Zac and Kayden

by Ryan Keith

Chapter 2 - The Eyes of a Demon

       Zac watched Kayden, who had been talking on the phone for nearly ten minutes. Kayden’s laughing certainly made Zac wonder who was on the line. He walked on into the kitchen where Kayden was sitting on a counter stool.

       “Yeah, for sure, man.” Kayden smiled at Zac and continued his conversation. “It’s not a problem. Have a nice lunch with your dad and his clients.”

       “Man, whatever!” Kayden burst out laughing again. “I gotta go. You owe me. Bye!”

       “Who was that?” Zac asked, trying not to appear overly curious.

       “Oh, just Brad.”

       Zac’s face fell at the mention of that name. “He has your number?”

       “He got it from our sensei a while ago. He asked me to cover for him today because he has to go to some function with his dad.”

       “Hmm…” Zac hummed while looking out the back door.

       Kayden walked up behind his boyfriend and placed a small peck on his neck, “What’s wrong?”

       “Nothing,” Zac answered, “I’m just being stupid.”

       Kayden was about to say something, but the doorbell interrupted. He released Zac and the two headed towards the front entrance, where Zac’s dad was pressing the button.

       “You have everything, Zac?” Kayden asked as he opened the door.

       “Yeah, I think so.”

       Kevin smiled as he saw the two boys.

       “Good morning, guys. Have a good night?”

       “I always do,” Zac told his dad as he threw on his shoes.

       “Good morning, Kevin,” Kayden said.

       Kevin looked inside the house and whistled. “Quite a place you have here, Kayden. I’m impressed. You’ve made it look really comfortable.”

       “Kayden’s mom fixed it up. She likes doing stuff like that. They aren’t home right now, and I gotta get to work. So let’s get going,” Zac said quickly.

       “I thought Kayden lived here by himself,” Kevin said, eyeing his son.

       “What?”

       “Uhm, Zac. Your dad sort of knows I live here alone,” Kayden told his boyfriend.

       Zac noticed that his dad was wearing an amused grin.

       “How long did you think you could fool someone like me, Zac?” Kevin asked arrogantly.

       “Well…”

       “I understand what Kayden’s doing. I did the same. You can ask your grandma, Zac. She and I would fight almost daily, so I stayed at some property Dad owned near our house. You actually stayed at their house until I finished university.

       “I guess you don’t get along with your family, either, Kayden. Just so you know, our home is always open to you. Does your dad have a lot of properties like this one?” Kevin asked.

       “No, this is the only one. It used to belong to his friend, but he passed away. He left this place to my family,” Kayden answered with a straight face.

       Zac continued to watch his boyfriend and father talk. He didn’t want to join in, fearing he might say the wrong thing. He knew Kayden was lying again, but he saw his attempt to get close to the truth.

       “Well, it’s a nice place. We should get…” Kevin looked at his son and frowned. “That looks like…a hickey!”

       Zac’s eyes widened as his hand slapped his neck to cover the mark his father had noticed. “Mosquito bite,” he said. “We passed a park yesterday. They were swarming. It’s not a big deal.”

       Zac noticed that his dad was still staring at him. “I have some balm that Shin’s mom gave me. I’ll probably put some on after work. It’s not a hickey, Dad.” Zac glared at Kevin and noticed he was sporting a smirk.

       “Other side, Zac,” Kevin said.

       Zac slowly moved his hand to the other side of his neck and brushed skin that was definitely a bit tender. Kayden had his hand to his eyes as he shook his head in embarrassment.

       “It’s cool what you all do and stuff. Hell, even I like things a little rough,” Kevin said, clearly enjoying having caught the teens. “But, concerns might be raised if Zac starts coming home with marks, Kayden.”

Kayden’s face was as red as a tomato as Zac glared at his father.

       “All right, let’s go!” Zac said, pushing past his dad, his face flushed.

       “I’ll, uh, see you later, Zac,” Kayden said as he held the door.

       Zac turned to his boyfriend and winked. “I’ll call you after work.”

*****

       “Don’t worry about Jones, he’ll take the offer,” Brad’s father reassured his clients. “He can’t refuse. After losing several large contracts, he’s going to be desperate for help.”

       “It’s very clever how you made this all work, Canning. Before, he wouldn’t even stay in the same room with me. Now he’s asking me for help. I’m a bit muddled how this all happened.”

       Brad’s father looked smug. “Minor details. He was a fool to think he could get away with all he did. He gambled and lost. I expect you to also honour your end of the deal.”

       “Of course, Canning. I was really skeptical when I was referred to you, but I see you can make things happen. There’s someone I know who’s having trouble with a competitor. Maybe you can help him as well?”

       “Have him call me.”

       “So tell me, you look like you’ll be graduating soon. How is school?” Mr. Campeau asked the silent teen.

       “Brad!”

       “Huh?” Brad looked up blankly from his meal.

       “Mr. Campeau asked you how you’re doing in school,” his father said, his eyes showing his displeasure.

       “All right, I guess. It’s boring, but I’ve got about two more years,” Brad said, before returning his attention to the tabletop.

       “Is there anything you want to do after high school? University?” Mrs. Campeau asked.

       You mean besides screwing you over like my dad’s planning to do? No…  Brad smiled at the thought and cleared his throat. “Probably. Not sure what I want to get into. I might want to start my own company one day.”

       “Well, like father, like son. Another entrepreneur for you, Canning,” Mr. Campeau remarked.

       Brad smiled politely while chewing a piece of meat. He looked around and wished he was back at his place. The only reason he wasn’t was for his sister’s sake. She had a date and Brad had agreed to cover for her. He hated the dinners with his father’s clients. His dad hadn’t even told him he was coming to Toronto. He had heard it from his sister. Brad didn’t care; his father was constantly traveling around the country and outside of it, too. Despite his dad’s presence, he enjoyed the session. It gave him a window into how business is done.

       “With his lazy attitude, I wonder if he’ll even survive in this world,” his father commented before taking a sip of water.

       “I’m sure I’ll eventually do something right. I mean, look at you. You’re pretty much a screwup; it’s a wonder you’ve come so far. At least I know who NOT to follow.” Brad took a sip of his own drink.

       Mr. and Mrs. Campeau’s eyes widened after Brad’s comment, but they laughed politely, as if they were witnessing typical family banter.

       Brad’s father obviously didn’t take it as such. “Well, since all of your own success is a result of my influence, do you ever wonder who you’re going to end up working for, Brad?”

       Brad glared at his father, knowing that the only reason he had modeling contracts was because his father had many connections. Brad also knew that the only reason his father maintained a relationship with him was because he used Brad to further his own business. Even if Brad didn’t contribute much to his father’s success, he was a trophy boy to claim as a son, even a gay one.

       Laughter broke Brad’s solid glare at his father. They turned to Mr. Campeau as he was wiping his mouth.

       “If the people who represent you, Mr. Canning, are like your son, we’d definitely like to see what the future has in store for both our companies. Brad has your ambition as well as your sense of dominance.” Mr. Campeau smiled at Brad.

       Brad’s father hummed sarcastically before taking a sip of his wine. “Brad might have what it takes. I’ve tried to drill into his head that if he wants something bad enough, he has to just take it. He can’t just try hard and push for luck. Everything results from action and counteraction. The results are dependent upon the effort put up.”

       “Very true,” Mrs. Campeau interjected. “Tell me, Brad, do you have a girlfriend? A boy with your looks must be very popular.”

       Brad smiled. “I’m not seeing anyone right now, but I have my eye on someone.”

       “She must be really hot,” Mr. Campeau said, laughing out loud, attempting to interact with the teen.

       Brad hated obnoxious laughter such as that. It was fake and meaningless. He wished he could strangle the man to shut him up.

       “Yes, he’s a pretty hot guy.” Brad smirked. He couldn’t help it; he had been set up so nicely. He always enjoyed watching people grow uncomfortable under his gaze.

       “I assure you his ‘choice’ has nothing to do with me. If he wants to be gay, it’s his life to ruin,” Brad’s father replied instantly.

       “Oh, simmer down, Canning. Many models are gay. It’s not uncommon.”

       “It’s a shame, though,” the wife said as she smiled and placed a hand on Brad’s arm. “He’s got such sharp eyes.”

       “Why, thank you,” Brad said, smiling genuinely at the woman. He could feel his father’s glare piercing his skin. He couldn’t care less. He didn’t have to be there. His father needed him more than he needed his father.

