Chapter 19

Let’s Play A Game Of Chess

The next morning, Aerys slept in till almost noon. He had actually awoken at about nine that morning, but he just didn’t want to get up. It just wasn’t worst the hassle; it wasn’t worth all the crap he was going through. As he lay there, last night kept on playing through his mind.

The disastrous confrontation with Lucien

The dance with Cameron.

When he thought about both incidents, he was mixed with the strong pull of uncontrolled fear and then the fleeting butterflies of a nervous happiness.

It was making him sick.

There wasn’t anyway this day could get any worse.

Maybe he could stay in the bed forever.

When he heard the grandfather clock chime noon, he sighed and decided it was time to at least get out of the bed. Cameron would probably come looking for him soon, and Aerys didn’t want to make the blonde worry.

As he slid out of the bed, however, someone knocked on the bedroom door. After a few seconds, the door cracked open and Cameron peaked in.

Aerys froze for a moment, sitting on the side of the bed, but then gave a weak smile and waved the blonde in. Cameron was dressed in his usual nice slacks and a button-up shirt. The redhead suddenly felt very lazy and self-conscious, dressed in nothing but his boxer pajama bottoms and a t-shirt.

“Hi.”

“Hey.”

“Um…” Aerys fiddled with the hem of his t-shirt.

“Sorry, if I’m intruding, I just… need to talk to you.” Cameron said, looking at Aerys hopefully. Aerys frowned.

“Alright.”

Cameron nodded and, after hesitating for the slightest moment, walked over and plopped down on the foot of the bed.

The two settled down, facing each other. There was a pregnant pause, both looking questioningly at the one across from them. Aerys curious about what Cameron wanted to ask and Cameron didn’t exactly know how Aerys would react to what he wanted to ask.

Cameron decided to simply come out and say what was on his mind.

“Is there something going on between you and Lucien?”

The pause before Cameron’s question was nothing compared the tense silence afterwards.

“What?” Aerys was dumbfounded. He didn’t quite get what Cameron was asking.

Surely Cameron didn’t mean….

“Are you and Lucien together or something?”

Aerys’ eyes bulged.

“NO!” The answer was all but yelled, firm and disbelieving. Cameron nearly fell off the bed in surprise from Aerys’ loud response. Once he regained himself, Cameron waited a second before starting again.

“O…k… Are you two-“

“We’re not anything.” Aerys interrupted hotly.

“Right. Well, I can give you his address and everything if you want to go over there…” Cameron trailed off.

Aerys had no idea where Cameron was going with this. Cameron had seemed rather adamant about not being a part of Aerys’ love life and now he was asking if Aerys and Lucien were… together?

Aerys paused for a second, trying to make sense of the situation. It took him a moment, but then something clicked.

“Cameron, are you trying… to set me up… with Lucien?”

Cameron flushed and opened his mouth to object, but all that came out was incoherent syllables as Cameron tried, and failed miserably, to explain himself. Aerys buried his face in his hands.

He couldn’t believe this!

This was not supposed to be happening.

“IT WAS CATH’S IDEA!!” Cameron suddenly shouted, trying to keep himself from further shame and embarrassment. “I mean, you and Lucien have been really nice and flirty to each other lately and then you asked me for his number-“

Aerys’ head snapped up at this.

Cameron had taken his asking for Lucien’s number that way?

“-and you were kinda out of it after your conversation with him. And then, we saw you two dancing together at the party. He kissed you on the cheek!!”

Did you see me haul off and bitch slap him afterwards? Aerys thought crudely, but didn’t voice his comment.

“I thought it was weird that you later asked me to dance, but Lucien had disappeared so I guessed you were just bored. Anyways, Cath’s always trying to get Lucien settled down with someone and well, she practically interrogated me and I let it slip that you were gay. So Cath wanted me to talk to you because she thought you guys looked….” Cameron scrunched up his nose, “very sweet together and would probably be a good couple.”

Ok, they obviously did not see me slap Lucien. I can’t believe this!! They all think that me …. and …. Lucien….. Oh god, of all people, LUCIEN!!

