Date: Wed, 31 Mar 2004 18:44:51 -0800 (PST) From: Kirk Landers Subject: Dating and the Single Life- part 15 Copyright and Disclaimer: 1. This is a fictional story with fictional characters. 2. No one is to steal this story under any circumstances. 3. This story deals with relationships and not sex, so if you're looking for a story with a lot of sex in it, this isn't the story for you. Hey everyone. Hope you all enjoy. ****PREVIOUSLY**** "You think you might be ready to take our relationship to the next level?" David asked. "You mean sex?" Kyle asked. "Yeah," David replied. Kyle took a deep breath, not really sure how to answer. "If you don't want to, it's fine," David added. "I'm not trying to pressure you." "I don't know David," Kyle said. "That's a really big step." "I know," David answered. "If you don't want to it's okay." "Let me think about it all right?" Kyle asked. "Of course," David answered. ******************************************** "So, you don't care that your new boyfriend is the biggest slut around here?" the guy asked. "Let me guess," Stanley said agressively. "You tried to get him into bed, but he turned you down?" The guy looked at Stanley with furry and threw a punch at him. Stanley blocked the punch and threw one back in his face. The guy then charged Stanley and the two of them flew on top of the bar smashing glasses and bottles as the fought. Randal looked on for a minute impressed with the moves that Stanley was unleashing; swift kicks, punches, blocks, etc. Randal then snapped out of his fascination and quickly jumped in and tried to separate the two of them. The rest of the people crowded around amused by the fight. Finally, three bouncers came up and separated them and took Stanley and the other guy and threw them out of the club. ****************************************************** Stanley then headed off and Randal went back to work. When Stanley turned the corner on the block he was face to face with the guy he fought with just moments before. "Well?" The guy asked. "James, you idiot what are you doing so close to here? I told you to meet up with me a couple blocks down," Stanley began, "What if I was with Randal?" "It's a good thing he's not with you then," James said sarcastically. "Do you have the money?" "Yea, hold on," Stanley said digging money out of his pocket and handing it to him. "Well, it was a pleasure," James said. "Yea, thanks," Stanley replied smiling mysteriously. ******************************************************** "So, did my little 'action packed performance' this evening put you in the mood to see a more 'personal action packed performance'?" Stanley asked. "Well, it got me in the mood to get a little action out of you," Randal replied. "But I'm still not ready to go full throttle yet. I really want to wait for the right time between us." "Well, I'll take what I can get," Stanley answered as the two started kissing. ***************************************************** "I actually have been thinking of visiting him," Marcus said. "Thomas?" David asked. "Yea," Marcus replied. "Why?" David asked suprised Marcus would even suggest it. "I just think that it might help me get over my fears quicker if I went to talk to him," Marcus answered. ****************************************************** Here's part 15 entitled "The Outcast" Tyler, Randal, Stanley, Marcus, Kyle and David were hanging out at David's apartment watching a basketball game...well Kyle and David are watching it, the other guys are talking among themselves since they don't like basketball. This has been the first time that Kyle and David have let themselves really relax after the break in to their apartments two weeks ago. Jake moved out of Tyler's place and got a loan from his dad and bought an apartment for himself. He hasn't spoken to the guys since the break-up. Kyle and David have tried getting a hold of Jake, but the other guys are mad at him for what he did to Tyler. "So, you guys really like basketball huh?" Stanley asked Kyle and David. Kyle and David didn't reply, they didn't even hear Stanley since the two of them were so busy concentrating on the tv. "It's really hard to get their attention when a basketball game is on," Marcus pointed out. "Wow, never would have expected that from two gay guys," Stanley joked. The guys let out a light laugh, it's been a while since they've been able to hang out and just have a good time. "So, do you two have any plans tonight?" Tyler asked Randal and Stanley. "Well, it just so happens that tonight will be our one month anniversary," Randal said proudly. "Really?" Marcus asked amazed. "Yea, so we're going to go out to eat," Randal answered. "Congratulations guys," Tyler said happy for them, but at the same time he had feelings of sadness that he's no longer in a relationship. "Thank you," Stanley replied giving Randal a sweet kiss. "Great game," Kyle said as David turned off the