Nathan fled with his lover into the restroom and shoved him gently into one of the cabins "What are we doing here?" Lucas thought they searched for a quiet place outside of school.
Instead of an answer he got a passionate kiss "Nathan" the blond panted "In case you forgot we are still in school and someone could enter every moment" he felt a warm and tingling feeling in his belly.
"We have to be quiet then" Nathan nibbled on his earlobe before he started to kiss and lick his neck. Lucas moaned as quiet as he could. Nathan's caresses sent shivers down his spine and sent the blood directly into his groin "Nate" he wasn't able to articulate his whole name as his lovers hand cupped his genital.
"We can't … not here" he gasped but Nathan had a different opinion "I show you how much you mean to me" he breathed into his lover's ear and broke his resistance.
Nathan opened the fly and pulled Lucas's jeans and boxers down "Love you" he looked up at Lucas before he took his penis into his mouth. Lucas bit his bottom lip before he could cry out in pleasure. Nathan took his time to make his lover come, it wasn't about a quickie in the restroom or simple sex, it was all about Lucas. He wanted to show him his love, to make him feel good without service in return.
The brunette decided that it was time to allow his lover to come as they heard voices, Nathan groaned and sent Lucas almost over the edge with the vibration it produced. Lucas hand clung to his shoulders and he felt his finger dig into his skin as he tried to stay quiet.
The blond breathed heavily and Nathan hoped the troublemakers would leave soon before Lucas hurt himself. The brunette was afraid his lover could draw blood where his teeth were connected with his lip. The boys left after a few minutes and Nathan took a breath of delight before he continued his task, massaging his lover's balls to make him come a little faster as he planned.
"Nathan" Lucas panted, the warmth of Nathan's mouth around him was pure bliss "… so close" the brunette grinned; he knew Lucas was close and used all his skills to make him come.
Nathan almost came in his pants as Lucas cried out his name as he came "Nathan" he repeated breathless. The brunette swallowed every drop and slid his hand over his lover's belly before he pulled Lucas's clothes back in place "Satisfied?" he took the blond into his arms.
Lucas nodded "but you…" the brunette stopped him with a loving kiss "It's okay I'm fine" he traced his finger over his lover's reddened lip "You can make it up to me Friday night. Do you like handcuffs?" he purred.
Lucas shivered, that was enough for Nathan to know he had to buy a pair of handcuffs "Let's get back to our duties. I hate philosophy"
"I like it, I can give you private lessons" Lucas meant what he said "I think we could get your grades up by, at least, one grade in every subject"
"You're serious" Nathan smiled, it would be great to show people that sport isn't everything he's good at "Yeah"
"Great" Lucas liked to learn new things and he loved to help his brother in any way he could.
"Hey Haley, can I come in?" Lucas knocked and opened the door.
She sat on her bed and looked like shit, she looked like she lacked a lot of sleep and her eyes red and puffy "What happened?" he rushed to her and settled down beside her.
"Nothing" she rubbed her eyes "It does not look like nothing to me" he touched her arm.
"I was mean to you" she sniffed "I hurt you even though I knew you love him and I continued after I saw you kiss him"
Lucas blood froze "You saw us?" who else saw them that day?
"I don't think there was someone else around, it took me by surprise you know. I never thought you have a chance. Payton said I'm a lousy friend and she was right"
"You're not lousy" he put and arm around her and pulled her closer "You're in love. We do stupid things when we are in love"
"I'm not in love anymore" she hissed and pressed her lips together to prevent a second outburst "Haley?" Lucas frowned.
"I-I mean I don't want to love him anymore, he's yours" she hated Nathan with all her heart, how could she fall in love with a jerk like him.
"Don't lie to me" Lucas warned, there was more to it than she was ready to tell.
"I can't tell you" she choked out, how could she tell him that Nathan played with him?
"Don't you think I have a right to know when it involves Nathan?" that was low but he had to try.
