Chapter 14: "I Remember You"
Warnings: Language

Noah checked his schedule and walked to his last class of the day thinking about his confrontation with Luke. That break up with Luciano came out of nowhere and it didn't even hurt. Brendan admitted he and Luciano hooked up often, so there must be something there they can salvage. What if I was the one who came between THEM!'

Luke ended up driving all over Oakdale thinking about Noah.
He couldn't have meant what he said. He's just going through all sorts of emotions. He's got Josh on his mind and losing his memory must be frustrating. I wish he'd remember that I told him while we were camping that Brendan and I were just fuck buddies. There was no emotional connection on my part, just physical. I know Brendan would have liked to be more than friends, but he understands that I can't "date" him. I don't like him like that. Noah knows that and when he remembers, he'll feel like an idiot. I should talk to Chad, he knows about having a relationship with Noah.

Luke got lost then found way again. Oakdale wasn't a particularly large town, but he wasn't familiar with the side streets or downtown that well yet. He parked in front of Chad's frat house. He looked into the lit windows from his car window and saw several basketball players inside.

Luke got out of the car, crossed the street and walked up to the porch. He heard a startled gasp then it was quiet.

Luke ignored the noise thinking it was one of the basketball players with a girlfriend. He walked to the door raising his hand to knock when a whisper came to him from his left.

"Luciano? Is that you?"

Luke tried to see into the dark shadows at the far end of the porch. "Yeah, who is it?"

"Me." Chad walked out of the darkness and into the dim light shining from the front door window. Travis was behind behind him, still in shadow, but enough glow from the lights hit his face that Luke could recognize him. Their lips were red and swollen from sneaking kisses in the dark.

Chad asked,"What's wrong? Is it Noah?"

Luke looked from Chad to Travis and back again. "Sort of." Luke sagged his shoulders. "Can we talk privately, alone?"

Chad nodded and turned to Travis. Chad stroked Travis's arm up and down and said, "Meet me you know where in ten minutes."

Travis nodded and smiled out the corner of his mouth. He went inside and closed the door.

Luke stared at him laughed, and remarked "I cannot believe you're the same guy I met before. You're all over the guys now aren't you?"

Chad chuckled and said, "I'm just having fun with Travis. I told you he's not out right? Well that works for me because I don't want a relationship."

Luke paused and asked, "Do you use protection because you know, you really should. Especially now with what's going on with Josh."

"I'm not getting mixed up with Travis in that' way Luciano. Terry told me about Josh this morning. It's devastating news. I wish there was something I could do! Those guys are some of my best friends!"

Luke suggested, "We should take them out some night, all of us together."

Chad nodded and agreed, "That's what we should do! When?"

Luke shrugged his shoulders and looked into Chad's brown eyes. He stated, "You'll have to arrange that. I know you're caught up in practice, games and school."

Chad thought for a moment, then said, "Okay, I'll check my schedule and call everyone with a day and time."

Luke nodded in agreement and asked shyly, "Can I talk to you for a bit about Noah?"

"Sure, I guess." Chad answered with sort of a creeped out feeling that Luke wanted to talk to him... his boyfriend's ex-boyfriend.

Luke blurted, "What did you do when he got mad at you? I mean really pissed off."

Chad expression was a look of confusion. The light and shadows played on his face. Chad answered, "Umm, Noah didn't really ever get mad at me. We always talked and worked things out. He's pretty even tempered and easy going. Why?"

"He's angry at me. I don't know him very well, as you know, and the intensity of what he said to me took me by surprise." Luke said bleakly and hung his head. Wisps of light brown hair scattered across his forehead as the wind picked up and blew fall leaves across the porch.

Chad furrowed his brow as he tried to picture Noah angry, it was inconceivable. He wrapped his arms around his waist. Travis wasn't there to keep Chad warm. Without him, Chad felt cold and vulnerable to the fall chill. Goosebumps rose on his exposed, bare forearms. He asked, "What did he say?"

Ignoring Chad's question, Luke asked with concern, "Did he ever break up with you? I want to know if he's the type of person that threatens to breaks up you just to hurt your feelings or the type that breaks up with you, but gives you a second chance.

Chad took Luke's arm and pulled him into the darkness. He had Luke sit on the porch swing with him. He asked worriedly, "What did you do? He doesn't get that angry. I've seen him get pissed off but, he's over it quickly. He always follows through with whatever he says. Honesty is really important to him so he practices what he preaches. Lastly, he never broke up with me... didn't even entertain the idea. This time last time was the only time he broke up with me. If he broke up with you, it's final."

Luke swallowed the lump in his throat and sighed heavily. He put his hand on his knees and started to stand, but Chad held him down.

Chad shivered and asked curiously, "What the hell did you do?"

Resigned to the fact Chad would find out somehow anyway, he answered, "I had breakfast with Bren and saw Noah walking. We had an argument about moronic stuff. He took everything I said so literally. He told me I should give Bren another chance and that he's giving up on me, or trying to remember me."

