This was actually written under commission for my wonderful friend Skylark (she's an awesome writer herself, by the name of Kimagure on ). But she felt guilty keeping it to herself, and permitted me to post & share it with the rest of the Rainbow fans. ^_^ So - another story about Regan and Chris, one year after the events in Learning. Enjoy! ~amaretto

No More Pretending

Thank god for weekends. With a sigh Chris slammed his locker shut and settled his book bag on his back. He turned his head from side to side, working the kinks out his neck. I don't even think I'll make Reg study this weekend. All I want to do is curl up somewhere and ignore the rest of the world. Smiling at the reaction he'd get for telling Regan he wouldn't have to do math the entire weekend, Chris stifled a yawn and went in search of his boyfriend.

Rounding the corner, he instead barely avoided crashing into his father.  "Dad. What are you doing here?"

"I work here." His father said shortly. "I need to speak with you in my office. Immediately."

Oh great. I wonder what I did this time. Damn it. "Fine. Let me go tell Reg I've got to stay late."

"Make it quick."

Chris made a face at his dad's retreating back. Frowning he continued on down the hallway. Why do I get the feeling there went my relaxing weekend? Damn it, I just wanted a bit of fun before exams next week. I wonder what I did to piss him off this time. Unless he wants to see me for something other than yelling at me…Morosely he rubbed the back of his neck.

His new bad mood was however immediately broken by the sound of a bright, cheerful voice talking at a speed that most found impossible to keep up with after the first few sentence.  Rounding the corner, Chris paused at the turn and smiled softly to himself.

Hands flying, blue eyes bright even at a distance, Regan was animatedly relating a tale of clearly epic proportions to a handful of classmates. He didn't notice that most had already fallen behind in the race to keep up with his light-speed chatter. "Then of course we had to go find the damn thing. And would you believe where we found it? In my grandmother's closet. Crazy, yeah? Anyway, after that we were expressly forbidden to let any living thing besides humans inside the house. I think my mother was ready to forbid I enter the house at that point. My grandmother too, you'd think it was all my fault. My cousins started it. So then of course we had to do all these extra exercises. I had to write the kanji for monkey five thousand times! And that was only the beginning because then--"

"Jeez, McLeod. Do you ever shut up?"

The chatter and laughter abruptly stopped as Chris approached the group.  Mutters of "Hey, Mooreland" rippled through the young men gathered around Regan. A brief nod and mild glare sent them scampering off to homework and suddenly remembered meetings.

Rolling his eyes and shaking his head, Regan hoisted his messenger bag over his head and onto his shoulder. "I was in the middle of a story, Chris."

"Don't care. You can finish telling it on Monday."

A fond smile, "Yes, Highness. Are you ready to go? I was thinking we could study in the park today. It's usually pretty quiet on Friday afternoons" He furrowed his brow, "Oddly enough. I guess people prefer to be indoors. Go figure."

Chris grimaced, "Can't. At least not right away. My dad decided to hunt me down and demand a meeting in his office. So I'm going to be running late. Don't know how late."

"Your dad wants to talk to you? What for? You guys haven't spoken since school started back." A worried frown marred Regan's perpetually cheerful face.

Worried and guilty. I wish I could get it through his head there's nothing for him to feel bad about. He started to raise a hand to run it soothingly through strands of bright red hair, then clenched his it into a fist when he realized he'd been about to do.  He forced a smile instead, "I'm sure its no big deal. No doubt something to do with the school. Head on home, if I get out soon enough we can still go to the park."

Bobbing his head in agreement, Regan started to lean up to kiss him - and froze. He smiled and shook his head, "I'll catch you later then."

Chris watched him go, bad mood returning full force. He kicked at the carpet and turned around to drag himself to his father's office. God I can't wait to graduate. Maybe then we can finally stop pretending I'm just his damned tutor. Damn dad and his stipulations anyway.

He glanced up at the sound of familiar voices, and picked up his pace as he spotted the source.

"Well, well. If it isn't the long-lost Chris Mooreland."

"Trevor, Avery." Chris said slowly.

"Long time no see." Avery said, the sour expression on his face doing nothing to improve his sharp, pointed features. "Where you been, stranger?"

"Busy."

The second man replied in a rumbling voice well suited to his large, stocky frame. "Doing what? Ignoring everybody?"

"Busy working." Chris snapped. "Some of us have to do that you know."

Avery snorted, "Whatever, man. I know plenty of people that work and still make time for their friends."

I don't need this right now. "Friends? I think you need to have your prescription checked, because I sure as hell don't see any friends lying around. Oh, wait," he laughed coldly. "Did you mean the two of you? Who stopped talking to me the minute I quit the team?"

"Fuck you, Mooreland. You're the one who stopped talking to us."

"No thanks, four eyes. And, to hell with you. I said when I quit that I'd be busy. In fact, I distinctly remember inviting you two over on more than one occasion. But oh gee, you were too damn busy to come visit. I'm sorry I have to work my ass off to pay rent every month." Shit. Shouldn't have said that.

"Rent? The hell you talking about?"

"Nothing. Leave me the hell alone." He turned to leave, freezing when a heavy hand landed on his shoulder. "Let go now."

Hastily Trevor dropped his hand, "Don't go getting so damn touchy. You ain't been around at all since last year. We just wondered when you suddenly became too good to hang around with your old pals.”

"If you think that I suddenly consider myself "too good" to hang out with you," his mint green eyes were hard as he stared at his former teammates, "Then you clearly don't know me as well as you like to think. Now if you don't mind, I've got places to be. I'm a busy man." Turning away he resumed his angry stalk down the hallway, ignoring the other two as they bellowed his name. Maybe I should have tried harder to keep up with them. But fuck, when the hell do I have time to do anything? I'm barely able to spend time with Reg, as it is. Of course, I could spend more time with him if I was just fucking allowed to admit we're dating.

