STORM FRONT

By SFwriter

5 Paths - What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?
Interludes
Timeline: Post Season 4

 

  * * * * * *

I still can’t believe the way things ended for me in Merlow.  I feel betrayed by the two people I loved most in this world.  Dade and Lucas.  Now here I am almost two weeks later and I still haven’t gotten over it.  I’m not sure what hurt more actually.  Dade turning on me … again, or Lucas cheating on me.  I actually think it sometimes is Dade who hurt me more.  Only because he’s my brother and I expected him to have my back.  Especially at a point when I needed him most.  It was like kicking me when I was down.  I don’t really think he expected or wanted to hurt me so much, but he did.  I haven’t spoken to either of them since I left Merlow.  None of them even know I’m here.  At least I don’t think so.  Otherwise I’m sure Dade at least would have tried to call.  I think Lucas knows that there isn’t really much to say anymore.  I don’t hate Lucas.  I’m still really hurt by what he did, but I don’t hate him.  I don’t think I ever could.  If I’m angry at anyone, it’s Dade.

I left Merlow with the intention of starting over somewhere new.  Where exactly?  I have no idea.  My plans were thrown into disarray when Marcel caught me as I was leaving and made me come here to Drake with him.  So I’ve been here now for two weeks just trying to get my head together and try and figure out what I want to do next.

I don’t really want to stay here much longer because this is Marcel’s space.  And I don’t want him babying me when he has other things he needs to concentrate on.  Like his own career here.  I really think that the attack he suffered last year took more out of him than he lets on.  I know it’s the reason he broke things off with Dade.  But I also think it’s spilled over into his budding sports career.  Besides the physical scars that were left behind and affected his ability, I think the emotional ones have done far more damage.  He doesn’t say it, but the spirit seems to have faded from him when it comes to training now.  It makes me angry to see someone who had such big dreams and the potential to see them eventuate, just kind of lose the spark inside their soul.  I wonder how Mom managed all those years ago when she was raped and Dade was conceived.

Marcel’s trying though.  He’s trying really hard to get himself back into the game.  He still has what it takes.  If there’s anything I can do here before I go, I hope it’s to help him find what he wants from life.  We’re both at crossroads in our lives.  We’re both trying to figure out what the big picture is for us.  All I do know is I don’t intend to be here for much longer.  I need to get myself into a new school and find somewhere to live.  Thank goodness Mom left money behind for me so I can support myself while I go to school.  I guess I …

“Storm?  You here?”  Marcel interrupts my ponderings as he enters the apartment.

I realize I’ve been daydreaming here for a little while when I was supposed to be watching the stove.  I’ve been trying to help out where I can, and cooking is one way I’ve been able to do that.  I like cooking so it’s no biggie.

“Hey.”  Marcel said with a smile as he walked into the kitchen.

It’s kinda scary actually the way we’ve fallen into this routine with each other.  In the past, it’s usually been Marcel who has stayed with me or my family.  But now it’s the other way around.  I’m the one staying with him.  Being the territorial and independent control freak that I am, it takes a bit of adjusting.  But we’ve settled into a comfortable groove.  A little too comfortable for my liking.  Something I’ll need to talk to Blondie about while we have dinner.

“Smells great, Sweetheart.”  Marcel said with a cheeky grin.

“Hey, I’m not your bitch.”  I said with a smirk of my own, “Go and shower up so we can eat dinner.”

“No welcome home kiss?”

I shot him a mock grimace and he just grinned back at me before he headed off to shower.  I think he likes having me around.  I like being around as well.  Marcel and I have never had a problem spending time with each other.  Most of the time I was in Saran City, I was hanging out with him too.  So we’ve spent the last few months together basically.  He’s really a great guy.  I’m kinda bummed that things didn’t work out with him and Dade, but I have a feeling Dade’s jumping the fence and going back to the ladies.  And I just don’t think Marcel’s ready for any kind of relationship.

I served our dinner up and waited for Marcel to come out.  I’ve always been a selective eater and I eat pretty healthy, but I have to be even more selective with Marcel because he’s in training.  It’s not that much of an adjustment though.  We have pretty similar eating habits.

“That looks great.”  Marcel said as he emerged from the passageway.

For someone who has issues with intimacy, he still knows how to show off his body.  Or maybe I’m just a pervert who stares at it.  Nope, it’s definitely Marcel.  He’s still got streaks of his old self inside.  The cocky blonde we all used to love.  He struts into the room with a pair of skimpy shorts on and nothing else.  Sure, it’s no biggie.  We all do it.  But with Marcel, he’s a high class flirt.  He’s got that smirk that lies beneath the surface.  This subtly cocky little strut that says ‘yeah, I’m fine and I know it, just look at me’.  People say that Dade knows how to turn it on.  I know he does, but being his brother, I tend not to notice, because that would just be weird.  Some people think I turn it on when I want to, just not as overtly as Dade.  Maybe I do.  But Marcel, he’s just … well … he can turn it on as well.  Not as often as I think he should these days, but it’s slowing coming back to him.

“Has anyone ever told you that you’re a show off.”  I smirked at him as he sat down at the table.

“I’m not a show off.”  He smirked back, “You just have excellent observation skills.”

I think that’s his way of saying I’m perving at him.  He’s right.  But at least I’ve always told him I think he’s hot.  And that damn nipple ring of his.  It’s distracting.  Especially while I’m trying to eat.  Maybe I’m just horny because the last time I got laid was before I went into hospital.  That was a long time ago.  Or maybe it’s because we’re both single or something now.  Or living together in such close proximity.  Marcel’s apartment is a small two bedroom one.  It’s bigger than the academy dorm he used to stay in, but not much.  I always feel like I’m the one staring at him when he’s strutting almost naked around the house.

“Do you think I’m hot?”  I ask Marcel out of the blue.

“Wha…?”  He said as he almost choked on the food in his mouth, “What?”

“I always feel like I’m perving at you.  It’s hard not to notice when we’re living together and every morning I wake up to see you waltzing out of the shower with a token towel to cover the goods and nothing else.  I guess I’m wondering if it’s just me.”  I said with a red faced smile.

“You check me out?”  Marcel asked with the biggest smile, “Really?”

“Oh don’t gimmie that.  You know I do.  I don’t even mean to.  But it’s kinda hard not to.  I remember the days when you were the one checking me out all the time.  Or trying to cop a feel when we’re camping.”

“I turn you on.”  Marcel sighed happily, “Forget the rest … I’m still the best.”

“You know, I don’t think I’ve seen you this happy in months.”

“Longer than that.”  Marcel said a little coy.

His smile faded a little as he broke eye contact with me.  He twisted his fork around in his fingers.  I think I hit a nerve.  A good one though.

“It’s nice seeing you smile.  Last time we came back to Drake together, I don’t remember seeing you smile very much.  Saran City … you smiled a little more there.  But the last two weeks, you seem really happy.”  I said with a small smile, “Makes me happy too.”

“You’re my best friend, Storm.”  Marcel said as he made eye contact with me again, “You … you’ve always been … special.  I don’t know.  I’m just glad you’re here.  You always make me feel … safe.  I love you, Storm.”

“Love you too, Blondie.  But you still didn’t answer my question.”

“Oh … right.  Hotness?  Do you turn me on?”  He said as he contemplated, “Well … you’re not quite Dade …”

“As in not quite a whore?”  I said trying not to spit as I spoke.

“Storm …”

“I’m kidding!”  I said with a meek shrug.

“Dade is very good at turning it on.  He makes girls scream and guys cream.”

“Like I give a fuck.”  I said shaking my head.

“I don’t know what it is.  You’re both different.  Dade’s a little more out there.  You’re the stand back reserved type.  A come to me kinda guy.  You’re as hot as Dade.  You already know how beautiful I think you are.  Your ex boyfriend would agree and so would half of Merlow High.  Back before Lucas came to town, you were the king of kings.  Sarah’s hot boyfriend.  Everybody wanted you then.  It was Lucas who beat the hot stick out of you.  If he didn’t come along, you might be a little more like Dade is now.”

“So I’m not hot?”

“Of course you’re hot.  The difference now is you don’t really try to be.  You just are.”  Marcel said as he flicked his fingers, “That’s it!  You don’t flaunt it.  Dade flaunts it.  You don’t.  You just are.  You get me?”

“Ok so now I know how Dade feels getting compared to me so much.  I need to whore myself up.”

“No you don’t.  You know you’re hot, Storm.  And sometimes you can’t help showing people how hot you are.  It’s just that usually you’re in control and you’re reserved.  Classy.  You have … ideals.  You have standards.  If you’re asking me if you’re hot physically, then yes.  You damn well know it, Storm.  You could bring me out of retirement.  The only reason you care now is because you want to be better than Dade at something.  It isn’t a competition.  You’re both hot.  I wish I could tell you how hot you really are to me.  You don’t know how many times I … umm … hmm … maybe I won’t say that.”  Marcel blushed with embarrassment.

“Are you serious?”  I asked with a huge grin.

“Come on.  I was like … thirteen … fourteen … fifteen …”

“Umm are we going to carry on here?  How many years are we talking?”

“Come on, Storm.”  Marcel said with a red face, “Do we have to go there?  You know I was crazy about you back then.  I had the biggest crush on you.  You were the guy who made me realize I liked other guys.  You were always so hot to me.  I’d steal looks at you so many times.  But it was more than that.  I was in love with you.  You already know that.  You were still my hero back then.  You’re the reason I am what I am today.”

“Oh please.  I think not.”

“I’m serious.  You were my hero.  You chose me to be your friend when I was just the fat kid to everyone else.  This chubby little ten year old.  I mean, you know the story.  But it’s not just a story for me.  It was my life.  I was that kid.  I’m still that kid.”  Marcel said with a fond smile, “You said hello and the rest is history.  I think when I was maybe twelve … thirteen at the latest.  I knew I liked you more than I should.  I wanted to play all the sports you played so we could hang out more.  I never expected that I’d take on athletics more than you.  You were always good at it.  I was still a chubbster when I started.  But I wanted to hang out with you.  I wanted to be good so that you’d think I was … special.”

The whole time Marcel was talking, I was sitting there mesmerized.  I mean, he was right when he said that I heard this story so many times before.  But he was also right when he said it was his life.  It was something that still held a lot of significance for him.  I mean, a lot of people have told me how somehow I’ve had some profound effect on their life.  Mike and Marcel in particular.  Both of them come from such different backgrounds.  Mike’s from a poor family, but he’s been my surrogate brother for all my life.  Marcel comes from a wealthy family who were wanting for nothing.  At least materialistically.  The one thing they had in common was me.  And Mom.  She played a huge role in their lives.  But when people tell me I mean so much to them, it’s hard for me to fathom.  I don’t want to let myself get carried away or give myself props.  But sometimes, like right now, I have no choice but to accept my role in his life.  And to accept that perhaps I did do some good.  I don’t imagine he’ll ever let me think otherwise.  Still, it’s really hard for me to believe that I could have had such a big effect on him and his development.

“I wanted to be better, stronger, faster so I could look like you.  You were always popular and handsome and strong.  You were beautiful.  Everybody wanted you.  I guess I was trying to copy you.  But I just wanted to be worthy enough of your attention.  Then it kind of snowballed from there and here I am today.  Hot as hell and popular as ever.”  Marcel grinned, “You know how it goes.  Forget the rest!”

“Modest too.”  I said with a small laugh.

“Seriously, Storm.”  Marcel said with a serious tone as he locked eyes with me, “You’ve always been my hero.  I don’t always say it, but it’s true.  You’re the only person … the only person … that can make me …”

Well this was awkward.  Contrary to popular belief, I don’t often like being the center of attention.  Especially when people are trying to compliment me.  Makes me feel uncomfortable.

