The Way Life Goes

Chapter 9 - Astound

"Why d'you bring nancy boy here, King."

Let's see, wow, he held that back for over an hour. I'm almost impressed. "What's it to you, Scott?"

He shrugs and comes around to help roll the balls to Stan who's setting it up for another quick game. "Nothing. I just don't get why you'd screw your whole life for a piece of his tender ass."

I frown, really not enjoying the comment about Jason's ass nor the way he said it, "That's none of your business man, and I'm not screwing jackshit." I bite down on my tongue, damn that came out wrong.

He blinks at me and raise an eyebrow, "Don't tell me you're not even doing him."

I scowl, "I really don't know what your problem is Scott."

His eyes widen and he takes the few steps he needs to be directly in my face, "My problem? I'm not the one who suddenly decided he'd rather suck dick when he woke up one morning."

I drop my cue stick on the table and sharply shrug off the hand on my arm that attempts to hold me back from making a scene. "Again, not your fucking business."

We stare at each other face to face just waiting for the other to make a move.

"Come on, knock it off children." Stan says coming from the other side of the table. He pats Scott on the back, "Here, let's go get some drinks downstairs."

Scott glances at Jason still sitting at the small table behind me with Chris and he sneers at them, disgusted.

I stare at them moving away. Mike interrupts my intense glaring at Scott's back, "Want a beer?" He asks handing me a bottle.

I shake my head, "I'm driving."

He takes a few gulps of his, "Alright, let's just skip the bullshit. I'll give you some advices."

I raise an eyebrow, "You're hardly the one to be giving me advice with sex, buddy."

He scoffs, "While that wasn't what I meant, you fucked a lot of men lately? It's not the same at all."

I grimace, "What am I, retarded?"

He sighs, "Anyway, I wanted to say, advices to make him loosen up a little and don't look at me like that damnit, get your head out of your ass. I didn't mean it that way, I'm sure you'll manage just fine for that."

I smirk at the few ideas already forming in my head.

He rolls his eyes, "You seriously need to get laid and fast before it affects the few brain cells you have left. I can already see you bleeding from the nose everytime he walks by you in two weeks."

"Yeah, yeah, I'm working on it."

"In the meantime, find out what he likes."

You know that's actually the first intelligent thing I heard all night. "I need to find something we could do and he'd be comfortable doing. I thought coming here with you guys would be fine but hell, he looks even more nervous if that's fucking possible." I shake my head.

"Well, whatever you do, don't get the brilliant idea to bring him to a gay bar."

I raise an eyebrow, "Sounds like you tried."

His eyes narrow in memory, "Yeah and trust me, it's a really bad idea."

I don't force him to elaborate anymore on that.

I push up from where I was leaning on the pool table, "Well, I better take baby boy home for now. It's getting late."

He nods also straightening back up, "Yeah. Chris isn't a talker but when he gets started...There's no ending it."

I chuckle, "Ain't your dad just a little wary with you practically living with Chris and his mom anyway?"

He shrugs, "They need somebody to take care of them and I don't want my boyfriend starving or having to go sleep on a park bench. I've been taking care of everything for them since we started high school. My dad never asked what I was doing with the money he gives me every month. A thousand's nothing to him and everything to them. Besides I'm going to move out with Chris this summer. If I ever manage to convince him his mom's gonna be just fine and that I'll still help her pay the bills."

He sighs shortly, "Anyway, my dad doesn't need to know until then. I'll most likely have to find a job and work soon though in case he finds out and cuts me off or disown me."

I turn to look at him staring at Chris. I state the obvious, "You really love him."

He meets my eyes answering me seriously, "Don't you?"

I smile, "I'll see ya at school friday buddy."

He pats my back while passing me by, "Sure thing."

"Oh, and about that sex tip,"

Huh? I look back over my shoulder at him, confused.

He grins smugly, "Try pushing up toward his stomach." His face suddenly turns sour and he winces adding, "But be careful of flailing legs!"

I shake my head laughing softly.

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Seems like the boys had just stop talking when I reach the table. I go around close to Jason and I put my hand behind his neck, "Ready to go?"

He gets up right away nodding swiftly, "Please."

I nod and wave at Chris, "See ya Chris."

"Ah, wait, Jason?"

Chris quickly scribble something on a small piece of napkin and fold it in half before handing it to Jason, "My number at home. Call me if you feel like talking to a friend outside of school, okay?"