By the time he reached his father's office, Chris was all but ready to smash something. Desperately he searched for something to cheer him up, because he already knew he'd be miserable by the time he walked back out of the office. A bright smile and knockout blue eyes immediately came to mind, and Chris managed a brief grin of his own. If I can just get through this, I have tonight and all weekend to spend with blue-eyes.

He gave a sharp rap on the frosted glass panel of the door before swinging it open. Patiently he waited for his father to finish speaking on the phone. His eyes wandered the room, trailing idly over the massive oak desk at which his father sat - and froze at the sight of the ring sitting on the edge of it. It was large, heavy, made from gold and set with a dark garnet.  The family ring had been given to him the day he started at the Academy.

The last time he'd seen it, he'd thrown it against the wall directly behind where his father currently sat accompanied by the declaration that he was leaving home. He'd been chased from the office by shouts of how stupid he was and how such behavior would not be condoned.

Lord really isn't that special. My parents are at least as bitchy as his. Chris wondered miserably what he'd done this time as his father hung up the phone and gave him a Look. We haven't talked in like three months. What the hell?

"Christopher."

Yeah, I'm in trouble.

"Your grandfather and my brothers are coming for a visit next weekend. They have not seen you since before you started attending the Academy and are looking forward to seeing you. As the next in line to run the school. Do you follow me?"

Fuck. "Yes, I follow you. They're coming for inspection and you want me to make nice and act like a sensible, devoted, adoring son."

"You needn't make it sound like a death sentence," his father said sourly.

Chris sighed, "I didn’t mean to. Is that all you wanted to tell me?"

"No. I wanted to speak to you mostly about next Friday. I'll be throwing a big dinner party for them, and I'm inviting several of our old friends and family. It's a very big deal to me. It would reflect poorly on all of us if you did not show."

But Chris barely heard most of what he said. "I can't. I'm sorry dad, but I can't make it. If you could make it for Saturday…"

"I'm sorry. I know I just misheard you. Maybe you misunderstood me, because it wasn't a request. It was an order."

"Dad, please! If it was any other day I would do it. But next Friday is the day after my birthday…"

"So what of it?"

"It's mine and Regan's one year anniversary. We were going to go out to the river…"

His father's face clouded over, and Chris' heart sank. That expression boded only ill. But it's our anniversary! One year…god, we've really been together that long. Who would have thought? Shaking off the stray thought, he braced himself for whatever his father was about to say.

"I am tired of that person ruining your life. He does nothing but cause you trouble. First the fighting, then your leaving home, quitting the swim team, the chess club, then you run off to visit that monster child of the Lord family. And I won't even get into your supposed relationship with him."

Supposed? Cause me trouble? Ruin my life? Fucking hell, does no one actually notice that I'm happy? Except for the whole keep boyfriend a secret thing. I want to go home and see Reg. "You don't know anything at all. If you stopped looking at our reputation for once and looked at me, you might see Regan is the best part of my life. And I won't give up celebrating our one-year anniversary to kiss ass to a bunch of relatives. Not unless Regan can come too."

"You're being selfish."

"And you're not? Come on, I've obeyed every stipulation you've set for me. No one knows I don't live at home." At least they didn't until Trevor and Avery pissed me off twenty minutes ago. I can still fix that. I hope. "Regan and I keep everything secret. And I've been behaving."

"Your participation still leaves much to be desired."

"I have to work!" Chris burst out, agitatedly running a hand through hair, disheveling it. "Christ almighty, what is it with people? I have to work. Not one, but two jobs and on top of that I have to tutor! And don't make snide comments! Because I do actually tutor him. I don't have time for extracurricular activities, unless you want to help pay my rent each month." The last was said bitterly.

His father's voice was cool, "I told you I would never encourage such stupidity. Your bedroom is waiting for you whenever you decide to stop all of this childish behavior."

Chris started to speak, but he wasn't given the chance. "As to the dinner, Christopher. You will be there."

"But I can't."

"Yes, you can. Your mother and I have put up with a great deal from you, Christopher. The very least you can do is attend one family function for us. Unless of course you want to be responsible for the demise of this school that our family has worked so hard to establish? Is that what you want? To destroy our family's history and your future because you insist on spending more time with your - your - boyfriend than you already do? Do you like seeing your mother upset? Seeing your grandfather and uncles upset? I know you think I'm some sort of criminal but they never did anything to you. They are coming primarily to visit you, to get to better know the one who will run this place when I retire."

That's so damned unfair. "You can't do that! Come on, dad. That…" One look at his father's face killed any further attempt at protest. "You know, I had thought the shouting match out at the Lord place had actually fixed some things. I can see it hasn't." He turned to leave, "It wouldn't kill the two of you to try and be happy for me, instead of trying to tell me what should make me happy."

"I'm simply trying to save you from your own foolishness. If you spent half as much time caring about your family as you do goofing off with that troublemaker, you'd be much better off. And take your ring; it would hardly do to be without it next week and while you're here you may as well take it."

Chris turned and snatched the ring from the desk.  He paused at the door, voice tired. "I don't know why you think I detest this place. It might surprise you how often I talk about my plans for it with Regan."  He twisted the knob, "And I'm not 'goofing off' with Regan. Given that I've spent almost a year with him now, I would have thought you'd figure that out." He left, slamming the door behind him. The ring he shoved into the pocket of his blazer.

