Author's Note: Warning! This chapter is rated M for male masturbation and sexual imagery. The scene will be marked, so please feel free to skip over that portion if you're uncomfortable with explicit content. I personally don't think it's all that bad in comparison to a whole lot of other stuff that I've read on this site, but better safe than sorry. Thanks.

Unexpected

By: Mad Betrayal

"A friend is what the heart needs all the time…"—Henry Van Dyke

Chapter 9 ~ Before We Go Back

Jay had slept well last night. But although he was awake now, he kept his eyes closed. Last night's happening played over and over again in his mind. Even in his dreams, Cole's lips, warmth, and touch had enveloped him. He couldn't escape it. He couldn't forget it. Jay blamed himself really. If only he had refused Cole's request, he wouldn't be feeling so torn now. Why had he sounded so wanton when he yielded—as if he wanted his best friend to kiss him?

Maybe…it was just a phase…? After all, I had just recently been dumped by Nya after being with her for two whole years…and I have no one to give my love to in that special way anymore… And…Cole was there… just as he's always been… But no…I was just…vulnerable, I guess…

So then, did Jay take advantage of Cole? No, that didn't seem right, because Cole was the one who requested, as well as initiated the kiss, not him. His actions were more or less explained, but what about Cole's. What did he want to…"experience wholeheartedly"?

Jay blushed and squeezed his eyes shut just a little bit tighter. Raw confusion—his heart was a befuddled mess. Without warning, the one beside him shifted, and a hand touched his hair. It was a gentle and comforting caress, but Jay wouldn't let his body find solace from it and only tensed further.

He opened his eyes and found Cole looking right at him, calm and serious. Jay swallowed, his head was still resting on the other's shoulder and his arm was still draped over the other's middle. In an act of subtlety, Jay started to ease himself away from Cole, but as soon as his body disconnected from his friend's, he felt the firm grip on his hip tighten.

"Jay, we have to talk." The blue ninja tore his eyes away from Cole's intense green stare and squirmed.

"Sure, what about?" He would play the "nonchalant card" as best he could. It had to be this way…for Nya's sake.

"C'mon, don't do this. You know what about." Cole was going to fight him about the matter, the hard edge of his tone suggested as much.

Jay frowned. I should've known. Nothing's ever easy with him. Nonetheless, he tried again. "Um…if it's okay with you, I'd like to use the bathroom first. I won't take long."

With decisive swiftness, Jay detached himself from Cole's side and rolled off the bed, getting to his feet. He felt an immutable chill creep into him at the loss of warmth, but immediately shook it off. He took only a single step towards the bathroom door before the black ninja was at his side. Yes well, the graceful fleet-footedness of a well-trained shinobi should've, of course, been anticipated.

"You expect me to believe that you just forgot?" Cole accused, halting the lightning ninja with his words. "That's impossible, Jay. I haven't and you haven't…and we're not going to."

Jay didn't want to argue about this. He thought he made it clear last night how crucial it was that their…lapse of better judgment had to be forgotten. Nya chose Cole for a reason and her happiness meant a great deal to Jay, as did his friendship with Cole. He didn't want to fight about something that had no business happening in the first place. He wanted to keep the peace.

"It was a mistake," Jay reasoned, his voice soft and nonaggressive. "I was feeling…" Jay suddenly stopped. He was about to say "vulnerable" like he'd planned, but then he instantly recalled the way his best friend had looked at him before he conceded to the kiss the night prior. Cole's emerald eyes had been so gentle, so deep and beautiful, and so full of… Jay's heart thumped. Cole had given him that same meaningful look before, when they had almost kissed the first time. And from that expression, Jay remembered how he truly felt: loved.

He shook his head roughly, vehemently dispelling the word from his mind and ignoring his heart. "No. Friends don't kiss friends. It's wrong!" Sapphires clashed and challenged emeralds as he turned and glared at Cole. "Besides, you said you'd try with Nya, and that's…that's the only reason why I let you kiss me."

