Author's Note: Hello! This is actually a long overdue request from a Guest who made it last year. He or she had wanted Jay to be blind. Hmmm…interesting… So! I found it half done and just decided to finish it! Happy reading!

Ninjalogy

By: Mad Betrayal

Chapter 17 ~ Rebirth

Cole stood on the veranda of a gorgeous three-story mansion and took a deep, calming breath. For today, he was going to take a risk. A huge risk. One that would have dire consequences if taken the wrong way. Cole outstretched his hand to press the doorbell, but paused midway when he noticed it was trembling. Emerald eyes stared fearfully at the decorative chime as if it were a poisonous snake, ready to strike out and end his life if he touched it.

He could hate me… He could never speak to me again… A cold sweat quickly gathered on his face as his once attractive olive skin tone paled to a ghostly white. I could lose him…

Weren't these reasons enough not to go through with it then? If the possible verdicts were this detrimental, then why even bother? Cole's brow furrowed as he closed his eyes.

Because…there's also a possibility that he might heal… He says he's fine, but he's not… I know he's not… He's slowly but surely deteriorating…even though I've tried everything I could think of to make him feel better… Everything…but this…

Opening his eyes determinedly, Cole followed through with his action and pressed the doorbell to the Walker Estate. He wiped his face of any lingering perspiration and only hoped that it didn't look too devoid of color anymore. The grand oak door was soon opened to reveal Antoinette, one of the maids that served as well as resided in his best friend's home.

She grinned brightly at Cole, her freckled cheeks plumping with enthusiasm. "Why, good afternoon, Cole!" She greeted with fire and exuberance. Antoinette was also one of the nicer servants who didn't look down on him for his family not being wealthy. She was very friendly and was easily counted as one of Cole's friends within the household.

"Please come on in!" She opened the door wider for him to enter and politely gestured passed the foyer to the living room. "The Young Master will be down shortly he's…having a little trouble…" At the maid's sudden dispirited tone, Cole turned to her with worry.

"What happened? Is he alright?"

Antoinette smoothed down her white apron, her movements jerky and her expression stricken. "Oh, I promised the Young Master that I wouldn't tell anyone, but…" She stopped and gave Cole a beseeching look. "You can help him, Cole. I know you can!" She walked briskly over to him and led him out of the foyer and into one of the three living room areas of the Walker Estate.

Every time Cole entered his best friend's home, it was like stepping into a brand new world. But today, he could not focus on the majesty and splendor around him, for his attention was currently on the distraught red-head woman beside him.

"It was such a small blunder, but it irrevocably sapped the Young Master's spirit dry," Antoinette carried on. "And on today of all days too…"

Stopping in front of the grand staircase, Cole touched his friend's shoulder. "C'mon Anty, just tell me what happened," he said patiently, for the woman seemed to ramble when she got anxious (much like her charge on occasion).

Antoinette bit her lip and frantically looked from Cole to up the stairwell, not wanting anyone else to hear. She lowered her voice to a hushed whisper. "This morning, when I brought up the Young Master's breakfast—he's been refusing to eat with the family as of late you see—I found him already up and about…and he wasn't using his walking stick. I understood why, of course, he knows the manor inside out and can maneuver just fine without the use of his eyes, so I didn't fret."

She stopped to take a small breath before continuing, her pale, green eyes becoming solemn. "But when he suddenly stumbled and fell down, he became so distraught and embarrassed. He climbed right back into bed and refused to budge an inch. It took me two whole hours to get him up again. Everyone is really worried, especially his parents. And the Young Master himself is trying to stay optimistic, but…but…"

"Antoinette!"

The maid yelped in fright and Cole snapped his head up to the top of the staircase to find the Young Master, his best friend, Jay Walker, frowning and holding onto the banister with a firm grip. The brunet had his eyes closed, a pair of dark shades clipped onto the collar of his simple white t-shirt. His lower half was fitted into a pair of navy blue khaki shorts, and Cole could tell that his friend still trained wholeheartedly by the lovely sight of his toned lithe legs.

"What are muttering about all sneakily down there?" Jay asked accusingly, wearing a suspicious frown. "Are you gossiping again? I'm sure I heard the doorbell, is it Cole?"

Even though her Master was up a flight of stairs and blind to boot, Antoinette still felt the need to quickly reposition herself behind Cole's sturdier frame. Cole lifted a bushy eyebrow at the woman cowering behind him, but nevertheless, spoke up in her defense. "Yeah, it's me, Jay. And don't worry about Anty, she was just letting me know if the surprise I have planned for your birthday is going to work or not."

Jay's frown instantly disappeared upon hearing Cole's words and his face brightened as he came around the railings and began his descent down the steps. Jay's smile was always a delight to see, but Cole wished he would open his eyes. It's been nearly seven months since he's seen his friend's sparkling blues, after all. Yeah…seven months. It's been seven months since Jay lost his sight in a car accident.

It was March 1st around 7:25 that evening. An hour before, Jay and the rest of Storm Coast Academy's track team were celebrating their latest successful meet at the brunet's favorite pizza place. Cole was there, of course. And although his sport was football not track, he always tried his utmost to not miss a meet and support his best friend, as Jay did the same for him.

