Jack, Kenny, Alex and Kyle walked towards the restaurant. Jack was obviously bothered by Kyle's silence earlier.
Alex was curious as to what untold secrets had contributed to Kyle's reaction. However, he sensed that it was deeply personal and decided against pursuing an answer.
Kenny merely sighed while looking towards the ground. He felt really bad for Kyle.. He has never truly ever been the same since… that night..
Kyle had always been nervous since then. He had recovered a tiny bit since then, but Kenny and Stan knew that the pain remained since then. It didn't help that Kyle still wanted to find love, but was too afraid to pursue it...
Perhaps a nice trip to Disneyland would take his mind off things.. Even if it was just for a bit..
After their dinner, Jack and Kyle headed off, leaving Alex and Kenny alone.
Kenny shook his head as he watched them leave.
"I'm still worried about him.." Kenny uttered aloud.
"I have faith that they will be there for each other when they need it most," Alex responded.
"Let's hope you're right.." Kenny sighed.
"Guys?" Stan asked, as he walked up. "So it's true?"
Kenny sighed and nodded.
"Yeah, it's true, man."
Stan took a deep breath, and looked out towards the disappearing car. "You don't think Jack will hurt him?"
"No, no! Of course not.." Kenny said. "Or at least.. I don't think so.." He finished, still a little unsure.
"Jack wouldn't harm a fly. Well… probably because it's reflexes are far more advanced, but still!" Alex said.
Stan chuckled. "I know, it's just, ever since it happened, he's been nervous. But he still wanted to find someone, but he was also worried he never would...I just hope Jack doesn't break his heart. It can't take any more pain..."
"The key to any good relationship is honesty; if one or both of them aren't content, they will let each other know. The longer a lie develops, the more pain it will cause the victim," Alex replied.
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Kyle shot out of bed.
He was covered in cold sweat. The images of that horrid night vivid, and the pain burning again…
He looked around frantically, before realizing where he was. Jack looked at him in shock and concern from the other bed.
The look on his face was one of absolute helplessness. He didn't know what had caused this, and he didn't know what to do…
The darkness of the room ate away at him. The same darkness from that night.
That was too much. Hot tears fell down his cheeks as he began to sob, cradling his head in his hands.
Suddenly, he felt someone wrap their arms around him. But this time, it wasn't rough or restraining. It was gentle and comforting. Kyle looked at Jack, his eyes red from the tears.
Jack looked at him with no judgement, and no questions. Their eyes locked for a second, and Kyle felt something begin to glow in him. Jack had accepted his request to sleep in different beds without protest earlier. That fact comforted him. Jack respected what he had wanted, and didn't ask a question. He didn't pry. He gave him his space.
And now, Kyle was leaning against him, their eyes locked.
Kyle saw in his eyes that Jack cared for him. That his concern was just making sure that he felt better, not why this happened.
For the first time, he felt better.
That fact caused more tears to flow, while he leaned against Jack's chest, sniffling softly.
Jack wrapped an arm around him, and began slowly caress his back. "It's alright..." Jack said softly. Kyle closed his eyes, and listened to Jack's comforting words and his heartbeat.
He felt a slight shiver. The A/C just turned on.
Jack leaned back, and pulled the covers over them. The warmth, and Jack's arm around him increased Kyle's feelings of comfort. And his feeling of safety. Jack turned his head slightly, so their foreheads were touching.
"I'm sorry, Kyle." Jack finally said.
"What?" Kyle asked in surprise.
"I'm sorry. I've noticed that you were nervous since before dinner, and that maybe I shouldn't have taken you out here. Did...I ask you out too soon? If you're not ready-"
"No." Kyle interjected. "I...I'm not ready for anything like that, but, this, right now is perfect. I feel safer here, with you."
Jack looked into those beautiful emerald eyes, and said softly. "I know Stan and Kenny are worried, and I respect your decision if you don't want to date yet. I won't make you do anything you don't absolutely want to."
Kyle snuggled up a little closer. "I do want to stay with you right now. And I am so happy to be able to spend a weekend here, with you. This...is kindness that I can't repay."
"Anything for you, babe."
Kyle felt a bit warmer at that, and asked softly. "Jack?"
"Yes?"
"If something like this happens again, and you're there, can you...just do this again? I don't care what's going on. I feel safe right now. In your arms."
Jack pulled him a bit closer. "Even if nothing is going on, could we still do this?"
Kyle smiled. "Of course."
For the first time in years, he felt better. Not like he had risen past it, but was starting to. It was the first step.