He'd just say something like "A year is nothing." Well to hell with him. I know damn good and well he and mom barely knew each other six months before they got hitched. Jeez, just because I wound up falling for a guy doesn't mean I'm any less serious than they were. Chris rubbed his eyes, sore from exhaustion and frustration. At least I don't have to work today. Somebody up above must love me today.

Gloomily he trekked through the city toward his boyfriend's place.

The elevator chimed and opened up on Regan's penthouse, and Chris smiled tiredly as the first thing he saw turned out to be the redhead himself. 

Regan beamed as he stepped out of the elevator and launched himself into Chris' arms. "You made it!" He dragged the blonde's head down and kissed him soundly.

This is what I needed.  Wrapping his arms around Regan's waist, Chris held him close and felt all his tension melt away as he sank into the kiss. Life doesn't suck completely.

Grinning impishly as he pulled back, Regan ruffled his hair. "So what's up? You looked devastated coming off the elevator."

Tension returning, Chris just shook his head. "Life sucks as usual. Lemme get a drink and I'll tell you…" And watch your face fall because I'm a fucking wuss who can't tell his father to fuck off. Damn it, just once I wish I could be as brash as Lord. I've really sunk low if I'm admitting that to myself…Impulsively he reached down to steal another kiss, nipping at Regan's nose before pulling back. "So where's the Dragon today?"

"She's visiting a client and then she and dad are going to dinner. He's actually free tonight so I told them I'd be angry if they hung around here doing nothing with us." Regan winked, "Mom said I wasn't fooling anyone, and that we'd better keep the fooling around to a minimum if we're going to hang out here."

Chris laughed, "She doesn't miss a beat, does she?"

"No. Much to my detriment. You want soda? Juice? Tea?" Regan rifled through the fridge.

"Blue eyes." Chris came up behind him and wrapped his arms around Regan, burying his head against his shoulder.

"I don't think we have any of that." Concern underscored the amusement in Regan's voice, and he twisted around to return the embrace. "What's wrong?"

"My dad sucks, that's what." Chris pulled away. "He's arranged some big family dinner so my relatives can all ogle and approve of me."

Regan wrinkled his nose, "Sounds like fun."

"It gets better," Chris continued heavily. "He's arranged it for next Friday." He winced as he felt Regan's body tense in surprise and then slump in resignation.

But the blue eyes and smile never faded as Regan reassured him. "That would certainly explain the "I want to die" look on your face when you arrived. It's a good thing I'm hard to resist; who knows what you would have done otherwise.

Impossible to resist. "You're awfully confident."

"I wouldn't keep pretty blonde slaves around if I wasn't confident in my ability to control them."

"I am not your damn slave. And I'm definitely not pretty." Slaves don't have a choice about obeying your every whim. I most certainly do choose to obey.

Regan just laughed and turned back to the fridge, "Go get my book bag while I fix us a snack, not-my-damn-pretty-slave."

"Yeah, yeah." Chris grumbled with a smile, wandering back toward Regan's bedroom to fetch the requested bag.  His eyes ran over the room, lighting on the bag in a seat near the window. Wasn't that long ago was it? Who would have thought I'd become such a dork. Grabbing the bag he headed back to the kitchen.

Regan was already seated and steadily devouring a plate of rice balls his stepmother had no doubt made before going out. "Save some for me, how 'bout?"

"Only if you're a good slave and don't make your master do too many evil math problems."

"So who's the slave here, exactly?"

"You are."

"Right…Hey, I thought you wanted to go to the park today."

Regan looked up, blinking. "Oh, yeah." He shrugged, "Was just a whim. Anyway, it's easier to molest you over math problems if we're here and not outside."

"I can't really argue with that logic." Chris winced inwardly. Read, no chance of getting caught if we're here.

"Good. Then hurry up and give me a problem. Something with…" he fumbled with his math book, "What the hell does it mean to integrate a nested trig function? I thought there was a law that said all textbooks in this country had to be written in English. Except for, you know, the ones about foreign languages."

Laughing, Chris took the book from him. "You're an idiot. That's not going to be on the exam until next term."

"Oh, good. Then at least I won't fail the exam because of this. Just everything else."

"You stress too much. Math is not your enemy, haven't you learned that after all this time?"

Regan looked at him like he was crazy, "You're insane. Numbers loathe and despise me. It's only because you won't accept that fact that I'm passing."

Chris shook his head and set the book down, "Reg, no one could ever loathe and despise you. Not even if they wanted to." I should certainly know. "Just start with these," he drew out a sheet of problems he'd made up in study hall. "They should be easy for you to manage, then we can try some harder ones."

"Only because you're saying nice things." Resigned, Regan accepted the worksheet and set to work on the problems. 

Chris smiled, watching him for a moment, before settling down to his own work. They worked in silence for several minutes, neatly demolishing the plate of rice balls.

"This is a math problem, right?" Regan held out the sheet and indicated a problem about halfway down the page.

Peering at it, Chris quirked a brow. "Yes…"

Regan pouted, "Then why the hell does it have more letters than numbers?"

With a grin Chris replied, "Because you're supposed to be figuring out what numbers those letters really are."

"Why can't they just start out as numbers and save us all a lot of grief? Why do they insist as disguising themselves as letters? The alphabet has better things to do than play substitute for a bunch of lazy numbers."

Chris was laughing too hard to reply.

"Forget this. I did three of the problems. Where's my reward?" He waited expectedly.

Still laughing, Chris shook his head. "No way. You're not done with half of them yet. And -" he pointed to the second problem, "That one's wrong."

"Damn it."

"You didn't mess it up that much, look here." Standing up he moved around the table to stand next to Regan, slowly re-writing the steps and explaining as he went. "See here? What's the total now?"

"Three…"

"Good," an encouraging smile, "Now, if that's three and you do this…"

"I see." Regan beamed, "Thanks."

