I kiss him. I essentially force both Lucas and I into coming out to the school. So here I am staring at him kinda looking stupid and dumbfounded. Somebody put their hand up and tell me what happens next.

Lucas actually looked just as dumbfounded as I did. Sure we both thought of it as a great idea to begin with. Adrenalin running high and all that jazz. And now that we’d done it, neither of us knew what to do next.

Everyone was just staring at us. Kinda quiet. That was scary. I wasn’t really scared physically but mentally I was just waiting for the proverbial shit to hit the fan.

This seemed to go on for an eternity until I heard a few murmurs. Just a few at first. Then a few more. And then a few more and so on and so forth. Until eventually the stunned silence was no longer and all that remained was a murmur of chatter.

And that was it.

Talk about your anti climaxes. Here’s this event that I’ve been dreading since Lucas walked into my life on that bus and it’s all a total let down. I was waiting for somebody to give me grief. Some sort of vocal response. But nobody even said anything. Not to us. To themselves maybe but not to us. It annoyed me. I’d been holding back on Lucas for over a year now and for what?

"Dude, you look disappointed." Lucas said nudging me playfully. "Were you expecting something else?"

"Yeah, I was. Episode II: Attack of the Homophobes."

"I think the force is with us this time." Lucas said with a brimming smile on his face. "You do realize what you’ve just done, don’t you?"

"Yeah, I think I do."

"Regrets?" He asked cocking his head to the side as he looked at me.

I thought about it for a second. Still absorbing the moment. Finally a smile passed across my lips as I looked up at my awaiting love.

"None. I actually feel a lot better. I just can’t believe that nobody really said anything."

"Come on, Dude, this isn’t Hicksville. Merlow is a small town but it’s pretty open minded and accepting. It’s a forward thinking town, that’s why we moved here. You should know that. You’ve lived here all your life."

"I guess. Maybe five years ago we would have gotten more grief. I’m relieved, that’s for sure."

"Well that was fun to watch." Josh said as he and Claire approached us hand in hand. "I’m really impressed you guys. Good on you."

"Thanks." I said surprised.

I really still had a hard time believing the changes Josh had undergone. He was so much different to the Josh I used to think very little of. He’d really come a long way. He was so much more sure of himself, so much more confident. I admit I was a little surprised to see him finally with Claire but I was happy for both of them. I think Josh has finally made it to a place where he’s happy with himself. I envy that of him. I don’t think I’m quite there myself.

"I take it congratulations are in order?" I asked as I looked at the linked hands between them.

Claire brimmed a smile back at me and blushed. Then they both looked at each other smiling and I tried not to laugh. Young love. Seems so long ago that Lucas and I were doing that puppy love stuff. Everything seemed to get so serious so fast.

Lucas hadn’t really said anything and I know why. He was still unsure of how Josh felt towards him. Or Claire for that matter as well. I was so happy when Josh shook Lucas’ hand and nodded at him. Man, how cool is Josh these days?

"Brother, what the hell have you done?" Dade asked scratching his head awkwardly as he was flanked by Carl. "Did you just…commit to something?"

"He’s right!" Lucas laughed as he pointed at me. "Now everybody knows you’re mine! Woo Hoo! I can’t believe it! We’re like…official or something!"

"Certifiable is the word you’re looking for, Dude boy." Carl said patting Lucas on the back.

"I hate to sound selfish but you do realize the grief this is going to cause me? I might have to hurt some people for having a go at you. Oh wait, they already do that!" Dade said grinning at me.

"Oh my goodness! You’re so funny!" I said sarcastically. "Don’t you have remedial reading or something?"

"HA HA!" Dade yelled slamming his hand on my shoulder as he gave me a demented look. "What wit! No seriously, what wit?"

"You do realize that you two are going to be the hot gossip now for at least…two days. A week if nothing more interesting comes up. Then you’re old news. Come on, Dade." Carl said grabbing Dade by the arm. "Let’s go make out somewhere too so we can be talked about."

"Oh please, you only wish you were so lucky." Dade said frowning as he was dragged off. "I’ll see you after school, Storm. Love you, Bro. Later guys."

I could see the look on Josh’s face as Dade wandered off without him. It unsettled him. He was used to them being friends but I know what it’s like when you first get involved with somebody. You tend to forget about everything else for a while. Sometimes to the detriment of your old friendships. I just hope Josh learns faster than I did.

"Well we just wanted to say hey and let you know that we’re around if you need us." Josh said as he waved bye to us.

"Yeah you two, congratulations." Claire smiled as she walked away. "See you guys later."

Then it was just Lucas and I again. Standing in the courtyard looking clueless. We were both on a high. Just smiling at each other. I knew we were still getting a few looks from people, some good, some bad but still nobody said anything. I wish Mike and Sarah were here actually because they’d be a really good security blanket for me. But I haven’t seen them around school at all today.

"I am really happy, Dude." Lucas said smiling at me. "Really happy. Thank you so much."

"Thank yourself. It takes two to kiss last time I checked."

"I know but…you know what I mean. You let this happen. You were ready. Things are going to be so much better now that we don’t have to hide anymore. You have no idea how happy I am. I want to marry you one day, Daniel Marcus. I hope you know that."