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Drew left the restaurant a bit after everyone else because, due to his newfound stardom, people just wouldn't leave him be for a bit..
He imagined the hype would die down a bit once enough time passed..
Or hell, maybe it wouldn't.
Regardless, once he finally managed to escape, he stepped out into the night, the bright lights of Denver illuminating the sky.
Before he figured out who would be his ride home, he heard a voice call,
"Drew!"
Drew sighed.
'Oh no.. I hope it's not more fans.. I need a bit of time to myself!' Drew thought.
Those thoughts were soon put to rest when Drew saw Bebe approaching him with a sight grin. Drew grinned in return, happy to see someone he knew for a change.
Especially someone he saw as the most beautiful-
Drew widened his eyes.
He didn't just.. think that, did he? Oh, who was he kidding! Of course he was! He'd already said it before, hadn't he?
"Me, Token, Butters, and Wendy are about to head back home.. Need a ride?"
Drew was about to accept, but he remembered that he had forgot to discuss details with Dana White about his pay..
How much was he gonna be paid for that fight anyways!? Drew already knew you got paid more if you win, instead of losing.. Not to mention the potential extra bonuses on top of that..
"I would, Bebe.." Drew said with a sheepish grin. "But I gotta head back to the Pepsi Center before Dana White leaves.. I forgot to discuss my pay details with him.."
"Oh.." Bebe said, looking to the side. "That's fine.."
There was silence, before she asked a few seconds later,
"So.. I guess I'll see you at school on Monday then?.."
Drew looked down slightly. He didn't like the vibe here.. He felt like he had to say something! Like there was something he wanted to say!
He knew damn well what it was..
Drew looked at Bebe, who cocked a brow, awaiting a response.
'Say something, dammit!' Drew thought.
"Uh, y- yeah.." Drew nervously replied. It was blatantly obvious when he spoke..
Bebe giggled slightly and asked,
"Everything okay?"
"Y- Yeah.." Drew replied with a nervous chuckle. He didn't know why, but everytime she spoke.. Everytime he looked into her eyes.. He just felt butterflies in his stomach..
'Now's your chance!' Drew thought once again.
"W- Well, actually, Bebe.." Drew finally got the nerve to speak up. Bebe cocked a brow once more with a slight grin, awaiting what he was gonna say. "I was thinking that maybe.. We can do something sometime? Tomorrow maybe?..."
Bebe smiled warmly.
"I'd love to.." She replied. "Glad you asked."
In that one instant, Drew's confidence soared to new heights! He smiled and he said,
"Awesome! So, I guess I'll see you then?.."
Bebe merely pulled out a small piece of paper, grabbed his hand, and gave it to him.
"Call me.." Bebe simply said. To Drew's surprise, she gave him a peck on the cheek before she walked off.
Drew stood there with his eyes widened and his mouth agape.
Had that really just happened!?
Sure enough, when he opened up the slip of paper, there was a phone number on it!
Drew chuckled a bit at that, pretty proud of himself, and happy that she had said yes.
"Wait 'till I tell everyone about this.." Drew muttered to himself with a happy smirk on his face.
He then snapped out of it, remembering he still had some business to settle..
In an instant, he made his way towards the Pepsi Center, which was a mere couple blocks away..
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Jack awoke the next morning to curly red hair inches from his face. He looked down a bit to see Kyle resting softly.
His current calm and content temperament only made the previous night's incident feel stranger. He had seen the look in Kyle's eyes. The primal fear. The terror. Whatever happened to have caused that, it must have been awful.
He needed to know. He needed to know so he could know how to help his boyfriend. It was obvious that there was a lot more to Kyle's past then he thought. His great uncle had served in Vietnam, and described that same thing. PTSD.
Something bad had happened to Kyle sometime in the past, and it had hurt him dearly. He didn't know what to do. He did the only thing he could. He comforted his boyfriend.
He held him like that for a good thirty minutes before the trembling stopped. Kyle fell asleep about an hour after the incident, a peaceful sleep.
Jack laid there for a good hour more. His mind was filled with questions and concerns. But most of all...determination. Before this, it seemed more casual. Kyle was a friend, and he was cute, and he was gay, so Jack finally got up the courage to ask.
But now…
He had made a commitment when he asked Kyle out. He would make certain that he felt safe, protected, and loved. He wasn't a prick who used their date just for sex, or as a trophy. He had never really had a date before, but he always felt that if you had a date, or a spouse, you should be loyal, supportive, and caring.