Chris rolled his eyes, "It's what I'm here for, silly."

"Just so long as it's not the only reason."

Chris leaned down to brush Regan's lips with his own. "Well, I do sort of like giving you rewards."

"Mmm, good." Regan latched on and held him in place, "Because I'm rather fond of getting them."

Chris broke the kiss with a gasp, smiling. "Do all the problems and maybe you'll get a special reward."

"Okay, okay. Slave driver."

"I thought I was the slave. I think I like it better this way. You're shorter anyway."

"Leave my height out of the discussion."

"What height?"

Regan glared.

"What?" Chris attempted to look innocent as he went back to his own seat. "It's not my fault you still fall for that every single time."

"Hmph. Stop distracting me and do your homework." Regan made a show of concentrating on his worksheet.

Gradually the two settled back into their work.  A half hour passed before Regan looked up again, opening his mouth to ask a question. He stopped before asking it, blinking in surprise.

Chris was fast asleep, head down on the table. Smiling softly and shaking his head, Regan stood and moved around the table to shake him. "C'mon you. Go take a nap in my bed. Chris, wake up a bit."

"Hmm…" Bleary mint green eyes fluttered open, and sleepily Chris allowed Regan to haul him up. He yawned, "Sorry, Reg. Didn't mean to nod off…" More tired than I thought. What a way to spend a Friday night, falling asleep over homework at my boyfriend's house.

"Don't be silly. You should be tired, the way you work. Take a nap, then when you wake up we can go out to dinner or something." Regan led the way to his bedroom, flicking the light on before half shoving Chris into his bed. Pulling his shoes off he fought with the covers a minute and pulled them up over him.

An arm snaked around his waist as he stepped away. "Rest with me?"

"I have homework to finish." Regan protested weakly.

Chris frowned, mint green eyes still soft with sleep. "You'd rather do homework than sleep with me?"

Regan let out an amused snort, "Hardly. I just figured you'd like to sleep in peace."

Hauling him into the bed and under the covers, Chris hugged him close and buried his head in Regan's shoulder. "You are my peace." You're everything.

"I'm not dumb enough to argue that."

His grip on Regan tightened, "You're way too good for me, Reg…"

Regan knocked him lightly on the head, "Shush and go to sleep, idiot." He frowned gently, stroking his hair until Chris once more fell asleep.

Chris woke suddenly, eyes snapping open as he sat up. He froze, blinking until his vision cleared.  Yawning, he dragged himself out of Regan's bed. Wonder what woke me up…where did Reg go? He glanced toward the window, wincing at the sight of darkness outside. Way to be, dumb ass. Spend your Friday night sleeping.

Gloomily he walked down the hallway, pausing at the end of it as he caught sight of Regan, stretched out on the couch watching a movie. His red hair was still damp from a recent shower, and he was wearing an old pair of green pajama pants and a dark blue t-shirt. 

He could not help but smile. Who would have ever thought? In the space of what? Almost two years I've gone from trying to hate his guts to moping because I won't be around to celebrate our being together for one whole year. Jeez, who would have thought I'd become such a damn sap. The minute I start writing poetry, I'm so running for the door. Laughing at himself he stepped further into the room.

Regan noticed movement and looked up, face lighting up when he saw Chris. "That was a hell of a nap. You must've been more tired than you let on."

"More tired than I realized, I guess. I'm sorry I crashed on you." He collapsed onto the couch as Regan sat up to give him room.

"Whatever. If I'd been offended I would have woken you up. I've done it before." Regan stretched out again, his head on Chris' leg. "I went and got your things from your apartment. And got molested by the coffee ladies while I was at it. How do I always forget you’re a neat freak? Seriously, you don't much like a guy living on his own is supposed to. I mean your kitchen is clean, your living room is clean, even your bedroom is clean. Disgraceful, really. What sort of man does all of his own cleaning if he doesn't have a dragon breathing down his neck about it? Anyway, I think I remembered everything. Sleepwear - though it looks like you're plenty comfortable in the uniform, stuff for work tomorrow, clothes for after work. Oh, I forgot a towel. But you can get those at the center, right? What time do you have to --" he stopped when Chris pressed a finger to his lips.

"You talk too much, McLeod."

Grinning, Regan pushed his hand away and sat up. "So?"

"So why don't you try being quiet for once?"

"Because you think it's cute when I ramble."

Damn. When did he figure that out? Chris snorted, "Whatever. It's a wonder you don't chatter in your sleep."

"No one could hear it over your snoring even if I did."

"I do not snore!"

Regan just smirked, "How would you know?"

Chris settled for glaring. "I do not snore," he said emphatically.

"Loud enough to shake the house. Serious. Cross my heart. My parents are starting to complain." His attempts to remain serious failed abysmally, and he all but fell of the couch.

In the next instant Chris shoved him off, and Regan only laughed the harder at the offended look on his face. He was still snickering and gasping for breath for Chris pinned him to the floor. "Maybe I'm exaggerating."

"Don't even bother trying to save your ass now."

Regan grinned, "Not really worried about that. I'm just saying, maybe I was exaggerating."

"Yeah well, maybe you should learn to keep that mouth of yours shut."

"You should know by now that's never going to happen. To date I think there's only one way to keep me relatively quiet."

"Relatively," Chris muttered before applying the only method known to put a stop to Regan's chatter.

Tugging his arms free Regan locked them around Chris' neck and pulled him closer, deepening the kiss and not letting the other man up until the need for air demanded it. "Was beginning to think you'd sleep all night."

"You could have woken me up, idiot." Chris nipped his nose and pressed soft kisses randomly over his face.