"Whoa whoa whoa! One step at a time, Hot Stuff."

"Sorry." Lucas said blushing beet red. "I’m getting ahead of myself. I’m just so happy. I don’t know why. I just am. You’ve made me so happy. Can I take you out for dinner tonight please?"

"Ahh sure. Sounds great. Meet me after work?"

"Okay."

"So umm…I’ll…see you later then." I said feeling awkward for the first time in forever.

"Yeah…see you later." Lucas responded feeling the same awkwardness.

"Ok." I said turning to leave.

"Uhh…bye…" Lucas said stopping me before he leaned in for a quick kiss.

I tasted him again with a smile on my lips the whole time. I love kissing Lucas I really do. His lips just taste so good. So soft and luscious. Then he pulled away just as quickly with still a big grin plastered to his face. He took off quick smart straight after that and left me on my own.

I stood by myself for a while, still absorbing what had happened and trying to digest it all. I was happy alright. At least until I turned around and saw Marty Lee standing against the wall in the distance. He feigned a sad smile at me before he turned and walked away. There was something wrong there. I guess I’d have to wait until later to find out what. It was enough to bring me back down to earth though.

I sighed as I looked around me and could still see people staring at me. It seemed more out of curiosity than anything else that I could tell. At least until I came upon Stacey Peters. There’s always someone who has to ruin things. She had that doggy like growl on her face as she looked at me. I just rolled my eyes and carried on my way.

"Marcus you wait right there! I want to speak to you!"

"What do you want, Stacey?" I said turning back to face her.

"You’re a faggot!"

"Yes…yes I am. What’s your point?"

"YOU’RE A FAGGOT!"

"I heard the first time. What’s your point?"

"You’re the class president! How can you be a faggot and class president!?"

"Easy. Just be me. Anything else?"

"I want your resignation to stand. People don’t want a queer for a class president. I can’t believe the audacity of you. You…you’re disgusting! You and that stupid Lucas, how could you?"

"Back off, Stacey. Say what you like about me but you start stepping on him and I’ll start stomping on you. Are we clear?"

"I want your resignation. You can’t be class president. You just can’t."

"I agree." Marty Lee said approaching Stacey from behind.

"What the hell?" I asked in disgust.

"She’s right, Storm."

"No she isn’t." Brad said doubly surprising me as he popped up behind me. "Storm is our class president. I voted for him and it wasn’t because he was involved with Lucas. Nothing’s changed except your perception of him."

"Politics is all about perception. People perceived you as one thing when they voted for you. Now they perceive you as another thing. You’re a minority now, Storm. You’ve forced the issue. Unfortunately not everyone is going to like the fact that you’re bisexual. And perhaps they would not have voted for you had they known."

"Bullshit!" Brad said defiantly.

"Such an intelligent rebuttal." Marty Lee said sarcastically.

"Fuck you!"

"No thanks."

"You’re supposed to be his friend." Brad said angrily. "Now you’re siding with dog face. You’ve had it in for Storm since the start. I knew it. You were never really his friend."

"This isn’t about being friends. We’re more friends than you are, Loser."

"Such an intelligent insult." Brad said looking like he was spitting daggers at Marty Lee with his eyes.

"It’s an ugly truth, Storm. But it’s one you have to be aware of." Marty Lee said trying his best to sound sympathetic.

"Fine." I said angrily. "What do you want from me, Stacey?"

"I want your resignation to stand. Sarah will automatically become Class President by default."

"I can live with that." I said still simmering with anger. "And what if I refuse?"

"Then at the next student council meeting I’m going to call for a vote of no confidence and have you removed anyway."

"You’ll never get the numbers." I said glaring at the bitch.

"After today’s stunt, I’m positive I will."

"You close minded Bitch."

"I’ll do you a favor, Storm." Stacey said flashing her pearly whites at me. "You were going to resign anyway. Let’s just let that happen and no one will have to know the real reason you’re standing down."

"The only reason I’ll consider this is because I know Sarah will automatically take over."

"Don’t listen to her, Storm!" Brad said angrily. "She can’t tell you what to do!"

"Think about it, Stormy." Stacey said smugly.

"Fine. I’m no good as class president with all of this hanging over my head anyway. It’ll detract from getting the job done and that’s not fair to the people. Don’t think for one second I’m doing this for you, Bitch. I really, really hate you. I always have. You’re nothing but a bitch troublemaker. I hope you eat shit and die." I said as I walked off.

"Nice to negotiate with you!" Stacey yelled as she trotted smugly off.

I turned back to see Marty Lee standing there with a nonchalant look on his face. I marched right back up to him and got in his face.

"Don’t be angry, Storm." Marty Lee said actually sounding genuine.

"We’re not friends. Friends don’t screw each other over like that. I expected your support."

"I thought she had a valid point. I didn’t say it to put you down. I never said anything to put you down. I was just trying to be realistic."

"Save your shit. I don’t want anything to do with you."

"Don’t say that, Storm." Marty Lee said pleadingly.

"Thanks for your support, Brad." I said nodding at him sincerely before I began walking away.