“You’re still my hero.  That’s why I feel safe around you.  I don’t know how to explain all of this.  There’s just no one else like you, Storm.  There’s no one else I’d rather have here right now.”  Marcel said as he covered my hand with his own, “I’m glad you’re here.”

“Well … uhh … I kinda wanted to talk to you about that.”  I said with a small gulp, “I think maybe it’s time I thought about moving on.  I’ve been here long enough already.  Besides, the semester starts soon and I have to get myself registered.”

“Oh …”  Marcel said with disappointment.

“I’m really grateful you let me stay here.  It’s been awesome.  But you’ve got things you need to concentrate on as well.  And it’s time I started concentrating on school.  Staying here really helped.  I think I would’ve been a lot worse if I’d been on my own the last two weeks.”

“Sure.”

“Did you think I was gonna hang around forever?”  I asked with a small smile.

“Kinda.”  Marcel said as he smiled at me.

“If I was still on holiday maybe.  But if I’m gonna start at a new school, I gotta move quick.”

“Where are you gonna go?”

“I already have somewhere in mind.  Don’t worry about me.  I’m a survivor.  I’ll be fine.”  I said reassuringly.

“You might think you can disappear on everyone in Merlow, but you can’t do it on me.  Don’t think I’m letting you walk out of here without knowing where you’re going.”  Marcel said as he squeezed my hand, “You could stay here with me.  I can get you into Drake.  There’s an all styles open class here.  You’d fit right in.”

“I don’t think they’d want a wash up.  I’m a has been.”  I said as I remembered the regionals, “I lost to someone who never competed in a regionals before.”

“Storm, you’ve been a district and regionals champion more than once.  You’ve got as many trophies as I do.  You’re more than qualified.  Don’t quit just because you lost once.”

“You’ve been checking out already, haven’t you?”  I asked with a wry smile, “You were hoping I’d stay here.”

“I still hope you’ll stay here.  You could still get into the nationals from here.  You’d probably have more chance here at the academy than anywhere else.  You can get the credits you need to qualify.  You’re already almost there.  And you’ll still get tutored.  You wouldn’t have to worry about anything, Storm.  I’ll take care of you.”

“Well …”

“Will you at least think about it for a few days?”  Marcel asked pleadingly.

“Sure.  I’ll think about it.  Thanks, Marcel.”

We shared an awkward smile before he finally let go of my hand and returned to his meal.  We didn’t say much for a little while.  I think we were both digesting a few things, and not just food either.  Subconsciously, I worry that if I hang around too long, Marcel will … maybe … fall for me again.  And even though I think Dade may have been on to something when he said Marcel and I should’ve ended up together, I don’t think I want to go there.  It might ruin our rock of a friendship that I depend on so much.

“So …”  I said with a mischievous grin, “You really used to get yourself off thinking about me?”

“It was a long time ago.”  Marcel blushed, “I … I was in love with you and I thought you were sexy enough to eat.  What do you expect?  Can we talk about something else?”

“Wow … I’ve always wanted to be someone’s jerk off fantasy.”

“So it’s only fair if I make you a little hot under the collar these days.”

“A little?”  I said in surprise, “Baby, you make me burn!”

Marcel’s face went a little red as he tried not to burst out laughing.  In the end, we couldn’t help it.  We’re a pair of idiots.

 

* * * * * * *

 

Things were a little awkward between Marcel and I after dinner.  We made a bit of smalltalk while we cleaned up, but nothing too deep.  I wasn’t sure exactly what he wanted from me now.  I know he worries about me and wanted me somewhere he could keep an eye on me.  But I also thought there may have been a little more to it.  It’s no secret that in the past he had feelings for me, but it’s something we’ve never had to address for years.  I had Lucas and he had Dade.  Now things were different.

Maybe it’s because we’re both single now.  I never used to think about anything happening between us because it was never an option.  I might just be imagining things, but I can’t help thinking that he might be … thinking about me or us as more than just friends.  Perhaps I’m just ultra sensitive right now.  Maybe I’m thinking too much again.  I don’t know.

I still think about Lucas.  It feels like forever since we were really together.  For the longest time I didn’t think I’d ever be with anyone else.  And even after I left him, I figured I’d jump back over to the ladies.  I figured this would be my chance now to find a nice girl and settle down.  Get married maybe and definitely have some kids.  Raise a family.  It’s the one thing I wanted that Lucas couldn’t give me.

Being with another guy just never entered the equation.  That’s why the thought of getting too close to Marcel scares the hell out of me.  He truly is one of the greatest guys I know and I would be flattered if he still had feelings for me.  I just don’t think being with a guy now is something I want long term.  Some people say you can’t choose who you’re with.  That’s not true.  What is true is whether you can live with the choice you do make.

I think the other reason I’m in a hurry to leave this place though is because I want my own life again.  I want to make friends and build new roots.  I’m restless here.  I’ve been tempted to call Dad and ask him if I can move to Canada with him, but I think he’s planning to move back to Merlow.  All I know is I want to settle down somewhere and start over.  The longer I’m here, the longer that isn’t going to happen.

I’ve been thinking about Marcel’s offer.  It actually sounds pretty appealing.  There’s nothing I’d like better than to still get into the nationals.  That would shock the hell out of Dade and the other fuckers who think I’m over and done.  Maybe I’d get another shot at Dade too.  He caught me off guard last time.  He won’t do it again.  I don’t care if it sounds arrogant, but I am better than him.  I’m better than him because I worked harder than he did.  I was at the top longer than he was.  I trained more than he ever did.  He deserves the title because he beat me plain and simple.  Now the onus is on me to show him next time that he can be good at anything he wants, just not that.

I get angry when I think about him.  When I think about what he has now.  He has my spot at the top of the dojo.  He doesn’t deserve it.  Even Marty Lee would’ve been more deserving than Dade.  Now Dade’s the man and he probably doesn’t even care.  He’s Takada’s new second.  Little bastard doesn’t deserve shit.  Except perhaps a kick in the ass from yours truly.  He’s lucky I’m not such a bastard that I go in and kick him out of the house that Mom left in my name.  But I’m not that low, and even from heaven, Mom would still kick my ass.  Of all the things that I want to do to get even with Dade, making him homeless would never be one of them.  Hell, I left myself so that wouldn’t be an issue.  Besides, that’s as much his house as it is mine.  It’s not my place to say otherwise.

“Hey.”  Marcel said as he walked into the room.

He stood at the doorway looking at me as I lay back on my bed.  See this is the problem.  I have too much free time on my hands.  So I spend most of it thinking about Merlow.  And Marcel can usually tell when I’m doing that.  I’m past the crying stage.  Now I just get bitter or angry.

“You’re thinking about them again.”  Marcel said matter of factly.

“How do you know?”

“The scowl on your face gives it away.”

“Sorry.  I’m just thinking about your fucker of an ex boyfriend.”  I said as I rolled onto my side away from Marcel.

“That fucker is your brother.”  Marcel said with a little disappointment in his voice, “Just give it some time, Storm.”

“I wanna smash his fucken head in.  You know I can.”

“I know you can.  You know you can.  So why are you so angry if you know it?”

“Because he still beat me.  He hit me where it hurts.  He did whatever he had to just so he could win.  He’s not my brother.  He’s a fucking half breed.”  I said still simmering with anger, “I feel like going back to Merlow just to smash his head in for all the grief he’s caused.”

“Now are you just talking about the regionals here?”

“I’m talking about his whole fucking life.  I’m talking about Mom.”  I said as I sat up all flustered, “I’m talking about everything.  How could he turn on me after everything I’ve done for him?  And don’t you dare stick up for him.”

“Storm, he’s your brother.”

“I wish you’d stop reminding me of that.  And he’s only half my brother.”  I said as I threw on a shirt and headed for the door, “I’m going out.”

“Where?”  Marcel asked as he followed me to the front door.

“Somewhere else.  I can’t talk to you about this.  You fucked him for crying out loud.  You’re always going to side with him.”

“I’m not siding with anyone.  And besides, I’m here with you, aren’t I?”

“Yeah …”  I said as my anger dissipated a little, “I’m sorry.  This is between Dade and I.  I just need some air.  Go to bed.  You’ve got an early start.”

“Don’t go out like this, Storm.  Or at least let me come with you.  It’s late.  You know this place isn’t like Merlow.  You have to be careful.”  Marcel said with concern.

“I’ll try not to hurt anyone this time.”  I said with a sigh, “Goodbye.  Don’t wait up.”

 

* * * * * * *

 

I think it must have been a little past ten when I finally got back to the apartment.  I hoped Marcel would be asleep by now.  He usually goes to sleep around nine here at Drake.  I felt bad for walking out the way I did, but I think it emphasizes the fact that it’s time for me to go.

I walk in to find Marcel sitting at the dining table with his books out.  Obviously he waited up for me.  He looked up at me with an expectant expression.  As if he was waiting for me to make the first move or speak first.

“Hey.”  I said, still feeling a little guilty for my outburst.

“Hi.”  He said with a small nod, “I’m glad you didn’t keep me up all night.”

“I’m sorry.  I shouldn’t have freaked on you.”

“It’s ok.  I had some work to catch up on anyway.  Are you feeling any better?”

“I don’t think so.”  I said with a shrug, “Why don’t you go to bed now and I’ll clear all this away?”

“I’ve got a better idea.  Why don’t you make us a hot drink while I clear this away and then we’ll watch a movie together?  Come on.”  Marcel said as he started clearing away his books, “We’ll watch it in my room.  That way when I fall off to sleep, you won’t have to move me.”

I stifled a laugh as I did what he asked.  I made us a choc lite and some light snacks.  I still felt a little bummed about walking out on Marcel before, but hopefully everything would be cool soon enough.  By the time I walked into his room with our drinks and snacks, he’d already set up the dvd and was lying on his bed.  I put our food down on his bedside table and sat down on his desk chair.

“What are we watching?”  I asked.

“Are you going to sit there the whole movie?”  Marcel asked as he patted the bed next to him, “Come on, Beautiful.”

I don’t know why I’m feeling so weird around Marcel now.  We’ve always been close.  And being close has never been an issue.  I could say that I don’t want to invade his space as I know he still has issues with intimacy, but that would be bullshit.  Because as much as it might annoy Dade, Marcel has never had a problem being close to me.  Even after he was attacked.  Perhaps that was Dade’s whole point when he said I was the only one who could help Marcel. 

“Ok.”  I said with a small smile as I kicked off my sandals and lay down next to Marcel.

I guess I’m the one who has intimacy issues, because I feel uncomfortable right now.  Marcel seems fine, which is great.  But I think I’d rather be on my own somewhere.  I make sure there’s a palpable space between the two of us.  That damn Sheridan has jinxed me for life.

“Storm, you ok?”  Marcel asked as he realized I wasn’t really watching the movie.

“Sure.”  I said with a feigned smile, “I’m fine.”

“Ok.”  Marcel said with a sigh.

He always knew when I was full of shit.  But he and I both knew when the other didn’t really want to talk.  A lot of our relationship was unspoken.  We’re often both staunch, stubborn, introverts.  We said more in our silence, than we often did with our words.  It was something I appreciated about us.  But sometimes I think Marcel wanted me to talk to him.  This was one of those times.

“Come here, Blondie.”  I said as I motioned for him to move closer to me.

