STORM FRONT

By SFwriter

5 Paths - Fallout
Interludes
Timeline: Post Season 4

  

* * * * * * *

“You are the best after all.  You’re number one.”

Storm’s words echoed through Dade’s soul.  He felt them like a blade ripping at his heart.  A blade forged in guilt, and wielded with malice.  A blade that Dade created when he utterly destroyed his brother physically, mentally, and emotionally.

“What have I done?”  Dade moaned, “What have I done?”

He’d experienced a night of being lauded as a hero.  A night of partying and celebration, filled with endless drinks and a string of beauties throwing themselves at him.  He could remember spending most of the night talking to people he’d never met.  People from places other than Merlow.  Strangely, no one from the dojo was partying with him.  Dade found this fact curious, but distracted himself with beer and reveling. 

Last night he was the man.  He was number one.  There was no Storm.  There was only Dade.  Only Dade.

“Only me.”  Dade said to himself.

Now he sat alone on his bed.  He was naked, inside and out.  His eyes holding an empty gaze.  A sheet draped across his midsection, barely covering his pelvic area. 

He shifted on his side, resting on his right elbow, with his head propped on his hand.  He could see his reflection in the wardrobe mirrors.  He studied himself with more detail than usual, even for someone as aesthetically oriented as he was.  He noted that his biceps seemed bigger than the last time he looked.  His chest was broader, with square defined pecs, accented by a taut solid six pack, and an obvious v shape leading parallel with his treasure trail.  He was beautiful and he knew it.

Yet he didn’t look just to marvel at his own beauty.  To pat himself on the back for all the work he’d put into his physique.  To wonder at how he’d been fortunate enough to be such a natural beauty.  No, he stared at himself for one sole reason.  He didn’t recognize himself.

For the first time in his life, he looked at himself in the mirror.  He looked at his body, his face, his eyes.  What he saw was not the Dade he was used to.  The Dade that looked back at him was a man.  A man who had shed the last of his innocence. 

In one fateful day of life changing consequences, he seemed older.  He felt older.  He felt as if he’d killed off any innocence he had left.  He was no longer a little brother.  He was no longer a son.  He was barely a friend.  But he was a man. 

The morning sun shone through the window and onto his legs.  He began staring at his toes curiously.  For the oddest reason, he found himself studying his feet.  The more he looked, the more he realized they were almost identical to Storm’s.  The same arch.  Same toes.  Pretty, yet strong.  And yet Dade couldn’t help feeling that they shared nothing in common, because they had different biological fathers.  His hair was darker than Storm’s.  His eyes would sparkle a grey-green in certain light, yet they were blue.  Storm’s were simply a deep blue all the time.

Dade concluded that the best parts of Storm were the parts he didn’t get.  And the worst parts of himself, were the parts Storm didn’t get.  Dade wondered if it was not for June’s genetic contribution to his being, he’d be a far worse individual than he already felt he was.  He began to wonder if he hated Storm because of those parts he had, that Dade knew he never would.

Once upon a time when Dade believed they were one.  When he believed that nothing could come between them.  When he knew his brother was the greatest, and didn’t resent him for it.  When he aspired to be like Storm, not to actually be him.  When he believed their blood was pure and the same.  Once upon a time, Dade thought he would eventually be the same as his brother.  But as recent events had proven, they were nothing alike.  Dade did not have the best parts of Storm, whether he tried to take them by force or not.

“I didn’t mean for this.  I take it all back, Storm.” 

Now the alcohol had worn off, replaced by a heavy hangover and resurfacing guilt.  In his heart, he knew he had wronged his brother.  He knew he hurt his brother more than Lucas had.  More than anyone ever had.

“Damn it.”  Dade said as he felt stirrings of emotion.

He reached to his bedside where a bottle of Absolut vodka sat unopened.  Dade quickly changed that fact, opening the bottle and bringing it straight to his lips.  He let out a small grimace as the bitter aftertaste of the vodka hit him, followed by the mellow heat in his chest.  He found himself staring at the bottle and cursed himself when he thought of Storm yet again.

Where their feet had shown a commonality, his current actions showed quite the opposite.  Storm never drank alcohol.  Dade knew that when it really came down to it, Storm chose not to drink.  It wasn’t just because Storm couldn’t, it’s because he wouldn’t.  This was one notable difference between the two of them. 

The other notable difference revealed itself, or rather, herself, as Dade placed the bottle back on his bedside drawer.  Dade looked down at the naked form of his female conquest.  He couldn’t even remember her name.  All he knew is she was the prettiest girl at the party and she wanted him.  Figuring he was already going to hell, Dade resurrected his reputation as a lady killer and brought the girl home.  After mere minutes of working his magic on her, the pair were fucking like rabbits.

No love was made.  No feelings were raised to a new level.  No emotions were brought into play as he thrust into her.  All he wanted from her was comfort.  He wanted to feel like a man.  He wanted to dominate and take what he wanted.  All he wanted, was to feel wanted.  As random as she was, she gave this to him.  And for her part, Dade hoped the two orgasms he gave her, were sufficient remuneration.

To him, it was just sex.  And that in itself was the difference between him and Storm.  As much as he and Storm shared similar genes, he doubted that Storm could simply have sex.  There had to be more to it for him.  Storm had ideals and notions that Dade felt were greater than he could live up to.

“I guess I’m just not worthy of such lofty ideals after all.”  Dade sighed as he looked down at his bed partner.

“Huh?”  The girl said as she opened her eyes.

Dade felt bad for the girl.  He doubted there would be any future between them.  He had what he wanted.  He hoped she’d gotten what she wanted too, but as she looked up at him, he could tell she was after more than just a one night stand.

She reminded him of Claire.  And that in itself was part of the reason he slept with this girl.  To distract him from his brother and his one time girlfriend.  To distract him from the knowledge that he was going to be a father.

And yet now that morning had come, all he found himself doing was thinking about both his brother and the mother of his future child.  He reacted the only way he knew how.  He distracted himself. 

Leaning down, Dade smashed his lips against the girl’s.  He made his intentions clear.  His hands traced their way down her side, stopping only to tweak her nipples gently.  He gently nudged her legs apart with his feet as he positioned himself over her.

He pulled his lips from hers and hovered for an instant.  She bobbed her head up in an attempt to once again taste his lips, but Dade kept himself just out of reach.  He sought her eyes for permission to take the next step and she responded by placing her hands on Dade’s ass.  He wasted no time in entering her with a mighty thrust.  She screamed out and dug her nails into Dade’s back.  Dade grimaced but did not stop.  He fucked her with an urgency and fervor he saved for those he felt nothing for.

He kissed her again and this time closed his eyes, when the oddest thought entered his mind.  A thought that almost broke Dade’s pace with this girl.  The pro in him didn’t skip a beat though.  Even as he flashed with thoughts of the night he made love to Claire.

As confused and ill timed as their relationship was, he had genuine feelings for Claire.  He loved her, even though she doubted it.  They’d been friends too long for him to feel otherwise once they did get together.  He found himself thinking again of Claire and it only served to make him angry.  He’d made love to many women in his young life, but none had left as profound an impact as Claire.  He could see her face on this girl and he broke out in a smile.  He instinctively slowed his pace, instead taking his time while he imagined it was Claire beneath him.  He imagined they were Claire’s hands on his back.  Imagined it was Claire breathing against his neck as he moved in and out of her.  Imagined it was Claire’s feet inching their way up his calves.

“Oh … my … oh …”  The girl mouthed with an ‘o’, “You are so … fucking … hot … so … good.”

The sound of the girl’s voice broke Dade from his illusions.  All at once he remembered where he was, and who he was fucking.  He felt a flash of anger, not at the girl, but himself.  Why was he thinking of Claire now?

He was distracted by her assault on his chest with her tongue.  Dade let out a moan of pleasure as she sucked in his nipple.  He quickly chastised himself for feeling so good.  For letting himself lose control.

He pulled out of her and spun her up on all fours.  He took her again from behind and began fucking her even faster than before.  He wanted this over and done with.  He didn’t want to look at the girl’s face.  He didn’t want to go slow or give her the same treatment he’d given Claire.  And yet now, even from behind, he was still plagued.  This time with thoughts of his once great love, Marcel Lewis. 

Dade felt bitter tears began running down his face as he pounded away.  He was grateful the girl could not see his face.  Instead he held his hand to the back of her head to stop her from turning around and seeing his face.  He then put all his efforts into making sure she got something out of this random fuck.  He used to pride himself on knowing just where to hit the right spot on a girl.  He knew just what motion to use.  He knew just what hand and finger ministrations added to the cause of bringing a girl to orgasm.  Right now he was using all that knowledge to give this girl the ride of her life.

As if an act of mercy, the girl screamed out obscenities that gave Dade the impression she’d orgasmed.  Dade let himself reach the peaks he’d held back on for her sake, and erupted with an angry jism of ejaculate.  Yet instead of the orgasmic high the girl was vocalizing, Dade simply felt a wave of disappointment.

He pulled out and rolled away, panting with both anger and relief.  He gritted his teeth and closed his eyes, letting his arm fall over his face.  He wanted to cry, but had enough sense to keep up his manly disposition in front of the girl.  The girl whose name he still could not remember.  And as she lay her head on his chest, Dade wasn’t sure whether to feel appreciative or angry.

In the end, he simply felt his heart break even more.  For all the attempts he could make at trying to fill the voids in his soul, he had failed miserably.  He felt no better now than he did yesterday, or any day since the Reigonals.  And even a ball breaking fuck with a beautiful girl could not change that in his mind.  Most would call him a stud.  Would tell him he lived up to his reputation.  If anything, it only served to make him feel like a slut of the worst kind.  Because even now, he still could not remember her name.

 

* * * * * * *

 

“Say my name, Bitch!”  Jacob yelled as he chased Carl along the beach of Lake Herren.

“Ok … Bitch!”  Carl yelled back, “Bitch!”

Carl put on his best football sidestep, but Jacob still caught him with a sidesplitting tackle.  The two crashed down onto the wet sand and wrestled around.  Claire finally caught up to them and watched with a smile.

“Now who’s the bitch?”  Jacob laughed as he took the football from Carl and stood up, “And you call yourself a jock!  Who’s the bitch now?”

“Still you.”  Carl grinned, “But thankfully, you aren’t my bitch.”

“Don’t you dare say that I’m your bit… you know.”  Claire smiled.

“Never, Princess.”  Carl said as he took Claire’s hand and kissed it, “Never.”

“Oh please, don’t make me gag.”  Jacob said rolling his eyes.

“I think he could actually.”  Claire said with a demure smirk.

Both Carl and Jacob stared at Claire with surprise.  Their mouths were agape at the notion of the angelic Claire making sexual innuendo.  Claire simply shrugged at them and walked toward the water.

“Well, people are going to start calling me the town hussy soon enough.  I may as well start talking like one!”  Claire yelled as she dove into the water.

“Not a chance, Princess!”  Carl yelled after her.

Carl quickly turned and put his hand on Jacob’s shoulder.  Jacob seemed perplexed by Carl’s gesture.  Even more so when Carl tilted his head and smiled.

“Would you like me to call her something other than Princess around you?  You might think I’m talking to you.”  Carl said before he ran off into the water.

“Oh, you’re gonna pay for that one!”  Jacob yelled.

The three frolicked in the water for a while, before Carl managed to sneak away with Claire.  Finally when they’d found a less populated space of water, Carl held Claire in the water so her legs were wrapped around his waist.  He reveled in the sensation, finding it more and more difficult to suppress his desire for Claire.  Yet more than that, he simply found it more and more enjoyable simply being around her.

“Have I told you today that I love you?”  Carl said with a happy sigh.

“I think Jacob wants to tell you the same thing.  He’s quite a fan of yours.”

“Oh … serious?”  Carl said in horror.

“Not like that!”  Claire said with a sweet laugh, “He thinks you’re good for me.  You’re the first one he’s really approved of.”

“Well … great.  What was wrong with the other ones?”

“He didn’t like Lucas because he got the impression Lucas was never going to give me anything.  And he was right, as we all found out Lucas was giving it all to Storm.  He really liked Josh.  He still does.  But maybe he knew that Josh was playing for the other team.  And as for Dade, well … he didn’t want me just being another trophy for Dade.  Dade has a reputation, you know.”

“I don’t know how I got so lucky.”  Carl smiled sincerely, “It’s been so long and I still can’t believe you’re mine.  I mean, you’re my girl.  How cool is that?”

“I am your girl.”  Claire said as she leaned forward and kissed Carl.

“Say it again.”

“I am your girl.”

“One more time.”  Carl grinned.

“I … am … your girl.”

“I love it when you say that.”  Carl beamed as he spun Claire around in the water.

“You know, we really owe Storm for getting us together.”  Claire said as she stroked Carl’s cheek, “He set you up, and he asked me to go out with you.  So that means we’ll have to invite him to the wedding.”

“Invite him?  He’s going to be my best man!  I’ll hunt him all the way to Australia if I have to.  It’s because of him that I have you.  I owe him big time.”

“Do you think he’s ok?  I felt so bad for him.”  Claire said with genuine concern, “I can’t get his face out of my head after he lost that fight to Dade.”

“Dade can go to hell for all I care.  Wait a minute, did you say wedding?”

