Connie's POV:
"You're serious?" I asked Guy as he, Julie and I headed toward the Bashes dorm. "It was really Portman's idea?"
"That's what Charlie said. You know, just when I think I've got those two figured out, they do something else to surprise me."
"Tell me about it," Julie said ruefully. I knew she liked Fulton, she had for a few weeks now, but he seemed pretty oblivious to her attentions. We spotted Adam and Charlie heading our way, and waited for them to catch up.
As the five of us headed down the hall together, we could hear loud music coming from one of the dorms, obviously belonging to the Bashes, and when we reached the entrance we could make out some strange thumping noises coming from within. No one answered when we knocked, so we went inside, where we beheld a strange and amusing sight.
Fulton and Portman were thrashing around while Nirvana's Nevermind album blared. Fulton was grabbing clothes strewn about and slamming them into a hockey bag lying in the corner of the room, cheering loudly whenever he got them in, while Portman kicked, tossed and shoved all the books, CD's and other junk littering the ground under one of the beds. They paused several times to play air guitar or chest-butt each other before Portman noticed our presence and waved us inside while he turned the music off.
"Ah, my welcome guests, sit, sit," Portman spread his arms in a mock- cordial manner and gestured to the beds and chairs which had been arranged to form a rough circle. As we were seated I looked around, marveling at both the Bashes living conditions and their choice of décor. Despite the rather cute fact that they had obviously been cleaning for our sakes, the place was a shambles, and though the beds, chairs and the area they encircled had been cleared of debris, I shuddered to think about what lived under the beds.
The walls were covered with posters of various rock bands, Nirvana of course, Tool, Offspring and some others I had never heard of (who the hell were And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead?), all of which were affixed at wild angles, often overlapping with the corners of another. My chair scraped the ground as I sat down, and a fuzzy black spider shot down from the ceiling, black legs wiggling and green eyes flashing. Guy shrieked and grabbed my arm, then relaxed when he realized it was a toy, and began looking around non-chalantly in an attempt to cover up his embarrassment. Personally, I loved the fact that my boyfriend had a severe case of arachnophobia.
Rock music hall of fame and noise-activated spiders aside, the room still held many curiosities, not the least of which were a naked Barbie with her hair cut off hanging from a noose attached to the ceiling, and an arrangement of healthy-looking, tropical-type plants on the windowsill. Having managed to procure a corner dorm not only gave the Bashes the largest room available, but also provided them with a window overlooking the grounds. Bastards. There was a copy of what looked to be Breakfast of Champions peeking out from under the bed, to which Portman gave a swift kick when he caught me eyeing it. The Bash Brothers as horticulturalists and Kurt Vonnegut fans? Guy was right; these guys were full of surprises.
Portman cleared his throat loudly and we all turned to look at him. "Right," he said, clapping his hands together. "We shall begin. Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Dean Portman, and I will be your master of ceremonies this evening, aided by my lovely assistant Fulton Reed. First item of business: the love lives of Adam Banks and Charlie Conway. Are they sleeping together yet?"
Indignant squawks of embarrassment from Adam and Charlie, as Portman laughed, "Okay, okay. We'll get back to that later. Second item of business: should Charlie and Adam come out to the rest of the Ducks, and if so, when, where and how?"
"You guys are really going to tell the other Ducks?" Guy asked.
"We're not sure," Charlie said quickly, glancing nervously at Adam. "That's why we're here. We wanted to know what you guys thought."
"Obviously it's a good idea in theory," Fulton said. "But you're worried about how everyone will take it, right?"
Charlie nodded. "Goldberg and Averman? They might be weirded out to begin with, but they've known you two for so long, I can't imagine them not getting over it pretty quick," I said.
"Yeah, and Russ is from L.A., so he's gotta be used to that sort of thing, and Kenny...come on, he used to be a figure skater," Guy put in. "You should totally tell them."
"It's Dwayne and Luis I'm not so sure about," Julie said thoughtfully. "I've heard Luis making homo jokes, and not to stereotype or anything, but Dwayne's from Texas and..." Her voice trailed off and we all sat there, considering.
"Yeah, those two might be a problem, but Charlie and Banksie can't keep this hidden forever, and they shouldn't have to. I think it's more a question of when and how to tell everyone," Portman said, and we all nodded agreement.
"Why not just tell them all in the locker room after the next game? That way it won't be weird on the ice, and they'll all have time alone to get used to the idea over the weekend," Guy said.
