Update! I finally got around to posting another chapter!

It's morning and the boys are just waking up, unaware of the trouble they face in the near future. But they'll find some support from an unlikely person.

Drake POV

I awoke to the soft sounds of conversation and the morning sun beaming in through the blinds. Being the heavy sleeper that I am, I snuggled back into the pillow, listening to the quiet background noise. I wasn't quite ready to open my eyes. I let out a content sigh and tucked up my knees. I moved my hands and felt another. I knew it was Josh's. I grabbed it with my own and held it close to my chest. The conversation ceased for a moment.

"Is he awake?" the doctor asked after a moment of pause.

"Probably not," Josh said with a sigh. "He's a heavy sleeper."

"Well, anyway," the doctor said, clearing his throat, "I must congratulate you. The fact that you retrieved your memories so quickly is nothing short of a miracle. Most amnesia patients take months, even years to remember anything at all."

"Thanks Dr. Burns," Josh replied embarrassedly. I could practically hear him blushing. "But," Josh continued seriously, "The credit should go to Drake. If not for him… I would probably be in the same shape I was. I guess… you could call him my miracle."

'Oh god!' I thought stifling a laugh, 'That was THE corniest line ever!' My heart fluttered all the same, though.

"He's a lucky boy to have a friend like you," Dr. Burns remarked. "I wonder if he knows it." I kept my face composed but on the inside I frowned. 'Of course I know.' I thought irritated. I heard Josh chuckle before continuing.

"Honestly, sir, I feel like the lucky one." Josh said in a wistful voice. My breath caught in my throat a little. 'How can he sound so damn adorable all the time?'

"Well, Mr. Nichols," Dr. Burns said as his chair squeaked when he stood up, "I'll sign your papers and you'll be free to go. Don't return to school until you feel up to it. As much as I enjoy your company, I hope I don't have to see you here again."

"Yes, sir," Josh replied politely. I listened to the retreating footsteps until the door clicked quietly closed. I stayed silent for a second, enjoying the way Josh squeezed my hand tighter. My insides felt like they were going to over flow. I couldn't stop myself from talking.

"You're wrong you know," I said gently, trying not to startle Josh. It didn't work of course. He just about jumped out of his skin.

"D-drake! You're up!" he exclaimed dumbly, looking down at me with wide eyes. I looked up into his eyes with a strait face.

"Did you hear me? I said you're wrong."

"About what?" Josh asked, confused.

"About that whole miracle stuff and being lucky." I paused and looked away. "You're the one that's so… amazing." Josh looked down at me, worry in his expression.

"Drake… Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," I said as I sat up, keeping his hand held tightly in mine as I moved it to my lap. "But, if you keep saying stuff like that I…" I avoided his eyes now, staring down at his strong hand while I traced light circles on his skin.

"You'll what?" Josh asked, trying to catch my eyes.

"I just… I don't understand it! How can you just say those things so honestly?!" I cried looking into his eyes with a pleading expression. "I mean, what have I ever done to earn that sort of… kindness? If you keep saying those things… I'm afraid that when I finally start to believe it, you'll leave me. I worry that I wont be able to keep you around. That you'll find someone better. I mean, this whole feelings stuff is new territory for me." I bit my lip and looked down sadly. I didn't know why I was so afraid. This kind of thing had never happened to me before. But then again, I had never been too serious about my relationships before. I could handle flirting and dating and foreplay and sex… but the truth was, I didn't know what happened after that. I had never been that committed.

"Drake," Josh whispered softly, taking my other hand in his, "what happened to all that arrogant confidence you're so good at flaunting?" I looked at him angrily.

"I'm trying to be serious here! This is how I feel. These are the things that keep me up at night, I hope you know!" I huffed and looked away but held his hands tightly.

"I know, Drake. Just listen to me for a second. You know the story The Wizard of Oz, right?" I looked at Josh with wide eyes and eyebrows cocked. I was very confused, but I figured it would just be easier to go along with his explanation.

"Yeah," I sighed.

"Well, you're kind of like the cowardly lion. You spend most of your time in the jungle where things are wild and exciting; a place where you're king. You're used to you're surroundings as they are, but going to the emerald castle seems scary because you've never done it before. It seems impossible, but with the help of your friends, you discover that it isn't so bad and you realize you had courage all along. All you needed to do was try your hardest, take a chance, and be yourself. Besides, that's why I like you. You do what you want, say what you want, and you're not ashamed of anything. You understand?"