Jason's eyes widen at the word friend but smiles softly accepting it. He asks Chris tentatively, "I'll see you at school?"

Chris smiles at him, "Yep."

I lead Jason to the stairs that'll bring us down out but as soon as we get in view of the first floor, now very full of people dancing, he suddenly plants his feet on the ground firmly and tug on my hand holding his.

"I can't go down there."

I frown, "Jason?"

He shakes his head francticly, "I just can't." His voice takes on a panicky edge that makes me back up closer to him.

"What's wrong?"

Come to think of it he did almost squeeze me to death earlier when we got in and there was even less people.

He stammers, "I-I'm not too good with ...Crowds."

O-kay. "What do you mean exactly by not too good?"

He lets go of my hand and starts fidgeting, "I get hot and dizzy and my heart starts hammering in my chest and I just...Panic."

Well that certainly isn't good. No wonder he wasn't relaxing. And with the excitement of the mall earlier, I wonder why he didn't say anything. "Anxiety and agoraphobia?"

He tilts his head toward the dancing bodies below, "Yes. I can control it to a certain degree but right now the thought of having to go through all those people, it's making me sick."

Alright so let's think. Coming here was definitely a bad idea and I'm an unthinking ass, next. There isn't any other mean to go out then through these stairs. There's a VIP elevator on the other side that I got access to but it only goes up higher to the card tables and private rooms, not down. I guess worst comes to worse we'll have to stay and use one of them but I think that's also a really bad idea. He's smart enough to realize just why is it I got a private room here so he might not ask any questions about it but I don't want him thinking about that stuff at all if I can help it.

"I have an idea but you'll have to trust me."

He stares at me suspiciously for a few minutes, "Okay."

I go around him so I'm standing behind him, "Close your eyes and keep them close."

He takes a deep breath and complies without any arguments. I put my right arm around him and cover his closed eyes with my hand. Once it's firmly over him, I direct him such that he's standing a bit sideways. I start taking the stairs down one at a time, making sure he doesn't miss one and fall. We reach the bottom fairly easy and in no time. I tighten my grip on him and immediatly start moving toward the exit before he has too much time to think. I push and clear our way with my free arm while making sure I keep an eye on Jason.

After only a few minutes, I bend my head close to his left ear, "We're out, Jason." I finish by removing the hand that was covering his face.

He blinks them open and let out a huge sigh of relief. He turns his body to face me, "Thank you."

The expression on his face is too much for me to resist, I bend down and put a simple kiss on his lips.

"You're welcome."

XXX

Jason POV

It was kind of late when we got home so I was a bit worried about disturbing his parents but I really shouldn't have. His father was in the living room going over some documents when we came in.

"Your mother wants to show you something son, before you go to bed."

Justin nods and pats my lower back going past me.

I'm a bit nervous now all alone with his father but I try really hard not to let it show. I take a deep breath and cast one last desperate glance at where Justin disappeared at in the faint hope of him coming back already.

Tough Luck.

I scrape all the courage I can muster and go sit on an armchair right next to his dad. He glances at me quickly when I sit down but otherwise totally ignores me. This is the man who talked to my parents and made them officially give me away forever in less time that it took for them to make me.

A lot of random thoughts are pushing itself in my head.

"I wasn't the one who pursued him, you know."

He stills at my statement and leans back in his chair to openly stare at me. The look he gives me should be a clear warning that this is not something that I should be discussing, in fact it's like I shouldn't be talking at all.

I continue though, still finding the need to defend myself, "I didn't seduce him in hope of leeching off his money either."

The serious older man suddenly breaks his cold gaze by laughing loudly, "I have not doubt my son was the one who chased and cornered you." His laughter subsides leaving him smiling while he goes on, "And I also believe that while you can appreciate my son's financial position, you know nothing of it's extent nor do you care."

I reluctantly nod. No use denying that since I've been in a piss-poor institution the last couple of years. Being taken care of feels...Comforting. But at this point I'd rather not kid myself into thinking it'll stay this way forever.

I blink, suddenly realizing I've been quiet for far too long and he's still staring at me. When he looks at me like this, it's the same as with Justin. It's like they really see me.

"You're a good kid, I believe my son when he says that, you just happened to be unfortunate in life. But even so." His smirk widen slightly, "I can see what my wild son saw in you. In a way, that's exactly what his mother was to me. I still believe it's a shame my family with end there but, I just saw my eighteen years old boy become a man in a matter of weeks and I have no doubt it's because of you."

