Never Too Far Away

Never Too Far Away Chapter 11

Never Too Far Away

Written By: Jaden

Edited By My Handsome, Charming, Kind Hearted, LiL' Bro, Chris

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 11

Revelations

The more I tried to shake my self out of the state of shock I was in, the more my feet stayed planted.  Tyler wouldn't let go of my hand, but just kept staring into my eyes.  I know he could see the horror on my face.  Everyone just remained silent, staring at us as if we each had arms growing out of our heads.... Then the inevitable happened.  From deep within the crowd of people came the one word that I had been bracing for...

"FAGGOT!"  I could hear others snicker along with whoever said it.  I finally regained control over myself, then freed my hand from Tyler's grasp.  I stared him down with tears in my eyes, but the rage in them couldn't be ignored either.  Tyler put his head down and whispered.

"I'm sorry.. I-I just...."  I cut him off.

"I don't want to hear it."  I turned around and came face to face with Kai and Jordan.

"Blade, it'll be alright.  We'll be here for you."  Kai said.

"Easy for you to say, your life hasn't just been ruined."  Jordan reached his arm out to comfort me, but I just pushed past both of them and quickly made my way down the beach.

I started running as the tears started falling, my vision blurred a bit, then suddenly I ran right into someone.  I went down in a heap, along with the other person.  Whoever it was flipped over so he was on top.  I tried to focus on his face, but I didn't have much luck.

"Blade, calm down."  I recognized the raspy voice as Eric.  He moved to the side of me and pulled me up to a sitting position, then put his arms around me while I cried.  I tried to get up and leave, but he was having none of it.  "Come on bro, just take a deep breath and calm yourself down.  Don't cry, it's not as bad as you think."

"H-how can you say that?  Everything I've worked for in my life is totally compromised now.  Fuck, I could get kicked off of the team if Coach finds out.  Why did he do this..?"

"Shhh..  you don't even know what Coach Rollin's view is on gays.  You're jumping to conclusions.  So what, some assholes find it their job to look down on your sexuality, fuck them.  For everyone of them there's someone who will not condemn you for loving another boy."

I sighed, "I don't know...  Tyler didn't ask me if I was okay with having myself exposed.  I'm not ready for this... now it's gonna get back to Mom and then all hell is going to break lose."

"Stop assuming everything.  Mom never really says anything bad about gays, she jokes around at times, but I don't think she means it in a mean way."  He paused for a moment, "Tyler did this unintentionally I think."

"How so?"

"Well, I'll be honest with you.. I knew he was gonna sing a song to you."  I just glared at him, "Let me finish.  He told me that he was going to throw himself out there for you.  He was going to come out for you... but I think him actually getting off of the stage and holding your hand was a in the heat of the moment thing."

"Even if that's true, how would his coming out make me love him more?"

"Blade, you have to understand how much he actually loves you.  You're all he ever talks about... the thing with Kai was the worst mistake of his life in his eyes.  He's desperate to get you back.  You have no idea how far in love with you he really is."

"How do you know all of this?"

"Well, he's called when you weren't home and I talked to him about all of this.  Matt and I ran into him one time at the mall too, and we hung out a bit."

"Oh."  I turned my attention back to where the party was and noticed that everything seemed to get back to normal.  The music was blaring and people were dancing.  When I looked towards the water, I saw two figures walking along the edge.  A girl and a guy.. who seemed to stop when they saw Eric and I.  The guy leaned over and said something to the girl, then she nodded and started back in the opposite direction.  The guy started to make his way toward Eric and I.  By this time Eric had focused his attention on him as well.  When he was about 10 ft away, the moonlight shown on his face.  Joey... just what I want to deal with right now.    Eric stood up, then gave me a hand to pull me up as well.  He hugged me and gave me a peck on the cheek.

"It'll be okay, Blade.  I'm here if you need me."  I squeezed him tight, then let him head back to the party.  Joey waited for Eric to go, then approached me.

"Hey."  He said shyly.

"Hey."  I didn't even know where to begin with him.  Seeing Nikki here was quite a shock.  "So....."

"Yeah.  Um, are you okay?"  He asked.

"I don't know.  Should I be?"

"I guess not.  If it makes you feel any better, nobody really said anything about you back there."

"Yeah... until school on Monday."  I paused, "I think we need to talk about us."

"Do we have to do this now?"

"Yes.  Now, not later.  I need to know what's going on, Joey.  Everything was great between us.  I thought our relationship was getting stronger by the day, but in reality you weren't in it as much as I was."

"No, it's not that.  I do love you... I-I just still love her too."

"Are we breaking up?"  I asked.

"I think we need a break.  I can't be in a relationship with you and not give you 100% of my love.  Just like you can't either."

"What?"  I was confused by his statement.

"Blade, no matter how angry you are with Tyler, you and I both know that you are head over heels in love with him."  I was about to interject, when he stopped me, "Now, don't get me wrong... I don't doubt that you love me too, just like Nikki has of mine, Tyler has a huge part of your heart."

Even though I knew what he said was true, it still didn't hurt any less.  "So, this is it, I guess."

"For now.  When we both get our feelings figured out, then maybe we'll find we really are what each other wants."

I had tears in my eyes that I tried to fight back.  I looked into his eyes and saw he was trying as well, but they had already started running down his cheeks.  He pulled me into an embrace and we both cried on each other's shoulders.  When we started to pull away, he leaned in and gave me one last tender kiss, that I'll never forget.

"Are you gonna be okay?" Joey asked with concern.

"Eventually.  I'm just gonna go home and sleep.  I can't be around anyone right now.  Make sure Eric gets home okay, or that he goes home with Matt, please."

"I will.  I'll see you later, bro."  He smiled and went on his way back to the party.