TV. "Awesome," David added, "It was tied and then bam right at the buzzer he shot it in for the win." "So, what's up?" Kyle asked giving his attention to the guys. "Today is Stanley and Randal's one month anniversary," Marcus said. "Wow," David replied impressed. "That's great guys." "Yea, it's really great," Kyle said, happy that Randal seems to have found someone great to settle down with. "Thank you," Stanley said. "Mind if I get another beer?" "Not at all, help yourself," David said. "Thanks," Stanley replied. He then headed into the kitchen. "Whoa, Randal, I'm really happy for you," Marcus said. "Thanks," Randal replied. "This is really big for you," Tyler pointed out. "Yea, this is the first time you've had a one month anniversary with a guy," Kyle said. "I know, it's great. I didn't think I'd ever find a guy like Stanley," Randal said. "He's such a great guy." "We're all really happy you found him," David said with a smile. "Thanks," Randal replied as Stanley walked back in. David, Tyler, Randal and Stanley talked together as Kyle went and talked to Marcus. "So, how are you doing?" Kyle asked. "I'm fine," Marcus replied. "That's good," Kyle said. "I heard that you are thinking of visiting Thomas." "Yea," Marcus said. "But I'm still not sure yet. You don't think it's a good idea do you?" "I think that it's something you need to decide for yourself," Kyle replied. "I will say that I'm a little worried about it, it might end up doing more harm than good. But, you might be right, visiting him, understanding him might just be what you need to get over all of this." "I don't know, it's just confusing right now," Marcus sighed. "I have decided to move back into my place." "Really?" Kyle asked suprised. "Yea, I think I'm at a place right now where everything is coming back to place," Marcus replied. "I'm happy for you," Kyle said smiling then he gave Marcus a hug. "Yea, I just wanted to thank you for letting me stay with you all this time," Marcus said. "Anytime, you're always welcome here," Kyle said. "Thanks," Marcus replied. "So, how are things going with you and David." "Good," Kyle replied. "I don't know, I'm still too nervous to get completely into the relationship." "What do you mean?" Marcus asked. "Him and I have been together for over a month now and we still haven't had sex yet," Kyle confessed. "Really?" Marcus asked suprised. "Yea," Kyle replied. "Why not?" Marcus asked curious. "Well, I came from being anti-relationships to being in this perfect relationship with him and I guess a part of me is still too afraid to let myself get too close to him," Kyle replied. "But you two are best friends," Tyler pointed out. "Yea, but we're now in a relationship, expectations are different now," Kyle explained. "What if I can't give him what he wants? I just think that if I allow myself to get too close too fast then I'll just end up setting myself up to be hurt." "David loves you," Marcus said. "I know, but things might change," Kyle said. Before Marcus could protest to that Randal and Stanley got up to leave. "Take care guys," Randal said as they headed to the door. "Congratulations guys," Tyler said. "Thanks," Stanley replied. They then left, the rest of the guys sat around before Tyler got up. "I should get going too," Tyler said. "You sure?" Kyle asked. "Yea, we can hang out some more if you want," David suggested. "It's okay guys," Tyler said, knowing what the guys were up to. "You don't have to be like that, I'm really okay." "We're just worried about you that's all," Marcus said. "I know, and I appreciate it, but I'm fine," Tyler replied. "Okay, well call us if you need anything," Kyle said walking Tyler to the door. "Thanks, I will," Tyler answered as he left. Kyle, David and Marcus then sat together and talked some more. "So, have the police come up with any leads with who broke into your apartment?" Marcus asked David. "No, but they did say that it was most likely the same person that broke into here and messed up Kyle's room," David replied. "I must say, you two are taking everything suprisingly well about all of this," Marcus pointed out. "I'm actually really scared," David confessed. "But I don't want to make a big deal out of it." "It is a big deal though," Marcus pointed out. "This person could try and kill you guys." "I'm just wondering who would do this," Kyle said. "Because it's obviously someone we know." "Have you upset anyone lately?" Marcus asked. "I don't know," David replied. He looked over to Kyle who seemed deep in thought about that question. "My dad," Kyle said quietly. "What?" David asked not hearing Kyle. "My dad," Kyle said more clearly. "You're dad?" Marcus asked. "Yea, I mean he probably blames me for my mom's death," Kyle replied. "Kyle, she died of a heart attack, not because of you," David said. "But she got that heart attack from years of stress that I put on her," Kyle said. "He probably blames me, he hates me