He picks back up the paper he was looking at earlier.

Sensing that the conversation is now over, I simply nod and get up with the intention of waiting for Justin in his room while I get ready for sleep.

His father makes me pause just as I'm about to leave the room, "You're good for him."

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We wake up early the next morning to start painting the garden house. Scott, Stan and Alex, the school president, came and joined us not long after we started and with their help we were done in less than 3 hours.

"You got paint on your nose."

I blink and look up at a grinning Justin. I frown slightly before pouting, "I do not!" And wipe furiously at my nose with the back of one hand.

He laughs, "Well you do now."

I stick my tongue out at him which only makes him laugh louder.

Scott comes back in the yard from the back door of the house, "Hey, went to get us something to drink for all our hard work."

Stan practically runs up to him to get the first beer, "Scott, my man, you get the smartest ideas."

Justin scoffs from behind me and mutters, "Only when they aren't dumb."

Scott, by then, was trying to protect the cool drinks from Stan who was whining to get to them. "Come on Scott, give me one so I can take a break already."

Scott was busy pushing on Stan face's at this point to get him off and away, "You took a break every 5 minutes and just sat on your ass all damn morning, fuck face!"

Stan cheers finally getting one, "But it's too damn hot!"

Just as he was about to open it, grinning at his victory, Alex comes from behind him and snag it away. Stan turns on him ignoring Scott now laughing wildly. "Aww come on, Pres, just one."

Alex shakes his head stiffly and answers seriously, "You always say that before "just one" turns into just two then just four and just one last. This is exactly why I'm staying with you today. The match is tomorrow and I will not have you drunk and hungover."

Stan huffs at him, "Cheap-o. You're no fun."

It takes a few moment for Alex to answers the childish comment, "I know."

Althought both his position and tone of voice did not change when he said it, you can see deep down that hurt him just now. Nobody seems to notice though so I don't say anything about it.

Alex asks Justin for the bathroom and the rest of the guys all move to sit together in front of the small house, planning to take it easy and drink to cool off a bit. It is pretty hot. I sit with them, close to Justin, for a few minutes before discretly excusing myself under the pretense of needing to go to the bathroom too when I actually just want to make sure Alex is fine.

Alright, and I really need to go but it can still wait.

When I get near the bathroom I notice the door isn't fully closed so I don't bother knocking or anything.

His glasses are off and safely set on the counter while he splashes cold water on his face.

I suprise him slightly when I speak up, "You should tell him."

He stiffens and looks up at me slowly in the mirror above the sink, "What?"

I repeat what I wanted to say, "If it bothers you, you should tell him. Although I don't think he meant it."

He calmly puts his glasses back on, unbothered, "It's fine. And he did."

I hum lightly, wondering how he's so sure. I blurt out the first thing that comes to mind, "Are you in love with him?"

He frowns, probably wondering where did that come from. He shakes his head, "It's not like that."

I raise an eyebrow, not entirely sure I'm convinced, "Really?"

He nods, "He's a...Friend. I guess. Don't have too many of those so I'm not sure. Either way, I know him and he rarely says anything he doesn't mean. I'm serious, I like to study, read, write, think and he's playful, flirty, he's occasionally serious but not when it counts and he doesn't think. Or should I say, he doesn't like to think too much. Yet...Even though we're so different and I'm always going to be crashing his parties with my irritating lectures, he still always listens to me. He says I'm not fun but he doesn't let anyone else tell me the same even if I'm getting in the way of their fun."

I hate to have to interrupt him lost in his thoughts but, "Alex-"

He chuckles, "Besides, there's no way I could have a girlfriend or a boyfriend for that matter. My parents already planned everything I'd do since I was a child. Stan is simply...Somebody who took the time to know me."

"Hum, Alex? I'm sorry but I really need to pee."

XXX

The guys stayed to help with the furniture when it got here. Besides Scott getting a toe smashed, it went pretty much without any problems. We had a small barbecue outside afterwards for lunch and they left shortly after in the afternoon. Jason and me spent the rest of the afternoon organizing everything in both of our rooms.

My mother came in the evening, bringing us dinner since we were too busy to notice how late it was already. I briefly told Jason we'd have to go get some food to ourselves the next day.

Since we are going back to school tomorrow morning, we decided to relax with a movie in my new room. We settled in my bed and despite the rather boring movie, we watched it all.