*******

       The front door slamming caused Lenne and Diana to jump as they shared an afternoon snack. Lenne was telling Diana about an essay she was assigned to do when they heard Kevin’s angry voice.

       “Zac!” Kevin shouted as he opened the front door that had been slammed in his face.

       “You know, if you don’t want to teach me, it’s fine. If you call that teaching, you could keep it to yourself,” Zac shouted back. He stomped his way upstairs as Lenne and Diana peeked from the dining room.

       Nearly pulling his hair out of his head, Kevin turned to Diana. “He’s as bad a driver as you were when you first started!”

       “You’ve just started teaching him. It’s a scary experience, Kevin. You need to be patient,” Diana said, smiling.

       “He needs to be banned from driving!” Kevin threw his head back. “Can you imagine… he actually thought he had the right of way before a kid on a bike?”

       Lenne snuck away and headed up to Zac’s room. She knocked before walking in.

       “My door was closed,” Zac said, his back to Lenne. He was chatting with someone on his computer and didn’t care to turn around.

       “Yeah, and I opened it,” Lenne said, casually sitting down on Zac’s bed. “What’s up?”

       “I found out my dad is a driving Nazi.”

       “The way you guys are going at it, I don’t think I want to learn to drive.”

       “He’s just so impossible to be around, sometimes. It’s like he thinks I’m still a kid or something. I actually believed he thought more highly of me. Pretty stupid, huh?”

       “Oh, get over yourself! Your dad is reacting like a parent who’s teaching his child to drive,” Lenne said. “Diana is talking with him now.”

       “Humph,” Zac mumbled.

       “What’s up with you? Why are you being so bitchy to her?”

       Zac turned and gave Lenne a look that said, “Are you for real?”

       “All right, besides the obvious. But I mean… couldn’t you be more civil? I can’t even say her name without you rolling your eyes or doing one of your stupid sighs.”

       Zac looked back at his screen.

       “Honestly, Zac, you’re relaxed around your friends, but at home you’re so tense… It’s not supposed to be that way, you know?”

       “Well, that’s the way it is, okay? I don’t know why I’m such an ass to her. I stop myself sometimes, but most of the time it isn’t until I’m alone that I realize what I just said to her. And now, Dad is being such a tight ass…”

       “For the love of God, do not say that ever again!” Lenne pretended to gag.

       “You’re gross, you know that?” Zac said, laughing.

       “Finally, a smile! Anyway, do you want to help me with my essay?” Lenne asked.

       “Do it yourself; I have some calculus to do. Aren’t you glad we don’t have Mr. Sergeant for religion anymore?”

       “I’d cry if I had to deal with him again. With Phil in the class, I doubt it would be a problem. Notice how he’s become more vocal? It’s like he changed after the retreat. And he changed even more over the summer. He’s almost a new person.”

       “He’s gay, remember?” Zac laughed.

       “I’m over him!” Lenne moaned. “But I need to ask you, what do you think of Joe’s girlfriend?”

       “Lenne, no! You’re not going to be one of those boyfriend stealers, are you?”

       “Of course not!” Lenne turned red. “What are you talking about! Jeez, Zac!” She wobbled towards Zac’s door, nearly running into it.

       Zac reached for the phone and pressed the speed dial for Kayden’s cell phone. He knew he’d be finished work by then.

       “Hello?”

       “Kayden?”

       “Wrong number.”

       “Brad, who is that?” Zac heard Kayden’s voice in the background.

       “Brad!” Zac said angrily as he jumped off his bed. “Why are you answering Kayden’s phone?”
       Zac heard shuffling before Kayden’s voice answered. “Sorry, Zac. I was taking a shower when my phone started ringing. I just finished a class.”

       “…It’s okay,” Zac said.    

       “What’s up?” his boyfriend asked.

       “I got in a fight with my dad”   

       “Again, Zac?”

       “He yells when we drive. I hate how people think he’s calm all the time. It’s only when he’s not in charge that he starts to yell. That stupid alpha male ego of his gets in the way!”

       “Oh? Really? Sounds just like this guy I’m seeing,” Kayden joked.

       Zac ignored Kayden and went on with his rant. “He points out all my mistakes. It’s like he enjoys it. Then he gets all pissy when I ask him to just keep his comments to himself. I hate driving with him. I mean, he’s not even a great driver himself, and he’s lecturing me?”

       “Zac, can I call you back when I get home? I need to drive Brad home. His car wasn’t starting today,” Kayden interrupted.  

       “Ah, sure,” Zac replied.

       “All right, I’ll talk to you later. Love ya,” Kayden said before hanging up.

       Zac listened to the connection go dead before lowering the phone. He tried putting the phone back in its holder, but his fumbling hands made it impossible.

       Stop it, Zac said to himself. You’re being stupid…

*******

       “Kayden?” Zac called out to his boyfriend but Kayden didn’t turn around.

       “Kayden!” Zac called out again.

       Kayden turned and stared at Zac, but his eyes didn’t seem to recognize him. In fact, Zac was sure Kayden didn’t even see him.

       Hooking his arm though Kayden’s, Brad chatted idly as they walked along the school hallway.

       “Kayden!” Zac shouted out. He started running, but the distance between them grew.

       Off in the far corner of Zac’s vision, he saw his dad. Turning to his right, he noticed his dad sitting down beside him.

       “Turn left here,” Kevin told his son.

       “What?”

       “You missed the turn, Zac. Are you even paying attention?” Kevin said, growing irritated.

       “I am!” Zac talked back.

       Zac looked up to see his hands on the wheel and the scenery passing by. He was in his father’s Honda, trying to steer, but the car wouldn’t turn.

       “It doesn’t seem like it. You just let Kayden walk off with Brad,” his dad mocked him.

       “What are you talking about?” Zac asked, becoming angry.

       “You missed the turn again!” Kevin shouted. “You’re going to fail if you drive like this.”

       “My test isn’t for another year,” Zac shouted back.

       “Your test is in a few minutes!”

       “What?” Zac’s voice fell as the car came to a stop.

       The back door opened and Zac’s eyes grew in horror as Mr. Sergeant climbed in and sat down.

       “Zac Hunter?” 

       “Y-yes?”

       “I’m failing you,” Mr. Sergeant sighed before writing something in a folder.   “What the hell! The test hasn’t even started!”

       “See, I told you,” his dad said to his side.

       “Shut up!” Zac nearly yelled. “I failed because you’re here!”

       “You failed because you didn’t bring your mom.”

       “Diana?” Zac asked.

       “You should have read the Driver’s Handbook, Zac,” Mr. Sergeant said, giving a satisfied smirk.

       Zac fell back into his seat as his dad and Mr. Sergeant got out of the car.

       “This is all Brad’s fault…” Zac whispered.

       Zac stirred in his sleep before he opened his eyes. His room was brightly lit. He wet his lips and sat up as he turned to his clock, which read 8:50 in the evening. He remembered making the call to Kayden and then shutting his eyes for a few minutes. Groaning, he stood up and walked to the switch to shut the lights off. He unbuckled his belt, undid his pants, and let them slide down his legs before falling onto his bed.

       He tried to fall asleep again, but he couldn’t. The messed-up dream was still in his mind. Casting all other thoughts aside, he wondered why he was getting such a bad feeling about Brad being around his boyfriend. He knew it wasn’t a good idea, but he felt that he shouldn’t say anything.

       As Zac felt his stomach rumble, he remembered he hadn’t eaten dinner. He headed towards the stairs, intending to go down and grab some dinner.

       His footsteps slowed to a stop as he heard voices. He could tell they belonged to his dad and Diana. He approached their bedroom door, which stood slightly open.

       “Why is it so hard for him to understand?” Kevin said.

       “He’s a teenager, Kevin.”

       “You shouldn’t have to put up with his crap, though,” Kevin growled.

       “You’re ranting again,” Diana pointed out.

       “Sorry…”

       Zac watched as Diana leaned in against Kevin. “I can deal with it. He has a safety zone. I’m pretty sure I’m stepping over into it. I should back off a bit,” Diana said.

       “No. There’s no reason for you to go out of your way to avoid him. He’s just being stubborn…” Kevin put an arm around Diana. “It’s not good for the baby.”

       “Zac is your child, too. I think you should take it easy with him. Your being upset with him isn’t helping. What were you thinking? That he’d run to me if he couldn’t talk to you?”

       “I was hoping as much,” Kevin whispered.

       “It doesn’t work like that, Kevin. You can’t guilt him into liking me. Our love brought him into this world… I’m hoping that this child in me will bring him closer.”