“You’re a bit slow.”  Claire laughed, “And yes I did.  One day.  I mean, I don’t mean to scare you.  It just popped out.  But you know, if we’re still together in five years, maybe less, we could think about it.”

“We could be a modern couple and I could change my last name to Carlyle.  Then I’d be Carl Carlyle.”  Carl grinned before his face become suddenly serious, “You know though, we don’t have to wait that long.  We could get married before … before the baby is born.  If you wanted to be official and everything.  We could be a family.  I’ll stand by you, Princess.  I swear.”

Claire felt the impact of Carl’s words.  She felt the sincerity and depth of his commitment to her.  She could see in his eyes just how serious he was.  It was in these moments that she felt her heart pang with a rush of emotion.  Because it was in these moments that she realized she had finally found what she had been looking for all these years.  She had found someone who loved her first.  But even more than this, it was in these moments, she realized she found someone she loved in return.

“I love you, Carl Bentley.”  Claire said with a raw vulnerability that Carl had not seen before.

“You … you do?”  Carl asked in disbelief.

“I love you very much.”  Claire said with watery eyes, “I love you so very much.”

All of a sudden, Claire’s face lit up with a tear filled smile.  Her face was filled with a mixture of joy and relief.  She beamed a smile at Carl, who remained stunned as he stared wide eyed at her.  Every time he tried to speak, he found himself dumbfounded.  Did she really mean it?  Did she finally say what he wanted her to say for so long?

“Oh my … oh sh..sh…shi…shit.”  Carl stammered.

Carl soon let out a massive wolf call as he ran out of the water with Claire still clinging to him.  He smothered Claire with kisses as he collapsed on the sand with her on top of him.  Their happy little pecks soon became much longer pashes.  Claire wasn’t used to such public displays, but found herself becoming more and more open with Carl.  She simply felt that when she was with him, she didn’t care what anyone else thought.

“I love you, Princess.”  Carl smiled with a stupid grin, “I love you so much I don’t know how I could go back to being without you.  The last few months … have been the best of my life.  I’m so happy you could hit me and I’d grin for you.”

“I don’t know many guys who would do what you’re doing.  Most guys would have run at the first sign of trouble.  Not you though.  And you aren’t even the …”

“Don’t say it.”  Carl said as he tilted his head up and kissed Claire again, “Don’t say it, Princess.  A part of you is part of me now.  I haven’t waited for over two years just to give up now.  And besides, you are my girl, remember?”

“What about Dade?”

“Fuck him, he’s not my girl.”  Carl said before he covered his mouth, “Bad choice of words.  Don’t fuck him. I just mean screw him.  Ok, not that either.  I mean, don’t give him any more thought.  I know it’s his baby too, but he’s acting like such a dick right now.  I don’t want him anywhere near you or the baby.”

“I can’t do that.  He said he’d take responsibility.”

“As long as that doesn’t mean he’s taking you as well.”  Carl said with an ominous sense of fear, “He can’t have you.”

Carl spoke with a surprising amount of raw emotion.  His obvious fear of losing Claire to Dade was palpable.  Claire could almost smell it.  It hurt her to see her man feeling so vulnerable.

“He can’t have me.”  Claire said with a sigh as she laid her head on Carl’s chest, “But you can.  I’m yours now.  If you want me …”

“Wha?”  Carl said almost choking as he realized what Claire meant.

“I’m just saying.  I love you, Carl.  I just wish you were my first, but even though you won’t be, it’ll still mean just as much.”  Claire said as she looked up into Carl’s eyes, “Because it’s you.”

“Well damn, today’s just my lucky day.  First she tells me she loves me.  Then she tells me she wants me.  Any more of this and I’ll die of joy overkill.  Seriously though, Princess.  Do you mean it?”

“I want you to have me while I still … look good to you.”  Claire smiled, “Before it starts getting obvious, you know?”

“Just for that, we’re waiting till you’re really showing.”

“Ok then.”  Claire shrugged as she stood up.

She began pairing up her hair right in front of Carl, intentionally giving him a show of her still svelte figure.  Sure enough, Carl began ogling her with sideway glances.  Sideway glances that soon become obvious studies in the female anatomy.

“Umm … Princess?”

“Yes, my love?”

“Your place or mine?”

 

* * * * * * *

 

Dade paced back and forth in the dojo, his hands clasped behind his back.  The entire class were on their knees waiting for him to finish his inaugural speech as Number One of the dojo.  Dade wished that little deal was made of his rise to the top, but Sensei Takada had insisted.  Yet Dade had the impression that Sensei Takada was doing so to remind Dade of his mistakes, more than to congratulate him.

“I received withdrawal letters from Marty Lee at the Regionals Championship.  He stated that he was leaving to live with his sister and wished everyone well here.  Daniel san also spoke with me and told me of his decision to withdraw from the dojo and retire from active competition.  For reasons that are his alone to know, he was unable to remain behind for one more session with us so we could thank him for his dedication and leadership here.  His contributions will not be forgotten.  And he will always be welcome, should one day he return to us.  These two departures, and Dade’s victory at the Regionals have left him as the highest ranked member of this dojo.  I’m sure he will lead you to the best of his ability.”

Dade found himself in the unfamiliar position of being a leader.  Sure, he had captained his old hockey team in the past.  He’d been a captain during the little league, but he found himself sorely lacking in leadership skills right now.  Sensei Takada was looking at him to take over speaking again, but Dade was dumbstruck.  He found himself having a hard time articulating words that would have meaning, and also be of a leadership standard.  All of a sudden, instead of feeling superior as a leader and champion should, he felt inferior and stupid.

“I am not here to replace anyone.  I hope that you will all help me while I get used to this role.  And please if you have any questions, just ask.”  Dade said feigning a small smile.

“Why didn’t Storm come to say goodbye?”  Wendell asked Dade, “Is he hurt?”

“I don’t know.”  Dade said with a guilty nod.

“When do we start training for the next Intermix?  Are you going to enter?”

“I don’t know.”  Dade shrugged.

“Who is taking over the juniors if you’re Number One?”  Asked a random junior student, “Who will redesign our kata manifests?”

“I don’t know.”

“Are you going to show us the new guidelines for tournament fighting?”

“I don’t know.”

“Is Storm coming back?”  Asked Wendell, “What about Marty Lee?  I was just starting to like him.  And Storm said he was going to teach us his Rising Tempest.  Can you teach us?”

“I don’t know.”

“What do you know?”  Wendell asked annoyed.

“I don’t know.”

Dade stood there feeling hemmed in and helpless.  His first test at really being his brother, and he was failing miserably.  Only now was he beginning to realize the expectations people had of his brother.  The responsibilities his brother had to others.  The skill it took for Storm to just be a leader, and to provide the students with a sense of direction and security.  How could he offer the same?  Even more than that, if he couldn’t lead a class, how could he possibly lead a child and be a father?

“Class, break off and begin warm up sessions with your group leaders.”  Sensei Takada said as he stared at Dade.

Dade felt immediately out of place.  He hoped that with time he’d learn to own the role he now held.  Being number one did not bring the satisfaction Dade had often dreamed about.  Instead, it made him feel like he was even more of a shadow than he thought he was before.

“This isn’t my dream.”  Dade realized, “It’s his.”

 

* * * * * * *

 

“Is there anyone here?”  Carl asked Claire between kisses.

“Shut up, there’s no one here.  Jacob’s gone back to White Swan and Dad’s at work.”

Claire and himself had barely made it through her front door before their hands were all over each other.  He wasn’t sure he’d last long enough to even have sex with her.  The rate he was going, he’d explode before they hit the stairs.

“I feel like a such a dork.”  Carl laughed as he carried Claire up the stairs, “I have no idea what I’m doing.”

“It’s not rocket science.”  Claire smiled back, “I’m sure you’ll figure it out.”

Carl fumbled his way through Claire’s door, kicking off his shoes as he sucked on Claire’s neck.  Claire cooed and let out a moan before she pulled away from Carl’s embrace and stood up.  At first Carl thought something was wrong.  He thought she’d come to her senses and decided she didn’t want to sleep with him after all.  A thought he wouldn’t have minded at the moment, because he was feeling a large case of stage fright.

“Are you sure you want to do this?”  Claire asked as she held Carl’s hand, “Are you sure it’s me you want to be your first?”

It was in that moment Carl knew this was exactly what he wanted.  More than anything in the world right now, he wanted to make love to Claire Carlyle.  The young love of his life.  He still couldn’t believe this was actually happening.  He kept waiting for something to happen that would prevent them from taking that last step.

Carl leaned his head forward and kissed Claire with a gentle urgency.  He held his hand at the back of her neck as they made out.  Feeling game, he brushed his fingers along the top of her bikini bra.  He was about to move away when she held her hand to his and urged him to continue.  He moved around her back and fumbled with the knot.  He moved his lips down over her neck and hit the object he’d been craving for.  He opened his eyes, feeling like a 12 year old kid looking at a playboy.  He’d seen Claire’s breasts a few times, mostly accidentally, but never this close up.  He couldn’t help leaning in and sucking on it with a few flicks of his tongue for good measure.

“Oh damn …”  Claire moaned as Carl lifted her off her feet, all without stopping his sucking.

Instinct began to kick in as he pulled her bikini bra off and continued sucking.  One hand kneaded her free breast, while he sucked like a baby on the other.  He thought he would die and go to heaven.  Instead he simply grew more bold.  He moved his lips down her torso, kissing every inch as if it were the last.

Before Claire could say anything, Carl had slipped his fingers inside her while he kissed the inside of her thigh.  She let out a moan and almost crushed him as she squeezed her legs together.

“Ouch!”  Carl laughed, “I take it that was a good spot?”

“You sure you haven’t done this before?”

“I’ve never been with anyone else.  Unless you count that time with Storm behind the bushes when we were twelve.”  Carl said thoughtfully, leaning his head on her leg, “Or when we were camping.  Or in his bed.  But is that really sex?”

“Carl!”

“I’m joking!”  Carl grinned, “It was really in his treehouse.  And you know, we were just curious.  Obviously he liked it so much that he switched to the men’s team.  But you know, I can have that effect on people.”

“You’re intolerable.”

“I’m sorry.”  Carl smiled, “I’m just nervous as hell right now.  You’re my first, Princess.”

Claire sat up and pulled Carl up with her.  She slipped her hands under his shirt and pulled it up off him.  She’d seen him many times before, but never with the impending thought of sex on her mind.  She grinned with an uncharacteristic mischief in her eyes.  Carl was buff and defined.  The typical build of a jock.  And she realized that all of her boyfriends had been well endowed in the physical strength department. 

“I guess I am shallow after all.”  Claire laughed.

“What?”

“That’s my way of saying I love hot boys.  And you are most definitely hot.”

“You sure know how to sweet talk a man, don’t you?”  Carl laughed as he jumped off the bed.

Claire wondered what he was doing, until she saw his hands at the side of his shorts.  He pulled them off without a second thought and she stared at him in disbelief.  He pulled off his socks and stood there naked before Claire with a shy grin on his face. 

“Well … just so you know what you’re getting!  What you see is what you get.”  Carl shrugged, “Umm … your turn?”

“So romantic.”  Claire said rolling her eyes.

She smiled sweetly at Carl as she took a nervous gulp.  She slid her hands slowly down her side, removing the last item of clothing on her body.  Finally, she lay back on the bed with nothing but a smile on her face.  Both seemed nervous at being so exposed for the first time.  Carl could sense this, and did one of the only things he could think of.  Say something funny.

“This isn’t going to be very long.”  Carl laughed as he jumped on the bed.

He kissed his way up from Claire’s feet to her neck.  He let out a gasp as Claire’s hand wrapped itself around his penis.  His eyes went wide and he grinned stupidly at Claire.

“First time anyone else has ever touched it.”

“Except for Storm, right?”  Claire smiled.

“Oh yeah, except for him.  But you know, your hands are softer.  I like it.”

Carl felt himself being overwhelmed with the new sensations he was experiencing.  He rolled over onto his back as Claire continued doing things to him that he had only dreamed of.  He felt her hands on his body, her lips on his chest.  None of that compared to the moment she engulfed him fully.

“Shit, damn, mother fucker!”  Carl screamed, “Oh g… you have to stop …”

Carl writhed and moaned, his hands grasping at the sheets.  His mouth contorted as he thought he was about to see stars.  All his adolescent life he’d dreamed of an experience like this.  Now he was finally feeling someone’s lips around his member, he knew he wouldn’t last long.  He ran his hands through Claire’s hair as he felt himself quickly rise to an unstoppable climax.

“Princess … I can’t … last …”  Carl moaned, “Oh fuck.  Sorry.”

He felt his toes curl up as he gasped.  He came with the greatest force he’d ever cum in his life, letting out a scream that would have frightened the neighbor’s dogs.  He was afraid he’d make Claire gag, but she did not waiver.  And as Carl experienced the greatest orgasm of his life, he knew somehow, this was it.  She was the one.  He didn’t want anyone else ever touching him like this.  Just her.

“Still think I’m a princess?”  Claire said with a shy smile.

“Still think I’m a man?”  Carl said in a squeaky voice.

Claire laughed and at once felt at ease.  Carl always knew how to make her feel at ease.  And that’s why she felt so good finally being able to show him that she truly did love him.  As unpolished as their lovemaking had been, she felt she enjoyed it immensely more than her experience with Dade.  The experience with him was more of an alcohol fueled, lust filled experience of the carnal kind.  With Carl, it was more about sharing the experience and the mutual love.

