"We're okay!" Sarah grinned, rushing out of the doctor's office toward Mike.

Mike, filled with more emotion than he knew how to handle, rushed toward his wife. He kissed her soundly, wrapping his arms around her and spinning her lightly. In her condition, it wouldn't do to be too rough. He intended a very regimented course of wrapping her in cotton wool for a long while, despite knowing she would protest such treatment.

"We're okay!" Mike gasped, trying not to cry as he held her, "We're having a baby!"

"We're having a baby!" Sarah gushed, staring at him, sniffling as she smiled, "They said I couldn't. But I'm pregnant! It's such a rare circumstance, I can't abort, Baby. I don't know if I'll ever have this chance again. We just have to make the most of it."

"Abortion isn't something we believe in. I wouldn't have been buggering you senseless if I didn't want us to be a family. Well ... that and it's so much fun. Oh God, Sarah!" Mike said, kissing her again, "We're having a baby!"

* * * * * * *

"No, Corey. Like this." I said, instructing him on the proper way to hold his defensive stance.

He let out a curse of frustration. I'd taken him under my wing in more than one way, trying to build up his self confidence and teach him some of what I knew, including the arts. I had to admit, he was a slow learner. He was smart, but he didn't have the natural coordination required to learn quickly. It would take a while for things to sink in, and thus, he would grow frustrated.

"I'm no good at this!" Corey gasped, hands on his hips as he paced back and forth.

I'd been working him for a few hours now, making use of the dojo that Sensei Takada graciously gave me access to. After being gone for so long, I didn't expect to just come back and have my same spot. But I had informed Sensei of my intent to return to Merlow after I graduate and that I would like to rejoin the dojo permanently. He said he knew I'd always come back, but I needed to go to figure that out for myself.

"Problems with the young one?" Sensei asked, stepping onto the mat.

I turned and gave him a quick bow before I walked over to him, leaving Corey to practice, "He isn't a natural, Sensei, but I wonder if I have lost my touch after being so focused on my own skills since leaving."

"Your self serving antics won you a championship, Daniel." Sensei said with a slight wry smile, "But perhaps it is time you returned to your roots. When you do come home, I expect you to resume your place here. With your brother and Marty Lee no longer present, we are lacking in leaders here."

"You're still here. Not still contemplating retirement, are you? You're too young for that."

"Not yet, but one day. I still have high hopes that you will consider taking over when that time comes."

This was not the first time we'd had this discussion in the many, many years we'd known each other, "I would be honoured, Sensei. Though you are right, without Marty Lee or Dade here, it will take time to train up a new second. Well, assuming I can earn my place back as your first."

"You can start by taking the night classes for the juniors for the rest of your holiday here. Spend some time with Brad as well. He's been distracted lately and needs to be refocused."

"As you wish." I nodded, "Can the little one join me?"

"How old is he? He's a bit young for you, isn't he, Daniel?"

"He's not my boyfriend!" I gasped, "Sensei!"

"I'm not his boyfriend!" Corey laughed, overhearing us, "I have taste! In girls!"

"You'll taste my foot in your face in a minute. Hurry up and keep practicing." I snapped at him, before I turned my attention back to Sensei Takada, "You shouldn't encourage him. He has development issues. Something about being dropped on his head too much as a baby. Just kidding. He's just a very good friend who has been a good part of my life since I left. I wanted him to see where I call home."

"Well, it's good to see you taking care of someone. I've always found in your case, Daniel, that you are at your best when you have someone to take care of or watch out for. Speaking of which ..."

"I know, I know." I said, taking the hint, "I'm keeping in touch with Dade more. We aren't as close as we used to be but I'm trying hard to change that. I hope that too much time hasn't passed between us for that to happen."

"I've taught you a lot of things, Daniel, over the years, but I think perhaps one thing I didn't teach you is when to let things go. Perhaps if I had, it may have spared you some of the trials you have suffered since your mother died." Sensei said sagely.

The mention of her still tensed me up even now, and probably would for years to come, "Perhaps. But I like to think the experience of making the mistakes I have and learning from them has helped me. I want very much to fix things with my brother. I'm not particularly close to Abby or even my father, but Dade is ... he's special. Fallout or not, we are almost two halves of a whole."

"I want you to call me, Daniel. When you leave again, call me. I've been teaching you for over twelve years now." He said, putting his hand on my shoulder, "You are more than just a student. But if you forget to call me, I will have to break you in again as if you are one. Championship or not, I am still your master."