I started up the ramp and onto the boardwalk.  People were laughing and having a good time with no cares in the world.  I couldn't even bring myself to smile as I moped around.  I walked down the ramp towards my car when I walked right into someone!  I really have got to watch where I'm going.  I recovered quickly and was greeted with a sight that I was hoping never to see again.  There stood Sean.  He just sneered at me, but didn't move an inch.  I was surprised his thugs weren't with him.  I just glared back at him, waiting for him to make a move.  Instead he just huffed, then turned around and went back up to the boardwalk.  I watched him until he went out of sight.  I sighed in relief, not really up for another confrontation tonight.  I finally arrived at my car, and immediately hopped in and headed home.  As soon as I got home I went inside, immediately stripped down, and went straight to bed.

I slept Sunday away, just trying to separate myself from the rest of the world.  Joey came into my room a couple of times to try and get me to get up, but I was having none of that.  He offered to lay down with me, but it just didn't feel like it would be a good idea.  Eric came in a few times to keep me company.  He just plopped down on the bed and talked away.

"You shouldn't have left last night, you should've come and had fun with me."

"What did you do that was so fun?"

"Oh, well after the slow dances with those girls, Matt and I got our groove on, hehe.  We tore up the dance floor, everyone was cheering us on, it was great."

"That's cool, I'm happy for you."

"Wait, that's not even the best part.  Once they slowed the music down again, we went to sit down, but Matt's friend Corey dared us to go out and slow dance.  Hehe, Matt was hesitant, so I just grabbed his hand and dragged him out to the dance floor.  Everyone was laughing, and we danced two full slow songs.  Matt's a really good dancer, it was awesome."

I smiled at his enthusiasm.  "Eric…is there something you want to tell me?"

"Uh, like what?"

"I don't know... just, you know you can come talk to me about anything right?"

"Yeah, I know.  Oh, did I mention that I caught Jordan and Kai kissing under the pier?"

"Really?!?!"

"Yup.  Hehe, I scared the hell out of them.  I was like, "Hey! What are you kids doing down there?"  He said it in the deepest voice he could manage.  "Hehe, they jumped so high, I thought they were gonna piss themselves.  Of course after that the chase was on.  They couldn't catch me though…well, they almost did, but I used Matt for a shield."

"You're a goof ball, you know that?"

"Yeah, but you love me anyway."  He gave me the cheekiest smile.  I laughed at him, then wrapped my arms around him and gave him a big hug.

"Yup yup."  The doorbell rang and Eric shot up like a bat out of hell, then ran down the stairs to answer it.  I took the opportunity to bury myself in my blankets once again, and try to fall asleep.  It didn't last long, as I heard a knock on my door.  "Eric, I wanna sleep..."  I whined.

"Eric's downstairs."  I froze for a moment, trying to register the voice.  I slowly flipped over and looked to the doorway where Tyler, not Eric, was standing.  "Can I come in?"  He asked.

"Tyler, I don't think you should be here.  What happened last night was extremely fucked up."

"I know, but you have to understand that I didn't mean to out you.  I just got caught up in the moment… just needed to make you see how I feel."

"Well, you succeeded.  I already know how you feel, Ty.  Do you really understand what you've done?  You've opened yourself up to endless ridicule, teasing…hell, anything that homophobes can do to hurt you, they'll do it.  Then, you put me in the same position."

"I'm sorry…I didn't mean to."  He looked down at the floor.

"Well, you did.  Your mother may be okay with you being gay, but my mother could just go crazy over this,  then what will I do?"  He didn't answer, just kept staring at the floor.  "I think you should go home."

"If that's what you want..."

"I do."  My anger won over my compassionate side.  Tyler looked into my eyes, and I immediately knew that saying those two words cut him like a knife.  His eyes flickered a bit, fighting back the tears.  He just nodded his head and headed down the stairs.  A pang of guilt shot through me, but it didn't last long.  He did something that's going to hurt both of us in the long run, more than anything I'll ever do.  I slowly drifted off to sleep, hoping to leave my troubles back in the real world.

"Faggot!  Queer!  Get out of our school!  The shouts were coming from everywhere.  Everywhere I turned there was another tormentor taunting me.  I tried to dash out of the hallway, but as soon as I got to the door and tried to go through, it disappeared.  I looked around as an angry mob approached.  There was no way out.  They closed in around me, then they all started to punch and kick at me....."

I shot up in bed, sweating profusely.  My heart was racing, as I tried to catch my breath.  I glanced at the clock, and saw 4:28 AM lit up.  Two minutes before my alarm was set to go off.  I hope that nightmare isn't a sign of things to come.  I turned the alarm off, then got up to get ready for practice.  I tried to keep my mind focused on anything, but the crazy scenes that had been playing in my head all night.  I showered, then finished getting ready.  I just pulled my hair back, not wanting to be bothered with it.  I threw on a navy blue football cutoff jersey with yellow numbers and a pair of white shorts.  At 5:15, I headed downstairs to grab something to eat quick.  I really didn't eat anything yesterday.  I didn't have time to make up anything, so I grabbed a couple granola bars and a glass of milk.  As I ate at a record speed, Joey walked out of his room and into the kitchen.  We both just looked at each other, but no words were exchanged.  He grabbed a bagel and heated it up.  I was finished by then, so I got up and headed out to my car, with Joey in tow.  He's just going to have to eat on his way.  The drive was silent, well, at least until Joey was done eating.

"Are you nervous?"  He asked.

"Of course I'm nervous!"  I kind of snapped at him, but only because the stress was overwhelming me.

"Geez, don't take it out on me.  You know I'll be there for you.  Anyone messes with you, then they'll have to deal with me."

I gave him a very weak smile, "Thanks."

When we pulled into the parking lot my stomach went into a million knots.  That awful nervous feeling times ten.  I got out of the car, and walked with Joey towards the school.  When we got to the front door, it swung open.  I expected it to be the first round of torture, but instead I got a pleasant surprise.  Standing in the doorway, holding the door open for us were Kai and Jordan.  For the first time since the party, I smiled genuinely.

"What are you guys doing here?"  I asked.