Kyle obviously needed that. Kenny's words were still with him.
He would make sure the redhead sleeping peacefully beside him was happy, safe, and loved.
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"Drew.." Dana White greeted with a slight grin as Drew stepped into his temporary office. "Come on in, take a seat.."
Drew did as suggested and sat down in a nearby chair across from Dana White.
"So, Champ, what's on your mind?" Dana asked with a grin.
Drew chuckled at Dana's joke.
"I was just wondering when I might be able to get paid, how it'll get to me, how much exactly-"
"You can either come into my office after the event is over like you are now, or you can fill out a form with the proper information and we can send a check in the mail.. Your call."
"I think I'll take one of those forms.." Drew replied. Dana nodded and opened a nearby drawer, pulling out a slip of paper and handing it to Drew.
"There you are.. Just mail it to our headquarters in LA.. We'll get ya sorted out." Dana ended with a smile.
"Thanks, Dana.." Drew said while shaking his hand, before he stood up to leave.
"Hold on, where ya going?" Dana White asked. Drew cocked a brow. There was more? "You want your fight money, don't ya?"
Drew chuckled slightly. How could he forget?
Dana White filled out a check and handed it to Drew, saying,
"There you go, Mr. King. $125,000 to you!"
Drew gasped evidently, saying in shock,
"One- One hundred and twenty five thousand dollars!?"
Dana White nodded.
"Yep! $50,000 for fighting, $50,000 for winning the fight, and a $25,000 bonus for winning Fight Of The Night.."
"Holy fucking shit.." Drew uttered in shock.
"I know.." Dana chuckled. "A lot, isn't it? Wouldn't be this much except for the fact that you started out with such a huge fight! The risks were greater, and so more money was involved.."
Drew looked at his check, still in absolute shock. He just couldn't believe it!
"By the way," Dana White began. "you're now ranked #9 in the Heavyweight division and took Mark Hunt's place. You bumped Stefan Struve off the top 10. Congratulations!"
Drew had to smile at that. His debut fight, and he was already number 1 in the top 10! Just think of where he'd be if he beat Francis! Hell, even Cain! Cain is the champion!
His popularity would surely skyrocket!
"Expect a response from Francis soon.." Dana White said. "The guy's an animal, and he usually accepts challenges pretty quickly! Probably by morning.."
Dana smirked and finished,
"If Francis accepts, we'll make it happen!"
Drew smiled at that. Finally he was getting a fight with an actual camp! He would have to remember to contact Mark Hunt sometime soon.. Having him on his training camp would be huge for his striking!
But it was getting late, and Drew was tired.. He thanked Dana White for everything and left the building.
Drew stared at his check once more, eager to cash it in at the bank tomorrow!
Finally, he had made the big time!
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Kyle grinned as he and Jack entered the park. It was crowded, but he didn't really care. Jack had brought them front of the line passes. As they walked through mainstreet, they both had to smile a bit. It was pretty amazing. All the famous shops, the statue of Walt Disney and Mickey, that, if you looked at it from a certain angle, happened to look like the creator of Disney had a boner, and the castle.
"Where to first, babe?"
Kyle stopped. "Um...hmmm..." He thought for a moment.
Jack had to laugh after they got off of Matterhorn.
"That was absolutely adorable." Jack commented as they exited the ride.
Kyle rolled his eyes. "What? I wasn't expecting the Abominable Snowman to look like that! That must have cost a lot of money to renovate."
Jack nodded. On the ride, the sudden appearance of the yeti caused Kyle to jump and instinctively get closer to Jack.
Jack grinned at that.
He walked over, and stopped when he saw the picture.
"Oh, perfect timing too..."
Kyle looked at the picture. It was at that exact moment…
"You're not showing that to the guys. Even Stan, Kenny and Alex." Kyle said, half-jokingly.
"Already texted them that picture we took at the entrance."
Kyle rolled his, and grinned, before he got saw several texts on his phone.
Alex texted 'You two are adorable! Hope you're having a good time.'
Kenny said 'Have fun guys! Can't wait to hear all about it!'
Stan said 'Looks like you guys are enjoying yourselves! Call us later, we all want to hear how it's going!'
After that, Kyle decided to take a picture of them on the Matterhorn.
Alex replied after a little bit, saying 'Haha! Looks like you're having a good time. Can't wait to hear about it.'
They spent the entire day in the park. The thrills of Space Mountain, the exhilaration of Star Tours, Pirates and Indiana Jones, the calmness of Jungle Cruise, the wonder of Toontown and Fantasyland.