As usual, the snarky brunet had been the center of attention as with being the fastest and most agile member of his team, and had either scored the highest or won first place in all of his events. In essence, it had been a wonderful time and Cole couldn't have been happier for his friend. And Nya, Jay's girlfriend for almost three years, had been happily basking in the blue-eyed wonder's presence also, along with her older brother Kai and his boyfriend, Zane, who were both members of the Kendo Club.

But Cole recalled Jay having to leave early because of a family affair he had to be present for. And so, after saying farewell to everyone, Jay had left the restaurant and boarded the limo that had been called to pick him up. And then…not even an hour later—when Cole was leaving the restaurant himself and getting into his father's old Camry—did he receive a call from a hysterical Antoinette telling him that Jay's limo had been hit.

Cole would never forget the shock and pain that had struck him that instant. The way his mind went blank, the way the air left his lungs, the way his heart seemed to stop beating in his chest—all of it was an astute reminder about how much he truly loved and cared for his best friend. In short, he had been the first one to get to the hospital, arriving only seconds before Jay's parents themselves. However, despite his forthright initiative, neither Cole nor Ed and Edna were permitted to see Jay for three long hours. For Jay had been appointed to the ICU and was undergoing emergency surgery.

Worry and fear had clawed at his heart and gnawed on his soul in relish. He had never experienced such deep-rooted consternation in all his life, which is saying a lot since he prided himself in being brave and steadfast. But when that doctor had finally showed after those grueling hours of internal pessimism, his expression solemn and sympathetic… Well, simply put it wasn't difficult to deduce that Jay's injuries were extensive. His best friend had suffered a concussion, whiplash, a broken arm and leg, and numerous lacerations from broken glass—one particularly deep one had sliced diagonally on the left side of his neck, nicking an artery and leaving a scar. But all of those injuries would heal completely in months' time… Only one would remain and change his life forever…

"We did all we could to try and save his sight, but the damage to his optic nerves were too great… I'm sorry…"

The Walker Family was a pretty big deal in their small town of Dialchrome City, thus it was only a matter of time before news got out about Jay's condition. And boy did it spread like wildfire. The tabloids and paparazzi were like hyenas on a carcass as they tried their damndest to get the scoop on Jay. Printing headliners such as "Young Track Star Turned Invalid Overnight" and "A Walker Doomed to 'Walk' Forever" were just some of the heartless and inconsiderate trash printed out for the whole world to see.

But Jay—being the eternal optimist that he was—persevered and took everything in stride. It was one of the many things that both delighted and frustrated Cole to no end. However, his best friend had confided in him during one of his many visits during the healing process that it wasn't just in his personality to be positive, but he had the love and support of all his friends and family to help him to see the silver-lining no matter how cruel and unforgiving the adversity. And Cole had also discovered that most of that radiance stemmed on Nya being at Jay's side.

Nya… Cole remembered her. He had nothing against the girl back then before Jay's accident, albeit a little bitterness for obvious reasons. But other than recognizing her as Kai's sister and his best friend's girl, he barely acknowledged her existence. All he cared about was Jay's happiness, and if being with Nya made him happy, then who was he to get in the way of that? After all, he had had many a chance to confess his feelings to Jay before Nya even came into the picture, but he was too damn afraid and kept twiddling his thumbs about the matter…ever since middle school... Kai had warned him not to dawdle, thus the sharp bite on the ass was inevitable.

But enough of the digressing, his view of Nya changed drastically when she left Jay so unexpectedly during his rehabilitation. It had happened only two months after Jay's accident, and surprisingly he didn't hear the news from Jay himself but from Kai. The spiky-haired firecracker had called Cole up to check and see if he knew how Jay was doing since he couldn't get in contact with him after everything was said and done. He had been clearly irate with his sister for dumping Jay and her overall attitude because he couldn't figure out what had brought it on. And bewildered himself, Cole had decided to confront Nya about her sudden fallout with his best friend.

And when he did, his initial nonchalance towards the girl turned into vehement detest. She apparently had the audacity to feed him a shitfest worth of meaningless platitudes about how she wanted to date HIM instead of Jay. And that she had—and get this—created a "Perfect Match Machine" to test compatibility between Jay, herself, and him (somehow) and to discover if the years she had spent with Jay were a waste or not.

Cole was sure the girl had said some other things to "justify" her decision, but he had been so completely abhorred by her and her crazy shallowness and inconsideration, that he had lost all of his tact and went straight rogue on her ass. He had ripped her a new one so hard one might've thought that she'd insulted his own flesh and blood: he belittled her, mocked her way of thinking—or lack thereof, spat on the ground beside her feet, and basically told her to stay the hell away from him and especially Jay for the rest of her so-called life. And that he deserved someone that wasn't so weak and callous, someone who cared and loved Jay unconditionally…someone like him.