Maybe we both just wanted to push back the fact that we'd be sleeping in different rooms and different beds for as long as we could. I know I did.

Jason took a shower before going to sleep. I could hear him when I was laying in my bed. The walls on this thing aren't what you'd call thick. I tried not to concentrate too much on every little noise that would probably bring me another restless night. Just thinking about what he could be doing in there... I had to squash the strong urge to get up and find out several times. I breathe a sigh of relief almost loud enough for him to hear when he finally gets out.

That night was the worst of my life. Plenty of tossing and turning and seldom any sleep and rest.

I wasn't a ray of sunshine in the morning, not to mention it was pretty embarrassing. Waking up with the usual morning wood reminded me I'd have to go out of my room this way to get to the bathroom and take care of it. Thankfully, it was kinda early and Jason was still sleeping.

Geez, I don't remember when was the last time I had to sneak around and hide to masturbate. I groan, I want sex.

I took a quick boiling shower after relieving myself and Jason was finally up when I came out. In more ways then one it seems. One thing we had in common this morning. Looks like he hadn't notice though.

"Good morning." He mutters in a sleepy voice.

I grin, looking at the front of his boxer, "It certainly is now."

He blinks and look down to see what I'm looking at. "Oh."

I chuckle at his flushed face while he's trying his hardest to hide his state with his hands without much success.

I point behind me, "Bathroom's free."

He moans and squirms a bit, "I have to pee I can't like this."

I laugh stepping aside to let him go in before throwing over my shoulder, smirking, "Need a hand?"

XXX

Jason POV

Going back to school was weird.

Well not going back to shcool per sé but, after being ignored by everybody in this school for almost 5 years now, it was weird. Things had changed since Justing started hanging out with me. I wasn't just the homo anymore, I wasn't the social outcast, the reject.

Don't get me wrong, I was still mostly ignored in the sense that nobody wanted to talk to me any more then before but the difference was that now, they were looking at me. Like I was a freak but still. I guess I am pretty shy cuz I didn't like it. Didn't help that they all seem to know I was living with him now somehow.

As for things with Justin, last night was hell. I barely slept at all. I'm mad at myself for letting it get to me like that after only a few nights of sleeping in the same bed. It was confusing and it left me feeling patheticly...Needy.

We haven't had the chance to talk about how I was suppose to act in school when I was with him. Not that it matters, I'd never have the guts to go cuddle up to him either way. It kinda was a given that nobody would ever refer to Justin as gay no matter but I wasn't gonna push it. I wouldn't want him to be pissed at me for doing something wrong.

I might not have the courage to act on anything I was feeling, but that didn't mean I wasn't still feeling it. It also didn't take very long for my need for affection to turn into frustration. I was frustrated enough to actually be looking forward to P.E. in second period. I all but ran to the locker room.

I'm the first one in so I take the time to quickly change into a pair of shorts and t-shirt and sit on the bench in front of Justin's usual people are finally starting to come in I wait patiently until I spot Justin among the crowd.

I straighten up slightly and see him walking with John and Mike. It's been awhile since I saw John around and it briefly makes me wanna ask him how's Nick. While trying to stay focused on Justin, I also notice that Chris is nowhere to be seen and considering him and Mike are practically joined at the hip, it's pretty weird.

But none of that matters right now.

Justin, maybe sensing me staring at him, suddenly looks up. He seems a bit surprise but he smiles at me.

"Hey, what's up?" He asks me curiously, putting one hand on my cheek.

My eyes close on contact. I rub my cheek against his hand slowly, not able to resist and deny it anymore.

I can feel him tense up immediatly. I open my eyes to lock with his. There's no doubting how sad and pathetic I must seem like right now. He looks stun for a few seconds before he moves his hand behind my neck. He lightly pushes me up to my feet. He quickly apologizes to his friends before guiding me into of the two huge bathroom obviously meant more for changing then anything else.

He releases my neck to lock the door behind us. He turns back around to face me once it's done and I don't hesitate to go to him and hug him tight this time.

"What's wrong?"

He's worried about me. I shake my head buried in his chest, "Nothing. Just missed you."

His arms close around me, relieved. He bends his head closer to me until I can feel his hot breath on the side of my neck. I moan while he kisses my neck softly, his nose rubbing against me when his lips moves slowly higher to my jaw.

"You smell so good."