Hurt flashed across Cole's face and Jay felt the infliction within, his heart aching with pain at his own lie. However, he refused to bow down to his baser instincts and surged forth with conviction. "You said you would, Cole. And no ninja—no man would break his promise just because…just because…s-something's…changed…"

Jay had faltered near the end, his voice losing force and certainty. "Change" was the only word he could think of to describe the ramification from which his and Cole's growing relationship created. And it was a very astute and befitting term, because their relationship did change. But maybe the cogs of destiny were already in the process of turning in an effort to make the two friends have a more intimate relationship. And coincidently, just maybe the kiss symbolized the actual physical effect of their deeper emotions for each other. Maybe…?

Jay fell silent, blinking rapidly. What now? He had tried to derail and subdue Cole, but after peering into his leader's eyes and seeing those peerless emeralds rekindle, he knew he had only added fuel to the fire. Cole advanced upon him.

"Even if that change occurred within the heart?" He challenged. "Even if what I feel for you is now l—"

*Knock Knock Knock*

Jay gave a start at the sudden knock on his door, but was more than glad for the interruption. "Y-Yes?" He called out and Edna's kind, accented voice carried through from the other side.

"Boys? Are you two playing nice?" Jay's mother asked and both shinobi sighed—for different reasons, of course.

"Yes."They droned in unison.

"Good," Edna chirped happily. "Now, make sure to leave your dirty clothes and underwear in the hamper, okay? I'll be doing the laundry after breakfast."

Cole turned wide, incredulous eyes towards the door while Jay blushed bright red in embarrassment. "MOM!" He screeched, but, of course, Edna just carried on.

"Oh and Cole, I'm making omelets this morning. I know what my Jay-lly Bean wants in his, but what do you want in yours?"

Getting over his initial shock, Cole smiled warmly. He had forgotten what it was like to have a loving mother such as Edna. "Lots of meat and cheese, and red and green peppers with salsa in a cup on the side, thanks."

Jay turned and stared at him in surprise. "Just like, Jason? How cute!" Edna cooed. "Okay, I'll get right on it so you boys hurry on down."

"Okay, Mom."

"Yes, Ma'am."

Once Edna's footsteps faded away, Jay raised an eyebrow at his friend. "Since when do you like your omelets the way I do?" He asked curiously and Cole regarded him with an easy grin.

"Since you made it for me on my birthday last year. It was like pulling teeth to get you to cook for me again, but once you did, you always delivered." Green eyes smoldered with fondness. "Zane's cooking is superb, but yours, Jay…it's also great, but heartfelt too. I believe I can tell the difference."

Jay turned abruptly away, not wanting Cole to see the dark blush his praise had caused. "Oh," he simply said instead. The atmosphere between the two ninja had become somewhat tranquil since Edna's timely interruption, and Jay was thankful for the slight reprieve from Cole's insistence.

I should leave while I still can…

Deciding not to dawdle, Jay moved to reach for the bathroom door when two strong arms came around his waist and pulled him back against a firm, warm body. The blue ninja gasped—Cole's persistence deftly countered his evasiveness once again. Now ensnared and flustered, Jay clenched his teeth with a growl.

"Would you stop—!" One of Cole's hands slipped between the folds of Jay's button-up top and rested against his stomach. He didn't know if it was intentional or not, but one thing's for sure. He didn't want it there!

"Shhh…just listen…" Warm wind caressed Jay's ear, sparking and igniting the fires within his soul. He rightfully blushed and panicked.

"I-I can listen just fine without you grabbing me, you—*gasp!*" Another sharp gasp escaped the lightning wielder's lips. The ninja leader was nuzzling him like an affectionate wildcat, pressing his face into Jay's silken chestnut locks. A gratuitous moan of contentment rumbled from Cole's throat, and a chaste kiss was placed low on the back of Jay's neck, invoking a shudder from the younger elemental master.

"So loquacious…" Cole muttered against soft, fair skin. His deep alto sent delicious shivers up and down Jay's spine. "Be quiet, and just…listen…"

Having no choice but to oblige, Jay fell silent in his friend's embrace, a blush permanently staining his cheeks. He's too close… I-I don't like this! Cole's chest was flush against Jay's back. There couldn't have been a single iota of space between them, they were so close. So much in fact, that Jay could feel Cole's heartbeat perfectly, and it drummed a frantic rhythm…just like his.

