The next morning and into the early afternoon was like a slow suffering stretch for Jacque. He'd made up his mind to seek out Goresky after school and get him to talk out the situation with him. He felt like he couldn't take another minute of this whole 'avoiding game' anymore. The teenage feline spent the whole six hours of school waiting and praying for the bells to switch classes, have recess, lunch and end the day, to ring. It seemed like forever, but finally that last bell of the day was heard, and Jacque nearly yelled out for joy. But realizing that would be an outright stupid thing to do in front of his classmates and teacher, he kept the feeling to himself. Like he wasn't good enough at making himself look like a total ass in the first place... Goresky didn't stop at their lockers, so Jacque hurried, cramming his books into his, and snatching up his bag, so he could catch up to his warthog friend, without too much trouble. It was Friday, so he knew Goresky was walking the long way home, past the creek. Running at a decent pace, Jacque finally had him in view ahead. What was better, Chislett wasn't with him. He must've stayed at the schoolgrounds, to chat with Scott and them. Perfect. Knowing opportunity had come, Jacque found his voice, and called out, "-Goresky!!" He saw the warthog halt, and slowly turn around. Goresky stared in somewhat shock, seeing his feline comrade running up to him. He didn't understand; weren't they still on those 'avoiding' terms? True, he DID miss Jacque, but what did he want? Goresky had no clue what to say to him, he was still uncomfortable and wigged out. *Oh no... what should I do??* Not knowing what else to do, the warthog suddenly turned back around, pretending he hadn't heard or noticed him, hoping foolishly that he'd get away with it. Seeing what his so-called friend was trying to pull, Jacque yelped out in protest, "Hey, come on!" GORESKY!!" The warthog flinched. Okay, so that wasn't going to work. Thinking about it harder, Goresky finally admitted to himself that this wasn't right. He and Jacque were friends... and his feline friend was obviously trying to help to save their relationship. Trying to avoid this wasn't an option anymore. No, he owed it to Jacque to face up and resolve this. Even if it meant... bringing up what had happened last week. Swallowing hard, Goresky forced himself to turn around and say the first sentence he'd spoken to his comrade all week. "...What, Jacque?" For a second, both thought, *-Holy shit... we just exchanged WORDS!* and it took them another minute to snap back into the present, and think of what to say next. As Jacque was the more prepared one, he broke the ice first. "-Listen... we both know... that we NEED to talk here." You know... considering it's been like... a week." The warthog slowly nodded, "-Yeah... I guess so." Goresky didn't mean to sound (somewhat) sarcastic, but that's what the feline hybrid heard, which caused him to blurt out, "-We DO!" I mean it, Goresk!" We can't just keep...'avoiding' each other like this!" You and me need to clean the air!" A bit shocked by the outburst, his friend said, "-Okay, okay, I get it, Jacq!" I wasn't trying to be sarcastic!" I agree with you!" If you've got something to say to me, then... well SAY it!" Taken aback for a moment, Jacque paused. "-Oh... well... fine!" 'Cuz I'll have you know that I DO have something to say!" "-And I'm listening!" Goresky added. "So talk!" So there it was; Jacque was about to drop his second 'bomb', on the next most important person to him. Remembering how Marco had taken it (at first), the feline was obviously petrified of what his friend's opinion would be, especially after all that had happened. But he had no other choice. Taking a deep breath, Jacque began, "-Alright.. I'll tell you." Goresk... I've been thinking about this all week... I've been really freaked out and confused... and I know you are too!" Goresky gave a slight nod, listening attentively, as he added, "-And now... I've finally figured it all out!" Now this, didn't exactly hit a familiar chord with the warthog. He questioned, "-Figured out 'what'?" "-The 'answer'!" The 'reason'!" To how and why this whole 'thing' got to here!" the feline shrieked. "And I've been thinking and pondering over it... and