       “He was also the reason we were separated…“

       “Hey, what are you doing?” Lenne nearly shouted, wearing headphones and carrying a load of laundry.

       Zac froze as the voices coming through the crack of the door ceased. He spun around and escaped to his room. Twisting the lock, he leaned on the frame for a moment before sliding to the floor.

*******

       “You need to go to your locker?” Jett asked, walking briskly beside Zac as they headed to their next class.

       “Nah, I have my books.”

       “You could always ask my mom,” Jett said, referring to Zac’s driving dilemma.

       Zac grumbled, “Can we drop it, Jett?”

       “Your dad is starting to sound like a normal parent. I was starting to get jealous over the easy-going attitude he’s always had towards you.”

       “Well, at least I know why he’s being an ass to me…” Zac remembered what he’d overheard from his own father. He didn’t tell Jett; he didn’t even tell Kayden. He didn’t know how to react.

       Jett laughed as he held a door open for Zac. “Like I said, ask my mom. She’s a pretty good teacher, man. She taught my sisters how to drive, and me too. I’ll go with you just so it isn’t awkward or anything.”

       “Maybe I just won’t drive… Lenne had it right all along. Too much of a hassle.”

       “Well, my offer stands. But on another subject, what’s up with Scott and Maya? They were acting really weird during lunch.”

       Jett was referring to the way Scott had been unbelievably quiet during lunch, while Maya talked as usual. When she asked him something, he nearly jumped, excused himself, and left their table. The girls may have thought he was just having an off day, but Zac, Jett and Shin knew something was up. Shin didn’t care, but Jett and Zac were concerned at Scott’s lack of interest.

       “It was more Scott acting strange than it was Maya,” Zac said as they turned a corner.

       “He’s showing pre-breakup withdrawal,” Jett sighed.

       “What the hell is that?”

       “You know, when you put distance between you and the person you plan on breaking up with. Sorta like blowing them off so they get a hint, or maybe get sick of you. I don’t know… maybe Scott really is just having an off day.”

       “He wouldn’t be quiet about that, though,” Zac pointed out. “Maybe there’s something he’s unsure of. You know how he gets. When in doubt, he shuts his mouth.”

       “Well, he’ll be calling either you or me. Maybe Shin, too, but it’s hard to get him to focus. You’d be surprised how good a listener Shin is when he wants to be. Scott usually tells you his personal stuff, anyway.”

       “You’re not supposed to know that,” Zac said, laughing.

       “Come on, man, you’re the best listener out of all of us.” Jett slapped Zac’s back. “It might be a curse, too. You seem incapable of solving your own problems.”

       Zac paused suddenly, causing Jett to turn to face him.

       “What’s up?” Jett asked.

       “I forgot something in my locker,” Zac said in almost a whisper. “I’ll see you in class.”

       Zac walked off before Jett could offer to go with him. Instead, he watched Zac go until he was out of sight, and then continued to walk down the hallway. Jett stopped in his tracks when he saw what was up ahead.

       Brad was leaning on Kayden’s locker as the two chatted. If Jett hadn’t known Zac and Kayden were dating, he would have thought Kayden and Brad were flirting. Brad’s eyes were big with expression as he explained something to Kayden, and Kayden was clutching his stomach as he laughed.

       Brad looked at his watch and slapped Kayden’s ass before walking off. Kayden smirked as he shook his head.

       Walking up as Kayden was closing his locker, Jett put an arm around his neck. “You guys are like best friends now,” Jett said.

       Kayden smiled when he realized it was Jett. “Nah, man. But he's fun to be with. You know what I mean; you're on the same hockey team. He’s pretty funny when he isn’t being mean.”

       Jett took a moment to consider Kayden’s comments. Brad did have a rare quality in making people listen to him when he wanted them to. It was one of his charms. He was a great storyteller and probably a master gossiper.

       “Just be careful. I'd hate to see my man Zac upset,” Jett said as he winked at Kayden.

       “I won't do stuff with Brad, guy,” Kayden said, brushing off Jett’s concern just as the warning bell rang. “Gotta get to class. Let’s see if we can do something this Friday night. We haven’t gone out since Zac’s birthday.”

       “That was like a week ago,” Jett laughed.

       “Yeah, well, that’s still too long… And honestly, Jett, nothing’s going on between Brad and me.”

       Kayden walked off, leaving Jett in the sea of moving students.

       “I hope that’s true.”

*******

       Kayden turned off his bike’s engine after pulling up to Zac’s house. He sat for a moment, waiting as Zac continued to hold onto him.

       “Everything all right?” Kayden asked when Zac didn’t let go.

       “You’re spending a lot of time with Brad,” Zac said, trying to sound casual.

       Kayden turned his head and saw the concern on his boyfriend’s face. “Is that bothering you? I can stop.”

       No,” Zac said immediately. “I trust you, Kayden; you know that. It’s just that I know what his intentions are, and he’s made it pretty clear he’ll stop at nothing to get what he wants.”

       “But he can’t have me,” Kayden pointed out. “I’m exclusively yours… Even if he is hot.”

       “So you think he is hot?”

       Zac felt Kayden chuckle. “Sometimes I wish I could smack that smug look off his face, but you can’t deny he definitely isn’t lacking in the looks department.”

       Zac shivered as he leaned into Kayden’s body. “Whenever I think of him, I think of a snake.”

       “Sounds hot!”

       “Shut up!” Zac laughed. He jumped off the bike and turned to his boyfriend. “No one’s home yet…”

       “Lenne will be around soon.”

       “So…you don’t want to come in?”

       “”And do what?” Kayden asked.

       “I don’t know… Make out?”

       “Hmm. Do I give in to those lips of temptation? Or do I go home like a good boy and do homework?”

       “We could do both.” Zac blushed. He wasn’t used to being so forward. Usually it was Kayden who was the initiator.

       Watching his boyfriend blush gave Kayden the greatest feeling. “How can I deny such an offer?” he said, stepping up to Zac.

       Biting his lip, Zac turned around and felt Kayden’s eyes following him to his doorstep. He looked back and watched as Kayden’s hungry eyes stared into his own.

       “Do you want anything?” Zac asked as they walked in.

       “Just your lips,” Kayden whispered into Zac’s ear as he slid in behind him.

       Chills traveled down Zac’s spine as Kayden’s arms wrapped around his waist and pulled him back.

       With a knowing smile, Zac rotated his hips as he pushed his butt back against Kayden. Letting out a low groan, Kayden responded by thrusting forward.

       “First you tempt me with your words, then you capture me with your innocence, and now you tease me with your ass… I don’t know what you did with my boyfriend, but until he returns, let’s have some fun!”

       Zac began to chuckle but was soon silenced as Kayden nibbled on the lobe of his ear. Zac’s hands fell over Kayden’s as he leaned back against his boyfriend.

       As softly as he could, Kayden made his way to the back of Zac’s neck and laid kisses on him. The scent of Zac’s shampoo filled his nostrils, his grip tightening as he relished the high his boyfriend had him on. Zac turned in Kayden’s arm and faced the boy, who had grown an inch or two taller since the beginning of summer.

       “Did I ever tell you how perfect you are?” Kayden whispered as he stared into the dark globes of Zac’s eyes.

       “I thought we decided there’s no such thing as perfect…”

       “You’re right,” Kayden agreed. “Everyone has a different perception of what perfect is. My perfect is different from your perfect…”

       Zac held Kayden’s gaze as Kayden’s finger tenderly touched his face, tracing the contours around his mouth.

       “But my perfect is everything you are. Your strengths and your faults… Sappy enough for you?” Kayden asked, showing a killer smile.

       “Maybe you could kick it up a notch,” Zac joked.

       “How about, you’re what I use to define perfect…” Kayden said, trying to act dreamy.

       “You’re making me gag.” Zac laughed.

       “Is it my breath?”

       “Even if your breath stank like sewage,” Zac said, “I’d kiss you and say it tastes like freshly baked cookies.”

       “You’re comparing me to sewage?” Kayden asked.

       “Do you really need to ruin everything with your questions?” Zac frowned.

       “But you said…”

       Zac pecked Kayden’s lips to silence him. “Shut up…” he said before kissing Kayden again. Kayden aquiesced as Zac passionately lead the kiss. With his slight height advantage, Kayden felt the need to wrap his arms securely around Zac’s waist. Zac responded by circling his arms around Kayden’s neck.

******

       Zac moved along behind the counter as he prepared a customer’s soup.