"We told you we'd be here for you.  Just making good on our promise."  Kai said.  I could feel tears in my eyes, but for once, they were tears of happiness.  I have the greatest friends in the world.

"Thanks guys."  I pulled Kai into a hug, then Jordan.  "You're the best."  They both smiled widely, then motioned for us to come on in.

We all walked together to the locker room.  Kai and Jordan stood at the doorway as Joey and I made our way in.  I braced for the sudden barrage of comments, but to my surprise, no one said anything.  Everyone just said what's up as I passed, acting as if nothing happened.  I couldn't believe it.  I sat down and started to put my equipment on.  I was tying my skates when a commotion of whispers went through the room.  I looked up to see what was going on, and saw the door to Coach's office open up.  Out walked the last person I expected to see there.. Tyler.  As he walked by some of the guys, they started snickering, and whispering to each other.  Tyler just glanced at me as he passed, giving me all that he could muster of a smile, then walked out the door to Kai and Jordan.  Coach just told us all to get moving, then went back to his office.  That's when the comments started.  There goes the homo.  I'm glad that fag's out of here.  I think he was checking me out.  They were all directed at Tyler.  Ben came over and sat by me.

"Hey, Blade."

"Hey."

"So, that was a pretty wild party Saturday night, huh?"

"Yeah, wild..."

"Sucks that you had to leave early because of what happened.  Who would've thought Tyler is gay and after you?"

I didn't know how to answer him.  "So, why was he here?"

"Oh, he told us all that he wanted to clear everything up.  Said he was gay, and he wanted you, but you turned him down.  He basically told us not to think anything bad about you, that he was the homo, not you."  I sat there stunned at what he said.

"He said that?"

"Yeah.  Hehe, at least you don't have to worry about him now.  I mean, that's kind of creepy.. I don't know how I would react if some guy was after me."  Mike, one of the top forwards on the team, overheard our conversation.

"Yeah, I mean, that's just sick, some fag wanting you.  I mean, he probably fantasizes about sucking your dick or fucking you.  Just gross.  They need to keep their hands and dicks to themselves."  That did it.  I had enough of the comments.  I stood up abruptly, and went to the front of the room.

"I want everyone over here now!"  Everyone stopped what they were doing, surprised by my outburst.  I guess Coach heard my little outburst as well, as he came out of his office to see what the commotion was.  As soon as everyone was standing in front of me, I spoke my mind.  "I've heard enough comments about Tyler.  He had the balls to come in here, and be a man, by telling all of you to your faces that he's gay, just so I wouldn't be ridiculed for what happened Saturday night.  If you have a problem with him, then you have a problem with me.  He is one of my best friends, and I'll be damned if I'll stand by and watch you guys make his life a living hell."  I noticed Mike and Scott snickering to each other.  I walked up to them, and got in their faces.  "Is something funny?"  They both just shook their heads no.  "That's what I thought.  Now, right now, I want to know who has a problem with Tyler."

No one said anything, but then a few guys raised their hands in the air.  Then a few more... Joey, who was standing by watching all of this, decided to speak up.  "Why is it a problem for you guys?"  Various answers came from their mouths.  'It's not right.  It's a sin.  It's just plain disgusting.'  "You guys need a reality check.  People can't control who they love.  Whether it be a guy in love with a guy, girl with girl, or a guy with a girl.. it's all the same.  How would you like it if you were gay and everyone turned on you?  Not very much, I can guarantee it.  Welcome to the 21st century boys, pull up a seat and stay awhile."

I was proud of Joey for sticking up for Tyler, even though I knew it wasn't only for him.  I nodded at him, then continued, "I can't play for a team that is going to hurt my friends.  I refuse to.  So, as of right now, I'm off the team.  When you guys decide to come around, then we'll get this show back on the road.  Until then, I'm out."  I went to my locker and started to take my equipment off.  I could hear the team talking amongst themselves, but couldn't really make out exactly what they were saying.  Before I could get my skates off, Coach had come over to where I was.

"Blade, I really wish you would reconsider, son.  We need you out there."

"I can't.  Some things are more important than hockey to me.  I love the game, but I can't play with a bunch of bigots."

"If you stay, I'll do my best to keep them all in line.  One discriminating word out of anyone's mouth and they will be benched."  He paused, "I told you before, you are the heart and soul of this team.  Without you, I don't see us going very far.  I can see that wherever you go, Joey is going to go as well."  I looked at him puzzled.  "He's by his locker taking off his equipment too."  I couldn't help, but smile at Joey's loyalty.  Before I could respond to Coach, Ben came walking over and sat down next to me.

"We all just talked, and it was settled that there will be no more comments made about Tyler.  We all know we need you on this team, and we're not willing to lose you over something like this."  He waited for me to say something, but I still wasn't sure about anything.  Then, Ben did something unexpected.  "Speaking for myself, I have nothing against anyone.  Gay, straight, whatever.  It's all the same to me.  I'll be hear to support you if you need it, and you can tell Tyler that too."  I smiled widely at him, as he leaned down and gave me a hug.

"Thanks, Ben.  Well, I guess I'll give it a shot then.  If I hear one comment though, I'm gone."  Coach was pleased with that, and obviously hurried off to tell Joey.  Hehe, I think he would've had a coronary if he were to lose us.

Practice went on like normal, except I took out my aggression during some of the hitting drills, namely on Mike.  I could see it in his eyes, that he knew why I was headhunting him.  I took him down 3 times, before someone stepped ahead of him in line.  I stared straight ahead at Scott.  He came skating in, as fast as he could.  I started to close in on him, and soon enough, we ran into each other head on.  The crack of our helmets and pads smacking into one another was all that could be heard.  We both staggered a little, but held our ground.  We stood face to face.

"Next time you won't be so lucky."  He said.

