Supply and Demand

Supply and Demand

Chapter 16

Fusedtwilight: Thanks to my beta Lisa for another wonderful job. Thanks Akadrama, foxyricanlady and crazystalkerchick for your reviews. Sorry folks, no sex in this chapter. But it is the big game you have been hearing about! Lots of character development and Carlos learns someone close to him is planning on leaving.

Alex's P.O.V.

"So, how is your ass?" Carlos asked.

"Just shut up and lift the weight," I said.

It was Friday, a few days after Carlos had to sleep with Chris's mom. I had a wonderful time that night cuddling with Justin after our angry sex. Then Carlos called, and I had to go pick him up. It was a very painful process.

Suffice it to say, my poor bottom was sorer than ever. Angry sex can be good; but it can have some bad side effects. Carlos of course laughed at my pain and thought it was hilarious.

Ungrateful man-whore.

It was Friday, and it was the night of the big game. Tonight our school would be playing against our rivals. Tigers versus the wolves; place your bet.

We had a free day in gym today; the coach wanted his team to practice for tonight, so I was helping Carlos lift weights. There were other people lifting weights, but they had the radio on loud and no one was close enough to hear us.

"So you coming to the game tonight?" he asked. "Ma ma and Erik are going to be there and they wanted to know if you would come too."

I stood in front of him and helped him lift his weights. He had his shirt off and wore nothing but a pair of shoes and gray shorts. I wore a red shirt and black shorts.

"Sure, I wasn't going to do anything tonight. Maybe I'll ask Justin if he wants to go," I said.

"So are you going to move with him?" Carlos asked.

I had told him all about Justin going to Columbia. And about his request I move with him.

"I don't know...I mean it sounds great."

"I hear a but coming," he said.

"But, isn't this going a little fast? I mean, we haven't even been going out for a week, and he is asking me to move in with him. I guess I am just a little cautious by nature and I don't want this to be ruined because I got careless."

"Didn't he say he would not go?"

"Dude, I am not going to let him not go; I mean for God's sake, we are talking Ivy League here. That is some serious shit. Then I think about us living together in our own place, and seeing new places and meeting new people. It's a little scary leaving your home and going someplace new. The uncertainty of it all; the fear you won't blend in."

"You still got time to think about it," he said.

"Thank God. But before I can even worry about that, I have to get Rossini paid or else I won't have a future."

"Well with the money I got from Eve I think we are going to be doing great," he said with a smile.

I looked over at Chris, who was going over some moves for tonight, with some of his team mates. Chris may be a jerk and a bit pompous, but he sure did know how to play football. He was smart and clever; he knew how to use even their weakest players to the team's advantage. You would think he was just a dumb beach bum, but don't let the blonde hair fool you.

He was clever and an excellent tactician. It was intimidating in a way because you were so used to him being this goofball and egomaniac off the field, but on the field he was a whole different person.

"What about you, you pumped for tonight's game?" I asked.

"Fuck yeah!" he said with a vicious smile. "Then Saturday we have the party."

"If we win; I doubt there will be a party if we lose," I said.

"Please, we'll win. So when are you going to come out? I mean you are dating Justin."

He stopped lifting weights and sat up. He took his towel and wiped his head dry. I tried not to stare, but he was all muscle-y and sweaty and I couldn't help but look. I had to remind myself I had a boyfriend now, but Carlos was too good a piece of eye candy not to look.

Some people are just so good looking you can't help but look at them, and Carlos was one of them.

He got up and let me have a turn. Sadly we had to take a lot of weight off the bar. I had been trying to gain some muscle and had been lifting weights when I could. I had a good build from all the heavy lifting I did when I worked jobs. But I still needed a lot of improvement. Now that I was going out with Justin, I wanted something to show off.

"I don't know if I am ready for that yet," I said.

"Why not?" he asked.

"Instinct. I don't want to have to deal with the bullshit of being called a fag and stuff like that."

"It's not like everyone is like that, you might get a little teased."

"Plus we won't be able to hangout anymore. What would people say if they knew you were hanging out with a homo?"

He didn't say anything at first.

"Then I will tell them to shut the fuck up."

"Really?" I asked surprised.