Her aghast expression stayed deliciously with him after that, and if she went home crying to her big brother about it, Kai sure as hell didn't say anything. In fact, one could say Nya disappeared altogether. But more importantly, Jay had been rendered completely devastated by the girl's untimely bail-out. And no doubt still was. Cole knew how much his best friend had loved and cherished her, and thus her decision to leave him had sapped his spirit and impeded his recovery. And despite his fake smiles and constant "I'm fine"s spewing from his mouth, Cole could always see beyond the mask and into his heart…and how badly damaged it was.

And since that day, no one had mentioned Nya nor did she ever appear in their little circle of friends.

Cole smiled as Jay reached the bottom of the grand staircase. But that's all in the past now… And I'm gonna continue doing all that I can for Jay… I just hope and pray that what I have in store helps him…

"So what is it?" Jay questioned excitedly. "If it's anything like last year's, then I know I'm in for a treat. I still can't believe you managed to track down our old class pet, Frisk from back in middle school. He had the same crack in his shell and everything! Only he wasn't so little anymore, heheh!"

Although an entire year had passed, Cole still felt a rush of pride and satisfaction that he had been able to present Jay with such an appreciative gift. It had taken quite a lot of legwork (and luck) to find the slippery red-eared slider, since all he had to go on was that he recalled him and Jay releasing Frisk into the creek a few miles from Cole's house after they had stolen—*cough*—rescued the poor turtle from their "evil" home room teacher's class.

Ah…the shenanigans they used to pull off…

Anyway, the sheer elation Jay had expressed upon seeing good ol' Frisk after so many years was all Cole could've hoped for. He had been so excited! And the way his deep blue sapphire eyes had twinkled had made all his hard work worth it. It just went to show that Jay cherished thought over cost, and Cole had thoroughly enjoyed the heartfelt hug he had received afterwards… If only Jay knew how much he really cherished that moment—having him alone and close enough to easily breathe in his scent…

Cole felt a little grateful for Jay's visually-impaired state as he felt his cheeks warm from the memory. But, of course, Antoinette was there and openly stared at him with a huge grin on her face. Cole cleared his throat awkwardly. "I can only hope it compares," he said earnestly. "And you know I can't just tell you what it is, bolt-brain, wouldn't be a surprise if I did. You'll just have to be a little patient, okay? And…prepared." Cole was glad his voice didn't portray just how nervous he truly was.

Jay's scarred eyebrow cocked, but he didn't comment further and Antoinette patted Cole's shoulder reassuringly. "I have the utmost confidence in your gift being amazing, Cole," she said, and then turned to Jay and gave a polite bow with her hands folded neatly in front of her. "And I'll inform your parents of your whereabouts, Young Master. I hope you enjoy yourself, and be sure to be home no later than seven. Your parents will want to spend at least a little time with you on your birthday before they leave for their business trip."

"Yeah, okay, Anty," Jay said, unclipping his dark shades and sliding them on. "And uh…sorry about—uh—this morning…"

The way Jay briefly fidgeted had the young maid's smile turn more maternal. "It's perfectly alright, Young Master," she replied. "Now you two gents hurry along now! Chop! Chop!" She abruptly clapped her hands and herded the two brunets towards the front door, being sure to hand her charge his walking stick.

*~Ninjalogy~*

It wasn't a long drive to get to the place where Cole wanted to present Jay his birthday present. And when the old Camry finally did arrive at the destination, Cole felt his anxiety skyrocket through the roof. He had hoped the drive would calm him, but the more the miles had dwindled, the more pessimistic he became. He couldn't even engage in small talk with Jay on the ride over—he was just that nervous! And no doubt his best friend had picked up on it.

I…I can't back down now… I can't! Jay needs this! He needs to know he's still more than capable… Cole turned off the ignition and removed the key. "We're here," he announced softly.

"And boy do you sound excited," Jay quipped lightly, his head turning to Cole's general direction. "Should I be worried? Did you decide to take me to a funeral home on my birthday?"

Cole mentally berated himself. His anxiety was becoming contagious if Jay was dabbing into light-hearted humor to try and lighten the mood. He had to pull himself together. NOW! He ran a quick hand through his hair. "Nah, nothing like that, man. I promise."

"Then…where are we?" Jay asked. "You've been vexing since we left the house…I can tell."

"Yeah, I know you can," Cole smiled, "and I'm sorry for worrying you. But there's no use fretting over the unknown. Gotta stay optimistic, right?"

Jay stayed silent for a moment, and Cole had to wonder if his eyes were closed or open behind those pitch black shades of his. "Yeah," he answered simply, and Cole unbuckled his seatbelt.

"Right. Let's get out. I think you'll find out on your own where we are fairly quickly." Exiting the car, Cole walked around the front to Jay's side just as the other got out as well. He was about to call out to him to watch out for the curb, but bit his lip when he saw Jay's walking stick tap the curved edge. Cole knew how much progress Jay had made to adapt to his disability, but it was still difficult for him not to be protective of his best friend.

He approached Jay and nudged him lightly—he'd have to lead him from here. And once the shorter brunet's hand was curled around his bicep, they were on their way across a brief stretch of sidewalk and onto open crisp grass. An evanescent breeze tousled the friends' hair, and Jay gave a little moan of pleasure. "Man, gotta love Dialchrome City, huh? The weather never hits below 70 all year-round."