anyway." "No, even if he did blame you, I don't think he would go this far," David said. "You never know," Kyle replied. "I think I should go see him tomorrow." "You sure you're up for it?" Marcus asked worried. "Yea," Kyle replied. "Do you want me there with you?" David asked. "No, I think this is something I should do alone," Kyle answered. "Is that all right with you?" "Yea, of course," David replied. Over at Tyler's place he went inside and found himself once again looking at the apartment, although he's lived there alone before it had suddenly seemed more empty than ever before. He walked over to the bedroom and stood in the doorway looking at the bed, the bed he once shared with Jake. Tyler then got ready to sleep, but instead of going to the bed he grabbed a couple blankets and went on the couch to sleep. He hasn't been able to sleep in the bed yet since the two broke up. It feels too strange for him still. So, there he was, alone on the couch trying to fall asleep... The next day Jake went over to his dad's office to talk. "Hey dad," Jake said walking knocking on the door to his dad's office. "Come in Jake," his dad (George) replied. "You called earlier saying you wanted to see me?" Jake asked. "Yes, I was suprised the other week when you came to me for a loan considering that you've never wanted to borrow money from me," George said. "I know, I'm sorry about that," Jake answered. "No, I don't mind at all son," George quickly said. "I was just wondering if you were doing all right financially?" "Oh, I'm doing okay," Jake said. "I just needed some money then to get an apartment." "I see," George replied. "Is that all?" Jake asked. "No," George replied. "I have a proposition for you." "You do?" Jake asked. "Yes, see we're opening up an office in New York and I was wondering if you'd be interested in going there to work and go to school," George said. "What?" Jake asked suprised. "I know, it's a big decision," George replied. "Yea," Jake said. "Dad, I'm only 20." "I know, but you'll be 21 next month. I'm not saying you have to take it. I just wanted to offer it to you if you wanted to try something new," George said. "Just think it over." "Okay," Jake said. "I should get going. I have class in an hour." "All right," George said giving Jake a hug. "Thanks Dad," Jake said heading out. "No problem son, but really think about it. It could end up being good for you," George said. Jake smiled and then headed out. At work Marcus was finishing up with some work when he started thinking about Thomas. He sat there thinking if he was really ready to face Thomas, to talk to him. As he thought it over he began thinking of what Thomas did to him, the fear he put into him. "I can't do this," Marcus said feeling more and more afraid of the thought of seeing him again. As he was thinking all this over Stanley walked into the office. "Hey Marcus, you busy?" Stanley asked. "No, come on in Stanley," Marcus replied. Stanley walked in and sat down. "I was wondering if I could talk to you about Randal," Stanley said. "What is it?" Marcus asked. "Something wrong?" "No, everything is great," Stanley said quickly. "It's just that...I'm worried. Things are going so well and I'm worried that I'm going to do or say something to mess it up. I just want to be the right guy for him." "You won't," Marcus replied. "Whenever I talk to Randal all he says is how much he likes you. So, you don't have to change, he thinks you're perfect the way you are." "You think so?" Stanley asked. "I know so," Marcus replied. "Thanks," Stanley said smiling. "I needed that." "No problem," Marcus said. "I should get back to work," Stanley said. "All right. I'll see you later," Marcus replied. "Thanks again," Stanley said as he headed out. Stanley walked out of the office feeling relieved, he needed to make sure he wouldn't do anything to mess up his relationship with Randal. He was determined to make it work. Meanwhile, Kyle was driving to his dad's place to talk to him. It's been years since the two of them have had anything that resembled a civil conversation. Even at his mom's funeral the two didn't speak. When he finally reached the house he was suddenly feeling very nervous and afraid. It's no secret that Kyle is afraid of his dad, and the thought that his dad might possibly be the one who's been breaking into David and his apartment makes it even scarrier. But not wanting to wuss out he took a deep breath and walked up the driveway. He looked around at the house, it was the house he grew up in, and yet he feels like a stranger. When he got to the front door he knocked and waited for an answer. After a few seconds the door opened and his father stood there before him. "Hi," Kyle said nervously. "What do you want?" his dad asked looking at him sternly. "I came to talk to you," Kyle replied. "I think we said all we had to say to each other five years or so ago," his dad (Richard) said. "I