6.13.07

Setting: Last Day of School, Start of HSM2

School's out, scream and shout! Sarah jumped up and down avoiding Chad and hopped over to her two best friends, Tia Mitchell and JJ Black.

"We did it!" she squealed. "I want ice cream." She and Tia skipped off towards Sarah's car. JJ laughed and Chuckie slapped him as he ran up behind.

"What the hell?" JJ asked.

"No skipping, no jumping, no running! You are a very bad babysitter. I let her dance because you promised to make sure–"

"You worry too much," JJ said. "C'mon, I want ice cream." Chuckie didn't move. "What are you waiting for? Your boyfriend?"

"Troy," Chuckie breathed. Not tall enough to peer over the crowd, he ran up to the fountain and stared. Good. They were nowhere near each other. Wait, hold up, what's that sparkly thing? Oh great. "He gave her a necklace," he hissed at JJ.

"What is the matter with you? Troy and Gabriella are happy, and it's really none of your–"

"Don't even tell me it's none of my business." Chuckie grabbed JJ's arm and pulled him to the parking lot. JJ wrestled his arm away and ran, keeping pace with Chuckie, making records as they tore down the sidewalk.

"Took you guys long enough, jeez," Sarah said from the back seat of her car. "I want ice cream!" JJ got into the passenger's side while Chuckie slid into the driver's seat, frowning at the steering wheel for lack of looking at his sister behind him.

"You are deliberately not doing anything I say, aren't you?"

"Yes."

"Fine. Miscarriages are all on you. Can't say I didn't warn you." Chuckie drove out of the parking lot to the nearest ice cream place, a Ben and Jerry's. "No chocolate!" Sarah frowned, and she and Tia got out to buy ice cream. JJ went to follow, but Chuckie prevented him. "Next week, I go to basketball camp. It is your responsibility to keep Sarah out of trouble. You know the rules, do I need to repeat them?"

"No. Is there anything else you command, my master?"

"Uh, kill Gabriella Montez?"

"Okay, idiot, Troy is happy. That's what you wanted, isn't it?"

"If he isn't happy with me, he's not happy." JJ rolled his eyes.

"You are so selfish. You are totally out with some other guy four nights out of the week, and you still want more?"

"Talking about me? What about you? You still haven't told your girlfriend you're bi."

"And partial to women! And I'm only bi because you made me."

"And probably Sarah still shouldn't know that. She'd be sad I beat her to it. She's liked you for years."

"Well, it's not like we had sex. I'd still fuck your sister."

"That's in the rules too."

"I know, I know."

"Besides, I don't think you'd dare to."

"And why's that?"

"Cuz you're a virgin, obviously."

"When did you find that out?"

"You told me. At least, I think that's what you said. I couldn't really tell with your legs wrapped around my–"

"I can't wait to not be pregnant any more. I want chocolate. A lot," Sarah announced, as she plopped back into the seat behind him. Tia rolled her eyes and handed JJ an ice cream cone.

"Thanks, Hun," he said, taking it.

"Home again, home again, jiggity jig," Chuckie remarked, leaving the ice cream place in the direction of his house. Yes, it was true he and JJ had gotten down and dirty. As it was also true that JJ was bisexual with a preference for girls, and the fact that he was dating Tia. And the fact that he was a virgin. And everyone in the school knew that he had a thing for Sarah, and vice versa. And almost everyone thought they were doing it, and those who didn't wondered why they weren't. Sarah had always been with Chad, even when she hadn't been with Chad, she'd still been with him in her mind. She'd loved him for as long as anyone could remember. But now she was sort of with Jared. No one really knew if she was or not. But still, they wondered what had caused her to break up with Chad in the first place. When they got to the house, Mrs. Brown was waiting to receive them.

"Tia, your mother wants you home by seven," she said. "JJ, your mom called. She's going to pick up your brother from your father's house, and that you should find somewhere to stay. As usual, you're always welcome here, or you can stay at Tia's."

"Coolio," JJ said. "Thanks Mrs. B." The troupe trooped up the stairs and into Sarah's room because it was neater. "Your mom is awesome."

"I know," Sarah said. "And I would love to blame this–" She pointed at her stomach. "–on that fact, but it's funner to blame Chad."

"Was it really a bouncy house, Sar?" JJ asked.

"What? No! Do you– Where did you get that idea?" Sarah asked. JJ and Tia pointed at Chuckie, who ducked, as Sarah came at him, hitting every part of him she could reach with her copy of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

"Ow, ow, ow! Uncle, uncle, uncle!" Chuckie shouted. Sarah didn't listen. She just kept hitting him. "Ow! I'm serious, Sarah, stop it!" Nothing.

"Seriously, Sarah, quit it," JJ said, pulling her off her brother and pushing her onto her bed. "He said stop." Chuckie was huddled in a ball on the floor. "Chuckie, are you okay?"

"Uh-huh," Chuckie said very quietly.

"See? He's fine!" Sarah said, flipping around to lie back on her bed.

"He is not," JJ said.