Carl’s grin was unstoppable.  He felt like the king of the world as he pulled Claire up next to him and rolled over on top of her.  He forced her mouth open with a kiss so full on, she had to breathe through her nose.  Claire realized that Carl was getting more than just saliva and her tongue in this kiss, but he didn’t seem to care or stop.  And now, just minutes after orgasm, she could feel his hard penis brushing against her thigh.  He was already revved up for another round.

“Why did you do that?”  Claire asked as Carl finally broke the kiss, “I still had …”

“I know.”  Carl said with another quick kiss, “But if it’s good enough for you, it’s good enough for me.  Besides, that’s probably as close as I’ll come to knowing what it’s like for Storm or Marcel.”

“And?”  Claire asked curiously.

“I think I’m going to have to convert.”  Carl teased, “Just kidding.  What can I say?  I’m just a horn dog when it comes to you.  I’m sorry I didn’t last long.  I bet I have nothing on Dade.”

Claire could sense the nervousness as Carl spoke.  Dade had a reputation for being able to please anyone fortunate enough to sleep with him.  And even though she knew that he hadn’t slept with as many girls as people believed, he still knew exactly how to treat them.  Yet for all Dade’s skill, she didn’t feel as content as she did now.  For all Carl’s fumbling, she loved him even more.

“I only did that so you’d last longer when we actually got to the good stuff.”

“That wasn’t the good stuff?”  Carl grinned.

“Ready for more?”

“Oh hell yeah!”  Carl yelled, “Just don’t expect a whole lot of skill, ok?  I’ll need practice.”

“Well … you’ll get it.”

Claire took hold of Carl’s penis once again.  It throbbed in her hand, but he seemed a little more in control than before.  She looked up at him and smiled with watery eyes.  She leaned up and kissed him again as she guided him inside her.

“I love you.”  She mouthed.

“Oh shit.”  Carl gasped.

Carl closed his eyes as he savored the feeling of being inside a woman.  The soft velvety feeling of being enveloped by a woman’s most intimate parts.  Now he’d crossed this line, he wondered how he lived so long without it.  He opened his eyes and looked down at Claire.  She was still so beautiful.  So sweet.  So much like an angel.

He moved forward slowly and Claire winced.  He immediately stopped and waited for a sign from Claire to continue.  She smiled at him and nodded.  Slowly he continued.  Her face was still laced with a subtle agony, but she continued to urge Carl on.

“Say it.”  Claire whispered with her eyes still closed, “Please.”

“I love you, Princess.”  Carl whispered back, “I love you.”

And with that, the two lovebirds shared an experience neither would forget.  They clasped hands as they made love for the first time.  Claire wrapped her legs around Carl’s torso as he moved inside her.  They didn’t rush, they let the moments pass by without feeling the need to catch up.  Time faded away as they moved as one.  The world could have ended and they would not have noticed.

Carl smothered Claire with kisses, feeling a rush of emotion overwhelm him.  Why in this moment of physical ecstasy, did he feel so vulnerable?  Why did he feel as though he could burst into tears with every crescendo in their love making?  He knew why as soon as he opened his eyes and saw the face of his love beneath him.  He could feel in his soul the depth of his love for Claire.

For the second time today he erupted with a mighty thrust.  Claire screamed as she felt Carl explode inside her.  She panted, but instead of a bliss filled smile, her face was awash with sweat and tears.  Carl kissed her cheeks and tried to coo her, wondering what he’d done wrong.

“Was I that bad, Princess?”  He asked, “I’ll get better, I promise.”

“I wish it was you.”  Claire cried as she kissed him, “I wish so much it was you.”

Instantly Carl knew what Claire meant.  He knew in that moment just how much she loved him.  And in himself, he too wished that it was he who fathered her baby.  He knew this would be an issue that would stay with them for a long time to come, but after today, he had no intention of ever backing out.

He rolled on his side and held Claire in his arms.  He comforted her as best he could, while feeling bittersweet tears streak down his face.  Tears of sheer exhaustion, but also tears of empathy with Claire.

“I love you, Princess.  I love you so much.”  He repeated, over and over.

“I’m sorry.” She cried, “I didn’t mean for your first time to be like this.”

“Perfect?”  He smiled, “Don’t cry for us, Princess.  Don’t cry for me.  We’re going to be just fine.  And I promise I’ll get better.  I just need lots of practice.  Lots and lots of practice.  Like every day or something.”

Claire smiled gratefully at him.  Once again, his knack for putting her at ease had paid off.  Now more than ever she knew how much she’d enjoyed their first time together.  She hoped it would be the first of many.  For the first time, she had the feeling that Carl could actually be her future.  He could be her life.  And that thought was not overwhelming or frightening.  As she took in his genuine smile of affection, she found that thought incredibly comforting.  She had finally found her man.

 

* * * * * * *

 

Dade sat in a lounge chair, soaking up the moonlight.  His growing companion, a bottle of Absolut, sat loyally at his side.  His random conquest had left her phone number, hoping for another encounter.  Dade flicked the card between his fingers, contemplating another night of mindless sex.

More and more, he felt as though he needed something to fill his life with meaning.  He knew if he really wanted, he could find some girl and make her fall for him.  Then perhaps he could bring her home to his castle, and he wouldn’t have to stay in it alone anymore.

This house was an empty shell of a once great and love filled home.  A home that died a slow death as soon as his mother had left this world.  Dade’s face became laced with anguish as he thought of her.  He’d failed her so miserably.  He’d failed the two people who had loved him most in the world.

He’d successfully taken from his brother the last vestiges of his pride.  Today had shown him even more though, that his glory came with little to no satisfaction.  It only brought guilt.  He wondered whether he would ever see his brother again.  And if he did, would they still be brothers?

He thought once again of his random fuck.  That’s truly all it was to him.  Random sex.  Although this time he had the sense to make sure he wore a condom, and the girl had a morning after pill.  He had no intention of repeating the mistake he made with Claire.

“Claire …”  Dade sighed, “How are we going to do this?”

His guilt ridden thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door.  Instantly he jumped out of his chair and ran for the door.  Someone was coming to visit him?  Could it be Storm had come home to give Dade a chance to make it up?  Could it be Marcel was back to profess his undying love?  At this stage, he’d take anybody except the pizza boy.  Unless the pizza boy was cute, Dade thought.

“Just a slut after all.”  Dade said to himself as he opened the door.

“I am, I know.”  Lucas sighed as he stood on Dade’s doorstep.

“Lucas?”  Dade said in surprise, “The fuck are you doing here?  Fuck off.”

Lucas wasn’t budging and Dade was tempted to finally unleash his rage upon his unwanted guest.  For years the two had shared unresolved tension and now there was nothing stopping Dade from finally exacting what he considered justified payback.

Even more infuriating to Dade was Lucas’s obvious state of intoxication.  With a look of disgust Dade grabbed Lucas by the arm and pulled him inside.  Lucas stood there looking lost and disheveled.

“Is Storm here?”  Lucas said in a weak voice.

Dade felt his anger rise with every word Lucas spoke, and every breath he took.  The nerve of Lucas to come into his house after admitting to cheating on his brother.  Dade had never trusted Lucas since the first time he ran off in search of Ashley.  And his mistrust had been well placed.

“You fucking prick.”  Dade said as he lashed out at Lucas with a stinging backhand.

Lucas staggered back and Dade grabbed him by the collar and threw him against the wall.  Believe it or not, this was Dade showing restraint.  In Dade’s mind, he pictured himself doing far worse things to Lucas.

“Do what you want, Dude.”  Lucas gasped as Dade kneed him in the gut.

“Is that why you’re here?  So I can punish you?”  Dade said in frustration as he stepped away from Lucas, “So I can hurt you?  Will that make you feel better?”

Dade cursed himself for hitting Lucas.  As much as he hated him, he knew he was really using Lucas as an excuse.  He pictured himself as Lucas, and he wanted to punish himself, just like Lucas did.

“You’re pathetic.”  Dade spat, “And so am I.  I’m no better than you.  Get out of my house.  Unless you want something else?”

“I just … I don’t know.”  Lucas cried, “I just want my baby.”

“He’s not your baby anymore.  But since we’re both going to hell anyway, how about a free fuck?”

“What?”  Lucas asked, as if the question had a sobering effect.

“It’s all we’re good for.  I’m the closest you’ll get to Storm.  And I’m horny.  So come on, get your ass upstairs.  I’ve betrayed him enough already, how will this make a difference?” Dade said with a shaky voice, his eyes welling up with tears, “Come on.  It’s all we’re good for.  It’s the only thing I’m good at.”

“Dude …”

“What?  I’m the hottest fucking guy in Merlow.  You should be so lucky.”

“I was so lucky.”  Lucas sighed, “I was.”

“Well he’s not here!  I’m the only one left!”  Dade cried as he grabbed Lucas by the shirt and held him against the wall, “I need someone.  Don’t tell me you’ve finally grown a conscience.  Where was it when you fucked Ashley?”

“I never fucked her.”

“Oh that’s right, you don’t have sex, you make love.”  Dade said rolling his eyes.

“No.  I didn’t make love to her.”  Lucas said shaking his head, “I remember.  She tricked me.”

“Bullshit.”  Dade said angrily, “Bullshit!  Stop making excuses!  You screwed up!  Say it!”

Lucas burst into tears and buried his face in Dade’s shoulder.  Dade groaned as he held Lucas in his arms.  He still wasn’t sure whether he wanted to break Lucas, or comfort him.  Part of him wanted to beat Lucas senseless, the other part wanted to put him on the couch and force him to sleep off his drunken state.  Yet still that third part wanted him to turn this into something he wanted.  Perhaps the sex would not be so mindless with Lucas.  Perhaps all they were good for was each other after all.  And right now, Dade didn’t really care who was next to him in bed, as long as there was someone next to him.  They didn’t even have to have sex.

“You smell like him.”  Lucas said, surprising Dade as he nuzzled his nose in the crook of Dade’s neck.

Dade could sense when a moment was upon him.  He was too well experienced at seduction to miss an opportunity.  Never before in his life had he contemplated taking advantage of Lucas, but right now, his heart raced thinking about it.  Perhaps it was simply the alcohol getting the better of him.  Perhaps he’d be doing Storm a favor.  If he did sleep with Lucas, Storm would definitely never take him back.  That was if Storm ever came back, and Dade doubted that.

“Lucas …”  Dade said as he placed his finger under Lucas’s chin, “I could be him.  I could be him for you.”

“No.”  Lucas moaned, shaking his head in a disoriented fashion.

“Shh.”  Dade whispered, “Come on.”

Dade knew Lucas was in no state to object, he was too far gone.  He was barely standing up straight.  Dade took advantage of this and pressed himself against Lucas to hold him up.  He teased Lucas with the presence of his lips and still Lucas made weak attempts to turn his face away.

“I am him.”  Dade whispered, “Just close your eyes.”

Lucas did so and Dade pounced immediately.  Like a lioness stalking her prey, Dade kissed Lucas.  He did so at first with a nervous trepidation, but finally when Lucas’s will had been broken, they made out with no hesitation at all.

Dade’s heart began to race.  His seduction skills had paid off yet again.  Yet he was thinking more than just sex tonight.  He felt so lonely now that he fully intended to manipulate Lucas into staying with him.  He would woo Lucas into being with him.  He could be the closest thing to Storm for Lucas.  And Lucas the same to him.  Maybe they could help each other.  In his mind, he imagined Storm off somewhere with Marcel anyway.  He didn’t know if it was true, but if it was, this would be just turnabout. 

Dade slipped his shirt off and continued his seduction of Lucas.  He kissed Lucas with a tenderness he did not afford his random fucks.  In a way, he felt sorry for Lucas.

“Oh, Storm …”  Lucas moaned as Dade sucked on his neck.

Dade quickly pulled away and put his hands in the air.  His mind flashed with images of his brother.  Would he be angry with him?  He paced back and forth as Lucas hunched against the wall.  He told Lucas he could be Storm for him, yet hearing his name had given Dade a jolt to reality.

“Aah fuck it.” Dade said as he swept in on Lucas again.

Dade held Lucas up and kissed him again.  The more he kissed him, the more he wanted their encounter to be more than just sex.  Dade didn’t want sex.  He wanted someone to hold him.  He wanted someone to love him.  If Storm couldn’t love Lucas, maybe he could.  Their tongues danced as Lucas finally began reciprocating the movements.  Dade didn’t care if in Lucas’s mind, he was Storm.  He just wanted someone.

“Would someone mind telling me what the fuck is going on here?” 

Dade heard the voice from behind him, but didn’t believe it at first.  The voice sounded familiar, but it couldn’t be.  Dade felt a sense of dread as he slowly turned around and sure enough, his worst fears were realized.

“Mike …”  Dade gasped in horror.

“Dude … me and Storm were just …”  Lucas began to mutter.

“It’s not Storm, Dickhead.”  Mike growled, “Lucas, get in the car.”

“But …”

“Now!”  Mike yelled, with a rare show of fury.

Lucas passed out before he made it two steps.  Dade instinctively picked him up and lay him down on the lounge suite.  He stared at Lucas, because he didn’t want to turn around and see the anger in Mike’s eyes.  It may as well have been Storm staring at him.

“Bro, we’re not doing anything wrong.”  Dade insisted, “Storm’s gone.  They’re not together.”