"Why wait?  I'm right here, Scott.  Hit me with your best shot.  I know that jealousy has to be burning up in you."  I could see the anger in his eyes, as he huffed then went back in line.  We avoided further confrontation, as the rest of the practice we worked on our respective lines, and since Scott and I are on the same line, we had to work together.

I was glad when practice ended.  I needed to get out of there for awhile.  Way too much tension for that early in the morning.  I showered quickly, then went and got dressed.  I waited for Joey, then we headed to our first classes.
The morning classes went by like normal, nobody made any comments to me, and Kai stayed by my side the entire time.  Lunch rolled around and everyone was at our table, except Tyler.  Scott, Drew and Andy were even there, though they weren't really speaking to me.  Kai sat next to Jordan, and not 5 minutes into lunch, and they were making goo goo eyes at each other.  I kicked Jordan under the table, and when he looked at me I made kissy faces at him, while snickering to myself.  He just laughed and flipped me the bird.  Kai smiled at our antics, but was soon fixated on Jordan again.  Joey came walking in a few minutes later and sat next to me.

"Things been alright so far?"  Joey asked.

"Yeah.  You, uh, haven't seen Tyler by any chance have you?"

"Nope.  Not since this morning.  Why?"

"I dunno, just wondering."

He looked at me skeptically, "You're worried about him."  He said it more as a statement, rather than a question.  I just nodded.  Scott, obviously eavesdropping, jumped into our conversation.

"Well, you should be.  He's covering for your ass."  I just glared at him, "Oh, and I heard some guys saying something about teaching him a lesson during lunch."  He looked me straight in the eyes as he said it.  I pushed back from the table aggressively, and went to lunge at Scott, but Joey grabbed ahold of me before I could.

"You mother fucker.  You knew something could happen, and you didn't make sure he was alright?  If something happens to him it's on you, Scott.  I'll personally see that you get yours."  I spit out at him like venom.

"It's on me?!?  Fuck you, bitch.  It's on you.  You couldn't just take up for yourself, you had to have Tyler take the entire brunt of this bullshit.  Grow a set, Blade.  This is your fault, not mine."  Kai stood up abruptly.

"No, you know what, Scott?  You've had a bug up your ass for the last couple of weeks.  If you have a problem with us, who we are, then say it.  I don't know who the fuck you are anymore, because you sure as hell aren't the guy that I've been friends with all my life."  With that, he went and sat at another table, followed by a stunned looking Jordan.  I tried to struggle out of Joey's grip, but he wasn't having it.

"Let me go, Joey."

"Hell no.  You are not going to attack him."

"I won't.  Now, let me go."  He gave me a look that said, yeah right.  "Come on!  I need to go find Tyler."  He finally released me and I quickly exited the cafeteria.

I knew his last class before lunch was math, so I headed off in that direction.  There was no sign of him at that classroom, so I decided to check by his locker.  When I rounded the corner I saw a couple of football players crowded around the lockers.  I couldn't see what was going on, but when I heard one of the guys say something like, 'You're not welcome here, faggot,' and then what sounded like Tyler's voice saying to leave him alone_,_ I grabbed the closest one to me and shoved him out of the way.  I didn't realize there were more than a couple players there.. there was more like 4 of them in a huddle.  As soon as I got past the first guy, I shouldered into the second one, knocking him out of the way too.  The other two backed off a bit, as I got inbetween them and Tyler.  I glared at them, then turned to Tyler.

"You okay?"  He nodded, but didn't look up.  I could tell he was on the verge of tears, but he didn't want to give those goons the satisfaction.

"Aw, if it isn't the little boyfriend to the rescue."  I turned my attention to where the voice had come from.  Trevor Keiko, the quarterback of the football team.

"Fuck you."

"Big words for a faggot.  You should be begging for us not to pound you and your little bitch."  He spat out.

"You think I'm afraid of you?  My god, the almighty quarterback of the Anaheim Phantoms  who haven't won a game all year."

"You're asking for it.  I think I'm all high and mighty?  Coming from some hot shot hockey player from NY, who was brought in to carry a team on his shoulders.  Your ego needs to be deflated, and I'm about to do it hard and fast."  He paused and looked at Tyler menacingly, "Then, I'm going to take your bitch and show him what a real man is."

"Touch him and it'll be the last thing you do.  You will not get to him, I promise you that."

He laughed, "What are you gonna do?  Take us all down?"  He said, as he motioned to his three buddies.

I looked at him dead in the eyes, "No, just you."  His smile faded a bit, as it looked like he was rethinking the situation.

"Forget it.  Just remember, you can't protect him all the time.  This isn't over."  With that, Trevor and his little pack of cling-ons, went off down the hallway.  A small crowd had gathered around to watch our little exchange.

"Show's over, go get your gossip somewhere else."  The crowd dispersed quickly, realizing there wasn't going to be any fight.  I turned my attention back to Tyler, who finally looked up at me, glassy eyed.  I knew he needed comfort, but as I looked around, I noticed there were still people watching us.  When Tyler saw how hesitant I was, the tears started flowing and he started to walk away.  I tried to grab his arm, but he swatted it away.  "Tyler, wait..."  He kept on walking at a fast pace to wherever his next class was.  I leaned back against the lockers and sighed.  The bell rang and I went off to finish the rest of the day.

The rest of the day, I just dragged myself through the classes.  I felt like shit for doing that to Tyler, but my own insecurities won't let me be who I really am.  At the end of the day I met up with Kai, Jordan, Joey, Eric and Matt.  No sign of Tyler once again.

"Hey guys."  They all greeted me.  "Anyone seen Tyler?"  I asked.

"Yeah, he said he was getting a ride home with someone."  Said Kai.  I looked at him puzzled.

"With who?"

"Um, I don't know who he is.  All Tyler said was that he's going to the beach with some guy named Marcus.  If it's this guy who I've surfed with a couple of times, then he's cool.  He knew about me and Tyler when we were going out, and he didn't have a problem with it."

"Oh."  I didn't know what else to say.