now I can't even figure out why I didn't see it in the first place!" It was so obvious... all along." As his voice trailed off, the even more confused and frustrated Goresky pressed, "-WHAT was???" What the hell are you talking about??" Damnit Jacque, quit bullshitting with me!" Tell me the truth!" Jacque looked at him, insulted and impatient. "-The 'truth'?" You want the truth?" "YES!" "Fine then, you want 'truth'?!" I'll give it to you!" And here it is!" "-Good!" "-I'm GAY, Goresky!" Jacque thundered. "THAT's it!" I'm a fucking homosexual!" His friend's angry expression was dissolved into a look of utter blankness. If he thought he was confused before, then he seemed to have hit a jackpot for how he was thinking NOW. The words that had come out of Jacque's mouth, were ones that Goresky never thought of hearing from him. Jacque... gay? What was going on here?!? All he could manage to squeak out was, "...What?" "-You heard me right!" It's true!" the feline told him, firmly. The warthog felt totally out of it, like he was in quicksand or smoking something strong... like this whole thing was some sort of dream sequence... Dumbly shaking his head, he muttered, "-No... nooo... you?" You're... you're not gay..." Jacque could've sworn he was experiencing deja vu. Goresky saying that he wasn't gay... not believing him... it was just like Marco asking Jacque if he was joking, when he told them... He was stunned and hurt. Frowning, he snapped at Goresky, "-YES I am!!" How can you not see it??" It's always been obvious... think about it!" Like... how come I can't keep a girlfriend?" Or why do I act the way I do?" And why did I... 'make a MOVE' on you at the bar, that night?!?" Goresky wasn't trying to hurt him, but this just didn't make sense. However, these reasons DID sound somewhat convincing, but the warthog could swear that there were answers... "-S... so?" Lots of people have bad relationships!" I know that more than anyone, you know that!" Jacque did know. "So you have your own 'personality'.. EVERYONE does!" It's called individuality!" Big deal!" And you 'hitting' on me... well... you were DRUNK!" And so was I!" It's not your fault!" It sounded like Goresky was making excuses for him to get him out of some sort of trouble. Jacque sighed and shook his muzzle. "-Thanks for trying to make me feel better... or whatever you're doing." But I know what I am." And I'm gonna have to accept that." I refuse to deny myself, anymore." There was a short pause. Not knowing what else to say, Goresky stammered out, "-So... wh... what does this mean?" The feline hybrid stared at his feet, and muttered, "-That your best friend is a 'faggot'." Both winced at the cruel word. Dwelling upon the thoughts this situation put into his head, Goresky was suddenly struck with the same idea that Jacque had been the other day. He froze. "...Jacque?" "...Yeah?" "-All that stuff... you just said... it-" the warthog stuttered. "I mean... you vaguely remember how I... was that night." Jacque paused. "-Sure... why?" "-This might sound stupid but... does... could... this mean that... I'M gay?" Goresky gulped. His friend was taken aback a moment, remembering how he'd made the same assumption last night. He didn't know quite what to tell him. Finally, he gave a small shrug, "-I don't know Goresky... you tell me." But how could the warthog tell him when even HE didn't know? "-I... I just... don't know, Jacq..." he said. "I'm so confused..." The lynx/caracal blinked, "-You don't think I am too??" Trust me Goresk... I hear you; this has all been one hard blow to take." But... I'm just gonna have to get over it and move on." And hopefully you will too." A random inquiry passed through Goresky's head. "-Wh... what does 'this' mean for us?" As 'friends' I mean." Jacque had no clue. "-I dunno." Once word gets out... I'm not sure if you'll wanna be seen with me." Unless you wanna be 'gay bashed' too..." he grumbled, ruefully. "-But... but that's not fair," Goresky protested, in a meek voice. "What IS fair??" Jacque gave a long, suffering sigh. Lowering his face, into a hand, Goresky paced about, aimlessly. "-I... you... this... I mean CRIPES, man!" This is all just too much, too fast..." I... I need to be alone... to think... I just-" He swore outloud, in frustration, and