       “Zac,” Nikki called out, “more of your friends have shown up!”

       Zac turned to the door and saw that Mai, Lenne and Shin had walked in. “What are you guys doing here?” he asked them. “Did Jett call you?”

       “Yeah, man,” Shin said. “We’re going to see a movie, right?”

       “I’m still working for the next hour!” Zac crossed his arms.

       “Yeah, but we’re going to wait for you,” Lenne said, smiling. “Can I get an Ice Cap, Zac?”

       “Talk to Nikki,” Zac said, and turned away before going to the back.

       Zac saw Sally, his boss, talking to Matt. Both seemed to be enjoying their conversation.  

       “Sally, I’m going on my break,” Zac said.

       “Okay. Not many people right now. You get off at seven, right?”

       “Yup.”

       “All right, hon. Go talk to your friends.”

       Zac nodded before heading out of the back room. He saw Jett and the other three talking at a table.

       “Why do you guys bother me at work all the time?” Zac asked, trying to sound annoyed. He actually enjoyed their presence when things were boring. It made time pass more quickly.

       “Figured you’d be less likely to talk yourself out of our plans if we actually showed up. You ruined it last time by saying you were too tired,” Jett reminded him.

       “Kayden should be coming by soon, too, right?” Mai asked Jett.

       “I left him a message. He’s working, right?” Jett said, turning to Zac.

       “Yeah, and he’s closing tonight, but I’m sure we can catch a movie.”

       “Is your sister here?” Lenne asked Jett.

       “Why would she be?”

       “We saw her car outside,” Mai answered.

       “I drove it,” Jett told them.

       “By yourself?” Shin asked.

       “Duh. I have my G1, guys.” Jett shrugged.

       Zac and the others stared with their mouths frozen as Jett sat back in his seat.

       “What?”

       “You need someone who’s had a full G license for at least five years to ride with you,” Zac told his friend. “You’re sort of breaking the law.”

       “That’s only for the first month. I got my G1 a while ago, remember?”

       Jett’s friends continued to stare at him.

       “What?”

       “You really are an idiot, aren’t you?” Lenne covered her eyes with her hand. “I don’t even have a license and I know this…”

       “What?” Jett asked again. “I can drive with a G1, right?”

       “Like Zac said, hon,” Mai began, looking skeptically at Jett, “you need someone with a full license for five years to be in the passenger seat. You got confused with your G2. You still need to wait a year before you can take the G2 test.”

       Jett slowly sank back into his seat in the Tim Hortons restaurant. “G2?”

       His friends groaned as Zac got up. “Guys. I need to get back to work. Can someone please explain everything to our friend here? My break seems to go by much faster when you guys are around.”

       Zac left the table, smiling as he heard his friends lecturing Jett about what could happen if he were caught driving alone.

Zac saw Nikki looking at Jett. He approached her from behind and whispered into her ear, “It won’t happen.”

       Nikki jumped before realizing who it was. “I know that. It’s just that I feel weird when he comes around. I used to date him, you know.”

       Zac thought about his previous discussion with Jett. He couldn’t figure out why he hadn’t been more shocked when his best friend had told him he might be bi. It didn’t really make a difference to him.

       “Come on, we have a line now.” Zac tugged Nikki along.

*******

       “On your way home?” Brad asked.

       “Yeah, Sensei wants me to lock up,” Kayden answered. “Any plans for tonight?”

       “Probably not. Going to be a boring Friday night. What about you? Any plans?”

       “Don’t know. I forgot and left my phone at home. Zac might want to do stuff.”

       “Do stuff, huh?”

       Kayden laughed while he picked up the sparring equipment that the last class had used.

       “If you’re free right now, how about we spar a little?” Brad suggested.

       “Spar? You and I haven’t really sparred, have we? Think you could take me on?” Kayden grinned at Brad.

       “I wanna practice, man. I need a sparring partner. Please? You’re going to be seeing Zac tonight. I’m bored out of my mind!”

       Kayden looked at the clock. “All right, but not too long.”

       “Okay. No sparring equipment, though. I want it to be bare blows,” Brad said.

       “You sure?”

       “The sparring equipment gets in the way. Just watch the face, okay?”

       “Your call.” Kayden smiled.

       They walked to the matted area where they held each other’s stare for a moment while getting into position.

       “Come,” Kayden said.

       Brad took a step forward and Kayden sensed his creeping movement. In an instant, Brad flew forward and made a grab for Kayden’s gi. Kayden knocked Brad’s hands away as he tried to go for a sudden opening. Brad retreated, causing Kayden to strike nothing but air.

       “If I wasn’t paying attention you would have gotten me,” Kayden said.

       “Fight just started, baby,” Brad said, before lunging again at Kayden.

       Kayden was ready, and he knocked away Brad’s hands and made a strike at his abdomen. The blow landed, and Brad groaned as Kayden followed through by tripping his opponent.

       “It’s my point,” Kayden panted.

       “We’re not doing a point system,” Brad said, tossing Kayden aside and jumping back to his feet. “Come on, man.”

       Kayden grinned. “This is gonna be fun.”

       For several moments the two shuffled in the quiet hall. Their shouts and yells echoed as they danced.

       Brad took a step back, panting. He eyed Kayden, who was beginning to break a sweat. He felt his face already flushed just trying to keep up with him. He knew Kayden was holding back, unlike himself. He had been going all out, just trying to land a blow. He smiled inwardly as he worked out a plan.   

       Kayden’s hands dropped as Brad paused to take off the top portion of his gi.

       “What are you doing?”

       “It’s hot, man, and this thing’s sticking to me. I just need less restriction of my movement.”

       “Whatever.” Kayden laughed. “You’re just making excuses.”

       “Hey, Zac! What’s up!” Brad said, waving to the entrance behind Kayden.

       Kayden turned and mentally kicked himself the moment he did. In an instant he felt his body lift off the ground before being slammed onto the mats. The throw was unexpected and Brad landed on top of him as he fell.

       Panting, Brad pinned Kayden. “Got ya!”

       “That’s cheating, you know,” Kayden said, glaring playfully at Brad.

       “Your opponent won’t always use the fairest methods,” Brad pointed out.

       Kayden tried to shuffle, but that only caused Brad to pin him harder to the floor. A tingling sensation surprised Kayden as he noticed the position they were in. Brad was grinning at him, and Kayden was sure that what was against his groin was there on purpose. Trying to move out of Brad’s hold seem to grind Brad harder into him.

       “Please don’t do that,” Kayden whispered.

       “Do what?”

       “You’re…touching me inappropriately.”

Brad’s hands were under Kayden’s shirt. He was simply holding Kayden down, but Kayden could feel the hands moving.

       Brad winked before getting up. “You’re being paranoid. Come on, gorgeous, once more.”

       Kayden sat up and stared at the boy in front of him. He could sense that Brad was scheming something, and he didn’t like it.

       Getting up, Kayden fixed his training gi. “I’m going home, Brad. Good night.”

       Kayden headed towards his bag and felt two arms slip under his own. He reacted too slowly as Brad snaked his arms around and held them securely as he cupped the back of Kayden’s neck.

       “Not so fast, man. Gotta talk to you about something,” Brad said.

       “Well, it’ll have to be another day, Brad. Let go of me,” Kayden demanded.

       “Ever been to B.C., Kayden? I lived there. Victoria Island, to be exact. Came across the most interesting story during the summer. Wanna hear it?”

       Kayden’s struggling ended as his body tensed.

       “You’re hiding from someone, aren’t you? A woman? Recently widowed, I believe. The husband died during a camping trip gone bad, with his son Kayden…”

       “Let go of me,” Kayden whispered. Brad didn’t budge as he sensed something in Kayden’s voice. Submission.

       “Let’s talk…” Kayden said slowly.

*******

       “Kayden’s not answering?” Lenne asked.

       “He probably left his cell at home again. We can go to the dojo. He should be closing up about now,” Zac said.

       “By bus?” Mai said. “It’ll be a while, Zac.”

       “Jett will drive. You’ll be careful, right? If we get caught we both lose our license,” Zac warned.

       “Don’t be stupid, Zac,” Lenne said.

       “Jett’s family went out tonight. We can’t just leave the car here. It’ll be towed during the night if we leave it,” Zac told her. “Jett learned his lesson. It’ll be just this one time.”

       Lenne looked unconvinced but there was little she could do. “This is so wrong.”

       “It’ll be fine, Lenne,” Mai said. “Go ahead, you two. We’ll wait, just in case Kayden gets your message and comes back here. We can walk over to the theatres, after. It’ll just take a few minutes.”