"After everything we have been through? Come on, who cares what other people think? Besides, don't you think it is a little unfair to Justin to hide your relationship?"

"Yes, I know. Everything is moving so fast though. I'm used to moving slow and cautiously."

"Dude, fuck caution, you ever hear the term throw caution to the wind?" he said.

"Yeah. Maybe you're right. I mean my dad knows and he is alright with it. And it's not like I have anyone I need to hide anything from."

"Hey Carlos, come here!" Chris called, waving Carlos over.

"Go on, probably wants to go over some football stuff with you," I said.

"Alright, I'll see you later."

He left to go join his teammates. I continued to lift weights. Thinking. My thoughts should have been about making money to pay of Rossini. But my thoughts were all about Justin.

Could I go and live with him? I barely know him. Dumb, seeing how I slept with him twice already and went on a date. But this is my first time being in love and I do not want to hit any snags on the way.

After gym I went to class but I could not focus. I kept on thinking all kinds of scenarios in my mind. Ways the relationship could go, good and bad.

What if it didn't work? What would I do?

What if it did work? Was I ready for a long term relationship? I was only eighteen years old, statistically not many people of that age have a relationship that lasts long, and Justin was my first.

But I was not his first. I knew he had plenty of boyfriends.

I was thankful when lunch finally rolled around. I could think more without having teachers ask me questions that I had not even been listening to.

I sought Justin out; he was at his table with his friends. They were in a conversation, and from what I heard, they were talking about having an after school get together for the club, for other gay, bi or transgender kids.

"Hey Justin," I said.

He smiled at me and I could have swooned. If Carlos was sexy handsome, then Justin was sexy beautiful.

"Hey Alex, guys this is Alex Kingston," Justin said.

I greeted everyone and they greeted me back.

"Alex is my...friend," Justin said.

"Actually, I'm his boyfriend," I said.

A stunned silence filled the air.

"Is this true Justin?" a girl asked.

Justin smiled. I could see how happy he was that I was coming out to his friends about us. "Yes, we're a thing," he said.

He scooted over and I sat next to him and we held hands. Everyone began to ask us all kinds of questions. They asked us when we hooked up, how long we were together. Some were a little over-zealous asked us more personal questions like if we had sex. We didn't give them any details about that, but we told them we had been together almost a week.

"Why didn't you tell us you had a boyfriend Justin?" the girl from before asked. She extended her hand. "Hi, my name is Amy."

I shook her hand. "It was my request. I wasn't ready at the time. I recently came out to my dad about it."

"What was that like?" Amy asked.

"Tense. But we had a talk, and he prefers not to know too much, but he still loves me," I said.

"You're lucky," Amy said.

I was going to ask if her parents were as understanding, but it was personal, and judging from the look on her face, she wasn't as lucky as I was.

"So, are any of you going to the game tonight?" I asked.

A few people said yes, a few said no. "Are you?" I asked Justin.

"Yeah, my mom and dad are going too," he said.

"Well, I am going as well," I said.

"You are?" he said sounding surprised.

"Yeah. I haven't been to a game in awhile," I said.

"Maybe you could ask your dad to come," Justin said.

I shook my head. "Dad is working tonight. Besides, I don't think he is ready to see me being...gay, yet," I said.

"Okay, I'll tell mom and dad and we'll pick you up."

"That sounds great," I said.

---

 

Carlos's P.O.V.

I ate Ma ma's lasagna with much gusto.

It was a tradition in our house. We would have a big dinner before the game. Ma ma would coo over me, and Erik and I would talk about how I was going to beat the other team.

"Are you going to beat them up Carlos?" Erik asked.

"You know it bro," I said.

"Can I play?" he asked.

I smiled. "You know you can't play with the big boys."

He glared at me and crossed his arms. "I can play with the big boys."

"Now Erik, no pouting," Ma ma said.

"But I want to play with Carlos," Erik said sadly.

"Don't worry little man; we'll play a game tomorrow in the park, just you and me," I said.

"Okay," he said brightly.

Most big brothers don't like playing with their siblings. I love spending time with Erik. As odd as it might be for me to say, I think of him as a son in many ways. When Ma ma and Miguel were busy working, I was the one taking care of him. Feeding him, changing his diapers, giving him baths.