"Weird. That doesn't sound like him. I bet his doctor misdiagnosed him. He has the I don't give a flying fuck who I hurt' disease!" Chad laughed.

Luke pushed Chad with his elbow and snickered, "So you think I'm screwed?"

Chad answered there's only two of us out here and I know I'm not being screwed."

Luke nodded and said sarcastically, "Funny." then added, "Oh before I forget, Bren was wondering if you wanted to meet up with him?"

"Hmmm.. when? I'm sorta busy the rest of the week. Tomorrow afternoon is really the only time I could talk to him." Chad replied embarrassed.

Luke teased, "Chad, you know he doesn't want to "talk" to you."

Luke laughed at the alarmed look on Chad's face.

"I know he doesn't, I was trying to be discreet!" laughed Chad.

Luke said loudly, "For MY benefit? You're forgetting I've known him for a long time. There is no discretion when it comes to Bren. He's staying at the motel outside of town."

Noah walked back to Luke's dorm and packed up as many clothes as he could fit in a paper grocery bag. He'd pick up the rest of his stuff as soon as Troy could get him into a different building.

Noah walked down stairs to the game room, which was occupied at the moment and layed on the couch. The room emptied out later and soon Noah was fast asleep, dreaming about the camping trip. Fragments began to piece together in his mind. Parts of the puzzle were fitting together. His subconscious was willing his conscious to remember every detail of the last few weeks.

Luke headed back to the dorm building late after chatting with Chad. He knocked on Terry and Josh's door. Josh opened it looking sluggish and depressed. He was bare chested wearing sweatpants.

"Luciano, what's up?" he said lethargically. He had dark circles under his eyes. Luke deduced that he hadn't slept well the previous night.

In fact, Terry and Josh had stayed up all night in each other's arms crying and holding each other.

Luke heard Terry say, "Who is it hon?"

Josh turned around and mumbled, "Luciano." he turned back around and said to Luke, "Wanna come in?"

"I'd better not. Terry's pissed off at me." Luke looked at the floor. Josh was also barefooted.

"Yeah, he told me. He's just a little sensitive right now. I know your heart was in the right place and you were trying to comfort him." Josh sighed and opened the door wider. "Come on in."

Luke stepped inside hesitantly and forced himself to take a peek at Terry. He was lying in bed with his blanket covering him up to his waist. He sat up and snapped at Luke, "You have a lot of nerve coming here! What do you want?"

Josh turned to Terry and groaned, "Ughhh! Terry, shut the fuck up!" Josh was exhausted physically and mentally. His parents and older sister didn't take the news of his having HIV well and questioned him all day. His temper was on a short fuse tonight and Terry seemed to keep it lit, and maybe it was just Josh, but it seemed Terry knew he was short tempered and continued to push his buttons.

The feeling expressed on Terry's face indicated that he was hurting from Josh's harsh tone of voice. He turned onto his stomach, facing away from Josh and Luke.
Why is he taking Luciano's side? I'm tired also and I'm not yelling at HIM! '

Josh glanced at Terry and shook his head. He walked to the bed and sat down. He laid his hand on Terry's back and kissed the nape of his neck. "Can you forgive me sugar?"

Terry turned over, sat up, and hugged Josh. "Of course, I don't want to fight with you Josh."

"I don't want us to argue either. Kiss me."

Terry gave Josh a kiss on the mouth and smiled at him. He brushed the back of his hand across Josh's cheek and said, "I love you."

Josh said, "Me too."

He kissed Terry on the forehead and told him to rest. Terry layed down and Josh covered him up, then faced Luke.

"What's up?" Josh asked Luke.

"My grandma made an appointment for you. You need to come with me at 7:00 tomorrow morning."

Josh examined Luke's serious face. "Why?" He looked annoyed.

Luke answered, "I have a referral for a doctor that will run more tests and double check your results. He's very good."

Josh sighed heavily and slouched as he sat on his bed. "Luciano, my doctor is good too. The test is over 99 correct. Taking another test is useless. This doctor of yours can check and recheck as much as he wants, nothing is going to change the fact that I'm in..." Josh pressed his lips together to stop them from trembling and hung his head. He finished his sentence. "infected."

Luke nodded and said hopefully, "But on the off chance the lab read it wrong we should have you retested."

Josh looked up at him. "There is no off chance! I'm not going to raise my hopes only to have them dashed. I don't want to feel disappointed all over again."

Terry turned his head and faced his boyfriend. "Josh, just do it.. for me?" Terry pleaded. "I realize it's unlikely that the results are going to change, but maybe this doctor can help us chose the most effective HIV antiviral drug."

Josh murmured under his breath, "I don't want to talk about it anymore."

Luke asked, "Please Josh? I want to take you. I want to help any way I can. Let me do this."

Terry spoke up, "I'm going too."