"Uhh, Storm." Brad said walking up beside me. "I can understand why you didn’t tell me about Lucas. But…nothing’s changed between us right? We’re still uhh…"

"Friends." I said with a smile. "Yes, we’re still friends. Of course."

"Cool." Brad said grinning. "To be honest, it makes me feel weird but I know you’re still the same Storm."

"That Bitch almost made me cry." I said with a small laugh. "I can’t believe she almost made me cry. She just totally got the best of me."

"Don’t worry, Storm. It’ll all work out. I’ve had a lot of spare time lately. I know all about the rules of the student council. I read all the fine print in the library. She can’t call a vote of no confidence because of your sexuality. That’s discrimination. You can fight this if you want. I can read into it more on my next shift in the library."

"All that time being punished in the library has paid off for you aye?"

"I guess so. I didn’t have much else to do. Everybody hated me. But anyway, I can help you on this."

"It’s nice to know you and I are really becoming friends now. I’m beginning to really trust you." I said to Brad half looking behind to where Marty Lee was still standing semi stunned looking but still with a very assured demeanor as usual. "Pity I can’t say the same about other people…"

* * * * * * *

"I should be feeling bad…" Sarah said with a large grin on her face. "But I don’t."

She and Mike lay side by side in her bed enveloped in the afterglow of more than just a few hours lovemaking. Mike was enshrouded in a blissful grin that threatened to stick if he didn’t change it soon. He held Sarah’s naked form in his arms and sighed wistfully.

"I don’t feel bad either. We’re skipping class."

"Maybe we should head in and catch the last two periods." Sarah said as she nuzzled into Mike’s neck and kissed it tenderly.

"I’m a bit worn out." Mike said breathing heavily as Sarah’s hand moved down his sweat covered chest. "You take it all out of me. Let’s just spend the rest of the day on us ok?"

"Ok, Sweetheart."

"I’m really glad we’re here, Sarah."

"I know you’ve been through a lot, Baby. Just remember I’m here for you. It’s a two way thing, ok? Let’s be there for each other. I want you to be my husband, Mike. I know that’s a big thing to say but…if the past has reminded me of anything it’s that I’m lucky to be here. I want to make the most of the time I have here with you. Whether it’s a week, a month, a year or even better, a lifetime."

"We’ll be married soon enough, Sarah. I promise. We’re going to have a great life together. We’ll get through this just like we’ve gotten through everything else." Mike said placing a kiss on Sarah’s forehead. "But, Honey, why does Lucas know but not Storm? Can’t you two sort things out? He’s a part of us. Us three have a lifetime of history together. Don’t let him find out from someone else. I think it’s time you let the whole pack know, don’t you? Storm, Dade and Marcel all care for you just as much as I do."

"But not half as good." Sarah grinned.

"Good. I don’t want to have to kill them."

"You’re right, Babe." Sarah said with a dreading sigh as she closed her eyes and wrapped herself even more into Mike’s securing embrace. "I’ll tell them. But not today. Today is for me and you."

"All day huh?" Mike grinned as he rolled over on top of Sarah.

He felt the similar stirrings inside him that he always did when he was this close to Sarah. Skin on skin. Sensitive nipples brushing against each other. Their lower regions even now threatening to copulate without any further effort from either of them. Mike leaned down and pressed his lips against Sarah’s own eager ones. Their tongues mingled as they melted into one another, content and united in their love. Effortlessly repeating the act they seemed so naturally fitted for.

"All day…" Sarah said with a smile.

* * * * * * *

Dade ducked and bobbed his head beneath the water. Making an ass of himself in front of the entire class. Today he was lucky enough to be in the class that was asked to give the new Olympic pool a test run in the almost complete Merlow High Sports Center. The entire class had free reign of the pool and Dade had made it his mission to annoy the hell out of as many people as he could. Starting with Stacey Peters.

He eyed her up with a wicked grin on his face before he dove under the water and glided swiftly towards her unsuspecting figure. He grabbed her by the waist as he rose up out of the water and threw her into the air. She crashed back down into the water and rose with a mighty scowl upon her face. Dade swam next to her and forced her against the edge of the pool. He held his hands either side of her against the wall and leaned in closely. He teased her incessantly with his presence. His mouth agape as it ran inches from her neck and face. Soon she gulped as Dade detected the familiar sense of arousal from her. He grinned broadly at her as their feet brushed slightly against each other’s. This elicited a moan from her lips as her eyes closed and she tilted her head back.

"Do you have a problem with my brother, Stacey?" Dade said seductively as his hands played against the the small of Stacey’s exposed back.

"Uhh…Dade…I guess…oh boy…" Stacey moaned as Dade pressed his lips softly against her neck and sucked ever so slightly. "No…no…of course not."

"I didn’t think so." Dade said winking at her as he suddenly pushed off the wall and drifted away from her. "See you around, Stacey."

"God, I hope so." Stacey moaned as she looked around to see if anyone had noticed what had just happened to her.

Dade smiled to himself as he swam back over towards the other side of the pool where Josh and Claire were sitting with their feet dangling in the water. Claire looked at Dade with a mock sense of disgust as he approached her and tapped him on the head with her pen.