I smiled at him as he moved over and lay his head on my chest.  I kissed the top of his head as he snuggled up to me.  I think I’m probably the only person in the world Marcel would ever let this close to him.  That makes me feel special.  Even Dade couldn’t get this close without Marcel feeling uncomfortable.  I’m glad Marcel feels safe with me.

He can be so strong at times.  Almost all the time actually.  And he’s one of the few people who can really stand up to me.  But sometimes he can be so vulnerable and meek.  Times like now when nobody else can see but me.

“Marcel …”  I said as my fingers ran innocently through his locks.

“Yeah, Storm?”

“Nevermind.”

“Come on.  Tell me.  You can talk to me.”

“What makes us different?  You and I.  I don’t think either of us could cheat on someone we love.  I know you couldn’t.  Do you think it’s my fault that Lucas cheated?  Aren’t I worth being loyal to?  Wasn’t I good enough for him?”

I could feel my eyes beginning to water up now.  I didn’t want to start getting all emotional on Marcel, but it’s just been one of those days.  Between Dade and Lucas, they’ve done a pretty good job of fucking me up inside.  Right now it was Lucas who plagued my thoughts and rocked my sensibilities.

“Storm, don’t keep doing this to yourself.  You’re good enough for anybody.  Lucas just … screwed up.  It doesn’t mean you’re not good enough for him.  He made the mistake.  Storm, you forget sometimes that I know you better than most other people.  The same way you know me.  I know you’re insecure at times.  Especially when it came to Lucas.  But you can’t keep thinking that you weren’t good enough for him.  I’d like to tell you what I really think, but I don’t want to speak badly of ol’ Dude boy.  Let’s just say that I think you’re the best.  You’re worth everything, Storm.  And then some more.”  Marcel said as he kissed my shirt.

That made me feel a little better.  I often wonder whether it was my fault that Lucas cheated.  Often wonder whether it was me who simply wasn’t good enough for him.  In the days since I left Merlow, Marcel’s always made me feel good about myself.  As much as I might help him, he helps me even more.

I was glad though that I was wearing a shirt, because I think Marcel kissing my bare chest would’ve gotten me a little bothered, if you know what I mean.  All the more reason why I think it’s time for me to get out of here.  I’m becoming used to being around Marcel.  Our interactions with each other these days are becoming more and more intimate.  We’re becoming too comfortable with each other.  Too used to the groove that’s building between us.  The longer I put off leaving, the harder it will be to go.  And the more likely the possibility that maybe … we might … nah, that’ll never happen.

“I’m going to bed.  You should get some sleep.”  I said as I kissed Marcel’s forehead.

“No, don’t.”  Marcel said as kept his arms wrapped around me, “You can sleep here.  Please?”

“Ok, but just remember to wake me up before you try any funny stuff.  I don’t want to be asleep for any of the action.”  I said with a smirk as I pulled my shirt over my head.

I pulled my shirt and shorts off so I was just in my boxers now.  Marcel gave me a little smirk before he lay back down on my bare chest.  He rested his hand on my abs and I inhaled nervously.  His nipple ring was brushing against my side and I had to close my eyes to try and think of something else.  This is just wrong.  I’m getting horny.  That’s nothing new because I tend to get horny quite often.  And I’ve always appreciated Marcel’s … finer aesthetics, shall we say.  For raw heat, he used to turn me on more than Lucas did.  Lucas is beautiful and just flawless in my eyes, but Marcel was really hot in a physical sense.  It’s more primal, because he’s just freaking hot.  It’s hard to describe the difference.  Right now though, the tent in my boxers was describing the difference for me.

“I’m getting hard.”  I laughed, “I don’t think is a good idea.”

“I’m so happy I could help.”  Marcel laughed as he closed his eyes, “Now if only you loved me, we could do something about it.”

He let another small laugh before he kissed my stomach and drifted off to sleep.  When I could finally hear the soft breaths signifying that he’d finally gone to sleep, I clicked the tv off with the remote and turned the lights off.

When it was just us in the dark, I began to ponder over his last words before he went to sleep.  If only I loved him.  I do love him.  He knows I love him.  But romantically all we’ve ever done was share one kiss.  After all this time, I think he still wants me.  I don’t think it’s just my imagination anymore.

I’m afraid to cross that line with Marcel though.  I know he’d be a loyal mate.  I know we’d be good for each other.  But I’m not sure I want to risk losing our friendship.  He’s such a rock for me.  He’s so dependable.  He’s so necessary.  I’d hate for things to be different between us if we tried being together and it didn’t work out.  There’s too much to lose.

How stupid am I though?  I have this adonis of a man who has been in love with me for years.  This incredible guy who anyone would be lucky to have.  And I hold back.  Even now when we’re both free to be with whoever we want.  I must be a closet heterosexual.  Or just plain stupid.

In all our lives though, this is the closest we’ve ever been to something happening between us.  We’ve never been so close before.  It’s so nice to be this close to him and know that I’m the only person in the world he’d be this comfortable with.

He lets out a soft moan as I pull him up so our faces are next to each other.  I pull the blanket over us and decide to get some sleep.  We hold onto each other like we’re all we have.  This feels good.  I’m just not sure whether it feels good enough to make permanent.

 

* * * * * * *

 

When I woke up the next morning, Marcel was already awake.  He looked at me with a twinkle in his eyes and a small smile on his face.  I felt a little on the spot.  I was used to being the one who watched other people sleep.  I was always the early bird when it came to me and Lucas, or almost anyone else for that matter.  Marcel was the only other person who woke up as early as I did.  And this morning he did just that.

Normally, I always felt self conscious in the morning.  So what if I’m vain.  I simply like to be at my best as much as possible.  Or at least not looking horrid, which is how I feel most mornings.  Yet right now, I felt completely at ease.  With Lucas, I always tried to look good for him.  It was like I was afraid he wouldn’t love me if he saw me with my hair looking like something from Dragonball Z. The way Marcel was looking at me now, he made me feel like I was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen.

“Good morning.”  I said with a small smile of my own.

“Morning, Beautiful.”  He said without taking his eyes off me.

“I wish you’d stop calling me that.”

“But it’s true.  You’re beautiful.”  He said with a relaxed sigh.

The way he smiled at me now was so serene.  The way he looked at me was so penetrating.  He seemed so at ease with this situation.  He had one hand on my side like it was the most natural thing in the world.  I don’t really like it when people touch me.  It’s only within the confines of the pack that we’re all pretty loose and comfortable with each other.  But this was different.

There was something surreal about this moment.  I could’ve kissed him or he could’ve kissed me and it would’ve felt perfect.  The timing would’ve been just right.  I have to admit that I was tempted to lean forward an inch and just press my lips against his in a lingering angel kiss.  I almost had butterflies now just thinking about it.

I had three options now.  Ignore this feeling completely.  Kill the moment with a bit of humor.  Or finally, I could make Marcel happy and maybe myself in the process by kissing him right now.

“I have to go.”  I said without really thinking.

So I created a completely new option instead of using either of the other three.  Option four being; kill Marcel’s smile and attempt to run away.  Nice one, Storm.

The smile faded from his face when he realized the implications of what I just said.  I didn’t mean I just have to go as in leave the room.  I meant I have to go as in leave Marcel and Drake.

“You said you’d think about it for a few days.”  Marcel said with a hurt look on his face, “It’s only been one night.”

There are few people in this world who can make Marcel vulnerable.  I don’t really think Dade’s one of them.  I think Mom was.  I think Sarah was as well.  And I’m definitely one of those people.  The look on his face right now says it all.  He’s afraid.  I think he’s afraid of losing me.  He doesn’t want to let me go.

I should never have come here.  I’ve just made things worse for Marcel.  He’s falling for me again, I just know it.  Instead of helping him, I’ve made him dependant on me again.  When he left Merlow the first time for Drake, he and I were very close.  He was a different person back then.  He became much more independent after he left.  Now in the space of time we spent in Saran City and here, he’s become dependant on me all over again.  Dependant isn’t the right word.  I think he’s just become used to me again, that’s all.

“I don’t want you to go.”  Marcel said in a soft, pleading voice, “I want you to stay.”

He moved his hand around to the small of my back and pulled me gently toward him.  Our bodies pressed against one another.  His chest pressed against mine.  His feet rubbing tenderly against mine.

I had to close my eyes as my already hard morning wood pressed against his.  I started to grin and when I opened my eyes, Marcel was giving me a quizzical look.  It didn’t take long for him to realize why I was grinning.

“Did I do that?”  He asked innocently.

“Morning woody.”  I said as I pulled away and sat up on the side of the bed, “And yes, you did that.  Sleeping next to you all night did all that.”

Both of us inadvertently ended up looking at my wood tenting out my boxers.  I know I should be embarrassed, but it’s Marcel.  He’s seen it all before.

“It’s all for you, Baby!”  I smirked as I picked up my clothes and headed for the door, “I’ll be in the shower, working it off.”

“You tease me so bad, Storm.”  Marcel moaned as he buried his face in his pillow, “You’re evil!”

I headed for the shower and jumped right under the water.  I needed a bit of a cold shower to get the morning wood turned off.  I’m sure Marcel expected me to be in here jerking off.  A wicked thought entered my mind and I began making loud moaning noises.  I think Marcel might have bought it if I didn’t start laughing halfway into it.

I was feeling a little mischievous right now.  Marcel seemed to have brought the devil out in me.  I stepped out of the shower with a clear intention in my mind.  He called me a tease, so I’d be a tease.  I can be as naughty as Dade.  Besides, I wanted to get Marcel back for teasing me so much since I’d been here.  I had more on my mind than to indulge him in similar gestures, but I’m feeling it now.  Storm can turn it on when he wants to. 

“And he wants to.”  I said with a smirk as I wrapped a towel around my waist.

I wrapped it as low as I could without actually showing the goods.  I stood in the mirror looking myself over.  Times like this, I’m glad I have a perky ass.  You know what?  I look pretty damn good.  I’m fit, I’m buff and I’m hot.  If Lucas doesn’t want this, maybe I should let someone have it who does want it.  Someone who won’t go looking elsewhere for a bit of ass.

Funnily enough, thinking about Lucas just killed my whole buzz of feeling good about myself.  Damn him for that.  And damn me for letting him.

“Stop thinking about him.”  I cursed to myself as I headed out.

I walked into the lounge and noticed Marcel had already set the table for breakfast.  Marcel’s breakfast was different to mine.  He had a mix of a protein shakes, supplements and some actual real food as well.  I like protein shakes, and not just the one’s Lucas gave me either.  I take my vitamins.  It’s nothing on what Marcel has though.  I wasn’t in the mood for a protein shake this morning though.  I wanted some real food.  Thankfully, Marcel was making me a breakfast tailored just for me.

“Oh wow, you made breakfast.”  I said as I surprised him.

He almost jumped and dropped the pan he was using.  He was about to tell me off when he turned around and ended up just staring at me.  He couldn’t have been more obvious if he tried.  A nice bit of role reversal me thinks. 

If Lucas makes me feel bad about myself, Marcel makes me feel great.  His eyes are practically glued to my body.  I can’t help but smirk with a bit of satisfaction.

“I just slept with you.  You’ve seen it all before.”  I said with an innocent shrug, trying not to pose too obviously.

“I know … but … damn it, you’re such a tease.  You’re doing it on purpose.”  Marcel said with a slight scowl.

“Payback’s a bitch.  Maybe I should get a nipple ring like you.”  I said as I stared at my left nipple, “Yeah, I think that’d look good.”

“You’re evil.”

“Yeah, I know.”

Marcel put the pan on the stove and leaned back against the counter.  He tried to look like he was mildly pissed for me teasing him, but I knew he was playing it up.  I could play it up too.