“What?”  Mike said in surprise, “Bullshit.”

“It’s true.  Lucas just came over and …”

“You thought you’d take advantage of him?”

“Well, if Storm doesn’t want him.”

“You want everything of Storm’s, don’t you?”  Mike said with a tone borne out of years of observing Dade and Storm.

“He doesn’t want him.  You’re not going to make me feel bad about this.”  Dade protested.

“Why didn’t anyone tell me about this?  Where is Storm?”

“I don’t know.  All I know is he’s gone.”  Dade shrugged, “I was hoping you’d know.”

“What the hell is going on down here, Dade?  I come down to surprise you guys and instead I find you trying to score with Lucas.”

“I wasn’t trying to score!  It would’ve been different to the others.”

“The others?  What others?”

“Geez.”  Dade cried as he pulled at his hair, “I don’t want to do this.  I’m tired.  I’m going to bed.  I’m sorry, ok?  I’m sorry.”

“Dade …”  Mike said grabbing Dade and pulling him into a hug, “I’m sorry for freaking out, but you have to admit, this is a strange look for both of you.  I don’t know what’s going on, but I’m here for you.  No matter what’s happened.  Ok?”

As if those words were the one key to Dade’s heart, he broke down in Mike’s arms.  He held onto Mike as if his life depended on it.  All his tears of frustration and anguish came flooding out as he cried so hard he shook.  Mike never once wavered.  He stood there holding Dade, holding his family.  Whatever had gone wrong, he would be here to help pick up the pieces. 

 

* * * * * * *

 

The morning sun brought Dade from his slumber with a frown.  His dreams were better than his life right now.  He wished he could live in them for just a little longer.  The events of the night before came crashing back into his mind along with a splitting headache.

“Oh shit.”  Dade said when he remembered what he’d done with Lucas, “Mike …”

Dade jumped out of bed and ran downstairs.  He hoped Mike wasn’t so disgusted with him that he’d left.  As far as Dade was concerned, this was Mike’s home in Merlow.

Lucas was no longer asleep on the couch, but Mike was well and truly live and in person.  He sat at the dining table in his boxers, reading the paper while he ate some toast.

“Just checking out the prospects for this season.  I think you guys can hold the title.  Even if you don’t have me at the helm.”  Mike smiled, “Come on, Bro.  Breakfast is served.”

Dade nervously walked into the kitchen and sat across from Mike.  Although Mike was only a few months older than Dade, he seemed infinitely more mature.  And just like his other brother, Mike was a leader and someone you listened to when he spoke.  Dade couldn’t help the feeling that right now he was about to get a very stern speaking to.

“Lucas filled me in on some of the latest.  He’s gone and probably won’t be in town for a while.  He’s going to San Diego to spend time with his parents.”

“Ok.  Umm … was he ok?”

“About what?  You knocking him around or hitting on him?”

“Both.”  Dade said ashamed.

“What else is going on, Dade?  What’s happening with you?”

“I suppose Lucas didn’t tell you because he doesn’t know.”  Dade said nervously, “So I’m just going to say it.  Claire’s pregnant.  To me.”

Mike closed his eyes and shook his head in disappointment.  He dropped the toast from his hand and almost spat out his juice.  Dade could see the anger flash in his eyes.  He almost feared Mike would jump across the table and throttle him.  He knew that just like Jeremiah Sisto had done to Brad, Mike’s father had done to him.  He knew that there were few things that would push Mike to snapping, and this was one of them.

“Could you have just waited a little longer after Mom’s death to …”  Mike began saying before he calmed himself down, “I warned you, Dade.”

“It was just one night.  Just one night.”

“I remember.  You told me you were safe.”

“I thought we were.  And we were the first time … but not the second.”

“Damn it!”  Mike yelled as he rubbed his face in frustration, “Dade, this is going to hurt.  I only say these things because I love you though.”

Dade sat like a little child waiting to be scolded.  Few people could put him in his place like Mike or his brother could.  And as much as Dade resented feeling like a child, he respected Mike too much to disrespect his authority.  As far as he was concerned, Mike had earned his position.  He had earned his respect.  So now he would sit here and listen to everything Mike said to him.  Because he knew every word came from love and Dade’s best interests.

“Your behavior since Mom’s death has been near on disgusting.  The amount of collateral damage you’ve caused up to this point is unbelievable.  Claire, Storm, Marcel, I could go on and on.  Storm almost died trying to save you on that bridge, and all you’ve given him is grief.  Why?  Because you’re so self absorbed and too busy feeling sorry for yourself to stop and think about what you’re doing to everyone around you.  You used to be one of the most level headed, wisest, and sensitive people I ever knew.  Now you’re just a selfish shallow shadow of the person you used to be.  Turning on your brother.  Picking up random girls for a one night fuck.  Haven’t you learned your lesson from Claire?  Are you thinking about anyone else in this whole mess besides yourself?”

Mike’s words hit Dade like a freight train.  Dade shook his head as Mike continued to give him the reality check from hell.  He held his face in his hands as he absorbed the meaning of Mike’s words.  And like a key turning a rusty door, he began to see the truth in it all.

“What gives you the right to turn on the people who have cared for you the most?  What makes you so special that you can just disrespect everything Mom taught you, everything she gave you, and act like a complete jackass?  Grow up, Dade.  By the look of things, your world is empty enough.  Before you isolate yourself even more, you have to shrug off this woe is me shit you carry, and just get on with life.  Ok?”  Mike said as he stood up and turned away from Dade, “Your entire life is about to change, it’s up to whether this becomes for the better or worse.  Find Storm and make this right.  But before you do anything else, you take care of this business with Claire.  Your life is about to change in a way even I can’t imagine.  It’s time for you to be a man and stand up, Dade.”

Mike’s position was made perfectly clear to Dade.  And with his words burning into Dade’s psyche, Mike left the room and walked upstairs.  Dade slumped down in his chair, still reeling from the sharp jolt Mike had just given him.  Something had changed in Mike since his last visit.  Dade expected Mike to finish with a pat on the back, but perhaps his anger was simply too great to reach that point yet.  Dade knew he’d let himself and many others down, and if anything, Mike had told him the most difficult truth.  The truth that Dade could no longer wait for others to fix his problems for him, and choose to mope when they didn’t.  It was his time to stand up and fix his own life.  Fix his own problems.  Time to grow up.

 

* * * * * * *

 

With the words of Mike still ringing in his ear from earlier on in the day, Dade stood at Claire’s door with a bouquet of flowers in his hand.  He knocked nervously at the door, unsure of whether Claire’s parents knew their daughter was pregnant by him.

“Dade.”  Carl said in surprise as he opened the door, “What are you doing here?”

“I want to speak to Claire.”

“No.”  Carl said straight faced.

“Please.  It’s important.”

“You’re not going to upset her?”

“I promise.  I give you my word.”  Dade said with a genuine nod.

“Like that’s worth anything to me.”  Carl said as he stepped aside.

Dade stepped inside nervously, his eyes not breaking contact with Carl’s.  There was a definite tension between them, that Dade wasn’t sure was a result of Claire’s pregnancy, or Carl’s loyalty to Storm.  Perhaps a mix of both.

Dade walked past Carl and headed straight up to Claire’s room.  Thankfully her father was nowhere in sight and Claire sat at her desk writing.  He knocked gently on the open door and smiled. 

“Hey.”  Claire smiled as she motioned for Dade to come in.

Dade sat down nervously and handed the flowers to Claire.  He fidgeted with his hair, as if he were nervous.  His eyes seemed to constantly avoid Claire’s.

“Are you ok?”  Claire asked with concern.

“Are you?”  Dade asked.

“I’m fine, Dade.  I’ve had plenty of time to adapt.  You haven’t.”

“We’re both agreed that there is no alternative.  No abortion, right?”  Dade asked with a nervous tension.

“I’m agreed.  Call me blunt but I don’t really care if you’re agreed or not.  I’m never going to even consider an abortion.  Or adoption.  Your Mom did it.  Lots of people have done it.  I can do it.”

“We can do it, Claire.  I’m with you on this, ok?  I’m sorry for reacting the way I did.  It wasn’t very fair of me.”

“Dade, I’m not stupid.  It was a big thing for you to find out.  I’m not angry at you, I’m worried about you.  You’re still my friend. I still love you.  But lately, you haven’t been the Dade I used to care about so much.  Remember the Dade that used to hang out with our little threesome?  Me, you and Josh?”

“We never did have that threesome either.”  Dade grinned.

“And you never will!”  Carl yelled from outside the door.

“Get lost!”  Dade smirked, “I’m sorry, Claire.  Mike gave me a bit of a wake up call this morning.  My behavior has been … bad to say the least.  I’m so sorry that this happened.  I should’ve been more responsible.”

“Listen, I don’t blame this on you.  It takes two, remember?  I don’t remember complaining at the time.  Our baby will be beautiful and it will be loved.  I know this.”  Claire smiled, “We’ll get through this.”

“Sorry for eavesdropping, but did you just say Mike?”  Carl asked as he popped his head in.

“Yeah.  He’s in town for a couple days.”

“What!?  And why didn’t anyone tell me?”  Carl asked.

“Because nobody likes you!”  Dade smirked, “Actually, he said he’d come and see you guys tomorrow.  But if you really want to say hi now, he’s visiting Brad.”

“Princess?  Do you mind?”  Carl asked excitedly.

“Go ahead.  It’ll give Dade and I a chance to talk.”

“Yeah … talk.”  Carl said glaring at Dade, “I won’t be long.”

Dade turned his eyes away from Claire and Carl as they shared a brief kiss.  He almost felt relieved when Carl was gone.  Perhaps now he could talk to Claire in peace.

“I just want you to know, I’ll do everything I need to for our baby.  And you can tell Carl I’m not here to take you away from him.  I’m just here to do my part.  No child of mine will grow up not knowing their father loves them.”  Dade said with a genuine smile, “I just wanted you to know.  Anything you need, anything at all, I’m here.  Ok?”

“Ok.”  Claire said with a grateful smile, “Thank you, Dade.”

“And umm, I wanted to ask you.  Do your parents know yet?”

“No.”  Claire frowned, “I’m still building myself up to that one.”

“I’ll be there when you tell them.”

“What?”

“I’ll be there.”  Dade said again, “It’s my baby too.  I share responsibility.”

“Umm … ok.”  Claire said in surprise, “Are you sure?”

“Positive.  What do you need now?  Anything.”

“No.  Nothing yet, Dade.  But listen.”  Claire said as she squeezed Dade’s hand, “I am so grateful you came over today.  It makes me feel so much better knowing you’re with me on this.”

Dade smiled at Claire and stood up to leave.  Traditionally, he would’ve given her a hug or kissed her cheek, but he felt that was inappropriate now.  He didn’t want to give Carl any reason to doubt his intentions were honorable toward Claire.  So he would be as supportive as possible, while keeping his distance.  As long as Claire and the baby were taken care of, that’s all that mattered to him.

“Bye, Claire.”  Dade said with a nod.

“Dade?”  Claire asked a little off put by Dade’s stand offish behavior.

“Yes, Claire?”

“Are you sure you’re ok?”

Dade thought about Claire’s question.  That her way of getting him to come clean.  To open up so they could talk the way they did when they were friends.  That wasn’t something Dade was interested in right now.  For Claire’s sake, more than his, he wanted to keep his distance.

“Well … I’m not really your concern anymore.  But thanks for asking.”

And with those words, Dade left the room.  He found his own way out of the house, only to be surprised by Carl leaning against Storm’s jeep.  He had a look of incredulity on his face.  His eyes met Dade’s with a cool stare.

“And you still get to keep his fucking jeep?  How screwed up is that?”  Carl said angrily, “I hope you were sincere with her.  The last thing she needs is you screwing up her life any more than you have already.”

“I understand why you feel the way you do.  I’m sorry.  But right now I don’t care how you feel.  I only care about Claire and that baby.  I’m not here to take your place.  Ok?”

“You picked a hell of a time to grow up.  I suppose you think you’re the man now that Storm’s gone, huh?  Don’t think I don’t know how you won.”  Carl said as he stepped away from the jeep.

Dade remained silent, but Carl’s words hit a nerve.  A day earlier and Dade might have answered with a hot statement or a smack in the face, but today was different.  Today he was trying to make an effort.

“What’s the matter?  You wanna hit me?  Truth hit a little hard?  You screwed over your own brother.  What kind of person are you?  Not the sort of person I’d want bringing up a child.  If you really want to help Claire and that baby, you’ll stay away.”

“I suppose you’re going to take care of them then?”  Dade asked with curiousity.

“What makes you think I won’t?”

“This isn’t your problem, Carl.  For your own sake, you should leave this all alone.  I did this.  I’ll own up to it.  You shouldn’t have to.”

“That’s the first good thing I’ve heard you say today.”  Carl said with a sigh, “I don’t like feeling this way.  We used to be such good friends.  The two outsiders.  But lately …”

“I know.  I don’t want to fight you.  I just want to do my part.”

“Why’d you do it, Dade?”

“Umm … coz she’s hot?”  Dade shrugged.

“No, not that!”  Carl grimaced, “I don’t want to hear that shit.  I mean Storm.  Why’d you do it?  Who do you think hurt him more?  You or Lucas?”