"No, I'm fine," Chuckie mumbled. "Give me a blanket, I seep-seep." JJ dropped to the floor next to him.

"No, come on, look at me," he said. Chuckie's eyes flipped open immediately. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, J, leave me alone," Chuckie mumbled, shutting his eyes again.

"Chuckie, you might have a concussion. I can't leave you alone," JJ said, concerned, trying to keep the amusement out of his voice.

"No, no, no, I seep-seep."

"Come on," JJ said, pulling Chuckie out of his ball and onto his feet. Chuckie wobbled and almost fell over, but JJ caught him. "Let's get you checked out."

"Uh-uh," Chuckie whined like a four year old. JJ sighed and picked him up easily. "No."

"Yes," JJ said, carrying him into the hall and into Chuckie's room. The door to Sarah's room slammed behind them. As soon as Chuckie became aware that they were alone in his room, he put his arms around JJ's neck and pulled him into a kiss. "You're welcome. Although, I wouldn't pursue an acting career if I were you."

"Hey! I had no script! I didn't even know what you were doing until–" Chuckie began annoyed.

"Chuckie, chill. Did she actually hurt you?"

"Yes! I'll probably have bruises tomorrow."

"Well, if I was your boyfriend, I would kiss them all better for you. But guess what?"

"You're not," Chuckie mumbled.

"Nope! But if you want to be…you know what you have to do…"

"Commit," Chuckie mumbled, like it was the worst thing in the world. "Jayze, I can commit."

"Not to me," JJ said. "For Troy, you could. But not for me. Never for me."

"I can! I promise!" Chuckie said. "Give me a chance. Please."

"Okay, I will. You keep your promiscuous hands – and mouth – to yourself at camp, and I'm yours."

"I can, I will, I promise," Chuckie said.

"You hope so," JJ said. "I don't think you'll be able to stand the temptation."

"I can, I will, I promise," Chuckie repeated. "Jayze, I promise."

"I hear you," JJ said. "I just don't believe you can do it."

"Jayze," Chuckie said, cupping JJ's chin in his hand and kissing him on the lips softly, "I can. I know it." JJ looked at the ground, a sad smile on his face. "What's wrong?"

"Tia," JJ said. Chuckie laughed.

"Only you would worry about your girlfriend at a time like this," he said.

"No, I mean, she is my girlfriend, and I can't just…kiss other people…" JJ said. "It's wrong."

"Two small kisses. It's not a big deal," Chuckie said. "It's hardly worth getting worked up about. Promise." JJ scoffed skeptically. "But none of that at camp. Got it. Promise."

"Promise is a big word, Chucks," JJ said.

"Yeah, I know," Chuckie said.

"Just telling you," JJ said. "Good luck with Justin." Chuckie grunted affirmatively and JJ left the room. Chuckie rolled over on his bed and soon fell asleep. JJ went back to Sarah's room, declaring that he'd spend the night at Tia's.

6.17.07

Setting: First Day of Basketball Camp, circa Chapter 23 of Middle School Musical

"Commitment," Chuckie said to himself. "Commitment. I can do this. It's easy." It was the first day of basketball camp. He was supposed to be putting the sheets and bed effects on his bed, but he didn't really see the point.

"Chuckie?" Justin called from the bathroom. "Are you okay? You're awfully quiet."

"I'm fine," Chuckie said. "I'm…fine." Justin came out of the bathroom, drying his hair with one towel, another around his waist.

"You sure? You look…frazzled," Justin said.

"Quite," Chuckie said. "I should…go…"

"But we haven't done anything yet," Justin said.

"Exactly," Chuckie said. "I…can't. Not today."

"Why not? Are you okay?"

"Um…yeah, I just…I have to go." Chuckie pushed off the wall and hurried outside. He broke into a run as he got into the woods, literally hitting the trail. Zeke and Jason were playing one-on-one on the basketball court, but he kept running. He was going somewhere specific, the one place at camp better than all the others. A little cove near the swimming hole. When he arrived there, he stopped, catching his breath, before collapsing onto a particularly long flat rock, the sweatshirt from around his waist folded behind his head like a pillow, and he stared at the afternoon New Mexico sky. His cell phone rang. "Uh, yeah?"

"How's camp?" JJ asked conversationally.

"It's fine," Chuckie said, blinking the tears that had formed in his eyes away and keeping his voice steady. "How's home?"

"My mom is home, which is very weird, but then, so is she," JJ said. "So I'm at your house. Tia is getting Sarah some ice cream. What'cha doing?"

"Resisting temptation at all possible costs," Chuckie said. "You better not be messing with me, cuz I am going to be very, very deprived by the time I get home."

"I'm not messing with you, but you can't do it."

"Can too. Stop insulting my self control. You know I can, and you're just a horny jealous virgin."

"Thin ice, Chuck."

"Oh, chill, you know I'm kidding."

"I know. I'm just messing with the gay kid."

"Well, that's good to know."

"Okay, I gotta go. We're playing Scrabble."

"Mmkay. Straight kid." JJ laughed and hung up the phone.