Then they went over to California Adventure. Kyle stopped as Jack looked at one of the rides with a pensive expression. It was called "Soarin'".
"This...this ride was my grandmother's favorite." Jack said softly. "When I was in Seventh Grade, she passed away from Brain Cancer...Every time I go here, I always go on this ride. But they're changing it, so it doesn't quite feel the same."
Kyle looked at Jack, before he put an arm around his shoulder, and leaned against him. "I'm sorry. But I bet she's watching over you right now..."
Jack looked at Kyle, before smiling. "She, and probably my entire family would have loved to meet you. I was always the nervous type, so they would have loved to see me with someone as amazing as you."
Kyle smiled at that.
"I would have loved to meet them as well..."
Jack nodded with a slight smile. "Would you want to go on the ride with me. I must warn you, I can get a bit emotional. It just means so much to me."
Kyle smiled.
"Of course."
The ride was incredible. But Kyle noticed Jack's sadness when they exited. As they sat down to lunch, Kyle noticed a tear starting to fall down Jack's face. He grabbed a napkin, and wiped it away.
Jack looked at him for a second, before he gently held onto Kyle's hand. That moment of contact was electrifying.
"You're beautiful. You know that right?" Jack said softly.
Kyle stopped.
"I'm...not-"
"To me, you are." Jack said simply.
Kyle opened his mouth to protest, but couldn't find the words. Instead, he could only believe what Jack said.
After they finished their lunch, they headed back to Disneyland, and enjoyed the Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain(Kyle had to laugh at Jack's horrified expression at the drop. Apparently, he didn't do great with heights.)
Then, the fireworks began. That was the best part. They sat on a bench, watching the beautiful display. They leaned against each other, feeling incredibly content.
"It sucks that we have to leave tomorrow evening," Kyle said softly.
Jack looked at him. "Would you still like to spend the night on sunday?"
Kyle looked at him. "I would have to ask ma. But...I would like to. I think we should tell her though. To avoid suspicion."
Jack nodded. "I agree."
He stopped. "What if she says no, though?"
Kyle stopped. Jack had a look of fear on his face, and sadness.
"Let's...hope she doesn't. But if she does, I'll do my best to convince her."
Jack nodded. It was starting to get late, even later for them, being on Mountain Time.
"Alright..." Jack said softly.
As they headed out of the park, Jack stopped Kyle. But as he opened his mouth to speak, words couldn't come out.
"What is it?" Kyle asked. "You can tell me."
Jack looked away. "Promise you won't laugh?"
Kyle crossed his heart. "I...think I love you."
Those words sent shivers down Kyle's spine. The sincerity with which he said that was to much.
He smiled softly, and wrapped his arms around Jack. "I love you to..."
They stood there for a minute, caught up in a moment of bliss.
When they got there, Jack had to head off to change, leaving Kyle alone.
He proceeded to call Stan, Kenny and Alex using conference call or whatever it was called..
"Hey dude!" Stan greeted. "How was it?"
"It was amazing!" Kyle said softly, distracted.
"It must have been if you say it as you did," Alex commented.
"Jack...said he loves me..." Kyle said with a smile.
"Yay!" Alex cried happily, clapping his hands.
"Wow...dude..." Stan began, at a loss for words.
"He didn't pull out a ring already, right?" Kenny asked.
"No..." Kyle said, a bit sadly at that. He was already imagining that day.
"I told him I loved him back…This whole trip was amazing. We went on every ride, and Jack insisted that he carried our souvenirs...He's such a gentleman..."
"Sounds like you happened upon perfect husband material," Alex chuckled.
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves Alex." Stan said, a little seriously.
"He...hasn't pressured you into anything right?" Kenny asked.
"No. He hasn't." Kyle replied. "I did have a nightmare last night, and he pretty much held me. You might be right, Alex. I can't wait to move in with him when I turn eighteen this May!"
"Well, I'm glad you've found someone who makes you so happy. I hope your happiness will not be unjustly diminished," Alex said.
"Kyle..." Kenny began.
"What?" Kyle asked.
There was silence for a few seconds, before Kenny said quickly.
"It's nothing. I gotta go." He said a bit to quickly.
Stan hung up as well, leaving just Alex on the line.
"That was… um... " Alex stuttered.
"Weird?" Kyle asked, though he understood why they were like that.
It made sense, honestly. But he still felt safe with Jack.
"Alex, can I ask you a question?"
"Of course," he replied.
"Should I tell Jack what happened?"