"Yeah, uh…" Cole faltered for a second. Jay's gratuitous moan had caught him off guard and his body was now reaping the effects. Again, he felt the familiar spread of warmth ghost along his cheeks. Damn, did he have it bad or what? He recovered as steadily as he could. "…But not everyone enjoys it—Zane for one. He's been here for years and likes it, but he still misses his hometown. He misses the snow."

"Oh! Speaking of which, did you hear about what Kai got him recently?"Jay asked, his profile grinning. "Heh, I'd be surprised if you hadn't since Frostbite's been gushing about it for awhile now. You can hear it in his voice how happy he is."

Cole nodded in knowing. "Oh right…Kai had it imported over—that special water that could only be found in Zane's hometown?"

"Straight from their fresh-water springs apparently. No matter what the temperature or where you're at, the water stays refreshingly cold. He wears some of it around his neck at all times now."

"Mmhm, inside that crystallized snowflake that Kai got for him last year," Cole said. "Y'know…I never would've thought those two would get together. They didn't like each other all through Freshman year. The Kendo Club was how everything started, you remember?"

Jay chuckled. "Oh yeah! How could I forget?! You would've thought they were on opposing teams instead of the same team with how they went at it during every single practice!"

Cole laughed also. "I know. But their rivalry was more or less one-sided—Zane didn't care. Well, he cared, but in a much more calm and collected way than Kai. They really are like fire and ice, huh?"

"Yep, but I think that's just fine. They really balance each other out well. And let's not forget that it was Zane who got Kai to quit smoking. I mean, we all tried, yanno? Not even his parents or Ny…"

Jay didn't finish and Cole glanced at him worriedly. His friend's jaw was noticeably clenched and the hold on Cole's bicep was tightened somewhat. Jay was hurting. The light-hearted mood had been abruptly snuffed by the reminder of heartache. Cole started to open his mouth, but then closed it. Words always failed him in regards to consolation and the last thing he wanted to do was come off as inconsiderate by saying the wrong thing and pouring salt in the still gaping wound.

The grass crunched underneath their feet as the silence stretched for an uncomfortable length of time. Cole tried to think of something to say in order to take Jay's mind off of Nya when the latter suddenly beat him to the punch. "…A-Anyway, um…I'm not looking forward to going back to school on Monday. This was a nice little holiday that electric storm gave us… Kinda funny that it only hit our school hard and nowhere else."

"Oh uh…yeah…" Cole looked over his shoulder. Little did Jay know…that was exactly where they were at, their high school. Storm Coast Academy's bulky and towering structure loomed in the sunny background as they were behind the school…and heading for the track.

Cole's heart started to pound. They were almost passed the bleachers, thus soon the grass would give way to asphalt. Jay's walking stick prodded along ahead of the couple and Cole watched it with mounting trepidation.

*tap tap tap tap*

It had reached the outer rim of the track and Cole held his breath as he and Jay stepped onto the hardened black surface. A few paces forwards and Jay suddenly stopped—the tapping stopped. Time itself seemed to freeze as the blind boy just stood there, his body rigid with shock. Jay dropped his walking stick and whirled on Cole the next moment. "Where the fuck are we?" He growled angrily, fisting the other boy's collar with both hands.

Cole swallowed down his nervousness and gently took hold of the hands grasping his shirt. "Jay, listen—"

But of course, the smaller brunet didn't. "Why would you bring me here!?" He demanded. "What, are trying to make fun of me too!? Wanna rub in my face what I can't do anymore?!"

"No! Of course not," Cole countered. "And you can do this! You need to know that you still got it!"

"How the hell would you know what I need?! Huh?!"

"Because I know YOU! And you know me too…and you know that I would never do something to deliberately hurt you… I care way too much about you, Jay."

Jay jerked himself out of Cole's grip and pushed him away. Cole stumbled back. "No, you don't," Jay said brokenly. The distance between the two friends was small, but to Cole it felt like that distance was lengthening with every passing second. "If you did, you wouldn't have brought me here." He lowered his head. "Just go…abandon me too."

Cole frowned determinedly and walked the few paces forward to bridge the gap between him and his best friend. "No. Never. I'm not Nya, so I have no intention of abandoning you. Friends are always there to support and look after one another—especially best friends."

Jay didn't say anything to dispute or agree. He just stood there. Cole reached out and placed his hand on the silent boy's shoulder. "Jay…can I ask you something? How did you know we were here? How did you know we were at the track? Maybe we were just crossing a street or at that always deserted basketball court at Tsunami Park. How did you innately know we were at the track?"

Jay kept his head bowed and turned it slightly away. "…I…I don't know…" he answered feebly, but Cole shook his head.

"Yes you do, but I'll tell you if you wanna be stubborn about it. You knew because your body recalled the memory—your feet are incredibly well-tuned to the layout of any track."

Jay scoffed bitterly. "And how would you know that?" He challenged.

Cole grinned. "I'll say it again. Because I know YOU. I've seen the way you run and jump. And every time it always looked as if the track itself was propelling you forward—that you were one with it. That hasn't gone away just because you lost your sight, Jay. You're still amazing. You're still you."