"You have straight friends? I have to say I'm surprised."

"Leave me alone, Troy," Chuckie said, glaring at the sky.

"Well, you flew past the court so fast we thought you'd finally become a vampire."

"That would be unfortunate. I said leave me alone."

"What'cha doing out here?" No answer. "If you were looking for sexual favors, I'm afraid you're SOL, you know."

"I was looking to be alone, actually."

"That doesn't sound like you."

"I think a week long retreat from sex could do me some good."

"Could do anyone good. I happen to feel very pure."

"You are so not pure."

"I am to Gabriella."

"I'll add it to the list of lies you've told her," Chuckie said, scathingly.

"That's not fair."

"You know you're a compulsive liar. Denying it just proves the point."

"Typically that's something I let people figure out for themselves."

"And then lie about it."

"When have I ever lied to you?"

"…you haven't."

"What does that tell you?"

"I'm not sure. Possibly a lot of things. None of which I want to hear." Troy nodded and sat down beside his best friend, who scooted over to make room for him. "Maybe that I'm your best friend, and I know too much for you to lie to."

"Or there's that."

"Leave me alone?"

"Nope. Are you okay? You look like you've been crying."

"I don't cry."

"Liar."

"I'm fine. I'm just…I hate being proven wrong. And I just…have a little difficulty with the particular…nature of this…thing."

"What do you have to do?"

"What do you think?"

"No idea."

"Keep my hands and mouth to myself."

"Oh. Why?"

"Prove a point."

"To who?"

"Does it matter?"

"It might. Do you really care what this guy thinks – whether you can or can't do this?"

"Yes."

"Then you should do it. And if it helps, I think you can do it."

"Thanks, Troy."

"No problem. That's what best friends are for."

"Best friends forever."

"Of course. Can't forget that. You come back to the cabin now?"

"Maybe. I just…don't think I can do this. With you, it's one thing. I mean, you have a girlfriend, that's morally wrong. But with Justin…oh, Justin…it's totally different. I mean, he's practically my boyfriend. But he's not."

"Oh! So he was the one who–"

"Yeah. He was. But that's over."

"That would be difficult. I still believe in you."

"I know. I will try. It's just against my nature. Who I am, you know?"

"No. I don't know. I do know that you don't start things with random people, and you don't keep them unless you love them. But I also know that you're pretty obstinate when it comes to proving points. And I also know that you can be anyone you want to be."

"Boys are back," Chuckie said, bumping fists lazily with Troy.

"Exactly." Troy smile softly and stood up to stretch. "Well, I have to go kick Justin's ass." Chuckie sat up, concerned. "At basketball. Chill. Maybe you'll turn up in time to slaughter Chad?"

"Maybe," Chuckie said. Troy went to leave.

"So you have to keep your hands and mouth to yourself. What about other people's hands and mouths?"

"Goodbye Troy."

"Jeez, just asking," Troy mumbled as he walked off. It was something to think about. Only keep the ones he loves… He loved Troy, everyone knew that. Did he love Justin? No. Not really. He probably could, but that would just complicate things at the moment. Did he love JJ? Chuckie paused in his thinking before he could answer that. The answer was "yes" of course, but he didn't want to hear that. And, he was sure, neither did JJ. After all, back in April when they'd begun, he hadn't wanted to either.

"It is too goddamn fucking easy to fall in love!" Chuckie announced to the lake.

"Um, is someone around?" An unfamiliar voice. Chuckie sat up again and looked around.

"Oh, sorry," Chuckie said. "I was just leaving." He pushed past Big A, the captain of West's basketball, soccer, and baseball teams.

"I'm…sorry for all the stuff I said to you before," Big A said.

"Oh. Well, thanks. I'm not sorry for kicking your ass in January. And guess what? We're doing it again this year." Chuckie waved a mocking goodbye to his rival before hitting the trail running like a vampire. Running like a werewolf was cooler, but involved wearing less clothing.

"You made it," Troy said. "Hold on a sec." He jumped up and shot the ball he was holding over Justin's head into the hoop. "And game. Ooh…I've gotten better since sophomore year, haven't I? Ooh…"

"Okay, gloating is for nimrods," Chad said. "It's my turn. Come on, I wanna win for once."

"Fat chance," Chuckie said. He nimbly picked the ball up from where it had rolled to, and shot it easily into the hoop. "In your dreams, Danforth."

"Oh yeah? You're gonna get scored on more times than your sister," Chad shot back. Chuckie froze, basketball falling to the ground.

"Take that back."

"Why should I?"

"Because you know it's not true."

"God, Chad, just take it back," Troy said. "That was over the line. Take it back." Chad mumbled something that Chuckie interpreted as an apology.

"Thank you, Chad," Chuckie said. "My sister…well, doesn't forgive you, but it's getting there."

"Mhm. Now get ready for me to whoop your ass."

"Alright, but after that we're gonna play some basketball." Chad went slightly redder.

"That's not what I meant."

"Oh, I know. But it was funny." Chuckie deftly picked up the basketball and shot it over Chad's head, scoring. "So, that's two-nothing, right?"