"Well, it may sound a bit cliche, but honesty is the best policy. If you are to trust each other, then you should tell him all that troubles you so he can help you to be happy," Alex said.
The door to the bathroom opened, and Jack walked out.
Kyle said softly. "Thank you Alex. I gotta go."
"Goodbye," Alex said as he hung up.
Jack looked at Kyle with concern. He sat down beside him, and said,
"If you're not ready to say-"
"No." Kyle said firmly.
"I need to tell you. You deserve to know the truth."
Jack looked at him, before nodding.
"Please don't hate me." Kyle whimpered.
Jack was about to ask why he'd hate him, before Kyle said softly.
"I was raped. Two years ago, I was walking home, and these people grabbed me. It hurt so much. They wore masks and gloves and...It was awful..."
Kyle began to sob as he looked down.
"Stan and Kenny found me after they left me in the forest. I made them promise never to tell anyone. It was too painful. I was too scared. I didn't want to go through something so awful again..."
"Then I found you. You are so kind, so loving, so gentle. You haven't pressured me to do anything. You gave me all those gifts, you took me here. I...I feel safe around you. It will always be there, but you've made it easier to bare. When you said you loved me earlier...I believed it, and I knew I needed to tell you..."
He looked away.
"I understand if you don't want to stay with a mess like me-"
He was cut off when he felt Jack pull him into a hug.
"Kyle, I meant what I said earlier. I am not leaving you because of something that wasn't your fault! You deserve happiness, love, and hope. I don't know if I can always give that, but I want you to be happy. This is not your fault. It never was, and never will be. I will stand by you, and with you, through thick and thin. Because I love you, and I will never hurt you. If someone tries to hurt you, or make you uncomfortable, then I'll be there to protect you. And I know you'd do the same for me. I love you, and I promise that I'll do my best to give you the life you deserve..."
Kyle looked at him.
He hugged him again, and Jack pulled him close.
"It's okay. It's okay. I'm here." Jack said softly.
Kyle, for the first time in a while and hearing so many say it, began to believe it.
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Jack awoke with a feeling of worry. What Kyle told him last night was like a knife. He never expected him to say something like that. The idea of his boyfriend going through that awful act was agony. Kyle didn't deserve that. He deserved nothing but happiness.
Jack was feeling woefully inadequate right now. How...how was he supposed to tell Kyle's mom that he and Kyle were dating, if she knew? Surely she did?
'Yeah, hi Mrs. Broflovski, I know we just met a few days ago, but I'm dating your son. And probably will bang him at some point-'
He stopped. He was still a normal teenager, and he got those urges. Kyle was beautiful. Jack wanted to do more since they started dating, but after hearing that, he honestly didn't want to do anything that Kyle was absolutely fine with.
He wouldn't force Kyle. He wouldn't pressure Kyle. He would let Kyle decide when they consummate their love when, or maybe even if, he was ready.
Kyle was snuggled up against him, much like the night before. The feelings Jack had that night remained. They were also amplified.
He looked down at the peacefully sleeping redhead, and he became determined.
'I will always protect you...Whatever you need or want, it's yours. If you need time, I'll give it. If you want to wait, I will wait. I love you...'
Jack reached forward with his free hand, and ran a hand through the redhead's curly hair. It was so soft, like silk…
Kyle stirred, and looked up. "Good morning..." He said with a smile.
Jack smiled back, and kissed his forehead. "Good morning, babe."
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Jack led Kyle down the brick path between Disneyland and California Adventure.
Kyle noticed that the bricks all had names and dates on them…
He stopped, and knelt to the ground by one. He placed his hand on it.
Kyle read it…
Anderson Family
2009
"I am the last of them..." Jack said softly. "My grandfather died soon after my grandmother of a broken heart. My parents were killed in a car accident in may..."
He put a hand on the brick. "Hey guys...I miss you so much..." He began.
"I am taking care of the business, dad. Mom, I still can't figure out how to cook that damn lasagna!"
Kyle laughed at that. "Grandpa, grandma, I hope you're there with them, and I hope you know how much I love you guys. And..."
He looked at Kyle, and motioned for him to join him. Kyle did so, and Jack placed his hand on the brick, beside his.
"I...found love. This is Kyle. I wish you guys could meet him. You would have loved him. As I do now."
Kyle smiled sadly at that…
He really did wish he could have met Jack's family…
"Can I say something?" Kyle asked.
Jack nodded.
"Hi, I...promise I'll love Jack. He has been so kind to me, and I love him so much...He's given me hope again..."