I grinned at that and nodded vigorously, "Yes, Sensei, you are. I promise I will call. And I promise I will come back. Home calls, and I want to pick up."

"Maybe you could hurry up too?" Corey added, still practicing his kata.

"Cheeky one that one." Sensei said.

I nodded my head, "It means he's starting to get too comfortable here."

"That's good. Perhaps he may return with you one day." Sensei said, before he took his leave to attend to another student.

"He's pretty cool, huh?" Corey asked me, gasping a little as he was in mid step, "Maybe he could make me better than you!"

"Oh, Corey ..." I frowned, "Not sure God could make you better than me."

"You're so up yourself!" Corey laughed, "I can't believe how cool you are here. Does that make me cool too?"

I chuckled a little, pulling Corey into a random hug, "Cor, you make yourself cool."

"You're not going to let this all go to your head and ditch me now that you're all not crazy anymore, are you?"

"Always with you thinking I'm going to leave you." I said, shaking my head, "At the Nationals it was the same thing. Here again it's the same thing. Just because good things happen to me doesn't mean I'm going to leave you behind, Cor. You're one of those good things for me too, remember?"

Corey stepped back a little, blinked rapidly as if I'd touched a nerve, sniffled, and then nodded, "You're good for me too. Never had a friend like you before. Don't want to ... you know ... lose that. But don't get all emo on me or anything."

"Alright then, I'll try my best, Tough guy. Let's wrap this up and hit the beach, okay? Still plenty of places to show you around the lake." I said, putting my arm around his shoulder.

"Thanks, Dan. For everything."

"Shut up and stop trying to make me cry."

"Dan?"

"Yeah, Cor?"

"When you move back here ... can I come too?"

"With a brain like yours? Not a chance. You're destined for bigger things than Merlow can offer."

"But your mother did it. I could go to college here?"

"Cor, you're too young to think about something like this." I said, rubbing his arms, "We'll talk on the phone. We'll email. We'll keep in touch."

"You don't want me to come?" Corey asked, looking a little unsettled.

I sighed and hugged him again, kissing his hair, "When did you latch onto me so much?"

In the time we'd known each other, I'd connected more with Corey than Su, though I still loved that short, big tittied bitch something wicked as well. But Corey was different. He was younger, but exceptionally bright, and thus in the same year as Su and I. It wasn't long till he and I were living in each other's pockets. He was a ward of the state, and besides me, didn't really have anyone else who really gave a damn.

He was used to being the outcast in school, in his foster home, and yet he still had this wide eyed innocence and naivety that really attracted me. The small kid that everyone picked on, when he all he wanted to do was be this little pocket of sunshine. I grew protective of him very quickly and he sensed that I didn't want anything but the best for him. All I wanted to do was protect him. Maybe make some things right that I failed on with Dade?

"I think you're too young to make such a big move, Cor."

"Bullshit." He snapped.

"You can't swear in the dojo."

"Bull faeces."

"Corey."

"Daniel."

"Corey!"

"Daniel!"

"I'm going to kick your ass."

"You can't swear in the dojo." He said with a little smirk on his face.

"Little sh ... grrr ..." I growled under my breath, turning and walking off, "Come on, let's get out of here, Cheeky."

* * * * * * *

"La la la la la." Lucas sang to himself as he vacuumed the floor of the Marcus lounge.

He was floating lately and while he had a suspicion why he felt so good, he wasn't sure he wanted to give it a name. If he did give it a name, and if he was being honest with himself, it was Storm. The two of them had clicked so much lately, and despite saying otherwise, Lucas was quickly falling again for the one who had been his in what felt like a distant past.

Lucas's phone began to ring, and he immediately pulled it out. He grinned at the name on the phone.

"Dude!"

"This is just like a walkie talkie!" Storm laughed, his voice echoing throughout the room.

"Dude, it's awesome!" Lucas grinned, "Where are you!? I'm about to make cookies!"

"Haha, cookies? What kind?"

"Your kind!"

"Marry me!"

"Woo hoo!" Lucas beamed, "What time will you be home, Dude? I'm making an uber dinner for everyone. No special reason, just wanted to."

"Love it. You're not going home until after Corey and I leave Merlow, are you?"

"Of course not. I want to play cards again before you leave."

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

Lucas grinned, "Of course you don't, Dude. Secret is safe with me."