He's… He's nervous too…?

Just knowing that seemed to calm Jay down some and his pulse gradually slowed…as did Cole's. Deep blue gems widened. What is this…?

"Do you hear that, Jay? Do you feel that?" Cole whispered, his lips once more ghosting against Jay's ear. "I don't know what it is you're expecting to happen between Nya and me, but out of respect for her and especially you…I will keep my promise to try. But Jay—last night…I will never ever forget it. I can't forget what I felt—what I still feel—and what I felt from you. Tell me…what man or woman could ever forget their very first kiss…?"

Jay was dumbstruck. I was…his first kiss…? If that was the case, it would be downright wrong of Jay to ask Cole to forget last night. Pristine sapphires glistened mournfully. This was no time to get emotional, but what was he supposed to do?

But then, strong, gentle fingers gripped his chin and slowly turned his head, and Jay's body with it. Jay's vision blurred with tears, and when he blinked, they made crystalline trails down his cheeks. Cole had become the forbidden fruit within Eden's Garden, and last night he had a taste of what he truly needed in his life: Cole's love.

No…no…I refuse to accept it… I can't…

"Jay…?" The Master of Lightning opened his eyes—unaware that he had closed them—and gazed upon his best friend's hazy visage. Cole's thick eyebrows were furrowed in concern and his emerald orbs, sad and beseeching. He used a hand to affectionately cup Jay's cheek and wiped away a clear droplet with his thumb.

"Jay…I…I need to tell you how I feel. Please?" A difficult swallow followed. "Jay I—Jason…I'm in l—"

Jay moved swiftly forward and deliberately silenced Cole by placing his lips unto his. He swallowed that illicit word, fearing his inability to cope if his friend had uttered it. Instead, he would keep it inside him…and buried. Jay wrapped his arms tight around Cole's back and kissed him with everything he had. And Cole, while shocked at first, hastily reciprocated—pulling the other man close and cradling the back of his head. Jay melted in Cole's embrace, and the black ninja purred his satisfaction as their tongues engaged in yet another sensuous dance.

"Mmmm…"

In another time and circumstance, Jay would've been proud that he could entice such a sound from the usually collected ninja. However, all he could do now was swallow that precious hum as well, wanting to hoard and bury as much of Cole's intimacies as he could. There was one exception though; Cole's smooth taste of milk chocolate seared itself into Jay's memory, absolutely refusing to be simply consumed.

Dammit…I…

Jay shivered, but felt no cold, only pooling heat. Cole's hands had now planted themselves firmly on his lower back—under his shirt—and were caressing and massaging the supple skin they touched. With their bodies soundly pressed up against each other, Jay could once again feel the proof of their fathomless emotional bond. His and Cole's hearts continued to beat as one.

Jay was in love with Cole. And yet…he was going to force himself to fall out of it.

When oxygen started becoming essential, the two young ninja gently pulled apart. Jay framed Cole's face with his hands and rested his brow against his. Cole's eyes were still blissfully closed, and his cheeks hued a deep scarlet. Jay's own face felt warm, so he knew he must've had a mirror image of the other's flushed cheeks.

Jay steeled himself for what he was about to say, but his words caught in his throat when Cole opened his eyes. Jay let his hands fall to Cole's shoulders and shakily broke eye contact. The earth ninja was giving him that look again, and Jay couldn't afford to get entranced. There would be no third time.

"A-And that was the last one," Jay murmured. "I'm sorry, Cole… I just didn't want you to say it. It's not right."

"Stop it," growled Cole, and Jay lowered his eyes. "Dammit, look at me!" When Jay refused, Cole took hold of his chin and forced him to meet his gaze. Emerald eyes narrowed. "Stop spouting bullshit. What we feel for each other is. Not. Wrong."

Jay stared at Cole in shock for a moment before anger and sadness swathed him. He furiously tore himself out of Cole's grasp and glowered darkly at him, his heart going a mile-a-minute. "No. What you feel…not me."