"Like you need the handicap," Chad said, talking the ball from where it was bouncing. "Basketball must run in the family."

"Maybe," Chuckie said, thoughtfully. "Sarah has been known to kill Troy at 1on1."

"Oh, yeah, right," Troy said. "I let her win."

"Sure, sure," Chuckie said. The game was played shortly after that, and Chad lost terribly. "And that's what you get for insulting my sister."

"I would never insult your sister," Chad said. "You know that, man." He and Chuckie began walking back to the cabin. Zeke, Jason, Troy, and Justin were following at a distance. "I respect her. I was joking before."

"Good. Don't do it again," Chuckie said.

"No, I know. I won't, man," Chad replied.

"Do you still have a thing for my sister?"

"…No."

"Chad…"

"No, I said! I love Taylor."

"Now."

"Now," Chad agreed. "Shit! I mean…"

"I'm not going to tell her. It'd just hurt her. She had the hardest time doing it, but now she's over you."

"…Why'd she do it?"

"Do what?"

"Break up with me."

"I honestly have no idea. Why? You got over her by the next day."

"No. I didn't." Chad breathed deeply. "Still haven't. She was the first girl I–"

"What? Slept with? Sure. Loved? Bullshit. Dated? Also bullshit, because–"

"Every time I see her, she kind of smiles at me halfheartedly and then walks away. Why?"

"Don't ask me. If it was something you should concern yourself with, she would tell you."

"You know, don't you?"

"I do. But I have it on strict orders not to speak with you about it. Can we drop it now please? I'd rather not betray my sister's trust now that I've finally gotten it back."

"Okay, okay. I respect your sister's privacy. Never mind. She's still with Jared, then?"

"For all intents and purposes of this conversation, yes."

"She's not?"

"I don't know, okay? I hope so, for her sake. They had a little fight a ways back, and he hasn't been around as much."

"I heard she was–"

"If the words 'JJ Black' come out of your mouth, you will be sorry."

"She isn't?"

"Who even started that rumor? They're best friends for God sakes! Like…you and Troy."

"Okay. Don't say that again."

"Okay then. But you never answered my question."

"Which one?"

"Are you over Sarah?"

"No."

"You're not?" Chad shook his head. "Why didn't you say something?"

"By the time I realized it, it was too late. I was in way too far with Taylor, and Sarah was already–"

"She wasn't. She isn't."

"She…isn't? Why not?"

"Respects Jared's virginity? I got nothing, really."

"Jared's…"

"Shit, I wasn't supposed to tell you that. Oh well."

"Can we talk about JJ Black for a second?"

"No. We cannot. I don't know anything about him and Sarah, okay?"

"No, the question was about you."

"Uh…what?"

"Are you, like, friends with him now?"

"Um, I guess."

"'I guess' usually doesn't give someone a #5 speed dial."

"Sarah got her phone taken away for too much texting so I'm sharing with her."

"Chuckie, don't BS me. I know she got her phone back, cuz she got detention for texting in class."

"That's what it's left over from."

"Chuckie."

"What?"

"Chuckie."

"What?"

"Come on."

"What do you want me to say? He was my boyfriend? That I call him every day? That he's also in love with Sarah? That more than anything in the world I just want to prove to him that I can be committed and keep my hands off Justin, who for some reason thinks he's my boyfriend, just so that for once in my life the person I love won't randomly decide he likes girls and dump me on my ass?"

"If that's the truth." No answer from Chuckie. "Did somebody do that to you? Give me names, I'll kill him."

"…Not exactly. I put him out on his ass, because it was better for him, and then, boom, girlfriend. It's crazy."

"So you're in love with JJ Black."

"Why do you keep using his full name? It's kind of weird."

"You're in love with a dude, and that's what's weird?"

"Are you going all weird and homophobic on me again? Or did you really not expect me to fall in love with a dude?"

"I don't know. I didn't really think about it, I guess. But it's fine with me."

"I'm glad I have your permission to be gay."

"You're welcome. So, no girls. Ever. What's that like?"

"I don't have anything to compare it to. So I don't know. I like it. I don't think you would, although you never know."

"True. But dudes don't turn me on."

"Good. I am so sick of being the go-to gay for guys questioning their sexuality. Can't I be just a guy? Play some ball, blow shit up, get all dirty – well, maybe not, I like these pants. I'll borrow some of Troy's and go out to the junkyard like we did when we were kids. Why does everything have to be all gay and stereotypical when you're gay?"

"I don't know, man. You want to go to the junkyard? We can go. It'll be fun."

"Thanks, Chad. Sometimes I think you're the only person who treats me like a person, not just that gay kid."

"But you're not fully out yet, are you?"

"No. You would know. But it wouldn't be a very big surprise, would it?"

"I don't know. Maybe not. I'm sure Ricky the Douche would have a field day."

"That's what I'm afraid of."

"S'okay. I got your back."

"Thanks Chad."

"So, you on for blowing shit up at the junkyard on Saturday?"