I stepped slowly closer to him with a half cocked smile.  I stepped gently on one of his feet and pressed my body against his.  He gave me a look of surprise when he realized what I was doing.

I pinned him against the bench and pulled his legs up so they were either side of me.  I leaned in to the side of his neck and inhaled with a barely audible moan.  I never actually intended for things to go this far, but now I don’t really give a fuck what happens.

“You like what you see?”  I moaned as I hovered my lips just inches from his.

“Yes.”  Marcel gulped, “I … I do.”

See, he did it again.  I’m all hot and horny.  So is he.  It’s fairly obvious to one another just how hard we are now.  And as much of a tease as Marcel thinks I am, he’s turning me on just as much.  He’s still in the boxers he slept in and that’s it.  Any self control I have is rapidly dissipating.  And just when I’m about to just say fuck it and give into temptation, someone knocks at the bloody door.

“Who the hell is that?”  I asked in annoyance.

“I need a shower.”  He said as he pushed me back so he could get free, “Your breakfast is ready.  You just need to serve it up.”

Now I was pissed.  I’ve had two opportunities this morning.  I know Marcel loves me.  I know he wants me.  The moments are becoming more frequent now when I feel like … reciprocating.  I don’t know if Marcel realized I was serious in my attempts to seduce him.  Whoever is at that door better have a good reason.

I answered the door with an annoyed sigh.  I was greeted by the sight of a guy who looked about the same age as Marcel and I.  Maybe he was couple years older.  He had a pretty slender frame.  At first glance, I figured he was a swimmer.  Maybe he was this Nate person I heard so much about from Marcel.  Maybe he’s come back to Drake and wants to bunk with Marcel again.  Marcel would be happy to see him.  I think Nate was Marcel’s closest friend here and he left Drake just before Marcel was attacked.  So it’s been a little while.

Blonde hair, blue eyes.  Probably a little shorter than me.  He was pretty enough.  His girlfriend back in Australia wouldn’t complain about what she’s got.

“Howdy.”  I said as I leaned against the doorframe.

“Uhh … hi.”

“Can I help you?  Nate, is it?”

“No.  I’m … not sure we’ve met before.   Are you a friend of Marcel’s?”

If it isn’t Nate, than this must be another friend of Marcel’s from the academy.   He’s one I don’t know about.  I gave him the once over and raised my eyebrow in true Dade fashion.

“Are you?”  I asked rather blunt.

“Yeah.”

I have a feeling this might be one of Marcel’s ‘gay’ friends.  Either that or he’s a closet case checking me out.  Maybe he’s got the hots for ol’ Blondie.  I was enjoying this teasing bit too much to stop now and I could tell this guy was caught a little off guard by my presence.

I slipped my right thumb into the top of my towel.  Being so obvious in directing his attention down my body.  When I saw him gulp, I let out a small sigh.  He’s definitely playing for the guys.

“Marcel’s busy right now.  He’s having a shower.  He’s a little sweated out.  You know?”

“Can you tell him Aaron called in.  We’re supposed to go out tonight.”  He said without making any attempt not to stare.

“On a date?”  I asked curiously.

“Not really.  Just a group of us hitting the town on a Friday night.”

“I’ll be sure to tell him.  Thanks for stopping by.”  I said as I was about to close the door.

“Sure … uhh what’s your name?”

“Storm.”

“I’ve heard about you.”  Aaron said with a smile, “Would you like to come tonight too?  If you’re around.”

“Thanks for the invite.  I’ll check with the man first.  He might want his boy to wait at home for him.  I’m his bitch you know.”  I said with a wicked smirk.

Aaron’s eyes went wide with shock.  This guy was too easy.  I could have a whole lot of fun with him.  Unfortunately my fun was cut short when I realized Marcel was standing behind me.

“Aaron!”  Marcel said in embarrassment.

“Hey.”  Aaron said with a warm smile.

“Storm … don’t tease the poor guy.”  Marcel said giving me a mock scowl.

“Oh no, it’s fine.  Tease away.”  Aaron blushed.

“I knew it.”  I smirked to myself.

“And he’s not my bitch.”  Marcel said as he shook his head, “He’s just messing with you.”

“I’m not your bitch?  I’m hurt.”  I said mockingly, “Bye, Aaron.”

I headed inside with a permanent grin plastered on my face.  You know, I think being single is going to be a hell of a lot of fun.  I feel a sense of confidence in myself that I haven’t felt in years.  I almost feel like I’m leaving behind a different Storm and becoming a new one.

I finished getting changed in my room and headed back out into the kitchen.  Both Marcel and I were looking presentable now, which is a good thing.  I don’t think I could’ve stood staring at Marcel’s bod for much longer without trying to jump him again.  I still don’t think he realized how serious I was getting when I was trying to tease him.

He’s packing his sports gear and some of his books into his bag.  He actually seems a little pissed off.  Maybe he didn’t appreciate me pushing things in the kitchen before.  Maybe he didn’t appreciate me messing with his friend.  Either way, he has that old Marcel silent anger going on about him.

“Storm!  What the hell was that?”  He said finally as he looked at me.

“What did I do?  Tease your little boyfriend?”  I asked with a cheeky smirk.

“He’s not my boyfriend.”

“You didn’t tell me you were going out tonight.”  I said as I sat down at the kitchen table.

“I wasn’t planning on going.  I didn’t think you’d want to go.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Well … they’re the kind of people you’re not used to hanging with.”  Marcel said with a small frown.

“Rainbow kids?  Queer eye clones?  Limp wrist effeminates?  Poofters?  Nancy boys?”

“See what I mean?”  Marcel said in annoyance, “Why do you think I didn’t say anything?”

“Sorry.”  I said with a smirk, “I guess living in the sheltered town of Merlow, I’m only used to the closet case jocks and masculine types.  Never been a fan of queens.  Does that make me a bad person?”

“Yes.”  Marcel said as he threw his bag over his shoulder, “It does.”

“Great!  So nothing’s changed then.  Why don’t you go out and have a great time with your friends?”  I said with a shrug as I stood up, “I have things to do anyway.”

“Storm, don’t be a shithead.”

“But I’m so good at it.”  I said cheekily.

“Damn it, Storm!  To hell with what you think.”  Marcel yelled as he headed for the door.

“Hey, why are you getting so worked up about this?”  I said as I put my hand on his shoulder, “It doesn’t matter what I think.  You know that.”

Maybe I was getting a bit carried away with myself.  I had to remember to keep myself in check.  I can be the cheekiest smartass around if I have the chance, and sometimes I forget that what I say can hurt people’s feelings.  Even when I don’t mean to.

“I’m sorry.  I don’t want to upset you.”  I said seriously, “I was just being an ass.  Go on.  Go out tonight with your friends.  I want you to.”

“Would you like to come out with us?”  Marcel asked hopefully, “Please?”

“Where are you going?”

“We’re supposed to be going to a restaurant and then to a few clubs.”

“Scene clubs?”

“A couple of them might be.  There’s gonna be some girls and straight guys there too.”  Marcel said as he rolled his eyes, “If you want some normal company.”

“Hey, I don’t care what you think.  I don’t like the ‘scene’ and I don’t like hanging out with queens who act like a bunch of girls.  Just like I like strawberry more than I do lime.  It’s my preference, ok?  It’s not personal.  We’re just different.”

“I never thought you’d be so close minded.”

“Of course you did.  That’s why you didn’t tell me about tonight.  People have different preferences, ok?  Some like redheads, some like blondes.  I like my men manly and my women feminine.  That’s why I like you.  I don’t think I should have to justify myself just because you and I don’t agree on something.  Don’t play me into this politically correct bullshit ok.”

“Damn it, Storm.  I’m not trying to hook you up with anyone.  And they’re not all a bunch of queer eye wannabes.  Hell, they’re not even all gay.  Please come?  You’re my best friend.  I want you to come.”

“I’ll come with you then.”  I said with a small sigh, “And I promise I’ll behave.”

“Try to enjoy yourself ok?  It might be good for you to mix with new people.”

“We’ll see.”

 

* * * * * * *

 

“Storm, are you ready?”  Marcel called out from the lounge.

I stood in the mirror, looking myself over.  Something my mother taught me was to always be presentable when you went out.  I’ve taken a few liberties now and then, but most of the time, I try to look my best.  My mother was very specific about this, and I think she got a kick out of her kids looking so spiffy all the time.  I don’t spend much time with Abby, but she’s the same as Dade and I.  First impressions last, no matter who you’re going to meet.

Tonight I was more interested in making a good impression for Marcel.  I wanted him to be proud that he was taking me tonight.  I knew when I met his friends, he’d want them to like me.  I didn’t give a fuck what they thought, but I didn’t want Marcel to be ashamed of me.  I don’t expect he ever would though.  He’s not that kind of person.

“Storm?”  Marcel said again as he opened the bathroom door, “We’re going to be late.”

“No we’re not.  I’m ready.”  I said as I adjusted my blue filcor shirt and turned to Marcel, “Ok?”

“Oh yeah.”  Marcel grinned, “Definitely ok.”

“Let’s go then.”

I followed behind Marcel, who looked very metro himself.  He always did dress well though.  Sharp too.  What can I say?  I like hanging out with people who look good.  Though I have to say, Marcel inherited a lot of his style from me and Dade.  But now he has a style all his own.

We made our way to the lobby and caught the elevator to the basement carpark.  Marcel seemed nervous the whole time.  Fidgety and a little restless.  By the time we were well on the road, it was starting to bug me.  He’d barely said a word since we left the apartment.

“Why are you so nervous?”  I asked finally, “Are you worried what they’ll think of me?”

“I’m worried what you’ll think of them.”

“What does it matter what I think?  They’re your friends.  I’ll be on my best behavior.”

“Well … if there’s ever a point when you want to go home, just tell me.”  Marcel said as we pulled into the parking lot.

We made our way to the restaurant.  It wasn’t bad looking either.  Not too posh, which is good, since that’s not my kind of thing.  Most of Marcel’s friends were all students as well so I doubt anyone had loads of money to throw around like he did.  Unless of course they had wealthy parents like Marcel.

We were ushered to an alfresco table with a great view of the Drake skyline.  I’m suddenly aware again that I’m no longer in Merlow.  Drake isn’t as big as Saran City, but it’s still shitloads bigger than Merlow. Drake is a full blown city.  And I’m a small town boy.   I think I’m starting to miss home.

When we arrive at the table, there’s a group of eight people waiting for us.  Ok, so we were late after all.  So shoot me.

“Hey everyone.  This is Storm.”  Marcel said as we sat down.

All of a sudden, I felt very self conscious.  These people are probably all big city lifers.  I’m not.  I hope it wasn’t too obvious.

Three of the guys were obviously … well … gay.  I hate to stereotype, but they’re the type of gay person you’d see on tv.  Then there was Aaron.  He wasn’t that obvious at all.  If it wasn’t for my encounter with him this morning, he could pull off the straight bit.

There was one straight couple and two girls, which rounded out the eight.  The two girls looked like mischievous party animals.  They were pretty damn hot too.  Knowing my luck, I’d hit on them and they’d be lesbians.  The couple reminded me a little of Mike and Sarah, just … big city versions.

“Storm, this is Jared, Ben and Shawn.”  Marcel said as he pointed to the three queer eye wannabes, “And you’ve already met Aaron.”

“Hi, Aaron.”  I said with a small nod.

“The lovers over here are Jesse and Eris.  And last of all we have Lacey and Serene.”

“Hey.”  I said with a small smile, “Nice to meet you all.”

“Fresh meat!”  Jared said with a smirk.