Regan tried to shake his head, laughing when Chris frowned and used one hand to make him hold still. "But you look so cute when you're sleeping. And I know how tired you get…"

Pausing and sitting up, Chris' levity faded slightly. "Maybe. But I'd rather just stay awake and spend time with you. It's all my fault that we don't get to see each other much. It's even worse when I use what free time we have to take stupid naps.

Narrowing his eyes, Regan shoved.  With a soft "Oof" Chris landed on the floor with his back against the couch. Regan straddled his legs and tugged firmly at his white shirt, wrinkled from sleep. "Enough of that. You've been down a lot lately and I'm not going to keep putting up with it. There's no good reason for it."

Plenty of good reasons. The fact that I'm a wuss when it comes to my dad being one of them.

"There you go making that face again." Regan pulled his hair, "Stop it. You're still upset about that dinner thing next Friday, aren't you?"

"That's part of it, yeah. And you can't tell me that's not a good reason to be upset, Reg." He locked his arms around Regan's waist, immensely grateful and immediately soothed when the redhead leaned closer to embrace him. He sighed and breathed in the scents that were always around his talkative boyfriend. The strange spices his mother cooked with, a trace of the India ink he used in his calligraphy work, and something indefinable that was simply Regan. "I'm really sorry, Blue-eyes." For always being such a coward.

Warm breathes fell against his neck as Regan replied, "Like I could possibly stay mad at you when you call me that. Assuming of course I was mad to begin with." He sat up, tugging again at Chris' hair. "So maybe I'm a bit disappointed. But it's not the end of the world. And anyway my impression is that this dinner is pretty important."

"Important but last minute," reluctantly Chris pulled away from the soothing warmth of Regan's chest. "I tried to get him to change it to Saturday." He bit his lip, shoulders sagging. "He still thinks this whole relationship is just a fling, some childish thing I'll out grow."

Regan shrugged, "Your parents will get it eventually. At least they don't ignore you completely. I mean they're making some effort to keep up with you, right? Plus this whole dinner is so your relatives can meet the Grand Heir to the Noble Tradition of Mooreland Academy." He grinned, "I'll put up with whatever just so I can see you as stuffy old Professor Mooreland someday."

"I am not going to be stuffy," Chris protested weakly. Put up with, eh? I knew he was upset about it. Why shouldn't he be? Lord all but declared war to keep Klause. And here I am whining because I have to miss our anniversary to obey my father.

"You're looking down again. I thought I told you to stop that."

Chris frowned, staring into blue eyes that he never got tired of, feeling unworthy of the concern he saw there. I don't deserve this. I don't deserve it at all. Capturing Regan's head in his hands, he leaned up and kissed him desperately, anxious to prove to himself that he wasn't a complete waste as a boyfriend. He barely paused to breathe before taking another deep kiss, pulling Regan as close as he possibly could.

Regan didn't seem to mind, surprise melting swiftly into eager compliance.

*~*~*~*

The sound of his whistle cut loudly and sharply through the chaos that reigned in the shallow end of the pool.  At eight o'clock in the morning, it definitely sounded too damn loud.

But loud was usually the only thing that got the attention of the dozen kids in the pool, so loud it would have to be. "All right, troops. In your lanes and let's do some warm ups."

A chorus of "Yes, coach" echoed around the indoor swimming pool a the kids splashed around to reach their assigned lanes. "You know the drill by now. Get to it." Folding his arms across his chest and stifling a yawn, Chris watched the swimmer carefully. Advanced level swimmers, between the ages of 8 and 12.

Though how the hell they got up this early and had this much energy was beyond him. Vaguely he remembered having the same amount of energy in his own swimming lessons at that age. Repressing another yawn, he wished he still had it.

Kneeling in front of lane three, he tapped the head of a girl who had just hit the wall. "Sarah."

She smiled at him uncertainly, "Hey, Coach."

"I can see you've been practicing. Good girl."

Beaming the girl babbled her thanks. Chris smiled, "Get back to warm-ups, now."

"Yes, sir!" She dashed for the far end of the pool.

He glanced over the other swimmers, nodding approval before turning his attention to his clipboard. No absent students, and there was just enough sun spilling in the skylights overhead.  A good day for swimming, even if he still wished he was warm in bed with Reg. He's probably still dead to the world. I wonder if he'll be awake by lunchtime…

Shaking off his thoughts Chris frowned and focused on his students.  He motioned them out of the pool, until all twelve were fidgeting and hopping in place. "All right, troops. Everybody grab a kickboard and get back in the pool."

He laughed at the handful of groans that greeted this order, "Toughen up you three. Complain too much and there won't be any diving later."

"Yes, coach," the three said with heavy reluctance.

After the necessary splashing dunking had settled down, Chris outlined the drills they'd be doing for that class and blew his whistle to get them started.  Walking along the edge he called out tips and corrections, occasionally glaring at a couple of the boys and issuing threats.

A good class, probably his favorite group though he would never tell them so. "Jake, keep your legs together. Right, like that. Keep it up."  He moved to where he could watch them from the side, his back to the row of sliding glass doors that led into the pool area from the main gym floor.

"Scotty!"

"Yes, coach?"

"Do you want to get kicked out of the pool?"

"No, sir."

"Then I suggest you stop harassing Lindsay and get back to your exercises."

"Yes, sir."

Chris started to correct another girl on her frog kick when he noticed she'd stopped swimming altogether - to look at something behind him.  "Peggy, keep swimming."

"Yes, coach."

He turned around curious to see what had snagged her attention.  Not expecting to find what he did.

"Good morning, coach." Avery said with a grin.

"Too good to be a student, eh Mooreland?" Trevor asked with a smile.