“I wanted to win.  I wanted to beat him.  I wanted to be the best.  I wanted everyone to know my name.”  Dade said with a sigh, “And I got what I wanted.”

“And?”

“I got what I deserved.”

Dade nodded to Carl and hoped that was the end of the conversation.  This was an awkward situation, and one he didn’t want to make worse.  The last person he wanted beef with was Carl.  Not because he was afraid of Carl, he was afraid of nobody.  But he liked Carl too much to have anything bad between them.

“I’m not saying I’m a good person.”  Dade said as he jumped into the front seat, “But I’m trying.  I’m trying to make things right.”

Dade drove away leaving Carl a little stunned.  Something was different about Dade today.  His demeanor was a lot more sincere than lately.  Perhaps Mike had gotten through to him.  If anything, Carl almost felt sorry for Dade, because now he was living with the consequences of his recent behavior. 

 

* * * * * * *

 

“I have to go.”  Mike said as he rushed down the stairs with his bags.

“What?”  Dade asked in surprise, “But you just got here!”

“It’s Sarah.”

“What?”  Dade asked in fear, “Do you want me to come with you?”

“No.”  Mike said as he gave Dade a hug, “I’ll call you when I get back, ok?  I’m sorry I couldn’t stay longer, Dade.”

“So am I.”  Dade sighed as he slumped down at the bottom of the stairs.

Mike kissed the top of Dade’s head and put his hand on his shoulder.  He knelt down and looked Dade in the eye.  He smiled reassuringly at Dade, their eyes meeting.

“I love you, Bro.”  Mike said as he pulled Dade into another hug, “I know this hasn’t been nearly long enough for us to spend time together, but I’ll be back.  I promise.”

“You mean it?”

“Just gotta have faith.  But I want you to know that if I ever believed in anyone, it’s you.  And no matter what’s happened between you and Storm, he believes in you too.  I don’t know how things will work out with you two, but never forget that I’m only ever a phone call away, ok?  I’m always here for you, Dade.”

“I’ll be ok.”  Dade smiled, reassured by Mike.

“I know you will, Bro.  Just give Storm time.  If he doesn’t show up soon, I’ll hunt him down myself.  And as for Claire, you’ll do what’s best for your baby.  Might I add Mike or Sarah as a possible name?”  Mike grinned, “Tell Claire I’m sorry I didn’t see her before I left.  Can I tell Sarah?”

“Of course.”

“She’ll be so excited.  I know this isn’t how you planned things, Dade, but you just have to turn it into the greatest positive in your life, ok?”

“Man, that’s why we need you here.”  Dade said with a happy sigh, “Because you’re the rock.  Thank you so much for coming, Bro.  I mean it.  It’s meant so much to me.”

“As long as you know that no matter how mad I get, it’s only because I care about you.  After all, I am a Marcus too.”  Mike grinned, “See you next time, Bro.”

“Ok.”  Dade said as he followed Mike out the front door, “I love you!”

“Love you too, Bro.”  Mike smiled back as he jumped in the taxi, “And so does Sarah!  We’ll be back!  I promise!”

The taxi drove away with Mike waving inside it.  Dade waved after him, and walked into the middle of the road.  The concrete felt rough under his feet, but he didn’t care.  All he cared about was saying goodbye to the brother he never asked for, but was so grateful to receive.  Mike had breezed in and out of Merlow, leaving behind him a rejuvenated Dade.  And for a time, the house was almost a home again.

“I hope you come back soon, Bro.”  Dade smiled, “Both of you.”

 

* * * * * * *

 

“Are you sure you don’t want me there, Princess?”  Carl asked Claire as she moved to leave his room.

Carl’s room was fairly unpretentious, much like he was.  What you saw, was what you got.  And yet within this room, Claire felt connected to him.  He’d lived in this room his entire life.  It told his life story more than he could do himself.  From the photos of him playing little league with Storm and Dade, to the family photos throughout his life.  He still had little certificates with silver stars from when he was five stuck on his wall.  The room was filled with souvenirs of his life.

“I love this room.”  Claire smiled, “It’s you all over.”

Carl couldn’t help but smile at her statement.  It just showed him even more how much she’d come to love him.  He still couldn’t believe that she had fallen in love with him as much as he had fallen for her.  He never wanted her to leave.  He never liked being apart now.  As far as he was concerned, it was the Claire and Carl show 24/7.

“You still didn’t answer my question.”

“I don’t want you there.”  Claire answered finally, “You’ll just get caught in the crossfire.”

“That’s the whole point.”  Carl sighed, “How can I show you how sincere I am about sticking with you through all the bad stuff, if you don’t let me?”

“Dade will be there.  I think this is something he and I have to do together.”

“What about me?”  Carl asked with uncharacteristic frustration.

“I don’t want to fight about this, Sweetheart.  This is something that Dade and I have to face.  It doesn’t mean I’m with him, but you have to remember that he is still the father.  I can’t take that away from him.  It doesn’t mean anything changes between us, ok?”

“Ok.”  Carl said trying not to hide his hurt, “Ok, Princess.  If that’s what you want.”

“Please don’t be angry with me.”

“You better go.  Or you’ll be late.”

“I love you.”  Claire said before she kissed Carl’s cheek, “Ok?”

“Ok.”  Carl nodded as he stood up.

He walked Claire down to her car and opened the door for her to get in.  She smiled appreciatively at him, pausing to look at him.  She could tell he was still hurt by her rejection of his support.  She hoped it wouldn’t be a sticking point between them.  She knew all he wanted was to stand by her, but she didn’t feel it was right for him to get caught up in the hurricane she knew was coming.

“You’re a true gentleman.”  Claire smiled, “I’ll see you later?”

Carl feigned a smile at Claire and watched her drive away.  As soon as she left he kicked the ground in frustration, stubbing his toe in the process.  He cursed himself as he hobbled back inside his house.  Truth be told, he was angry at Claire for the first time in their relationship.  All he’d done was offer his support to her, and the one time it mattered, she’d rebuffed him for Dade.  He marched up to his room and began pacing back and forth.  His mind wondered with thoughts on what Claire would be going through tonight.  He felt knots in his stomach.  He knew this was going to be a long night for him.  But deep down, he only wished he was with Claire because he knew it would be an even longer night for her.

 

* * * * * * *

 

Dade and Claire sat next to each other in the Carlyle living room.  Claire’s father Bailey was sitting in his chair with a look of horror on his face.  A glass jug lay shattered on the coffee table, with Claudia Carlyle standing gobsmacked above it.  It was obvious she’d just dropped it as soon as she heard the same news as Bailey.

“It’s true, I’m pregnant.”  Claire said with her heart racing, “It’s Dade’s.”

Dade waited anxiously for one of Claire’s parents to say something.  Neither had said a word since she blurted out her confession.  He could see Jacob standing in the kitchen looking as petrified as Claire was.  It was a rare thing for the entire Carlyle family to be in the one room, and when you added the dynamite of Claire’s confession, Dade knew explosions were imminent.

“Why couldn’t she be a lesbian?”  Claudia said finally as she looked at her ex husband, “It’s your fault!  You let her go out with any boy she fancies!”

“And you let the other one become a …”  Bailey began to say before he realized his son was in ear shot.

“I dare you to say it, Bailey!”  Claudia yelled.

“A homosexual!”  Bailey yelled, before he covered his mouth and smiled, “Well, look on the bright side, Claudia.”

“What bright side?”

“At least he won’t be coming home with any pregnant girls.”

Claudia sank in her chair before she burst into laughter.  Dade sat amazed as the two parents began laughing out loud.  He found the whole thing rather disturbing.  Jacob stood in the distance behind making obscene gestures at both of them, safe in the knowledge they couldn’t see what he was doing.

“Ok, that’s enough of that talk.  You know we love you and your brother, Claire.”  Claudia reassured, “But this is … this is terrible.”

“Your mother’s right.”  Bailey said straightening up his demeanor, “When did you find out?  Have you known long?”

“Y … yes.”

The mood in the room suddenly changed to a much darker tone.  Dade could see Bailey’s demeanor become a much more serious and some one than just a few moments ago.  He instinctively took Claire’s hand to remind her he was there with her.

“I never thought my little girl would do something like this.  You’re smarter than this, Claire.  Didn’t we raise you to protect yourself?”  Bailey asked angrily, “To treat sex with respect and not just use it on any old guy you see?”

“Dade was my first, Dad.  We never meant …”

“Well you did, Claire.  You realize your life is over now?  How will you go to school?  How do you expect to get through college?”  Bailey asked with an ever raising tone.

“Sir, my mother did it.”  Dade interjected, “Claire can too.  I’ll support her.”

“Your mother was an exception to the rule.  No one will support anyone, because you’re getting an abortion.”

 Claire’s eyes almost popped out of their sockets at her father’s words.  She couldn’t believe what she just heard.  Was her father going to force her to kill her own baby?  His own grandchild?

“Bailey, think.”  Claudia said with a look of amazement in her eyes, “You can’t force her to do something like this.”

“You don’t tell me what to do in my house.  I let you raise Jacob how you chose to, and you will give me the same courtesy with Claire.  She’s not throwing her life away because some horned up teen sees fit to impregnate her!”

“With all due respect, Sir.  She is not getting an abortion.”  Dade said vehemently.

“I knew you were trouble, Marcus.  I knew it the day I met you!  I knew you’d take advantage of my daughter.  She was a good girl before you came along.”  Bailey said with venom in his voice, “She didn’t get involved in rubbish like this.  She never did with Josh, and she doesn’t with Carl.  But you … you changed her.  She used to be a good girl.”

“She still is, Sir.”

“And what are you going to do?  How will you support her?”  Bailey interrogated.

“My mother made sure I had everything I needed to survive.  I have more than enough.  Claire will live with me.  I’ll get a job, I’ll quit school if I have to.  I’ll support her.”

“She’ll live with you the day I die.  What about Carl?  Where does he fit into all this?  You’re going to drag him through it all as well?”  Bailey said with a scowl, his words cutting through Claire.

Claire’s eyes began to water as Bailey stared accusingly at her.  Dade did his best to comfort her, but she began falling apart as her father glared at her.  Dade found himself fighting the urge to stand up and tell both her parents to go to hell.

“You have such a bright future ahead of you, Sweetheart.”  Bailey said with frustration in his eyes, “You’re throwing it all away.  You’ve worked so hard all these years to keep your grades at a high standard.  You can go to any college you want after this year.  I’m sorry, there’s no two ways about it.  You’re getting an abortion.  Claudia, make the appointment.”

Claudia glared at Bailey in disbelief.  As if she couldn’t believe the words coming out of his mouth.  She stood up and walked toward the phone.  Jacob stood in the kitchen with a look of fearful anticipation in his face, as if he’d seen this all before. 

Claudia picked up the receiver from the wall mount and walked back towards Bailey.  It almost seemed as though she were going to listen to him.  Suddenly she threw the phone in Bailey’s direction.  The phone flew straight past him and smashed against the wall.

“You make it yourself!”  Claudia snapped, “I will do no such thing!  And you wonder why I left you?”

By now Claire was sobbing openly, while her parents threw vicious barbs at each other.  Tears racked her face and she covered her mouth with her hands.  She couldn’t believe what she was going through, but she couldn’t bring herself to say a word.  Meanwhile, Dade’s hand was almost crushing her own as he glared angrily at Bailey.

“How could you be so stupid?  You're nothing but a whore.  You’ve let your whole family down.  But we’re going to fix it all.  I’ll fix it myself.”  Bailey insisted.

“Sir, she is not getting an abortion.”  Dade insisted, his eyes narrowing with anger, "And she is definitely no whore."

“Why don’t you shut up?”

“She is not getting an abortion.”  Dade said again, rising to his feet.

“And who the hell are you to say that?”

“I’m the father of that baby and she’s not getting an abortion!”  Dade yelled, “If you don’t like it, then starting today, she’s coming with me!”

“You may want to throw your life away, but you’re not dragging my daughter down with you.”

“Sir, you must misunderstand me.  This is not your decision.  Claire has made her decision and I have made mine.  We are doing this together and that’s that.  I’m not saying this will be easy.  I’m not saying it was smart.  But it is done and the two of us have to live with the consequences and the responsibility.  I will not let any child of mine live without anything I grew up with.  Claire will always have a home and so will our baby.”  Dade said as he continued holding Claire’s hand, “If you cannot accept this, now’s the time to say so.”

Bailey fumed at Dade’s defiance.  Yet he was also forced to pause at Dade’s insistence of Claire’s having the baby.  It was almost as if Dade was taking over his role of protector.

“So you’re going to take responsibility, are you?  You’re going to take my little girl away from me?  What about your future, Dade?  I’m sure your mother didn’t plan for you to end up like this.”

“I don’t know what my future is.  All I do know is from now on it includes these two.  Their wellbeing is my future.”  Dade insisted, “They are my future.”

Bailey still seemed upset, but he was obviously encouraged by Dade’s attitude.  He seemed to accept that no matter what he said, this baby was going to be born.  His daughter’s life was going to be changed no matter what he thought or said.

“I applaud your intentions, Dade.  Do you really believe you can stick with it?”

“I can.”  Dade said extending his hand, “I swear it.  I will take care of your daughter.”

Bailey tentatively shook Dade’s hand.  They stood man to man, with Dade looking Bailey square in the eyes as he promised to take care of Claire and their child.

“Do you really intend to have this baby?”  Bailey asked his daughter, “Knowing that this will change your life forever?”