“Oh, Marcel.  Where have you been keeping him?”  Ben said in a rather horrifying lisp, “He’s delicious.”

I tried not to look as terrified as I felt, but I think it was obvious.  I stared at Ben and Jared with an almost petrified expression.  Ok, now I feel like a small town hick.  I’ve just never been around many stereotypical gay folk before.  This guy Ben scared the crap out of me.  He talked like a woman and he was completely ogling me.

“Storm.”  Marcel said as he kicked me under the table.

“Oh, sorry.”  I said as I turned my eyes away from Ben.

“Don’t feel bad.  He terrifies everyone.”  Jesse said with a warm smile, “It’s nice to meet you, Storm.  We don’t see many of Marcel’s friends up here.”

“I think he’s hiding them from us.  We’ve seen some photos.  Must be something about the air back in Merlow, because you all look completely fetch.”  Lacey said with a wink, “So, Storm … are you and Marcel … friendly?  Or are you a free man?”

And that’s pretty much how the evening went.  People firing questions at me endlessly.  I’m surprised I managed to eat anything.  Not that I was particularly hungry.

Marcel didn’t say too much.  I think he was too busy watching me handle this barrage of an interrogation.  If I wasn’t getting ogled, I was being asked by Shawn if we have television in Merlow.  I wasn’t too impressed with that question or the person who asked it.  Shawn seemed to look down on me for being a small town boy.  I’d like to show him a few things, but I don’t hit girls.

“Storm, would you like a glass of wine?”  Lacey asked as she was about to pour me a glass.

“Just water for me thanks.”  I said with a grateful smile.

“You don’t drink?”  She asked in surprise.

I hoped Marcel wouldn’t embarrass me by saying why I couldn’t drink.  But the truth is, I wouldn’t drink if I could.  I just don’t like the stuff personally.

“I don’t drink.”

“Well that’s no fun.”  Lacey said with a mock pout.

“I guess you won’t be having any luck tonight.”  Serene laughed, “You can’t get him drunk and make him sleep with you.”

“I find it hard to believe she needs to get people drunk to make them sleep with her.  Unless they’re gay.”  I said with a small smile to Lacey.

I think Lacey appreciated my comment.  She gave me a little shy smile and I knew I’d hit the spot with her.  I didn’t mean to flirt.  It just came out.  I noticed Marcel giving me a strange look after I said it though.

“So what do you plan on doing in Drake, Storm?  Are you here for the Academy or the University?”  Aaron asked, “Marcel tells me you’re a great fighter.”

“I used to be.”  I said with a smirk.

“He is a great fighter.”  Marcel interjected, “Third dan black belt.  Multiple districts champ.  North West Regionals Champ three times in the last four years.  He’s great.  Trust me, I’ve seen him fight.  I’m trying to get him to join Drake so he can go for the Nationals.”

“You should think about staying, Storm.”  Lacey said with an inviting voice, “You might like it here.  And if you’re really as good as Marcel says, then Drake is where you should be.”

“I don’t know.  I’ve had one teacher all my life.  I don’t think anyone could teach me as well as him.  He’s the best.”

“You’re right, Storm.”  Marcel said emphatically, obviously trying to plead his case for me to stay, “But you don’t have access to the same tournaments and possible credits in Merlow as you do here.  You could win a few tournaments here and get the rest of the credits you need to make the nationals.  You already have so many credits, it would be a shame to waste them.”

“So are you two going to pretend you’re not together all night?”  Jared asked, “I think it’s obvious our stud muffin is smitten with you.  And after what Aaron told us he saw this morning, well the mind boggles.”

“He didn’t see anything.”  Marcel said flatly, “Storm was just messing with him.  We’re not together.”

“What’s wrong, Storm?  You don’t like Marcel?”

“Oh cut it out.  Storm’s single.  We’re not together.”  Marcel sighed, “We’re just friends.”

“Just friends?”  I whispered into Marcel’s ear.

“You know what I mean, Storm.”

“Best friends though, right?”  I asked a little insecure.

“You know we are.”  Marcel said reassuringly, “I didn’t mean it to come out so cold.”

Thankfully our dinner didn’t last much longer.  I was about sick of talking.  Marcel took every opportunity telling people how good I was.  I sat there squirming the whole time.  He definitely wants me to hang around.  And to be honest, it’s really an excellent idea.  But I need time to think about it.  Hopefully the clubs would be a bit more fun than this meal was.

When we all dibbed in for our meal, Marcel tried to pay for me.  I appreciated the gesture, but I almost shot him a death glare when he tried to stop me from paying my own share.  I don’t care how rich he is.  I stand on my own feet.

All the clubs we were going to tonight were in the same stretch of road, so we didn’t have to do anymore driving around.  I watched the way Marcel interacted with this group of people as we walked along the street.  I guess I’m just used to seeing him with the pack.  Makes me kinda jealous actually.  Last time I was in Drake I didn’t meet any of his friends.  I was simply here to hurt people, which I did a bit too well.  So this is a new experience for me.

I felt sorry for Marcel tonight actually.  He was doing his best to keep me happy and entertained while still trying to socialize with his other friends.  I guess I could try a little harder to fit in.  If only for Blondie.  It can’t hurt to make him happy for one night.

 

* * * * * * *

 

I was right when I thought I wouldn’t fit in.  This place is totally not my scene.  Paradiso night club.  Disco lights and techno music?  I like techno but not the kind that’s playing in this place.  I’ll be the first person to admit guys turn me on as much as girls do, but I have never ever in my life seen so many gay people in one place.  Almost every couple in this place are same sex.  Mostly guys, but a few girls as well.  I was terrified.  I feel like a fish out of water. 

“Look at all the gay people.”  I said in disbelief as I sat next to Lacey.

Lacey almost spit out her drink as she laughed at my comment.  I guess I must’ve sounded like a real idiot.  Either that or a real hick.  Which I’m not.

“You are so cute.”  Lacey said as she rubbed my shoulder, “What’s the matter?  You don’t like gay people?  Or you just haven’t seen so many before?”

“Where I come from there’s maybe four or five in the whole of Merlow.  Probably more that I don’t know about.  But nothing like this.  There’s hundreds of people in here.”

“So you’re not homophobic?”

“Definitely not.”  I said with a small smile, “I had a boyfriend before I came here.”

“Really?  But you look so …”

“Straight?”  I said with a small laugh, “I’m not straight.  I’m not gay.  I’m somewhere in the middle drifting around in a sea of hormones.  Everyday the tide is different.  Wanna come for a swim?”

“Flirt.  Wow.  But you’re so …”  Lacey said in surprise, “You’re so … nothing like these guys.”

“I agree.  We’re so different.  These guys are all so stereotypical looking.  I know looks aren’t everything, but your three friends sure are … flamboyant.”

“And that’s not your style?”

“Definitely not.  I like my men to be men and my women to be women.  I don’t like to confuse the issue.  It’s nothing personal.  That’s why I’m not really into the scene.  Plus I’m not into drugs or one night stands.  And don’t tell me that doesn’t happen here because I saw two guys snorting up in the bathroom.  Made me sick.  I hate that shit.”  I said with disgust.

“So what do you like?”

“I’d rather not say.”

“Please?”

“I like … things that are meaningful.  I can’t stand superficiality.  I can’t just sleep with someone on the first night.  Hell, I’ve only ever been with one person that way.  Closest I’ve been with a girl is maybe third base.  I mean, it’s not like I haven’t had offers.  I don’t say that to be cocky.  I just can’t get with anyone.  Has to be something there, you know?”

“Wow … you’re a rare breed, Storm.  But you like girls as well?”

“I do.  Some more than others.”  I said with a small smirk, “Now why are you sitting here talking to me when the rest of your friends are dancing?”

“You’re not dancing.  It doesn’t look like you’re having much fun.”

“I’m trying to.  As long as Marcel has a good time.  That’s the most important thing.”  I said as I watched Marcel standing at the bar with Jesse and Eris.

“A few more drinks and I think he’ll be out on the dance floor.  I’m sure Aaron wants to dance with him.”

“Aaron seems nice.  He’s not like the other three.”

“Campy?”

“He’s still a little campy.”  I said with a smirk, “But he has good manners.  The other three don’t.  That’s what I don’t like too.  They’re a bit rude and loud for me.  Obnoxious comes to mind.  Aaron seems to have a nice nature about him.”

“So you wouldn’t be jealous if he hit on Marcel?”

“If Marcel likes him too, good for them.  As long as Marcel’s happy.”  I smiled, “And Aaron seems nice.”

“You care about him a lot, don’t you?”

“I love him.”  I said sincerely, “He’s a friend of the best kind.  He’s important to me.”

“I can already see why he’s so fond of you.  Marcel’s a really great guy.  He’s strong and independent.  But ever since you’ve been here, he’s seemed … happier.  A little more relaxed.  I might be a little drunk, but I like you, Storm.  You seem like the type of guy my parents would actually approve of.  Though they might think you’re a little young for me.”

“How old are you?”

“24.”

“Get out.  No way.”  I said in disbelief, “You’re not that old.”

“Old?  I am not old.”

“Of course not, but you just … seem like not much older than me.  I’m the same age as Marcel.  Our birthdays aren’t far apart at all.  We used to share our parties actually.  It was kind of a tradition.  But back to you, you just … I can’t believe you’re that old.”

“I’m not old!”  Lacey snapped.

“I’m sorry.  It’s coming out all wrong.  I’m trying to compliment you.  You’re beautiful.”  I said sincerely, “It’s a shame we don’t have more in common.”

“Who says we don’t?”

I wasn’t lying when I said she was beautiful.  She almost looked like an older version of Claire.  I always thought Claire was beautiful.  Lacey reminds me a little bit of her.  Just older.

I wasn’t planning on hooking up with any of Marcel’s friends.  It just kinda happened.  Now here I am leaning in to kiss a girl I just met a few hours ago.

“Lacey!”  Serene yelled as she sat down next to us, “What are you doing!?”

“She was waiting for me to kiss her.”  I said with a disappointed sigh.

“Damn it, Serene!”  Lacey snapped, “Can’t you see we’re busy?”

“Whatcha doing?”  Marcel asked as he sat down next to me.

“I was trying to hit on Lacey.”  I sighed, “How about you?  Aaron seems nice.  I think he has his eye on you.”

“We’re just friends.”  Marcel shrugged, “You should watch out for him, Lacey.  He always gets what he wants.”

“Are you a good kisser, Storm?”  Lacey asked me with a wink, “Since I missed out on one because of Serene.”

“I dunno.”  I said trying not to blush, “Ask Marcel if I’m a good kisser.  I’ve kissed him once.”

“I don’t know.  It was a long time ago.  Wasn’t very memorable.”  Marcel laughed, “I only think about it once a day.  I’ve been trying to get him to kiss me since I got him to Drake.  We’re both single and he still won’t kiss me!”

“Aww, Baby.”  I said pushing Marcel playfully, “Don’t act like I don’t put out.”

“You don’t.  You never ever.  I can send you signals till I’m blue in the face and you still won’t put out.”  Marcel said a little flush, “You’re just a big tease, Storm.”

“You’ve had something to drink, haven’t you?”  I said as I realized Marcel was being a bit bolder than usual.

“A little.”  Marcel said with a red face, “Is it that obvious?”

“Gimmie your keys.”  I said with authority, “Now.”

“Ok, ok.  I was going to give them anyway, Storm.”  Marcel said as he handed me his car keys.

“Man, you’re strict.”  Lacey said with wide eyes, “Can you come out with me all the time?  You’d be a permanent taxi driver because you never drink.”