I let myself enjoy him placing tiny kisses all along my neck for a few more minutes before turning my face towards his to beg for a kiss. And he does, slowly at first until I push up on my toes to press harder against his lips and lick at his bottom lip slightly. He opens his mouth then, forcing mine open and pushes his tongue in. I grip his arms, shyly daring to meet his tongue. He groans loudly, gripping my butt with both hands pushing me tight against him and squeezing my cheeks.

I whine when he releases me abruptly but quiet down when he whips his shirt over his head and off. His hands quickly slide under my shorts to retake possession of my ass. His warm hands on my bare flesh makes me shudder. His mouth attach itself to my throat, kissing and bitting. One of his hands let go of my butt to grab the waistband of my shorts and impatiently push them down and under my butt.

He grabs me and hoist me up in his arms with the hand cupping my ass. Sensing what he wants I don't wrap my legs around his waist and instead just let them rest on his hip. It's a bit uncomfortable with my shorts still on leaving only my butt bare and the waistband squeezing me tight under it but I'm not about to say anything lest he stops. At this point I'm ready to let him do everything and anything he wants.

The damn shorts have to go. Apparently he feels the same way cuz next he's trying his best to push my shorts completely off without fully taking his body away from mine. I'm not sure how he's going to manage that without letting me at least get one leg down but he's more than welcome to try. I wonder why he hasn't just ripped the damn thing off already.

We're so into it that we totally forgot where we were. The sound of the bell ringing snaps us out of our trance. Never has there been a sound so horribly unwelcome at the moment.

We look at each other, frozen in place, mind still hazy. He swallows heavily and slowly let me get back down on my feet. I'm lightly trembling on wobbly legs. He bends down and rest his forehead against mine, fists tightly clenched on each side of my head on the wall. We're both still huffing and panting, desperatly trying to catch our breath.

He flexes his hips a bit, "I want to fuck you so bad."

His deep voice sends a shiver down my spine and the look I give him at his words is full of need, telling him I wouldn't mind if he did just that.

He groans at my look and covers my eyes with one hand whispering in my ear not to look at him like that.

Loud knocking makes him remove his hand. He turns to frown at the door.

"Yo, King, class is starting man." John warns loudly through the other side of the door.

Justin snaps, irritated, "Can I get changed, motherfucker?"

John snorts, "For ten minutes? Put your clothes back on and come on man. You can play with him later, right now we're playing volleyball."

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When we get to the gym, everybody is already there. John and Mike have already been chosen as the two team captains.

John smirks when he sees Justin who in turn scowls darkly at him. John and Mike rock-paper-scissor to decide who gets first dibs on the good players. John wins and smiles at Justin.

"You're in, King."

I always hated P.E. for various reasons, two of those being because I suck at sports in general and because everybody knows it and never pick me for their team.

After a few turns and almost all the decent players are gone, I see Justin leaning to whisper something to John while looking at me. I don't have time to wonder if maybe he's telling him to pick me when I hear my name being called from the other side.

Mike jerks his thumb behind him, "You're with me Jason."

He flashes a smug smile at Justin who looks pissed while I go join my team.

Part of me is happy I won't spend an hour and a half on a bench watching everybody else have fun but I'm a little nervous now that I'm actually going to play.

Mike comes to see me when everyone gets into position. "Hey, don't worry about it, okay? It's just for fun, besides we're not gonna lose, you're our secret defense."

I look at him oddly, "I am?"

"Yep."

I suddenly remember that Chris isn't here and decide to ask Mike about it. He smirks proudly, "Let's just say yesterday was rough and he wasn't up for any intense physical activities today."

I blush furiously realizing the meaning of his words.

He pats me on the back, "Come on, you're in front, we're gonna start."

Shocked, I try to stop him, "Wait! In front?! I can't play in front!"

He laughs, "Sure you can, all you have to do is stand there and wait for the ball."

Huh?

He points at Justin, "The guy smashes, so with you in front of the net he won't and nobody else is gonna dare try since you could get hurt and King would break their legs."

"Oh...Isn't that cheating though?"

He laughs again, shaking his head, "It's strategy and it's perfect. Come on, let's kick their asses."

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The game was the hot topic at lunch. Mike was doing everything he could to rub in Justin's face the fact that we won. There's just no beating Mike in sports.

John is the first one to defend his team, "That was a cheap shot putting him in front, Mike."

Mike snorts, "You should thank me for not letting him on your team. You would have lost by a lot more with King's attention focused solely on his ass."