Jack smiled. "He's given me hope as well. It was so nice coming here with him..."
He got up, and turned to Kyle.
"Thank you."
Kyle nodded with a smile.
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Stan and Kenny were worried. Sure, they had been happy, but there was the simple fact that Kyle couldn't stand any more heartbreak. They knew what that night did to him, and the possibility of someone else hurting him was too painful… If Jack hurt Kyle in any way…
"Why do you worry?" Alex asked them as they waited outside the Arrivals exit at the airport.
"Because Kyle's our friend...If Jack hurts him, he has to deal with us." Stan said firmly.
"I get that, but I have faith that Jack will protect Kyle with his life," Alex said. "I think their love is genuine, and it will only be productive," he added.
Stan sighed. "You weren't there when it happened...I just hope you're right."
Kenny nodded. "Kyle deserves happiness. He deserves someone who will protect him. Jack needs to prove that he can do both."
As if on cue, they spotted Jack walking out with…
He was carrying a sleeping Kyle in his arms, while dragging three bags. He did not look like he was enjoying this…
Alex pursed his lips as he tried to suppress the urge to laugh. "H-had fun?" he asked.
"What do you think?" Jack asked tersely.
Stan and Kenny had to chuckle at the ridiculousness of the situation.
Jack sighed. "Can someone take the bags please?!"
"Yes, sir!" Alex replied as he took the bags from Jack's possession.
Jack relaxed a bit, and began walking.
"Have you been carrying him from the plane?" Alex asked.
Jack nodded. "He fell asleep halfway here, and he's a deep sleeper. I have to say, it's kind of cute."
Stan cocked a brow. "You look like Prince Charming carrying the Princess."
Jack shrugged. "Whatever."
"You haven't done anything, have you?" Kenny asked.
Jack stopped, and said firmly. "No."
Kenny nodded, finally smiling a bit in amusement.
"Just checking."
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It was the next morning and Drew was sitting in the living room of his tiny apartment just on the edge of South Park.
The time was about 9 AM and he sat there staring at the check he had received from Dana White just last night.
As the birds chirped outside, Drew began to think to himself,
'$150,000… I've never had that much money before! Not even HALF of that! This is so surreal..'
He would head to the local bank and cash it in a bit later today, but for some reason he felt as if he had to do something first! Drew knew exactly what it was.. It had been on his mind all night.
Drew pulled out his cheap flip phone and opened it up. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the piece of paper Bebe had given to him last night. He didn't know why, but for some reason, he was so nervous! He was literally beginning to heat up and sweat a little bit. Drew had never really had a girlfriend before, mostly because he spent his entire life's focus on MMA..
'If you can fight a 265 pound Mark Hunt, then SURELY you can talk to a girl!' Drew scolded himself mentally.
But for some reason, he found his fingers frozen just above the buttons to dial it. This both frustrated and frightened Drew. This honestly was just so alien of a concept to him! How would it go anyways? Would she think he wasn't good enough? Did she change her mind?
'Quit making such a big fucking deal out of it! She gave the number to you for a reason! Now grow a pair and fucking do it!'
Drew took a deep breath and finally sighed. With that, he dialed the phone number and waited for a response. As it rang, he tried to keep calm and control himself.
Surely this would be easy once things started going a bit.
"Hello?" Bebe said on the other end.
'This is happening..' Drew thought.
"H- Hey." Drew replied nervously.
"Oh, hey Drew! How are you? I was wondering when you were gonna call!" Bebe said almost in an upbeat way.
Drew then grinned slightly. She actually seemed… excited to talk to him! No one besides his mother, and recently his group at South Park, had ever cared much about him before!
Maybe this wouldn't be so bad..
"I.. I'm doing good." Drew replied with a slight chuckle. "How're you doing? Did you enjoy the fights last night?"
"I'm doing good too. Thanks for asking!" There was a slight pause before she added, "As for the fights, eh.. I guess they were okay." Bebe finished half teasingly.
Drew smirked.
"Just 'okay', huh?"
"Yep!"
"Okay, okay.. I see how it is."
They both laughed a bit at that. There was a bit of silence, and Drew decided to cut the small talk and get right to the chase! Too much small talk was never good.
"So hey, listen, Bebe.." Drew began. "I went into Dana White's office last night after you gave me your number and, well, guess how much I got paid for that fight?"
"Hmm.." Bebe began to think. "I dunno, $2,000?"
"Try $150,000!"
There was an evident gasp from Bebe.
"No way! You serious!?"