"Dade, that was mean." Claire smiled. "Bravo. She’ll be eating out of the palm of your hands forever now."

"She’ll be one less problem for Storm." Dade said as he hauled himself out of the water. "For the next ten minutes anyway."

"I don’t think it’s really that big a deal. Sure people are talking about it but more from a sense of ‘ok that’s interesting’ than anything else. They’re surprised. Most think it’s cool. Some have a problem but I doubt they’ll say anything. That’s as good as you can hope for. And I sure don’t think Stacey’s plot to oust Storm will gain any momentum either. She’s verging on discrimination."

"I know." Dade sighed. "I just worry. He hasn’t made his life any easier by coming out to the whole fucking school."

"As long as I’ve known your brother…he’s never done things just because they were easy. If anything he likes making things harder on himself."

"You can say that again. If I were in his position with someone I cared about that much, I’d have done the same thing. I think. I hope. Maybe."

"Don’t worry, Dade." Claire said gripping Dade’s hand reassuringly. "Someone as special as you can’t stay unattached for long. I know a few girls who’d be eager to make an honest man out of you. And a few guys too for that matter."

"Too bad I’m so choosy." Dade said standing up. "Anyways, I’m gonna get changed."

"Yeah, me too." Josh said as he stood up. "It’s almost home time."

Dade’s eyes rolled up as Josh and Claire shared a little kiss goodbye before they parted ways to get changed. Josh fell in beside Dade as Dade just shook his head as he looked at his best friend. Josh was oblivious to this and continued walking along without a care in the world and a smile on his face. It was then that Dade smiled and realized how much of a buzz Josh was on right now. Claire was Josh’s first girlfriend. Of course he’d be buzzing.

Josh and Dade both headed into the shower rooms. There was an uncomfortable silence between them today that hadn’t been evident in their relationship previously. Things felt awkward for Dade. Josh had changed now. He seemed to have outgrown the need for Dade being around to constantly build him up. Now that Claire was his security, Dade didn’t seem to feel as relevant or needed.

"So…you must be really happy now?" Dade said as they both stepped under the showers.

"I guess." Josh said smiling.

"Well…that’s good. I always knew you two had it for each other. Congrats."

"Thanks, Dade."

And then more silence. Dade shook his head in a mixture of surprise and annoyance. Josh seemed completely oblivious or receptive now. Dade could understand to a point but it was still an adjustment to have to give up some of his bond with Josh to Claire. ‘That’s one thing I hate about girls.’ Dade sighed to himself.

"Uhh, Dade. You know how we were supposed to go to the movies tonight?" Josh said hesitantly.

"Yeah?"

"Well…I was kind of hoping that…Claire and I could…"

"Oh sure." Dade said interrupting Josh before he could finish. "Go ahead."

"Maybe we could go tomorrow night?" Josh said stepping out of the showers before he began drying himself off.

"Sure."

Dade remained under the warm spray as Josh quickly changed into dry clothes. He soaped himself up and made extra effort to make sure he was covered from head to toe. This was more a delay tactic than anything else. He knew what was coming next and wanted to try and spare himself some rejection.

"Well…uhh…I’m gonna go on ahead and meet up with Claire. I’ll see you later, ok?" Josh asked as he swung his bag over his shoulder.

"Sure, Josh." Dade sighed, as he turned away and rinsed off.

Dade knew when he was being subtly demoted. He was happy for Josh and wanted him to be happy but still didn’t like the sudden way he’d been pushed to the side and become neatly forgotten. It did little for his outwardly strong but inwardly fragile self-esteem.

As he stepped out of the showers to get changed he caught the passing comment of Anton Ettinghausen. Otherwise known as E.T. A six foot four behemoth jock who had just a few too many dead brain cells for Dade’s liking. And he was flanked by two people with even less brain cells. Scott and Peter. Brad’s former flunkies.

"I hear Storm’s a fairy fuck. Maybe I’ll give him a ride someday. I bet he’d like that." Anton said with a snickering grin.

"What the fuck did you just say?" Dade said swinging Anton around to face him.

Dade was outnumbered three to one by Anton and his two companions but that didn’t stop Dade. He stood eye to…chin with Anton but with enough presence to intimidate the taller jock.

"What do you think I said? Are you a fairy fuck like your brother? Maybe I’ll take you for a ride too? Shall I make you my bitch?"

"Shall I make you my fucking whore!?" Dade said angrily grabbing Anton by his windpipe. "Who the fuck are you? What the fuck is your name? What’s your IQ?"

"What?" Anton said gagging.

"Exactly. Either you don’t know who I am or you’re just plain stupid. Which is it?"

"Huh?"

"I ASKED WHO THE FUCK YOU WERE!! WHAT IS YOUR NAME, BOY?!?"

"An…n…ton." He said shrugging his shoulders, clearly becoming the dominated one in this exchange.

"Well, Anton. You’ve caught me on a really bad day. Now you can fuck with me on this and I can get medieval on you and your friends dark age attitudes or we can both be smarter than Neanderthals and walk away from this without me bashing the hell out of you. First of all, apologize. Second of all, don’t you ever say a damn word about my brother again! DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR!?" Dade yelled shoving Anton against his locker. "DO I!?"