He was right better now than later "I talked to Skills, he tried to use me to hurt you but I don't want to hurt you more than I already have. He promised I get Nathan but I don't want him when I have to stomp on your heart for it. He told me he needs my help because he wants to win the bet he has going on with someone. He said he bet that he would be the first to break you. The team tries to get you out of the team by using force and a second party tries to win the bet by using your friendship. He hadn't said who but I'm not stupid, they started to harass you at the same time Nathan tried to gain your trust. I was wrong, I told you he was trustworthy, I told you he was a good man but I pushed you into the arms of the devil" she cried even harder "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry"
Lucas needed time to process the information he got "So it was a game all along" Haley looked at him in shock. Why wasn't he surprised? Why wasn't he angry? "You knew?"
"No but I never got rid of the nagging feeling that something was not right. I hoped he meant what he said but it seems that the little voice in my head was right"
She looked ashamed "Why does he sleeps with you? That is a point I don't understand, he's your lover. Why should he do that when you could be friends?"
"I don't know, maybe he fell in love with me. I'm sure he did" Lucas smiled sadly.
She eyed him "Why?" Haley wasn't able to understand why Lucas believed in him.
"The way he says he loves me and the way he gets jealous is honest, I'm sure" Lucas couldn't understand his trust either but Nathan looked so honest and in addition to that he hadn't to go so far as becoming his lover to crash him.
"Can you do me a favor?" Haley cupped his cheeks "be careful. Don't let him crush you"
He wiped her tears away "I promise" he still clung to the hope that Nathan truly loved him.
Haley felt a lot better, she considered for days how she could tell him what Nathan did, if ever.
She felt like a bitch for hurting him so much and telling him what she knew about the bet but Lucas wasn't angry at her. She had thought he quit their friendship and wish her to hell but that was unexpected. It was relieving to spill the truth.
"I hoped he lied that it was a trick but I followed the team a few days and they talked about it as if it were nothing but a game. Then I knew he was not lying" fresh tears filled her eyes.
"Stop beating yourself up, it's not your fault" he rubbed her back; the news hit her harder than him.
"It is my fault. I should have been more careful. I pushed you into his arms. How can I ever repay you?" she sniffed.
"You're my friend that's enough. And I think it was my own fault. I had no intention to trust him but after he protected me… I let my guard down. I wanted to trust him and I still do. I'll wait for him to tell me the truth on his own accord"
"Love makes us stupid, huh?" she pulled him into a hug.
"Yes" Lucas sighed, he had to be careful or Nathan would definitely destroy him one day.
"I hate myself" he felt tears on his skin "It's not your fault" the blond tried to sooth her.
"Skills must have thought I hated you as much as he did or he would never have talked about the bet. Payton was right. Please, Lucas believe me I don't hate you, I never did and I never will"
"I know" he rubbed her back "Hush, it's alright. You're forgiven" she relaxed in his arms.
She fell asleep in his arms after a while and he lay her down "Love you Haley. Friends forever" she smiled and mumbled something he couldn't understand but it seemed to be a confirmation.
"Hey mom I'm sorry I'm late but I visited Haley. She's sick and needed a friend" he entered the shop. His mother looked relieved "Next time give me a call, okay?"
"Sorry mom" he forgot to call her "It wasn't my intention to worry you"
"I know" she smiled and gave him a brief hug "Have you taken your meds?" Karen whispered, she knew he spent the night with Nathan but she couldn't stop worrying the whole night.
"Yes I did. I took them as Nathan wasn't looking" he put them into his pocket before they left that day.
"Good boy" she patted his cheek "and now, start working"
"Yes ma'am" Lucas gave her a lazy salute, she coaxed a chuckle out of her. He liked his mother best when she laughed and smiled. It was bad enough she had to worry about him so much.
Lucas cleared a table as someone whispered into his ear "Hey pretty boy"
"Nathan" he turned around and beamed "I thought you changed your mind"
"I was delayed by a few friends" the brunette hated it to talk with Skills about the bet.
There was something in Lucas's gaze he didn't like but it was hard to say what it was "that's good, you don't spend much time with your friends anymore because of me and I started to worry about your status"
"My status does not matter" he tried to figure out what Lucas felt. His brother could be real hard to read.
