The following is a complete work of fiction. Any resemblance between the characters and any real life person is completely coincidental. Please do not copy or distribute the story without the author's permission.
Disclaimer: The following story may contain erotic situations between consenting adults. If it is illegal for you to read this please leave now. If you enjoy this story please check out my other stories, City Of Dreams and Center Stage can be found in the Adult Friends section on Nifty, The Fifth Power can be found in the SciFi/Fantasy section or all my stories can be found at my Yahoo! Group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MichaelPhilips or you can send me an email at Mikeyscribe@aol.com Please remember to include something about the story in the subject line.
If you would like to read all the posted chapters of Popular, please sign up for my yahoo group. Chapters 6 and 7 are available there in the files section. Also, all new chapters and stories are updated there every weekend. There is also a story called Trinity: Isle Of Terror available there that has not yet been posted to Nifty. The first part of the series is complete and available in the files section of the group. Thank you so much!
Popular By: Michael Philips
Chapter Five
"Leo, earth to Leo." Hayden said with a chuckle.
Leo could feel Hayden's warm breath wash over his face, and it took a moment for him to regain his senses. He realized that he was still laying on Hayden, and the poor guy couldn't get up. A deep blush covered Leo's face as he quickly stood up and successfully helped Hayden up.
"I'm sorry, Hayden." Leo said with an embarrassed smile. "My mind was gone there for a second. I think it took a second for it to realize that I was on the ground."
"For future reference, Leo, you don't need to knock me to the ground to get my attention. You're attention grabbing on your own without the tackles." Hayden said with a bright smile.
"Do NOT encourage him, Hayden." Noah said with a laugh. "We don't need his head swelling up any more than it already is."
Leo turned his face away from the group for a moment so they wouldn't see the second blush that rushed to his face. If they only knew what which head was swelling from the close contact with Hayden. If Leo had been paying more attention, then he would have realized that Lexie wasn't missing a thing.
"So what's on everyone's game plan today?" Hayden asked as he brushed himself off.
"You two guys are on your own today. I want some alone time with my man." Lexie said with a grin. Leo instantly knew that she was faking the smile, and he was worried about what had Lexie upset. Lexie looped her arm through one of Noah's and began to walk away. "We'll catch up with you two later. Leo, play nice and don't knock Hayden down anymore." She called over her shoulder.
Leo couldn't help but smile at his twin. He was also smiling because Hayden had taken the initiative to ask them what they were up to. Leo was hoping that Hayden was interested in hanging out, and the fact that Lexie gave them some time to hang out without Noah was brilliant.
"I don't have any classes today. So my day is pretty much open." Leo smiled at Hayden. "What about you, buddy?"
"I don't start classes until next week. So my day is totally free." Hayden replied with a smile of his own. It was the type of smile that made Leo's stomach do flip-flops. "Did you want to hang out?"
Hayden hadn't been able to stop the words before they left his mouth. He had planned on just hanging out by himself that day and relaxing. After the question had left his mouth Hayden realized that he did want to hang out with Leo. His talk with Lexie made him very curious about Leo, and Hayden definitely wanted to get to know him better.
"Sure!" Leo was surprised, and certainly pleased, at the invitation. "They set up a climbing wall over at the rec center on campus. Ever do any mountain climbing?"
"I can't say that I have." Hayden chuckled at Leo's enthusiasm. He was like a little kid on Christmas morning. "There's a first time for everything right?"
"That's the spirit, bro! Let's go see how fast you can climb." Leo saw Hayden turn and pick something off the ground. "Whatcha got there?"
"It's the rest of my apple and the sandwich Lexie brought me. I can't just leave it there. I don't want anyone saying I'm a litterbug." Hayden said with a chuckle.
"Sexy and environment conscious. Tell me why you're single, Hayden." Leo threw his arm over his friend's shoulder as they walked.
"Because I'm waiting for Lexie to wake up and leave Noah." Hayden answered with a laugh.