“Do you regret having us twins?”

“Never.  But that’s different.”

“How?  What’s done is done.  I can’t kill this baby.  I can’t kill my own child.”  Claire said with tears in her eyes, “A mistake may have been made, but the greater one would be to kill this child.  I can’t do it.”

“Adoption?”

“No, Dad.  No one will raise this baby except for us.”  Claire said taking Dade’s hand, “We’ll do this together.”

“Is it better to have this baby when you don’t know if you can provide it with a life it deserves?  When perhaps there are others who might give it a better life than you two?”

“How can it not get everything it deserves with Dade and I, and everyone who cares about us here to support us?”

“You two talk a convincing game.”  Bailey sighed, “And I can see there’s no talking you around this.  But I have to say, I am extremely disappointed in you both.  And as confident as you two are now, there will be far reaching consequences from this decision.  But as long as you work together and own up to those consequences as you’ve shown me today, you’ll get through everything.  I am proud of the united front you two are keeping though.  And I must say, Dade, you’ve impressed me a lot.  I trust you to take care of my daughter as well as your child.”

“We always did want grandchildren.”  Claudia shrugged, “I’m excited.”

“Not this early!”  Bailey said throwing his hands up, “I’m too young to be a grandparent.  I’m not even forty!”

“He’s older.”  Claudia whispered, “I’m forty three, and he’s older than me.”

“Oh quiet, Hag.”  Bailey sighed, “You know this is our fault for divorcing.  Jacob’s gay because his father wasn’t around and Claire’s pregnant because you’re a terrible mother.”

Bailey smiled at Claudia as she glared back at him.  Her scowl soon faded as she burst into laughter, slapping Bailey on the knee.  Dade couldn’t help thinking these two were demented, but chose not to say so out loud.

“How far along are you, Sweetheart?”  Claudia asked excitedly, “Now that your father has finished growling like an old fart, let’s get to the good stuff.”

“Four months and a bit.  I have an ultrasound next week”

“Oh my word.  You waited this long to tell us?”

“I’m sorry.”

“Well this barely gives me time to prepare.”  Claudia said with a frantic clap of her hands, “We need to go shopping for baby clothes, and I have to tell you what to prepare for.  Do you have cravings?”

“Of the worst kind.”  Claire said emphatically, “Poor Carl always has to run out and buy me the craziest things.”

“Which brings me to my next point, Claire.”  Bailey said with a sober expression, “Carl.  He is a lovely boy.  I hoped he would be the one for you.”

“He is, Dad.”

“Not anymore.  How fair is it of you to expect him to go through this with you?  How fair is it really, Claire?”

“He loves me.”  Claire said with fear in her voice, “He won’t leave me.”

“Sweetheart, this is the price you have to pay for having this baby.”  Bailey said with tears in his eyes as he rubbed his daughters cheeks, “You have to let him go.”

“No.”  Claire insisted, “No.”

“Sweetheart, I’m not going to tell you that you have to do this.  You will decide that for yourself.  Because in your heart you know this is the right thing to do.  You’ll hurt him at first, but it will be for his own good.  Think about his future.  You have to think about what’s best for others here.  And that is something you’ve always thought about.  I know this is hard, but we’ll all be here.  Your mother and I, Jacob, Dade.  Carl will move on in time and you’ll realize this was for the best.”

“But I love him.  He’s the first one who loved me.”  Claire cried, “I can’t let him go.”

“If he loves you, and you love him, then you’ll both realize this is the right thing.  Oh damn it, I’m wasting my time with you.”  Bailey said before he stood up, his eyes still wrought with anger and disappointment, “I want you to know, Claire.  I have never been so disappointed in you as I am now.  You have failed me and you have failed yourself.  Everything your mother and I have done for you, it means nothing now.  Your life means nothing now.  Your education, your schooling, your future.  It’s over.  You might as well go and live with Dade for all I care.  My little girl is gone.”

With those cutting words expelled from his mouth, Bailey wiped a tear from his cheek and left the room.  His exit route forced him to pass Jacob, and the two shared an angry glare.  Bailey continued on until he reached the internal access to the garage.  He looked back one more time at Claire, before shaking his head in disappointment again.

Claire couldn’t believe what her father had just said to her.  As soon as he’d left the house, she burst into tears with a cry so heartfelt, Dade couldn’t help feeling it himself.  He instinctively wrapped his arms around Claire and pulled her to him as she broke down.  He’d never seen her so upset, and he hated that he was in part responsible for it.  His protective instincts kicked in and he picked Claire up, before he turned to Claudia.

“We have to go now.”

“Baby, forget what he said.  He’s just angry.”  Claudia yelled after the pair, “You come and stay with me until he comes around.  And if he doesn’t, then you just come and stay with me for as long as you need.”

It was odd that in this moment, Dade seemed to feel more like his brother than before.  Inside himself, he knew Storm would do exactly what he was doing.  Dade could feel the heavy influence his brother had on him.  Acting as not only his brother, but his best friend, role model, and father figure for the last seven years of his life.  It upset him even more than he already was, and he needed to catch himself as he stifled a sob of his own.

His mind quickly returned to Claire who still clung onto his embrace.  He carried her out the front door to Storm’s jeep and put her in the passenger seat.  He knew they needed to talk, but not here.

“Dade!”  Jacob yelled as he ran out onto the driveway, “Wait!”

Dade turned around just as he was about to jump into the driver’s seat.  Jacob had a look of concern and empathy for his sister.  His face was as ashen and grief stricken as hers.  Dade could sense the bond the two twins shared.  As he watched Jacob lean over and kiss his sister while he cradled her head, he thought again of his brother.  He couldn’t hear what Jacob was whispering to Claire, but he could almost picture Storm doing the exact same thing to him.

Dade turned away from Jacob and Claire as he began to freely cry tears of sorrow and loss.  If there was ever a time he needed his brother, this was it.  But he knew in himself that Storm was gone, and he had the sinking sensation that perhaps he might not see him again.  He hoped that would not be the case, because he swore no matter how long it took, he would win Storm’s trust back, he would win his love back.

Dade waited patiently for Jacob to finish with Claire.  As soon as they had and Jacob stepped back from the jeep, Dade nodded at him and kicked the vehicle into high gear.  He sped off without looking back.  At times like this he wished Storm’s jeep was an automatic transmission, so his hand would be free to hold Claire’s.  She sat quietly in her seat, her eyes empty and defeated.  All he wanted to do was hold her. 

Finally as they drove along the waterfront of Lake Herren, Dade felt they were far enough away from Claire’s house.  He pulled over and ran around to the passenger side of the jeep.  He pulled Claire out and wrapped his arms around her.  She held onto him for dear life as she cried more tears, and sobbed more frustration.  Dade kissed her cheek and continued holding onto her.

“I promise you, I’ll take care of you.”  Dade said, rubbing Claire’s back, “Your father will come around.  Just give him time.  He’s just a little caught up right now.”

“You don’t know him like I do.  He’s never been this angry with me.”

“I’m so sorry about all of this, Claire.”

“Yes, because I’m such an angel and you evil sex fiend corrupted me, right?”  Claire said with thinly veiled sarcasm, “As my father so kindly put it, I am not a little girl anymore.  Stop acting as though you did this to me.  We did it to each other.  We’re both responsible, not just you.”

“Then we’ll both make sure we get through this.  Do you have any idea what this means, Claire?  It means for the rest of our lives, we’re tied together.”  Dade said as if he were just realizing that fact himself, “Oh man.  That’s a long time.”

“I know.”  Claire cried.

“Well don’t make it sound that bad.”  Dade said with a small smile.

“I think maybe my father was right.”

“You’re not getting an abortion.  We already talked about this.”

“That’s not what I’m talking about.”  Claire said as she wiped her eyes.

“What are you talking about?”

“Like you said, the rest of our lives is a very long time.”  Claire sighed as if her heart were breaking, “A very long time.”

 

* * * * * * *

 

Dade stood outside Carl’s house, waiting for Claire to signal it was ok for him to leave.  He watched her body language as Carl waited at his front door for her.  She ran to Carl with an urgency in her step that gave away her need to be close to him. 

Carl stood leaning against the doorway, dressed in his boxers and a singlet.  Yet it didn’t appear to Dade that he’d slept much.  As soon as they greeted each other, their lips met and Claire melted into Carl’s arms.

“Well.”  Dade whispered to himself, “She loves him.”

Dade felt like the proverbial third wheel as Carl and Claire seemed lost in each other.  He figured Claire would be just fine now.  Carl nodded a tiny smile to Dade, and they shared a brief glance of acknowledgment.  Dade took this as his cue to leave and walked back toward his jeep.

“Dade!”  Claire yelled.

“Yes, Claire?”  Dade asked with one foot in the jeep, and one foot out.

“Everybody’s been worrying about how I’m handling this.  Has anybody stopped to ask how you’re doing?”

Dade thought about Claire’s question for a moment.  It hit at his heart and reminded him how alone he was.  Made even more obvious by the genuine affection between Carl and Claire.  Yet as much as he wanted to take this opening as a chance to be cared for, he reminded himself that distance was best.  Especially when it came to Claire. 

“There’s no one left to ask me.”  Dade said with a small nod, “Goodnight.”

 

* * * * * * *

 

Dade walked through his front door and closed it behind him.  His face was ashen and tired as he collapsed on the lounge suite.  Right now he wished Mike was still around.  So he could tell him about his visit to see Claire’s parents.  Yet perhaps that was Mike’s point.  That there aren’t always going to be people around to help you through these things, and it was up to you to face them alone or let them overwhelm you, as Dade had in the past.  He knew no one else was responsible for his situation.  He couldn’t expect someone to save him every time he screwed up.  Especially not now that he was older, and also because there was hardly anyone left to save him.

Yet he still found himself longing for family.  Because as difficult as tonight was for Claire, at least she still had family to turn to.  They were angry, but they cared.  Dade’s family was almost non existent.  Storm was gone.  His mother was dead.  His sister had her own life, and they were never that close to begin with.  And his father … his father.

“Dad!”  Dade said as he jumped up and grabbed the phone.

Dade knew it was time for him to come clean and confess to his father.  More than that though, it gave Dade a reason to call his father.  It gave him a reason to reach out and see if anyone cared.  He dialed in the number and waited anxiously for a response.

“Dad?”  Dade asked as he heard a click on the line.

“Son?”

Dade felt his father’s words fill him with a surge of pride.  It reminded him that no matter who made him, his father was Daniel Sr..  It also reminded him that he mattered.  He mattered to his father.  His only true father.

“It’s me, Dad.”

“Dade, what a nice surprise.”  Daniel Sr. sighed, “I’m sorry.  The time difference here, you caught me asleep.”

“Sorry.  I wasn’t thinking.”

“It’s ok.  I’m glad you called.  How are you, Son?”

“I’m fine.  I just wanted to hear your voice.  Are you ok, Dad?”

“I’m fine, Son.”

“Dad, do you know where Storm is?”

“No.  He isn’t there?”

“No …”

“Did something happen?”

“Umm, I won the Regionals.  He didn’t.  Things aren’t good between us.”  Dade confessed, “I hurt him, Dad.”

“And this is why your mother and I didn’t like you both being in the same sport.”  Daniel Sr. said angrily, “I wanted to come back and surprise you both for that, but work came up.  Blast it all.  How upset was he?”

“Only time I’ve seen him more upset is when Mom died.”

“Well he better call me, or I’ll give him an ear full.  Marcel doesn’t know where he is?”

“I’m not sure.  I haven’t spoken to him.  But if I know Storm, he can take care of himself.”

“Well, I’ll be home next week.  If he’s not back by then, I’ll track him down.”

“That’s what everyone’s said.”  Dade sighed, “Dad …”

“Yes, Son?”

“Umm … I love you.”  Dade said with a lump in his throat, “And I’m sorry for being such a jerk lately.”

“Dade …”

“Thank you.  For being my Dad.”

Dade didn’t mean to upset his father, but the sudden silence on the line made it obvious he had.  He could hear the shallow breathing and muffled sighs.  Dade only wanted to remind his father just how grateful he was for the life he had.

“I’m going to fly home early.  And we’ll finally get you that car, ok?  So you can stop driving around in your brother’s jeep.” Daniel Sr. said finally, “Is Abby there?”

“No, she’s got enough on her plate.  I told her not to come.  I’m seventeen, Dad.  I can look after myself.”

“Are you sure you’re ok?  Is there something else?”

“I … it can wait.  I just … wanted to hear your voice.  It can wait …”

 

* * * * * * *

 

Carl wasn’t sure exactly what it took to be a man, but he definitely felt older than he did before he started dating Claire.  He knew that losing his virginity to the girl of his dreams certainly helped to make him feel like a man.  Being in love so profound that it changed his perception of being, this made him feel like a man.  Being with Claire made him feel like a man.  He hadn’t really expected to lose his virginity so soon.  Sure he was seventeen, almost eighteen, quite a rare age to still be a virgin in these days.  Unlike his peers, particularly those of the jock variety, he didn’t think it mandatory to lose your virginity at fifteen.  He would have been happy to wait till he was married, if that’s what Claire wanted.  But he wasn’t about to pass up the opportunity when it presented itself.  Because more than any other factor, he wanted to lose his virginity to a girl he loved.