Jay rubbed awkwardly at his arm. "Cole I…I really can't."

"Yes you can," Cole went on, squeezing his friend's shoulder encouragingly. "I believe in you, Jay. Now it's time for you to believe in yourself again." I don't like seeing you hurt… I want to see you truly smile again… I want to see your eyes light up again… I want to see you…happy again…

Jay still fidgeted doubtfully, his lips twisted with uncertainty. "I don't…have my lightning…kicks…" It was a weak excuse and he knew it, but Cole had him covered regardless. He took hold of Jay's hand.

"C'mon, this way."

"Huh…?"

Cole said nothing else as he guided Jay a ways down through the shoulder to the start of the straightaway. He bent down to unlock the lockbox hidden in the grass and pulled out a sleek pair of white and silver track shoes. A powerful vein of deep blue lightning decorated both sides of each shoe, looking badass beyond belief.

These were Jay's shoes. Zane had helped him sneak them out of their friend's room during a group visit a week ago. And also inside the box, was a starter's pistol—courtesy of Kai who was also aware of his plan and decided to take part.

He turned back to Jay. "Hold out your hands, palms up," he instructed, and although his brow was crinkled with confusion, Jay did as he was told. Cole laid the pair of custom-made running shoes carefully atop of his best friend's palms, aware of the sharp cleats.

Jay's mouth fell agape. "Wha…? Wha…?" Tentatively, his fingers grazed the underside of the shoes in his hands. Other than the design, Cole knew Jay would be able to recognize his shoes by the unique formation of cleats on the soles. "These…these are…"

Cole took a chance and gradually reached out to remove Jay's dark shades. And gasping with surprise, the other brunet flinched back, squeezing his eyes shut. "I'm just gonna hang on to them," Cole explained. "Wouldn't want them to get in the way, right?"

"I…I guess not," Jay admitted, but then frowned. "Just don't do that again without permission, okay?"

"Okay," Cole agreed easily. His green eyes drifted down to the shoes Jay clutched possessively. "Do you need any help getting those on?" As soon as the question left his lips, he knew it was the wrong thing to say.

Jay's expression darkened. "I can put on and take off my shoes just fine on my own, thank you very much!" He snapped. "Geez, I'm blind not an invalid."

"Sorry." When Jay plopped down on the floor and began undying his shoes, Cole eyed his shadowed expression. Though his long chestnut bangs obscured his eyes somewhat, he could still see the lower half of his face just fine…and the tinge of pink dusting it. Cole smiled. Jay was grouchy—yes. But his movements portrayed how eager he seemed to get his running shoes on. His birthday gift had shocked him, but what would be the outcome? Would Jay succeed or fail? And would he blame and curse Cole for forcing him to run?

Cole walked back the way he and Jay came to retrieve the discarded walking stick. Am I being pushy? He wondered. Am I only caring about my desires instead of his…? Cole looked down at the walking stick in his hands sadly. No, I just… I just…love him…

And is this how you show your "love"? A small voice in the back of his mind sneered. By forcing your best friend to do something he doesn't want to do?

Cole's heart gave a painful throb as he turned around and went back to Jay. He saw the lithe brunet stretching on his toes, and Cole couldn't help but admire the line of muscles in his calves. Jay always had beautifully toned legs, even before he started track. He wondered if they felt as smooth as they looked. Cole shook his head roughly to dispel the thought. Now was not the time to ogle and fantasize about Jay's long sexy legs wrapping around his waist in ecst—

"Jay, listen. I'm sorry, I—"

"No, I'm the one who should be apologizing," Jay cut in. His eyes were no longer squeezed shut but closed in a relaxed manner. "All you've tried to do is help me. As you have since this whole thing began. And instead of being grateful that you're here and supporting me, I'm barking accusations at you. You're right. I need to do this. I need to." He took a deep breath then. "I'm ready," he said, a calm but fierce edge lacing his voice. "Let me know when to go."

Cole's entire being brightened as he watched Jay crouch and bend his body expertly to get into sprinting position. He put down Jay's walking stick and shades down by the lockbox and picked up the pistol. "One lap, Jay," he said. "Listen for the shot. Come back to me."

Cole lifted the pistol high into the air, the barrel pointed toward the clear heavens above. Jay's body was as taut as a bowstring, a grim line of determination etched across his face. Complete and utter silence reigned supreme over the pair, not even the wind stirred. But there was power. Power radiated from the one poised on the track. The air pulsed with the current of competition, but this wouldn't be a race against a physical opponent. This was a race between Jay and his spirit—his inner strength to triumph over adversity.

*BANG!*

Cole felt a rush of wind as Jay streaked passed him. Like a bolt of blue lightning, his best friend was the embodiment of speed as he sped down the straightaway. In a flash he was at the end and rounding the shoulder, his feet nothing but a blur as they propelled him forward. Cole's heart pounded, his eyes wide with eternal admiration and pride. This was his best friend—the Lightning Count—this beautiful boy that was one with both heaven and earth.

Jay stayed perfectly in his lane, no uncertainty, no hesitation, no doubt. His body, his heart, his spirit simply knew where to go. The second straightaway had come and gone as Jay thundered through the last shoulder with the grace and speed of a cheetah. Cole couldn't help but shout as his best friend rounded onto the homestretch.