"Very serious.." Drew laughed.
"Holy shit." Bebe slipped out. There was a nervous chuckle that followed. "Sorry about that.. It's just-"
"No, I understand.." Drew laughed. "I don't give a fuck."
There was another small laugh from Bebe.
"Noted.." After a bit of more silence, she added. "So what do you plan on spending that money on? I wouldn't know what to do if it were me!"
"Well," Drew began. "that's kinda what I was getting to.. I feel the same way." Drew shrugged and just flat out said it. "You wanna go out sometime? With this kinda money I'll have enough for not only a nicer place, but for fun too!"
"Just what are you implying?.." Bebe joked. This caused Drew to flush red and immediately correct himself.
"N- No! What I meant was-"
Bebe laughed at the top of her lungs for several seconds. When she recovered, she said,
"You're cute.. I was just joking, dummy."
Drew rolled his eyes on the other end.
"Oh, ha ha.. Real funny joke, Bebe."
"Oh, and for your information, the answer is yes! I'd love to go out with you! When were you planning on going? What do you wanna do?"
Drew had to smile at that. What was he so worried about? This wasn't that bad! He was actually pretty excited! He'd never been on a date before!
"How about.. tonight?" Drew asked. "6:00 work for you?"
"Yep!" Bebe replied excitedly.
"Cool." After a brief bit of silence, Drew said, "Okay, well I'll see you then, Bebe! Be thinking of stuff we can do, because I dunno yet." He finished with a laugh.
"Oh, don't worry.. I will." Bebe replied.
"Alright, see ya then."
"Bye." Bebe made a kissing sound on the other end before hanging up. Drew widened his eyes at that and held his chest slightly.
At that moment, he could do nothing besides shake his head with a smile.
He wasn't quite sure what this feeling was, but if he had to guess, he only narrowed it down to one thing.
Love..
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Sheila Broflovski crossed her arms as Kyle explained what was going on.
"...And...I love him ma. I really do. I know...I know that-"
"Kyle," she said, cutting him off.
"You're almost eighteen. I trust you, as long as it's completely consensual, and he is good to you."
Kyle smiled slightly, which caused Sheila to grin slightly. She could see in his that he was serious, but her protective maternal instincts remained in place. She didn't trust Jack. He would have to prove that he could be good to Kyle. She remembered the horror of that night, but for Kyle's sake, she decided to play it by ear. But the moment it seemed Kyle was in danger, then she would put a stop to it.
She sighed. "And about your question about spending a few nights a week at Jack's house, go ahead, but please keep your phone on. And let me know if something happens."
Kyle's grin widened, and he nodded. "Thanks ma!"
As he left, her smile fell.
Please be good to my son.
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Jack drove the car back towards his house, smiling ear to ear.
Kyle was just as happy, by the looks of it.
Deciding to take a slight risk, Jack said as he pulled into his driveway: "Welcome home..."
Kyle stopped, and grinned at him. "Thanks..."
As they exited the car, Jack stopped. A package was on the doorstep, but he hadn't ordered anything…
Cocking a brow, he walked over, and picked it up. It was light, and kind of small.
"What? Your package arrive early or something?" Kyle asked.
"I didn't order anything, though..." Jack shrugged. But it was addressed to Jack Anderson, from a…
Jack stopped. It seemed to be from someone called "The Operator"...
Jack unlocked the door, and Kyle followed him inside. The redhead turned on the lights, while Jack opened the box. It looked like a TV remote, but with the general shape of a smartphone.
It was all black, with a pristine, shiny appearance that seemed to convey a sense of technological advancement far beyond that of current technology…
There was a chrome button, and two silver knobs, one just above the button, and the other at the front.
"What is that?" Kyle asked, a bit confused.
"No idea..." Jack whispered, before he pressed the button. Suddenly, a futuristic, holographic screen popped up from the port just above the chrome button. Jack's eyes widened in surprise, before they turned to confusion.
This hologram looked like a computer's File Explorer, with countless different folders and files.
These included "blueprints, historical designs, custom designs, and…"
Jack stopped.
"Deployment Plan".
There were also a few buttons, like the normal search bar, delete, and so on. Curious, he pressed "help".
"The Replicator is a tool developed to give its user access to any type of technology, lifeform, element or material that their race or society has developed or conceived. Users can deploy these items to reality by adding files to Deployment Plan, but can only deploy a certain number of items every 24 hours. However, this number grows depending on the time a single user owns their replicator."
Jack froze.
