Howdy Folks !

Hope you didn't get too depressed after reading last chapter : it was a very dark one indeed. But I felt the need to develop the plot in that direction. And to show how homophobia is an awful thing. Actually, if there is one thing I would call « disgusting », it would be homophobia, and not homosexuality.

Tolerance and respect are key virtues in this world, and blessed be whoever possess such virtues. These persons are really enabling humanity to progress !

Ok, enough philosophical babbling. Chapter 10 is just waiting for you ! And I have a feeling you may enjoy this one !

Go ahead, Buddies ! Help yourselves ! ;)

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10 _ PEACE AND LOVE

/

The week stretched on indefinitely, it seemed. The atmosphere in the MBC team wasn't good at all. During missions, Danny would often do it solo, or possibly with Chris, if the strategy required it. But he never teamed up with one of the girls. Never.

At school, he wasn't very talkative, spending most of the time listening, opening his mouth only to answer some question. He often was after Wendy, but didn't appear that eager to be with her. Sam and Chris both had guessed that he acted that way only to prevent the growing boredom he was in. And since he didn't want to do anything much with the gang, he had to find another activity to stave off listlessness and keep alert the least. And he did that by pretending to be chasing after Wendy. But it was a way to mask his unease with his own friends.

When they were home, his activities were lonely ones, and he would have favorited homework just to avoid spending time playing cards with the girls, who had now discovered a new card game and were fond of it. He spent most of the time in his room and only came down for dinner.

About Sam and Cathy, they were still resentful to Danny and hadn't forgiven him. But although wrath somehow still occupied their hearts, there still was another feeling lingering, and that was sadness. Sadness and bitterness. Sadness and disappointment. When they were together, they did their best to be happy and share tender moments, but even during those happy times, when they were away from the Jock, they weren't as happy as they could have been.

And with Chris, he saw that all were unhappy with the situation. And he himself didn't feel too good about the whole thing. He was uneasy when he saw Sam and Danny eat at the same table and not even bother to say a single word to each other, while they used to act in an accomplice way and often tease each other and mock each other in the funniest manner.

All in all, each member of the group felt lousy and would have given anything for things to get "fixed" as soon as possible. But it looked as if it was a dead end no matter how one would try to consider the problem. It was an endless whirlpool of frustration in which they were all caught and struggled to get free from… to no avail.

But things can change, and they actually often do. Even if it sometimes takes time… And Danny had had all the time to think things over… and wonder what was the best thing to do...

/

It was Friday morning. Chris was already laying the table for breakfast when the brunette and the blonde entered the kitchen.

"Hi Sam, hi Cathy ! Did you have a good night ?"

" So-so" Cathy answered. "I was lying on the side and doing my best to fall asleep, but meh... What about you, Sam ?" she went on while turning her blue eyes to her beloved.

"Hum, not that good neither. And I have really no idea why it was that arduous. You, Chris ?"

"Yeah, just like you two : not a good night. Strange we all had the same problem to find sleep, no ? I mean, is that telepathy or what ?"

He said that on such an amusing tone that both his friends guffaw, and so did he.

They all stopped abruptly as Danny made his appearance in the room. Silence replaced laughter, as if Danny's presence was a hinder to entertainment. The Jock came to sit and cast his glance around, before saying : "Hi, everybody !"

Sam froze and looked at Cathy, who looked back at her then at Chris, who in turn directed his gaze at Sam. Had Danny just said… "Hi, everybody" ? He hadn't addressed them in such normal terms for at least three weeks now. And his voice… his voice sounded normal. It really sounded like the good old Danny. What… ?

"Hum, hi, Dan'. You okay ?" Chris asked him. He didn't get this sudden change.

The eyebrow-scarred teenager looked at Chris in a funny way. "Why are you asking ?"

"Well, I don't know. You actually look… hum, in a good mood ?"

The Jock gave him a curious glance. "Yeah, and ? Is that a crime ?"

Chris was at a loss. "No… no, of course not….". He didn't know what to say next.

Sam cleared her throat. "Hum, Morning, Dan'. Seems you're doing way better than these past three weeks. What's been happening ? If you don't mind telling me… ?"

Danny gazed at her in a way that was neither aggressive nor despising. In a normal way. Finally, after all these days…

"Well, I've been thinking a lot recently, and… I'm not exactly back to the same old Danny, but I've decided to leave negative feelings aside. I'm in a kind of transition between the nasty one I've been lately and the good old Danny I've always been. It will take some more time for me to behave just like before, but I guess… I guess I'm not angry anymore."

"Really ?" Cathy had leaned forward and observed her green-eyed buddy with an intense look. "Have you definitely let go of your bitterness and resentment ?" She wanted him to confirm that, to be fully reassured.