Josh eyed Terry and said sternly. "No! I want you to stay and go to classes. You need to concentrate on something other than me." Josh faced Luke and asked, "Will Noah be coming too?"

Luke cleared his throat and said, "No. He and I are having some difficulty in our ummm... relationship... I guess you'd call it."

"Like what?" Josh gazed at Luke strangely.

"It's nothing for you to worry about." Luke smiled uneasily.

Terry jumped in the conversation, "If Noah has a problem, he always talks about it. What's going on?"

"You two have enough to worry about as it is." Luke insisted, "Forget it."

In a bossy way Josh replied, "Life goes on Luciano. It isn't all about me, now tell us!"

Luke put his hands in his pocket shyly and spoke softly, "Noah broke up with me. It's alright though. I don't blame him. He didn't really know me."

Terry yelled, "What?! What the hell did you to him!"

Josh turned to Terry and said loudly, "Shut up Terry! Enough with the drama already!"

Josh faced Luke and stated calmly, "Why did he break up with you?"

"Long story guys. You need your sleep Josh. I'm picking you up at 6:00. See you in the morning."

Luke was confident he would be entering his room after Noah had gone to sleep. He was fed up with Noah's attitude at the moment and didn't want to see him or talk to him tonight.

Luke snuck into the dark room until he noticed it was empty. He turned on his light seeing that the bed was still neatly made. Noah wasn't there, neither was his backpack. Luke frantically looked around the room. Some of Noah's clothes were missing, as were his toothbrush, comb and his other personal items.

Luke's inner voice spoke up and acknowledged, That's fine. I don't need to worry about him wondering if I'm screwing around with Bren anymore. Let him think what he wants. I am so done trying to convince him I'm only into him. If he doesn't believe me, it's his own problem. Why did I even bother to try to help him? I can't force his memories of being with me. I don't blame him. We've been boyfriends for a few days and we've known each other for only about two weeks.'

Luke crawled into his bed in his boxers and turned onto his side. His pillow had absorbed the woodsy scent of Noah's cologne. Luke turned the pillow over, trying desperately not to let the scent overwhelm his senses and affect his body erotically. He threw the pillow across the room and swore. "Damn you Noah!"

Luke knocked on Josh and Terry's door at 6:00 a.m. as promised. He hadn't slept well thinking about Noah, his friends and Joe, the basher. He was feeling impatient and tapped his food when it took several seconds for Terry to open the door. Josh had just gotten back from the showers and was pulling his shirt down.

"Josh, we have to go now." Luke stepped inside their room.

"Just a minute, I want to talk to Terry first." Josh looked at Luke expectantly, then told him, "Go wait in the hall."

Luke huffed and slammed the door behind him. He leaned against the wall fuming with his arms crossed and his right leg bent at the knee. His foot was resting flat on the wall behind him.

Josh turned to Terry and slipped his arms around his neck. "I love you, you know that right?"

"I love you too Josh." Terry said with tears in his eyes.

Josh reiterated what he had told Terry last night, "This test isn't any different than the one I already took. I think Luciano needs to feel like he's doing something for us. Just take it for what it is Terry, an act of desperation on his part."

Josh smiled with restraint and hugged Terry. He kissed his ear and instructed, "Go to classes. You can't do anything for me moping in our room."

Terry nodded and digested their entire conversation. He said unhappily, "Okay. When will I see you?"

"I don't know, I'll call you." Josh kissed Terry goodbye and stepped away from him. He turned to the door and walked to it when Terry yelled hoarsely, "Joshua!"

Josh turned around as Terry ran up to him and hugged him forcibly, accidentally causing them to crash into the door.

Josh chuckled and said, "Hey, are you trying to make me late?"

Luciano banged on the door. Terry and Josh jumped and laughed. Josh called out, "Just a minute!"

Luciano was already agitated as it was and yelled back, "Now Josh!"

"I gotta go Terry, what did you want hon'."

Terry brushed his lips on Josh's mouth and said, "Good luck."

Josh smiled and thanked him. He stepped out the door and walked with Luke to his car.

Noah woke up feeling groggy with a killer headache. He opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling. He sat up and looked around, taking a second to get his bearings. Everything was clear. He had his memories back! He sat up excitedly, then flopped back down feeling empty. I broke up with Luke! There's no way he would want to see me now.'

Noah stood up anyway and walked to Luke's room. He knocked and waited. Then knocked again. He berated himself quietly, Shit! It's only 6:30 a.m. he must have stayed with Brendan. I'm such a dope for telling him to give Brendan another chance! What the hell was I thinking? They were never even in a relationship except to fuck."

Noah turned around and began to walk back to the game room where he left his belongings.

Terry walked out of his and Josh's room with his things to take a shower just as Noah walked by.

"Hey Noah!" Terry called to him.

Noah stopped and turned around. "Hi Terry. How's it going?"