He looked through some of the files, and sure enough, every conceivable thing in human history was there…
He paused. He saw something that…
Oh no. No, it surely wouldn't…
He grinned.
"Jack..." Kyle began, though he was joking.
Jack selected a Lightsaber, just for shits and giggles, and edited it a bit. After finishing, and saving his design as "Jack's Lightsaber", he placed it in deployment plan. He lost a good number of points, but there was still a large amount left…
Then, after hitting "confirm", the Replicator began to glow…
Then, a blue beam shot from the Replicator, like the physgun from the game Garry's Mod. And then, on the ground in front of them, the hilt of a lightsaber…
Dead silence…
"Is...did you...is that?!"
Jack walked over, and picked up the hilt. It wasn't to heavy, but it was metal, like the real thing, and not like a toy.
He looked it over, before he took a deep breath, and pressed the button. The famous snap-hiss and the low, otherworldly hum were underscored by the glowing, blue plasma blade.
Jack grinned in utter awe.
Kyle's mouth dropped to the floor in absolute shock, this...this couldn't be real!
Jack moved the blade a bit, before he deactivated it. He turned to Kyle. "Let's go outside, see if it works..."
Kyle stopped. "As long as I'm a good twenty miles away..."
Jack chuckled, before the two headed to the backyard. Jack's eyes landed on a rock. Grinning, he reactivated the lightsaber, and with one quick slash, cut clean through it. Cauterized rock covered the area he had cut through on both halves…
"It's fucking real!" Kyle said, grinning.
Jack chuckled. "I just got a brilliant idea..."
Kyle stopped. "Oh? Already planning on conquering the world Darth?"
Jack laughed, and shook his head. "Nope, that's tomorrow."
He went into the Replicator, and selected something else. After editing it a bit (mostly it's behavior and growth rate, so it would mature in one year and view humans as masters and not as prey, as something it's adult version would most likely do), he pressed the same deploy button.
A small egg was suddenly deployed, and then, it stirred. Kyle walked forward, and knelt down to get a better look. "Are you sure whatever's in there won't eat us immediately?" He asked, half serious.
Jack shook his head. "I designed her to be more friendly then her natural self, and mature in about a year."
Then he stopped. "We might need some renovations..."
Kyle chuckled, before a small snout cracked through the egg.
Kyle's eyes widened.
It was the head of a tiny reptile. It had a somewhat large, boxy skull, and large eyes, and resembled…
Kyle looked to Jack.
"You didn't?!"
Jack grinned. "I did. Extinction is now obsolete..."
Kyle turned back when the little T-rex chirped.
It looked between them, and chirped again.
"As expected. She's imprinting on us." Jack commented with a grin.
"What?"
"Baby birds will often view the first thing they see as their mother. In this case, you and I."
Kyle turned around as the baby T-rex pushed free of its egg, and hobbled forward, a little awkwardly. She shivered slightly, and Kyle immediately reached forward, and picked her up. He held her close, and she calmed slightly.
"I forgot, T-rexes preferred warmer environments..." Jack commented. He motioned for Kyle to follow him.
"How do we even know that?" Kyle asked, confused. How could bones tell them climate preference?
"Well, we look at evidence of their environment." Jack explained. "We find things that we would find in modern environments, like a riverbed, and plants, and we can make an educated guess. Rexy here lived in a sub-tropical forest, like what you'd see in modern day Chile."
Kyle looked at him like he was crazy. "I grew up studying dinosaurs and military history." Jack shrugged.
Kyle nodded. "Cool. So I'm guessing we recreate the Jedi and Jurassic Park soon?"
Jack shrugged again. "Well, the Empire and Jurassic Park, but yeah."
Kyle grinned. "That should be fun."
Jack nodded. "I also want to do a little terraforming. Maybe claim Mars as our Empire, so we don't steal land from anybody, and terraform it so we can release our animals there to live free as well as in our zoos."
Kyle nodded.
"Rexy, huh?"
Jack stopped. "What, it's the name of the T-rex in Jurassic Park and Jurassic World."
Kyle chuckled. "I actually like it. It suits her..."
Jack grinned. "Already getting attached, are we?"
Kyle looked down at the baby T-rex, who looked up at Kyle. She chirped again, and cocked her head to the side like a curious duckling.
Kyle smiled. "No, definitely not." He said sarcastically.
Jack smiled.
"Well, we have school tomorrow, so I guess we should head to bed..."
Kyle nodded. "She's house trained, right?"
Jack nodded. "Yes. I thought ahead," he laughed.