"I don't need to keep it a secret! I do what I like!"

Lucas grinned even broader, "Woo hoo!"

"You're not turning gay on me, are you? You know those filthy homos are good for nothing."

Lucas nodded his head vigorously, "Oh, Dude, of course. Of course. Filthy domos."

"Homos."

"Oh no, I love the homos. So do you."

There was a giggle from the phone, "I do more than you do, I think. See you soon?"

"Dude, you know it. Be home soon?"

"No, Corey and I are just picking up some stores and then I'm going to see Mum. Need anything?"

"Nope! Got it sorted, Mate."

"Mate?" Storm chuckled, "You haven't called me that for a long time."

Lucas smiled, "Oh well. If it fits, right?"

"Love you too."

"Love you back."

As Lucas slid the phone back into his pocket, he closed his eyes and let out a large smile. Goodness life was great. He had his Mate back. They weren't official but he could feel that their bond was continuing to strengthen. He could feel Storm coming back into his life. While he'd stated he didn't think they should venture the route of a relationship again, it seemed they couldn't avoid loving one another. Perhaps it was simply fate. Lucas knew such thoughts were dangerous though, so he tried to temper his hope with practicality. He had his own life to sort out right now and Storm would be leaving again soon. Still, he could enjoy himself while Storm was here, right?

There was a knock at the door that stirred Lucas from his reveries. He could hear the handle being jiggled with and found that curious. It must be someone familiar with the place.

"Coming!" Lucas yelled, running over to the door and opening it, "Whoa ..."

"Hi, Lucas."

"Whoa ..." Lucas gasped, staring wide eyed at the person in the doorway.

"Hello."

"Whoa!"

"Again." Marcel said, giving Lucas a smile, "Hello."

"Hello!"

Lucas wrapped his arms around Marcel and hugged him tightly. It was like most hugs Lucas gave, open and sincere. Marcel returned the hug, but there was an obvious trepidation, as if he wasn't expecting to be embraced by Lucas of all people.

"Come in, Dude, come in!"

"Does Storm know you're coming?" Lucas asked, taking Marcel's coat.

"No." Marcel said, studying Lucas thoughtfully, "Lucas ... are you okay? Is my being here going to be awkward for you? I don't want to upset you after ..."

"After I tried to commit hari kari?" Lucas groaned, "Great reason to cut down or stop drinking and to disassociate myself from women I've scorned in the past."

"Yeah well, why do you think I'm gay? It's bad enough having one woman around with Sarah."

"Fuck yoooou." Sarah sang, smacking the back of Marcel's head as she walked through the front door with Mike.

Mike was being pulled along by the hand, a sheepish grin on his face as he kissed Marcel's cheek. Clearly, while Storm didn't know Marcel was coming, Mike and Sarah didn't seem surprised to see him.

"Snoogums." Mike grinned, letting go of Sarah's hand to give Marcel a giant hug from the side, "Snoogums!"

Marcel blushed beet red, but he grinned and let himself be hugged quite happily. He'd never turn down some affection from everyone's favourite bromantic. When Mike had finished squeezing the life out of him and let him go, he was left once more alone with Lucas while Mike and Sarah rushed upstairs.

"They're in a hurry." Marcel said, curiously, "And they're awfully happy too."

"They have a lot of sex."

"That explains the happy part." Marcel smirked, turning his gaze to Lucas, "So ... are we alright then? Are you alright?"

"I'm alright, Dude. Besides, you two are on a break, right?" Lucas asked cheekily, "I'm still in with a chance, right?"

"Sure, Lucas." Marcel said, patting Lucas's shoulder cheekily, "Sure."

"I'm just kidding. It's my turn to be the loner of the pack. After all, you were loner for so long yourself. It's only fair you got a break from the misery."

"Cheeky." Marcel said, adjusting his shirt, "Now, for the last time, are you sure you're alright? I'll be honest with you. I'm only here because I want to make the most of Storm's holiday."

"Does that mean I have to share him? Joined at the hip, Dude!"

"Well ... I guess we'll see, won't we?" Marcel asked with a shrug, "Are you two ...?"

"What?" Lucas replied, tilting his head curiously, "Oh, no. No, we're not lovers if that's what you're asking."

"Are you going to be?"