Terry stepped up to Noah and walked with him and answered, "Uh.. alright I guess. Josh left a little while ago for another appointment with a doctor." Terry looked Noah in the eye. "Why did you break up with Luciano?"

Noah bit his lip. "Oh, that's a long story having to do with my memory loss. I'm afraid I've made a big mistake and pushed Luke right into Brendan's bed."

Terry protested, "Noah, I don't think he'd cheat on you like that."

Noah shrugged. "It wasn't just an argument Terry." Noah confessed, "I told Luke that he should give Brendan a second chance because I was going to forget about trying to remember him. I said a lot of hurtful things because I didn't know him. My heart seemed to feel him, but my head didn't recognize him. I remember everything now."

Terry stopped in the hall in front of the door to the showers. "Sounds like you have a lot of butt kissing to do when he gets back."

Noah looked at Terry quizzically. "You know he's not in his room?"

Terry nodded, "Yeah. He took Josh to the hospital in Chicago to get retested."

"Do you know if he slept in his room last night?" Noah asked with hope.

"Yes. He came here for a while, then went to bed. I told you he wouldn't take Brendan back. I have an early class Noah. Excuse me." Terry opened the door to the showers and walked inside.

Noah retrieved his backpack and dug inside for the key for Luke's room. He opened the door. The bed was in a state of disarray. He quickly made the bed and looked around for the pillows. He found one under the bed. The other had been flung across the room near the mini fridge. He picked it up and smelled it. It smelled of his own cologne.

Noah chuckled and muttered, "He threw it so he didn't have to smell me. What a goofball. He must be really miffed. At least he's upset about our breakup. I would hate for him to be indifferent about it."

Noah took a quick shower, popped his pain pills, and headed off to his classes.

Later that afternoon...

Chad drove to Brendan's motel and got his room number from the manager in the office. He went to Brendan's door and knocked.

Brendan answered the door in a pair of pants and nothing else. He grinned at Chad and invited him in.

45 passion filled minutes later, Brendan asked, "So how have you been Chad, besides awesome?" He stroked Chad's abdomen.

Chad grinned and remarked, "You're awesome." He turned and kissed Brendan's chest and neck.

Brendan arched his back and took Chad's face in his hands. "Hey there champ, we'll go another round later. Right now I want to talk to you."

Chad propped himself up with his elbow. He said, "What?" while he nibbled Brendan's pecs.

"Do you want to get back together with Noah?" Brendan asked.

"I did, but we've both changed since the trip." Chad admitted.

Brendan groaned in pleasure when Chad bit on his nipple. He sat up and threw a leg over Chad's waist, straddling him. It summoned an erotic moan to escape Chad's lips. "AWWUUHHH!"

Brendan mimicked Chad, "AWWUUHHH?" he smiled. He asked feigning naivety, "What does that mean?"

"It's my male mating call." Chad laughed.

Brendan chuckled, then said with seriousness, "I need your help Champ. I want Luciano back. If you could take Noah back I would have a chance."

Chad bounced his hips up playfully and replied, "Luciano told me they broke up last night. There's your opening."

Brendan shook his head and bent low. He nibbled on Chad's earlobe, evoking another moan and said, "No. As long as Noah's not with anyone, Luciano knows he can win him back. If Noah's dating you again, chances are he won't try to come between you and Noah again."

Chad replied with doubt, "I like Luciano. I don't want to do that to him, besides, I made it pretty clear to Noah that I am not his boyfriend."

"But that's perfect! They broke up, You can tell him you made a mistake and you want to be his boyfriend again!"

"I don't know Brendan. What about when Noah gets his memory back?" Chad asked skeptically.

"That's okay if he does.. I just need a few days to convince Luciano to come back to me. I've fallen in love with him. I want the chance to tell him and maybe propose."

Chad looked up at Brendan's face suspiciously. "Then why are you having sex with me?"

Brendan laughed, "Why do you think?"

Chad smiled, "Um, because you're a sex machine?"

Brendan giggled, "You're funny. Sooo... will you help me? Please?"

Chad moaned, "I can try. Now fuck me again."

Brendan mimicked Chad again. "I can TRY to fuck you Chad."

Chad narrowed his eyes in fun and stuck out his tongue. "I'll do it. Now get a condom."

Terry answered his phone. Finally Josh had called. Josh and luke were just walking out of the hospital in Chicago.

Luke was so sick of the Chicago hospital at this point, that if he was never to set foot in it again, it would be too soon.

Wade, Noah, now Josh.' He thought to himself as Josh talked on the phone to Terry.

Luke had left his cell turned off. He wasn't in any mood to talk to anyone. The day had been long, longer than he or Josh expected.

The doctor had gone over Josh's whole history. He wanted Luke to stay in the room with him. Luke was a little uncomfortable because he was listening in on Josh's life, secrets and all.
Josh must really trust me, or else it's easier to reveal his confidential past to someone who doesn't know him very well.'