“Oh shut up, Lacey.  If he’s going out with anyone, he’s going out with me.  He’s my Storm.”  Marcel said with a few too many hand gestures.

“You’ve had more than a little to drink, haven’t you?”  I asked as I noticed how flush Marcel’s face really was.

“Yeah, but it’s the first time in months.  I’m sorry, I didn’t plan to.  I know you hate it.  Do you wanna go home now?”

“Blondie, don’t make me look like an ogre in front of the hot chick.  Wait till I’ve snapped her up first.”  I said giving Lacey a cheeky wink, “Seriously though, Bud.  Don’t stress out just because I’m here.  Just enjoy your night.  Have fun.  Don’t worry, I won’t go anywhere without you.  I’ll make sure you get home ok.”

“Yeah, we can always fuck after you’ve taken him home.” Lacey said with a wink of her own, “But first things first, how about that kiss?  Come on, Storm.  I’m never usually this forward.  But who knows how long it’ll be till Marcel hides you away back in that apartment of his.  Just one kiss?”

“Ooohh … I heard kissing.”  Jared said as he sat down next to Marcel, “Who’s kissing who?”

“He’s kissing me.  Don’t you dare interrupt.  Go find your own hottie.”  Lacey said trying to wave Jared away.

“Ewww … breeder make out.  Kinky.  Come on then, let’s see.”

“I don’t think so.”  I said shaking my head, “You guys kiss each other or something.”

“Come on, I dare you.  She needs something.  Poor girl might as well be a virgin with all the action she gets.”

“Jared!”  Lacey snapped.

“Oops … go on you two.  Kiss already.  Let’s see some tongue.  Marcel, double dare them.”  Jared said eagerly.

“No thanks.”  Marcel said with a shake of his head, “I don’t think Storm really wants to.”

“I thought you said you were single, Storm.  It’s just a bit of friendly fun.  Kiss her so I can pretend it’s me in her place.”  Jared grinned at me.

“Yuck.”  I said scrunching up my face.

“And that’s why you’re kissing her and not me.  Pretty please, Merlow hottie?”

“Ok fine.”  I sighed, “I’ll kiss … if you … finish off whatever you’re drinking in one go.”

“Is that it?”  Jared said with a snicker, “Is that all you’ve got?”

“That’s it.”

“Marcel, where did you find this guy?”  Jared asked as he waved his hand at Marcel, “He thinks he’s punishing me.  Storm, you don’t drink much, do you?”

“I don’t drink full stop.  A ha!”  I said with a wicked smirk, “If that one’s too easy for you.  I have a better one that’ll make you seem like the coolest guy in the whole club.”

“Show me what you got lake town boy.”  Jared said confidently.

“Go up to the bar and ask for a glass of strawberry milk.”

“With what?  Seren Liquer?  Baileys?  Kahlua?”

“No.  Just str… actually, make it chocolate milk.  I’ve gone off strawberries.”  I said downcast, “Anyway, make it straight in a nice tall glass, with a pretty little straw.  Nice cold chocolate milk.  Tell the bartender you don’t like alcohol and you have to drink milk because your Mommy said.”

“That’s social suicide.”  Jared said in horror.

“Run along now.  Go on.”

“You can’t be serious.”  Jared said as if in mortal shock.

“Chocolate milk, Baby.”  I said with a wicked grin, “Bring it on.”

“Can’t you make me kiss Marcel or something?”

“I wouldn’t do that to Marcel.”  I said with a small laugh.

“Jared!  Hurry up!”  Lacey said impatiently, “If you don’t do it, I’m never taking you with me to Ceres Fashion again!”

“You little bitch!”  Jared screamed in disgust before he ran off.

I shook my head as the flaming idiot ran off.  I wish I could do something really nasty to get him back for being such an asshole at dinner.  But I was still trying to be nice for Marcel’s sake.  I was definitely digging Lacey though.  And she seems to be digging me just as much.

Marcel doesn’t seem too happy though.  I hope it isn’t because of me.  I came out mainly because I didn’t think he’d come otherwise.  I wanted him to have fun tonight.  I can tell he’s pretty wasted, but he doesn’t look like he’s enjoying himself.

“What are the rest of your friends doing, Blondie?”  I asked as I put my hand on his shoulder.

“I’m not sure.  I don’t care what they’re doing.  I’m here with you.  Don’t send me off again.”

“I don’t want you babysitting me all night.  These are your friends.  Spend time with them.  Have some fun.  I’m fine.  Just come get me when you’re ready to go home.”  I said motioning him to go back to the bar with the rest of the group, “I’ll be fine.”

“Not yet.”  Marcel said as he shook his head.

Much to my chagrin, Jared did the dare.  He came back with a tall glass of chocolate milk for me.  He put it down on the table in front of me and gave me a death glare.  I grinned back at him and winked.

“There’s your milk you evil hot bastard.”  Jared cursed.

“No alcohol?”  I asked as I raised the glass to my lips.

“No alcohol.”

“I’ll check.”  Marcel said as he took a little sip, “It’s good, Storm.  Just cold milk like you asked.”

“Man, are you straight or what.”  Jared said in amazement, “It’s alcohol.  It’s good for you.  I should have put some in there.  You look like you need something to relax.  I’m gonna get you a real drink.”

“No!”  Marcel said as he grabbed Jared’s arm, “Don’t.  He doesn’t drink.  Just leave it alone.”

“Ok, Mom.”  Jared whined before he turned to me, “Your turn, bitch.  Pucker up.  And no lame kissing either.  I wanna see some serious pashing going on.”

“Umm …”  I began to say as I got cold feet, “But I don’t even know her really.”

“A deal is a deal.”  Jared said firmly, “You said you would kiss if I got the milk.  I got the milk.  Now it’s your turn to kiss.  It’s only fair.”

“Ok, ok.”  I said nervously as I turned to Lacey.

She smiled at me and that put me at ease a little.  I wasn’t exactly as excited as I was before.  Now there were three extra sets of eyes upon us.  Lacey didn’t seem to care though.  She moved closer to me so my arm was around her shoulder.  I found myself feeling much more at ease about kissing her.  It’s been so long since I really kissed a girl.  I want this.

And so I leaned in and I kissed her.  I kissed her ever so slightly at first.  Her lips were incredibly soft.  I think she enjoyed my angel kiss.  It wasn’t long before the kiss escalated though and I felt my loins begin burning up.  I tasted her tongue on my own.  Sucked gently on her bottom lip.  I could’ve done this for hours.  She moaned in ecstasy and I knew I was hitting the spot with her.

“Ok, you can stop now.”  Jared said as he tapped my shoulder, “I think we’ve seen enough breeder love.”

“Go away, I’m busy.”  I said as I shoved him off and went back to kissing Lacey.

I let out a small laugh and finished our kiss with a little peck on the tip of her nose.  When I finally pulled away from her, she beamed back at me with a doe eyed smile.  I think she liked it.  I know I did.  But I felt bad for doing it.  And not because of Lucas either.  Fuck him.  I should get with Lacey just to spite him.  Not to mention so I can finally get laid with a girl.  Makes me horny just thinking I have a chance.  Horny yet … bad.  Like this is wrong.  What the hell?

“Oh … my … goodness.”  Lacey gasped, “You are so fetch.”

“That looked hot.”  Serene grinned, “Lucky bitch, Lacey.”

“Can I try now?”  Jared asked with a lust filled smirk.

“Hell no.”  I said with a poked tongue.

“What?  Too gay for you hick boy?”  Jared taunted, “You don’t like us queer folk?”

“Hmm … not you queer folk.  Now Aaron on the other hand, I like him.  He’s a nice guy.” I said as I turned and realized Marcel wasn’t around, “Where’d Blondie go?”

“He went back to the bar.  Don’t think he enjoyed the breeder lovefest.  Can’t say I blame him.”

“Oh shut up.”  Lacey said as she rested her hand on the back of my neck, “Wanna go somewhere we can be alone, Storm?”

“Lacey, let the man breathe first.”  Serene said as she rolled her eyes.

“It’s ok.”  I said as I smiled at Lacey, “I’d like that.”

“It’ll have to wait!”  Jared said as he jumped to his feet, “Next club beckons!”

I was just beginning to like this club as well.  The other half of the group were already heading for the door.  Marcel turned back to make sure I was following, but stayed in the group ahead.  He still didn’t seem too happy.  For a drunk guy, he sure seemed sober.  Or should I say somber.  I’d have to check into that.

I seemed to have inadvertently acquired a little group of my own tonight.  Jared, Serene, Lacey, and me.  I was actually beginning to like them.  I thought I wouldn’t like Jared because he’s so loud and obnoxious.  And he talks in such a whiny, girly voice.  Plus his limp wrist and diva mannerisms.  Total queer eye and totally not my type.  But he was growing on me.  What actually bothered me most about him was the way he kept bitching everyone out.  I’ve hit people for less than what he’s said tonight.  But he’s growing on me.  At least enough for me to enjoy hanging out.

I was actually really worried that my own prejudices, and I say that openly, would’ve been a problem.  I’m the first one to admit that flamers are not my cup of tea.  Not loud ones anyway.  But then I don’t like loud people in general.  But I really liked Aaron a lot, in fact I think he’s possible Marcel material.  He’s just so sincere and I love that in a person.  He made me face a lot of my generalizations about stereotypical gay folk.  Jared didn’t change my perceptions, but he was easier to get along with now than at the start of the night. 

Serene is cool enough as well.  She’s Lacey’s honesty box.  She keeps Lacey in check.

Lacey is just damn fine.  I think she’s pure heat.  But she’s nice as well.  She has a naturally warm personality.  Bit older than I’m used to, but she doesn’t seem to mind.  What’s six years?  I don’t mind being a toy boy. 

As we make our way to the next club, Lacey takes my hand and walks beside me.  Serene and Jared keep looking at us like we’re in love or something.  It’s nothing like that.  I just like the girl.  Once again though, Marcel looks back with a dejected expression.  He feigns a smile at me, but it’s obvious he’s not happy.  I’ll have to keep an eye on that.  I know Aaron likes him and I think he’d be worth a try.  I think Marcel would do well to branch away from all things Merlow.  Including me.  I don’t think he really needs me here as much as he thinks.  The friends he has here seem like they care about him enough.  Maybe the best thing for me to do is make sure they really do care about him.

 

* * * * * * *

 

Lacey tried to get something going with me, but I went cool on her after we made it to the next club, Fat Cow times Five.  This club was more of a mainstream type club.  Sure, there were a lot of same sex grooves going on, but mostly we were having encounters of the heterosexual kind.  I’m sure this stop was for Jesse, Eris, Serene, and Lacey.

I hung back a little from the main group as they drank and mingled.  I found the longer the night went on, the more out of place I was feeling.  Everyone else was getting rather drunk.  I kept making excuses not to dance with Lacey or get too close to her.  I liked her and everything, and sure she was pretty, but it didn’t feel like the right thing to do.   I mean, Marcel hasn’t come outright and said he loves me and wants to be with me, but then he and I have never had to say anything to each other with words.  We just tend to know what the other is thinking.  It would be rude of me to start playing ignorant now, and I don’t want to hurt him.

I spent most of our time at Fat Cow just watching how Marcel interacted with the rest of his friends here.  So now I’d met all of his friends besides Nate.  Nate was the one I was most interested in meeting, but I’d been told he was still with his girlfriend in Australia.  From what I’d been told, he seemed to be Marcel’s best friend here.  I haven’t quite figured out the dynamics of this group yet, but I got the impression that Aaron, Eris and Jesse were Marcel’s next closest in this group.  It was interesting how much Eris reminded me of Sarah, and Jesse of Mike.  Just older versions.  Maybe that’s why Marcel gravitates toward them.