And for once I did.

I pulled Josh close and held him in my arms as a way of thanks. Like so many times before he could explain all of my troubles away with his logic. It never failed.

"I love you, Drake," Josh murmured into the nap of my neck.

"I love you more," I replied.

~*~

Later that day…

Chet POV

This was very, very bad.

All day long the only thing people were talking about was Cindy's blog. It was horrible. You'd think people nowadays would be more accepting of this sort of thing. Sure it came as a surprise because it was Drake Parker and Josh Nichols, but that didn't give people the right to talk like they were.

There were only a few people brave enough to say things out loud, but whispers traveled quickly from ear to ear like wild fire. It was the only thing on everyone's lips and some had already posted responses.

I felt a huge weight on my chest, much more than I could ever bench. I felt terrible for being an accomplice to Cindy's plan. I felt even worse that Ricky had agreed to help. He was the rebellious type and he couldn't resist a good time but what he had done had gone too far. It had hurt to watch him kiss a complete stranger so… passionately, too. It made me wonder where his morals were.

I munched furiously on my sandwich in the park. The only time I had managed to find any peace today was right now during lunch. Being as popular as I was, people were constantly badgering me for my opinion. I couldn't say anything negative about it even if I wanted to. Especially not after last night in Cindy's car. Just remembering made my face hot.

"You thinking about me?"

I choked on my sandwich and fell off the bench when I tried to scream. I looked up while I cleared my airway to see Ricky standing over me, a sly smile on his lips.

"Jesus Christ! What was that for?"

"Sorry," Ricky said with a laugh, "You're just so easy to scare, Mr. Big, Tough Football Player."

"Shut up," I growled as I got up. Or, at least I attempted to. The next thing I knew Ricky was straddling my hips and pushing my shoulders into the grass.

"You certainly picked the perfect place, Chet. All these leafy trees and in the middle of the day. There's no one around." I gulped and scooted away.

"Look, Ricky. I've got to get back to school, I don't want to miss my classes." I lied nervously as I felt eyes scan along his muscular frame.

"Aw come on. Just skip 'em." Ricky leaned in and brought his face close to mine, his warm breath drifting across my lips.

"Ricky, please," I said in a shaky voice, not really sure what I wanted anymore. Ricky made the decision for me. His soft lips ghosted over mine with experienced precision. I opened my mouth in surprise and Ricky mistook it for permission. His tongue darted quickly inside and began its skilled dance.

All of my own experience flew out the window as I tried my best to keep up. There were hundreds of things spinning around in my head. I couldn't help but notice all of the things that were different about being kissed by a guy. Instead of soft skin and cushy curves there were hard muscles and rough, wandering hands. It was intense and demanding rather than submissive and gentle. For once I think I understood how a girl felt. The sheer size of someone like Ricky was enough to make me nervous. He could do what ever he wanted and it would be hard to stop him. But that was part of the excitement, too. He was in total control. Not to mention, the way he rocked his hips against mine was making me forget where I was. Ricky was certainly good at getting guys heated up.

'Wait… Am I gay, too?' This sudden thought popped into the forefront of my mind and I couldn't ignore it. 'At least bi curious, I guess. I mean, I'm kissing a guy right now and there are definitely no complaints.' With that though, I realized why I was even here in the first place.

"Ricky!" I gasped moving my face away from his for a moment of rest. "We have to help Drake and Josh!" Ricky cocked his face to the side and looked confused.

"Haven't we 'helped' them enough?"

"No, no, no," I said sitting up, Ricky still in my lap, "You should hear all the things people are saying! It's awful. I want to warn them about this, at least. Meet up with me after school and we'll go to their house. In the mean time I'll find their address and convince as many people as I can that this is no big deal." Ricky started at me in surprise for a moment and then a laugh rumbled merrily in his chest.

"You really are something, Chet."

"What's that supposed to mean!?" I shouted irritably.

"Nothing. You're just so cute sometimes." I blushed and stood up hastily.

"Well, you're always irresponsible," I turned on my heel and headed towards school, Ricky following behind me.

...

Chet to the rescue! Maybe there's hope for Drake and Josh yet :)

Please read, review, and enjoy!