I looked over at Charlie and Adam. They were eyeing each other in excitement, but plenty of nervousness as well. I couldn't blame them. "It's so unfair that you even have to be worrying about this at all," I said angrily. "I mean, I can't imagine what it would be like if me and Guy had to go through all this shit."
"Comes with the territory, I guess," Adam said sadly, and I wondered if either of them had told their families. I bet they hadn't; I couldn't imagine Banks' father taking the news very well. I'd have to remember to talk to him about that later.
"But what about Luis and Dwayne and the others?" Charlie wondered. "How do we tell them something like this?"
"Just say it straight out," Fulton said, then grinned. "No pun intended."
"The rest of us will be standing right beside you," Portman added. "They'll know we're okay with it, and hopefully that'll make it easier for them to accept, if half the team is already there, supporting you guys."
"And no matter what happens, just know that we'll be here for you at the other end," Julie said. "We'll get through this thing together."
"Yeah," the rest of us chorused.
Charlie made a funny noise and looked away quickly, wiping his eyes. Portman looked both confused and concerned. "Don't worry Spazway, it'll be alright."
"It's not that," Charlie said, turning to face us. "It's just, I feel so grateful to you guys. I mean, I'd consider myself lucky for having one friend who supported Adam and I half as much as you have, and instead I've got five..." He blinked and looked away again hurriedly, while Adam rubbed his shoulder gently.
I smiled, they were so cute together, I couldn't imagine how anyone could feel otherwise. I just hoped that the rest of the Ducks shared my sentiments.
***
We were all in the locker room after the game, showering and getting dressed. Everyone was in a good mood since we'd creamed this team from Our Lady of Perpetual Help, a Christian academy appropriately named the Saints, 7-0. Adam had scored three goals, and everyone kept congratulating him, but as he sat down beside me on the bench, I could see that he was all tensed up. I was too, if you want the truth; I hate waiting for things like this. I reached over and put my hand on his knee.
"Relax Banksie, we're all here for you. It's gonna be okay." He smiled at me, but I could tell he was still scared.
Finally Charlie stood up and called out, "Look guys, before you go, there's something we have to tell you." The rest of us stood up at this cue and lined up beside Charlie. I was flanked on one side by Adam, who was trembling slightly, and on the other by Portman, who wasn't.
"We, uh, have some news that may or may not surprise you, but either way it's pretty big," Charlie continued, and I could see the effort he was making to remain calm and at ease. "To be honest, we're not sure how you're all going to take it, but I just hope you'll remember how much we've been through together, and that you'll value this team too much to want to throw all that away."
"Christ Charlie, what is it? You coming out or something?" Goldberg quipped, and the others laughed.
Charlie tittered nervously and rubbed the back of his neck. "Actually...yes."
That got their attention. For a moment no one spoke, then Russ finally said, "So, do you mean to tell us you're gay?"
I saw Fulton, who was on Adam's other side, nudge him none too gently with the toe of his combat boot. Banks stepped slowly forward, and put his hand on Charlie's shoulder. "Not just him," he said, and I was surprised at how clear and strong his voice sounded.
"You don't mean you two are actually..." Russ said disbelievingly. Charlie and Adam nodded. "Damn!" He looked shocked, but not angry or disgusted. A good sign.
"I don't get it," Dwayne drawled, looking around in confusion.
"Look, do they have to draw you a picture? They're dating!"
"Dating who?"
"Each other, you moron!"
"Oh. Is that legal?"
"This isn't Texas, cowboy."
For once, both Goldberg and Averman were at a loss for words. "But...but...for how long?" Averman sputtered.
"About eight months now," Charlie said softly, looking around, trying to gauge everyone's reactions at once. "But we haven't changed or anything--"
"The hell you haven't!" Luis broke in. "You're fucking queers!"
"Look," Guys stepped forward. "You're wrong. We've all known for awhile now, and it doesn't bother us. They're the same guys they used to be."
"Yeah," I put my arm around Guy's waist. "I mean, it's been going on since we beat Varsity, and have any of you noticed anything different? Have they suddenly started staring at you in the shower, or talking with a lisp? Just ten minutes ago, Luis, you were hugging Adam and congratulating him on his hat trick. Did he grab your ass, or try to feel you up? No, because he's still Adam, and he would never do that. He just has a boyfriend, is all."