"Yeah! Of course. But aren't you gonna be wanting to have sex with Taylor all day? I mean, a whole week…"

"I can wait," Chad said, waving a hand. "Now, let's talk about this commitment thing." Chuckie sighed.

"He thinks I'm completely addicted to things of a sexual nature. And that I'll do anything, anytime, anywhere, with anyone offering."

"…okay. Is he right?"

"Not really. It's not anything, or anywhere, and it really does matter who's asking. Not you, for example, no offense."

"Not me? Even if I begged real pretty?" Chad asked, batting his eyelids. Chuckie laughed.

"No! One, you have a girlfriend, and two, you're straight, and three, I never really liked your hair situation, and four, Sarah would kill me."

"What if Troy asked?"

"He wouldn't."

"Just suppose."

"Troy also has a girlfriend, Chad," Chuckie said, sighing. "And I don't start things with taken men. Even if I do hate their girlfriends."

"Supposing he didn't," Chad said, nonchalantly.

"Drop it, Chad."

"Is that a yes?" Chuckie glowered at Chad. "We all know it is. You do know he's not into guys, right?"

"Drop. It. Now."

"Come on."

"Fine! I love Troy, okay? He's my best friend. But he's not into me like that, so I let it go. Just…keep this to yourself okay?"

"Yeah, yeah, no problem. Dude, I wouldn't inflict Troy's reaction to that on anyone."

"Uh-huh," Chuckie barely grunted.

"Man, I told him once I thought he might be a little gay, and he flipped a fucking shit on me. It was ridiculous."

"I think he seems a little gay. I bet he wouldn't flip a shit on me."

"Yeah, but I don't know. He's always been a little weird about you. Like this one time in 7th grade, he gave me hell for calling you gay, like it was an insult."

"You said that?"

"And believe me, I'm glad he gave it to me. You're a cool kid."

"Um, thank you, I guess. I don't think he's weird. He's the only other person who treats me like a person, no matter what lifestyle I follow."

"What about Zeke?"

"What about Zeke?"

"What if he was asking?"

"Oh my God, Chad, are you really still on that?"

"Of course."

"Fine. But after this you have to objectify women for me."

"Deal. Zeke."

"Zeke's okay, I guess. I've never actually thought about the rest of you guys."

"Jason."

"I don't think so. I mean he's cute, I guess, but he's a little…"

"Stupid?"

"Just a little."

"Jared."

"No. He's my sister's boyfriend. It's weird."

"But you would JJ."

"Of course! Now. It was a complete accident when it started. He was bothering me and his head happened to get between my face and New Moon, and I licked him. On accident. He got his nose too close to my tongue. It was all his fault."

"I'm sure."

"Let's not even go there."

"What about Justin?"

"What about Justin?"

"What if he asked?"

"He is asking. And I'm trying my best to control myself. But it's hard."

"You like him."

"I can see myself dating Justin in the future."

"You're not dating him?"

"No!"

"Oh. Then why does he think you are?"

"Because we kind of were. A little. Til I found out he had a boyfriend."

"Oh, jeez."

"Evidently the boyfriend got very quickly dumped, but it was too late. I don't like…I told you, I'm not into taken guys."

"Did you–"

"Chad, you don't even want to know what I did."

"So you did."

"I hardly think it counts, what we did."

"Did you and–"

"No. JJ is saving himself."

"For who?"

"Guess."

"So you're a–"

"No."

"But you and–"

"Drop it."

"Will you let me–"

"No, I won't." There was a silence. "That's kinda trippy, isn't it?" Chad nodded.

"Who did you–"

"Drop it."

"There seems to be a range of topics you won't talk about. Let's see…your sister, Troy, and sex." Chuckie mentally tensed himself, afraid he'd said too much. "Well, unless Sarah's having sex with Troy, I got nothing." Chuckie relaxed.

"She's not. That's just weird. She's not–"

"The slut the school thinks she is? I know. She's a good one. Jared's lucky."

"You were lucky."

"I know. It was a mistake letting her go. Should have fought for her a little bit. Just some, at least."

"Yeah. You should have. She still…well, she doesn't admit it, but I know…sometimes…she still misses you a lot. Come September, you guys should hang out more."

"September?"

"School starts."

"Oh. Right." There was a long silence. "Well, it's getting dark. We probably better start heading back."

"Where are we?"

"I don't know. We were so into the conversation we just kept walking on the trail. I think West's cabin is around here somewhere…"

"Speaking of the fucking devil," Chuckie muttered.

"What are two little Wildcats doing out here all alone?" Big A wondered aloud to two big guys from his team.

"Talking," Chuckie said. "What's it to ya?"

"Maybe they were looking to pick up guys," one of the guys said.

"Ooh, sorry, fellas, we don't do that stuff at West," the other guy taunted. Unbelievably, Chad was the one to snap first. Chuckie held him back, with extreme difficulty, and tried to calm him down.

"Really, guys, we were just leaving," Chuckie said, pulling Chad back down the trail, towards the East cabin.