Leo laughed along with Hayden's joke, but he couldn't help the way his stomach clenched at the words. Leo didn't expect Hayden to be interested in guys, but actually finding it out that he wasn't, was difficult. Without really knowing, there was the hope that Leo had a chance, but that was gone.
Besides Hayden wouldn't be ready for a relationship anyways. Lexie was right during their talk that morning. Hayden needed friends right now, not worrying about a relationship. Leo would just have to be content in supplying the friendship.
The two of them chatted and joked with each other as they headed across the campus. It didn't take long for Leo to realize just how special Hayden was.
Once he started to let his guard down his personality was able to shine through. Hayden had the ability to make anyone feel comfortable and important. Whether it was the way he looked at someone or if just a casual touch, he made it clear that he was listening and giving his complete attention.
They headed into the rec center and made their way over to the climbing wall. The center was filled with every type of activity imaginable. From the pool tables, swimming pool, and workout rooms, the rec center had a ton of things to do. Leo and Hayden showed their student IDs to the guy working at that station and waited their turn to climb.
"Have you ever done this before?" Hayden asked Leo as he glanced up at the wall. It was definitely a bit intimidating.
"I've never been on this wall before, though I have been on a few climbing walls before." Leo replied with a grin. "Ya scared?"
"I'm a bit nervous." Hayden chuckled. "I just don't want to look stupid."
"I don't think that's possible." Leo mumbled.
"What did ya say, Leo? I didn't catch it." Hayden asked.
"I said you're going to be fine." Leo said with a quick grin. He hadn't planned on saying that out loud, damn it. Engage brain, then activate mouth!
It was finally their turn and the two of started to get into their safety equipment. Leo glanced over and saw how the harness Hayden was wearing accentuated the guy's firm ass. It practically put his ass on display, and Leo had to shake his head slightly to concentrate.
"Some time today would be nice, Leo." Hayden's voice called over to him.
Before Leo could respond something hit his head and covered his face. He pulled the offending item off and realized it was Hayden's shirt. Leo couldn't help how fast his head turned to look at Hayden. His breath caught in his throat, and his heart was racing a million miles per hour.
Hayden's body had practically been on display at the club when his shirt got soaked in sweat, but that was totally different from seeing his actual naked flesh. Hayden was standing almost fifteen feet away from Leo with his hands on hips, and a smile was on his face. The pose seemed to accentuate his chest and stomach muscles.
"Last one to the top buys dinner." As soon as the words left his mouth, Hayden took off towards the wall.
It took a moment for Leo's brain to register what was said because he was too busy watching Hayden's ass muscles flex. He quickly took off towards his side of the wall and started climbing. Hayden might have had a head start, but Leo was used to climbing walls. By the time they reached the midway point they were tied.
Leo had taken a slight lead, and would have won if he hadn't glanced over to see how far Hayden was. Leo could see the sweat that beaded and rolled down his friend's chest. The sight was hot enough for him to lose his grip and slip slightly. That split second was all Hayden needed to take over the lead. Leo tried as hard as he could to race up the wall, but he wasn't able to make up the lost seconds.
"Looks like I owe ya a dinner, Hayden." Leo said with a grin as they took off their climbing gear.
"No, you don't, Leo." Hayden said with a smile. "I had a head start, and besides, I did distract you first. So I'll buy dinner."
The pair headed outside into the warm afternoon sun. It was warm enough to go without a shirt, but Hayden still quickly pulled his shirt on. Leo was disappointed, but he was glad that the distraction was gone.
"Are you asking me out, Mr. Taylor?" Leo glanced over at Hayden and grinned.
"You should be so lucky, Mr. Warner." Hayden replied with a chuckle. "Besides, even if I was, I don't put out until at least the fifth date. So you wouldn't have gotten lucky anyways."
Just the thought of getting lucky with Hayden was enough to make the front of Leo's jean shorts swell up. He carefully shifted his growing problem, and he hoped that Hayden hadn't noticed. Leo was starting to get worried about the effect that Hayden was having on him. Maybe it was time for him to talk to Lexie about some things.
"Lexie, I don't see what the big deal is, baby." Noah said for the thousandth time.