didn't come to try and make up with you or anything if that's what you're thinking," Kyle said trying to be tough, "I know that we'll never have any sort of a civil relationship." "Then what is it?" Richard asked. "Are you okay?" Kyle asked. "Since mom died." "I'm fine, but do you really care?" Richard retorted. Kyle then decided to quite the small talk and get to what he wanted to know. "Look, someone has broke into my apartment and my friend's apartment. Do you know anything about that?" Kyle asked. "You're friend? Do you mean your boyfriend?" Richard asked mockingly. "If you really want to know, yes. My boyfriend," Kyle shot back. "Why would I know anything about that?" Richard asked. "I don't know, maybe because you might want to make my life hell," Kyle said. "If I wanted to make your life hell I'd have to have some sort of feeling toward you," Richard said. "I don't have anything towards you, no love, no hate, nothing. To me, you don't exist." Kyle just nodded his head not knowing how to respond to that. "I guess I should get going," Kyle said. "Yea, that's a good idea," Richard responded. Kyle turned to leave, but then turned back. "How's Rick?" Kyle asked wanting to know if his little brother was doing all right. "He's fine," Richard replied. "I have plans for him in life. He's a son that I can actually be proud of." "Yea, unlike me," Kyle said trying to act numb to the remarks. "Exactly," Richard said. "Well, I hope that works out for you," Kyle said. "I really hope Rick becomes the son you've always wanted." With that Kyle turned and got into his car and drove off. Later that day David was in his store when Jake walked in. "Hey Jake!" David said happy to see him again. "Hey," Jake replied giving David a hug. "How are you?" David asked concerned. "I'm okay," Jake replied. "We haven't heard from you for a while, we've been worried," David said. "Well, I'm fine," Jake said reassuringly. "Good," David replied. "Actually, I came here to tell you something," Jake said. "What is it?" David asked. "It's my dad, he offered me a job," Jake replied. "Hey, that's great," David said happy that Jake is doing all right. "Yea, it's in New York," Jake added. "What?" David asked shocked. "It's in New York," Jake said again. "Yea, I heard you. Are you serious?" David asked. "Well, I haven't decided yet, but I am thinking about it," Jake replied. "Jake, are you just considering this because of Tyler?" David asked. "No," Jake lied. David let out a sigh, "Well, if you really want to go that's your call. But don't do it, if it's for the wrong reasons." "I know, but please don't say anything to anyone before I've decided," Jake said. Before David could reply to that Kyle walked into the store. "Hey," Kyle said suprised to see Jake giving him a hug. "Hi," Jake replied. "How are you?" Kyle asked. "I'm doing good. You?" Jake asked. "All right," Kyle answered. "Great, well sorry I can't stay longer Kyle, but I have to get going," Jake said. "It's cool," Kyle replied. "I'll call you later." "Okay, bye guys," Jake said leaving. "Bye," David and Kyle answered. When Jake left David gave Kyle a hug. "How'd it go with your dad?" David asked. "Well, he's not the one who broke in to our places," Kyle replied simply. "That's good," David said. "Yea," Kyle answered quietly. "You okay?" David asked. "Yea, I'm fine," Kyle replied unbelievably. "Liar, what's wrong?" David asked concerned. "It's nothing," Kyle replied. "I should get to work. I'll see you tonight." Kyle then headed out before David could say anything. He just stood there in confussion as Kyle walked out. Over at Randal's apartment he was reading a book when Stanley came over. "Hey you," Randal said smiling at Stanley giving him a kiss. "Hey," Stanley replied. "What are you doing here? I thought you'd still be at work?" Randal asked. "I'm on my lunch break right now," Stanley answered. "Well, I'm glad you came," Randal said. "I actually came here because there's something I need to tell you," Stanley said sitting down. "What is it?" Randal asked curiously. "We've been dating for a month now," Stanley began, "And it's been great." "Yea, it's been the best month of my life," Randal said sweetly. Stanley smiled at that. "I think that I should be honest with you about something." "What is it?" Randal asked a little worried. Stanley stood there about to tell Randal that he set up that fight with the guy at the bar, but something held him back...love. "I..." Stanley began. "I love you." Stanley himself wasn't sure of those feelings until just now, he loves Randal. "Oh my God," Randal said shocked by that. "Yea," Stanley said. "I love you Randal." Randal smiled and as those three words were said to him he realized he felt the same way about Stanley. "I love you too," Randal replied. The two then leaned in and kissed each other deeply. "That's the first time I've ever said that to someone before," Randal said between