"We still haven't gotten you back for TPing our cabin two years ago!" one of them yelled.

"Just ignore them," Chuckie said. "What do you even care? It's not like it's true."

"It's rude," Chad said. "And they shouldn't be saying stuff like that."

"Happens all the time, I promise. Big A, Ricky the Douche, Justin knows some people…it doesn't matter. They're just stupid boys being assholes. I'm used to it, honestly."

"Well, I'm not. And Troy might be willing to stand back and let that stuff wash over him, but I'm not. I will get them so bad…"

"And then what? Be kicked out of camp? Off the basketball team? Have fun with that one. I can see it now…Chad…picking up a new winter sport…hmm…indoor track or swimming…."

"Shut up," Chad said. "I'm not gonna get kicked off the team for putting homophobes in their place."

"There's a reason Troy lets it all wash over him," Chuckie said. "Because I convinced him to. Cuz it's not worth it. At all."

"One of those guys could crush you with his big toe."

"And so could a lot of people. Just drop it. It's good to know you have my back, but you don't have to have it all the time, okay? I can handle myself with my…dazzling good looks and quick wit."

"You're gonna get yourself killed, but it's your life."

"Almost seems preferential at the moment."

"I hereby absolutely forbid you to commit suicide, active, passive, assisted, or otherwise."

"Thanks. Now I guess that's out."

"Chuckie."

"God! I'm kidding. I like life. Sort of. It kind of sucks."

"If the world didn't suck, we'd all fall off."

"If Taylor didn't suck, you'd be very sad."

"Very mature, Chuckie."

"I'm just saying."

"How do you know she even does?"

"Oh, please. You think I don't know you like that? You dated my sister for, like, three years. I think I can tell." Chad looked properly embarrassed. "You don't have to be embarrassed. I like it too."

"Yeah, so does your sister."

"Okay, ew. Not only is she a girl, but she's my sister."

"I'm just saying."

"Well, don't."

"You brought it up."

"I'm not asking, but how does that even work with girls?" Chad shrugged.

"Similarly, I'm sure."

"And I don't even want to begin to think about your hair."

"Hey. Don't diss the fro."

"Think of this. How are you gonna fit all that hair under one of those little doctor hats?"

"I'll think of something. How'd you know I wanna be a doctor?"

"Sarah told me. You know she does too?"

"What kind?" Chuckie shrugged.

"Physical Therapist or an OB/GYN. She's not sure. You?"

"Surgeon, duh. What about you? What do you want to do with your life?"

"I don't know. Nothing too hard. Sit in an office. Play basketball. What about Taylor?"

"Politics. Lawyer. I was surprised. I thought she'd go science for sure."

"Yeah. I thought so too." Silence. "Chad, can I tell you something?"

"Sure."

"I know I'll always be a Chad and Sarah supporter, but Taylor's a good one too. Don't make the same mistake twice."

"I won't. I promise."

"And I'm gonna miss being your brother in law."

"Me too."

"If you…nah, I don't wanna know."

"What?"

"If you had…stayed with Sarah, would you have married her? Like wayyy in the future?"

"…Most definitely."

"Did you ever tell her you love her?"

"All the time."

"Did you mean it?"

"Every time."

"Every time?"

"Every single time. Have you ever told someone you love them?"

"No. Doesn't mean I haven't been in love."

"Do you think you'll tell JJ?"

"Yeah. I will. Eventually I'll get around to it, I guess."

"You wanna call him up and tell him right now, don't you?"

"Yeah. But I gotta do the commitment thing first. I can do it, I know I can."

"Why don't you just tell Justin you're not interested and be done with it?"

"It's not that simple, Chad."

"Okay, but that would have worked."

"Probably. I like a challenge."

"Shall I challenge you?"

"It'd be your problem, cuz if you come at me, I ain't gonna say no. Then I'll apologize later, claiming it was Chad. And if that doesn't work, it was rape."

"Well, then it's a good thing I'm not gonna. That's so gross."

"Yeah. I still don't like your hair."

"Thanks, for, like, the fourth time." Silence. "What about Ryan Evans?"

"Um…what about him?"

"What if he asked?"

"He wouldn't."

"Why not?"

"Because…I don't know. I guess he could…"

"Would you?"

"Depends."

"Depends on what?"

"Stuff. Like who'd find out afterwards. And I don't think I could handle the Sharpay aftermath of that…"

"It'd be the only way you'd have to deal with her."

"Tell me about it. I actually got kind of scared she'd ask me out, after you and Troy and Jared didn't work out. And what was I gonna say? Sorry, but I'm gay?"

"No. I would have sidled up beside her and been like, 'Shar, it's nice to know you have the interest, but, uh, he's so gay he shits rainbows, so…'."

"Lovely, Chad. Very mature."

"I'm just saying."

"But then she would've told everyone she knew."

"And she knows everyone. You're still lucky."

"I know, I know."

"Did Troy ever–"

"No."

"Stop finishing my sentences before I–"

"No."

"Grr."

"Yes."

"But I–"

"And I don't shit rainbows."