"What in the he--What are you two doing here? And At," he glanced at his watch,"8:20 in the morning?"

Avery yawned, "It is kinda early isn't it?" He stepped closer to Chris and the edge of the pool.

Which reminded Chris he should be watching his students, not glaring at his old friends.  He continued speaking as his eyes appraised the work of the class. "I repeat, what are you doing here?" How the hell did they find me? No one from school comes to this side of town if they can help it.

Trevor stood on his opposite side, still smiling. "Well after our strange little conversation yesterday, Aves and I did some investigating. We were sort of concerned over something you said."

Fuck. I was really hoping they'd just ignore that. Why the hell do they even care? "Rachel! Try working on your butterfly kick now."

"Yeah, called your house this morning to see if you wanted to tag along on a swim meet tomorrow. You know, hang out with us for once."

They called my house at eight o'clock on a Saturday morning? Christ, my mom is going to kill me the next time I see her. "I seem to recall all of us agreeing that we weren't friends anymore. Too busy and all that."

Avery shrugged, "Or maybe we were all just being assholes."

Surprised, Chris just stared at him a moment and then looked away. "Maybe."

"The thing is, Chris." Trevor didn't take his eyes off the kids as he spoke, "We only gaffed you because we thought you'd gaffed us first. Figured maybe you'd come to your senses or something."

"Didn't actually realize until about an hour ago that you really were busy."

At that Chris glared. "Because I'm such a notorious liar that of course I was making it up. The heck you get off thinking I was lying?"

"Man, you ain't been the same since you started World War III with McLeod and Lord. How the hel--heck were we supposed to know what you've really been up to? Especially this year, when you're nothing but a damn ghost."

A ghost? Have I really been that gone? It's not like I had a choice. "How did you even know to find me here? Ghost hunters?"

"Nah, you're mom gave me an earful for calling at such an ungodly hour and told us you were at that coffee house near school." Trevor winced and pressed a hand to his ear. "Your mom has some impressive lungs, vocally speaking."

Chris winced with him, "Yeah, I know. I think she used to sing when she was in school." At least I can say it was all mom's fault when word gets around school I don't live at home. Man, I'm never going to hear the end of this one. I'd better buy some more aspirin after work today. "All right. Put the kickboards away!"

He motioned to the men to stay where they were, making sure the kids put everything away properly and then leading them easily to the deep end. "Everyone in line, no shoving. You each get two jumps, all right?"

"Yes, coach."

"Then let's see some good dives. On the whistle." With each sharp blow of his whistle, a kid mounted the diving board and attempted to dive into the deep end of the pool. Chris applauded each one and helped lift him or her out as they reached the edge.

Finally he herded them to the locker rooms, stifling a yawn and motioning to Trevor and Avery.  He guided them back through the glass doors, to the small lobby on the main floor. "So you went to the coffee shop to find me?"

Trevor answered, "Yeah, but the old lady seemed confused. She's the one that told us you always worked here on the weekend."

"We should've known you'd go right back to the water after quitting the team. It was always hard getting you out of it."

Chris shrugged, "I like swimming."

"Yeah, we kinda noticed." Trevor tried and failed to keep a straight face. "So is this what keeps you so busy?"

"Mostly, yeah." Brr, it's cold in here. Why do they keep the main building so damn cold? Then again, maybe I shouldn't be sitting in it in my swim trunks. Dumb ass. "But I also sort of work at the coffee shop. I help them set up in the morning, clean up at night, run errands occasionally."

"Damn. No wonder you quit all your extracurricular stuff.  But I don't get why - did you mean it yesterday when you said you had to pay rent? What the hell?"

I don't get why they care all of a sudden. Jeez, I'm so going to get my ass busted when dad hears about this. "It's a long story. And I'm not supposed to talk about it."

"And what? You think we're going to go blabbing? Now who's saying not nice things?" Trevor huffed in frustration, "Look man, we came here to prove we're not assholes. We're your friends, even if you are too busy to even manage a damn phone call."

"Ah…" Chris couldn't come up with a reply to that.

Avery rolled his eyes, "Apology accepted. Do you have anymore classes to teach?"

"My next one isn't until ten."

"Then come grab some breakfast with us and tell us your long story. I didn't get my ass up at seven am for nothing.

"Oh, shit. That is funny. Hilarious even." Trevor tried to smother his loud laughter as their table received several dirty glances. "I think that's the most amusing story I've heard all year."

Chris made a face, "I thought you said you two were trying to prove you weren't assholes."

"Who's being an asshole? I can't help it if you sound like one of those stupid books my sister is always sighing over. And man, do you have it bad. Who knew beating the shit out of a person lead to love?" Trevor grinned and slid a mischievous look at Avery, "Maybe you should try that with Cassandra."

"Oh, shut up." Avery looked disgusted. "Somehow I don't think beating a girl up is going to lead to anything positive." He smirked suddenly, "Though that could explain why the coach has been clobbering you a lot lately."

Trevor and Chris both choked on their coffee.  "That's not even funny, Aves. And after the meet tomorrow I am going to drown your unfunny ass in the pool." He looked almost green, "God, that's a horrible image. I'm going to kill you for that."

Avery just laughed gleefully.  Sobering, he smirked at Chris. "Man, you've got it bad."

"I have what bad?" Ugh, I knew I was turning into a sap but I didn't think I was turning into an obvious one.

Snickering, Avery just shook his head. "Whatever, man. You ain't fooling anyone. Though I seriously think you have some issues to work through if you think regular beatings are a form of courtship.

Why does everyone that knows like to dwell on the fact that I was a complete and total reprehensible asshole back then? "It worked, didn't it?"

"Good point. But I think I'll just stick with the more traditional methods."