Plus it reminded me of when I was young, and me and Miguel would play in the park. Times like this made me miss Miguel. I visited him with Ma ma every once in a while.

Yeah, nights like this I always missed my big brother. I wished he was here with us, eating Ma ma's dinner and making jokes and wishing me luck.

The whole school was psyched for tonight. Students, teachers. Our two schools have been rivals for years. We have played each other at all kinds of sports, some we won, some we lost.

But tonight we were going to win, that I would bet money on. Chris was a mad man. All day he was going over plans and strategies with us all. He was a good leader.

Next time I was fucking his mom, I was going to have to compliment her on her parenting skills.

We finished dinner and I got ready. I got my gear gathered and tossed it in my new truck. I sold that piece of shit I had, and used some of my money to buy a new truck. It was black and could fit three people in the back seat. It was big, black and it was the kind of truck that would do more damage to another vehicle.

"Oh, hey by the way, Alex will be there tonight," I said.

"Will he? That is wonderful. Perhaps we will see him," she said.

"He might be with his boyfriend," I said rubbing the back of my neck. Ma ma took his homosexuality really well. But she could still be a little awkward. Not to mention politically incorrect.

"Alex...has a boyfriend?" she whispered.

I nodded.

"Oh my God." she put her hand to her mouth. "Who?"

"Jessica's brother, Justin."

"Justin? That boy who is pretty like a girl, but also very muscular?"

"Yes Ma ma," I laughed.

She was never able to get how someone like Justin could be a boy and be so pretty.

"Oh, maybe we could sit with them," she said. "I would love to see them together. They must look so adorable!"

I gave her a funny look.

"What? I have been talking to Father Patrick. He say's even though it is a sin, God wants us to love each other and respect one another."

"Alex has a boyfriend? Cool."

We both jumped. Erik had been hiding behind Ma ma so we didn't see him.

Ma ma looked at him nervously. "Boyfriend? Uh we didn't say boyfriend, I meant to say..."

Erik rolled his eyes. "Ma ma, I know Alex is gay. I'm eight, not four."

"How do you know what that even means?" Ma ma asked.

"Duh, I go to school. Now let's go; I want to watch Carlos play!"

He jumped in my truck and Ma ma looked at me.

"I swear, the things you kids learn in school today."

She got in the truck and so did I. We pulled out of the drive way and headed for the school.

I thought of Justin and Alex. I thought about them and college. Justin had the money; his family came from old money. They had been rich for generations. Jessica told me the Chambers have been going to Ivy League schools for generations.

Alex still had a bit of money left from his college money. I was sure he would make it in the world. He was obviously a survivor. He took a ridiculous idea and turned it into gold. I know college will be the best thing for him.

But what about me? I want to go to college. But I don't have money like they do. My only hope is if I get a football scholarship. I didn't do well enough academically; football was my only hope.

I tightly gripped the wheel of the truck.

Or was there another way?

---

 

Alex's P.O.V.

"So, I will be home tonight. If things change I'll give you a call," I said.

I had called dad up to let him know the situation. I was getting ready; I got my brown leather jacket out for tonight. It was really hot during the day, but at night things cooled down a bit. Plus I look hot with the jacket.

Justin had awoken my libido and I was ready to show off. Can't wait for him to see me; he is going to be drooling for me. (lol)

"That's fine, make sure you have your phone with you and make sure you have your key," Dad said.

"I will."

"Hey, have you seen Shrub around?" he asked.

"No, why?" I asked.

"Well, I haven't seen her for a few days. Usually I see her parked somewhere glaring at me. It's the damnedest thing."

"Maybe she finally got shot in the line of duty," I said.

"Alex," he said with a chastising tone, but I could hear the humor in it.

"Maybe she decided to take a break and leave us alone for a while," I said.

"Yeah, we could only be so lucky."

I smiled and wanted to tell him the truth. That I was blackmailing her and that she would no longer be bothering us. I was so tempted, but I kept silent. Some things are better kept a secret.

"Well, I better get going. I will call you later." I said.

"I love you Alex," he said.

"I love you too dad."

I hung up the phone and continued to get ready. I heard a knock on the door and went to answer it. Justin stood on my porch looking fine as ever. "Hey," he said.

"Hey, come in."