Jordan spoke up.  "Don't worry, Blade, he'll be fine.  Kai and I are heading over there in a little while anyway.  You're welcome to come, if you wanna check up on him."

"I can't, I have to work.  Michelle's giving me extra hours, since one of the other employees is going on vacation."

"Well, we'll keep an eye on him."  I smiled at Jordan.

"Thanks, bro."

"Anytime."  He smiled back.  My eyes glanced over to Kai, who was watching our exchange intently.

"Well, I'm gonna head home, and grab something to eat before work.  I'll see you guys tomorrow.  Have fun at the beach."  I looked over at Joey, who was obviously getting tormented by Eric and Matt over by my car.  "Hehe, looks like Joey needs some help."  Jordan and Kai laughed, then hopped in Kai's car.  Riding together now.. hmmm.  Hehe, looks like they're getting closer by the day.

As I walked towards my car, I could hear Eric and Matt's little banter.

"So, did you enjoy your shower this morning?"  Eric said with a shit eating grin.

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

"Was the water shooting out of the nozzle okay?" Eric and Matt both giggled.  Obviously Eric had either heard, or caught Joey relieving himself in the shower.

"You guys are pervs.  Hehe, and just for the record, it always shoots out more than okay."  He paused, then an evil grin spread across his face.  "So, Eric, how's your bed holding up?"

"Excuse me?"

"I mean, from all that squeaking and moaning, I'd say you were working it pretty good, or maybe someone on it pretty good."  Joey looked straight at Matt as he said it.  Both Matt and my bro's jaws dropped as there faces became beat red.

"Shut up, Joey.  Uh, Matt wasn't even at the house last night.  I was just jumping around a lot.. I was hyper…yeah, hyper."

"Hehe, if you say so."  I laughed at them, then unlocked the doors to my car.  Eric and Matt hopped in quickly, apparently embarrassed that their little game had backfired on them.  Joey just shot me a sly smile, and we both got in the car, then headed home.

When we got there, I ordered a couple of pizzas for all of us.  Right before I hung up the phone from ordering, another call beeped in.  I clicked over and answered it.

"Hello?"

"Hi, is this the Steven's residence?"  A girl's voice asked.

"Yeah.  Are you looking for someone?"

"Is this Blade?"  The questions were getting annoying very fast.

"Yes.  Who's this?"

"Oh, hi!  It's Nikki."  I almost dropped the receiver right then and there.  "Hello?"

"Uh, yeah.  What's up?"

"Not much.  Wow, it's been such a long time since we've talked to each other."

"Yeah, it has.  Did you want Joey or something?"

"Yeah, in a minute.  So, how have you been?  I miss hanging out with you, we used to have so much fun."

"I'm okay, kind of going through some rough times at the moment.  I'm sure you know what I'm talking about, seeing as you were at the party on Saturday."

"You were there?  What happened to you at the party?"  She didn't even know I was there?  "The only thing that happened at the party that could be considered bad would be that boy that sang.. ya know, where he came out."

"Yeah..."  I just trailed off, reliving the party in my head.

"Oh my god!  The other boy.. the one he was singing too.. it was you, wasn't it!?!?!"

"Yeah."

"Wow, I didn't even recognize you.  Your hair is a lot longer than last time.  You look good, hun!"

I had to chuckle at her enthusiasm, "Thanks.  So do you.  Speaking of you, what are you doing in California?"

"Oh, didn't Joey tell you?  I've been modeling for almost a year now and I travel a lot.  I wanted to talk to Joey, see him, so I made sure my agent got me a gig here."

"That's great, I'm glad you're doing well for yourself."  I debated on whether or not I should ask my next question, "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Are you and Joey, well, are you two together again?"

"We're working on it.  It's not a done deal, but I'm hoping it will be soon."

"Okay.  Well, I'll get him for you, I have to go, it was nice talking to you again.  Bye."

"Same here, hun.  Hopefully we'll talk again soon.  Bye."  I yelled Joey's name out, and he came strolling in, with his face all flush.  I gave him a strange look, but he just whispered don't ask.  I laughed, then headed into the living room where Eric and Matt were sitting.  "What have you guys been saying to Joey to make him look like a tomato?"

They both giggled, but didn't say anything for a moment.  Then Matt spoke up, "It's more of what we did, rather than what we said."

"What did you do?"

"Well, Joey kept teasing us, saying that he heard us doing stuff last night..."

"Were you?"

"No, I wasn't here, and why would we be doing stuff?"  I just shrugged and Matt continued.

"Well any ways, we argued about his little shower escapade, until Eric and I decided to go in for the kill."  They must've seen the look of puzzlement on my face.  "Maybe we should just show you.  What do you think Eric?"

"Yeah, hehehe, let's show him."  Eric got really close to me and whispered in my ear.  "First, I asked Joey what he imagined Matt and I were doing in my room."  He said it very seductively, then Matt leaned in to whisper in my other ear.

"Were we kissing?"  I didn't know where they were going with this, but then they totally shocked me.  "Like this?"  Matt and Eric both leaned over me, and to my astonishment, locked lips just inches from my face.  It wasn't just some peck either, they were really kissing.  Matt was sucking on Eric's bottom lip, while Eric worked on Matt's upper lip.  I thought I saw some tongue in there too, but not for sure.  They pulled away and just looked at me with grins on their faces.  Matt looked at me then at Eric.  "He doesn't look convinced."

"Hmmm, yeah.  Maybe that's not all that we were supposedly doing."  Eric said with a mischievous grin on his face.  Matt leaned back on the couch, and Eric reached over me and grabbed Matt's belt buckle.  He slowly unsnapped it, then reached for Matt's zipper.  The entire time, both of them were staring right at me, watching my reaction.  The look of shock must've been pretty amusing to them, as it looked like they were fighting back their snickering.  Eric slid Matt's zipper down, and unbuttoned his pants, then slid Matt's pants down to the top of his thighs.  There Matt laid, with an obvious semi, in his boxers.  "Still not convinced?"  Eric hooked his fingers in to the waistband of Matt's boxers and slowly started to slide them down.  I have to admit, Matt is one hot boy.  As the boxers slid further down so I could see that v shape leading to his package, I could feel my own dick rise to attention.  The boxers came down to where his pubes met his shaft, and then Joey came walking in, causing Eric to stop.  He and Matt both burst out laughing.  Joey blushed red again, while looking at me.