Jay half expected another irate outburst from his friend, but instead he got just the opposite. Cole's fury completely evaporated and he regarded Jay with calm, knowing detachment. "You're such a horrible liar." His voice was low, but held just as much certainty and power as before. "But your heart knows the truth…and so do I."

Astonishment struck Jay like a bolt of lightning, and unable to dispute Cole's accusation, he turned around and high-tailed it into the bathroom, slamming the door behind him with more force than necessary. He leaned heavily against the access and pressed his palms against his face out of pure frustration.

Cole knew him too damn well.

Jay was trying his best to do the right thing, although the "right thing" had devastatingly painful consequences. The blue ninja lowered his hands with a tired sigh. It was still very early in the day and already he felt drained and weary. He pushed himself off the door and trudged a slow path to the shower.

It's fine, Jay… Once we get back to the Bounty, everything will be okay…

Optimism had been his saving grace many times in the past, and now would be no different. Reaching the shower, he turned on the nozzle and quickly shed his pajamas. Not even waiting for the water to reach an adequate temperature, Jay stepped under the cold spray. His lips parted into a gasp from the frigid water, but he stayed under it, relishing in the effects it had on his overheated body.

And Jay's body temp wasn't high from just elevated emotions either. No, it was mostly heated due to the lasting effects of the kiss he had shared with Cole. Jay closed his eyes and tilted his head back, letting the water form cool, rushing streams down his face and plaster his hair to his head. Cole's chocolaty taste still lingered on his tongue, teasing and tantalizing him enough to make him lick his lips in hunger.

Damn him… Goddammit… It was just one kiss…and I still…

Despite the water's aid, Jay's lithe, sinewy figure was still doused in aroused heat. And without his permission, his mind conjured up a replay of what transpired mere moments ago: Cole's body—solid and warm—flush against his, his hands stroking and kneading his skin, his lips pressing soft kisses along his neck and whispering sweet nothings in his ear. Jay could still feel Cole all around him: every touch, every kiss, even emotion filled him. And just like last night, he knew that escape was futile.

*M-rated Content Beginning*

Jay's head fell forward, his bangs now a wet stringy curtain before his closed eyelids. His hands moved of their own volition, retracing the path in which Cole paved with his own hands. Graceful fingers traveled down a firm chest and over a pert rosebud nipple. Jay trembled and mewed, surrendering to his body's need for more gratifying pleasure. His hands traveled down further, passed his sternum and over his slick and beautifully ripped abs.

Jay bit his lip as his wayward appendages smoothed over his narrow yet delicately curved hips. Cole's hands always found their way there, his grip firm and unyielding. One might almost call it possessive, the way he held him. A fantastical image unexpectedly bombarded Jay's mind's eye right then. An image of Cole behind him, head bowed and eyes shut tight in concentration, and his strong hands were grasping Jay's hips powerfully, his fingers pressing desperately into his moist flesh. Baby pink lips parted slightly and a low, strangled moan careened from betwixt them. The image was incredibly enthralling yet fleeting, and retreated from his mind just as quickly as it came. But the damage had already been done.

Now thoroughly aroused and panting, Jay braced a hand against the tiled wall of the shower while another sought the throbbing length of hot flesh between his legs. Jay gripped his quivering member with a firm hand and emitted a loud, elongated moan. The spray overhead had gone hot, and steam wafted and added to the air's humidity. But the dampness only served to intensify Jay's pleasure as he began to slowly pump himself.

'Jason…please…'

Yes. It was Cole's hand that was gripping him. It was Cole's heat that was enveloping him. Jay's pleasure-induced brain kept feeding him provocative images and in response, his heart thundered in readying acceptance. Emotions and memory, memory and emotions worked together harmoniously in mounting his euphoria. And it was from the remembrance of last night—when Cole was on top of Jay—that the lightning master's hips gave a sudden involuntary jerk forward: Cole had grinded himself against Jay, his hardened shaft poking his inner thigh.