The question was so blunt it rather took Lucas by surprise. Is it going to be? Goodness. Until now he hadn't even really considered it. He was so used to saying that it wasn't an option. Now here he was being asked point blank by someone who didn't mine words, whether he and Storm were going to be lovers in the future.

"I ... don't know." Lucas said finally.

The confession was a surprise to Lucas. Denial was a wonderful thing when one was trying to move on. Yet when forced to answer it truthfully, Lucas realized that despite saying he wasn't interested in a relationship with Storm, he couldn't rule out something in the future.

"Thank you for being honest." Marcel said, regarding Lucas with a nod, "I'll always be your friend, Lucas. I hope this thing with Storm doesn't change that for you."

"Dude." Lucas said, putting his hands up, "Storm and I were long done. I have no say on anything you two do. Look, I'm in the middle of cooking dinner, so umm ... let's just ... let this one go for now please? I'm not sure I'm up to it."

"Alright. I'm sorry. Can I help?"

"No, no." Lucas said quickly, "No, no. I'm fine. It was just something I wanted to do for everyone tonight because I've been here for so long and everyone's been so great. So just entertain yourself for a couple of hours. Just let me do this on my own ..."

* * * * * * *

Carl rubbed his face, yawning a bit as he stacked shelves in the local supermarket. He'd been burning the candle a bit at both ends lately, trying to juggle school and working two jobs to support his family. He was struggling to make ends meet and his grades were starting to suffer.

On top of this, his quiet resentment toward Claire was continuing to build. He wasn't sure he was going to keep this up, and more and more he was wondering if his relationship with Claire should continue. He loved her, to be sure, but things were different now. There was no denying that.

"That's it, Bentley! You're off the clock!"

Carl turned to his boss, nodding in agreement, "Any overtime available?"

"Sorry, Kid. Can't spare it. You've already maxed up this week. Maybe next week, yeah?"

"Yeah, alright." Carl frowned, nodding his head, "Maybe next week."

Great. Another week of tightening the belt. He wondered if it could get any tighter than it already was.

"I'm too young for this shit." Carl said in a surprisingly frank admission.

Though he made the comment to himself, he was overheard by his boss who regarded Carl with a frown. He walked over to Carl, folding his arms and pondering for a moment before he spoke.

"Not to butt in on your personal life, Bentley, but you're doing an awful lot for a baby that isn't yours. Nobody would think any less of you if you let it go. You could still walk away ..."

* * * * * * *

I was on my knees, in front of Mum's headstone, crying softly into my hands. I'd put off this visit for so long, but I couldn't anymore. And as I expected, I was inconsolable. I leaned over Mum's grave, shaking as I cried.

It all felt so real again. So potent. The biggest reason I'd left this place to begin with. But unlike then, I was more prepared now to accept that she was gone, despite how much it broke my heart.

I clutched my chest, ignoring Corey as he rubbed my back and tried to hug me. He never knew her. He never knew how great she was. He had no right being here, but the little imp wanted to be here.

"It's okay, Dan. It's okay." Corey said, trying to hug me from behind.

I wanted to tell him to fuck off. To leave me alone. He didn't understand. He didn't know. I just needed to get this out and then I'd be fine.

I didn't though. His presence was comforting, so instead I sat back, pulled him onto my lap, and hugged him tightly. He melted into my arms as I rubbed his back. Whether I admitted it or not, he was as good for me as I was for him. It was a strange bond we had, but I never worked well with the idea of normal anyway.

"Thank you, Cor."

Corey was such a complex character. He was a sweet, genuine soul. Sometimes I thought Mum had sent him to me like a guardian angel.

"I love you, Little bugger." I cried softly against his neck, kissing it and holding him, "Thank you. Thank you."

Corey pulled back, his eyes still a mess of tears, "Damn, your crying is contagious! Are you going to be okay?"

"You're interrupting my moment with my mother. Maybe you should bugger off."

"Ass." He grinned, wiping his eyes, "Look, you made me cry! People will think I'm a loser like you!"

"Cor, you are a loser like me."

He giggled and shrugged, "You're mean to me!"

"Oh get a new catchphrase, Midget."

He smiled at me, "You want some alone time with Dr. Marcus? I bet she was really great. I always knew how much you loved her, but ... I guess I'm seeing it in person right now."

"She was the best, and a great doctor too. I remember when Claire wanted to be a Doctor. And now she's in almost the same position as my mother was. A small baby and a future that looks uncertain."

"And yet your mother did it."