Now it was Julie's turn. "We know it's a lot to take in at once, but deal with it. We have, and we're stronger because of it. We stand by Charlie and Adam no matter what and you should too, because we're Ducks, and Ducks fly together."
Luis stood up. "Bullshit! I don't care what you say, it's fucking sick!"
Fulton and Portman immediately stepped in front of the rest of us and stood there, arms crossed, like a couple of bouncers at a nightclub.
"Oh, what, so now you two are gonna kick my ass because I don't agree with you?" Luis' voice rose shrilly.
"Don't be stupid, Luis," Portman said angrily. "You need time to deal with this, fine, but do it on your own, and leave Conway and Banks alone. You're not the first bigot we've come across here, and I'm sure you won't be the last. Just know that if you mess with one of them, you mess with us. Fulton especially is highly intolerant of gay-bashers. Just ask Beck and his friends."
"What do you mean?" Russ asked.
"They found out about Adam and Charlie and started to beat them up a couple of times until Fult convinced them otherwise."
"Look, don't be like this," Fulton said quietly, looking pained. "We expect it from a bunch of assholes like Varsity, but not from you guys. Don't you think Adam and Charlie will have enough to deal with when the rest of the school finds out? If the Ducks won't stand by them, who will?"
Luis blinked and looked around as if he were unsure what to say or do next, and I knew Fulton's words had gotten to him. "Fuck this," he muttered, then turned and left. The others soon followed, but looking more confused than anything else.
"Charlie and Adam?" Averman said as they left.
"Yeah man, who knew?" Goldberg added, and I smiled. They were going to be alright.
After that, the seven of us were alone once more. No, that wasn't true, Kenny was still sitting at the far end of one of the benches. He hadn't moved or spoken the entire time, and frankly, I'd forgotten he was even there. Now he rose and walked toward us with an unreadable expression on his face.
"I know how hard that must have been for you; I think you're very brave. Don't worry, I think the Ducks'll get over it soon."
"Are you sure? Even Luis?" Charlie asked anxiously.
"He's my roommate, I'll talk to him, but I think it's mostly shock. His first reaction when he doesn't get something is to get mad. He's a good guy though, he'll be alright."
"I told you!" Guy said happily, clapping Ken on the back. "Its' cause he was a figure skater, right Kenny?"
Kenny blushed and looked at the ground. "I don't think anyone should ever try to hide who they are. People just get hurt."
Everyone just looked at him, waiting for more, and he eventually obliged. "My parents were a figure skating team. One night after they won the gold in '88, they slept together, and my mom got pregnant, so they got married and had me. It was ten years before my dad finally told her he was gay. She couldn't handle it, she moved back to Hong Kong and I haven't seen her since. My dad was never really happy except when he was on the ice, and after my mom left it was like he was born again. He wasted ten years of his life trying to make himself into something he wasn't; he always says that the only thing he wouldn't do differently if he got the chance was to have me. I think the sooner you let everyone know, the better. Even if it's hard now, it'll get easier later. I promise."
After his little speech, he turned to go. No one could think of anything to say, but that didn't stop the Bash Brothers. Portman grabbed Kenny by the arms and spun him around, then actually tossed him into the air. Fulton caught him deftly and set the dazed little Asian boy back on the ground while the two of them danced around, slapping him on the back amid calls of "Woo woo woo, Kenny Wu!"
It was just like at a hockey game. They got us so pumped up that before we knew it we were all laughing and yelling and dancing around with them, Luis' and the other Ducks' behaviour long forgotten. It seemed that another one had joined our ranks, I thought, before my musings were interrupted by Guy pulling me into a tight embrace that seemed to last a full minute. When we separated I saw that Adam and Charlie were now fully liplocked as well, and the others were still hooting and hollering.
What were we all cheering about, I wondered, then Guy pulled me in close for another kiss and I realized that it didn't matter. It was enough that we were together, and that we were happy.
*I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all again for your very generous reviews. You're right, BennyP, I don't always have much in the way of character development. I prefer to put the Ducks into situations and let them deal with them the way I think their characters would, so don't expect a story where everybody learns important life lessons by the end. I will try to explore the Bashes budding relationship in future chapters, however. Cake Eater's colourful comments are always a delight to read, and I must thank Saimone, whose words surely rank among the kindest I have ever heard (read). If you don't watch out, my head is going to swell up like a balloon! Thank you everyone for all your support!*
"You're serious?" I asked Guy as he, Julie and I headed toward the Bashes dorm. "It was really Portman's idea?"
