UNREQUITED

by Newly Human

Disclaimer: Inspired by something not my own. Please don't sue.

Author's Note: Hope you enjoy the story. Feedback and comments are greatly appreciated even if its just to say "Eh, it was ok..." Would love to hear from the gay community about this one too. Thanks for reading, -- Newly Human

“You said what!?”

Sam stood on the pier staring incredulously at Josh. It was cold, but neither of them seemed to notice. The sun was just about to set. It washed its amazing colours across the surface of the water, allowing the glow to radiate against the empty beach.

“I told him that he was an asshole.” Josh repeated, avoiding Sam’s glare, turning instead to the glare of the sun, “That if he wanted me to stay, he’d have to say so. But he’s Mark, so he says nothing and lets me leave.”

Sam thought for a moment, “You and Mark made sense together.”

“I know.” He replied, his voice distant.

“What exactly is wrong?” Sam asked, “You two never really had anything in common, but, I don’t know… things seemed to just… fit.”

“Yeah, it did.” Josh suddenly noticed the increasing winds and pulled his jacket tighter. “But like you said, we have nothing in common. And Mark just never made an effort.”

Sam grew quiet. “Don’t you love him?”

“Of course I do!” Josh snapped. “That’s why it hurts so much to see that he doesn’t care.”

Sam took a deep breath and waited for him to turn around. Feeling the gaze, Josh slowly rotated. They stood facing each other.

“I think it’s fair to say that we both know Mark pretty well.” Sam began, “We know that Mark’s the kind of guy who uses his charm and looks to get what he wants. And he usually always does. He won’t ever say what he’s feeling. He won’t even state what he wants. There are always guys falling for him, but you’re the first guy out of many, many others who’s come along and is just as stubborn as he is. You stuck around, even when he showed no interest in you. Asking him to say those words, or even to admit the slightest sign of feeling… He’s just not capable of it.”

Josh turned away angrily, but Sam swung him around again.

“Yet.”

Sam continued, “You can’t leave him just because he’s not ready for a meaningful relationship. I know that Mark will never find anyone as good as you. And he’ll never love anyone half as much."

Sam paused and let Josh take it in for a moment. "He never says it, but he does. In his way.”

Sam gave Josh a gentle hug and started to walk away. Josh suddenly called out.

“You love him.”

Sam stopped, and slowly turned. “Of course I do. He’s my best friend. I’ve gotta look out for him.”

Josh just shook his head. “You’re in love with him.”

Sam suddenly found the crashing waves fascinating.

Josh stepped closer. He prodded again.

“Samantha. Are you in love with Mark?”

Sam willed her eyes away from the sea and looked directly at Josh. She prepared herself to casually dismiss the notion that she was in love with her gay best friend, but the words washed away with the waves. She smiled softly, sadly, and managed to find her voice again.

“Isn’t everybody?”

END

© April 2003 NHmedia
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