John grunts, "Most likely true, especially since I broke their toilet fun earlier. I was kidding when I said on top of a toilet next, Justin."

I'm blushing beyond belief at this point, not believing how wanton I was barely a few hours ago. And the fact that everyone obviously knew what we were doing in there mortified me.

Justin settles on glaring intensely at the both of them while the very unusually silent Scott abruptly pushes up from his seat and leave.

John raise an eyebrow looking surprised, "What's his problem now?"

Mike and Stan just shrug.

Justin's glare changes direction, "I dunno what's up but he better knock it off cuz he's seriously starting to bother me."

Mike breaks the tense mood by grinning smugly at Justin, "So. How far did it go earlier?"

Justin mutters something close to not far enough but something obviously more interesting toward the cafeteria door catches Mike's attention and he stretches himself to have a better look, smiling widely.

Chris approaches our table rubbing his shoulder a little. He asks nobody in particular, "What's up with Scott now? He practically tackled me on his way out of here."

Stan shrugs, "The usual."

Chris comes to sit slowly besides Mike who's openly grinning at him.

"You're laughing."

The smug is back on Mike's face and he points out, "You're limping."

Chris scoffs seeing his look, "It's all your fault."

Mike replies smiling softly, "I know."

Chris crinkles his nose slightly in mild annoyance and states, "You're proud of it."

"Yep."

Chris sighs as if he's used to Mike always being this way and then turns his attention back on the rest of us who were looking at them.

"So, what did I miss this morning?"

XXX

I head outside with John when the afternoon break comes. First thing I do once out is get out my old pack of cigarettes, light one and take a long drag.

John raise an eyebrow, "And here I thought Jason would rid you of that nasty habit."

"Shut up, John."

He laughs at me, "Never thought I'd see the day where you would be sexually frustrated."

I growl angrily, "You're the one who's so damn calm-" My eyes widen a bit, realization coming to me.

I turn my face to blink in his direction, "You gobbled the shortie."

He retorts with, "And why haven't you yet? Sure sounded like you were on the right track earlier."

I grunt and throw my half done smoke, "It's complicated. He's driving me crazy. I don't wanna push him but he looks like he wants to. I guess I just don't know how to go about it. Never had to worry about that before, you know."

John shakes his head, "You've only been sleeping with girls who came at you with their legs wide open before. Sure you'll have to do all the work but isn't that good? Besides, like you said, he's more than ready from what I saw before when you dragged him in the bathroom."

Not wanting to remember how aroused I was then and how good Jason smelled, the soft moans he made and- I quickly change the subject.

"So, about tonight, is it still on?"

John smirks, amused at me for changing the topic. "It's on."

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The baseball game is tonight and I'm taking Jason.

While he thinks we're only going to support Stan, I've got a little surprise planned for him. I glance at him from the corner of my eye while shifting speed. He's squirming and fidgeting a bit in his seat.

"Aren't we gonna be late?"

I look at the clock, "The game starts at 8, not 7."

He looks up at me, probably confused as to why I would come here an hour early. When we arrive, he stares around the already almost full parking while I find us a space to park. He probably thinks we're early to get some decent seats but I already arranged that earlier. He hesitates and looks around shyly when I take his hand in mine. Doubting anybody will even notice, I squeeze his hand once to reassure him before guiding him towards the first rows of seats.

"Justin, I don't think there's any seats left that way. Maybe we should go further back."

I shrug, "I asked John to save us some seats before."

"Oh." He asks, puzzled, "Then why are we so early if not to get seats?"

"I figured you might wanna talk a bit before the game starts."

He frowns, still confused, "Talk?"

Stopping, I point in the direction of John in the middle of the row besides where we're standing in the aisle.

He cocks his head slightly, wondering what I'm talking about. I see him suddenly straightening, his eyes widening and his mouth dropping open. He quickly turns up to me and smiles brightly, "Thank you!"

I smile back at him and let his hand go, motioning him to go ahead. He squeezes himself quickly between the people already seated to go join Nick who's now standing up and waiting for him. They hug tightly for a few moments, both surprised to see the other. They sit down besides each other and immediatly start talking.

I take my seat besides Jason and shoot John a quick nod. We're both pleased they like our little surprise. I've never seen Jason smile so much before. Seeing him so happy, I make a note to plan something else again for the four of us to do in the future.

-End of ch9-