As he held Claire in her sleep, he still basked in the afterglow of their most recent love making.  His body still covered in sweat and his muscles tense and shaky, such was the intensity of their sexual session.  It felt as though they’d been making love forever the way they were so comfortable with each other now.  Though he would still often fumble and they would often laugh at his lack of prowess, he was becoming increasingly more comfortable with the intimacy.  He was beginning to learn the art of giving pleasure as well as receiving it.  He could pace himself much better now, so their love making would go on for hours and Claire would feel as much release as Carl.  And yet, they would still have their two minute accidents that would end in a fit of laughter.

Carl still had trouble reconciling the fact that Claire had only spent one night of lust with Dade.  One night and she was pregnant to him.  He wondered if they made love or simply had lust filled sex.  In the space of time he’d been making love to Claire, they’d been at it almost every day.  And Carl still couldn’t get enough.  He knew all the sex would not change the fact that Claire’s baby belonged to Dade, not him.

“You are so beautiful, Princess.”  Carl smiled as he watched her gently breathe.

He closed his eyes and held her tighter in his arms.  He inhaled her scent as he ran his fingers down her stomach.  He could feel the increasingly obvious mound of her stomach.  He knew it wouldn’t be long till her secret was out to the entire town.  In many ways, he thought people would judge her more harshly than they had Storm and Lucas.  She would be known as a pregnant teen, an unwed mother, a whore.  If people did discover Dade was the father, most of the jocks and social elite would view him as a stud who knocked up the hot chick with brains.  It didn’t seem right to Carl.

“I won’t let anyone say anything bad about you.”  Carl sighed, “I won’t let anything happen to you.”

“Carl …”  Claire whispered, as if still stuck in a dream.

“Yes, Princess?”

“It’s for the best.”

“What, Princess?”

“I love you.”  Claire whispered, before she returned to her broken slumber.

Claire turned on her side, and Carl pressed his chest against her back as he continued to hold her.  He held her with a feeling he hadn’t experienced in his life.  Utter fear.  It filled his every pore as laced his fingers through hers and nuzzled her neck.  He felt a sense of fear in the pit of his stomach, because he knew Claire more than she realized.  He knew what her eyes told him every day since she told her parents about the baby.  She loved him, but she knew she was going to give him up soon.  He hoped against hope that he was wrong.  Yet the more he held her, the more the fear grew, until it chased him like a demon into the dreamscape.

 

* * * * * * *

 

Dade lay on his lounge suite, staring out at the night sky.  His skin was bathed in moonlight, caressing him like a familiar friend.  His eyes scanned his body, as if admiring it from the perspective of another.  From the ridged ripples of his abdominals, to the flexing muscle of his calves, to the tips of his toes.  His fingers traced down his chest, brushing across his nipples, sending a rush of blood to his hardening member.  He closed his eyes as his hands softly grazed his abs, sending another rush of excitement through him.

He did not intend to touch himself in this fashion.  He didn’t mean to snake his hand into his boxers.  And as he wrapped his hand around his own member, a sly smirk broke out upon his face.

“Pathetic.”  Dade laughed to himself as he sat up, “Mr. Right, what do you think?”

Dade pulled his right hand from his boxers and looked at it, as if it were somehow able to talk to him.  He made a shadow puppet in the moonlight, taunting himself with it.

“Dade, you are a horny bitch.”  Dade mouthed with his hand puppet, “Why are you so pathetic?”

“It’s not pathetic.  Any man who says he doesn’t, is a liar.  Any other man has lost his hands.”  Dade smirked, “Now are we going to finish this and get some sleep?”

“No.  Go and call her!  Call anyone in your little black book.  You’re a free man with ladies to fawn at your feet.  Give me a break!”  The Hand Puppet taunted, “I know I’m good, but tonight you need some real action.”

“Hmm …”  Dade pondered, “Maybe I could call her.”

Dade’s thoughts became suddenly serious as he contemplated calling his most recent conquest.  She was simply waiting for his call and they would spend another night in the throes of a loveless passion.  At least he wouldn’t be alone.  At least he would be wanted.

Dade picked up the receiver and the girl’s number from his directory.  For an eon, he stared at her number.  He wondered whether he would receive any more fulfillment from her than he would from himself.  She clearly wanted more, but all he wanted was what he had already taken. 

Instead of dialing in her number, he dialed in a completely different one.  A number that belonged to one of the few people he’d made love to, and not just had sex with.  With that realization in his mind, he furrowed his brow.

“I really am a slut.”  Dade said to himself, “How many people have I slept with?”

“But they want me.  They want my body.”  Dade sighed, “They want this face.  They want to use me as their sex toy, and I want them to use me.  It makes me feel worthy.”

“Dade, you are so much better than that.”  Storm’s voice echoed through Dade’s mind.

“Storm …”  Dade sighed.

Dade returned his attention to his phone.  He’d dialed in the number he wanted and was simply waiting for an answer.  When someone finally did answer, Dade’s heart almost jumped out of his chest.  Familiar old feelings of want and need came rushing back.  But they were quickly doused out by thoughts of logic and practicality.

“Hello?”

“Marcel … it’s Dade.”

“What do you want?”  Marcel asked in annoyance.

Dade knew Marcel would be angry with him, but he never expected such open animosity.  Or perhaps he did.  Dade had always believed that deep down, Marcel’s loyalties would always be with Storm.  And in a way, Dade had come to believe that perhaps when all was said and done, it was actually Marcel who deserved Storm more than Lucas.  He’d almost come to hope that such a coupling would eventuate.  Perhaps his redemption could come in guiding them together.

“You love Storm.”  Dade blurted out, “More than you ever loved me.”

“Dade … you made it clear to me that you didn’t want me.  You were the one who ended it, remember?”

“You were never going to come back.  You were never going to commit to me.  I’m not stupid.  I knew eventually that I couldn’t help you … come back to the place you needed to come back to.  The place where the old Marcel … the confident, happy, cocky Marcel … the place where he lived.  I tried.  I tried to love you.  Don’t ever say I didn’t try.  But I want you to admit it to me.  Just admit it to me please.  It was always Storm that you confided in.  It was always him that you trusted more than anyone.  It’s he who is the reason we’re not together.  Because it’s only him who could ever make you feel safe enough to take that step.  To return to that place.  You know that place?”  Dade said with tears in his eyes, “That place you and I used to live.”

“Don’t do this, Dade.  I never wanted to hurt you.  I did love you.  I still love you.  I will always, always jump if you need me.  But I don’t want to have this conversation, because what good will it do us?”

“Honesty above all.”  Dade said bitterly, “I resented Storm for all the wrong reasons.  I resented him because I thought Mom loved him more.  I thought Dad loved him best.  I knew you trusted him in a way you could never trust me.  I resented him for being so much cooler than I could ever be.  I resented him for being the best fighter this side of the line.  I resented him for being the center of attention all the time.  I resented him for being him, and me for being me.  And after all this time, I have only just realized that I didn’t resent him at all.  I resented me.”

Dade felt a shudder fill his voice as he spoke.  His words brought such a calm resolution to his spirit, that he couldn’t help crying silent tears.  It was as if he was finally being honest to himself, more than Marcel.  Perhaps finally he could reconcile his own thoughts toward his brother.  And perhaps then he could start on the long road back to redemption.  The long road back to rebuilding a relationship with his brother.  If there was any hope left.

“The biggest difference between me and Storm is people gravitate towards him.  He’s a born leader.  I took everything away from him, and it hasn’t changed anything.  I’m still me.”  Dade sighed, “I don’t think he can ever forgive me.”

“I know that even now, he’s still angry at you.  He’s still hurt.”

“How?  How do you know?  Do … do you know where my brother is?”  Dade asked with tears in his eyes, “If I could just talk to him.  I can try.”

“He’s gone, Dade.  He was here.  He left.”

“You mean, all this time … he was with you?”

“Yes.”

“Why didn’t you call me?  Why didn’t you tell anyone?”

“It was best for Storm.”

“Does he know?  Does he know about the baby?”

“No.  It wasn’t my place to tell him.  It was yours.”

“Do you know where he is now?”

“No.  And that’s the whole point.  If I don’t know where he is, I don’t have to lie to anyone when they ask me where he is.  He’s gone.”

“But … he can’t just disappear.  Can he?”

“He already has, Dade.”  Marcel said with an obvious hurt in his voice.

Dade barely whispered a bye to Marcel before he hung up the phone.  He felt his hands begin to gently shake with the realization that his brother had well and truly left the building.  Dade had become so used to his brother always forgiving him for screwing up.  He’d become so used to his brother always saving him when he needed saving.  This time there would be no forgiveness.  There would be no last minute save.  Storm would not return to help Dade through this trial of his.  This transition to fatherhood.

Dade stood up and walked over to a section of wall still lit up by moonlight.  A photo hung on the wall above the wooden shelves, staring back at Dade.  He pulled the photo off the wall and held it in his hands.  Gentle sobs escaped him as he affectionately ran his thumb over the photo.  The picture was several years old now.  A photo of himself and his brother, Storm.  Taken just before Dade knew they did not share the same blood.  Taken before Dade began having misplaced feelings of resentment. Taken when all they knew how to be was brothers. Taken when all Dade knew was hero worship toward his brother and role model.  It was a lifetime ago.  A different age, a different era.  That era had well and truly ended.  And with that thought running in his mind, Dade placed the photo face down on the shelf.

“Goodbye, Storm.”

 

* * * * * * *

 

A foul morning wind blew across Lake Herren and up onto the shore.  Claire stood defiant, facing out toward the water as the wind chilled her still slender frame.  Her eyes were wet from crying, her face tired and drawn.  She looked down at her exposed stomach, marveling at the fact it contained a life.  She found the concept frightening and yet the most exhilarating, fulfilling feeling she had ever experienced.  She knew that these were the last days she could go swimming in Lake Herren.  Her stomach was now growing at a rate that would make her pregnancy obvious within weeks.  Luckily her frame was naturally small, and her pregnancy had not changed that fact.  She knew if she really wanted to, she could probably hide her pregnancy under loose clothing till she was almost full term.

“But I’m not going to.”  Claire sighed, “Because it’s time.”

“Time for what, Princess?”  Carl asked as he slid his arms around her waist from behind.

Claire closed her eyes as Carl kissed her neck with the caress of a feather.  He’d become too skilled in the art of seducing her.  Claire savored the sensation of having Carl so close to her, for she had already decided that today would be the end.  Today she would finally do what she had put off for months.

“Time to get real.  I’m going to step down from the student council.”  Claire said suddenly, “The first chance I get.  I’m going to tell Principal Brooks that I’m pregnant and that I no longer feel worthy of being a sitting member, let alone Class President.”

“Princess, don’t be ridiculous.  You’re the best Class President since …”

“Since Storm, right?”  Claire laughed, “That’s not saying much, since he was the last one.  And I know once I stand down, Stacey will be next in line.  But we’ll have to have a new election.  I’m thinking I have someone in mind to nominate.  You’re not interested, are you?”

“Nah.  I’m not a multi tasker like you.  That’s your department.  And politics is not my game.  Who did you have in mind?”

“Well … if he’s up to it and well enough, I think Brad would be great.”

“Sisto?  Class President?”  Carl laughed, “That’s perfect.  He’s the perfect choice.  He’s got a real heart in him these days.  But I don’t think he’ll be up to it physically.  Do you?”

“I think he might be.  The only other person I can think of is maybe Rebecca Chambers, but she could never get the votes.  Anyone but Stacey.  I was going to say Josh, but I think he’d be too insecure about his sexuality.  Anyway, all I know is it won’t be me.  The last thing Merlow High needs is a pregnant Class President.  I’m not role model material.  Not anymore.”

“Don’t be so hard on yourself, Princess.”  Carl sighed as he held Claire tighter, “I love you.  Everyone loves you.  Are you sure you want to do this?”

“It’s the price I have to pay for my choices.”  Claire said as her eyes began to water again, “And it’s not the only price either.”

Carl immediately sensed a change in Claire’s attitude.  He felt that familiar tingle of fear grow inside him.  His heart began to race and his breath became ragged.  He felt powerless to stop what was about to happen.  What he could already feel Claire was about to do.  But once he had accustomed himself to the fact that Claire was planning their demise, he had already planned his own strategy.  A simple, decisive strategy.

“No.”  Carl said with a surprising amount of authority.

Claire was surprised by Carl’s preemptive strike to her own plan of action.  Before she’d even had a chance to explain to him the reasons he was better off without her, he had already said no.  Even worse, Claire wanted to let that be the end of it.  She wanted to let Carl make the decision for them, but she knew in the end this was the best thing for him.  He had to be free of her. 

“I’m sorry.”  Claire as she pulled herself free from Carl’s grip, “I should’ve done this as soon as I knew I was pregnant.”

“But you didn’t.  Because I didn’t let you then, and I won’t now either.”

“Don’t you get it?”  Claire said in frustration, “I’m doing you a favor.  This is the best thing for you.  What about your parents?”

“What about them?”

“What will they think of you dating me once they learn I’m pregnant?”

“They’ll get used to it.  They don’t have a choice.”  Carl said vehemently, “It’s my life.  I chose you.  I don’t care what anyone else thinks.  Not my parents, not my friends, not anyone.  I love you, Claire.”