"That's what Charlie said. You know, just when I think I've got those two figured out, they do something else to surprise me."
"Tell me about it," Julie said ruefully. I knew she liked Fulton, she had for a few weeks now, but he seemed pretty oblivious to her attentions. We spotted Adam and Charlie heading our way, and waited for them to catch up.
As the five of us headed down the hall together, we could hear loud music coming from one of the dorms, obviously belonging to the Bashes, and when we reached the entrance we could make out some strange thumping noises coming from within. No one answered when we knocked, so we went inside, where we beheld a strange and amusing sight.
Fulton and Portman were thrashing around while Nirvana's Nevermind album blared. Fulton was grabbing clothes strewn about and slamming them into a hockey bag lying in the corner of the room, cheering loudly whenever he got them in, while Portman kicked, tossed and shoved all the books, CD's and other junk littering the ground under one of the beds. They paused several times to play air guitar or chest-butt each other before Portman noticed our presence and waved us inside while he turned the music off.
"Ah, my welcome guests, sit, sit," Portman spread his arms in a mock- cordial manner and gestured to the beds and chairs which had been arranged to form a rough circle. As we were seated I looked around, marveling at both the Bashes living conditions and their choice of décor. Despite the rather cute fact that they had obviously been cleaning for our sakes, the place was a shambles, and though the beds, chairs and the area they encircled had been cleared of debris, I shuddered to think about what lived under the beds.
The walls were covered with posters of various rock bands, Nirvana of course, Tool, Offspring and some others I had never heard of (who the hell were And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead?), all of which were affixed at wild angles, often overlapping with the corners of another. My chair scraped the ground as I sat down, and a fuzzy black spider shot down from the ceiling, black legs wiggling and green eyes flashing. Guy shrieked and grabbed my arm, then relaxed when he realized it was a toy, and began looking around non-chalantly in an attempt to cover up his embarrassment. Personally, I loved the fact that my boyfriend had a severe case of arachnophobia.
Rock music hall of fame and noise-activated spiders aside, the room still held many curiosities, not the least of which were a naked Barbie with her hair cut off hanging from a noose attached to the ceiling, and an arrangement of healthy-looking, tropical-type plants on the windowsill. Having managed to procure a corner dorm not only gave the Bashes the largest room available, but also provided them with a window overlooking the grounds. Bastards. There was a copy of what looked to be Breakfast of Champions peeking out from under the bed, to which Portman gave a swift kick when he caught me eyeing it. The Bash Brothers as horticulturalists and Kurt Vonnegut fans? Guy was right; these guys were full of surprises.
Portman cleared his throat loudly and we all turned to look at him. "Right," he said, clapping his hands together. "We shall begin. Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Dean Portman, and I will be your master of ceremonies this evening, aided by my lovely assistant Fulton Reed. First item of business: the love lives of Adam Banks and Charlie Conway. Are they sleeping together yet?"
Indignant squawks of embarrassment from Adam and Charlie, as Portman laughed, "Okay, okay. We'll get back to that later. Second item of business: should Charlie and Adam come out to the rest of the Ducks, and if so, when, where and how?"
"You guys are really going to tell the other Ducks?" Guy asked.
"We're not sure," Charlie said quickly, glancing nervously at Adam. "That's why we're here. We wanted to know what you guys thought."
"Obviously it's a good idea in theory," Fulton said. "But you're worried about how everyone will take it, right?"
Charlie nodded. "Goldberg and Averman? They might be weirded out to begin with, but they've known you two for so long, I can't imagine them not getting over it pretty quick," I said.
"Yeah, and Russ is from L.A., so he's gotta be used to that sort of thing, and Kenny...come on, he used to be a figure skater," Guy put in. "You should totally tell them."
"It's Dwayne and Luis I'm not so sure about," Julie said thoughtfully. "I've heard Luis making homo jokes, and not to stereotype or anything, but Dwayne's from Texas and..." Her voice trailed off and we all sat there, considering.
"Yeah, those two might be a problem, but Charlie and Banksie can't keep this hidden forever, and they shouldn't have to. I think it's more a question of when and how to tell everyone," Portman said, and we all nodded agreement.
"Why not just tell them all in the locker room after the next game? That way it won't be weird on the ice, and they'll all have time alone to get used to the idea over the weekend," Guy said.