       Shin sat down with a large bowl of chili and a sandwich. “Man, look what Matt gave me! I only ordered the sandwich and he gave me a free chili!”

       “We’ll be a while, anyways,” Mai said, eyeing her boyfriend. “Now go, before Lenne becomes more vocal about her ethics.”

       “Jett…”

       “Hmm?” The larger boy looked to his right to see Zac clutching his seatbelt.

       “You’re a horrible driver,” Zac said, closing his eyes.

       “I am?” Jett asked, speeding up to catch the turning yellow light. Someone honked and Jett looked up at his rearview mirror before looking back to the road.

       “Who taught you how to drive?” Zac asked.

       “My mom and my sisters. Mom thinks I’m still a bit slow, though,” Jett said, speeding up.

       Zac held his breath as they ran yet another red light.

       It was true that Jett’s mother and sisters were fast drivers who took more risks than needed, but theirs were mostly acceptable risks. Jett was just a reckless driver.

       “Don’t you think you’re cutting too close?” Zac gasped suddenly.

       Jett applied the breaks and Zac lurched forward as the car stopped just short of hitting the vehicle in front of them.

       “Nah, my mom and sisters tell me I’m a natural. They say in no time I should be driving like them.”

       “And you believe that?” Zac nearly shouted.

       “Yeah. Ash even told me to take the car out and get used to driving by myself. She said I should do it at night with less traffic. I’d probably gain more confidence that way, I guess.”

       “She told you that?”

       “Yeah, that’s probably why I thought I was allowed to drive alone with just the G1.”

       “When was this?”

       “About last month. They haven’t gotten in this car with me since then,” Jett said, as he took a sharp turn.

       “I think you should take a few more lessons with them.”

       “Maybe. I’m driving Ash to work tomorrow morning.”

       Zac eased his grip on the seatbelt when he noticed they were finally on a straight road. He felt he could relax a bit.

       “So what do you think is up with Scott and Maya? They’re not coming out tonight,” Jett said.

       “I think they’re dealing with some things right now.” Zac didn’t know any more than Jett. All he knew was that Scott hadn’t been looking too energetic, and that Maya seemed to sense that something was wrong.

       “You think he’s gotten tired of her holding out?”

       “Man, that’s not our business,” Zac said.
       “Well, he’s our friend, Zac. His dick is our dick. If it’s in peril, we need to do our part, man.”

       “That thing isn’t my business,” Zac laughed.

       “You know what I mean. I’d do anything for him; for you guys… Seriously, you guys are everything to me. But you and I both know I hide things from everyone,” Jett said, lowering his voice.

       Zac noticed the way Jett gripped the wheel and the way his other hand held onto the gearshift. Looking at his best friend, he saw him staring at the road intently as if trying to kill it with his eyes.

       “Hey,” Zac said, placing his left hand on the gearshift on top of Jett’s, “we’ve been friends for like ever, right?”

       “…Yeah.”

       “We’ve never pushed each other for answers, right? Sometimes you can get pretty nosy, and that goes for Scott, too. But I never pushed you, right?”

       Jett remembered the night he confronted Zac on his 15th birthday; the day when Zac should have been having the best day of his life with his friends, but seemed to be lost in a lonely world of his own. He remembered how it hurt him to know his best friend was dealing with some issues and Zac wouldn’t share his pain with him. It was the first time he had felt useless as a best friend.

       “No, you never pushed me,” Jett whispered. “But it annoys me sometimes. Sometimes I want you to pry. Even though I pray you don’t, deep down I wish you would. I’m not strong enough to tell you, otherwise. I need… that push… Does that make sense?”

       “Yeah…it does.”

       Jett stayed silent as Zac continued to watch him. Zac knew what Jett wanted him to ask, but he didn’t know how to approach the subject. He watched as Jett grew uncomfortable under his gaze. Jett turned to Zac for a fraction of a second, his eyes begging him to do what he hated to do. To ask the questions Jett didn’t want to answer.

       Zac stared out at the road in front of them. “Remember when you called me up one morning to tell me you had wet your bed and you didn't know what to do?” Zac turned to Jett. His best friend’s eyes widened for a moment and then his shoulders relaxed as he began to chuckle. “You were worried your mom might treat you like a kid again, ‘cause you pissed yourself,” Zac said.

       Smiling, Jett answered, “I remember. It wasn't piss, though.”

       “That's what I told you. Must have been one hell of a dream,” Zac commented. “Was it a girl?”

       Jett shook his head.

       “A guy?”

       Jett nodded. “It was you…”

       Zac was silent as his grip over Jett’s hand grew tighter. Jett felt Zac’s confirmation through the contact and was relieved.

       “You think things might have been different if we knew you were gay?” Zac asked.

       “Maybe,” Jett said.

       A curtain of sadness fell over Zac at that moment. Zac loved Kayden, he knew that, but he felt sad because he couldn’t return Jett’s feelings.

       “You might have trusted me more. We could have relied on each other… Dealt with it together, you know? I’m still looking for my answers, Zac. I’m not like you. I don’t see things as clearly... I’m not used to figuring things out on my own. I’m sort of useless that way. Things would definitely have been different if we had known about each other. Maybe even fooled around more. But I think nothing would have changed in terms of our friendship. You were meant to be with Kayden. You need him, and he needs you. I need you, too, but you don’t need me…”

       “That isn’t true! Jett… you’re one of the best things to happen to me. I knew I was different ever since I was a kid… But around you… you made me feel normal when I doubted myself. Who knows what would have happened without you in my life. I don’t want to think about it. Just don’t ever say I don’t need you… Just don’t, okay?”

       A sad smile formed over Jett’s lips. A quiet sniff escaped the large boy.

       “It’s getting cold out. Getting a stuffy nose,” Jett whispered. He knew where they both stood. They each knew where the other stood.

       “Nothing would have changed either way, Zac… You’re my brother…my best friend…”

       In an effort to put a smile to his friend’s face, Zac feigned surprise. “I'm not hot enough?”

       “You know that's not true, man...” Jett didn’t laugh.

       “Remember how we became friends? It was like we were both looking for that missing piece, and we found it, you know?. We knew it before we even became best friends.”

       “How can I forget? JK art gallery extravaganza...” Jett recalled the junior kindergarten event where the students made paintings of their families. “Your dad was working.”

       “And so was your mom. Everyone had two parents there. Except Jonas, but he had his grandparents,” Zac recalled.

       “Man, I forgot about that guy.” Jett laughed before shaking his head. “I started crying because I was so proud of my family portrait. I wanted to show it to them. I remember you showing me your family portrait. I still remember what you said to me…”

       Jett felt his eyes beginning to moisten. Zac watched carefully as Jett’s throat bobbed up and down.

       “Yeah, I said ‘Don’t cry… My dad isn’t here either, but I know he’s proud of me. So I’m sure your dad is proud of you…even if he isn’t here.’”

       Jett released a laugh that was more like a sigh. “You didn’t realize how close to home you struck,” he said.

       “I met my best friend that day.”

       “I always will be your best friend,” Jett said. “For me, it was like I found my brother. I don’t know when I decided it, but I swore to myself I’d always protect you. But… I guess Kayden gets that job now. Does that mean you don’t need me to protect you anymore?”

       Zac wanted to hug Jett, but he was driving. “When we get out of this car, I’ll show you how much I don’t need you, you idiot.”

       They both laughed and the mood seemed to lighten. “I love you, Jett. There’s a part of me that only you understand. We have something no one can touch, not even Kayden. I think Kayden understands that. We're in this together, for life. You have my back and I have yours. That won't ever change.”

       Jett remained silent as he contemplated something. Without warning, he pulled over to the side of the road, stopped the car, and turned to Zac. “There's something I need to tell you. It's about Brad.”

************

       “We both know that if this gets out at school, people might pass it off as a rumor, but someone in the administration will get curious and look into it.”

       Kayden’s eyes were blank as he stared at the papers that were in his hands..

       “How did you get these?” Kayden’s voice nearly cracked.

       Kayden had been adopted by Rick. Zac and his friends had never bothered to ask about the technicalities of that. Only Kayden knew how things had come to be.

       “Do you know Rick’s lawyer?” Brad asked, hoping to get a reaction from Kayden. “I could tell you her name.”

       “No…” Kayden whispered.

       “She’s not the only one who made things possible. Someone had to process those papers. There must have been a lot of secret maneuvering, considering there was an Amber alert for you. How many people were mixed up in helping you run away? How many lives might be ruined if this gets out?”