I looked at Corey curiously, taking in his words as I nodded, "You're right, Cor. You're absolutely right ..."

* * * * * * *

I knocked firmly on the front door to the rather dingy old apartment that Carl managed to secure for himself and Claire, with his parents help and reluctant blessing. He'd taken on a lot, due to his love for Claire, but I knew he was struggling.

Carl opened the door, looking exhausted and tired. When he saw it was me, he gave me a genuine smile, but I could tell he had to make an effort to raise it. My lips tightened and I pulled him to me, kissing his cheek and hugging him with all his might.

"I want to help you."

Carl took a deep breath and a gasp, "Then move home. I need my best friend."

"I'm coming back, Bud. I promise. I'm coming back."

I know he wanted to cry, perhaps overwhelmed and exhausted by events in his life right now. It really wasn't fair to him what was happening. He'd done so much for a child that wasn't his. She was my blood, my niece, and so invited or not, I was going to butt in.

"I need to talk to Claire, and you too." I said, rubbing his back, "I want to make you an offer ..."

* * * * * * *

"No way!" Claire gasped, shaking her head as she sat on her sofa next to Carl, "No, Storm!"

"Umm, should I go?" Corey asked, biting his lip.

"Yes!" Claire said, standing up and handing him June, "And take her too, she seems to like you. It's grown up time."

I waited for Corey to nervously leave the room with my niece, before I turned my attention to Claire. She and I had never been off side with each other that much, but I'd come here with intent and she didn't seem to like it. Well, she didn't have to. I was doing this as much for Carl as I was for June and Claire.

"Look." I said, realizing I was probably being overbearing, "She's my blood. She's my family. This is what my mother would have wanted. I'm not asking to tell you how to raise her or to step into your lives. All I want is to know the Marcus side of the family has done their share to help."

"We could use it, Baby." Carl said, still sitting down, "It could help."

"We don't need charity!" Claire protested.

"She's half Marcus, it's not fucking charity!" I snapped, growing a little annoyed at Claire, "Carl's working his ass off for a baby that isn't his. We're right here, and we want to help. Dade offered to take June, I'm offering to give some of what Mum left for us. What's your malfunction? You're hooking up with Carl and going to cut us out completely?"

Claire glared at me, lips trembling as if she was halfway between crying or punching me. Maybe I was pushing things, but my bloody brother could only push so much from Saran City. I wanted to do something. I'm not trying to run their life, but it's only right that the Marcus clan do their part for June.

"All the time we were here when I was pregnant, Dade and I didn't hear a fucking peep from you!" Claire yelled, "And now you just breeze in for a fucking holiday and try to act like big brother? You abandoned him! Dade might be your sucker, but I'm not. June is my daughter. You don't get to come in here throwing your weight around like it means anything to me. You left Dade alone, all that time!"

My lips tightened and I blinked back tears, "He was never alone. I always knew what was going on. I gave him the house. I knew everything that was going on."

"By Brad? Your secret little spy?" Claire asked, "You were supposed to take care of Dade. You're his big brother!"

"I lost my mother!"

"She was Dade's mother too!"

"Have you been waiting all this time to butt in on shit that has nothing to do with you? So I made mistakes. I'm no fucking saint." I said, fuming silently, "Look, I came here to offer something because I feel like our side of the family is getting pushed out of June's life. It was all supposed to help so you could do what you originally said you wanted to. You're too smart to dumb yourself down and skip college. If you want to be a cunt about it, that's your fucking problem."

"Storm, don't talk to her like that." Carl said, his voice soft, but his eyes somewhat intent.

"Don't you ever fucking look at me like that." I said, clearly upset and trying not to cry, "Corey!"

Corey rushed into the room, holding June diligently. I took her from him, kissed her cheek, and then handed her to Claire. I grabbed Corey's arm, motioning toward the door.

"We're leaving, Corey."

"We are?" Corey asked nervously, "So everyone's happy and we're all going to get along great?"

"No." I said simply, pulling him toward the door.

"Storm, wait!" Claire yelled quickly, rushing over to stop us leaving, "Please. I'm sorry. I…"

"You have shit to vent at me over Dade, I get that." I said to her, "You've managed to turn Carl against me, I get that. But take what I'm offering for June, not as something from me, but from my family, which is what she, and you are. Don't punish her because you hate me for what I did to Dade."

"I'm not against you!" Carl gasped, holding June as he stood behind Claire, "Please, Storm."