Aerys groaned dejectedly. He remained still, but then straightened himself and tried to reject Cameron’s offer without revealing too much.

He didn’t want to drag Cameron into his and Lucien’s rivalry.

“Cameron, me and Lucien do not like each other that way. We were just having fun dancing and we were just… getting to know each other. I… I only like one person, Cameron, and you know perfectly well who that is.”

Cameron promptly turned an even brighter red at this. He glanced down at the bed and began playing with a fold in the comforter.

“So tell Cath that she can’t play match maker, ok? I’ve already found someone.” Aerys finished sadly. Cameron refused to meet Aerys’ green gaze.

“Well, maybe you’re being too hasty with this.” Cameron said after a moment, “You should give Lucien a chance, its ok with me. I mean you don’t have to hide your feelings from me because I don’t approve of homosexuality. You and Lucien might be a good match; both of you seem to get along fine and maybe the person you’ve found isn’t what you think.” The blonde paused, hesitating, “It would probably be better… for all of us…if you two….did date-”

“No, Cameron.” Aerys’ voice was now monotone, hard and devoid of emotion. He was sitting as still and straight as a statue, clearly not liking their conversation.

So Cameron thought that Aerys was just toying with him, he thought that Aerys might actually like Lucien? Cameron seemed to be under the impression that if Aerys dated Lucien, everything would be better!

That would do nothing but create absolute chaos. It would only make everything worse. Much, much worse.

Cameron sunk at Aerys’ reply, visibly deflating as he realized he was failing to make Aerys see his point. His voice was small and weak when he spoke.

“Ok. I’ll tell Cath no.” Cameron then stood up quickly and left.

Once he was gone, Aerys all but broke down, flopping onto his back on the bed and covering his tearing face with his hands.

Why did everything have to be so messed up?

Aerys had never guessed he could have been so wrong.

This day was definitely getting worse.

---

“Hi Cameron.” Cath said quickly between licks of her mint-chocolate-chip ice cream.

“Hey, Cath.” Cameron answered, flopping down in his chair. Without another word, he pulled out a music theory book and started reading.

Cath watched him for a second and leaned forward, “Did you talk to Aerys?”

“Yes.”

“And?”

“He said no.”

“Damn!” She was silent for a while, but then sighed, “We’re going to have to try again. Maybe he’s just shy or something.”

“I don’t think it’s gonna work, Cath.”

He’s already stuck on me…. Cameron mentally added, the very thought making him depressed. And I'm...

“What exactly are we talking about here?” Tyler broke in curiously. Jerome also had his head perked towards them, interested in what was going on.

“Nothing, hun. You two just go back to your work.” Cath said quickly. She turned her attention back to Cameron, “Oh, don’t give up already. These things take time and effort. We can talk to Lucien when he gets here…. Speak of the devil!!”

Cameron raised his head and saw Lucien making his way over to their table. The sinking feeling in Cameron’s gut magnified to an almost unbearable degree. Maybe he should get Cath’s attention and tell her the entire story, that Aerys was not interested in Lucien because the he liked Cameron. He knew she was just trying to make everyone happy, but this might cause more damage than it was worth.

But something, deep inside, made Cameron remain silent.

Maybe… It would be better if he let Cath try and hook Lucien and Aerys up.

A deep, dark part of him actually wanted Aerys and Lucien to get together. It made him sick to think he would actually let this happen, but it would save him from having to reject both of their affections. Lucien and Aerys could be happy together and then Cameron would not have to deal with either of them liking him.

Then there was the unexpected feelings Cameron had when he had danced with Aerys. If anything, any thought of that incident sent his heart racing even faster and he became extremely jumpy.

I can't believe I thought Aerys was...cute...

Cameron felt horrible about doing it, but he said nothing as Lucien sat at their table and Cath immediately started talking with him.

“Hi, Luce.”

“Hey, chicky.” Lucien answered, as he settled down, propping is feet on the chair across from him.

“How have you been lately?”

“Fine.” Lucien frowned. He could already tell that Cath was up to something.

“Anything interesting happening?” Cath asked innocently, “Met anyone?”