"Yes, Dade. Sorry, Dade."

"Don’t EVER fuck with me again, Boy. Do you understand?"

"Yes." Anton said timidly.

"Good."

"Dude, you’re bigger than him." Peter whispered as Dade turned to walk away. "What are you afraid of?"

"I…" Anton began to stammer as Scott shook his head and shoved Dade from behind.

"Hey! You don’t tell us what to do! If we want to call your brother a faggot. We’ll call him a faggot!"

"Shit." Dade said as he turned around to see three testosterone charged males glaring at him. "You really are just stupid."

Dade’s attempt at intimidation had failed. Now it was time to put up or shut up. Three on one. Time to deal.

"Ok then. You boys have made up your minds. Come get some." Dade said motioning for them to come for him.

Scott lunged at Dade first and Dade stood his ground. He charged his right palm into Scott’s nose with lightening speed before he pulled it back. Scott fell to the ground instantly and Dade almost paused to savor the moment before he felt himself being lifted off the ground by Peter and thrown towards the lockers on the opposite side.

Dade hit the lockers with a hard thud. Denting the locker he’d hit. He pulled himself up instantly but before the situation could continue, the changing rooms were flooded with students rushing to shower up and change to leave.

"You and I will finish this after school. School rules." Dade said pointing his finger at Anton. "I’ll let you decide which of your limbs I’m going to break."

"It wasn’t me, it was them!" Anton pleaded.

"Don’t be a chicken shit." Peter snapped as he smacked Anton upside the head. "As for you, Dade Marcus. I’m going to fuck you up. I’ll make you bleed just like I did your bitch faggot brother!"

Dade stood with a rage inside him like never before. His eyes narrowed in on the three and he cursed them inside. He’d tried to handle things without getting violent. That didn’t work and now they had pushed him to his limits. He was going to hurt them.

Dade changed himself quickly before he threw his bag over his shoulder and ignored anyone’s attempts to talk to him. He knew he could have gotten back up if he wanted it but he didn’t want it. He wanted to punish these three all by himself. Pride had gotten the better of him. Anger had fueled him. Fate would punish him.

He headed for the back gate of the school where he knew the three would be waiting. That was the fight zone. If you wanted to have a so called ‘school rules’ fight, it was always in the fight zone. A secluded spot off the side of the main path at the back gate of the school. Surrounded by trees it was where many a fight was had.

Usually most fights were watched and even wagered on but this fight had been so quickly organized that there was not even a chance for news of it to spread around school. Dade headed towards the back gate and veered off the path to his right. As he stepped through the tall pine trees he knew he was entering the fight zone. And sure enough, the three challengers were waiting. Anton however was not participating. He had been intimidated enough by Dade. And Scott was bandaged up as his nose was still bloody.

"I can make you bleed again if you like?" Dade asked sharply as he threw his bag to the ground and wasted no time in entering the circle.

"No, thanks." Scott said standing next to Anton.

"School rules." Peter said entering the circle.

"School rules." Dade replied. "No one leaves until one of us bleeds. No interference."

"And don’t forget no weapons."

"That’s rich coming from you. Didn’t you use a baseball bat on my brother?"

"Shut up. No weapons. No interference. Everything else is game. School rules."

"Just remember…you can try anything you want with me. But don’t ever mess with my family. And don’t you ever go near my brother again." Dade said narrowing his eyes down on his victim. "I will do anything for him…"

Little did Dade know just how prophetic those words would be. A cold wind howled through the trees. Signaling a change in the air. It blew through Dade’s hair and he shuddered for an instant. As if sensing the inexplicable feeling of fate approaching.

"Dade. No."

"Marty Lee?" Dade said surprised and a little terrified.

"You were once smarter than I was when I wanted to fight your brother. Now it is my turn to return the favor. Just center ok…" Marty Lee said as he pressed his index and forefinger against Dade’s forehead. "Calm yourself. Close your eyes…"

"Look at this rubbish." Peter said laughing.

Dade began to unwillingly close his eyes as Marty Lee stood before him with his fingers pressed firmly against his forehead. Scott, Peter and Anton all stood snickering behind Marty Lee as they watched the laughable scene before them.

As soon as Dade’s eyes were closed, Marty Lee pulled his fingers away. A sudden look of rage came across Marty Lee’s face and in a split second he turned and with all his might brought a shattering slice to Peter’s windpipe. He followed this up instantly with a punishing precise punch down upon Peter’s lower back as he was bent over in agony. Peter couldn’t even scream but he fell to the ground writhing in absolutely agony. Dade was completely oblivious to the almost silent assault going on before him.

Marty Lee’s face seethed in anger as he warded Peter’s two accomplices away. He turned around swiftly and placed his hands on Dade’s shoulder. He spun Dade around before he could open his eyes and led him away.

"Fighting should always be a last resort. Those three aren’t worthy of your attention. Try to calm yourself or your anger will get the better of you. And you’re far too dangerous a person to be walking around angry." Marty Lee said smiling at Dade.