"Don't tell that Dan or Skills" Lucas joked "You're their favorite" there was no malice or envy in his voice what confused Nathan. How could he be so nonchalant while he talked about the people who hate him most?
"Yeah I think I am" he tried to smile "How's Haley?"
"She's fine. She caught the flu but she will return to her old self in no time" Lucas smiled. He realized that he paid his brother more attention since his talk with Haley. The blond tried to figure out the meaning behind every word he said and every gesture the brunette made.
"That's good" he sat down and looked through the menu "Are you free on Sunday?"
"Yes. Mom says I don't need to work on weekends so I can spend my time with my friends" he winked.
Nathan chuckled "I planned something for us"
"May I ask what?" Lucas alarm signal went on, it was stupid to worry because Nathan he was sure Nathan loved but the nagging feeling in the pit of his stomach grew stronger.
"It wouldn't be a surprise anymore" he looked smug, after his talk with Skills he felt the urge to spend time with his lover. Nathan's guilt intensified.
"I'm looking forward to your plan" Lucas faked a smile; he was so not looking forward to it.
"I hope so" the brunette pouted before he ordered his food.
His mother gave him permission to take a break while Nathan ate, she was sure Lucas hadn't eaten properly that day. She knew how he could be.
"Why do you get so many breaks?" Nathan wondered.
"Because of you" Lucas lied; he got a break every time his mother disliked his stress level. You look pale take a break. You served ten customers in record time, take a break. Mop up and take a break. It was unnerving but his mother meant well. She was worried and he came to the conclusion he would do the same if he had children.
"I have to go back to work" he looked at his watch "See you tomorrow" the blond returned to his duties.
Nathan watched him for a while before he decided to leave. The blond was absolutely beautiful and kind-hearted. It was wrong what he did and he knew but there was no way out. Nathan had to use his chances to keep his lover safe and hide the bet as long as possible. Lucas would hate him, he would leave him for good and that was a fact Nathan couldn't accept.
Lucas wiped the floor, it was a strenuous day and he was thankful for the long break with Nathan
~ I don't know what I feel anymore. I love him with all my heart and I'm sure he loves me too but what if I'm wrong. What if he's a great actor and I'm too stupid to see it?
No, he loves me. He was out of his mind as she flirted with me. He saved me from the fall. He cares for me like a lover does. It's not an act. It's love!
Why me? He never liked me, he hated me. I'm the bastard of the family, an irksome intruder. Why the change of heart? You once said you got to know me and fell in love. Was it the truth?
How can I feel trust and distrust at the same time? It's insane. Either I trust him or distrust him but I can't go on with both feelings tearing on my heart.
I'll see what the future holds for us. He'll continue to love me or he'll turn his back on me, either way I'm a goner.
Either being in a relationship with Nathan including the nagging voice in my head or he rips my heart out of my chest and stomps on it.
I lose either way.
I have the feeling I have to chose between the plague and cholera ~
"Lucas" Karen tapped on his shoulder, the blond winced. He didn't hear her approaching.
"Lost in thoughts again? I hope it's not a serious problem?"
"No mom nothing serious" he shook his head "Do you need my help?"
"No, it's time to go home" she took the mop out of his hand "Come"
Something was bothering her boy and she had a slight notion whose fault it was.
"Lucaaaaas" Haley pounced on him; she looked pale but a lot better than a few days ago.
He kissed her temple "How are you?" he studied her seriously.
"Better" she knew it was pointless to lie and say fine. He knew her damn well.
Lucas ruffled her hair "Great" he smiled. It was nice to see her again.
"Hey" she pouted and combed hair back down "I'm single I have to look pretty"
"You're a natural beauty you could wear a potato sack and look good in it" she punched his shoulder "Men" she sighed "incorrigible"
Nathan watched them from afar; it seemed they rebuild their friendship. He felt jealous; it was unfounded but disturbing nonetheless.
"Why do they look at you like you're the reaper himself?" Haley watched them.
"Rumors, you know" he didn't want to talk about it.
"annnd?" she raised a brow, waiting for an explanation.