       “I could forget what I know,” Brad offered, “but what do I get out of it? You need to give in order to get. That’s how this world works. If you give me what I want, I’ll do what you ask. There’s nothing to lose here, Kayden. It’s all for you to gain. What do you say?” Brad tried to speak gently, but his eagerness and sense of power showed in his voice.

       Kayden felt a dense cloud forming in his mind. He felt like he was about to vomit all the food he’d ever eaten. He couldn’t let those people suffer because of what Rick had done for him. He couldn’t comprehend how Brad had discovered any of it. Questions boiled in his mind. Was Brad the one having him followed? Why would he need to have him followed? Nothing was making sense to Kayden.

       He closed his eyes. The thought of threatening Brad crossed his mind, but he knew that wouldn’t be enough to stop him.

       “I knew there was something mysterious about you… I just never dreamed it was something like this…” Brad explained as he drew on Kayden’s chest with his finger. “No one else needs to know, and Zac doesn’t need to find out about you and me. Imagine how crushed Zac would be if he found out you had to go back to B.C. What’s one extra secret, right? You have so many, what’s one more?” Brad said to Kayden with a straight face.

       “I just want one kiss, Kayden. It doesn’t mean anything. I just want to know what it’s like to kiss another guy. I don’t have a boyfriend like you do. Can’t you just fulfill this one fantasy? I’m not asking you to break up with Zac.” 

       The papers that were in Kayden’s hands fell to his side. The things Brad had revealed made Kayden wish he’d never met him. A part of him wanted to run, but another part wanted to hear the demon out.

       Kayden tried to reason, but nothing he thought about would save him.     “Kayden…”

       Kayden looked at the boy who stood in front of him. He didn’t have friends at school, and his not having a boyfriend didn’t surprise Kayden. He’d thought Brad had kissed more guys than Alicia had, but maybe he’d assumed wrong.

       Zac will never know… Kayden froze. He realized he was holding his breath. Do I want this…?

       Kayden’s throat seemed to constrict his airflow. His gaze didn’t shift as Brad stepped closer to him.

       Kayden’s heart began to beat faster as Brad lifted his chin to stare into the eyes that seemed filled with doubt and fear.

An amazing feeling ran through Brad. It was like Kayden was at his mercy. He felt power coursing through his veins, and a control over Kayden that not even Zac had.

       “I won’t hurt you,” Brad whispered as he inched his face closer. “You’ll like it, I promise.”

       Kayden’s heavy breathing caused Brad to smile. He paused a moment, inches from his face and wet his lips as he stared again into the the eyes of his victim. Kayden didn’t say anything as Brad pushed his lips against his.

       Brad felt like his heart was beating a million beats per minute. Kayden’s lips were soft, as soft as he had imagined, but something was missing.

       "How about some effort?" Brad asked as he pulled back. Kayden's cold eyes pierced his own, but Brad still had the upper hand.

       “More effort, Kayden…”

       "You can't be serious!" Kayden finally answered.

       "Are you that selfish? You really don’t care about those people, do you? Must be pretty eager to catch up with your mom, I guess…"
       Kayden didn't even wait for more words as he forced his lips onto Brad’s. His tongue invaded Brad’s mouth with full intent. Brad couldn't tell if Kayden was forcing himself or if that was how he always kissed.

       Is this it? This is Kayden? Brad wondered disappointedly.

       The loud thud was from Brad’s back hitting the wall as Kayden pinned him to it, his tongue still between Brad’s parted lips. Brad’s eyes widened for a moment before he closed them again.

       Now this is Kayden… This is what Zac experiences when Kayden kisses him.

       Brad moved his hands over Kayden’s stomach as they kissed. Without asking, Brad slipped a hand into Kayden’s shirt, his hands doing as they pleased.

       There was a point where Brad thought Kayden would object, but he didn’t. Brad felt Kayden’s chin tremble as he kissed Brad deeply.

       My poor boy. I won't do anything you don't like. But you’re mine!  Every man has his threshold; every man gives in to lust.  Brad smiled to himself as he touched Kayden’s chest. The touch he’d been denied from the moment he had met Kayden now was bared to him. Brad smiled smugly. I get what I want. I always get what I want.

       “This is you, Kayden,” Brad whispered, “the real you. You don’t need Zac. We’re similar, you and I…I’m perfect for you.”

       Brad went to kiss Kayden again, but Kayden was unreceptive.

       Brad pulled back, annoyed. He looked up into Kayden’s eyes and froze as he felt death stare at him. An unfamiliar pain crossed his lips, and he stumbled back as he realized that it wasn’t Kayden’s lips that contacted his face.

       “Ugh-” Brad’s wind was cut off by Kayden’s hands around his throat. He struggled to break Kayden’s grip on his neck. When the pressure didn’t release, Brad became frantic and kicked at the other boy.

       Kayden took his left hand and pounded it into Brad’s stomach several times. Air tried to escape Brad’s lungs, but Kayden restricted the flow. Pain filled the back of Brad’s head. Kayden had slammed him onto the floor and knelt on his chest. The hand that had punched Brad’s stomach rejoined his other hand, around Brad’s neck.

       As he tried to pry Kayden’s hands away, Brad felt his head getting lighter. He noticed small things -- something that felt like a scar across Kayden’s hand, and how despite having such a calm look, Kayden had tears in his eyes.

       Brad started to lose feeling in his legs. He felt his consciousness waning. His vision blurred. He couldn’t feel Kayden’s hands over his throat anymore. He knew trying to breathe would be futile, but he tried. His eyes widened as he felt cool air enter his lungs. He began coughing as his body curled into a ball. His body convulsed when he felt a pair of arms grab him. Trying to scream, Brad covered his head with his arms as Jett tried to sit him up.

       “Brad, calm down. It’s just me, Jett.”

       Brad’s body shook involuntarily as his eyes swept the dojo hall. Kayden was on his knees, trembling, as he stared at his hands. Arms were wrapped around Kayden’s torso as if to restrain the unmoving boy. A reddening mark was developing on Zac’s cheek.

       “Zac… are you okay?” Jett asked.

       “I’m fine,” Zac replied, not turning to Jett.

       Kayden’s eyes widened as he realized what he had just done to Zac. His hand clasped over his mouth as he nearly emptied the contents of his stomach.

       “What the hell…” Jett whispered.

       Although he felt lightheaded, Brad tried to get out of Jett’s arms but failed, falling back into them.

       Sensing that Brad had to get out, Jett lifted him without a fight. The larger boy approached Kayden and Zac as Brad clutched to Jett’s neck.

       “I’m taking Brad home, Zac. He seems like he’s going to be all right,” Jett said to his friend as he continued to walk. “You take care of Kayden, okay? Call Shin and the girls. I’ll drive back and pick you two up if Kayden can’t ride.”

       Brad trembled as he pulled Jett’s shirt to his face as if trying to hide himself with it.

       “You’re all right, Brad. It’s over… Calm down.”

       Brad didn’t think he could ever calm down. He had felt the evil eyes burn into his skull. The eyes of a demon. Brad felt like there was something missing within himself. It was like something had pierced his soul and consumed part of it. No words escaped his mouth. The only emotion he felt ran down his cheeks: fear.

       Jett didn’t try to talk to Brad during the drive.
       Brad leaned his head against the glass of the door and stared out mindlessly at the blurred scenery.

       “He’s…not …” Brad whispered.

       Jett turned briefly to Brad, thnking he had something to say, but Brad didn’t continue. He returned his gaze to the road, but every so often he turned to study the boy. The arrogance was gone. The liveliness in his voice was gone. It was like Brad had seen a ghost. Jett could only imagine what Kayden had done to him. He remembered the night he had been on the receiving end of Kayden’s glare. He remembered the only reason he hadn’t fallen on his ass was the stiffness of his legs. He remembered the fear.

       Jett slowed the car down as they pulled up.

       “Do you know some stuff about Kayden?” Jett asked out of the dark.

       Brad didn’t turn to him, but nodded.

       “I think you should forget anything you’ve learned about him,” Jett said, looking straight ahead. “There’s some things about him better not known; things that could tear them apart if it gets out. I don’t know how far Kayden would go to hold onto Zac, but something tells me he’d kill for him.”

       Brad didn’t answer and Jett found himself wishing he had the courage to stand up to him.

       “Kayden did this to me… and that’s all you have to say?”

       Jett felt his hands grip the steering wheel as Brad stepped out and walked towards his condo.