Chris glanced at his watch, "As much as I enjoy being thoroughly mocked, I have a swim class arriving in a few short minutes."

"Good. Because I think I'm going back to bed. You got any plans for tonight or tomorrow?"

"Don't think so…I usually just hang out with Reg at his place after work."

Trevor clapped him on the back as the three of them headed for the exit, "Well double-check with him and call us later. You do still know how to use a phone, right?"

"Yes, I can use a phone." Chris grumbled irritably.

"Good. Then call us later and maybe the four of us can go do something tonight." Trevor grimaced, "Just so long as you two don't start necking or anything. I really don't know if I want to see that."

His lips twitched a moment before he just gave in and started laughing helplessly. Still grinning, he reassured them. "I'll make sure we behave. But it's your own damn fault if he starts chattering and never stops."

"What?"

Still grinning, Chris waved goodbye.

Huh. All of a sudden I feel a lot better. It really does suck having to keep everything secret. I wish I could talk some sense into mom and dad…but it feels good to know I do still have friends, even if all I need is Reg.

*~*~*~*~*

"Earth to Mooreland."

Chris snapped his head up, "What?"

"We're supposed to be working, dumb ass. Not zoning and playing with jewelry." Trevor tapped his textbook, "Granted this isn't the most interesting shit in the world, but we do need it to pass."

Nodding Chris tried to focus on his own textbook, though he didn't put away the garnet ring he'd been toying with. "Sorry."

"What's with you, man? You've been out of it all day."

"Sorry. I've got a lot on my mind."

Trevor rolled his eyes, "That's what I'm asking. And pick up your pencil so you at least look like you're working."

Doing as he was told, Chris attempted to look over their assignment. Like I'm supposed to understand Shakespeare at a time like this. "It's our one year anniversary, today."

"Huh? Oh! So what? Did you not get a gift or something?"

"I wish that was the problem."

Trevor's brows went up, "So what is the problem?"

I’m a wuss, that's what it is. He started toying with the ring again, absently admiring the garnet set against old gold. "We can't celebrate it today. I have to go to some big family dinner. Or else."

"That's not good." Trevor snapped his mouth shut as the teacher looked at them suspiciously. He dropped his voice to a whisper, "I can tell you from experience, it's never good to miss an anniversary. The day my sister's boyfriend forgot there's? He still in trouble for it."

Chris shook his head, "Regan isn't mad at me." Just disappointed. Ugh. "If I don't show up at this dinner, I'm probably going to get disowned."

"That's kind of harsh. I know your old man is strict, but he can't be that bad."

Motioning vaguely with his hands, Chris said, "It's not just that. My dad is right. I've already caused enough trouble for the school, what with all my fighting last year. And the fact that I'm barely here. Plus it would look really bad if my dad had to inform everyone I skipped out to spend time with a boyfriend. I'm not upholding the sterling Mooreland image at all. The way I'm going, I'll get kicked out of the family and the school will pass to some other part of it and my parents would be heartbroken. They've always looked forward to the day I'll take it over. So have I."

"So basically you're caught between Regan and your family?"

"Yeah. I don't want to disappoint either one, but there's no helping it. The sad part is that Reg is the one least upset about any of this."

The two ducked their heads and pretended to read as the teacher started making rounds.  Trevor waited until she was once more seated at her desk, "You always were obtuse about the obvious, Mooreland."

Chris glared, "What the hell does that mean?"

"It means that it sounds to me like you made your choice a long time ago. I don't get why you're fretting. Spare me the idiocy of ever being as lovesick as you." He grimaced.

Unable to resist a small smile, Chris shook his head. "It's not that bad. And what do you mean?"

"You're a dumb ass, that's what I mean. Why did you quit the team? And the chess club?"

"Because I don't have time for them if I'm working."

"Good…and why do you have to work?"

What the hell is this? Why ask me the obvious? "Because that's how people pay rent."

"Right. And why are you paying rent?"

"Because I live alone now and my dad won't help me out."

"Stop shooting daggers at me. I've got a point. Why do you live alone?"

Chris was rapidly growing annoyed, "I told you. I got into a huge blowout with my dad over his trying to expel Regan and Lord. He said he had every right to interfere in my life so long as I lived under his roof. So I left."

"Right," Trevor looked torn between wanting to laugh and wanting to smack him. "So let me recap: You gave up swimming, chess, most of your free time, your friends," a glare, "your parents, and your home, all for the redhead. And now you're confused about whether you want to spend the day with him or your family?"

Oh. Good point. "Good point."

"Like I said, you always miss the obvious. I think it's a thing with you math types. You like complicated problems with even more complicated solutions. You forget simple one plus one stuff. Straight up, man. What's more important? Regan or the Academy?"

"Regan," Chris said without pause.

"Then stop fucking moping and help me with these questions. You take the first half, I'll do the second half."

Chris smiled, "Right."

He could only gape as he opened his locker, and then broke into delighted laughter. Reaching in he pulled out the dozen roses that someone had carefully placed inside it. That brat. I might've known he'd do this. I really hope he didn't put a singing card with it. Still chuckling, Chris carefully double-checked his locker and breathed a sigh of relief. Roses and a singing card had been the first thing Regan had ever put in his locker, nearly two years ago when the whole thing began.

Glancing down at the ring in his hand, Chris' smile turned more determined. No more being a dumb ass. Or a wuss. No more pretending everything is like dad wants it to be. If Lord can put on a show, so can I.

Slamming his locker shut, he went in search of his redhead.  Turning around, he realized he didn't have far to go.

Avery and Regan were walking down the hall towards him.  Still gripping the roses he shouted down the hall. "Hey, McLeod!"