I moved aside and let him in. Next to his place, my house was a crappy little cabin. He looked around, taking everything in.

"Ready?" he asked.

"Yeah, let me grab my wallet and I will be back down," I said.

I quickly ran up to my room and grabbed my wallet. I took a quick look in the mirror. Yep, still looking fine.

I quickly went downstairs and followed Justin outside. I closed and locked the door, and then I took Justin's hand in mine.

"Nice jacket," he said.

YES!

"Oh, it's nothing; just something I threw on," I said nonchalantly.

His parents drove the family van. I got in and greeted his parents. Jessica was there as well, already in her uniform.

"Hey Alex," she said.

"Hey Jess," I greeted.

We drove to the high school. Cars were already parking in the parking lot and along the side of the school. Turns out Justin's dad had reserved us a spot. Smart guy.

Jessica immediately left to make her way to the field where the others were waiting for her. We waited in line and Justin's dad paid for us all. I said I would pay for my own but he waved his hand at the idea.

"I got it, I got it," he said.

"My husband loves to show off," Christina said.

We tried to find a spot, which was hard. The whole damn school was here. Teachers, students...oh look a janitor. Everyone's parent was here as well. Normally it would be easier to fit everyone, but the other stadium on the other half of the field was for the people rooting for the other school.

It was packed too. All kinds of people had shown up to support Lexingville. That was the team we were playing tonight. Our school was West Valley. And you could feel the tension in the air.

I noticed there was plenty of security around. They must not want another riot.

People were screaming, cheering their team, booing the other, making rude gestures and that was on both sides of the field.

"Alex!" a voice called.

I looked and Saw Maria and Erik sitting close to the front of the bleachers. They had a bit of space saved.

"Oh look darling; it's Maria," Christina said.

We walked down to them. "Do you all need seats? "Maria asked.

"You don't mind, do you?" Justin's dad asked.

"Of course not, I always save some space in case I see a friend," Maria said.

We sat down with Carlos's family. I wonder if he would find it weird his family was hanging out with his ex-girlfriend's family and his pimp.

Maria and Christina did not seem to care; they chatted away like old friends. Erik tugged on my jacket. I leaned down and he whispered in my ear.

"Is that your boyfriend?" he asked.

"Yes he is," I said.

"He looks like a girl," he said.

I chuckled. "Trust me, he is all dude."

"Look, there is Carlos!" Maria said.

We all waved and called his name. He looked up and seemed to be very surprised to see us all together. He waved back with a smile on his face.

---

 

Carlos's P.O.V.

Why the hell was my family sitting with Jessica's and Alex?

My family, my ex's family, and my pimp all sitting together. Can you say weird?

I waved at them all and they waved back. I walked over to Jessica; she was tying her shoe. I walked up, wanting to talk to her.

"Hey Jess," I said.

"Hey," she said not looking at me.

"So, how are things between you and-"

"Tommy and I split up," she said.

"What? Why?" I asked.

"Lots of reasons. Guilt was one of them," she said.

"Jess, look about-" I started.

"I don't want to talk about it," she said.

I sighed. "Look we need to talk about it Jess; we can't just keep on going around ignoring one another like this."

She stood up and gave me a hard look. "No, we don't need to talk about anything Carlos. I am not going to let you toy with my emotions anymore!"

"Toy with your emotions? How the fuck have I toyed with your emotions?" I asked. I was starting to feel angry.

"First you dump me; then you fuck me."

"You said yes as I recall."

"Yes, and it was a big mistake! Because every time Tommy kissed me or touched me I thought of you. I thought about how he wasn't you, I kept on comparing him to you. You know how horrible I felt? Tommy has been nothing but wonderful to me and I cheated on him with you. And you know what is really fucked up? I keep thinking about you, I keep missing you and it sucks, because I know there is no way we can be together. What I need is to get some distance from you."

"What are you saying?" I asked.

"I mean after graduation I am leaving. I am going to Miami before college."

"What?"

"I can't keep being around you Carlos; I keep on pining after you like some love struck tween. I need to put some distance between us. I need to figure out what I want in life."

"Jess, you don't have to move to do that," I said.

"Yes I do," she said.

"Do your parents know?" I asked.