"They got you too?"  I just nodded, my face burning from how hard I was blushing.  Eric got up off the couch and tried to adjust his own package without making it obvious.  Matt, however, continued to lay there with his boxers still just barely covering his dick.  He looked at me, then stood up.  He came over and stood right in front of me then looked right into my eyes.  He gave me a Cheshire grin, then in one quick motion, pushed his boxers down so little Matt was out in all of his glory.  I didn't think it was possible for me to blush any harder, but seeing Matt standing right in front of me with his hard-on waving for all to see was just too much.  Matt burst out laughing as I glanced at Eric, whom I expected to be laughing as well, but instead I caught a shocked look on my brother's face.  He was staring at the scene in front of him, seemingly speechless.  Matt pulled his pants back up, then sat back down on the couch.

"Uhhhh..."  I tried to say something, but the words were not coming to me.

"Hehe, cat got your tongue, Blade?"  Matt teased.  I finally shook myself out of my state of embarrassment.

"What was that all about?  I mean, you just said that you weren't here last night."

"I wasn't.  Just wanted to teach you guys a lesson."

"What lesson is that?  How to get someone worked up?"  All of us laughed at that, except Eric, who was suddenly very quiet.  "Okay, you two spill, now."  Matt looked at me like he didn't know what I was talking about.  "Oh, come on, you know what I mean.  You and Eric are together aren't you?"  There, I finally asked them straight out.

Eric decided to speak up finally, "No we're not.  Matt's not gay."  I immediately picked up on the fact that he only said Matt's not gay…he didn't say he wasn't.

"Yeah…and you're not either…?"  Matt said it more as a question, than a statement.  All eyes went to Eric.  He just stared at the ground, then nodded his head.

"If you guys aren't gay, then what was with the kissing…with the strip show?  I mean, straight guys are usually so homophobic they wouldn't even think about doing what you two just did."  Matt just shrugged, while Eric turned around and headed for the stairs.  Matt called out to him, but Eric just went on his way up the stairs.

"I'll go see what's up with him."  I said.  Joey took a seat on the chair and turned the TV on.  Matt looked like he wanted to go up and talk to Eric, but I think it's better that he stay down here for awhile.  I got up and went up to Eric's room.  His door was closed so I knocked, but he didn't answer.  I called out his name, but he was obviously ignoring me.  I opened the door and went inside, closing it behind me.  Eric was laying on his bed just staring at the ceiling.  I walked over and took a seat beside him.

"Eric, what's going on?"

"Nothing.  Just leave me alone."

"No, I'm not going to leave you alone.  Something's bothering you.  You can tell me anything, bro."  He sat up a bit, and looked into my eyes.  His eyes were watery, and then I knew he was on the verge of crying.  I put my arm around him, and squeezed him against me.

"I-I like kissing him."  The tears started flowing after he said that.  "It's fun messing around with him, b-but I think I want Matt and I to be more than friends now."  He started to sob, as I just held him tight.

"Shhh…It's okay, Eric."

"No! No, it's not okay!  Matt isn't gay!  I don't want to be gay..."  His chest was heaving as he tried to catch his breath, while choking back his sobs.  Tears started falling from my own eyes as well.  The dripped onto Eric's face, and when he noticed that they weren't his tears, he looked up at my face.  "W-why are you crying?"

"Because... I would never wish any of this on you.  I want you to be happy, Eric.  I don't want you to have to deal with all the stuff I do."  I paused a moment to compose myself then continued, "There's nothing wrong with you, don't ever think that.  You are the same guy that you've always been, smart, funny, kind, caring.. I could go on and on.  If you are gay, then that's just a part of you.  You can't help who you love.  You will make the best boyfriend ever to whoever you end up with, whether it be a boy or girl, Matt or not Matt."

"He doesn't love me…I know it.  I just want to be normal…I mean, I just want to date girls, get a girlfriend, then eventually settle down, get married, and have kids.  Now, it's all gone to hell."

"Eric, you can still have all of those things with another guy.  Let me ask you this, if Matt wanted more…if he wanted to be with you, could you see yourself with him, doing those things?"

He thought for a moment, "Yes."

"There you go.

"I guess you're right.  I'll just have to deal with my feelings.  At least I know I won't have to deal with them alone."  I smiled at him.  "Oh, and you forgot one thing."

"What's that?"

"You said I'm smart, funny, caring, blah, blah, blah, but you forgot the most important part."  I just gave him a strange look, "Duh!!  I'm incredibly hot and sexy too!"  I laughed at him, at his ability to go right back into his fun loving personality.

"Yeah, that too.  I love you bro, and if you need anything, anything at all, just let me know."

"Hmmm.. anything huh?"  He raised his eyebrows suggestively.  I chuckled at him.

"Not that you pervert.  I don't care how cute you are, we are brothers and I got as close to incest as I ever wanna get with our little encounter in my room the other day."  He blushed a bit, but smiled anyway.

"Hehe, you know you liked it."  I playfully punched him in the shoulder, then we heard the door bell ring.  We both looked at each other, then yelled out in unison,

"PIZZA!!!"  We both jumped up off of the bed and raced down the stairs.  He tried to push past me, but I gave him a little body check, causing him to fall over the side of the couch and on top of Matt.  Matt was startled at first, but once he realized what was going on, just relaxed.  Eric was pretty much laying on his lap, with his head on Matt's chest.  I saw their eyes meet.  Eric gave him a very shy smile, then looked away, but remained on top of Matt.  Matt looked down at Eric, and smiled as well.  He didn't make a move to have Eric get off of him either.