The entire hallway went still, and Chris tried his best not to snicker. It really is kind of funny how nervous everyone still gets the second I approach him. Especially considering no one ever tried to help him back then.  "What's the big idea?" He brandished the flowers.

Regan smiled cheerfully, "Just a present."

Beside him Avery snorted, though his expression said he was somewhat confused. "Yeah, do me a favor Mooreland and tell me the trick to getting him to shut up. He hasn’t stopped nattering about those things all damn day."

Chris started laughing, "Aves, I don't think you'd be capable of shutting him up. But I will show you the trick." He stopped right in front of the pair. Regan's eyes were narrowed in confusion. Using his free hand he latched onto the back of Regan's neck, then ducked his head and kissed him.

It was rare he managed to take his boyfriend by surprise, and he nearly laughed into the kiss.  He did however grin at the exclamations of surprise that surrounded them. I think Lord and I missed our calling. Clearly we're got a thing for drama.

Regan pulled away, "Chris? What the hell?" His face was a mixture of surprise, pleasure, and dismay.

No more dismay. I don't like it. Reaching into the pocket of his blazer, Chris pulled out his family ring. Lifting Regan's hand, he dropped the ring into it. "I'm sorry for being such a loser."

Looking at the ring, then at Chris, then at the ring again, Regan shook his head, "What? You're not--"

Chris smiled, and only Regan noticed how nervous he was. "I'd much rather have you than this." he indicated the school with the roses.  "I love you. And I'm sorry I almost bailed out on today."

Blinking furiously, Regan vehemently shook his head. "I told you, it wasn't that big a deal."

"It was to me."

Avery looked torn between being vastly amused and vastly ill. "Would you two please take that somewhere else now?" He turned more serious, "Before your dad kills you right here in the hallway?"

"Right." Settling his book bag, Chris grabbed Regan's hand and led him through a hallway that had gone dead silent.  The minute they were gone, however, the noise turned nearly deafening.

Once outside, Chris was neatly tackled. "Regan, I can't breathe." He pulled futilely at the arms locked around his neck. He gave up protesting when Regan kissed him. He forgot why he was protesting when the redhead pulled away and smiled.

"You didn't have to do that, idiot. And I love you too."

"Yes, I did. Anything for you, blue eyes. I'm just sorry I'm always so slow to catch on." Just somebody kill me if I start writing poetry. Anything but that.

Regan just kissed him again. "That's okay. You look cute when you're all pouty and upset, so it's hard to get upset."

"I do not pout."

"How would you know?"

"Don't even start with me. Let's get out of here before World War IV erupts on the school lawn."

*~*~*~*~*

"You're awfully cheerful for someone who just signed his death warrant." Regan looked amused, staring up at Chris from where his head was on the blonde's leg.

Chris tugged playfully at his red hair, "It feels good to have stopped being a wuss. If Lord can pick a fight with his family, so I can I."

Regan rolled his eyes, "I might've known he'd come into this at some point. I won't even bother trying to explain you're being stupid by comparing yourself to him. What are you going to do now? I think I'm scared about what we're going to hear on Monday."

"I know I’m scared. The next time I decide to pull a stunt like that, knock some sense into me."

"Never. I like it when you're senseless. Keeps you from turning into a stuffy old professor…though if you turn into one of those weird ones that quotes poetry all the time I'm going to be a bit scared."

Laughing too hard to reply, Chris only laughed the harder when Regan looked at him like he'd lost his mind.  He sobered slightly as the elevator chimed, and Regan at up curious to see who would be coming by when both his parents were out for the afternoon.

He sobered completely when his dad stepped inside.  His hand went cold where it had been holding Regan's. "Dad…" Oh shit oh shit oh shit.

"I think," his father's voice was dry, "That you and Lord enjoy causing certain kinds of scenes far too much. I really wish you would break the habit. There's only so many times a father can hear the words "son" and "molestation" in the same sentence."

"Um..."

Regan sat up, offended. "He wasn't molesting anyone! And the first time was all Bastion's fault. C'mon, Mr. Mooreland."

"Yes, I know. I was there." Mooreland replied. "But your little stunt in the hallway is already the most popular story in town. You two seem dead set on driving me insane."

Chris frowned, immediately dejected. "That's not what I was trying to do."

"I'm aware of that." His dad looked suddenly tired, and was silent for a long moment. "I'm also starting to realize that this," he motioned to them sitting together on the couch, "Is perhaps more serious than I first believed. Given the way this whole affair began, I saw this as a huge mistake. Maybe I've been wrong."

"Dad…" No fucking way. Does that mean… He barely noticed he had Regan's hand in a death grip.

"I still don't like it. This sort of…relationship is going to be nothing but trouble. And there's nothing I can do about the fact that most of the family is going to give you hell for it." He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose before looking at his son, expression intent. "But it's clear you're not going to see reason the way I see it. And Academy aside, it's not worth losing my son over."

Chris choked, "Dad…you mean -"

His dad shook his head, "Look. I'm only strict because I want what's best for you. I didn't like your fighting; I like this arrangement even less. I'm probably not going to like it for a long time.  Your mother and I thought you'd give up on the living on your own thing and come home eventually. We also thought this whole thing would die out. But I'm being forced to admit neither is going to happen. So," he paused for a moment. "If you will both come over and eat dinner, and if you will please come back home, Chris, I will try to be more accepting of your decisions."

Holy hell. How did this happen? Chris tried in vain to keep his voice steady, "O-okay. I think that's a deal I can make. Dad."

His father looked relieved. "Good. Then hurry up and get ready. Your mother is driving me up the wall with her fretting."

"I can imagine." Chris smiled hesitantly at his dad, and it turned into a full-fledged grin when he smiled back.