Lexie was so angry she just wanted to hit something, hard. She had brought Noah back to her dorm room, and almost immediately she confronted him about the conversation he had with Hayden. Lexie expected him to deny the entire thing, so it was a surprise to her when he not only admitted it, but also gave her a detailed account of what was said.
"Of course you don't see what the big deal is, Noah." Lexie tried to keep her voice down, but it was becoming very difficult. "You're used to manipulating people and putting them down. How DARE you imply to Hayden that Leo and I wouldn't hang out with him because of how he dressed! Who the fuck gave you the right to speak for us?"
"He's my best friend, and you're my girlfriend, Lexie. That gives me every right to speak for you both." Noah shot back at her.
"Not when you know we don't feel the same way that you do. It's not like you were defending us or anything. You made it seem like we were a bunch of obnoxious snobs like..." Lexie's voice broke off and she turned away from Noah. She was too close to saying things she could regret.
"Like me." Noah finished for her. Lexie spun around to say something. "That's what you were going to say, right? That the two of you aren't a bunch of spoiled little rich brats like me?"
"Baby, I didn't..." Lexie said with a sigh.
"Fuck that, Lexie!" Noah's voice rose as his face turned red. "I'm so fucking sick and tired of hearing you and Leo bash me for my opinions. Do you realize that makes you as bad as me? You and Leo always getting down on me and acting like you're so much better than I am. How is that any different from what I say or do?"
Lexie again attempted to respond, but still wasn't able to. Noah's words sunk into her mind, and she contemplated what he said. Could he even be right? Was it possible that she and Leo were just as bad as Noah? No. Lexie told herself that they weren't like Noah at all. They may tease him about his opinions or ignore him, but they never once said they were better than him.
"Don't you even dare to try and turn this around on me!" Lexie finally spat back. "YOU were the one that practically told Hayden he wasn't good enough.
Leo or I have NEVER done that to you."
Noah realized that there was no way in hell that he was going to win the argument with Lexie, and if he didn't change his tactics, and fast, he would probably be single at the end of this fight.
"I'm sorry, baby." Noah quietly replied. "I just...I just see so much potential in Hayden, and I felt bad for him. I knew that people on campus would talk shit about him, and I didn't want him to get any more hurt than he already is."
"I'm sorry too, Noah. It's just so frustrating sometimes." Lexie replied with a sigh. She didn't want to give in so easily, but she hated fighting with anyone. "You just need to think before you say things like that. You really got lucky, Noah, that what you said didn't hurt Hayden."
"I know, Lexie, and I promise to try harder in the future. Honest." Noah gave Lexie a puppy dog face that he knew would get her. Noah walked over and hugged his girlfriend and gave her a kiss. "I know what might brighten your spirits up tonight. How about a party?"
"What party?" She asked.
"Beta Kappa Gamma is having a rush party tonight." Noah said with a smile. "Leo and I were thinking about rushing this year, and if we are going to be in any frat, then BKG is THE frat to be in."
"Are you going all Greek on me, baby?" Lexie asked with a wink.
"I just might be if they take me." Noah said with a grin.
"Don't get your hopes up, Noah." Lexie put her hand up to stop his response. "All I'm saying is that you know BKG is VERY exclusive, and I've seen the smartest, richest, hottest guys on campus get rejected. I'm just trying to keep you grounded, that's all, sweetie."
"What would I do without you, Lexie?" Noah asked and kissed her again.
"God only knows." Lexie said with a laugh. "Do you think we should invite Hayden to go with us tonight?"
"Absolutely!" Noah said with a grin. Lexie was being more and more helpful in his winning the bet, and she didn't even know it. Hopefully, she would never find out. "I think he'd have a blast at his first college party, and a frat rush party at that."
Lexie walked over to the phone in her room and quickly dialed Leo's cell phone. She was hoping that he had his cell phone on for once. Most of the time he left the dang thing in his room. After a few rings though he finally answered the phone. She quickly explained their idea of going to the rush party, and Leo quickly agreed. Hayden was with him, and after checking, Leo said Hayden would go as well. That night was definitely going to be memorable, but none of them realized just how memorable it would be.