"Fuck off." I snapped at him, my famed temper adding a little ass to my mood, "Look. The offer's still there. You don't have to like it. All I wanted was to give you some of what Mum left for us. She didn't know June and she died before June was even conceived, but she'd want something of what she left for us to go to her. I'm the one who decides where it goes, and I want it to go to my niece. To help her. To help you. You hate me for leaving Dade alone for so long, fine. That's your prerogative, Claire. But don't take that out on June. She remains half a Marcus. Don't take that away from us. She's our future as much as yours. But you are her mother, and all of this is your choice. So choose."

I nodded at the both of them, before I took my leave, dragging Corey along behind me. That could have gone much better. Much, much better.

Goddamn, but I hated that bitch right now. Part of me wanted to call Dade and tell him to challenge her for custody of June, right after I tore him to pieces for leaving her in the first place. Whatever his reasons were, the fact he left would never play in the Marcus favour. Stupid bastard. But given my own actions in life over the last few years, he hardly had a monopoly on stupid.

* * * * * * *

Carl stared out the doorway, his eyes filled with anguish and anger. He kissed June's temple, before he turned to Claire. He'd never been in this position in his life. He couldn't remember a time when he and Storm had been at odds.

"You turned him against me. For Dade. For Dade? I'm the one giving you a roof over your head, Princess. I'm the one busting my ass to work for you two girls. And you turn my best friend against me, who is trying to help us, for the man who left you? Who left you and this beautiful girl? What the fuck is wrong with you?"

"Carl ..." Claire said, frowning, "I'm sorry, I ... I just ... I was so angry. He came in here waving his checkbook that his mother left him. I don't want his money."

"Maybe we need it! Do you understand how much difference that could make? What does Dade send you? A pittance. Storm offered the fucking world for this girl. I'm struggling, Princess." Carl cried, "I'm struggling. I can't keep doing this. I love this girl so much. I love you. But you ask so much of me and it isn't fair. Why can't we all just love each other? You, me, Dade, Storm. All of us. We don't have to be like this. You're turning my best friend against me. Please don't. Please don't. We can all be okay. Your hating him is hurting us."

"Oh, Carl." Claire frowned, stroking his cheek as he cried, "I'm so sorry."

"You went against him for Dade, but he's already made peace with Dade. And in the process you forced me to go against him. I love you, Claire, but I need my friends. I need my life outside this place to still exist. I need my best friend. Please. Don't make this a war. I don't want to fight. I want everyone to be happy. Please, fix this."

Claire nodded her head, trying not to cry herself, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'll talk to him, okay? I promise."

* * * * * * *

I was in a foul mood. A supremely foul mood. I also felt bad. I might have gone over to Carl and Claire's with good intentions but perhaps handled it wrong. I'm sure Dade wouldn't be happy about it either. Crap.

Maybe some Lucas would cheer me up.

I walked into the Marcus kitchen, finding Lucas working on dinner. I smiled softly, kissing the back of his shoulder and hugging him from behind. He seemed to melt into it, before he shrugged me off, an action that surprised me.

"Uh oh, am I in trouble?" I asked, frowning a little, "You want to have a go at me too?"

Lucas sighed and turned toward me, before he smiled, "No, Dude, but I'm trying to concentrate on making dinner, so go away, okay?"

"But I want to help."

"It's okay, I don't need your help."

I could tell when I was getting the brush off, but I didn't understand why. We'd been getting along so great lately. Was he upset because we didn't spend the day together?

"Lucas? Is everything okay?" I asked him softly, "Did I do something?"

"No, of course not." Lucas said, shaking his head, "I'm just ... emo because ... tonight I'm ... moving back home and maybe some other things might happen. It's just ... time to stand on my own, Dude."

"But you don't have to go. I thought you weren't leaving till Corey and I go." I said quickly, frowning, "Lucas?"

I could feel him pulling away and I didn't like it. I didn't like it at all. I know I have to respect his wishes but ... I've just gotten so used to him being right beside me again. Joined at the hip. Now he was pulling away again?

"Lucas?" I asked softly, placing my hand gently on his back, "Do you need me to be away from you? You can stay here. You don't have to go."

Lucas didn't look at me and I didn't have to see his face to know what he was thinking or feeling. I pressed my hand gently, but insistently against the small of his back, as if to remind him I'm here. I don't know what has changed from the easygoing bond we've been sharing lately to this, but it's unsettling.