The Jock tried a smile. "Well, this can't go on indefinitely, can it ? I mean, we're all suffering from this, all ! And students have been looking at us far too often these days, wondering what the hell was with us. I just can't stand it anymore. I want the old band back together. I want the same happiness we used to share. And once I'm completely over it – and that should be soon – then… then we'll all be relieved and fulfilled again."

"YAY ! Oh, that's great news !" chirped Cathy as she clapped her hands. "This is the best news in days !" Then she stopped, an idea suddenly reaching the surface of her conscience. "But does that mean… does that mean that you'll accept our homosexuality ?" Worry was perceptible in her voice.

The athletic boy pondered this for a moment, then sighed, and finally shrugged. "I guess I haven't got a choice, right ? After all, you're my best friends, so could I really do that to you : not accept your identity ? It would be very sad, if that was the case. I'm not easy about it yet, but… I bet time will pass and habit will settle in. The habit to see you hug, kiss, hold you by the hand… all that. One gets used to just anything, with time, right ?" He smiled again, a little smile, but still an encouraging one.

The leader caught his eye. "Thank you, Danny !"

"Hey, I'm not through it yet, so don't thank me in advance. I may still change my mind." Again that little smile.

"You could, that's true, but I'm confident. I trust you, and know what "road" you'll choose to follow. And that's why I'm thanking you."

"Oh, i'm soooooo happy again !" Cathy shrilled on top of her lungs. "You have no idea how much !"

And Chris joined in : "Good choice, my friend !" he said as he put his hand on The Danny's shoulder. "It took a while for you to make the change, but you made it, and that's what matters. Really, Dude, respect to you !" And the geek smiled his brightest smile.

"Okay, now what if we ate that breakfast. Or we'll be damn late for school. C'mon, let's hurry !" Danny exclaimed. They all started to eat, feeling way relieved.

/

The morning passed, but this time, it wasn't a long boring drill to live through. Actually, given their positive feelings about it, even math seemed interesting to them all. Including Danny, for once.

During PE, they all exercised tirelessly, and gave each other the ball as often as they could, working in team again (even if it wasn't alien busting). Danny seemed to be back in top form and ended up as best scorer of the match.

They were exhausted by the end of the morning, but in great shape mentally speaking.

/

"Hum, I could devour an entire ox ! I'm hungry as I haven't been for what seems to be years !"

Cathy burst out laughing. "Well, that definitely sounds like the Danny we know. Or rather should I say : THE Danny, since that's dear to you, Dan'." And she laughed nicely.

"I seem to be getting better and better. What about you, guys ?" the red member asked.

"Better as well, thanks !" Chris replied with a serene grin on his face.

"Same here !" Sam concluded. "And must I add, I'm most happy to hear you're all doing better now. The crisis seems to be over, right ?"

"Yeah, although I'm not back 100% to old me. There's still something remaining…" They all looked at him silently. "What ? What is it ?" the bubbly alien let out, expressing their common curiosity.

But before the answer could be heard, Mark was by their table, smiling contemptuously. "Well well well, seems like you guys have ended up your little sulking session. What was it about, anyway, uh ?"

Sam was about to "catch the ball" and send it back harshly to him, but the long-time rival of the blond bragging boy was quicker : "So you wanna know what was the problem with us all, right ?"

The preppy boy smiled complacently : "Hum, yeah, if you don't mind spilling the beans !"

"Okay, I'll tell you what it was…"

And with that being uttered, Danny looked at alternatively Sam and Cathy with a very naughty look. One that implied a threat, a serious threat. And his smirk was a menacing one as well.

Sam froze, clenching the cutlery in her fists, while temperature suddenly rose inside of her. No, it can't be true ! He seemed so relax and happy today, and it definitely seemed as if it was all behind. He can't be giving me and Cathy away like this after appearing so nice with us ! Her heart filled her chest with its now racing heartbeats.

Cathy didn't know what to say, and looked worryingly at Danny, then at Sam, and back at Danny. She didn't get it at all. He was so nice and cool with us all until now… why would he be betraying us all of a sudden ? It doesn't make sense !

As for Chris, he was at a loss as well. Danny's behaviour in this moment seemed absurd !

Danny gave Mark a serious look. "Right, the reason why we were all so down is that I found out something that all depressed us. And that thing is…" he trailed off, and his threatening look, frowning and smirking, were directed at Sam in this moment, Sam whom he watched intensely, as if he was savouring her anguish.

"…that thing is… well, we were all utterly dismayed at how stupid, ridiculous and superficial you can be, Mark ! And we all pity you !" Danny lashed out rapidly, in a joyous tone.