"Thank you for stopping me. I just had a bad day that’s all." Dade said simmering himself down with a winning smile at Marty Lee. "I’m sorry you got involved."

"What did they do to make you so angry, Dade?"

"They made some comments about Storm. Calling him a faggot and saying they should take him for a ride if you get my drift. I should have let their comments slide but it’s my weak spot, you know? When people say things about my brother I get really defensive. It’s my biggest weakness."

"They said that?"

"And other stuff. Scott and Peter were part of the group that beat Storm up last year. But you’re right, it’s not important. Storm’s moved on. So should I." Dade shrugged. "I just have to learn to control myself."

"Well I’d be angry too if I were you. But don’t worry about anything, Dade. Just try to relax. I’ll see you later. I have…something to tend to." Marty Lee said with a smile before he left Dade to carry on his way.

Dade carried on his way when he was stopped dead in his tracks by an air shattering scream. He turned back towards the trees which enveloped the fight zone and rushed for them. When he arrived inside there was no one around. He could have sworn he heard the scream come from here.

"Must have been my imagination." Dade said unnervingly. "Must be. I just need to relax…"

* * * * * * *

Lucas headed onto the football fields in his training gear when he spotted a familiar figure talking to Carl. A curious smile passed across his lips as he broke into a light sprint towards the two. He ran into the unsuspecting person from behind and tackled him.

"Dude!" Lucas yelled as the pair fell to the ground. "Where have you been!?"

"Awww, I missed you too, Snoogums." Mike said nuzzling his nose against Lucas’ face before he shoved him off. "Now get off me."

"Dude!" Lucas said flipping to his feet. "You missed everything!"

"I know, Carl told me. Was it tense?" Mike asked as the three began joining on the back of the rest of the team who were currently running laps.

"Dude, it was…totally intense. I had butterflies on viagara in my stomach. It was like a nervous orgasm. Just without any sexual gratification whatsoever."

"Well where’s the fun in that?" Mike laughed as he prodded Lucas. "Besides, I’m sure you two will be getting more than enough sexual gratification in the near future huh."

"That’s way too much information, Guys. Way too much." Carl said sprinting off ahead.

Lucas shook his head and smiled as he tried not to laugh too much and upset his rhythm. He was on so much of a high though right now that he felt like nothing could stop him. He felt on top of the world. And when he thought about it, Mike seemed rather chirpy himself. A lot more than the day before.

"Dude, what happened to you? Have you and Sarah been together? Are you guys back together?"

"Well…we can’t have you and Storm getting all the fun now can we?" Mike said with a proud smile. "We sorted everything out. I’m real happy."

"Dude, that’s great! I’m so happy for you! You guys just belong together. You’re unbreakable. Nothing can keep you two apart forever. I’m so happy. This has been such a good day."

"Nothing’s unbreakable. But I feel the same way about you and Storm. You guys are dicks sometimes but you really do seem stupid over each other. I’m just glad things finally seem to be on the upswing. I can’t wait to talk to Storm. He must be feeling really good right now. This really is the first day of you and him being together all the way. I can’t believe you guys did that today." Mike said shaking his head in disbelief. "But I suppose it is a good thing. Having to hide the way you felt had to have been the cause to a lot of your guy’s frustrations before."

"I guess so. But I never wanted to push Storm. We always had to move on his timing. You just can’t force him to do anything he doesn’t want to do or he’ll go completely in the other direction. I think we’re in for some good times. Man what a great day!" Lucas yelled excitedly as he did a forward cartwheel, much to the amusement of Mike.

Mike smiled as he tackled Lucas from behind and sprinted off. "Yep, a great day!"

* * * * * * *

Marty Lee stormed into his lounge angrily, throwing his bag against the wall. His face was flushed with rage as he paced back and forth in his large self contained unit. It was almost like an apartment. On the same property as his guardian family but isolated enough to give him his own space and completely self sufficient. His guardians checked up on him due to his still young age but he was largely left to his own devices. This suited him most of the time since it was not much different to the boarding school he had previously attended. Often however he did miss being a part of a family unit. He often longed for someone else’s company. And on rare occasions this loneliness would manifest itself into sleepless nights filled with tears. Though none would ever suspect it. After all, he was Marty Lee.

His parents’ affluence rivaled even Merlow’s Lewis family. Even though most in Merlow were not aware of this fact since Marty Lee never made any obvious statements and kept a fairly low profile. No one had even been inside his unit before. His parents made sure that his home away from home was lavish and well equipped. He had his own car, but by his choice it was ‘middle class’, a 98 silver Subaru WRX. His parents spent ten thousand dollars overhauling his unit to make sure it was up to standard and fully functional for all his needs. No expense was spared to make sure he had the most comfortable environment to live and study in. He had his own pool table. Renovated kitchen and bathroom. A superior custom built training gym for his martial arts studies. Study workstation with a three screen computer system and multi purpose docking station. A home theater system setup with DVD, Dolby Digital 5.1 speaker system and an NEC42MP3 Plasma Television. Basically, his unit was maxed out.