*******

       “Why don’t you guys just watch without us,” Zac told Lenne over the phone. He picked up the papers on the mats and stared at them as he talked to his cousin.

       “Why did Jett have to drive Brad home, though? Now we have to walk!” Lenne complained.

       “He had to return the car, anyway. His sister came home and was pissed that he took out the car so early in the night,” Zac said, folding the papers and stuffing them into a pocket.

       “You’re lying…” Lenne whispered.

       “I need to go, Lenne.” Zac hung up and turned to Kayden, who had just come out of the washroom. He remembered the last time Kayden had looked as sick as he did at that moment. Zac had promised he would never let Kayden go through his torment again. The smile Kayden offered Zac was transparent.

       “Can we go to your house? I don’t want to be home alone,” Kayden said, trying to avoid Zac’s eyes.

       “Yeah, sure. Can you drive?” Zac asked.

       “Yeah. I’m okay…”

       Without further exchange of words, Kayden turned off the dojo lights as he and Zac headed out the door.

       Zac was a bit relieved when they reached his house. Kayden had sped most of the way. Zac hadn’t said anything, but the moment his grip around Kayden had tightened, Kayden realized what he was doing, and slowed down. Zac wanted to be supportive, but he was almost afraid to ask what had happened before he and Jett had arrived at the dojo.

       They walked to Zac’s room as soon as they entered the house. Zac closed his door as Kayden sat on the bed, his face falling into his hands.

       It tormented Zac to see Kayden so upset. He didn’t know what to do, so he walked up to Kayden and knelt in front of him. He touched his knee and noticed how Kayden recoiled from the touch. Anger flashed through Zac. He couldn’t understand what Brad could have done to affect Kayden like that.

       Zac quietly rubbed his fingers over Kayden’s knee and watched as Kayden’s stiff figure slowly relaxed. Kayden’s hands fell from his face, his eyes strained red.

       After a deep breath, Kayden spoke. “Zac… I…”

       “Shh…”

       Zac took hold of his boyfriend’s hands, rubbing his thumbs over Kayden’s fingers. He lifted the hands to his lips and laid small kisses over the cold fingers.

       Kayden’s brows pulled together as he recalled how his heart had betrayed Zac’s, though only for a moment.

       Zac held Kayden’s face as he brushed the away tears with his thumbs.

       “I hate seeing you cry, Kayden…don’t cry…It kills me to see you like this.” The smile Zac offered went straight to Kayden’s heart. He watched as Zac’s smile continued to shine.

       Disgusted with himself, Kayden released a groan, feeling the fresh tears that threatened to fall. He had let Brad touch him and kiss him. And then he’d allowed the worst of himself to take over.

       Zac stood up and pulled his boyfriend’s head into his arms. Kayden’s arms circled around Zac, pulling him closer. The smile faded from Zac’s lips.

       Moments passed before Kayden pulled away from Zac. “I’m tired…” Kayden whispered.

       Zac nodded and reached for Kayden’s shirt and slowly pulled it off. Kayden remained quiet as his boyfriend stripped him. When Kayden was in his boxers, Zac lifted his blankets and motioned Kayden to crawl in. Kayden followed Zac’s direction and then watched as Zac removed his own clothes.

       Zac crawled into his bed and felt Kayden’s body recoil slightly as he pulled him into his arms.

       “Don’t pull away, Kade,” Zac whispered.

       Kayden closed his eyes and listened to Zac’s breathing.

       “Shh…” Zac comforted him. “It’s all right…”

       “I'm sorry, Zac... I'm so sorry...” Kayden began. “Brad kissed me...and I...”

       Zac placed his fingers on Kayden’s lips to silence the boy. He didn’t want to hear it. Kayden’s words left a deafening ring in Zac’s ears.

       “Brad kissed me…”

       “Zac,” Kayden said worriedly after a moment.

       “Try to sleep, okay? You’ve been through enough tonight.”  

       Kayden nodded before closing his eyes. Minutes seemed like hours to Zac, as he stayed awake. He watched as Kayden’s eyes relaxed and his breathing became rhythmic. Zac couldn’t sleep. He couldn’t sleep while thinking, especially after what Kayden had told him.

       He thought back to the papers he had found and knew immediately that Brad had tried to blackmail Kayden. Yet, he couldn’t help but wonder if Kayden was torn because he had kissed Brad back; whether it was because he felt guilty.

       He didn’t know what to call the feelings building inside him. He was confused. With so little said, Zac didn’t know what anything meant.

*************

       Brad heard the door open and knew immediately who it was. Checking the cut on his lip, he watched Jett's reflection in the mirror as he entered the bathroom.

       "Brad…" Jett's eyes were filled with defeat and submission.

       "What…" Brad said as he turned to him.

       “Are you still going after Kayden?” Jett’s unsure expression didn't fade, but became more pronounced.

       “I don’t know… He kissed me back. I just don’t know. He wanted it, but…“

       "Give up on him! I told you Kayden isn't like that. You can't make someone love you like that."

       Revulsion was evident in Brad’s sigh as he brushed past Jett. "Love is over-rated. You don't know shit."

       "I don't know much, but I’m not nearly as blind as you are,” Jett said,evading Brad’s comments. Following Brad, Jett didn’t back down. “You shouldn’t break them up. You can try, and it might even happen. But Zac and Kayden aren’t just two people in love, Brad. To Kayden, Zac is more important than his life. And to Zac, Kayden is…” Jett couldn’t describe Zac’s feelings for Kayden because they couldn’t be described in words. No words that Brad would understand, at least.  “Kayden needs Zac, not you. He knows that; he might just not understand it."

       Brad turned to face Jett. Jett’s piercing gaze was as unclouded as one of Kayden’s glares. Brad couldn’t seem to break away from it.

       "That's what love is, Brad. You're an idiot if you still can’t even see it."

       Brad couldn't believe what he was hearing. Love? Love is an illusion.

       Brad laughed out loud. "It sounds like you’ve given up on Zac, or something."

       When Jett didn't reply, Brad felt something different in Jett. He didn’t know where Jett’s revelations came from. He suddenly couldn’t predict the larger boy. That fact hit Brad like a brick.

       Jett simply looked away from him.

       "You have given up, haven't you?" Brad accused. "You’re just going to let him walk away? He’s supposed to be your guy! Not Kayden’s! Why don’t you fucking do something for a change?" he yelled.

       The look Jett gave Brad confirmed what Brad believed was the impossible. "I don’t want him. He's my brother and my best friend. He’s nothing more than that."

       Brad’s mouth froze as words failed him. He shook his head, unable to comprehend his failure

       The words Brad feared escaped the larger boy’s mouth. "It's over, Brad…"

       "Shut up!" Brad yelled. "Shut up and just let me think." Brad turned towards a window that overlooked the town he had come to hate. First Kayden…Now Jett? Brad thought to himself. His teeth clenched; rejection was still rejection.

       "Think? Thinking won't make Kayden yours," Jett said somberly. "Your plans were perfect. But I can't do this anymore… I won’t do this anymore."

       "Shut up!" Brad felt like he was about to say things that would ruin everything, but his mouth wouldn’t close. "You're my puppet! I control you. Everything you are, everything you have become…  I control all of it now. I own you!” Brad smirked arrogantly at Jett. “I can ruin you…"

       Brad felt triumphant when Jett hesitated. He still had Jett.

       "Will you?" Jett said, stepping up to Brad, his glare unfazed. Brad felt himself stepping back as if afraid of what Jett would do. His clear eyes showed no hint of a bluff.

       "What if I don’t care?" Jett said, inches from Brad’s face.

       "You can't be serious…"

       Jett didn’t pull away. Instead, he narrowed his eyes, as if testing the nervous teen.

       Brad’s features finally contorted. "You'll lose everything. No one will respect you anymore. The image you spent so long building will be destroyed. You won't be the hero anymore…" he hissed.

       Jett crossed his arms, somehow seeming bigger, more intimidating. "None of that ever mattered to me."

       “That’s a bunch of bull.”

       For moments, Brad stared at the stranger in front of him. It was as if he could feel his control over Jett abruptly being severed.

       "What would have happened after you got Kayden? Would you have been satisfied?" Jett asked, his voice raising. "It would have made you look better than Zac... He pisses you off because he's similar to you. People look up to him, they listen to him."

       "Fuck you!” Brad said, finding his voice. “Don’t act like you know me, Jett! You have no idea!"