Luke was surprised to hear that Josh had lost his virginity as a young teenager to a female classmate, trying to deny, disguise, and ignore his true feelings for the male sex. He eventually gave in to his feelings and urges and started dating guys in high school.

He needed to list every known lover he'd had since his last negative HIV test so the doctor could notify the men that an anonymous person they've had sex with have exposed them to HIV.

It took Josh a while to remember, but he was sure he had accounted for everyone in the last 6 months. Although he had said he had abstained from sex 4 ½ of those months while he was yearning for Terry, the number of men he'd slept with the other 1 ½ months was still higher than Luke would have thought.

Luke looked at Josh and smiled.

Luke was really proud that Josh had changed so much to be with the one man he loved, but it seemed like Josh had changed his behavior too late and now had to pay the highest price for his mistakes.

Josh looked at Luke with worry, then looked down as he picked at a thread on his shirt.

Luke knew Josh was nervous about him possibly telling Terry the number of men he had been with. Luke gave Josh the thumbs up sign, letting him know that his secret was safe with Luke.

Once the list of men was established, they were shown into another room where Josh had to change into a hospital gown and wait, again, for the doctor to come in. He needed to get a physical.

When the doctor finally showed up to examine Josh, Luke went out of the room to wait. It seemed like it took an unbelievable amount of time for Josh just to turn his head and cough.

When Luke was allowed in again, Josh was dressed and looking pale and sickly.

Luke asked the doctor anxiously, "What happened to him?"

The doctor stated, "He needs some nourishment. He says he hasn't eaten since he received his test results. Take him down to the cafeteria and come back in an hour... say 2:00."

Luke took Josh's clammy hand and took the elevator to the 1st floor.

Luke asked Josh what he wanted, but Josh didn't want to eat. He said he wasn't hungry.

Luke told him to go sit down and he would pick something out for him. He grabbed a tray and loaded it with fruit, sandwiches, a couple cartons of milk and a piece of pie. He paid, then found Josh.

Josh was standing at a window looking out.

Luke set the tray on the table closest to Josh and stood by him. "What are you thinking Josh?"

Josh looked at Luke's face then looked out the window. "Look at all the people outside. They're walking around, driving, living their lives as if nothing bad is going on around them. They think nothing will ever threaten their predictable lives, but throw a death or a disease in the mix, and their world stops revolving. Nothing will ever be the same. Nothing looks the same. You start looking at things you've seen a million times before, but those things look different because you haven't really looked. You've seen, but never looked. You realize you've taken everything for granted, you've been selfish. Did you know Terry has freckles across his nose, like me?"

Luke replied, "Yeah."

Josh nodded, "Me too, until I was told I have this disease in me. I noticed he has a few on his cheeks and the tops of his shoulders too. He has a tiny mole on his forehead that's hidden by his hair. His smile is a little crooked, and his eyes are more of a greenish hazel than mine." Josh's voice began to crack. "His hair curls up in the back now that its longer, he has a chicken pox scar on his bicep, and when he concentrates he tends to bite his bottom lip."

Josh slowly sat in the cafeteria chair and sobbed. "I notice everything... about him. I can't stop.. looking... at him, taking in everything he is, everything he does."

Luke rubbed Josh's back until Josh was weary from crying. He yawned and asked if they could just leave. He was tired and he missed Terry.

Luke promised, "Soon Josh. I bought all this food, you need to eat something."

"I can't Luciano. I have no appetite. My nerves are shot and I already feel like puking."

Luke opened a carton of milk for Josh. "At least drink then." He pushed the carton towards Josh.

Josh took a sip and set it down.

Luke smiled at him and gave him a sandwich. Josh ate one bite then put it down.

Luke gave Josh the pie and started to eat his own food.

Josh pushed the pie away. "Sorry you spent money on stuff that'll just get thrown away."

Luke shook his head, "Don't worry about it Josh. At least you tried to eat."

When Luke was finished eating he took Josh out to the gardens behind the hospital. The trees had turned fall colors weeks ago. The mums were blooming as well as the other fall flowers.

Luke and Josh sat on a bench. Josh stared at the puffy, three-dimensional, white clouds contrasted against the endless, bright, blue sky.

Luke took Josh's hand and held it, expressing sympathy without words.

They sat in silence until it was time to go in.

The doctor wanted to talk about various medications, prescribed and experimental. How to have safer sex with Terry. How to clean up cuts and wounds. That with an onset of a cold he needed to see his doctor right away. There were packets, papers, and pamphlets the doctor handed Josh.

Josh seemed overwhelmed with all of the information being thrown at him.

Luke listened and asked important questions for Josh. He took some notes and thanked the doctor for fitting Josh in so quickly.