kicked a stone loose from the earth, hard. Jacque just stood still. Shaking his head, Goresky told him, "-I'm sorry Jacque... I can't DEAL with this right now..." Like my head isn't fucked up enough already!" His tone worried the teenage feline. "-Wha... what are you saying?" "-I... I just can't talk to you right now... I really can't." Biting his lip, Jacque pleaded, "-B... but..." "-But?" But WHAT?!?" Goresky mocked. His sharpness made Jacque flinch. Yet he managed to continue. "-I... I kinda have another 'confession'," he admitted, meekly. After what Jacque had already told him, Goresky guessed the next absurd thing. "What??" You're becoming a 'transvestite'?!?" he snorted. Jacque was insulted at this accusation. Frowning with hurt, he snapped, "-NO!" It was about YOU!" Now this confused Goresky. 'About him'? "-What do you mean... 'about ME'??" But by this time, Jacque was less easier to get things out of. "-You know what... FORGET IT!!" I'm starting to think that maybe you're just not WORTH this!" *What on Mobius does he MEAN??* Goresky thought. "-'Worth' WHAT!?" he yelped, bewilderedly. He was totally lost. Obviously, Jacque was annoyed that he was making no sense to the warthog. So he gave in, "-FINE... you wanna know?" "-FINE!" Goresky howled. "You've just dropped all your bombs on me... might as well get rid of this one too!" His friend's tone was discouraging, but what Jacque was about to say was VERY important. Swallowing hard, Jacque spoke, "-Goresky... the truth is... that I... actually might have... f... FEELINGS for you." THAT certainly blew the warthog's mind. Of all things, he'd never thought of THAT coming out. Jacque... gay... LIKED him? His best friend since childhood, growing up together and everything, same gender... was SEXUALLY attracted to him?? Oh good GOD. Goresky wished badly that he could sit down... he felt like he could be knocked over with a feather. "-Ff... FEELINGS... for ME??" he squeaked. "-Yeah... 'feelings'!" Jacque repeated. "You know them??" I'm not gonna lie to you... that kiss from that night... I LIKED it!" It felt GOOD!" Honest to god, Goresk, NO girl has ever done something that made me feel the way I did, when I kissed you!" At hearing THIS, the warthog opened his mouth as if to speak, but nothing came out. His face turned bright red, in embarrassment. Jacque was left to go on. "-And with all this that's been happening all week... I just got SCARED." That I was gonna 'lose' you!" Lowering his gaze, he shrugged, "-Well... I guess that was paranoia well spent... as it seems like I'm about to." I mean... no straight guy wants a gay companion... right?" At last, Goresky asked, "-Then... then what?" Slowly looking back up at him, Jacque replied, "-There's nothing left to say here, then." I guess we're 'through'." Turning around, he ended, "-Bye Goresky." Hearing Jacque say those two words, almost instantly it was as if alarms went off in Goresky's mind, screaming, "NONONO!! STOP HIM, STOP HIM!!" Outloud, he spoke, "-No... Jacque... WAIT!!!" He rushed after the feline, who was already walking away. Jacque heard him, and called back, fumingly, "-For WHAT?!" There's nothing left to STAY for!" "YES there is!!" the warthog shrieked. Still not turning around, his friend snarled, "-Oh really... and what's THAT?!?" "-For... for ME!" Goresky blurted out, on impulse. This response both surprised and startled him and Jacque. The feline finally halted. But only half-believing it, he scoffed, "-For 'you' huh?" Well what do YOU want from ME??" I can't exactly offer you 'friendship' here!" Least not a 'normal' one!" There was a pause. Goresky took a moment to collect himself. "-That's... not what I'm asking for..." "-Then WHAT else is there??" Jacque demanded. The warthog gave a hard and bitter swallow, for what he was about to say next. "-You said you liked me... didn't you?" His friend scowled. "-Yeah... so what?" He was expecting a mockery of some sort. Despite the discouragement, Goresky knew he had to say it now. "-What if I said... that... that I liked you back?" This pierced a mark into Jacque's soul. He finally turned around. But his expression was a look of enragement. "-You better NOT be saying that because you feel SORRY for me!!" he spat at the warthog. "If you are, I swear to God