       "You're pissed off because people like Zac more than you, without him even trying,” Jett said, ignoring him. “You only want Kayden as a way to prove you're better than Zac, right?  What then? You'd move on to your next conquest? You're a perfect mastermind, but in this plan you made one mistake. You trusted me!"

       Brad’s eyes twitched as his mind processed what Jett had said. "You!" he shouted. "You did this! The reason Kayden's been slipping through my fingers is because of you!"

       "Not so sharp anymore, are you Brad?" Jett smirked.

       "You shit!" Brad roared, "You piece of shit!"

       His fist went flying towards Jett’s face. Brad watched as Jett made no effort to move away or defend himself. A loud crack echoed across Jett’s face.

       Jett winced away, but then slowly faced Brad again. "I told you I was sick of these games...”

       Brad found those still-clear eyes annoying.

       “When you came back into my life, back to our school, I wanted to talk to you, I liked you...." The features on Jett's face softened as he failed to contain his feelings.

       Despite his own rage, Brad felt himself holding his breath.

       "But when I found out you wanted to break up Zac and Kayden, I thought maybe I could stop you by making you fall in love with me..."

       Brad’s arms fell to his sides as he stared at Jett.    He's lying… Don't fall for it! He's working with Zac and Kayden!

       Jett shook his head and stared at Brad, his eyes again piercing through Brad’s. "But then, I realized I wouldn't be any better than you. I’m pathetic, I know that. What’s more pathetic, though, is that I liked you. If you still want to chase after Kayden, then go ahead, but I won't be working with you. And after tonight, none of my friends will trust you. You can ruin me; do what you want. Unlike you, I couldn’t care less about fame or power."

       Without another word, Jett turned and headed for the door.

       How ironic that all this time I thought I was the one pulling the strings, Brad thought. Like a castle of cards I built, crumbling at the placement of the final piece; a sudden reversal at the end of the road.

       "So this is what it feels like to be fooled,” Brad said, laughing dryly. “I should have seen it coming. Who would have though that I, the one so perfect at this game, would be the one manipulated? It's karma, I guess…"

       "You know what, Brad? Fuck you! All right?" Jett’s voice trembled as he turned to the shattered teen. Looking up, Brad saw a raging Jett walking towards him. "Fuck! You!” Jett emphasized each word. “You're nothing but a self-centered prick. The sad thing is that from what I've seen, I'm the closest thing you have to a friend. And out of all this, that’s what pisses me off! You felt nothing for me! It's all about being number one to you, isn’t it? I gave up on Zac a long time ago, when I knew he couldn't return my feelings. And maybe the only reason I wanted him was because I thought he was a bit like you! I saw something in you then that everyone else overlooked. You never used to care what people thought of you. People would give you shit and you took it while standing tall. You changed, though. What changed you, Brad? Pride got the best of you? What made you think kindness is a weakness? What happened to that boy, Brad? You killed him..." Jett's voice cracked.

A new, numbing feeling paralyzed Brad’s body. His mouth couldn’t move as he watched the boy.

"I liked you…" Jett whispered.

       Brad watched and felt his Adam’s apple rise as he swallowed. He couldn’t stop staring at Jett’s eyes. They took hold of him as a glistening film masked them.

"It wasn't ‘Zac and his friends’ that tried to protect you that day. It was me… I asked Zac to help. I always watched out for you before you left.” Fury replaced Jett’s vulnerable expression as he wiped at his eyes. “Now that you’re back, all you see is Zac. I was jealous of him. Jealous of my own best friend… I thought I could change you, that maybe I could find the guy I admired when I was eleven years old. But you won't change… you can't. You are now too fucking full of yourself."

Brad felt the words hit him. It was as if the words literally pushed his body slightly backwards.

Jett took a moment to fully compose himself before looking again at Brad, "You've got the looks and the money, but you gave up everything else that really matters. I’m not perfect, and I know I’m not smart. Maybe that’s why I thought I could be a replacement…" A sad, yearning look crossed Jett's face. "But I can’t lie to myself anymore. And I can't wait any longer for a guy that doesn't exist anymore."

       Brad opened his mouth to say something but no words came out.

       "We're done." Without another word, Jett walked out.

******

       Zac walked downstairs to find the kitchen light on. It was nearing nine o’clock. His dad was probably working late, and Lenne was still out with their friends. Zac took a deep breath and entered the kitchen, clearing his throat.

       Diana jumped back from the fridge and turned to Zac.

       “Zac!” You’re home! I thought you went out with Lenne and your friends.”         Zac didn’t reply as he looked around. His eyebrows raised at the amount of food he saw. Yogurt, a piece of pie and grapes were among the things spread out on the table.

       Diana turned to where Zac stared and covered her mouth. “When a woman is pregnant she gets cravings…”

       “Can you give me a ride somewhere?”

       Zac and Diana were out of the house within moments. Diana watched Zac as he stared out the window. She opened her mouth a few times as if she were going to say something, but didn’t.

       “What?” Zac finally asked.

       “Oh, nothing,” Diana quickly answered.

       “I heard what my dad said. I know he doesn’t mean it,” Zac told Diana. “It still hurts, though, coming from him. I must have really pissed him off.”

       Diana couldn’t hide her surprise over what Zac said. She knew he was mature, but this was beyond that.

       “Kevin… had this really good friend in high school,” Diana began.

       Zac looked at the woman. She turned briefly to him before looking back towards the road and continuing. “People would say they were enemies the way they fought. They fought more than they got along, but no one could doubt they were friends. At times, they would say things that neither of them would mean. They wouldn’t talk for weeks at a time. Your father and his friend had very similar personalities. I’m sure you’ve said a few things to him that you didn’t mean.”

       “Are you saying I’m like him?” Zac asked with a sharp tone.

       “No, well…“ Diana felt that she hadn’t clearly explained her thoughts.

       “He annoys me sometimes,” Zac said, looking out the window. “Sometimes he acts so smug, and it pisses me off. All my friends like him and look up to him. And so do their parents… Everyone likes him.”

       “I think you two are more similar than either of you would like to believe.”

       “Huh?”

       “Oh, nothing.” Diana smiled.

***

       The door opened to the second round of knocks. It opened so fast that Zac jumped a little.

       “What!” Brad said.

       Zac could tell that Brad wasn’t overjoyed by his presence. “Can I talk to you?“

       “Talk.”

       Zac looked up and down the hallway and didn’t see anyone in either direction.

       “Well?”

       “Will you leave Kayden alone! Please. Just leave him alone. He’s been through enough. He doesn’t need to deal with other problems.”

       Zac cleared his throat and continued, “And you should just give up on snaring him. You won’t have him…ever…”

       Those eyes. Brad couldn’t stand seeing them. It reminded him of when Jett had told him off.

       “That’s all I wanted to say,” Zac said, turning away.

       “I kissed Kayden, you know…” Brad blurted out, and then felt some satisfaction in watching Zac suddenly stop.

       “He kissed me back.”

       “I already know that. I deliberately didn’t bring that up…” Zac clenched his teeth as if baring them at Brad. “And you dare to bring it up? I should kick your ass.”

       “You couldn’t kick my ass even if I was blindfolded.”

       Zac shook his head at Brad. “Stay away from him. Whatever you have on him, it won’t work. I don’t care what you know about him, but keep it to yourself.”

       “He told you?”

       “I saw the papers. I could put a puzzle together. And I have a feeling I know what it’s about. And it’s none of your business,” Zac said.

       “This is cute. You’re asking me for a favour.” Brad smirked.

       “I’m not asking you for a favour, Brad, I’m telling you what to do. Whatever your plot was, it failed, and you won’t have a second chance with Kayden, so give it up. If you have a problem with me, then deal with me. Leave my boyfriend out of it.”

       The two glared at each other.

       “What the hell are you talking about?”

       “Don’t kid yourself, Brad,” Zac cut him. “I don’t know what the hell I ever did to you, but I know you have it in for me.”

       Brad stared defiantly at Zac.

       “And one more thing, if you ever hurt Kayden again, I will make your life a living hell. I will dedicate my life to putting your venereal infested existence back to the shit you crawled out from. Don’t underestimate me, Brad. You don’t know me. You’re such a repulsive piece of shit that even flies would avoid you. You want the real me, Brad? Here I am. This is me, pissed. Congratulations. You’re the first person to see this side of me, because no one -- not even my dad -- ticks me off like you do.”

       “Is that it? That’s all you’ve got?” Brad mocked him.

       Shaking his head, Zac turned to walk away.

END OF CHAPTER 2