Lucien caught on immediately and raised one eyebrow, “And you want to know this why?”

“Oh, come of it, Lucien. We saw you and Aerys last night. And a little birdie," Cath glanced at Cameron, “Told me that Aerys has been asking for your number.”

Lucien paused for a moment, quickly evaluating his situation. He could tell that neither one of them had noticed the tenseness between him and Aerys; nor had they seen everything that had happened on the dance floor, such as Aerys slapping him. The black haired man decided to play it cool and simply laughed, “Are you trying to get me and Aerys together?”

“Wait! What?” Tyler interjected loudly, now seeing what they were talking about.

Cath rolled her eyes, “Relax, Tyler. And yes that’s exactly what I’m trying to do.”

“Aerys is gay?” Jerome piped up, cocking his head to the side.

“Quite.” Cath said excitedly. She turned towards the rest of the group, “They were dancing together last night. It was so hot! Now, don’t you think he and Lucien would be so cute together?”

Tyler grumbled and slumped back in his chair. Jerome however, smiled.

“I think they would be! What about you Cameron?”

Cameron hesitated, “I guess.”

No one seemed to notice his pause except for Lucien, who had been carefully watching for it. Lucien picked up on Cameron nervousness with a practiced ease and already he was thinking about what he should do.

Giving it a moment’s thought, Lucien knew exactly what he was going to do.

“You know, Cath,” Lucien said casually after a dramatic pause, “I think you’re right.”

“Really?” Cath squealed.

“What?!” Cameron and Tyler said at the same time, Cameron stunned and Tyler disgusted.

“Cool.” Jerome ended it smartly, grinning.

“Well,” Lucien drawled, leaning back in his chair and getting comfortable, "Aerys seems like a really cool person. Kinda young though, but totally hot. I guess I could give it a try.”

“Lucien, I talked with Aerys. He’s not interested.” Cameron said quietly before Cath could continue.

Lucien smirked. He knew the internal dilemma that was going inside Cameron was probably eating the blonde up. From the way everyone was acting, Cameron had told no one that Aerys was in fact, also in love with him.

This was Cameron’s last ditch attempt to cover for Aerys.

And himself.

“Can’t blame a guy for trying.” Lucien said simply, but he could that Cameron easily caught the undertone of his statement. “Besides, Aerys is probably just shy. I have your number. Maybe I’ll call him tonight.”

What Lucien didn't know was that Cameron was covering a lot more than just Aerys's feelings for him.

A lot more.

---

After dinner, Aerys got up and sulked off to his room. He had been antisocial all day, but that didn’t stop Cameron and Father from worrying about him.

The redhead went back to his room and lay down, snuggling deep under the covers. He wished he could disappear in them.

I’m just acting like some pouting baby, aren’t I? Aerys thought as he gazed emptily at the ceiling. Oh well, I don’t really care at the moment.

He didn’t hear the light knock on his door until someone slowly cracked it open. The face peering hesitantly from the other side was Cameron’s.

It was almost a de-ja-vu on this morning.

“Phone.” Cameron said quietly, seeing as Aerys wasn’t going to say anything. Aerys grudgingly took the phone and once it was in Aerys’ grasp, Cameron quickly left the room.

Aerys watched the blonde’s retreating back sadly, and he almost forgot the phone altogether. He slowly placed the phone next to his ear.

“Hello?”

“Hey, dahlin’” A familiar smooth voice drawled, making Aerys hair stand on end.

“….. Lucien?”

“The one and only.”

Aerys almost hung up right then and there. However, he decided against it.

“Why are you calling me?”

“Because I’m playing the role of the ever loving boyfriend.”

Aerys shot up in his bed, suddenly very much awake and alert.

“Excuse me?”

“Oh, you didn’t hear about that? It appears that everyone saw our little dance and kissey kissey at the party. That, plus the fact that you want my number makes everyone think we have a little something going on between us. I just kind of, egged it on, I guess you could say…”

Aerys’ face twisted into a look of fury. He was appalled; He couldn’t even comprehend how Lucien could do this. What had Lucien told them?