“Storm?  You ok?”  Marcel asked as he sat down beside me, “You’ve been quiet.”

“How can you tell?  This place is so noisy.”

“I can tell.”  Marcel said as he put his hand on my shoulder, “What’s wrong?  Do you want to go home?”

“No, I’m fine.  I’m just making observations.  You have nice friends.  You have a nice life here.”  I said with a half hearted smile, “You have your own life here.”

“Don’t …”  Marcel whispered as he squeezed my shoulder, “Don’t do that.”

“Do what?”

“You know what.”  Marcel sighed before he wrapped his arm around my neck, “Don’t talk like you don’t belong here.  Everywhere I am, you belong.  You know that.  I’m your guy.  Always have been, always will be.”

“You’re just drunk.”  I said with a smirk, “It’s kinda nice seeing you relax though.”

“I think Lacey really likes you.”  Marcel grinned as he pointed to Lacey on the dancefloor.

“That’s nice.”  I said with a shrug.

“You two looked like you were getting along before.  What happened?”

“Nothing happened.  We were just having fun.  No dramas.  What about you and Aaron?  He seems to like you.”  I said as I pointed him out beside the bar, “And he seems like a nice guy.  I like him.”

“So you ask him out then.”  Marcel said with a small laugh, “But you know, just like before you’ll be missing out.”

“Missing out?  What did I miss out on?”

“You could’ve had the best.”  Marcel smirked, “Instead you got dudeisms and a broken heart.”

“Ouch!  Smartass.”  I said with a grin.

“You know I only have eyes for you.”  Marcel said with a small, but sincere smile, “Dance with me?”

Ok, he’s had a bit to drink tonight.  It’s building up his bravado.  Mind you, he’s been pushing things a bit with us when he’s sober, so it’s only natural he’d go for gold while he’s drunk.  Still though, it took me a little by surprise to have him be so forward with me.

“Dance with you?  Isn’t that kinda gay?”  I said nudging him playfully, “This club is only a quarter queer.”

“You don’t have to.”  Marcel said trying not to sound disappointed.

“I never said no.”

I stood up and moved to the dance floor.  The music here was mostly upbeat, which I liked.  It meant we wouldn’t have to slow dance with one another.  Marcel hadn’t gotten out of his chair yet.  I looked back at him, throwing him a small smile and a come hither look.  He stood up and made his way over slowly, all the while studying me with his eyes.  It’s becoming harder and harder for us to dance around this thing that’s going on between us.  Especially when he’s looking at me like he is now.

My heart almost dropped when the music suddenly changed pace.  ‘Crazy for you’ started playing and my eyes went wide.  I saw Serene talking to the DJ and realized what she was doing.  I shot her a death glare and she simply gave me two thumbs up in return. I figured there were worse things in this world that could happen and decided to just go with it.  After composing myself, I turned to Marcel and motioned for him to hurry up.

“I thought you’d keep me waiting forever.”  I said as I held out my hand to him.

“No, that’s what you do to me.”  Marcel said with a smile as he took my hand.

I put my hands on his side and he slipped his around my neck.  This felt nice.  It felt right in a way.  But then I’ve always felt comfortable with Marcel, and he has with me.  We found a steady groove with each other as Marcel nuzzled his head in my neck and let out an audible sigh.

Finally, he lifted his head so our eyes met.  Our faces were so close that I could feel his breath on me.  His eyes studied me and told me so much at the same time.  It was like he wasn’t even hiding the fact anymore that he wanted something to happen between us.

“So how come you can make out with a girl you just met and all I’ve ever gotten is one little kiss?”  Marcel whispered into my ear.

“You never asked.”

“I’m asking now.”  He said as he looked me dead in the eye.

“Are we really having this conversation?”

“We can’t keep dancing around this forever.  Ok, bad choice of words.”  Marcel smiled, “I just know I can’t hide it.  And I don’t want to.  Lucas had his turn.  It’s mine now.”

“So we’re finally being real about this.”  I said with butterflies in my stomach, “You really want this to happen between us?”

“Shut up.”  Marcel said with a nervous gulp.

Before I could say anything in response, he yanked me toward him and planted a kiss on me.  If I enjoyed kissing Lacey, I felt like I was floating when Marcel kissed me.  It was so surreal and sudden, I almost wanted to cry because it made me feel how much Marcel really loved me.  I can’t explain it.  What was even more confusing, is how right it felt to me.

We’d barely kissed for a few seconds, even though it felt longer, when I noticed Jared getting thrown across the floor by some guy.  I pulled away from Marcel and out of instinct ran straight for Jared.  Out of habit, I assessed the situation in the few short steps it took me to get to Jared.  I noticed three preppy looking freaks getting stuck into Aaron outside.  I figured someone could come to Jared’s aid and decided to jump straight over him so I could help Aaron.

Jesse was already in the mix now, pulling one of the preps away from Aaron.  That left a much taller dark haired prep and a shorter, but solidly built one.  I’d already named them Toto and Stumpy in my head.  I arrived just in time to stop Stumpy from landing a king hit on Aaron.  I jumped in with a heel kick on Stumpy’s ankle, which made him scream in agony as it cracked, before I thrust my elbow up and smashed his nose.  I twisted his arm around with my free hand and swept him to the ground.  Four moves and he was down. 

I wasn’t quick enough to stop Toto from grabbing me from behind and throwing me to the ground.  It hurt like a mother fucker, but adrenaline was guiding me now.  I kicked up to my feet and blocked a left high punch from him.  I jabbed him under his left armpit, and kicked the inside of his right thigh.  I wasn’t fighting for show with him, I just wanted him neutralized fast before any of his friends got here.  I threw an overhead jab, meant for his neck, but he caught my hand.  Call me overconfident, but I was a bit surprised he caught me.  He gave me a cocky smirk as he realized I was taken by surprise.

“You’re not the only one with moves, Faggot.”  He said as he threw me by my arm.

I was beginning to get a bit flustered with this guy.  It didn’t matter that he was almost a foot taller than me, and twice as big.  I still believed I should’ve taken him down by now.  But this guy knew how to fight.  His style was more like judo though, which thankfully, I have a little experience with.

Sure enough, he grabbed me by the shirt with both hands and prepared to spin me into a cradle lock.  I moved with his momentum and used it to spin out and behind him.  From here, I rolled onto the ground and used a scissor kick with one leg taking out his knees, and the other his pelvis.  He fell back onto the footpath and I spun off the ground and over his body, finishing with an elbow to his sternum.  Good ol’ rising tempest.  I landed beside him and pushed my knee into his neck.  He was already winded, and he knew that I was in a position to cause him some real damage.  But that wasn’t my intention.

“Sure, you got moves.”  I said as I caught my breath, “They’re just shit ones.”

I stood to my feet thinking this was the end of it, but to my horror found the fight had continued down the street.  Apparently, the preppies had friends, and lots of them.  What horrified me was Marcel being right in the middle of it with Jesse and little Aaron still giving his best.

I was about to move away when Toto caught my ankle.  I kicked off my free leg and landed with it on his stomach.  He let go of my ankle and I used that same foot to crush his balls.

“Got any more bright ideas, Mother fucker?” I snapped with annoyance.

I ran off down the street where the fight was becoming increasingly violent.  I’ve hurt people before for Marcel, and I’m not afraid to do it again.  I just don’t want to.

“Enough!”  I yelled angrily, “Stop fighting!”

Call me an idiot but I wasn’t much interested in fighting anymore.  I’d had enough.  So I figured maybe we’ll try doing this diplomatically.  And if that didn’t work, then we’d crack some heads.

There were four of the other guys.  They all looked pretty solidly built too.  I had a feeling they were from Drake and didn’t like Jared and his crew.  All of them were taller than me.  They didn’t listen to me straight away so I grabbed the guy Marcel was punching and threw him backwards.

“I said enough!” 

I held the guy by his collar and his friends stopped and looked at me.  I had my right hand applying pressure on his shoulder, enough to neutralize him.  When I finally had everyone’s attention I let him go.

“Enough fighting.  The ones who started this have been dealt to.  We can agree to finish this now or we can get ugly about it and people are going to end up in hospital like those two probably will.  Walk away and we call this even.”  I said with an authoritative tone.

For a moment, I thought they were just going to jump back in and start fighting again.  Thankfully though, they started backing off and tending to their wounded, as we did to our group.  The last thing I wanted though was a run in with the police, and I had a feeling that in big city country like Drake, that’s what would happen.

“Blondie, are you ok?”  I asked as I checked him over.

“I’m fine, Storm.”  Marcel replied as he tended to Jesse.

“Aaron?”

Aaron was a little quieter and I got the impression that maybe he was hurt pretty badly.  I put his arm around my shoulder and the whole bunch of us started heading back to our cars. 

“Those bitches!”  Jared screamed, “How dare they!”

“Oh fuck up.”  I snapped angrily, “I didn’t see you doing shit in there.  I saw Aaron doing more than you.”

“Me?  Fight?  I think not, country boy.”

“I’m not from the country, ya fairy fuck.”  I said as I helped Aaron sit down on a side bench.

We were further enough away now that nobody would find us if they came looking.  So we started taking stock of the situation.  I was angry at Jared because I got the impression he was the one doing a lot of the stirring.  And although the attack wasn’t justified, he seemed to be the one with the big mouth, yet little action when it actually came time to rumble.

“You on the other hand, you did real well.”  I said with a friendly smile, “Now tell me where you’re hurt.”

“I … think my ribs might be cracked.  I hope that’s it, but I feel kinda beat.  Thanks for helping out.  You sure hurt those first two guys.”  Aaron said as he looked me over, “Are you ok?  Sorry for all this.”

“It’s not your fault.  You showed a lot of spunk out there.  What is it you specialize in?  You from the academy as well?”

“Yeah, I’m a swimmer.  1500 meter is my specialty.”  He said as he shook his head and held his ribs, “I am so dead if this is bad.”

“We should take you to get it checked out.”

“We’ll take him.”  Serene said as she patted my shoulder, “Thanks for the help tonight.  I’d go out with you anytime.  You’re one hell of a fighter.  You should definitely think about joining the academy.”

“Yeah … whatever.”  I said with a curt nod, “Just lucky.”

I stepped back so Aaron could go with the others.  I had a feeling my night with them was over.  They didn’t need me to tag along, and I didn’t want to.  I’ll leave this group for Marcel.  I’m not sure about all of them, but I know at least half of them have Marcel’s best interests at heart.  I realized now as I watched Marcel tending to his friends, that he was ok.  He had a life.  He had this life.  And it didn’t involve me.  It didn’t need me.  These aren’t my friends.  These are his friends.  As bruising to my fragile ego as it is, Marcel is just fine without me.  Who am I to come in here and change this?  I guess there is life after the pack.  There certainly is for Blondie.  How about for me?

 

* * * * * * *

 

I left Marcel with his friends and drove back to his apartment alone.  He was in two minds about whether to stay with them or come with me, but I told him to make sure Aaron was ok.  I wanted to be alone anyway.  Tonight has been surreal in it’s revelation to me.  I feel more out of place here than in Saran City.  Saran City is bigger than Drake, but Drake seems to have a faster feel to it.  I guess I’m still a Merlow boy at heart.  And as much as Marcel has made me feel at home, it isn’t my home.  It’s his home.  I feel that if I stayed, I’d be fitting into his life.  I truly believe that it is time for me to fit into my own life.  Wherever that is, I know it isn’t here.  I need to be away from my old life, and unfortunately that includes Blondie.