"It's just time, Dude." Lucas said finally, exhaling a long held breath, "It's just time."

"Look, I know things might have been a bit full on with us lately and maybe ... I don't know. I just want to know. Can I do anything at all to help?"

Lucas looked at me, giving me a little sad smile, "Yeah, Dude. Go away? I just think I need to be on my own. I hope you don't mind."

"No." I said in understanding, "I feel that way too sometimes. Just ... remember, if you need me, I'm still your friend. Let me help?"

He gave me a little nod and then returned to his cooking. I wanted to say something else, but I knew when it was time to make my exit. I had to accept that this change in our relationship meant it was no longer my place to be constantly in Lucas's life or in his face about trying to support him, when I was likely part of the problem. It was difficult to accept as my first instinct was to just annoy him until he started smiling and laughing again, and generally being the Dude Boy everyone loves.

Reluctantly I left the room and made my way upstairs. When I opened the door I discovered immediately the change in Lucas's demeanour. I tilted my head and sniffed a little. It was unmistakable. Marcel was here. Or I should say, he'd been here. I could smell his cologne. I wouldn't want to say the name in my head or my head might think I'm shamelessly plugging a brand.

The thought of his presence made me smile, though my smile was tinged with a little bit of sadness. The fun was over between Lucas and I now. Clearly Lucas knew Marcel was back and that's what changed his demeanour. This was going to be interesting, to say the least, and judging by Lucas's mood, perhaps difficult.

* * * * * * *

I knocked on Marcel's front door and sure enough, he opened it, giving me a bit of a smirk and leaning against the door. He regarded me a little, as if checking me out. I was a little bit stand offish, but intentionally so. I suppose we were both acting like hawks circling our prey.

"You could've let yourself in." He said, arms folded over his chest.

"I could have." I said evenly, "But I wasn't sure if we were still on a break."

"I guess that's up to you."

I thought about it for a moment, gave him a small smile, stepped forward and then pressed my lips softly against his. I cupped his face, pressed my lips against his repeatedly in a series of sweet, chaste kisses, all the while smiling. I've been battling my demons for Lucas for a long while now, but this most recent trip reaffirmed that I'm in the right place and with the right person. Whatever Lucas needs, it isn't me, not now. And while I adore him to pieces, I think the person I need beside me right now is on the other end of my lips.

I pulled back, let one of my hands cover his and gave him a small nod, "Break's over. But ... thank you. Thank you for sending me back. For letting me find out for myself."

He raised his free hand to my cheek, stroking it softly, "It had to be done."

"And now I'm here."

"And now you're here."

"So ... can I come in now?"

Marcel leaned forward and kissed me again, this time a little more insistently, a little more passionately. It was a welcome home kiss. The break was over. As much as I love Lucas and will always love him, right now this is where I want, and perhaps need to be.

* * * * * * *

Lucas sat in the treehouse, idly fiddling with the object in his hand. A necklace. Something that had, and still held, a great deal of meaning and value to him.

He could remember moments right here, with Storm, when the two of them were very much in love. Perhaps a love that in retrospect was often stumbling and fuelled by teenage hormones, but one that Lucas still felt was incredibly significant.

Marcel's return had ended the love inn euphoria that Lucas felt had returned with Storm. While outwardly Lucas was claiming acceptance of the need to avoid any reconciliation of his relationship with Storm, feeling that acceptance was not so forthcoming. Lucas could talk the talk but when push came to shove, he still loved Storm.

Perhaps letting go would require a little more letting go. Perhaps more than Lucas expected he would have to let go. Everything around him right now felt like a reminder of a life he realized he still very much wanted.

He knew he had to let go. He knew he had to move on. If he was going to do that, perhaps he would need to take that mantra more literally. Perhaps the only way he could move on from Storm truly, was to move on from everything that reminded him of his former partner, and still, at least in his own mind, the truest love he'd known.

"Time to go, Lucas." He whispered to himself, eyes welling up silently as he kissed the necklace in his hands, "Time to go."

* * * * * * *

Continued in Part 3


On to Chapter 5.13 Part 3
"Ever Hopeful - Part 3"

Back to Chapter 5.13 Part 1
"Ever Hopeful - Part 1"

Chapter Index

Storm Front is © 1998-2011 by SF Writer (Tyrel "Rock" Wolf)
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