I'll-!" "-Well I got news for you, Jacque, I'm NOT!" I seriously MEAN IT!" Goresky yelled back. Jacque stared at him hard, searching for answers of sincere and honest truth. He didn't know what to believe anymore. Lowering his tone and gaze, he muttered, "...I thought you said you were straight." His friend slowly shook his muzzle. "-Wrong... that's what I 'thought'." Jacque leaned his head to the side, in a quizzical look. "-What makes you say that?" Somewhat hard for Goresky to put fully into words, but he said what he thought seemed right. "Everything you just said... back there and here... it just... made so much sense... somehow." I have to admit... I'm kinda surprised that I didn't notice or figure this stuff out myself..." I guess... I was just too busy living in denial and too scared to face it..." But now... I honestly think that I'm finally seeing things straighter, for the first time in months." This was what Jacque had been looking for. An honest and sincere, straight up answer. He was struck with amazement. "-What are you tryin' to say, Goresk?" For the first time in over a week, a friendly smile formed upon Goresky's face, towards him. "-That I hope you'll excuse me a moment while I... 'step outta the closet'." By then, an exchanging grin came over Jacque, in spite of himself. "-You... really mean that?" Suddenly, a wave of boldness came through the young warthog. He simply replied, "-As much as I mean this..." And before the feline could utter a word, Goresky moved close and pressed his lips against Jacque's. A moment of (in sobriety this time) cleansure of lies, denial, and doubt they'd had between them, followed. When finally stopping, the lynx caracal breathed, "-Wow... now... THAT I believe." "-Good to hear..." the warthog nodded. So THIS was sexual attraction. Goresky felt his hormones spinning wildly, out of almost all control. He couldn't stop grinning; he felt light-headed and carefree. It was a feeling like no other. "-Wanna sit down?" "-Yeah, really." They both lowered themselves to the ground, leaning against a rocky spot, needing to calm down. Jacque spoke, "-So... we've been best friends for about ten years... and we've turned out to both be gay... and I like you... and you like me..." He smirked cheesily. "Coincidence?" Goresky laughed lightly. "-I hear ya, Jacq." Well... guess there's only one thing we can do then." "-What's that?" the feline asked. Rubbing his neck, Goresky mused, "-Never thought I'd be saying this to anyone anytime soon, but... wanna go out with me?" Jacque blinked, rather surprised and amused at once. "-Oh I get it..." he figured. "In YOU asking ME to date you, already the 'pants' of this relationship has been established!" They both burst out into a fit of giggles. "-Oh that's not true!" Goresky insisted. "-Reeeally!" Jacque wheezed. "And how is that, Goresk, tell me!" "-We'll like.... 'take turns' or something, you know?" Goresky suggested, then leaned over, howling at the absurdness of the idea. Jacque roared just as hard. "'Take turns' he says!" What are we talking about, a relationship or putting in a new milk bag?" Recovering some breath, Goresky shrugged, "-I'm not sure myself.. but hey... put it this way... this relationship was forged by random and altered insanity of events... might as well just go with that flow!" Jacque smirked, "-Guess you're right... it's not like I'd know the 'right way' of doing things here... God knows I've never been in a 'normal' relationship before!" Goresky coughed, "-NORMAL!" Jacque... if you're calling our relationship here 'normal', cripes, I'd hate to see what you call crazy!" At this point, they were both extremely hyper. Jacque wiped his eyes. "-So... we're officially a 'couple' then, hey?" Goresky beamed. "-Damn right!" He playfully put his arm, awkwardly around Jacque. "-Ow!" You just hit me in the head with your elbow!" Jacque hooted, and they both started laughing again. "-I'm so sorry!" Goresky gasped, between laughs. The feline shook his head. "-Man... you mister, are gonna have to work on that stuff... cuz we're gonna have problems if you're gonna be 'abusing' me like that!" Goresky pretended to be disappointed and crushed. "-Awww man!" I guess there goes my ideas for a surprise rape attack!" And they just kept on laughing.