"I didn't say you did."

"Did too."

"I…never mind."

"It's okay, I know what you thought anyway."

"For not liking the vampires, you sure have creepy mind reading skills."

"I'm just awesome. Wayyy too awesome to be a vampire."

"And wayyy too tiny to be a werewolf," Troy commented from the porch of the cabin. "Took you guys long enough."

"We went on a field trip," Chad said. "To over that way." He waved a hand in the direction they'd come. "And Chuckie shits rainbows." Troy laughed.

"Yeah. Sure. If you say so," Troy said. "You would know." Chad's mouth and eyes got very wide.

"I would not! And I'm insulted that you would insinuate that I would!" Chad said, very offended.

"Well, while you guys argue over whether optical spectacles come out of my ass, I'm gonna go find out for myself," Chuckie said, walking past them into the cabin.

"Very mature, Chuckie!" Chad called after him. Chuckie walked into the cabin, past where Justin was reading a book on his bed, and into the bathroom. He hadn't been joking, he really had to go.

6.21.07

Setting: Fourth Day of Basketball Camp, Chapter 23 of Middle School Musical

"Look, Jayze, I–"

"Jayze? It's Justin." Chuckie stared blankly at him.

"What?"

"My name. It's Justin."

"Uh, right, I know."

"Who's Jayze?"

"Uh, he's my friend."

"Like your boyfriend."

"JJ? My boyfriend? What kind of crack are you on?"

"Chuckie."

"He's in love with my sister!"

"Chuckie!"

"Okay, fine, he is – was. But he's dating my sister's other best friend at the moment."

"Another one gone back to girls?" Chuckie nodded and shrugged.

"But you're not gonna do that to me." He snuggled into Justin, who was not his boyfriend. "Um…are you?"

"Hope not. I wouldn't like that."

"I wouldn't think Troy would like it so much. Well, his loss."

"It sure is. I think you're my favorite of all my boyfriends." Chuckie froze.

"Okay, two things, I'm not your boyfriend. And who else are you seeing?"

"Chad, but don't tell anyone," Justin said, laughing.

"I mean it. I'm not your boyfriend. And I don't say it to be mean, I just can't be. Right now."

"Someday?"

"Very Highly Likely. The only way it won't happen is if–"

"Troy."

"Well, yeah, but–"

"No, I mean, I hear him and Chad. On the porch."

"So?"

"They're gonna come in here and see us."

"Let em. We're not doing anything wrong."

"Well, except rape," Justin reminded him.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, whatever. You know you like it."

"I know. So do you."

"Why, yes, yes I do. And I like you too, obviously."

"Well, that's good." The door banged open and Chad walked in. He seemed to have anticipated that that might happen. He averted his eyes to his own bed.

"Hi, Chad."

"Hi, Chuckie. And Justin. Troy and I are going swimming. Wanna come?"

"Uh…I was just about to take a nap. Or maybe a shower," Chuckie said.

"Okay… Justin?"

"No thanks. Maybe later," Justin said.

"No, you go. You don't want to nap. You wanna go swimming. You were just bitching about it a couple minutes ago."

"Okay. I'll be right out, Chad, kay?" Chad nodded and left. Justin hopped out of bed, threw his swimming trunks on, kissed Chuckie on the forehead, and ran out the door. Chuckie sighed and flipped back the covers. He still had his pants on. Justin was just about as good at getting them off as JJ had been, at least after the first few disastrous attempts. To sum up, Chuckie was getting less and less every day. He walked over to his own completely empty bed (it didn't even have sheets on it) to pick his cell phone up off the charger and called his house.

"Hello?" Sarah answered.

"Hey, Sar, it's me. What's up?"

"Me and JJ are playing Scattergories. Tia's making lunch. What's up with you?"

"Nothing much. Gabriella hasn't called Troy in a while, but I'm not having sex."

"So, you're good then. Assuming that your hate of Gabriella wins out over your love of sex every time."

"Pretty much. Can I talk to JJ?" The phone was passed to JJ.

"What's up?"

"I called Justin 'Jayze'. And I'm sorry for calling him your special nickname."

"You do know that if you hadn't told me, I never would have known."

"I know. But I'd feel bad. I miss you."

"Me too."

"I know. So, Tia's making you lunch."

"And I'm sure you just got out of Justin's bed."

"Touché. Well, I'll be home on Friday. Take good care of Sarah."

"I always do."

"Bye." Chuckie sighed. He missed JJ more and more every day. His warm body, his smooth chest, his dark complexion, his over-the-top-yet-dismal attitude, the way he reacted to even the slightest touch, the way he would writhe in pleasure as– No. They hadn't done that. They couldn't do that. Unless Chuckie could convince Sarah to– No. That was out. Truth was, as much as Chuckie emphasized that JJ was not to fall in love with him, he could feel himself falling for JJ. Quickly and Hard. And Unfortunately. He crawled back into Justin's bed, still sleepy, and went to sleep. When he woke up, the cabin was dark and completely empty, which was good for him, because he'd had a ridiculous amount of dream sex with dream JJ in his sleep, and it had given him a major hard on. He still didn't feel like getting out of bed, so he made the decision to jack off right there in Justin's bed, dump him as soon as camp was over, and beg JJ to stay with him forever. If he couldn't have Troy, at least he could keep JJ. But what if JJ wouldn't stay? He would. He had to. Definitely not helping the process. Back to happy thoughts. JJ's warm body, smooth chest, dark complexion, his shudder, Justin's shaggy hair, Troy's blue eyes, Troy screaming to all Gods who would listen as he– A disturbance in the cabin. Someone had walked in.