"Haa…haa…Cole…"

Jay's hand worked just a little bit faster. Knowing his body, he used just enough constriction and speed to maximize the heated pleasure surging through his veins. Jay's heart and mind were engulfed with his best friend, and the more he thought about his leader, the more the coil in his body tightened.

'Jason…'

Cole hadn't shown any hesitation last night or this morning. His actions were sure and permissible; Cole knew what he wanted—who he wanted. Jay's breath hitched as he recalled the hot lick to his neck and the grazing nibble of teeth when his name was uttered by the other. Was Cole getting ready to bite him then? Had he been ready to give Jay the ultimate display of primal possessiveness?

Jay's heart soared as his hand moved in overdrive.

'…I will never ever forget it. I can't forget what I felt—what I still feel—and what I felt from you. Tell me…what man or woman could ever forget their very first kiss…?'

Jay bit his lip hard to stifle the scream of Cole's name. He threw his head back as he came, his back curving in a graceful arc. Jay's orgasm was explosive, causing his body to tremble from such an electrifying release.

*M-rated Content Ended*

Finished, Jay braced both hands against the wall and bowed his head between his arms. Physical gratification can only last so long before shame sunk in. And it did swiftly.

"I'm so sorry, Nya…" he mumbled miserably, his voice drowned-out by the running shower. "I'm sorry that I'm in love with Cole." Jay's eyes burned, but he fought against the tears. "But don't worry. I'm not going to interfere with your happiness… I promise."

Resolute but sad, Jay hurriedly set to work in thoroughly cleansing himself, letting the water wash away his soapy suds…and guilty pleasure.

*~xXx~*

Jay avoided all contact with Cole throughout the morning, and most especially eye contact. While clean on the outside, Jay felt completely dirty within and positively reeked of embarrassment. At breakfast, Edna had questioned Jay's red face several times, but the blue ninja was less than forthcoming. His favorite omelet, while usually perked him up, tasted dry and bitter on his tongue. It seemed as if nothing could get Jay out of his funk, not even when Edna told Cole about his 5th birthday party and how they found out he was afraid of clowns…and how that fear lasted until he was twelve.

But nothing roused Jay; he simply kept his head down and his expression blank.

After breakfast, Edna insisted on washing the ninja's dirty clothes before they left and ordered them to wait in the living room while she worked. And so they did, and sat on opposite ends of the couch. Deathly silence ensued, and the ambiance between the two friends became more uncomfortable with every passing minute. Every now and then Jay would feel Cole's eyes on him, but tried his best to ignore it.

Spotting the T.V. remote on the table in front of them, Jay leaned forward to reach for it…as did Cole. Though both wore their customary black gloves, when their hands touched, a spark jolted through them and touched their hearts. Jay immediately recoiled and flinched back, but Cole stayed where he was—his arm outstretched and his face pensive. After a moment of deliberation, he retracted his empty hand and leaned back once more.

Jay squeezed his eyes shut, his face now flushed in a deep crimson. Things weren't supposed to be this way. Why couldn't he do anything right? First, snuggling with Cole, and then kissing Cole, then fantasizing about Cole in the shower. What was next? Accidently having sex with Cole?

Jay shuddered at the thought. He would never sink that low; he'd make sure of it. As his conscience waged war with his heart and soul, he suddenly felt fingers interlacing with his. Eyes snapping open, his first instinct was to flinch away, but the hand held fast. Jay looked down at his right hand and saw the other one interlocking with it. He swallowed and hesitantly raised his head to look at Cole.

However, Cole's eyes were staring straight ahead and his profile was dark with a frown. He then licked his lips and said, "Friends…can still comfort one another." The earth ninja then turned and regarded Jay fully. "I don't want to let go of you either way. We're still the best of friends…forever, aren't we?"

Jay didn't hesitate in responding. "Yeah, of course…forever." Sapphires lost their fear and softened though his blush remained. Pretty soon, Jay could feel his lips curving into a smile, and Cole slowly returned it. He moved quickly to embrace his friend.

Yeah…that's right…"best friends"… I'll be fine with this… As long as I have Cole as my best friend then…I'll be able to move on with my life just fine…

Author's Note: Please leave your thoughts.