Chapter 17

"Kay, sweetie, I am so sorry," Charity said, meaning it, despite the traitorous burst of hope she felt at Kay's revelation.

"Yeah, me too, but hey, Nicholas has been moping around like someone killed his pet dog recently, you need to work things out with both of these men, Kay."

Kay grinned a little through her tears. "Thanks for the analogy, Simone... I think." She collected her thoughts before speaking again. "Ten months ago, I would have thought myself to be terminally single, and now, I've got two guys to deal with. You guys, what am I supposed to say to Miguel? I mean, Nicholas freaked out when I told him, I don't think Miguel would take it well if I told him that I was breaking up with him because we don't jump into each other's mind when we kiss."

Charity felt a surge of panic about Miguel ever finding out about blue. "No, Kay, don't tell him!"

This time both Kay and Simone looked at her strangely. I know something's up with you chick and I think I know what it is too, Simone thought to herself.

Charity equivocated before Kay could ask anything about her outburst. "I mean... umm... you're right, Nicholas freaked, it wouldn't be fair to Miguel to put all that on him. I'm sure even without the blue to tell him, he knows something isn't right."

Kay agreed. "Okay guys, I guess I'll talk to Miguel later and see what happens."

"And you'll tell us about it tomorrow night over milkshakes, RIGHT?" Simone hinted.

Kay grinned sheepishly, "Of course, I'd never keep anything from you guys... *cough* cough*... that is, I'll never keep anything from you Again, I mean."

Simone kicked at her, tipping Kay enough that she slipped off the back of the bench. Charity, glad that the tension was gone, giggled and went over after her to grab Kay's hand to fix the sprain she knew was going to result.

Simone, for her part, looked mortified. "Kay? Kay, I'm sorry, I didn't mean for you to fall," then, getting self-righteous, "God, you're the biggest klutz on earth, why the hell can't you even sit properly without hurting yourself?"

From somewhere under the bench, Kay hollered, "YOU KICKED ME, TWIT!"

Charity snorted as the two began to bicker, continuing the argument well after The familial blue had healed Kay and well past reason. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------

[Meanwhile....]

Miguel slammed his books on the floor just inside his apartment, causing Reese to wake up mid-snore from his usual deep slouch on their sofa.

"What the hell?" Reese shouted, disoriented.

"Oh, good, you're awake," responded Miguel, ignoring Reese's grimaces. "Can I talk to your for a minute?"

Reese looked at him closely, trying to pick out any guilt that might be on Miguel's expression. He didn't know what had shocked him awake, but he was pretty sure it had something to do with the messy pile of books beside his best friend. "I'm awake, NOW," he answered. "I guess you can talk at me, I can't promise I'll give a response," he continued, grumbling. "But you can't sit on this couch, you better get a chair from the kitchen," he added quickly.

Miguel smirked at got his own chair. "So umm... don't get mad before you hear me out, Reese..." Miguel began after settling himself for their discussion.

"Riiight, so what you really mean is that I'm gonna get mad, and that's just your way of preparing me for my own anger," Reese guessed.

"Basically," Miguel answered. "So yeah, okay... umm... remember when you told me not to get involved with Kay if I wasn't ready to return her feelings?"

Reese felt a small migraine developing as he hazarded a guess about where this conversation was going. "Yes, Miguel, I do. And I also remember you ASSURING ME that you did return her feelings."

"Wait a sec, Reese, I didn't assure you, I hinted that I might..." Miguel began.

"Whatever you want to tell yourself, dude," Reese muttered. "But, please, continue, I have a feeling you're just getting warmed up with this here topic."

"Umm, yeah, so I did, I really did. Or, I mean, I thought I did. And I really really do care about Kay and our friendship has progressed to a whole new level of understanding now... but after that initial sort of burst of pent up attraction, I haven't really been into her that way..." Miguel saw Reese about to interrupt. "Now, don't get me wrong, I see now that Kay is definitely a desirable woman, and I have no problems fooling around with her, it's enjoyable, but it's like the whole "in love" part of our relationship will never catch up to the depth of our friendship." Miguel stopped as he ran out of steam.

Reese considered his words, and surprised them both with his response. "Way to go, Miguel," he began.

Miguel was angry. "Look, Reese, I don't need any of your sarcasm now, just some friendly advice if you please."

Reese grinned, "Man, I'm being totally serious, no facetiousness intended. I really think it's great that you're finally in touch with the reality of your relationship with Kay. I mean, I never would have asked you to stay with her if you didn't feel it was right, I just want you to be honest with yourself and with her about things."

Miguel smiled tentatively. "You're serious? You think this is a good thing?"

"Well," Reese answered, "I mean, this means she's not gonna be inclined to introduce me to that hot sister of hers I see in the pics she's shown us of her family, but yeah, I'd say it's good for you two."

Miguel grinned. "Thanks, Reese, I guess I'll talk to Kay about this. And, maybe I'll even let you come home with me this summer back to Harmony and you can meet Jess without Kay's involvement." Miguel headed upstairs to make the call, more apprehensive as he thought about actually saying the words to Kay.

Reese settled into his deep slouch again, muttering to himself, "Jess, huh? Cute name... Cute girl..."