"Yes, they think I want to have one final summer vacation before I go to college. I need this Carlos; I can't keep on pining after you. You're like a drug, and I need to detox."

"It doesn't have to be like that Jess," I said gently.

"Really? Then are we going to get back together?" she asked.

I didn't say anything.

"That's what I thought. So I suggest we stop with the angst and get back into the game. Good luck Carlos."

She grabbed her pom poms and went to go join her squad.

I watched her go, feeling angry and frustrated.

I wanted to say we could be together. But I was not going to date her and sleep with other women at the same time. That was one rule I was not going to break.

But I had to ask myself if things would have been the same? I have changed a lot these past few weeks; I was not the same man I had been when all of this happened.

Would our relationship be the same or would it be different? Definitely different, I would say. I still had a ways to go before we were financially secure, and I could not cheat on her. But even if we could be together, I don't know how things could be like they were. My sexual appetite had grown, and I was more possessive, and I really did enjoy the job.

But still the idea of her leaving the state just to get away from me made me angry. I was angry with her for leaving, and angry with myself for making her leave.

"Hey man, what's up?" Kitch asked, walking up and slapping me on the shoulder.

"I'm pissed off and I want to hurt someone," I said.

He smiled. "Good, use that against Lexingville," he said.

I glared over at the other team. The idea of using them to vent my frustrations sounded like a fucking awesome idea.

The crowd cheered as we scored another touchdown.

It was late in the game. The score was Home: 45. Visitors: 45.

It was an intense game. I was going to be sore in the morning. I had been tackling, and I was being tackled all night, but I was loving it. I did not hold back; I was giving the game my all. Everyone was.

We took a break and we all went to the bench to get some drinks. I took my helmet off and grabbed a dry towel and wiped the sweat from my hair and face.

"Carlos!"

I looked and saw Alex, Erik and Justin coming over. Erik grabbed onto the fence that separated us. "This is the best game ever! I can't wait to tell everyone at school how awesome you are!" he said excitedly.

I reached over and picked him up and held him up on my shoulder. He laughed and giggled.

"Where's Ma ma?" I asked.

"She and Christina went to go grab some snacks," Alex said. "They are getting along famously."

"That's good. Hey Justin." I shook Justin's hand.

"Great game man, I know you guys are going to win," he said.

"Carlos, can I meet your friends?" Erik asked excitedly.

"Sure." I smiled at Erik and he bounced on my shoulder excitedly. I turned to look at Justin. "Did you know Jess is going to Miami after graduation?" I asked.

He nodded. "Yeah. She told us a few days ago. Mom and dad were okay with it. You're the first one she told besides us. She's been wanting to keep it a secret."

"I like Jessica; she is really pretty," Erik said.

"Yes she is," I said sadly. Then I smiled, I didn't want Erik to get caught up in my sorrow. "Well come on little man. Let's go meet the others," I said.

I turned and went to show Erik off to everyone. He knew some of the others, but he looked so excited to be with the big boys.

I hope he doesn't have to face the love blues when he grows up.

---

 

Alex's P.O.V.

I knew Carlos was hurting. I could see it in his eyes. But I didn't know what he meant by Jessica going to Miami.

"Care to fill me in?" I asked Justin.

"Well, Jess is going to move to Miami for the summer, before college," Justin said.

That didn't sound bad. But I knew there had to be more to it than just that. I recall seeing her and Carlos talking earlier and he seemed a little upset. I bet there is more to her leaving then just a simple summer vacation.

"She says it's for fun, but I don't think that's it," Justin said.

Great minds think alike after all.

"I think she needs to escape for a while. You know her and Tommy broke it off?"

"Did they?" I asked. I had seen them around school. Tommy worshiped the ground she walked on. That kid was seriously whipped.

"She said she wasn't feeling it, but I think something happened between her and Carlos at the party. I think they might have had sex."

"What?" I said trying to sound surprised.

Justin gave me a look that made me squirm, and not in a good way. "I know you know."

I sighed. "Alright, Carlos and Jessica had sex at the party and well...they both thought it was just a simple fuck, and it turned out it opened up some old feelings," I said.

"I knew it! I should punch him in the face!"

His eyes flashed with anger and I was sure Justin would do it. He was a very loving and protective person. But I couldn't have my boyfriend fighting my man-whore. Bad for business.