I looked over at Charlie and Adam. They were eyeing each other in excitement, but plenty of nervousness as well. I couldn't blame them. "It's so unfair that you even have to be worrying about this at all," I said angrily. "I mean, I can't imagine what it would be like if me and Guy had to go through all this shit."
"Comes with the territory, I guess," Adam said sadly, and I wondered if either of them had told their families. I bet they hadn't; I couldn't imagine Banks' father taking the news very well. I'd have to remember to talk to him about that later.
"But what about Luis and Dwayne and the others?" Charlie wondered. "How do we tell them something like this?"
"Just say it straight out," Fulton said, then grinned. "No pun intended."
"The rest of us will be standing right beside you," Portman added. "They'll know we're okay with it, and hopefully that'll make it easier for them to accept, if half the team is already there, supporting you guys."
"And no matter what happens, just know that we'll be here for you at the other end," Julie said. "We'll get through this thing together."
"Yeah," the rest of us chorused.
Charlie made a funny noise and looked away quickly, wiping his eyes. Portman looked both confused and concerned. "Don't worry Spazway, it'll be alright."
"It's not that," Charlie said, turning to face us. "It's just, I feel so grateful to you guys. I mean, I'd consider myself lucky for having one friend who supported Adam and I half as much as you have, and instead I've got five..." He blinked and looked away again hurriedly, while Adam rubbed his shoulder gently.
I smiled, they were so cute together, I couldn't imagine how anyone could feel otherwise. I just hoped that the rest of the Ducks shared my sentiments.
***
We were all in the locker room after the game, showering and getting dressed. Everyone was in a good mood since we'd creamed this team from Our Lady of Perpetual Help, a Christian academy appropriately named the Saints, 7-0. Adam had scored three goals, and everyone kept congratulating him, but as he sat down beside me on the bench, I could see that he was all tensed up. I was too, if you want the truth; I hate waiting for things like this. I reached over and put my hand on his knee.
"Relax Banksie, we're all here for you. It's gonna be okay." He smiled at me, but I could tell he was still scared.
Finally Charlie stood up and called out, "Look guys, before you go, there's something we have to tell you." The rest of us stood up at this cue and lined up beside Charlie. I was flanked on one side by Adam, who was trembling slightly, and on the other by Portman, who wasn't.
"We, uh, have some news that may or may not surprise you, but either way it's pretty big," Charlie continued, and I could see the effort he was making to remain calm and at ease. "To be honest, we're not sure how you're all going to take it, but I just hope you'll remember how much we've been through together, and that you'll value this team too much to want to throw all that away."
"Christ Charlie, what is it? You coming out or something?" Goldberg quipped, and the others laughed.
Charlie tittered nervously and rubbed the back of his neck. "Actually...yes."
That got their attention. For a moment no one spoke, then Russ finally said, "So, do you mean to tell us you're gay?"
I saw Fulton, who was on Adam's other side, nudge him none too gently with the toe of his combat boot. Banks stepped slowly forward, and put his hand on Charlie's shoulder. "Not just him," he said, and I was surprised at how clear and strong his voice sounded.
"You don't mean you two are actually..." Russ said disbelievingly. Charlie and Adam nodded. "Damn!" He looked shocked, but not angry or disgusted. A good sign.
"I don't get it," Dwayne drawled, looking around in confusion.
"Look, do they have to draw you a picture? They're dating!"
"Dating who?"
"Each other, you moron!"
"Oh. Is that legal?"
"This isn't Texas, cowboy."
For once, both Goldberg and Averman were at a loss for words. "But...but...for how long?" Averman sputtered.
"About eight months now," Charlie said softly, looking around, trying to gauge everyone's reactions at once. "But we haven't changed or anything--"
"The hell you haven't!" Luis broke in. "You're fucking queers!"
"Look," Guys stepped forward. "You're wrong. We've all known for awhile now, and it doesn't bother us. They're the same guys they used to be."
"Yeah," I put my arm around Guy's waist. "I mean, it's been going on since we beat Varsity, and have any of you noticed anything different? Have they suddenly started staring at you in the shower, or talking with a lisp? Just ten minutes ago, Luis, you were hugging Adam and congratulating him on his hat trick. Did he grab your ass, or try to feel you up? No, because he's still Adam, and he would never do that. He just has a boyfriend, is all."
