching, my arms still around him, as I stared into his eyes.  "Tyler... I've only felt this way about someone once before.  I didn't have a chance with him but I know I have a chance with you.  I'll never give up hope that someday I can be with you.  I love you more than anything, and nothing will ever change how I feel about you."

With that I glanced around and made sure no one was watching, then leaned over and gave him a quick kiss on the lips.  He took my hand and brought it to his heart.  "Always here."  He brightened up a little, then we broke apart and headed off to our classes.

Unfortunately for Blade, he missed seeing someone leave a note on his windshield as he walked away.  On the note, written in red ink, it read:  Be Careful What You Wish For, B, You Just Might Get It.

All right everyone, that's the end of this chapter.  :Gasp:  What do you know, another cliff hanger!  I wasn't going to have one in this chapter, but then that wouldn't be evil enough of me!  Well this chapter went totally different than I had planned.  I originally wanted the opening game to be a big part of the chapter, but it will have to be in the next one.  I think this is the best place to stop for now.  I know this chapter took forever to come out, and I apologize.  My computer died, and I had to wait to get it fixed before I could work on this chapter.  I hope everyone is doing good, and I hope to hear from all of you. Just want to give a quick shout out to Eddi, Brian, Jeremy, Richie, Nick, Emmanuel, Kevin and Kip.  Well, that's all for now, I hope you come back for the next chapter.  Check out all the great stories at Comicality's Shack Out Back, at www.ghouldrool.com/comicality, Da Beagle's Doghouse at www.Dabeagle.com , and Ty's Storm Nation at www.stormnation.com.  Send comments to XvXJadenXvX@aol.com

Lata

Jaden