Later that evening the four of them found themselves outside of the Chatham House. The Chatham House was the local chapter house for Beta Kappa Gamma. It was a beautifully renovated house that was donated by one of their rich and powerful alumni. From the music that was pounding in the night air, the party had definitely started.
Hayden had put on a tight pair of black button down jeans and added a hunter green silk button down shirt over it. He glanced at the rest of the group and knew that the four of them definitely looked impressive together. As they walked onto the porch there was a frat brother there checking out the people going in. As his eyes met Hayden's his face lit up in a smile.
"Hey..." Hayden slightly shook his head, hoping that guy would catch his meaning. The frat brother obviously did as he continued. "Hey everyone! I'm Patrick, welcome to Beta Kappa Gamma. I hope all of you have a great time tonight."
Hayden breathed a quiet sigh of relief as they entered the house. He was mentally beating himself up for not asking what frat was hosting the party tonight. Hayden knew that there was no way to avoid the secrets that would be revealed tonight. He wanted to turn tail and run, but he knew that it just wasn't a possibility. Hayden was going to just have to take a deep breath and hope for the best.
They walked through the spacious first floor and took in everything that was going on. One of the rooms, which was a dining room, had been cleared out as a dance floor. There were a lot of people dancing and enjoying the awesome dance music. The surprising thing was that there were not only hetero couples dancing, but there were quite a few guys paired off together dancing as well.
"This campus has a zero tolerance for any type of discrimination." Leo leaned over towards Hayden to be heard over the music, and it gave him a reason to be close to Hayden. The smell of Hayden's cologne drove Leo crazy. "I hope that doesn't bother you."
"Not at all." Hayden replied with a grin. "To each their own, ya know?"
"Let's go show these people how to bust a move, Hayden." Lexie walked up to him and grabbed his hand. "Let's spice up the floor a bit."
"You two go ahead." Noah said. "We'll grab some drinks."
Hayden and Lexie were already moving onto the setup dance floor before Noah even finished talking. They immediately found the rhythm of the music and began to move in beat with each other. It was only a matter of moments before the two of them were getting down with some hot dirty dancing. A lot of people at the party took notice of the two of them bumping and grinding against each other.
After a few songs played through Hayden noticed someone trying to get his attention from the kitchen area. He discreetly nodded his head and finished out dancing the song with Lexie.
"I'll be right back." Hayden said into her ear. "I'm gonna run to the bathroom. You find the guys and I'll meet back up with you."
Lexie nodded and headed in the opposite direction of the kitchen, which Hayden was thankful for. He waited for a few moments and headed off to find the person who was calling him. Hayden found the guy in the hallway that was connected to the kitchen. The guy motioned for Hayden to follow him. The pair walked down the hallway and into an office that was located three doors down, the office of the Chapter President.
"It's good to see you, Hayden. We weren't expecting you to rush until next year." Adam Packard was a tall, blonde Adonis, and was one of the smartest guys on campus.
"I hadn't planned on it either to be honest with you, Adam. I had planned to spend most of the year just getting acquainted with the college." Hayden replied with a smile as he sat down in the chair Adam offered. "Some unexpected friends that I made decided to come to the rush party, and they hadn't told me which frat the party was for."
"Otherwise you probably wouldn't have come." Adam said with a knowing smile. "I am glad though that you didn't know because it would have been hard for the brothers not to interact with you this year."
"I know that, and I'm sorry that I had to ask for that favor." Hayden sheepishly replied. "It's just that..."
"You don't have to explain, Hayden. It's cool. I totally understand your reasoning, and to be honest, I would have most likely done the same in your situation." Adam grinned at Hayden. "As a senior I would most likely have left this year, so I'm glad to have the chance to see you."
"I am too, though I think my cover is going to get blown tonight." Hayden said with a sigh.
"I'll do whatever I can to help you out, but let me give you a piece of advice." Adam leaned back against the desk that was in front of Hayden. "Leo Warner and Lexie Covington are two of the coolest people on campus, and I don't just mean that they are popular. You got very lucky to run into them, and I think that they are going to be very good for you."