Marty Lee was barely sixteen yet he had a lifestyle many would envy. All thanks to his wonderful parents. Since his sister Ashley had ripped herself from the path they’d set out for her, Marty Lee was now their last chance. So they spared no expense in providing him with the right environment to help him grow in what they believed was his ‘proper course’. His own ‘proper course’ and ambitions on the other hand were considerably low key. All he wanted to do was be the greatest fighter and…teach. But according to his father, teaching was a low brow job for the menial of the earth to perform. He had far greater dreams in mind for Marty Lee. Marty Lee would be the successor, inheritor and champion of Miller Waite International. High School. College. Miller Waite. That was the path set out for Marty Lee.

And he hated it.

With everything inside him he hated it. He fought it. Tempted himself with doing something so stupid and irreversible that he would be essentially banished the way Ashley had been. But he was helpless against it. It was his fate. All he wanted to be was a teacher. To pass on knowledge. That was it. Nothing more. Nothing less…

"That is such a menial job, Son. You have so much potential. You can do so much better…"

Marty Lee struggled to calm himself as his fathers words echoed through his mind. It was hard enough getting his parents to agree to let him relocate to Merlow. But it was something he wanted very much. His main reasoning was to join the Takada Kai Dojo and train in one of the best dojo’s under one of the greatest teachers and alongside his greatest nemesis. And also to get away from his stuffy obnoxious private school. Merlow High had a great academic record and Merlow itself had a very good reputation. All these factors worked in Marty Lee’s favor when he made the proposition to his parents, to let him move to Merlow with some family friends. And that was how Marty Lee came to be in Merlow.

Today however he was furious. He paced back and forth as the events of the day played back in his mind. Every time they did he had stop himself from smashing something. Eventually his anger got the better of him and he marched into his training room. He slid his fingerless white fighting gloves on and kicked off his shoes and socks. He ripped off his shirt and threw it to the ground before he began unleashing a savage array of rage filled combinations against his full scale dummy.

He struck with all the fury buried inside him. Relentless and unwavering. He punished the dummy as if it were the perpetrator of all his pain. Over and over. Scathing and demented in his ferocity and force. He screamed in rage as he struck a blow so hard the dummy’s head fractured ever so slightly. The sound snapped Marty Lee out of his rampage suddenly.

He stopped for an instant. Anger still coursing through his body. Sweat pouring off his brow and chest. He contemplated the fury within him and tried to center himself. The dummy’s fractured head had just jolted him back to reality. He knew he had to curb his angry outbursts before they one day got the better of him.

"Damn it." Marty Lee cursed finally as he slumped against the dummy. "Damn it all to hell! Damn you, Sheridan!"

* * * * * * *

"Storm, are you ready!?" I heard Dade yell from downstairs. "Taxi’s outside!"

"Just about ready, Bro!"

I stood in the mirror making my final adjustments. I wanted to make sure I looked perfect. Tonight would be mine and Lucas’ first proper date. I was nervous as hell. My hair was all mooshed up and styled. I wore a silver pagani shirt that was open at the top with a loose hanging black tie and custom silver thread pants. I’d picked out the outfit especially for tonight. I don’t like to brag but I think I have a pretty good style sense and so does Lucas. I suppose that is one thing that draws us to each other as well. But I do always try to look my best so that Lucas feels proud to be around me. Superficial I know but don’t tell me you wouldn’t try to do exactly the same thing for someone you care about, right?

I headed downstairs and stood in front of Dade, waiting to see what he thought. He stood there raising his trademark eyebrow at me, looking up and down, side to side, before he raised his hand to his chin and shot his dimpled smile.

"So? How do I look?" I asked impatiently.

"Bro, get out of here before I do something illegal." Dade said winking at me.

"Scary, little brother. Very scary." I said shoving him aside roughly before I made my way to the door.

"Storm!" Dade yelled as I held the door open.

"What is it, Dade?"

"You’re not going to Canada now, right?" He asked anxiously.

"Not unless you and the rest of Merlow’s coming with me." I replied with a smile.

"I just wanted to be sure."

"Dade, are you ok?" I asked looking at him with a sudden concern.

I always knew when something was wrong with my brother. Or I liked to think I did. Right now he seemed kind of lonely. That always worried me because for some reason I’ve never been able to decide in my head what Dade was doing on Reese Bridge that night. I didn’t want him spiraling down again. He tried to act like everything was fine but I could always read when he was lonely or depressed.

"It’s not too late for me to cancel with Lucas." I said inquisitively. "He’d understand. You and I could catch that movie you want to see."

"Really? You’d do that?"

"Do you have to ask?" I said with a smile. "Hold on, I’ll just call and cancel."

"No, no. That’s fine." Dade said pushing me out the door. "Thanks for the offer but I’d feel really bad if I interfered with your first proper date. Get outta here."

"Ok but…we’ll do something this week ok? Just us two. We haven’t hung out together a lot lately. I don’t want you to think just because I’m with Lucas that I’m going to forget about spending time with you."

"Ok, ok. Hurry up the taxi’s waiting. I love you, Bro."

"Love you too, Dade."