The doctor smiled and said, "You're welcome. Your grandmother is one of my dearest friends. I would do anything for her, her family, or her friends."

the doctor addressed Josh, "We'll let you knowvwhen we know anything, just remember, the chances are slim that the test will be negative. Unless there was a major screw up at your doctor's office, which I highly doubt otherwise we'd see a bunch of HIV positive people coming in, you should continue with all of those safety precautions I told you about. Get that prescription filled also. Start on it today." He held out his hand and shook Luke's hand, then Josh's.

Noah was busy finishing his homework at his desk in Luke's room. He jumped up when he heard a rap at the door. He dashed across the room and pulled open the door.

Terry said, "They're on the way. It'll be about a half an hour."

Terry spun around looking everywhere. "Wow! This room is so vibrant and colorful! You're eyes are so blue!"

Terry walked up to Noah and stared into his eyes. "They're gorgeous."

Noah smiled and said, "Yeah, thanks Terry." and turned away.

Terry noticed the telephone book opened to pages listing restaurants. He asked, "Want some help picking out a make up' supper Noah?"

Noah nodded. "Sure, what sounds good?"

Terry suggested, "Pizza?"

Noah frowned and stated, "That's not romantic."

Terry laughed and said, "You could cut it in the shape of a dick!"

Noah smiled and warned, "Be serious!"

"Okay! I'm just trying to have a little fun." Terry snickered. "You could order spaghetti and eat it like umm... Lady and Tramp did in that cartoon movie. What was that called? Oh, Lady And The Tramp.. Duh! "

Noah laughed and said, "Too messy. I don't want to be washing clothes after we eat."

"Then eat naked!" Terry giggled.

Noah chuckled and replied, "No! I doubt there would be much eating. I need something neat and tidy"

Terry giggled and said, "Why? You don't like big juicy wieners?"

Noah sighed, but couldn't hold back his laughter. "What is up with you? You haven't been this happy since... well no one is this happy."

Terry held a finger to his lips and said, "Shhh. I took a pill to help me feel better."

"TERRY! Tell me you didn't!" Noah yelled.

"Okay Noah, I didn't." Terry laughed.

Noah asked, "Really?"

"Nah.. I did!" Terry giggled. "It really helps. Want one?"

Noah was furious. Terry HAD to know drugs weren't going to help him, in the long run, they would just prove to hurt him and most likely his relationship with Josh.

Noah answered, "Yeah I'll take some."

Terry ran to his room and brought the baggy with about 8 or 10 pills inside.

Noah asked, "So, what are they?"

"XTC" Terry answered.

Noah nodded fingering the pills through the bag. "And where did you get them, ya know, who sold them to you... just in case I want my own stash."

Terry came close he whispered, "I'll tell you, but it has to be a secret, okay?"

Noah answered, "Okay Terry, anything you say."

Terry whispered in Noah's ear. Noah stepped back and said, "Truthfully?"

"Yes! It's crazy isn't it?"

"Yeah Terry, real crazy." Noah said. He put the pills in his pocket.

Noah rubbed his hands together and looked around the room. He said, "Okay Terry Is there anything else you can think of?"

"Um, he has pot and coke too."

Noah rolled his eyes. "No dickhead. Food!"

Terry laughed and hugged Noah tightly. "You're so strong and muscular!"

Noah walked with Terry to the door and said, "Terry, maybe you should just go."

"Oh? Alright. Umm... give me my stuff back."

Noah pulled out the baggie with the pills inside. He walked to the bathroom and dumped them in the toilet, then flushed it as Terry looked on.

Noah turned around and stared at Terry with one eyebrow raised.

Terry stared back and nodded. He whispered, "Thank you." then turned around and left.

Noah was left alone to figure out what to eat. He decided to order dessert from the most expensive restaurant in town. He made the call and was assured it would be there at the time he had specified.

He smiled, Luke was in for a surprise. He hoped Luke would forgive him for losing his temper yesterday, if not, this decadent dessert would definitely do the trick.

He spun around when a knock on the door startled him. "Luke wouldn't knock." he muttered to himself. Noah looked at his watch. It was still too early for the restaurant to deliver his surprise.

He went to the door and opened it.

"Hi Noah! Can we talk for a few minutes?"

"A few minutes are about all I have Chad. How are you?" Noah smiled.

"Good, I'm good. I heard you and Luciano broke up. I was wondering..."
Chad walked up to Noah and ran his hands up Noah's dark blue polo shirt. "if you wanted to get back together. I miss you so much and I promise I will make time for you."

Noah stared into Chad's brown eyes. "Why the change of heart? You wouldn't come back to me when I asked on Saturday. In fact you insisted that the guy in the hospital room, Luke whom I didn't even know, was my boyfriend. If you had any chance of getting me back it was then. When I needed you."

"I'm sorry Noah, but now I realize that I was wrong. Please give me another chance, stud?" Chad questioned Noah with puppy dog eyes.

"Oh, we're back to the pet names are we?" Noah was calm and straightforward when he said, "Chad, I want you in my life as a friend, no more and no less. You know me, second chances don't work. There's a reason we broke up in the first place and that reason still holds true. Sorry."