"Thanks, Adam. That makes me feel even more comfortable hearing that from you." Hayden realized something about what Adam had just said. "I notice that you didn't mention Noah before."
"Ah, Mister Radcliff." Adam said with a deep sigh. "He's not that bad of a guy once you get to know him, but he's definitely the type of person that you were trying to avoid."
"I'll definitely keep an eye out on him. I appreciate all your help, Adam."
Hayden stood up and gave the man a hug. "You're one of the few true friends I've ever had, even though I've only met you like twice."
"Don't worry about it, Hayden. Once you're inducted into the brotherhood, there will be plenty of time for us to hang out and get to know each other better." Adam replied as he hugged Hayden back.
"I better get back out to my friends. I'm sure they are wondering where I'm at." Hayden said with a smile.
"I'll make my way over at some point tonight and introduce myself. That will give us a chance to hang out more." Adam patted Hayden on the back as they made their way to the door.
"That sounds awesome, Adam." Hayden grinned at him.
Hayden checked the hallway before stepping out of the office. He walked down the hallway away from the kitchen and towards the bathroom. Hayden waited in line and then quickly used the facilities before looking for his friends. He found them on the upstairs deck. It looked like they were having a good time, and Hayden rushed over to join them.
It was almost two hours later, and Hayden was definitely having a great time. If frat boys know how to do anything, it's drink and throw a wicked party. Hayden lost count of how many drinks he had, and from the way Leo and Lexie were giggling, he was sure they were as buzzed as he was. Of course something would come along to ruin that buzz. Hayden had gone to get himself another drink, and on his way back to the group he saw a new guy standing there. Hayden hung back for a moment to hear what he was saying.
"I was hoping I'd find you here, Leo." The new guy said to the group.
They turned to see who the newcomer was, and Leo's face went a bit white. Hayden inspected the guy that made Leo nervous. He was about five foot eight with jet black hair. Hayden noticed that the guy wasn't overly muscular, but he had a pretty nicely toned body. There was one thing that irritated Hayden though. The guy's attitude seemed to be a replica of Noah's.
"Hey Jared." Leo said with a small, but fake, smile. "I didn't know you were rushing Beta Kappa Gamma."
"I heard through the grapevine you might show up here tonight." Jared's smile could have been pleasant, if he didn't remind Hayden of a weasel that is. "I thought since you weren't calling me back I'd just have to talk to you in person."
"Now's really not a good time, Jared." Leo quickly said. "Look, I'll call you tomorrow, and we can talk then. Okay?"
"I don't think so, Leo. You're just gonna blow me off again." Jared's smile faded a bit, and his voice hardened. "We both know that you want me. So let's just cut with the fucking games, okay?"
"What do you mean he wants you?" Noah asked as he gave Jared the evil eye.
"He wants you to go away, that's for sure." Lexie's voice was as cold as Noah's.
"That's funny. He didn't want me to go away when we danced together at the Inferno over the summer." Jared's face was a mask of false confusion.
"What's the Inferno?" Lexie asked.
Hayden was almost afraid to hear the answer as he saw Leo's face turn even whiter. Leo and Hayden's eyes met, and fear shot through Leo's body. He didn't want Hayden to find out his secret, at least not this way.
"It's one of the hottest gay clubs in South Beach. I guess Leo didn't realize we went to the same school." Jared's smiled returned, but this time there was a hint of evil and malice there.
Leo's eyes closed, and Hayden heard a very deep and heavy sigh escape his friend. If there was any doubt in what Jared was saying, Leo just blew that all away. The triumphant grin that appeared on Jared's face made Hayden sick to his stomach. Jared obviously knew that Leo wasn't out to anyone, and since he got turned down, he wanted to get a little revenge.
Hayden didn't give a flying rat's ass if Leo was gay. It seemed that the two of them had much more in common than they realized. Hayden quickly glanced at Lexie and saw that she wasn't as shocked as Hayden was. In fact, the only emotion she was showing was a very intense anger. Their eyes met, and Hayden knew that he had to do something before Lexie lost control. Hayden took a deep breath and prayed he was doing the right thing.