"Hey, hey. Come on." I took his hands in mine. "Carlos and Jessica are both eighteen. They can make their own decisions and they will figure this out themselves. There is no need in pointing the finger of blame at anyone okay?"

He took a deep breath in. "Yeah, you're right. I just hate to see her in pain over this."

"Believe me; they are both feeling pain over this," I said.

---

 

Carlos's P.O.V.

I introduced Erik to some of my teammates.

He knew Kitch, Chris, Peter and Dustin and some of the others. I introduced him to my coach.

"Can I play?" he asked him.

"When you're older kid," he replied.

"Awesome!" Erik said throwing his hands up in the air.

"Energetic little champ you have here Carlos. Make sure you keep him well fed; I am going to need someone to replace you when you graduate," coach said.

"I'm going to be like Carlos," Erik said.

"Alright kid, time to go back to the stands," coach said.

I went back to the fence. Justin and Alex were still there. I handed them Erik and they put him on the ground.

"Thanks a lot Carlos; that was so cool!" Erik said.

"Any time little man, but don't get over excited; you and I are hanging out tomorrow," I said.

"Carlos, get your ass back over here!" Chris called.

"Well, I got to go, wish me luck," I said.

"Good luck," they all said.

I went running back to the team. Chris had us all in a group.

"Alright, we have only twenty seconds on the clock boys. We need to score this!"

"Da, I do not want to be losing!" Peter said firmly.

"Alright, I have a plan. If it works, we will become legends for one crazy ass move," Chris said.

"What is it?" Dustin asked.

"We are going to fool these fuckers. We are going to make them focus on one player; make them think we are going to toss the ball to that one person. But in truth, we will pass the ball to another player and they will score us a touchdown!"

"Sounds crazy, it might just work," Kitch said.

"So who are you going to use?" I asked.

Chris smiled at me. "I am glad you asked. Kitch will be the faker, but Carlos will be our guy."

"What?" we all said.

"But I am the fastest guy on the team!" Kitch said.

"I'm more of a tackler, besides I can't run that far without having them tackle me," I said.

"Believe me, I know this. See, these cocksuckers know Kitch is our runner. They know he would obviously be our choice to toss the ball. So sorry Kitch; you're going to have to take one for the team. They're going to be all over you like stink on shit."

"Why do I have to be the sacrificial player? "Kitch whined.

Kitch was tall, but he was lean, like Alex. And a lot of those players were built like an ox.

"Well you are Japanese, and I figured the whole Kamikaze thing was in your blood," Chris said.

"I am only a quarter Japanese, you stereotypical dick," Kitch said glaring at him.

"As for Carlos, I know you are not the fastest, and I know that it would not take them long to chase after you and tackle you. Which is why you will have Peter running with you."

"Me? "Peter asked.

"Da comrade," Chris said with a mock Russian accent. "Our juggernaut is going to clear you a path. Anyone in his way will be flattened. Peter, I want you to protect him. Bash the fuck out of anyone who tries to get him. Come on guys; this is our senior year; let's not leave school losers! Altogether now!"

He extended his hand and we all did the same.

"On three! One, two three! TIGERS!"

"TIGERS!" we all chorused.

We all went out to the field. The crowd was cheering for us.

Tigers! Tigers! Tigers!" they all chanted.

Peter stood in front of me, and I stood behind him. Kitch was to the far right; I was to the far left. I saw that a bunch of the other players were watching Kitch, and I knew Chris was right in guessing they would be gunning for him. I felt a bit of pity for my friend.

We waited. Chris held the ball, then he passed it to Dustin. The second the ball left Chris's hands, the other team shot forward, but our defense kept them back.

Kitch shot off like a bullet and me and Peter went running as well. There had been a few guys in front of us, but between me and Peter, we got through them rather easily.

The players chased after Kitch who ran like hell. But with more than half the other team chasing after him, blocking every exit, it was only a matter of time before they pinned him. Talk about dog pile. Kitch had like ten guys jump on him.

"CARLOS!" I heard Dustin call. I turned and saw the ball heading for me.

I caught in my arms and ran. Some of the other players tried to get me but Peter ran them over. His massive frame made him the ultimate defense. I heard the angry call of the other players as they realized they had been duped.