"They say I whore around and fucked Nathan's girlfriend. That guy over there" he pointed at a burly boy "threatened to hurt me and almost picked up with Nathan's fist"
"He" she pointed with her thumb over her shoulder "but he has three girlfriends"
"Oh yeah he stumbled directly into a catfight after Payton made his secret public" Lucas laughed.
"Ouch, well he deserved it" she grinned "So Nathan protected your honor"
"Yeah he did. I was surprised. For one moment I was sure he had the intention to kill him"
Haley looked shocked, was Nathan in love with Lucas, for real? "Maybe you're right" she mused "He does love you"
"Yeah" she could see the affection he held for his brother in his eyes "Be careful" she looked him in the eye and stroked with her thumb over his cheekbone "when he makes you cry, I'll break his bones"
Lucas wanted to chuckle but realized that she was dead serious "Thank you" she smiled and left.
"What the hell was that?" Nathan grouched "Are you jealous again?" Lucas looked weary.
"Yes" the brunette rubbed the back of his head "I know, I know there is no reason and I won't make a scene"
"Good boy" Lucas patted his arm. He wanted to kiss the younger man but that was not the place for it. Nathan sensed his wish and placed two fingers over his own lips before he placed them on Lucas's cheek. The blond seemed so happy with the small gesture it melted Nathan's heart. Lucas could see the love in his lover's eyes and let go of his distrust it had no use to brood about his intentions. His heart made the decision for him and kept his mind in check.
~ I'll take the chance whatever the outcome might be. My cheek is tingling ~
He touched his cheek and wished for Nathan's soft lips against his skin.
Lucas was on his way to the canteen as Skills bumped into him, taking him by surprise so he hit one of the locker with his shoulder "How often do I have to warn you to watch where you're going?" he hissed. Lucas looked at the ground and nodded he wasn't in the mood to pick a fight with his teammate.
"I'm talking to you" he grabbed his collar with one hand and gave Lucas a taste of his own medicine with the other arm "How do you like that? Being at my mercy this time" Lucas couldn't breathe. His heart hammered in his chest as panic crept through his body.
He struggled against Skills's iron grip "Le…o" Lucas tried.
"What do you say?" the boy smirked "I'll get what I want don't forget that"
The blond looked confused, there was more behind his anger as it seemed. Lucas knew it was something personal, he must have done something to make Skills hate him but he couldn't remember to have done something terrible. Skills let go of him as soon as they heard footsteps echoing through the hallway.
Lucas slid down the locker while he tried to breath. His neck was sore "Lucas?" Payton ran "My god Lucas what happened?" he tried to stand up. Coughing and gasping.
"Payton did you…..?" Nathan stared at the scene in front of him "Lucas" the few seconds he needed to reach his lover felt like minutes.
He cupped his lover's cheek and studied him, searching for injuries "What happened to your neck?"
Lucas wasn't able to answer, he tried but he couldn't make a sound "and you're a bit cold" Nathan shed his hoodie and put it around the blond. He rubbed his back to sooth him "We get you to the infirmary" Lucas shook his head and winced, pain shot through his neck.
"No" he croaked out "Okay, but if it does not get better in a few minutes I'll drag your ass to the hospital" the brunette sighed at the look of distress on his lover's face. Lucas nodded and cursed himself for the act "Ow" he mouthed.
"Come" Nathan put an arm around his should for support and Payton took his hand to reassure him that he was not alone.
"I get him something to drink" she hurried away.
"What happened?" Haley eyed him and pulled a fourth chair closer to the table "Sit down"
Lucas did as he was told "Thank you" it got easier to speak.
Nathan pulled his chair closer to Lucas and pupils be damned he put his arm around his shoulder and pulled him against his side. Lucas tried to struggle against his hold but gave up on his weak attempt.
Payton returned with a bottle of water "Drink" she ordered, Nathan helped to tilt his head back. The brunette cupped his neck and rubbed his thumb up and down his skin in a soothing manner "Better?"
"Yeah, thank you" he took a deep breath the pain lessened "I feel better" he forced a smile on his face.