Now it was Julie's turn. "We know it's a lot to take in at once, but deal with it. We have, and we're stronger because of it. We stand by Charlie and Adam no matter what and you should too, because we're Ducks, and Ducks fly together."
Luis stood up. "Bullshit! I don't care what you say, it's fucking sick!"
Fulton and Portman immediately stepped in front of the rest of us and stood there, arms crossed, like a couple of bouncers at a nightclub.
"Oh, what, so now you two are gonna kick my ass because I don't agree with you?" Luis' voice rose shrilly.
"Don't be stupid, Luis," Portman said angrily. "You need time to deal with this, fine, but do it on your own, and leave Conway and Banks alone. You're not the first bigot we've come across here, and I'm sure you won't be the last. Just know that if you mess with one of them, you mess with us. Fulton especially is highly intolerant of gay-bashers. Just ask Beck and his friends."
"What do you mean?" Russ asked.
"They found out about Adam and Charlie and started to beat them up a couple of times until Fult convinced them otherwise."
"Look, don't be like this," Fulton said quietly, looking pained. "We expect it from a bunch of assholes like Varsity, but not from you guys. Don't you think Adam and Charlie will have enough to deal with when the rest of the school finds out? If the Ducks won't stand by them, who will?"
Luis blinked and looked around as if he were unsure what to say or do next, and I knew Fulton's words had gotten to him. "Fuck this," he muttered, then turned and left. The others soon followed, but looking more confused than anything else.
"Charlie and Adam?" Averman said as they left.
"Yeah man, who knew?" Goldberg added, and I smiled. They were going to be alright.
After that, the seven of us were alone once more. No, that wasn't true, Kenny was still sitting at the far end of one of the benches. He hadn't moved or spoken the entire time, and frankly, I'd forgotten he was even there. Now he rose and walked toward us with an unreadable expression on his face.
"I know how hard that must have been for you; I think you're very brave. Don't worry, I think the Ducks'll get over it soon."
"Are you sure? Even Luis?" Charlie asked anxiously.
"He's my roommate, I'll talk to him, but I think it's mostly shock. His first reaction when he doesn't get something is to get mad. He's a good guy though, he'll be alright."
"I told you!" Guy said happily, clapping Ken on the back. "Its' cause he was a figure skater, right Kenny?"
Kenny blushed and looked at the ground. "I don't think anyone should ever try to hide who they are. People just get hurt."
Everyone just looked at him, waiting for more, and he eventually obliged. "My parents were a figure skating team. One night after they won the gold in '88, they slept together, and my mom got pregnant, so they got married and had me. It was ten years before my dad finally told her he was gay. She couldn't handle it, she moved back to Hong Kong and I haven't seen her since. My dad was never really happy except when he was on the ice, and after my mom left it was like he was born again. He wasted ten years of his life trying to make himself into something he wasn't; he always says that the only thing he wouldn't do differently if he got the chance was to have me. I think the sooner you let everyone know, the better. Even if it's hard now, it'll get easier later. I promise."
After his little speech, he turned to go. No one could think of anything to say, but that didn't stop the Bash Brothers. Portman grabbed Kenny by the arms and spun him around, then actually tossed him into the air. Fulton caught him deftly and set the dazed little Asian boy back on the ground while the two of them danced around, slapping him on the back amid calls of "Woo woo woo, Kenny Wu!"
It was just like at a hockey game. They got us so pumped up that before we knew it we were all laughing and yelling and dancing around with them, Luis' and the other Ducks' behaviour long forgotten. It seemed that another one had joined our ranks, I thought, before my musings were interrupted by Guy pulling me into a tight embrace that seemed to last a full minute. When we separated I saw that Adam and Charlie were now fully liplocked as well, and the others were still hooting and hollering.
What were we all cheering about, I wondered, then Guy pulled me in close for another kiss and I realized that it didn't matter. It was enough that we were together, and that we were happy.
*I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all again for your very generous reviews. You're right, BennyP, I don't always have much in the way of character development. I prefer to put the Ducks into situations and let them deal with them the way I think their characters would, so don't expect a story where everybody learns important life lessons by the end. I will try to explore the Bashes budding relationship in future chapters, however. Cake Eater's colourful comments are always a delight to read, and I must thank Saimone, whose words surely rank among the kindest I have ever heard (read). If you don't watch out, my head is going to swell up like a balloon! Thank you everyone for all your support!*