Love Story

Author: McCoy's Girl

Rated: M

Summery: When Aster starts dating Zane; Adrian will do everything in his power to make Aster his own. Implied Jesse/Jaden.

One

Aster breathed in deeply, the warm breeze and the smell of the tennis courts filled his lungs. He felt at peace here. "Hey Aster, I thought I would find you here," said a voice he recognized. Aster turned to face his best friend, Jaden. He smiled.

"Hey Jay. Where's Syrus and Hassleberry?" he asked.

"Oh they went home already so they can open Rainbow Neos up by 5. Jesse and I have the night off. I think they can handle without us being there. Though we are going there to party later tonight. You're welcome to come, if you want," Jaden replied, taking a seat next to his friend.

"Thanks, but you guys have fun. You don't want me to tag along." Jaden could hear the sadness in the silver-teen's voice.

"But everybody's going to show up. Come on, Ast. Please?" Jaden practically begged. Aster smiled.

"Is Zane going to be there?" he asked softly, blushing a bit. Jaden nodded.

"Yeah, I think he's going to stop by and check it out," he said, with confidence.

"Okay, I'll come," Aster said, giving in.

"Hey, watch it Truesdale!" Jesse yelped as the ball flew by him, nearly hitting him in the face. Jaden and Aster turned to watch the remaining practice match. Zane smirked.

"Sorry Andersen. Next time pay attention, before that ball messes your face."

"Ha, ha. You're a real charmer, Truesdale. So when's the next match?" Zane rolled his eyes.

"You should know, you're the co-captain. But it's at Graystone Park. We're up against North Academy." Jesse cringed.

"Ouch, that's a tough school to beat."

"No kidding," Zane agreed. "They're not going to show us any mercy either."

Jesse nodded. "What time do they start?"

"Two, but we should be there by one." Jaden looked towards Aster with a grin.

"I'm assuming you're going to the match?" he asked.

"Yep, wouldn't miss it. What about you? You know Zane Truesdale and Jesse Andersen are the best tennis players in Neo Domino," Aster replied with a hint of pride in his voice.

"Sure am. But I bet you can be just as good as them," Jaden said.

"Don't be ridiculous…"

"I'm serious, Ast. You've watched them…Zane since you first came to Domino High. And that was two years ago. It's about time you put your skills to the test. Go have a match with Zane," Jaden suggested.

Aster blushed deep red. "Jaden, you know I can't. I couldn't concentrate. Besides, I'm not wearing gym clothes."

"I'm not taking no for an answer, Aster Phoenix," said Jaden standing up suddenly and grabbing Aster's hand. He dragged the flushed 16 year-old down the bleachers towards the tennis courts, to the inside of the courts. "Hey Zane!"

Zane looked up from drinking water from his water bottle. Aster turned away, blushing. Zane smirked, seeing the familiar silver-haired teen from his dueling and tennis matches. He knew the young teen had a crush on him. "Hey Jaden, what do you want?" he asked.

"Aster wanted to know if he can have a match with you, if you have time."

"Of course I have time. Are you any good, Phoenix?" Zane asked, making Aster face him.

"I think I am. I've been watching you play for two years," Aster admitted. Zane smirked.

"Let's put your skills to the test, then. Hey Jesse, can Aster burrow your racket?"

"Sure, here Aster," Jesse said, tossing his green racket towards the teen. Aster caught it gracefully. "Good luck. Zane's not an easy opponent. Even I have trouble beating him."

"So I've noticed," Aster said.

Proshipping

The two of them had a great match. They scored two deuces before Zane finally beat him. "You're pretty good, Phoenix. I might consider putting you onto our team," Zane told him seriously, as he tossed the ball to him. Aster caught it and placed it in the basket where the other tennis balls were kept. Aster blushed at the compliment.

"Thanks, but doesn't the coach usually make that decision?"

"True, but I am the captain don't forget. I can put in a word for you."

"Okay, when I get in, I'll do my best for you." Zane smiled and winked at him.

"That's what I want to hear, from my favorite fanboy," he smirked, making Aster blush furiously.

"Oh shut up."

"Hey Zane?" Zane looked up from talking with Aster to Jesse and Jaden. They were leaning against the locker rooms for the tennis courts. "Why don't you get changed so the four of us can have a double date?" Jesse suggested.

Aster's eyes widened. "But we're not dating!" he protested.

"You're coming with us Aster, whether you want to or not," Zane said seriously. He looked to Jesse again. "Which restaurant?"

"That new burger place downtown, Cheeseburger in Paradise, I think." Zane nodded.

"Sounds good. Go on ahead and reserve a table. We'll be there in 15 minutes."

After Jesse and Jaden left, Zane thought he sensed something. "If you want, I can just wait for you out here," Aster said.

"No," Zane said immediately, and he literally dragged the young teen into the boys' locker room. He pinned Aster against a locker, shocking the silver-haired teen.

"What's going on, Zane?" Aster asked softly.

"It's Gecko. I've been noticing him watching you on several occasions. I don't like the look in his eyes."

"You think he's out to get me?" Aster asked, nervously.

"I do. Look, I just don't want you to get hurt," Zane says, showing some emotions in his eyes. Aster turned his head away.

"Why are you doing this to me?"

Aster felt Zane's fingers gently grab his chin and forced him to look into his eyes. Aster trembled slightly as Zane closed the gap between them and claimed the silver-haired teen's untouched lips. Aster's hands were pressed against the locker as he tried to press his body closer to Zane's. He kissed Zane back, deepening the kiss, showing Zane exactly what he wanted. It was a few minutes of heated passion before Zane pulled away.

"I've fallen in love with your dedication to watch me during my matches. I want to protect you from him. You're pure and innocent, and I won't let him take that away from you…."

"I love you too," Aster responded quickly, which shut Zane up. "Go get cleaned up and we'll do that double-dinner date with Jaden and Jesse," the silverette responded.

"Wait for me, my little bitch," Zane smirks, before grabbing a towel and headed for the showers.

"So I'm your bitch now?" Aster asked.

"Forever and always," Zane smirked, before disappearing into a shower stall. After a minute, Aster could hear the running and Zane humming a soft tune.

Just outside the boys' locker room, a lone figure was leaning against the wall, with his arms crossed his chest, and one of his legs on the wall, keeping his balance. "You may have stolen Phoenix's first kiss, but he will be mine."