Mark's jaw could have touched the ground in this very minute. He frowned to the max and his face grew a dark red, while growling rose within his throat. "You bunch of little rats ! Morons ! Silly pots ! I hope you all fail at the last exams this year !"

And with that, he left, walking very quickly and mumbling away his fury, his two henchmen trying to catch up with him, while the MBC burst out laughing at the preppy boy doing his best to leave the cafeteria as soon as possible.

"I should have known that you couldn't change your mind this fast. You're not the kind to get wild mood swings. Sorry if I actually doubted for a minute !" Sam explained.

"Yeah, I honestly thought you really meant to tell him. Sorry for suspecting you, Dan' !" Cathy sheepishly said.

"Same for me. You really tricked us well, this time, Dan'." Chris concluded.

The self-confident smile was back on the boy's face, and he merely let out the comment they all were used to hear whenever he achieved something : "The Danny never misses !" Then he seemed to remember something and he added, in a lower voice : "Well, almost never…" And he rubbed the back of his head in an ashamed way.

The rest of the group burst out laughing. And how much they had been missing laughter lately ! It really did them a lot of good to laugh all together, simultaneously… like a team !

/

It was evening now, and the MBC was eating a delicious lasagna prepared by Mr Smith. That's when Cathy decided to make her coming out to her grandfather, in front of her friends. She felt the need to confess her difference to him while they were by her side, so she would feel their support and backup.

The old man listened to the whole thing, then simply nodded with a cunning smile on his lips.

"But… but Grandpa… I'm telling you I'm homosexual and you only smile ! You are not shocked or surprised ? Why don't you react more than this ?"

The elder smiled on, then said : "Well, perhaps because I already knew about your little secret, eh ! And this despite all your precautions. I'm an experienced man, you know, and although I look jaunty and a bit crazy, I'm still pretty observant, you know…" And he winked to his granddaughter.

"So… you had guessed everything some while ago ? And why didn't you tell me, then ?"

The old Rhapsodian gazed tenderly at Cathy. "Oh, because I was certain you would come to tell me, one day or another, Schloumba. That's why. And, see, you did ! I hope you're not mad at me for not letting you know I was aware of your secret…?"

Cathy grinned. "No, of course not. And thank you so much for accepting me like I am, Grandpa ! You're so cool ! You're the best of grandfathers !"

His grin grew bigger. "Eh eh, thank you, Schloumba !"

Danny wiped his mouth and exclaimed : "Mr Smith, I hereby declare you king of lasagna !"

And all of them burst out laughing at the same time. It was a pleasure hearing these laughters after those terrible silent days. Sam then put her hand over Cathy and squeezed it gently, smiling. The young alien turned to hear, blushed and smiled back. Everyone now knew and everyone accepted. They didn't have to hide anymore. They had won, and their difference was respected by everybody… including Danny !

/

"Your turn, Chris !" Sam spoke up.

The tech laid a queen on the table. The Jock put a king, and Cathy… an ace !

"YAY ! I win !" shrilled the stretchable girl. "You know, I start to really like that game !"

"Yeah… because you're winning, that's why !" remarked the green-eyed boy. He said this in such a funny tone that everyone laughed.

But he soon got serious again, and looked at each of his friends in turn. "Look, I have to say something. And that is… I'm terribly sorry for what I did ! So sorry for the suffering I brought to you two, girls ! And also for the disappointment and the sadness you felt because of me. I don't know what I could do to apologize enough for being such a prick…"

"You said you were sorry, and that's enough for me. That and the fact you accept me and Cathy like we are. I ask nothing more than your understanding of the situation and your being respectful of our own identities. You don't have to agree with us, but simply to respect us this way. Nothing more. If you do, then thanks a lot ! You're smarter than you used to show in the old days. You're maturing and getting wiser, and I have to admire that, Danny !"

"Thanks for saying that, Sammy. You always seem to find the right words. No wonder you're our leader."

"I'm not the leader, but I've been used to ponder things a lot before acting, that's all. And I just hate it when people act out of emotions, without ever giving it a thought. Emotions are important, but intelligence and reason are as well."

"Yeah, I know, I've been pretty stupid lately. Sorry again ! I sincerely regret every single word I said, and that hurt you !"

Cathy quickly intervened : "Hey, it's okay, really. It was a bad moment for us, a real bad one, but now we're out of it and fine. Not such a big deal ! True that it did hurt, but... let's focus on the present and on the positive things ! Okay ?" She grinned enthusiastically to Danny.

He did the same and answered : "Right, I guess you speak wisely. We have to forget those hard times and live the present in the best possible way. Speaking of which, I modestly think I will win next game. Who wants to bet ?"