Chad asked, "You're saying that there's no chance? None at all? I bet you're giving Luciano a second chance aren't you?" Chad pouted.

Noah nodded and said, "I have to. I said some awful things to him while my memory was out to lunch so to speak."

Chad warned, "Well I thought I would give it a try. Just so you know, Brendan wants Luciano back."

Noah waved Chad off and said, "He doesn't stand a chance. You know that Chad."

Chad replied, "Yeah, I know."

Noah raised his voice and said firmly, "Then what was this all about? Wrenching Luke and I apart further so Brendan could have his big chance with Luke? Huh?!"

Chad averted his eyes from Noah and didn't answer.

Noah said sarcastically, "Thanks a lot!"

Chad defended his actions, "I knew all along Luke wouldn't go back to Brendan! I promised I'd try to help him."

"Why? He's not your friend, I am! Why would you agree to help someone you've known for less than a week!" Noah stated angrily.

Chad countered, "Why would you agree to date someone you've known for less than a week?"

Noah was silent.

Chad waited, expecting an answer.

When Noah spoke it was low, "I feel something when I'm around him, Chad. I don't expect you to understand. I don't even understand. You're right about one thing, four days was a ridiculously small amount of time to fall in love with Luke." Noah pondered for a split second. What did I say?'

Chad laughed. "You're in love with him?"

Noah shook his head, "No! I didn't mean that I was in love with him. I was just saying that it would be ridiculous to fall in love with someone after knowing them for only four days."

"You keep telling yourself that Noah! I heard you the first time when you let your guard down." Chad smiled. "I better go. Me and two other guys are in charge of cooking tonight."

Chad turned to leave when Noah reached out and put a hand on Chad's shoulder. "Wait!"

Chad turned back around and teased, "Changed your mind?"

Noah grinned and said, "Nope. I wanted to talk to you about something. A friend of ours bought something illegal from someone in your frat house. I'm telling you not only because we have a history, but you're the captain of the team. I trust you to do the right thing."

Chad exclaimed, "YES! Of course I will! I need to know who and what it was."

Noah stated, "As you know, our mutual friend has had some very traumatizing news and wanted to feel better. He bought XTC."

Chad expressed his shock. "Jesus! I would never guess Josh would do something like that!"

Noah smiled and said, "Uh-Uh, wrong guy."

Chad was outraged, "Terry? No fucking way! He wouldn't even stray out of the cross walk when we walked to classes last year! He still waits for the sign to flash saying it safe for pedestrians to cross!"

Noah nodded, "I know! It just goes to show you how much this is affecting him."

"Yeah! I should hang out with them more. Okay now who's the guy selling the stuff?"

"It's Travis. According to Terry, the guy has pot, coke and the pills."

Stunned, Chad said, "Are you sure? Is Terry sure he's the one? I can't believe this shit is going on under my nose!"

Noah nodded, "Yes, he's sure."

"I better go. I expect it's going to be a long night!" Chad stormed out of the dorm room ready to confront Travis.

Luke got out of his car and stretched. He was tired, he wanted a hot shower and to crawl between his sheets and sleep for the next twelve hours.

He walked around his car and opened the passenger door. He gently shook Josh and said, "We're at the dorm Josh. Wake up."

Josh opened his eyes and stared at Luke. "Are we there yet?"

Luke smiled and said, "Yes. Come on, I'll help you to your room. I'm sure Terry is going bananas wondering how it all went."

Josh stopped, "I don't want to talk about that. I just want to hold him tight."

"Then tell him that. You don't have to go over everything. Just embrace each other." Luke smiled understandingly.

Luke took Josh's hand and led him through the doors, then to Josh and Terry's dorm room.

Josh turned to Luke and said, "Thank you very much for taking me and listening to me ramble on. You are a great guy. I'd kiss your cheek, but you know. Some people get freaked out about HIV."

Luke kissed Josh's cheek instead. "There. I'm not uncomfortable around you. So don't be uncomfortable around me."

Josh blushed and grabbed the doorknob. "See you around."

Terry opened the door and grabbed Josh around his waist. He pulled him into the room. "I missed you!"

Josh moaned, "Ooh, I missed you too." then the door slammed shut.

Luke chuckled and walked to his room. I wonder who Noah stayed with last night. He's probably got a new roommate already.'

Luke turned the key in his door. It was already unlocked. Don't tell me I forgot to lock my door!'

Luke turned the knob and opened the door. The light was on. He looked around and didn't notice any thing out of the ordinary right away.
Then he saw Noah's backpack under his desk. Papers were scattered atop the desk and textbooks were stacked neatly to the side. What the hell is going on? If he thinks he's moving back in here after the way he treated me, then left me he's sorely mistaken.'