Joey came back inside with the pizzas and set them on the table in the kitchen.  I followed him in, and got some plates down.

"Is everything alright with Eric?"  Joey asked.

"Yeah…he'll be okay.  If he comes to you for support, just be there for him okay?  He's uh, having problems with his own feelings right now."  A knowing look came across Joey's face as he nodded.  I thought I saw something else there... almost like a troubled look as well.  I put my hand on his shoulder and he sighed.  He brought his hand up to meet mine, then intertwined our fingers.

"I guess he's kind of going through what I'm going through.  Blade... I really am sorry for what happened.  I never expected Nikki to call and say she was going to be in the area.  Seeing her again brought back all of my feelings for her."

"Joey, you don't have to explain."

"Yes, I do.  I'm an asshole for doing this to you.  You have treated me like gold since we've been friends again."

"I understand, really.  You were curious, you wanted to know what it was like to be with a guy.  I get it.  I was willing, and so were you, so we hooked up."

"Blade.. it wasn't just sex to me.  I mean don't get me wrong, it was great, but I did.. do have feelings for you.  It wasn't just experimentation.  I mean, if it was I could just go ahead and say okay, I did that, now I know I'm straight.  I can't do that though.  I liked kissing you, holding you.. to be blunt, I liked giving you head.  Every moment we had together was like paradise because everything seemed right."

I wiped a tear from my eye, "That means a lot to me.  But, you are in love with Nikki still…I know that.  We aren't meant to be, I guess.  At least not right now."

"I know.  I'm still going to be here for you always, though."  I smiled at him, and threw a slice of pizza on three plates.  I figured I'd let Matt and Eric be, and just bring them their food.  Joey started to walk into the living room, but stopped abruptly.  Me, following close behind him, barely stopped before slamming into him.  I was about to cuss him out, when I followed his gaze.  There in the same spot they were left in, were Eric and Matt.  This time though, they weren't just sitting there with each other, but they were kissing.  Joey and I quietly sat down on the couch and tried to watch TV while we ate.  I think we were watching the lip wrestling match more than the television though.

After a few minutes they finally broke apart, and noticed that Joey and I were there.  We smiled at them, and they smiled back, but with a deep blush on their faces.  I got up and handed them their pizza.  They thanked me, and then separated so they could eat.  I'm not sure if that kiss meant that Eric got what he wanted, or if it was just them being frisky, but I could see it in Matt's eyes, that Eric isn't the only one with more than friend feelings.  We ate and relaxed for another hour, then I changed and headed off to work.

Work went pretty slow.  There wasn't many customers, it being Monday and all.  A half an hour before my shift ended, Michelle told me that I could leave if I wanted.  I was about to go punch out until a group of guys walked into the store.. wearing football jerseys.  I watched as Michelle greeted them.

"Hi, guys.  How are you?  Is there anything I can help you with?"  She asked.

The guys, Trevor Keiko in particular decided to be a jackass, "Yeah, I've got something right here you can help me with."  He said, grabbing his crotch.

"Funny asshole.  You want to be a jerk, go do it somewhere else."

"It's a free country, I'll come in this store if I want to."  I made my way back up to the front of the store.

"You just can't seem to be a decent human being, can you Trevor."  I made my presence known.

"Well, well, well.  If it isn't the fag who thinks he's a tough guy."

"Why don't you get the fuck out of here.  You're obviously not here to buy anything, so leave before we call security and have them carry you out."  He knew I meant business by the tone in my voice.

"You're not invincible, Blade.  Neither are your friends.  So, watch what you say and do."

"You know, you really are a first class prick.  You think just because you're on a football team, that you have the right to treat people like shit?  It doesn't work like that.  You try to hurt people because they're different, well who isn't?  Your friends, your family, they're all their own person.  Hell, I can guarantee you that more than a few of your friends are gay, you just don't know it."

"Yeah right."  He didn't seem to sure of himself now.  He looked around at his group of friends, who just shook their head or looked away.  "Whatever.  I'm not friends with no fags.  By the way, you might wanna keep an eye on your bitch, I mean, you wouldn't want some other queer to steal him away from you."  He said, with a gleam in his eyes.  With that, he and his friends left the store.  What did he mean by that anyway?

"Friends of yours I see."  Michelle joked.

"Funny.  They're assholes.  They tried to hurt my friend today at school, because he's gay."

"Oh, that's terrible."  She paused for a moment, "Was what they were saying true?  Are you gay as well?"  I really didn't expect her to ask me that.  I thought about it for a minute, then decided to be brave for once.

"Yes.  I'm gay."  I tried to gauge her reaction, but without much luck.  All of a sudden she opened up her arms and wrapped them around me.

"Aw, honey.  I'm so proud of you for telling me.  I can tell it's not easy for you."

I smiled, "Thanks for understanding.  I'm not out…well I would be, but my friend, Tyler.. well he kind of outted us both at a party Saturday night.  I found out this morning that he went around and told everyone that I wasn't gay, just he was, just so I wouldn't get ridiculed."

"Aw.  He must really care about you.  He's going to need you now more than ever.  Make sure you are there for him."

"I will."  I looked at the clock, "Well, time to go.  I'll see you tomorrow.  Thanks, Michelle.  Bye."

"Take care, Blade.  Thanks for helping me out with the extra hours.  Bye."  I went to the back and punched out, then went out to my car.  When I got there, I took out my cell and called Kai.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Kai."

"Blade man, what's up?"

"Not much, I just got off work.  What are you up to?"

"Oh, we're just chillin' at the beach.  Why don't you stop by?"

"It's kinda late isn't it?"

"Nah.  We're just gonna get some sodas and a little something to eat, then go sit on the beach.  Meet us at the cafe."