"Hello? Who's here?"

"Shh, it's just me," Zeke said. "I didn't mean to wake you. It's was my turn to check the phones."

"No, I was awake. Where is everybody?"

"They're at the campfire. Justin said you should come if you want."

"Uh, yeah, sure. Lemme throw a shirt on." Chuckie got out of bed, the talk with Zeke at least slightly diminishing his boy problems.

"When did you start sleeping in jeans?"

"I don't know. April?" He picked his shirt up off the floor and put it on. He glanced outside, and then put his sweatshirt on too, before grabbing a flashlight and following Zeke back to the campfire. The walk was silent but for the forest sounds. Once at the camp fire, he sat down between Troy and Justin.

"Did she call?" Troy asked Zeke expectantly. Zeke shook his head.

"Chad, I mean, Harry Potter, had a text from Taylor, though. I didn't read it."

"It probably read something like 'Dear sugar pumpkin lover lips, Can't wait for you to come home. I haven't had sex in four days, and I'm sooooooo sad. Love you until the cows come home, literally. Your Tay-Tay'," Troy teased. Chad slapped him. "Ow! I have to use that arm tomorrow."

"Yeah. Course you don't need it for anything besides basketball," Chad commented.

"Oh, gross," Troy commented. "Why would I ever need to do that?"

"You don't want kids someday?" Zeke asked.

"I don't plan on conceiving them with my shoulder!"

"Troy, you really need to get yourself laid, buddy," Chad said, helpfully.

"Drop it now or I'm not playing tomorrow," Troy growled, warningly. The campfire ended just then, and Troy immediately got up and started walking away. Chuckie took a look to both sides of him, and almost tripped over himself in order to catch up with Troy.

"Troy, wait up!" Troy did no such thing, but Chuckie caught him up anyway.

"Chuckie, after we cream West tomorrow, I'm coming out. I swear."

"No! Troy, you can't. What about Gabriella?"

"You don't care about her."

"You do. And I care about what you care about."

"Bull. Fucking. Shit."

"Troy, Troy, you're not ready! You can't just jump on a table and come out."

"Well, fine! But I'm doing it soon. I'm not kidding."

"Okay, okay. Promise me you'll call Cliff and talk to him before you do."

"Okay, fine."

"And talk to Justin."

"Fine!"

"And take me with you?" He sounded like a little kid that didn't want to be left home alone.

"I promised, didn't I?" Troy said, cracking into a grin.

"Good. I'd hate to have to lose to West on purpose."

"I would have to kill you."

"Well, I'd do it like this. I'd trick Jason into asking you about your virginity, which would prompt you not to play tomorrow. Which, I'm sure, would put our cabin at five, instead of six, which automatically makes Justin the best player on the team, and then I bribe him into helping me lose."

"Don't even think about telling me how you plan on 'bribing' him."

"I don't know. I'm pretty difficult to bribe." Justin had caught them up as well. Chuckie stood on his tiptoes, and Justin bent down so Chuckie could whisper in his ear. Justin's eyebrows shot up into his hair and Troy rolled his eyes. "Well, you could do that anyway."

"Mm…no."

"I don't even want to know. Don't tell me, or I'm trashing the cabin."

"Well, first, I would–"

"That's it, I'm trashing the cabin." Troy took off toward the cabin.

"Water balloons?"

"Most def."

"How do we retaliate?"

"Green coloring in his conditioner."

"How will he retaliate to that?"

"Bleach."

"Ew. I don't want bleach."

"My hair looked really great for a summer once."

"What do you do after bleach?"

"Steal all his pillows."

"Why?" Justin asked.

"Because I can and it's free."

"Then what?"

"I don't know. Usually he crashed at my house until I gave them back. I'm thinking he'd do something with chocolate sauce."

"Then what?"

"I'm thinking we TP his entire house and chase him with water guns."

"And?"

"That's the end. Ultimate win for us, Ultimate Platinum Carboxylic Failure for him."

"Let's do that." They'd reached the cabin. Troy was ready with water balloons.

"Hold on a sec, I think I can preempt this whole thing. Troy, if you get us with those, you know we're gonna have to take a shower. And you know you can't resist. So you know you'll have to join. But you can't. Because you're dating Gabriella. Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha. Ha. Ha. Ha." Troy slammed his first water balloon into the top of Chuckie's head.

"Bite me, Brown."

A/N: Guess what, I'm bored. So you guys get a lot of story!

Yay!

Love,

Samantha.x3