kisses. "I'm glad that I'm the one you first said it too," Stanley replied. "Me too," Randal said. Then leaning in for another kiss, the two of them started to lie down on the couch. "You sure you need to go back to work?" "Well, I guess I can call in sick," Stanley replied with a smile. "Let's go get the phone, it's in my room," Randal said mischievously. The two then got up and went to Randal's room together... That night David was closing up the shop when Marcus stopped by. "Hey, what are you doing here?" David asked letting Marcus in. "Got off work early, just thought I'd try and catch you before you closed up," Marcus replied. "What's going on?" David asked. "Well, I came here to talk to you about Kyle," Marcus replied. "Is he all right?" David asked becoming concerned. "Oh, yea he's fine," Marcus answered. "It's just that, he talked to me yesturday about how you and him haven't gotten to the full level of...well, he was saying how you two haven't had sex yet." Marcus finished bluntly. "Oh, well yea. We haven't yet, he says he's not ready," David said. "Yea, he told me why, and I probably should be telling you, but I think you should know," Marcus said. "Because I think you can help." "Okay," David said ready to hear this out. "Kyle's afraid of your guys' relationship," Marcus said "What?" David asked confused. "Why?" "Because he's afraid that the more intimate...the closer your relationship becomes the more he might get hurt in the end," Marcus explained. "Think about it, Kyle used to be big on being single right? Well, the reason he was like that was so he wouldn't get hurt, and now that he's in a relationship he knows that there's a chance he'll get hurt in the end." "I wouldn't hurt him," David defends. "I know that," Marcus said. "Maybe you need to tell him that." David stood there thinking of a way to reassure Kyle that he won't hurt him. Meanwhile, Jake was walking by himself when he bumped into Tyler. "Hi," Jake said nervously. "Hey," Tyler replied. The two stood there quietly for a moment. "How are you?" Jake asked. "I'm good, you?" Tyler asked. "I'm okay," Jake answered. "Good," Tyler said. The two then became silent again, both just looking down at the ground. "Well, I'm going to go," Tyler said finally. "Oh, okay," Jake said sadly as Tyler started to walk off. "I'll see you," Tyler said as he walked away. "Bye," Jake replied. Jake thought it over and then took out his phone and called his dad. "Dad," Jake said. "I'll take the job in New York." That night Kyle was making himself something to eat when David stopped by carrying a box. "Hey," Kyle said giving David a kiss. "Hi," David replied. "Want something to eat?" Kyle asked walking back into the kitchen. "No, I'm okay," David replied. "Can I talk to you for a second?" "Yea sure, what's up?" Kyle asked. "I came to give you this," David said handing Kyle a box. Kyle sat down and opened the box up and took out some pictures of him and David together and some other things like a t-shirt and puca shell necklaces, etc. "What's all this for?" Kyle asked. "Remember this shirt?" David asked holding the t-shirt up. "We both liked it so we decided to each pay half and buy one so that we could just share it." "Oh my God," Kyle said smiling, "That was years ago." "Yea and look at this picture," David said holding it up. It's a picture of them taken when Kyle was 17 and David was 18. In the picture Kyle was in front and David was in back hugging him and the two of them both were laughing in it. "Wow, that's a really old picture," Kyle commented. "I must have been in high school still." "You were," David said. "This was the first picture you and I ever took together." "Seriously?" Kyle asked suprised. "Yea," David replied. "We look like dorks in that picture," Kyle joked. "I know," David said laughing, "But it was our first picture together so it meant a lot to me." "Why are you showing me all this stuff?" Kyle asked. "Because I wanted to show you how we've always been there for each other in the past. We've always been apart of each other's lives and I just wanted to make sure you realize that nothing is going to break us a part. You'll always have me, no matter what," David said confidently. Kyle just smiled, he was touched beyond words. "I can't believe you've kept all this stuff," Kyle said. "Well, that's how much you mean to me," David replied. "I love you." Kyle then leaned in and kissed David passionately. "You want to go into my room?" Kyle asked seductively. "Are you sure?" David asked. Kyle just nodded and began to kiss David some more. The two then got up and headed to Kyle's room and closed the door. ********************************************************** To Be Continued... Sorry it's been so long since I last posted, things have been very busy lately. I'll try to post these more often. Thanks again! For any suggestions, feedback, etc please e-mail me at ILJ4EVER44@yahoo.com THANKS!