“You ass!!! How could you?! Well, it doesn’t really matter. I already told Cameron there’s nothing going on between us and that I hate your guts, so I guess that won’t work. You can’t use this to keep me away from him.”

“Oh, but Aerys, don’t you understand? I’m not trying to keep you from him. That’s too difficult and can get messy. I’m keeping him from you.”

With those words, it was as if time itself had suddenly stopped. Aerys could just imagine Lucien on the other end, giving a dramatic pause to let the information soak in.

“Cameron won’t go near you now, if he thinks we’re interested in each other. He’s been trying to shake me for a year and you’re the perfect opportunity. I said I was interested in you and he thinks you’re just being modest when you say you don’t like me. You have to admit that we have been very civil towards each other in public. Cameron simply wants everyone to be happy, I guess. However, if all goes well, I might be able to have a chance with him.”

Aerys glanced hopelessly around the room, letting the information sink in. He refused to let his stress show however as he talked to into the phone. “How’s that? He won’t go near you either.”

“Yes, it’s a small sacrifice, but it will help me get to what I want. It’s the pawn you give up to catch the king in checkmate.”

“Lucien, this isn’t some kind of game. This isn’t a… a chess board!! These are people’s lives!!”

“I beg to differ, love. What else is life but a game? And even if you don’t agree with me on that, it doesn’t matter. The pieces are now moving Aerys. The game started when you entered Cameron’s life. I became your opponent when you decided to go after him.”

“You, of all people should know that you can’t control who you love.”

“True. But that’s only taught me that I have to fight for what I want. Which is what I’m doing. Do you like to play chess, Aerys?”

“No, I don’t!! Lucien, you can’t do this.”

“Too bad. And, I can do this, so let’s play.”

“I’m hanging up now.” Aerys sneered into the receiver, “Call me back when you’re sane.”

“Will do. See ya later, love.”

Aerys stabbed at the talk button, ending their conversation, and threw the phone across the room, where it hit the wall with a dull thud.

---

A/N: Ok, BIG NEWS! I am changing my update day to Saturday. I'm sorry if this upsets anyone, but I think it will be easier for me to keep a solid updating schedule. I mean Fridays are just really really busy, with school and then Friday nights, plus I like updating on Saturdays more anyways. Saturdays are more relaxed and not as hectic.

Ok, so, I hope you like the chapter. Don't you just LOVE drama? Hehehe

Pfieffer - Poor Cameron is so confused. And I'm sorry, but no, there is no recording of Jerome's song, though it would be cool if someday a musician decided to actually make it into an actual song.

Harper Bell - Lucien makes me depressed. /sad face/ but then, Cameron is starting to notice a certain little redhead. However, then this happens…..

Orangeena - Cameron does nee to loosen up and Aerys is just the man to do it. Lucien just needs to grow up/big sigh/

Anego - If someone actually performed Jerome's song I could die happy/dances/

Lalalalelelel - I think I've finally gotten the hang of typing your pen name. Lol. /Is so proud of self/

Kian - I'm so proud of Cameron. Well, WAS proud. Until this happened. /sigh/ And Lucien will learn that even the best-laid plans can backfire. /insert evil cackle here/

Magalina - I love that song. And yes, Cameron is soon going to grow exceptionally attached to our little redheaded beauty.

Midnights Scream - Really, you think people would like it? I hope so. I worked hard on it! Lol.

Killian - Lucien needs to be sent to time out, I swear. I was so happy with that scene between Aerys and Cameron. It was cute.

NewAgeRembrandt - I reviewed you little nag, and I emailed you. /big innocent smiley face/ And when are you updating, oh God-of-all-that-is-The-Smallest-Elephant?!?!?! HMMM?!?!?!

Ddz008 - Yes, I love Lucien, but he needs to be punished right now because he's being an ass. I'm glad you like my story and thanks you for reviewing! Now go do your homework!!!! Lol.

Jono - I is updating. I is updating. Hold onto your panties. I changed my update day. And even if you don’t read it right away. Just think you'll have TWO chapters next time you come to ficpress!!

much luv

shoes