"Me ! Me !" Cathy exclaimed. "I won't let you have the upper hand so easily, Danny Boy."

"And neither will I !" Sam added as she looked at her own cards.

"Count me in, buddies !" Chris said in an energetic tone, a smirk on his face as he saw what cards he had received.

There was a pause, during which they all looked at each other in turn, then the Jock coughed in a pompous way and... "Looks like everyone wants to win this one, round here ! Okaaaaay..." And he rolled his eyes as he ended up his sentence.

They all giggled at this and couldn't stop before a good while...

/

"Mmmmmmmh, come here, my Love !"

Sam opened her sheets and waited. Cathy slowly got in and immediately turned to her golden-eyed lover. She stretched her arms and delicately made them go round the brunette's waist, then back to the start and one more turn. Then she rested her hands against the warm body, which now was wrapped three times in the alien arms' embrace.

"Mmmmmmmmh, I love it when you stretch your arms around me. It's so sweet."

"Gald you like it. I'm really fond of doing that, to have you closer to me." Cathy replied. And she made a little effort, pulling on her arms. Sam's body immediately got even closer to Cathy's, her mouth just beside her's. "And now, let me taste those tantalizing lips. I've been missing them so badly..."

The young Rhapsodian leaned and rested her mouth against Sam's. The yellow member kissed back sensuously, tightening her hug against Cathy's body. They started to get a little more hectic, then a bit more again.

They pulled away after a few minutes, gazed deep inside each other's eyes, then smiled tenderly and the black girl stroked slowly the white cheek.

"What sweet skin you have, my Cathy ! I'll always be marvelling at your soft skin !"

Cathy felt herself blushing out of pleasure. "Thank you so much, my Sam !"

Her partner smiled, her white teeth shining brightly in her black face (Cathy loved that contrast and found it so cute), and her eyes shone a different light. "And now, let me show you how much I adore you."

She sent her tongue inside Cathy's mouth and both tongues then moved gently in rhythm, looking for each other in the wet cave. Their salivas mixed and their hugs became tighter and tighter, both squeezing the loved body as strong as possible.

The deep kiss grew more and more intense, both heads moving fiercely as the tongues raced in an incredibly exciting way, that time in Sam's mouth.

The girls finally parted and stared at each other, panting like there's no tomorrow, mouths wide open, but still smiling, eyes shining.

"Waow... what a... run ! You're... really gifted... my Love !" Cathy managed to utter.

"And... so are... you... Darling ! You're... just great... !" Sam choked out.

It took a while for them to catch up with their breath, and when it was finally done, they just lay in the bed, Cathy's arms still wrapped around Sam, her head nested again the upper part of her chest.

"You know, Sam, I'm so happy about the end of that crisis. I honestly was so sad, and thought it would last much longer. I'm so relieved it was over so quickly !"

The leader smiled softly. "Danny is slowly but surely becoming wiser, more mature. He made an effort on this. A great effort, that we mustn't underestimate. It did cost him, but he still did it. I'm proud of him, really ! He sometimes behaves in an irritating way, but that's just like him. He's one of my best friends, and I still like him a lot."

"Yeah, same here. He's somehow stubborn, but he's still a great buddy. And you're right : he made some effort for us, and I'm so grateful to him about that. He cancelled his bad behaviour with his apologies. And now he's back to normal... well, if Danny can ever be considered "normal", that is !"

Both guffawed at this. "You're kind of mean, my Cathy. But true that Danny is such a puzzle in himself. Still, a great friend, who you can rely on !"

"Yeah, a great friend indeed..." Cathy repeated.

They were silent for a while, remembering what they had been through, and how it finally had got better today. Then Sam turned her head slightly, in direction of Cathy's.

"Do we sleep now ?"

"Mmmmmmmh, let me think... I'll turn off the light..." she trailed, and undid one of her arms to switch the lamp off then wrapped her arm around Sam's wait again "...and now... mmmmmmmh, I propose another tender moment before we slip in the kingdom of dreams, 'kay ?"

"Sure !", Sam's voice answered in the dark.

And their lips joined again for another moment of pure bliss, while happiness shimmered like never before in their hearts.

/

So ? How was that ? Did you enjoy that chapter, as bright as the previous one was dark ? I hope you did. Aaaaah, it feels so much more comfortable when things are going the way up, right ?

As always, any reaction from you is welcome.

Woooooot, 3 chapters done in no time ! What's happening to me, really ? I don't know when I'll be able to update, but I'll start next chappy real soon.

Stay tuned, and in the mean time, may inspiration be with you on your own stuff !

Read ya's !

/ Léo /