"JAY! C'MON, JAY! I'M HERE!"

Jay was coming straight for him, his hair buffeting, his face flushed, his eyes open and bright. Cole stared. "I know where you are!" Jay hollered back in utter elation, his face split into a wide smile. "You better catch me, you big jerk!"

At the last possible moment, Jay leapt at him and Cole opened his arms instinctively to catch him. The sheer velocity Jay had propelled himself with slammed into Cole with enough power for him to lose his footing and fall into the open grass nestled in the center of the track. The two boys tumbled from the momentum until Cole found himself square on his back with Jay lying on top of him. The pair of friends panted heavily into the still afternoon air, their arms wrapped around each other in a tight embrace.

Cole had never felt so warm and happy. Jay's delectable scent of apples and cinnamon enticed his senses, his weight comfortable and light. The one on top chuckled, the sound reverberating through his chest and touching Cole's heart. "Heh…haa…heh heh… Why'd you fall?" He laughed, breathless, and Cole immediately blushed as warm breath ghosted along his neck with each of Jay's words. "I thought football players were supposed to be tough?" He mocked playfully.

Cole snorted, ignoring his blush. "I'm a quarterback not a linebacker! B'sides, you'd fall too if someone plowed into you while goin' a hundred miles per hour," he shot back. "And…" he pinched Jay's sides, "…looks like you got a little hefty over the past seven months."

Jay lifted himself off Cole by his arms, but the Italiano felt a twinge of disappointment when he discovered that his friend had closed his eyes again. But hey, that radiant smile was still in place. "Pfft! That's you, hungry hungry hippo!" He teased right back. He then rolled off his friend and sat up. Cole joined him.

A contemplative silence draped over the two boys like a tranquil blanket, until Jay opened his mouth to break the calm, his tone soft and reflective. "It's funny, yanno? One moment you can be at your peak, basking in the brightest sunlight… And the next…falling and thrust into absolute darkness." A quirk of the lips. "Heh…literally and figuratively in my case," he uttered. Cole remained silent, his gaze fixed on Jay's wry profile. "Sometimes when I wake up each morning…I open my eyes and expect to see the warm brush of dawn filtering through my room…or maybe the picture frames on my night stand filled with the faces of my family and friends… But then reality hits every time…and I'm reminded of what was taken from me. I accepted it, though, yanno? I accepted it real fast because…I decided I wasn't going to let it defeat me—or change me. And I worked hard during rehab…not only for my sake…but for my parents and friends. And most of all…for Nya…"

Cole knew all this beforehand, but didn't interrupt. Jay needed to get everything off his chest, and he was going to listen patiently. Jay inhaled a sharp breath and continued in a strained voice. "That's why…when she left me…at that moment…I truly felt crippled. I thought she loved me… I thought she would see my strength and will to overcome…but I guess I was only fooling myself… I guess I am naïve…and childish…"

Cole's mind reeled. Did Nya actually tell him that?! A new wave of hatred for Kai's sister surged through him with a vengeance and he grabbed Jay's shoulders just as the first streams of tears rolled down his cheeks. "She's wrong, Jay," Cole stated firmly. "You can't be called foolish for loving someone unconditionally. It was just wasted on the wrong person. She's the idiot for not treating you with the love, kindness, and consideration you deserve! If you ask me, she's the one that's blind!"

Jay sniffed and wiped at his eyes, a rueful smile curving his baby pink lips. "Thanks, and…I'm sorry for crying…"

Cole shook his head. "Don't apologize for showing emotion. Everyone cries."

Jay's smile brightened a bit. "Cole, thanks… Not just for today, but for everything. I wasn't sure I could pull it off, but once I started to run…I felt everything else fall into place…"

Yes… Jay was going to be just fine. "You can still compete, Jay. You may not be able to do all the events you used to but, you can still run."

But to Cole's surprise, Jay shook his head. "No. Don't get me wrong, I did need this. But…I needed it for closure. I love to run, Cole—you know that. But, I think that was all I was doing—running… There's more to life than running around in a circle, or jumping into a sand pit. And I want to do it. I was thinking maybe…I could help others like me…children… I...I can do more than just run, right?"

"Of course you can," Cole said. He was so enthralled with Jay and his caring strength. Was he falling even deeper in love with him? "Whatever you decide to do, Jay, know that I will always be there to back you up."

Jay's brow twitched. "Cole…? There's something I want to ask you," he began slowly. "I've…been thinking about it a lot, but I've always been too afraid to ask…"

Huh? Was something else bothering him? "What is it, Jay? Are you okay?"

"Are you?" Jay countered and Cole blinked confusedly. "Huh?"

"Cole…" Jay licked his lips. "You're my best friend. You know you can confide in me about anything, right? It's just—I mean, lately, I feel like you're…I don't know—holding yourself back or something. Like, you're keeping something from me. I just feel that you are… Am I wrong? If not, then what is it?"