"Okay, I'll head up.  See you in a little while."  I drove off in the direction of the beach.  I got there in about 20 minutes, and took a quick jog over to the cafe.  I looked around for any sign of Kai or Jordan, until someone tapped me on the shoulder.  I jumped, then turned around to be greeted by an amused Jordan.  "You asshole!  Hehe, don't do that to me!"

"Aw, but it was fun."

"For you maybe.  Where's Kai?"

"He's sitting on a bench over there."  He pointed to a spot about 10 yards away.  "Are you going to get a drink or anything?"

"Um, yeah, might as well."  I ordered a virgin raspberry daiquiri, and then headed down the pier with Jordan.

"How are you holding up, Blade?"

"I'm doing okay.  I expected everything to be a lot worse than it was today.  Thanks to Tyler, it's been okay."

"Yeah.. Tyler..."

"Huh?"

"Nevermind.  Um, I've been meaning to talk to you."  He said nervously.

"About?"

"Uh, well, about me and…"  He trailed off as we came up to Kai.  I looked at him expectantly, waiting for him to finish.  "Nevermind."  I gave him a weird look as he took a seat next to Kai.  I gave Kai daps and leaned against the railing.

"What's up surfer boy?"  I teased.

"Nothing..."  He said looking down at his crotch, "wanna change that?"  He gave me a sly grin.

"Hahaha.  Nah, maybe Jordan will help you out with that."  Jordan just about spit out his soda after I said that.  Kai and I laughed at him.

"Why not?  I need some relief, hehe.  How bout you J?"  I could tell Kai enjoyed teasing Jordan.  Jordan blushed, but did give a small smile.

"I'm a 16 year old guy, you figure it out."  We all busted out laughing, not expecting Jordan to say something like that.

"Hmm, and I know Blade's always horny…So, three way?"  Kai said with a big goofy grin on his face.  We laughed at that.

"How would you know when I'm horny?"

"Because you get this wild look in your eyes.  Hehe.. like that first time we came to the beach, when you were looking for me.  You were practically fucking me with your eyes."  I blushed a deep crimson as Kai smiled, and Jordan laughed at me.

"Oh, shut up.  You're hot, what do you want me to say?"

"Hmmm.. say, 'Kai, I want you and Jordan to take me back to your place and make me a man.'  Yeah, that sounds good."  I punched him in the shoulder.

"I always knew you wanted to get me in bed."

"Hehe, you're on to my secret plan."  I smiled at him, then for some reason went off into my own little world, thinking about what it would be like to have a three way with Kai and Jordan.  The idea certainly didn't appall me, that's for sure.  I must've been out of it for too long, because Kai went to kick me, but in the process knocked over his soda.

"Aw, damnit.  See what you made me do?"

"Hehe, I didn't make you do anything.  I was just standing here thinking."

"Yeah.. sure.  You mean little Blade was thinking."  His gaze shifted to my crotch, where there was a bit of a bulge.  I blushed again, and tried to pull my shirt down a little more.  Kai and Jordan just cracked up at my attempts to cover up.

"Well, I'm going to go get another soda.  Do you want anything, J?"

"No, I'm set.  Thanks anyway."  I watched as Jordan beamed at Kai.

"Okay.  Blade, come with?"

"Sure."  Kai and I headed back over to the cafe.  We got there and Kai ordered another Pepsi and a hot pretzel.  While we waited we talked amongst ourselves.

"Blade, can I ask you for a favor?"  Kai asked.

"Yeah, sure.  What do you need?"

"Well, I need you to take Jordan out on a date."  I looked at him like he had gone crazy.

"Dude, have you lost your marbles again?"

"No, hear me out.  I really, really, like him.  I think I'm on my way to falling in love with him.  Now, I know he likes me, but I know there's still something else holding him back from fully giving his love to me."

"Kai, look at the boy.  He hasn't taken his eyes off of you since we walked over here."  Kai sighed, then looked at me with a serious look.

"That's the problem.  You don't see it, but he hasn't just been staring at me.. he's been staring at you too."  I looked back over my shoulder discreetly, and sure enough Jordan was staring at me this time.  "Please, Blade.  This hurts me a lot to even ask you, because I know it could mean that Jordan will want you and not me.  I know you still have feelings deep down for him.. you've just buried them so deep, that you don't feel like they're there anymore.  I-I just want Jordan to be happy, and I need to know if it's me or you that can do that for him."

I stood there, scanning the boardwalk.  I mulled over what Kai was asking me to do, really not sure on what to do.  I don't want to hurt Kai, and he's practically opening himself up for a world of hurt again.  My eyes stopped on two figures, standing by the railing about 10 yards away, to my left.  I squinted, and then made out two guys.... one was a slim, tanned boy, with dark, semi long wet hair, with reddish shorts on.  The other was shorter than the other guy, with blonde hair, brushed down against his forehead, a tan complexion, with a pair of white board shorts on.  The dark haired boy put his arm around the blonde one and pulled him close.. right out in the open.  I looked on in astonishment, which quickly turned to shock.  The moonlight shifted, and shone on the two boys.  The blonde boy's face came into full view.... Tyler.  I stared on, my gaze frozen on them.

I took one last look at Tyler in the arms of the dark haired guy, then turned to Kai and gave him my answer, "I'll do it."

That wraps up Chapter 11.  Hope y'all enjoyed it.  Hehe, it took me forever to write.  Between the website, and my life, I've had a hard time keeping up with my writing.  If it takes a little more time for chapters to come out, just give me some leeway, I'm doing the best I can.  I want to thank everyone for their support and visiting The Jaded Edge.  Hehe, I was overwhelmed the first night when the site reached it's bandwidth limit in an hour.  Sometimes it seems like the site is down, but it's really not, just too many people have accessed it within a short amount of time.  It usually is back in working order within an hour.  I also want to thank David at Nifty for putting in the time to make a great place for everyone to read all of the great stories out there.  Well, I hope to hear from all of you soon, your thoughts on the chapter, site, whatever you like.  Take care everyone =)
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