The door opened behind Luke. Noah walked into the room. His face radiant and smiling. He pushed the door shut with his foot and strode to Luke. He stopped short, just a foot away when Luke drew his eyebrows together and crossed his arms.

Luke stood stiffly in the middle of the room frowning. He huffed with annoyance, "What do you think you're doing here? You couldn't find someone else to pester?"

Luke turned around and walked to the mini fridge and took out a bottle of water. He opened it and took a sip, then turned around. He stared at Noah. "You're still here? You might as well leave Noah. I refuse to sleep on the floor."

"I thought we could share the bed." Noah chuckled.

"This isn't funny Noah. You made it clear that you didn't want to know me or get to know me." Luke pointed at the door and said, "Please leave."

Noah approached Luke and said, "No. I'm staying and that's final."

"Really?" Luke raised his eyebrows. "What makes you think I want you to stay?" He said hotly.

"I know you want me to." Noah said smugly.

"You're assuming a lot Noah. You don't know what I want nor do you care!"
Luke went to the bed and sat down.

Noah watched him then decided to make his move. He stood right in front of Luke.

Luke looked up into Noah's eyes. "What?"

Noah smiled suggestively and pushed Luke backwards, then laid on top of him. He began to kiss Luke's neck.

"Noah! Uhhh... what are you.. mmm.. doing." Luke's emotions were marked by uncontrolled feelings of exhilaration and anger. The combination aroused animal instincts and urges within him.

Luke tugged the hair on the back of Noah's head causing Noah to lift his head off Luke's neck. Luke lifted his shoulders off the bed and swiftly latched on to Noah's neck. He sucked it hard while he bit on it.

Noah kept his head back as Luke marked his neck. "Ahhh... God. I miss you!"

Luke chuckled. "How can you miss me? I'm right here."

Noah pulled Luke's collar off to the side and gnawed on the area where Luke's neck and the top of his shoulder met. He tenderly kissed the redness he left and nibbled the sensitive skin on Luke's neck. He whispered, "Will you forgive me for my idiocy yesterday?"

Luke struggled to sit up. "Which time?"

Noah pressed his weight against Luke's body. He sucked on his earlobe and murmured. "The damn whole argument. I want you back Luke. Be mine again?"

Luke looked at him wide eyed. A smile quickly spread across his face, his tiredness forgotten. "You called me Luke! Does this mean.."

Noah nodded. "Yeah, last night it all came rushing back to me. The camping trip, you coming here, us wanting to be together, you taking care of me when I pushed you away in the hospital. Everything! I don't know how you put up with my bitching and my refusal to believe you're my boyfriend. I acted like an asshole"

"I knew you had to remember at some point. I'll tell you it got frustrating towards the end there." Luke caressed Noah's cheek.

Noah pushed his head against Luke's hand. He turned his head and licked Luke's palm. He held Luke's hand against his lips and kissed all the way up the inside of Luke's arm to the inside of his elbow.

Luke moaned in a low sensual way. He pulled Noah's shirt up, exposing his torso, and let his finger run the length of Noah's body. He slipped his finger into the front of Noah's pants touching the very tip of Noah's wet cock. He slowly rubbed the pre cum around the head with his fingertip.

"Ohhuhh Luke." Noah panted. "Slow down." Noah pulled his shirt down and pulled Luke's finger out of his waistband.

Luke put his finger up to his parted, voluptuous lips. His tongue slid out of his mouth provocatively. He touched his tongue to the tip of his finger, then placed his whole finger into his mouth.

Noah watched mesmerized as Luke closed his lips over his finger and sucked it.

Luke tasted Noah on his finger and murmured, "Mmm you're delicious."

Noah was ready to undress Luke right then and there when a knock disturbed their locked eyes.

Noah muttered, "Shit!" and stood up. He walked to the door and opened it.

Luke inquired, "Who is it Noah? Get rid of whoever it is."

Noah took out his wallet and paid cash for the box of desserts.
He brought the box to the table and set it down carefully.

Luke rose off the bed to read the envelope and questioned, "What is Sinfully Seductive?"

Noah picked up the padded envelope and tapped it against his thigh.
"I'll tell you," Noah grinned at Luke. "if you take me back."

"Hmm..." Luke tapped his chin. "There's nothing kinky in that box is there? Like women's lingerie or a French maid's outfit?"

Noah laughed. "There might be. I think you'd look hot in nylons and heels."

Luke chuckled and pushed Noah's arm playfully and replied, "Yes Noah, I'll be your boyfriend as long as I don't have to dress up in a cheerleader's outfit. I have great legs, but I don't have the boobs to fill out the sweater.

Noah beamed. He happily picked up Luke and spun him around. He set him down and joked, "Aww.. I was looking forward to seeing you do the splits."

"Heh.. after you. Now what's in the box." Luke questioned.

Noah handed Luke the envelope and said, "Something delightful."

Luke smiled at Noah and ripped the envelope open. He reached inside and brought out a silk blindfold and a folded piece of paper.