“I won’t do it.  Please, you have to understand that this is the best solution to everything.  Dade and I have to just accept that we did this, and we have to deal with the consequences.  But I am not going to drag you down with me.  I won’t have that on my conscience.  I know you mean what you say.  I know you’d do it.  But eventually you’d regret it.  You’d wonder what your life would have been like if it were normal.  A baby is the biggest commitment you can make.  I don’t think you understand just how much of a commitment it is.  I know this is difficult for you to accept, but for your sake, I have to let you go.”

“No.”  Carl said shaking his head as angry tears began forming, “I won’t let you.  I want to be with you, Claire.  Why can’t you just accept that I mean every word I say? Why don’t you give me the respect to make my own choices, just like you have?  Can’t I think for myself?  I will do everything it takes to keep you by my side.  I won’t let you do this.  If I thought you didn’t really love me, I’d let you go.  But you stand there and look me in the eye and tell me you don’t care, Princess.  Tell me.”

“It’s because I care that I’m doing this.  It’s because I love you that I have to do this.  I never dreamed I’d meet someone who loved me first.  Someone who loved me for me.  I never knew what that felt like until I met you.  I never knew what it felt like …”  Claire cried as she held Carl’s face, “To be in love.  To truly be in love.  Giving you up is the hardest thing I have ever had to do.  So many times I’ve told myself to do this, but I kept pushing it aside.  But my father is right.  I can’t do this to you.  I can’t bring you on this journey with me.  It’s not right.”

“How will I live without you?”  Carl cried, “I don’t want to.  Please don’t do this.  Please.  Just come home with me.  I’ll tell my parents right now.  If they don’t want you, then … I’ll figure something out and we’ll find a way.  We’ll live together.  I’ll marry you.  I’ll do anything you ask, Princess.  But I won’t leave you.  Please don’t do this to us.”

“I already have.”  Claire said with anguish in her voice, “I’m sorry.  I hope one day you understand that I did this for you.”

Claire turned and began walking away from Carl as both were overcome with tears.  Carl watched in disbelief as the love of his life slowly walked out of it.  He let out an audible cry of frustration and found himself shaking and lost.

“Princess?”  Carl called in desperation.

He knew she would not turn back.  The look in her eyes as she turned away was the only evidence he needed of that.  He felt like he would stop breathing any second.  He fell to one knee and slowly fell back onto the sand.  Though Claire may have doubted it, or perhaps she didn’t doubt it at all, he had already planned their future.  He wanted to marry Claire so that she would be his for the rest of their lives.  He would’ve done anything she asked.

In his entire life, Carl had never experienced a sensation like this before.  He had no idea a broken heart could bring him so much physical discomfort.  He had no idea it could be such an assault on his senses and his life.  He wanted to crawl into a hole and hide, because right now he could barely think straight.  His whole world had just collapsed in on itself.

 

* * * * * * *

 

Dade cursed under his breath as he heard a sharp knock on the front door.  He sat up in his bed and looked at his alarm clock.  It was almost midnight.  Rain was pouring down outside, buffeting his window and drumming the rooftop.  He sat up and rubbed his eyes, hoping whoever was knocking at his door would go away.  It didn’t.

“I’m coming for fuck’s sake.”  Dade muttered, “Hold on!”

Dade didn’t bother throwing on any clothes.  If someone was rude enough to knock on his door at this time of the night, they could expect to be greeted by him in his boxers.  With a yawn he skipped downstairs and went straight for the door.  He was too sleepy to try and figure out who it was.  He knew it had to be important for this time of the night.

“Who the fu…”  Dade began to say as he opened the door.

“Hi, Dade.”

“Claire.”  Dade said in surprise, “What the hell are you doing here at this time of the night?”

It took him only a few seconds to figure it out for himself.  Claire stood in his doorway covered in water.  She had a suitcase in each hand, and he could tell she’d been crying for a long time.  Her face was sunken and hollow, and her eyes tinged with an underlying sadness.  His demeanor instantly changed to that of empathy and concern.

“Come on, get inside.”  Dade said, taking her suitcases from her.

“I had nowhere else to go.”  Claire cried, “You said I …”

“I know what I said.”  Dade interrupted, “You’re staying here.”

“I gave him up, Dade.”  Claire sobbed, her jaw clenching in anguish, “I gave Carl up.  And I couldn’t stay at home anymore, because my father hates me.  Dade, I’ve given everything up to have this baby.  Not because I wanted to, but because for me there was no other choice.  You and I made our bed, and now we have to sleep in it.  Did you mean it when you said you wanted to be responsible for this baby?”

“I did mean it.  I swore it.”

“Then you have to let me stay here.  So that nobody else has to pay anymore.  We’ve hurt so many people already because of this.  No more.  This is our baby, Dade.  It’s up to us now.”

“I know, Claire.”  Dade shuddered with emotion as he kissed Claire’s head and held her, “I’m so sorry.  This is all my fault.”

“I love him so much, Dade.”  Claire cried, “I love him so much.”

In Dade’s mind a barrage of thoughts ran amok.  As he stood holding Claire, he couldn’t help feeling as though this was the break he’d been waiting for.  Though he truly felt for Carl, he was elated that Claire had turned up on his doorstep.  She needed him, and he wanted her to.  He couldn’t help feeling as though this was exactly what he wanted to happen as soon as he found out he was the father of Claire’s baby.  He wanted her to somehow find her way back to him.  He didn’t want anyone else raising his child.  And in his own idealistic mind, he wanted his child to have parents who loved each other.  He wanted his child to have the same upbringing he did.  As young as he was, he would do just as his mother did at an even younger age than him.  He would raise a child.  But even more than that, if he had his way, he would raise a child in a family.  All he needed to do now was convince Claire that they were meant to be together after all.  He wasn’t sure if it was simply because she was having his baby, but he found himself wanting to be with her more than he ever had in his life.  He didn’t want to let on to Claire, but right now he was feeling incredibly happy and excited about the future.

“From now on, it’s just you and me.”  Dade whispered, “Now you need to rest.  You can sleep in Storm’s old room tonight, and tomorrow we’ll sort something permanent out.”

“Dade … how are we going to live?  How are we going to survive?  Are we really doing this?”

“I guess we are.  As long as we do it together, we’ll be fine.”

 

* * * * * * *

 

Carl could barely contain himself.  It had been three days since Claire had walked out on him, and he still felt as raw and ragged as when it happened.  How could she do it to him?  He knew she had her reasons, and he respected that.  Yet he still couldn’t help feeling that she should’ve given him the respect to make his own choices, as she had hers.  Half of him felt angry at Claire, while the other half simply felt sorrow.  He felt grateful that she loved him enough to do what she felt was right for him. 

His rarely seen destructive tendencies found themselves coming to the surface of late.  He’d returned to partying a little harder than usual.  He was reckless with his safety when he drove, when he played football, when he dove off the wharf into Lake Herren’s Johanson Point.  He just didn’t seem to care anymore.

Even now as he sat at the edge of the wharf with his knees pressed tight into his bare chest.  Even now as cold beads of water sent shivers across his skin.  Even now as his fingers had lost all color and he held his hands to his lips.  Even now as rain fell and lightning cracked across the sky.  Even now as he sat alone, with every other soul in their right mind having long found cover.  Even now he sat.  Alone.

 

 

 

 5 Paths: Fallout

 Theme Song
Ben Jelen - Come On

The following is archived and may no longer be relevant.

You know what?  Call me bias, but I think 5 Paths was a really cool idea.  I should thank Ty for thinking it up.  I’ll remember to look in the mirror and do just that tonight.

I wondered at first whether it would be too much of an undertaking.  5 separate chapters, 5 sets of characters, all during the same timeline?  Hell, that's half the size of Season 1, at least the online version that is.  But in the end, I'm very happy with the results.  And that's not an easy thing.  I'm not easily pleased.

I know what you're thinking.  Lots of breeder sex.  Well, you'll have to excuse me.  It's the bi in me wanting to show a little honey love.  And besides, breeder sex is good!  And the majority of any sexual type scenes in Storm Front have been of the man on man type.  I felt it was necessary in this chapter to delve a little more personally in these characters though.  They're growing up, you know?  It really is the end of innocence for them.  And also, this is an Interludes chapter, it is not primary Storm Front.  In Storm Front I am a little more reserved, save for one or two scenes throughout the series.  But here, because the stories are not part of the primary, I can give them higher ratings and include more graphic scenes, on a chapter by chapter basis as I see fit.

This chapter probably had the biggest task of setting up for Season 5, because Dade is 'supposedly' the new protagonist of Storm Front.  And yet it is Lucas who sits at the top of the credits, funny that.  It also served to launch Carl into main character status.  The B Team is now The A Team, at least in their roles, but I think they'll always be known as the B Team.  B can mean Bloody Awesome.

So ironic how Carl became what Dade started as; lonely.  Poor Carl.  But you know, we don't sell happy endings here, just fitting ones.  And as much as he loved Claire, and as much as she found herself falling in love with him, it was probably for the best.  She didn't want to feel guilty that he would have to play such a big role in her life as a young mother, when he was still so young himself, relatively speaking.  And perhaps down the track, he might've come to resent the role he would have to play too.  But I doubt it, Carl has become a man over the last two seasons, and one that wouldn't have held anything against Claire.

It should be obvious that the love scene between Claire and Carl wasn't just there to get your rocks off.  Although I was tempted to turn the whole scene into blue text, if you get my drift.  Not for the sake of being graphic, but more to emphasize that this is a huge step for them and something Carl has wanted since we've known Carl as a character.  It was also intended to juxtapose the sort of meaningless sex that Dade engaged in at the beginning of the chapter.  My how our Dade has changed since we saw him with a bad case of hero worship at the start of SF.  I almost wish he could've stayed a kid forever, but as evident with this chapter, he is no longer a child by any means, except perhaps in his heart.  It's rather sad actually.

Carl and Claire's making love was supposed to be an honest portrayal of a semi first time.  It was Carl's, and in a way Claire's too.  She wasn't drunk and she knew exactly what she was doing.  In complete opposition to Dade, Carl fumbled his way through with Claire.  And come on, straight bi guys, don't tell me you were all Dade's on the first go.  Or even now.  Dade's sex was a lot more directed, but it was empty.  Carl and Claire made love, Dade had sex.  I'm sure most of you would've preferred I showed Dade getting it on with a guy, but for the purposes of the story, and Dade's future, this was the way to go.  Both scenes served a purpose.  I'm loving Interludes right now, and the freedom it gives me.

Mike's appearance was a small ways to make up for Rebirth of Miracles not being part of 5 Paths.  It reminds us of the role and influence he still has on many people, and also lets us know that he and Sarah are still out there.  Besides Storm, Mike is the only person who can really nail home the wake up call Dade needs to get over his selfish wallowing that has consumed him for most of this season.  And in a very key way, Mike served as the catalyst for Dade's attitude turning in a way that will hopefully reverse much of his behavior over the last season, as time goes on.

Daniel Sr. has never played an overly dominant role in Storm Front.  He is somewhat of a failure in my eyes when it comes to his sons.  Then again, people could look at June as a failure for having less of a role in Abby's life too.  That's what happens in divorce people.  And that's why it is a MOTHER FUCKER!  Something I can relate to personally.  The reason Storm is so well old, is because of this fact.  He was forced to take on the mantle of his father when he ran out.  He had to grow up fast.  And that's why SF is what it is.  Good or bad, that' the outcome.  If his parents were never divorced, I guarantee you Storm would be a different person.  Because he'd get more time to be shallow, to be a kid, to be everything he wasn't.  But he didn't get any of that.  If anything, he's the one who should hate his father, and he did, for a very long time.  Something you'll see for yourself in Salvation.

Even though Daniel Sr. has never played an active role in his son's life over the last almost six years of their lives now, Dade is grabbing hold of the last family he has left.  Daniel Sr. may not be his biological father, but he is the only father Dade has ever known.  Dade is his son.  I've always been of the belief that it takes more than blood to be family.  Mike is testament to that.  Daniel Sr. is too.  I mean we never saw this period of their lives, but he was very much the on site father right up until his separation from June when the brothers were in their tweens.  So a certain amount of credit must still be paid to him.

You could've gone straight to Season 5 without reading any of 5 Paths, but I think those of you who are reading this will be better served for doing so.  This chapter weaved in and out a little of 'Brad's Desire', because both episodes take place in Merlow, and if you haven't done so, you should read that episode too.  It also demonstrates part of the reason why Lucas decided to rush off to San Diego, courtesy of his parents. 

So, Dade has done what he considers the right thing.  Carl has been left in the wake of Dade's fallout from Season 4.  Claire's parents now know she's with child.  Will Carl give up on Claire and step aside?  How will Claire survive the shark infested waters of Merlow High when everyone learns the good girl is pregnant?  Will Dade try to resurrect a relationship with the mother of his child?  I've always written Storm Front in a way where if you really know the characters, you already know the answers to all these questions.  But I've always said it's the journey, not the destination, that matters.  People spend so much time getting to the destination, they forget to appreciate what happens on the journey, until it's too late.

 This story is not over.  Once again there was so much more I wanted to say, and yet even while still only concentrating on really three characters, I still went over 40 pages.  I've already written the opener for Season 5 and the timeline it takes place is still well past this episode.  But I still feel there are questions unanswered in explaining how things get from 'For Glory' to 'When the War is Over', especially with Dade, Claire, and Carl. Stay tuned to the Interludes section for a follow up to 'FallOut'.

 

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