I rushed to the taxi and jumped inside. Naturally the driver was just slightly annoyed at my tardiness but oh well. We headed straight into the heart of Merlow to the Restaurant Frente. As we got closer and closer, I became more and more nervous and irritable. Today had been an exercise in nerves. Kissing Lucas at school was making a statement. More than that it was making a commitment. To him and to myself. I knew that our date was somehow one of the last few steps in the full realization of our relationship.

I will say this. It’s hard work being bi. When I was with Sarah there was absolutely no work to be done. We were just together. But with Lucas and I it’s this whole laborious exercise just to build up to the point where you can be together openly. There are times when I think it would be so much easier if somehow Sarah and I had worked out. But would I change anything?

"We’re here." The driver said as we pulled up to the restaurant.

I handed him a twenty and hopped out. I stood anxiously on the curb for awhile just trying to gather my thoughts. I knew doing all of this wasn’t necessary to have Lucas but I know that inside it’s something he really wants. That still didn’t stop me from feeling nervous as hell. That feeling soon changed when I felt a warm familiar hand on my shoulder.

"Hey, Beautiful."

"Hey." I replied as I turned around to see Lucas standing before me.

"Wow, you look great."

"Thanks. You look pretty damn hot yourself. But like that’s anything new." I said smiling at him.

He wore a simple tight white t-shirt with gray cotton pants, gray pants and a pair of Moneywalker Kaya’s. His sunglasses hung in the middle of his tee and I realized he’d gotten a haircut. The scary thing was that his hair was shorter and just about the same length as mine now and styled in almost exactly the same way. Mooshy. If you can call that a description.

"Nice hair."

"Sorry, Dude. I didn’t think you’d have yours the same way."

"No, I mean it. It looks really good. You look…fantastic." I said with a wicked grin. "I’d much rather eat you than a meal."

"Storm…I really want to thank you. Today has meant so much to me. I know it wasn’t easy for you. Even doing this. I wanted to ask you before we go in. It’s all us now. This is it. For real. It’s going to be hard. You’ve taken a big step today but I want to ask you now if you have any second thoughts. You know how things are going to be for us now. I’ll understand if you decide this isn’t really something you want."

"Right. Shut up." I said nonchalantly. "Let’s go inside."

"Uhh ok." Lucas said with a beaming smile. "You first, Dude."

We stood at the doorway to the restaurant waiting to enter. I was paused. Something was wrong. I felt nervous inside. Even more than nervous. Almost panicking. Suddenly I turned to Lucas and he looked back at me with a petrified look on his face.

"Oh, Dude…" He said with dread. "You…do have second thoughts."

"Hell no." I said pulling him to me roughly before I stole the sweetness of his lips.

I held the kiss longer than I intended to. Taking my time to taste his lips and dance with his tongue. We threatened to turn into an unstoppable make out session soon. I held my hand to the back of his neck as I angel kissed him until we were separated.

"No. I just wanted to let you know that I love you. And I really do want this." I said as I took his hand.

"Damn, I love you." He said lighting up as we turned to walk inside.

We didn’t once break hands as we were ushered into the restaurant. We didn’t try to be loud or anything. We were just…together. Some people looked. Some people lingered. Some people snickered. But nobody said anything.

We ordered our meal and began making conversation, not even noticing when our drinks and meal had finally arrived. We just talked. We were always good at that. I let him do most of the talking. I was content to just sit there and be in bliss. Absorbing the moment. Absorbing the day. Contemplating the future. And that thought for some reason was when my smile turned into a furrowed brow. Laced with concern. Dread. Foreboding. Something is wrong. Something is very wrong. It filled me like a chill. A feeling of dread and imminent certainty. Lucas picked up on this straight away.

"Dude, what’s wrong?" He asked concerned.

"I don’t know. I have this uneasy feeling about things for some reason. It’s an on off feeling that I’ve had lately. It just hit me again. I dunno."

"About us?"

"Surprisingly…no. Not this time. You know I have a strong sense of things. Like I can feel when something’s wrong with Dade. When he’s hurting. Or like with you. I can sometimes read how you’re feeling even if I don’t admit it to myself. But this time…there’s something really unsettling. I just feel it within me. It’s bothering me. I can’t put my finger on it but…somehow. I don’t know. Maybe I’m just crazy."

"Maybe…but you have a strong instinct, Storm. If something’s bothering you…"

"It’ll pass. Don’t worry."

"You don’t think there’s anything wrong with Dade again do you?"

"I…hope not. Maybe…but not like before. It’s something else. It’s just something in the wind. I’m starting to sound crazy here. Maybe it’s just things in general. It’s not us. It’s something else. It could be Dade…maybe I’m just afraid of his growing away from me. I don’t know but I’m starting to worry. There’s something wrong."

"Could it be something…or someone else?" Lucas said with a half guilty look on his face.

"I knew it. I knew it…"

* * * * * * *

Sarah sat on her deck, breathing in the cool night air. She looked out over the somewhat stormy waters of Lake Herren with an eerie sense of foreboding. She rubbed her bare feet against the wood in an attempt to ground herself. She closed her eyes and summoning all the strength inside her she picked up her cordless phone and dialed in a number.

"Hi, this is Sarah Leo. I’d like to be connected to Marcel Lewis’ room."

* * * * * * *