They all jumped off of Kitch who was flat on the ground, looking like Wile E. Coyote after he fell from a cliff. My team blocked as many of them as they could, but a few got through and chased after us.

We were almost to the other end of the field. Just a little bit further and we would win!

The crowd was going wild. So many people jumping up and down and stomping their feet at the same time; I could feel the ground shaking. Like a little mini-earthquake.

I glanced behind me and saw that I had three guys about to tackle my ass. I was quick, but these guys were quicker.

They may be wolves and they may work well as a pack, but we are tigers and we are good when it comes to agility and reflexes.

"Peter, reverse!" I screamed.

Peter stopped suddenly and spun around. He charged my way, and I had a six-foot-seven, two hundred and eighty pound Russian bulldozer heading right for me.

Had my reflexes been any slower, I would have hit him head on. But I dodged at the last moment, and judging from the sound of high impact I heard behind me, Peter had slammed into the guys chasing me.

The reverse was a move Chris had come up with, designed to use Peter to go from defensive to offensive in a single move. After clearing a player a path, he would then reverse and run behind the player, to take out anyone chasing the player.

Works like a charm.

I let out a triumphant yell as my foot touched the ground, earning us the score. The buzzer went off and the night exploded with wild cheering. I jumped up and down in victory. My team was running to me, laughing, screaming. They all plowed into me, sending me to the ground.

"You sick motherfucker!" Dustin yelled.

"That's how tigers play man!" Chris yelled.

"Fucking brilliant!" Peter yelled.

Then he covered his mouth when he realized he swore. We all laughed, and everyone was patting me on the back and bumping my fist.

Coach came running over, his face red, tear of happiness rolling down his face. "That was fucking genius kid! Peter plowed those little bastards down!"

The announcer was screaming that we had won, I looked at the score board and saw we got the point we needed to win the game.

The other team looked angry and pissed; I loved it. I stuck my hand up and flipped them the bird, which pissed them off further.

The people in the bleachers poured down and ran to us. My team lifted me up in the air and carried me over to our fans. I saw Kitch; he was cheering and jumping up and down, then stopped and clutched his back.

"You okay?" I asked.

"I feel like my spleen is shattered, but I feel fucking awesome man!" he yelled.

We laughed and I held up the football and everyone cheered. They were chanting my name. "Carlos! Carlos!"

I saw Ma ma in the crowd. She was cheering for me too, and had tears running down her face, pride shined bright in her eyes.

The field was crowded; all the bleachers had emptied; everyone was on the field. People were cheering, jumping up and down, and some were even kissing.

I saw Justin and Alex in the crowd. Justin was cheering, Alex looked over at him, then at me, and then he grinned and gave me a wink. He grabbed Justin and pulled him in for a kiss.

Justin's eyes were wide at first, then his eyes closed and he melted into the kiss. No one cared; they weren't the only one's kissing. Although a few girls did look at them with shock, and some people did wolf whistle.

Pictures were going off in a blinding display. I searched out Erik; he was next to Ma ma.

"Come here!" I said pointing a finger at him.

He looked surprised. Peter and Dustin moved through the crowd and grabbed him. They picked him up and handed him to me. I held him against my hip, and he looked at the amassed crowd with both awe and a little fear.

"This is what it is to be a champion little man; you think you can handle it?" I asked him.

He nodded. I handed him the football I had been holding, and he held it like he was holding a sacred object. "Then you're going to have to earn it."

"I will Carlos, I will. I'm going to be just like you, I love you hermano," he said, using the Spanish word for brother.

I smiled and kissed him on the cheek. He held up the football that won us the game, and they tossed us up in the air. Erik giggled like a mad man and held on to me.

I can only describe a fraction of the joy I felt. Ma ma crying tears of joy, looking so proud, my team and school hailing me a hero, praising my brilliance, my friend finally coming to terms with who he was, my brother next to me, sharing my glory. My soul felt like it was on fire. I felt like the sun, I was the center of it all; these people were like planets, circling me, feeding off my light in order to flourish.

I felt powerful, I felt respect, I felt pride, I felt satisfaction, I felt triumph, and so many other emotions I cannot even begin to describe.