"What happened?" Nathan looked ready to burst "Whoever did this to you will pay"
"Let it go" Lucas closed his eyes, he felt tired and shivered slightly. Nathan pulled him even closer "You're not cold anymore" he talked more to himself "I don't want to let it go. Someone hurt you pretty bad and I want to know who" the brunette continued.
"No Nathan" Lucas was stubborn; he wouldn't tell him what happened.
"So you let the person get away with this?" Lucas felt the anger leaking from every pore of Nathan's body "I can handle it on my own" the blond was sure.
"Oh yeah, I can see that" the brunette said sarcastically, Lucas huffed and stood up. Nathan was surprised "Lucas?"
"I go home" he said and turned to leave as Nathan grabbed his shoulder "I'm sorry. I didn't mean you're weak. I'm worried that's all"
"I know but I will do it on my own" he remained stubborn and left. Lucas searched for Skills and found him between all his friends and a few girls "Skills, we have to talk"
The young man eyed him and nodded, that would be interesting he thought. He gestured to follow him "So what do you want?"
"I want to know why?" Lucas stayed calm; it had no use to accuse him in any way.
"Why what?" Skills studied Lucas's throat, it looked painful. It wasn't his intention to lose control like he had.
"Why do you hate me so much? What have I done?" he took Skills by surprise, he expected a fight but not that Lucas gave himself the fault for his hate "You're in my way"
"In your way of what?" he pleaded "come on I liked you I thought we could be friends and then all hell broke loose"
"You're taking her away from me" he didn't want to say that but Lucas was so honest it was contagious. And they went already too far with their little game; Lucas's neck was the proof.
"Haley or Payton?" Lucas was surprised he hadn't expected that they fought over a girl.
"Payton" he looked sheepishly at him "I worked hard to get her attention but then she started hanging out with you and I want her back"
"You could have asked" Lucas smiled at him "We are not a couple and we'll never be"
"Sure" Skills didn't believe a single word he said.
"I know I will regret this" Lucas sighed deeply, Skills frowned at him "Skills I- I don't like women"
"What do you mean with I don't like women are you…. OH" the realization dawned on him "Ohhh"
"Yeah" Lucas looked like he would be grateful to die on the spot "Talk with her"
"You mean it" Skills stated "Why are you doing this? Do you want my pity?"
"No. I'm tired of all this shit" he looked angry "I have enough"
"I see" they definitely went too far with their game, he tried to lighten the mood "So you're a homo" he grinned.
Lucas sighed, all his anger, fading away "Yes"
"I never thought you uhm you know. The girls love you man. I can't believe it" he started to laugh "I was jealous of a homo, geez"
Lucas chuckled "It looks that way" he offered the young man his hand. Skills thought for a few second before he shook his hand "Peace?"
"Peace" Lucas confirmed "So how long are you in love with her?" the situation was too serious for his liking.
"Years" he looked embarrassed "The first time I saw her… It was like…"
"I know what you mean" he really did.
"Are you in love?" Lucas wasn't sure how to answer "Yes" he decided to be honest.
"Do I know him?" Skills smirked, Lucas was a nice guy. He always knew but his jealousy made him blind for reality.
"Maybe" Lucas smirked back "What was that?" they heard a soft brazen noise.
Skills ran into the direction of the noise but the part of school was empty "I think it was nothing" he returned to Lucas and hoped no one overheard them.
"I hope so" Lucas felt uncomfortable "What do we do now?"
"About the noise" Skills was confused "There is nothing we can do"
"I mean us" the blond wasn't sure what happened between them.
"We can't go back to normal all of a sudden we have to settle for a slower progress. People will start questions and watch us even more. I think we can spare us some trouble when we build a friendship or whatever we gonna be rather slowly"
"It's a matter of image again right?" It was more a fact than question.
"Yes" Skills answered truthfully "It's important to me what people think about me. I don't want to be less than I am"
"I make you less of a man" Lucas talked to himself "Why does everyone think I'm…" he stopped himself. His feelings were not Skills concern.
"You're what?" his teammate frowned.
"Doesn't matter" Lucas waved him goodbye and left.
"Strange boy" Skills muttered and went back to his friends.