Hayden set his drink down on a table that was nearby and completely unbuttoned his shirt. He pulled it open a bit to show off his taut muscular body. Hayden was glad that no one in the group had acknowledged his presence. It would give him the element of surprise.
"Hey babe. Who's your friend?" Hayden asked as he walked up to Leo and slid his arm around Leo's waist. "Sorry it took me so long. The lines in the bathroom are fucking insane."
Hayden covertly glanced over at Lexie, and he saw all the anger drain completely from her face. A dazzling grin took the place of her frown, and as she realized Hayden was looking at her, she winked. Hayden also knew he was doing the right thing as he felt Leo's arm wrap around his waist. Hayden's body flushed with excitement as he felt Leo's cool hand slip under his shirt and rest on his lower back. Jared's face, on the other hand, went from a happy smile to a confused frown.
"That's interesting." Jared practically spat. "You didn't mention that you had a boyfriend when you were all over me, Leo."
"I'm sure that wouldn't have stopped you, Jared." Hayden's voice became as hard as a rock. "In fact, I'm willing to bet that it was you that was all over Leo. You're obviously trying to get some revenge because I'm sure Leo told you that he wasn't out at school. It's a bit unfortunate for you that he came out when he got back this summer. So why don't you do us all a favor and leave." Hayden gave Jared a confused look before continuing. "I don't even know how you're out by yourself. Aren't there leash laws in this state?"
Jared's face turned a deep shade of red, and his mouth flapped noiselessly up and down. To Jared's further embarrassment Lexie started to giggle, and that of course made Leo laugh. Within a few seconds the whole group was laughing. Jared finally shot Hayden one final evil look before stomping off.
Hayden's laughter stopped in his throat as he glanced at Leo. Their eyes locked, and Leo's green eyes sparkled in a way Hayden had never seen before.
Hayden felt Leo's arm tighten around him. As Hayden continued to look into Leo's eyes he saw tears building up behind Leo's dark lashes. Leo's body began to shake against Hayden. He realized that the truth of what just happened hit Leo full force. Leo had just come out of the closet.
"It's okay." Hayden said for Leo's ears only. He reached up and placed his hand on the back of Leo's neck to comfort him. "You don't have anything to worry about. Do you understand me?"
"I don't know how to thank you." Leo's hushed voice was raw with emotion.
"Jared's watching us from across the deck." Lexie quietly informed them.
"You can thank me by not kicking my ass for this." Hayden quickly said.
"For what?" Leo's eyes became dark with confusion.
"This." Hayden quietly said.
Without even thinking about the consequences of his actions, Hayden leaned forward and pressed his lips against Leo's. Right before their lips touched Hayden felt Leo's warm breath wash over his face, and Hayden's eyes instinctively closed as he felt Leo's arm loosen its hold on him. The initial moments of the kiss sent electrical shockwaves through Hayden's body. Suddenly Leo's arm tightened around Hayden, and he pulled their bodies closer together. Hayden could feel the heat of Leo's body as it pressed against his bare chest. As their muscular bodies pressed together Hayden felt Leo's tongue press against his lips. Hayden's lips quickly parted to allow Leo to claim him.
An indescribable feeling exploded through Hayden's body as Leo's tongue swept into his willing mouth. Hayden soon responded, and their tongues battled for dominance against each other. It was a moment that burned itself into Hayden's memory for eternity. The memory would have to last that long because it was the only kiss they would ever share because Hayden knew that once Leo found out the truth, everything would be over.
******* If you would like to read all the posted chapters of Popular, please sign up for my yahoo group. Chapters 6 and 7 are available there in the files section. www.groups.yahoo.com/group/MichaelPhilps Also, all new chapters and stories are updated there every weekend. There is also a story called Trinity: Isle Of Terror available there that has not yet been posted to Nifty. The first part of the series is complete and available in the files section of the group. Thank you so much!