I saw Jessica with Tommy, they were holding hands and looking at one another, and I knew they had renewed their relationship.

A part of me wished it was me in his place. She looked at me and smiled and gave me a little nod. It may not have been much, but it spoke volumes.

I nodded back.

She was now back with Tommy, and might still move to Miami. But I wanted her to be happy. If all I did was cause her heartache, then I wanted her to leave. I would rather her be away from me and happy, then with me and sad.

I threw my hand in the air and let out a victory yell. I was no longer afraid of the future and the unknown. I had triumphed over it, and for once in my life I felt like I was invincible; let the world throw anything it has at me, I will overcome.

---

 

Alex's P.O.V.

Almost an hour later, the stadium was almost empty.

It had been an awesome night, and I had kissed my boyfriend in front of everyone, so I was now officially out.

I was talking to Carlos who still carried Erik. Maria was with them and was fawning over her son.

"My boy, you did so well," she cooed.

A familiar pain of envy hit me. I always got like this when I saw guys getting attention from their moms. I have some serious mom issues I know.

"Yeah man; you were awesome!" I said shaking his hand.

"I know, I can't believe that's it for me," he said.

"Hey there's still college. I'm sure once they see footage of you on youtube, they will hand you the scholarship," I said.

"Thanks man. Hey you are coming to the party tomorrow, right?"

"I don't want to impose," I said.

"Please, almost everyone is coming man," he said.

"Alright, I'll be there," I said. "I got to go; the Chambers are waiting for me," I said.

Maria gave me a hug. "Take care sweetie, stop by tomorrow; you look a little thin. I will make you something special," she said.

"Thank you Maria," I said.

A hit my fist against Erik's, he was still holding onto the football Carlos had given him.

I left them alone and headed up the stadium. Justin was waiting for me, and he held my hand as we went out to the parking lot.

"So, I was wondering...could I spend the night with you?" he asked.

"What?" I asked.

"Well, I was hoping to hang out with you the rest of the night. We haven't spent the night togehter since we first had sex."

I liked the idea of sleeping with him. Not in a sex way, my ass couldn't take that. But just in a cuddling kind of way.

"I already asked my parents," he said, "They said I had to ask you first."

"Sure. Sounds good to me."

We met his parents, and he told them he would be spending the night at my house.

We all talked about the game and how awesome it ended. When we arrived at my house, I hopped out and thanked his parents for picking me up.

"Oh it was our pleasure darling," Christina said. "You are an absolute dream. You should come over to our house again for dinner, and bring your father; I would love to meet him."

"I will talk to him about it," I said.

I closed the door, and Justin kissed him mom and said good bye to everyone.

We watched as they drove away. I noticed he had a bag. I raised a brow and he noticed my confused look.

"Well, I figured I should pack a change of clothes in case you said yes. I wanted to be ready."

He looked a little nervous. Maybe he thought I would be upset for some reason. I wasn't. I like it when people think ahead.

We walked to the house and I noticed dad's car was here. All the lights were off so I figured he was in bed. I unlocked the door and we quietly made our way upstairs.

I took a shower first and then Justin showered. I dressed only in a pair of boxers and turned the fan on; it was a bit warm. I pulled the blankets back, getting it ready for us.

When he came out of the shower I stared. He only wore a pair of bright blue briefs that showed off his large package. His hair was wet and lost some of its curl. His body still glistened with water. He looked like Adonis's younger and better looking brother just stepping out of a shower.

I felt my whole body warm up and my cock twitched. He smiled when he saw me staring. He closed the door and locked it and turned off the light. He stepped forward in the light that shined from my window.

Even in the dark I could feel him watching me. I remembered the night we first made love and the night on the cliffs. I was so tempted to say to hell with it and let him have me again.

I got in the bed and scooted to the side to give him room. He sat on the bed that was only half covered, since it was so warm.

He wrapped his arms around me and I laid my head against his chest. He smelled good.

I don't know how long we sat together there on my bed. But before I fell asleep, I know he whispered the three most important words you can be told.

"I love you."

Fusedtwilight: So naturally Carlos won the game, Alex finally came out and he and Justin are stronger then ever. Next chapter it's back to business as usual, but an unforeseen tragedy will rock things to the core for our characters. Please review.