What? Cole just stared at Jay. His heart felt like it was in his throat. And no matter how many times he tried, he couldn't swallow it down. This was it, wasn't it? It appeared that Jay at last sensed something was up with him. So then, this would be the perfect time to confess…wouldn't it…? Cole opened his mouth…then closed it. He gritted his teeth as his face began to burn with embarrassment. He could almost hear Kai's irritated voice in his head.

"Oh my god! Tell 'im already, man! How much longer are you willing to stay in the friend zone, huh?! Another five years?! Go balls out and open your goddamn mouth, wouldja?!"

But could he really risk it? What would Jay think of him? True, he could care less about what other people thought. But this was Jay! His best friend—the one that mattered most. Cole searched the other brunet's face, and saw the patience and concern accrued there.

He had already taken so many risks within the short seventeen year span of his life so far. Some he did without question, because he simply felt it was the right thing to do, despite the danger or consequence. But the ones concerning Jay, he always thought long and hard about, because…because… Well, it was Jay…

He smiled. I'm sorry, Jay… I'm sorry for being a coward… "Don't worry, man," he breathed finally. He just couldn't risk losing him. Not him. "It's my problem…and I'll get over it…"

Cole's answer…wasn't satisfactory at all to his best friend as he pursed his lips and seemed to struggle with himself for a moment. But then, his features gradually softened and relaxed. Cole flinched in surprise when he suddenly felt hands on his body—his chest. Jay's warm appendages could be felt through his shirt as they lay splayed over his chest. And slowly but deliberately they started to travel upward. Cole's breath caught in his throat, his cheeks growing warmer if possible as the Norwegian boy stroked him kindly, sliding from his clavicle and along the column of his throat, until finally coming to rest on his face, and cupping his scorching cheeks.

The attractive Italiano stared at Jay's closed eyelids, speechless and afraid. "Tell me…" the other boy whispered. "…I promise I'm not going anywhere."

He should've known it'd be pointless to resist. Jay was just as stubborn and relentless as he was sometimes. Cole concentrated on the feel of the hands on his face, storing their gentleness and soft texture to memory…just in case it was the last time his best friend ever touched him again. He opened his mouth, and placed his heart in his best friend's hands.

"I…didn't mean for it to happen…" he whispered, almost to himself, but Jay heard.

"What?"

Cole took a breath. "I…didn't mean to fall in love with you…" he confessed.

Silence. And then, "Wha?" Jay's hands fell listlessly from his face. And figuring it couldn't get any worst, Cole didn't hold back.

"I already know you don't feel the same way. And truthfully, I had the chance to confess for years before Nya came along—"

"Years?!" The sheer incredulousness in Jay's voice had Cole wincing and looking away in embarrassment. "Cole—ah… Wha—How long exactly?"

He shrugged, might as well dig himself deeper. "A little over five years now."

A strange sound erupted from Jay at that and Cole turned his gaze back to him to see the other brunet slack-jawed. He didn't know what else to say, though he did feel a little better having finally said the words he had yearned to say for so long. The silence that proceeded stretched much longer than the last.

"Cole…" At least Jay had the heart enough to turn him down gently. And having had confessed, he could now focus on getting over Jay and just staying his best friend. That would have to be enough. "I…I do love you, but…"

Cole's lips pulled into a sardonic smile. "But only as a friend, right?" He expected as much.

"Yeah, but…" A rosy hue suddenly stained Jay's cheeks. "But…I'm willing to find out if those feelings towards you could grow into something else…" Cole's heart gave a very loud thump. "…That is if…you're um…willing to be patient—to go slow with me…?"

Did he hear that right? Was Jay really willing to give them a chance? Jay was blushing. He looked as nervous as Cole felt, and oh so very beautiful. Cole lifted his hand which had stayed motionless in his lap since his confession and gingerly touched one of his friend's scarlet cheeks. And he didn't move—he didn't recoil from his touch. In fact, he shyly leaned into it.

"Jay? Can I ask you to open your eyes…and repeat what you just said? Please?" He wanted desperately to see them again. Those wondrous shining orbs he saw just a few moments ago.

"But…they're not the same," Jay rebuffed sadly. "They're hideous."

"Can I be the judge of that?"

Cole only had to wait a tense moment before Jay's dark lashes began to flutter, slowing inching upward to reveal the eyes that Cole had seen on the track. He became instantly transfixed once more and stared. Just as he thought. Yes, the deep blue was gone, but a paler hue remained in its wake. Jay's eyes were an extremely light shade of blue with a mixture of white and silver imbued too. A different color—sure, but still the same eyes.

"They're not hideous, Jay—far from it. They're different, but still gorgeous. Just like the rest of you."

The entirety of the Norwegian's face flushed scarlet, and he chuckled awkwardly. "Wow, that was really corny," he jibbed, although the sparkle within the altered orbs spoke otherwise. "I hope you don't think lines like that will capture my heart."

A light chuckle released from Cole as well as he stared amorously into the bewitching depths of a thunderstorm. "So you say…" he countered, slowly leaning in and feeling the other's warm breath caress his face. "But your eyes don't lie."

"Cole…"

Their lips just barely touched before the moment was shattered by the screeching of multiple tires on the road. Gasping in surprise, both boys turned their heads towards the sound, and Cole could only gawk as he spied the 'Channel 7 News' logo imprinted on the side of a van.