I guess I am running away.  Moving on.  Whatever you want to call it.  Whatever it is, it’s starting over.  I’m not wasting my time on Dade anymore.  After everything I’ve done for him, I needed him to stand by me that day of the regionals.  Instead he turned.  That was the straw.  There is nothing for me but memories.  So now here I am packing my bags, preparing to make the last step of my new journey.  It’s exciting and incredibly nerve wracking in one.  Marcel did it though.  He took a leap of faith and ended up here in Drake.  I can do it too. 

Of course I was going to wait for Marcel to get back before I left.  But I’d decided I would leave first thing in the morning.  I didn’t have a lot to pack, so it didn’t take me too long.  When I was finally done, I figured maybe I should get some shut eye.  Before I had a chance to though, I heard a key in the front door and sure enough, Marcel soon popped his head in my bedroom door.

He didn’t have to say anything and neither did I.  He looked at my bags and seemed to understand.  I gave him a sympathetic smile and motioned for him to lie down next to me.  He did so with a heavy sigh, and we both lay there looking up at the ceiling.

“How’s Aaron?”

“He’s fine.  He won’t miss any time in the water.”

Silence has often said more than words when it came to Marcel and I.  Just like right now.  If Lucas had of walked through that door, he would’ve turned into a blubbering mess and asked what the hell I was doing.  It’s rarely like that with Marcel and I.  Sure, we have our moments, but more than anything, we tend to understand each other.  He gets me.  I get him.  We can’t lie to each other, because the other would see right through it.  He calms me.  He makes me feel stable and secure in myself.  I’m not saying that’s any worse or better than how Lucas makes me feel, it’s just different.

“I know why you’re leaving.” 

“You do?”  I asked, turning my head to Marcel, who continued staring at the ceiling.

“I do.”

“You understand?”

“I’m trying to.”  Marcel said turning his head to face me.

“It’s not you.  I know that sounds stupid.  It’s not because of what happened tonight.  I just …”

“You have to find out where north is again, huh?”

“Yeah …”  I said with a small smile, “I do.”

“We all need to sometimes.  It’s why I came here in the first place.  So I can’t exactly talk you out of it, can I?”

Times like this I’m so grateful for Marcel.  He just knows me.  I don’t even have to explain myself.  He understands.  Which makes me feel like I’m doing the right thing somehow.  And who knows?  Maybe I’ll find my way back.  But part of me feels as though perhaps … I won’t.  Perhaps Marcel could be the last part of an old life that I put behind me.  I’ve never been great at keeping in touch.  He knows that.

“I’m going to miss you.”  Marcel says, breaking the silence again.

He slips his hand over mine, and we lay there with our hands resting on the bed between us.  Our fingers interlace and I let out a sigh.  I begin to wonder what my life will bring me now.  I wonder whether I’ll regret leaving Merlow, though the biggest part of me still feels as though I’m making the right move for myself. 

“Storm?”  Marcel says with just a hint of anxiety in his voice.

“Yeah, Blondie?”

I could feel this moment coming.  I could see it happening before it even happened.  Yet I did nothing to dissuade or encourage it.  I simply lay there while Marcel rolled over and pressed his lips against mine.  We never did finish that kiss.  At first I just lay there while held his hands against my neck and continued kissing me.  How could our relationship change so fast?  Perhaps the only reason it hadn’t earlier is because we weren’t free to.  And both of us being the staunch idealists that we are, we never entertained the notion of anything happening between us until now. 

After laying there for several minutes pretty much just letting Marcel make out with me and do what he liked, I decided it was time to return the gesture.  I slid my hands up his back, sliding under his shirt as we rolled over so I could be on top.  I held him to me as we made out with little hesitation.  I wanted this.  Probably as much as he did.  Part of me wants to say fuck Lucas, and have this be his just deserts, but the bigger part of me won’t say that.  Because that’s not why I’m doing this, and it would belittle Marcel to say such a thing.  And that’s not why I’m sliding Marcel’s feet along my legs while I suck gently on his tongue.  I’m doing this because it’s Marcel.  Because I know him.  Because I trust him.  Because I want this for me.

Our make out session alternated between anxious and fiery to slow, gentle, and deliberate.  Hands began to wander, while lips lingered on flashes of skin.  I wasn’t sure how far this was going to go, Marcel was leading this.  I would simply follow.

Marcel rolled us so he was on top, before gasping for breath, “I haven’t been with anyone … since … you know.  Not even Dade.”

I could hear the anxiety in his voice.  The need.  It was a side of Marcel he showed few people.  I’m grateful to be one of them.  I knew exactly what he meant.  And it gave me an idea how far he wanted this to go.  Part of me doesn’t even seem surprised.  For some fortunate reason, Marcel trusts me more than anyone.  More than he could ever even trust Dade.  Maybe somewhere deep down, Marcel knew this day would come.  Maybe he knew I was the one who would help him take that step and help him leave the demons of the past where they belonged.  In the past.

And yet even knowing that he wanted us to go somewhere we’ve never been together in our lives, I found a small space in my mind for hesitation.  How can I do this knowing I’m going to leave? 

“I have to go …”  I whispered, “I have to go.”

“I know.”  Marcel whispered, with his eyes still fixed on me, “I know.  But please … I’ve wanted this longer than you can imagine.  I trust you.  You trust me.  Please … give me this before you leave.”

And as I looked up at him, I began to wonder.  I began to think of a thousand different reasons not to give him what he wants, and what I want.  I want this as much as him, because I love him.  It’s a love I do not fully understand, but it’s always been there between us. And I long to feel wanted.  To feel as though I’m everything he could ever want, and not second guess my importance to him, or him to me.  And so after still giving myself a thousand reasons not to kiss him, I realized something.  I think too much.

“You sure?”  I asked with a mischievous smirk.

“I couldn’t be more sure.  I knew it would be you, Storm.  I knew.”

“Thank you.”  I whispered as I leaned up and kissed, not really sure why I thanked him, it just felt right.

I wanted to make this last, so I took my time removing his shirt.  Didn’t waste any time removing mine however.  Although I already knew pretty much every part of Marcel’s body, I was exploring for the first time in a different light.  Just as he did mine.  So we paced ourselves.  Taking each other in as made our way down to nothing but our birthday suits.  It was kinda hard not to just jump at him right then and just fuck him silly, because I was horny and he was hot.  That’s a nasty combination.

Instead we took our time.  We touched and tasted.  We soothed aching muscles and ran fingers along parts of each other that we dared not before.  It was somewhat exhilarating for me as I never expected to be doing this with anyone but … him.  But I am so glad we are doing this. 

And so we made love.  We laughed some.  We cried a little.  He cried a little more.  And I made him realize it was ok.  He was ok.  They couldn’t hurt him anymore.  And then we made love some more.  We tasted every inch of each other.  Neither of us tried to be something we weren’t.  We didn’t try to impress the other with false plays at being a lothario or Casanova.  It was awkward at times and stupid and funny, and everything I could ever want.  It was effortless at others, like we’d been doing this all our lives.  More than anything, it was damn good.  I lust Marcel.  And now I get to show just how much.

We showed each other quite a bit too.  Our first time was slow and deliberate.  Our second time was fast and loose.  Anyone would think we’d never been laid before because by the time we finished going at it, it was morning outside.

“Holy fuck.”  Marcel laughed when we were finally done.

“I think it’s daylight.”  I laughed as I kissed his neck and held him, “Why didn’t you hit on me before Lucas came to town?”

“It was always supposed to be here and now.  Like this.”

“Any regrets?”

“No.”

“You ok?”  I asked, running my fingers along his stomach, “You gonna be ok?”

“I think I am.  Wow … now that we’ve done it, I wonder how I went so long without getting laid.  I just couldn’t get them out of my mind, you know?  I turned down Dade when we got back together.  I don’t know.  It could’ve never been anyone else.  I just knew it would be you.  You always make me feel safe, Storm.”

“Too late to change my mind?”  I asked, not really joking at all.

“Yeah, it’s too late.  I got what I wanted.”  Marcel laughed, “You can go now.”

“Asshole!”  I laughed back at him, before he rolled on top of me and smiled.

“I want you to go.”

“You do?”

“For you.  Find yourself.  Do whatever you need.  And one day … maybe you’ll come back … to me.  Whatever happens, I still have tonight.”

“I feel so rejected.”  I smirked back, “Umm … you know what I love about being around you, Marcel?”

“What?”

“You never have to tell me you love me for me to know you do.”

“Ouch.”  Marcel snickered, “Now you have to stay.”

I kissed him again, feeling a longing sensation building within me.  Perhaps this wasn’t such a good idea.  I can’t have sex without love.  And there’s a lot of love between us, that’s for sure.  We buried it behind loyalty, but tonight it found new expression.  Something I felt incredibly grateful for.

“Love you, Blondie.”

“Love you, Storm.”

“Umm … Blondie?”  I said with a smirk laced with perhaps just a little too much mischief.

“Oh hell yeah.”

And with a laugh that was both warm and endearing, we loved ourselves into daylight.  Some might think it was just sex.  Some might think it was a one night stand.  It could never be that way for us.  And I feel as if I’ll be moving on to the next phase of my life much better than if I had of left straight from Merlow.  And for that, I am eternally grateful.  I do not know where the winds will take, but they feel a little warmer beneath my wings now.  Perhaps one day I will return.  To where exactly, I do not know.  Right now my thoughts are on one person.  I hope he remembers this day as much as I do.  And not just for the incredible carnal pleasures we allowed ourselves to share.  Goodbye, Marcel.  For now, forever, I do not know.  Thank you.

Thank you.

 

* * * * * * *

 

Marcel awoke to find the night was already beginning to creep in.  A never ending grin broke out on his tired face as he recalled the long night of love making with Storm.  He never believed he’d have Storm.  He knew he could have kept him here if he really wanted to, but he held to the adage that if you let them go, and they come back, only then are they truly yours.  And even if Storm did not come back to him, he would never regret what Storm had given him.  Just as Storm had gone to find the next journey of his life, he almost believed he could now too. 

His hand swept over the space where Storm had lain with him.  He smiled to himself and sighed, as his hands brushed over a small card.  Written on the card in handwriting so messy Marcel knew it could only be Storm’s;

‘Forget the Rest, Marcel’s the Best.  Thank you.  For everything.’

Marcel stretched his hands out with a yawn.  He let out a content sigh as his hands traced over his body, and he remembered where Storm’s own fingers had traced the night before.  It already seemed just like a dream.  One he hoped he would get to dream again.

“Go find your north, Storm.”  Marcel whispered to himself, “Thank you.”

 

* * * * * * *

The following is archived and may no longer be relevant.

I hope you enjoyed that.  I've really loved writing 5 Paths.  Although it will remain 4 Paths for a while.  You see, I just don't love Marty Lee enough to give him a sendoff like I did Storm in this one.  So following this chapter, I'm going straight to Conversations in Real Time, and then Revelations will launch alongside 'When the War is Over', the premiere episode of Season 5.

This is not a What If chapter.  It is canon Storm Front.  So Marcel and Storm did finally answer the question of whether their relationship could be any more than the staunch loyalty they shared previously.  It will never be the same, but Marcel could probably sense that once Storm left, it might not be the same again anyway, and pushed for something to happen between them.  Interesting thought here, Lucas or Marcel?  Though I will be honest and say this issue will probably never be addressed in the primary Storm Front, because Storm isn't there and neither is Marcel.  Anyway, I'm going to leave these comments short and let you guys share your own thoughts.  Then I'll post mine on the Ponderings or Forums.  I really hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, and seeing Marcel and Storm again.