What the hell…?

Soon, a slew of vans from various news stations careened into view, bringing thundering crowds of people with them. "This is great! So it is true!" "There they are! There they are!" News reporters and camera men jumped from their vans and all but sprinted towards Jay and Cole. The two boys jumped to their feet in alarm as some were already shouting questions. Boom mics towered overhead and cameras flashed as the throng of reporters and paparazzi crowded around the pair.

"Jay, Jay, Jay! Does this mean you're gay now?!"

"How do you think your parents will react once they find out that their only son is gay?!"

"Why are you here?! Were you trying to run?!"

"How do you know he's not a gold-digger?!"

"Wait! I know him! They go to the same school!"

"That's Cole Belmonte, the head quarterback!"

"Get his eyes! Get his eyes! Jay's shades are off!"

The rapid-fire questions soon bled together as more bright flashes went off and mics and tape recorders were thrust into the boys' faces. Cole shielded his eyes, but shocked and mortified, Jay could do nothing but stare traumatized at the media beasts sent to consume him. Cole growled angrily. Where in hell did the vultures come from?! And why?! He thought the heat on Jay had died out months ago. Didn't they have anything better to do than to torment two teenage boys?!

Shit! We have to get outta here! This is too much!

Grabbing Jay's hand, Cole stiff-armed a camera lens out of his face and broke through the crowds with his new boyfriend in tow and stumbling after him. But even as they ran, the reporters didn't give up and gave chase, firing question after question after question at their backs. Cole spotted his dad's Camry and cursed again. The news vans had his car completely blocked in! He had no choice but to ditch it and come back for it later.

We'll have to outrun them on foot… Goddammit! This sucks ass!

Just then, a blazing red convertible Lamborghini made a hard drift into the school's parking lot and roared up to the curb, stopping abruptly before the pair of running teens. Cole recognized the car at once, and its occupants. In the driver seat, Kai smirked and pushed his stylish shades to the top of his head, his golden-amber eyes alight and blazing.

"Ha! Looks like you were right again, Diamond! Hurry up you guys!"

And Zane, ever cool and collected, answered in his matter-of-fact way. "Yes, dearest. We arrived right on time thanks to your…superior driving skills. At least the traffic lights were in our favor; otherwise we'd probably be in jail…"

"Tch! For how long? Like two seconds!"

Cole was just thankful they arrived when they did…and that Kai drove his four-seater. Making a split-second decision, he pulled Jay and—without missing a step—picked him up bridal-style. He leapt over the door to the backseats and ordered Kai to gun it, which the fiery brunet was more than happy to do. Switching gears, Kai slammed on the gas, burning out the tires and kicking up loose gravel and dust. The smokescreen of debris was all the distraction the group needed as it disgruntled the masses, and they were able to make their escape from the academy grounds.

As they broke out onto the main road, Cole chanced a glance back, but fortunately no news vans followed them. He heaved a sigh of relief and faced the front, the wind whipping through his hair. "How'd you guys know we needed help?!" He yelled over the wind, and Kai relaxed his elbow on top of his door.

"Diamond-koi had a hunch!" He said, easing off the gas (but not much). "And I figured what the hell. You guys were on the way so we might as well grab you!"

Zane turned his head to eye the two behind him. "Salutations, friends. I trust that today hasn't been too irksome for you?"

Cole gave a breathy laugh. "It was going fine until the hounds showed up. We really owe you one. But, Kai, what did you mean by on the way? Where are we going?"

Kai stopped the car at a red light and glanced up at the rear-view mirror to catch Cole's gaze. "Lloyd and his boyfriend, Brad, are flying in. My dad wants me to pick him up at the airport."

A baffled frown downturned Cole's lips. "Lloyd? You mean your little cousin? What for? And why so early in the school year?"

Kai shrugged. "Apparently it's emergency. My parents filled me in, but I want to hear the whole story from Lloyd."

When Kai didn't elaborate further, Cole noticed Zane's pointed stare…only it was directed worriedly at the one in his arms. Wise hazel orbs blinked once before shifting over to his boyfriend. "Kai, we must be sure to stop somewhere to get something to eat. Jay will need to replenish his energy when he wakes up."

At his words, Cole looked down at Jay's face to find the other boy's eyes closed… "Jay?" And his breathing even. Jay had fallen asleep, or maybe more than likely had fainted from the sudden bombardment of questions, cameras, and microphones. Cole used a finger to push back a few chestnut strands before pressing his lips on Jay's smooth temple. Today, they had hit a few bumps and stumbled over some cracks, and the days to come would no doubt bring adversity as well. But just like today, he and Jay would triumph over them and be stronger for it.

For today marked a rebirth…for both of them.

Author's Note: I hope I captured the whole 'awkward teenage' spill okay, especially with this specific circumstance. If not, I apologize for any foul-ups. I tried to go by how hopeless I was during high school with love and such, so hopefully it's okay. Anyway, this was really fun to write and I hope the random Guest reviewer who requested it and everyone else enjoyed. Please leave your thoughts!