Repeaterbeater

Once upon a time, there was a band. This band consisted of four young, good-looking men. Two of these men are of special importance to this particular story.

The first thing you should know about these men is their names. One was named Chris, and the other Jonny. The one called Chris, or Christopher if you prefer, was tall and lanky, with curly golden hair and killer blue eyes.

The other man, the one known as Jonny, or Jonathon if that tickles your fancy, was even taller than Chris. He had short blond hair and bright green eyes.

Now these two men, they were friends. And not just plain old friends either. No, these two humans were best friends.

They were very close, yes very close indeed. Their closeness led many people to believe that they were more than just friends. More than just best friends even.

To the one called Chris and the one called Jonny, this entire notion was completely, utterly, and ridiculously preposterous. Why would they, as friends, as best friends, as people who had been together in the same band and had often shared the same room together and even the same bed, be anything more than just best friends?

It was such a crazy thing to think. But yet, some people thought to think it anyhow. The two men, the two best friends, still called Chris and Jonny in case you were wondering, thought the people that thought such things were insane.

There was absolutely nothing going on between the two of them. They were simply two best friends. Two best friends that were happy when they were together, who were sad when they were apart. Two best friends who were laughing nonstop whenever the other was near, but if the other was not near, they would wear the most serious of expressions.

Chris and Jonny were just two young men who just happened to be each other's best friend. And if when one touched the other's hand or looked into he other's eyes and felt their heart skip or their stomach flip well that was just a part of being friends for so long.

Surely that must be it. What else could it possibly be? Certainly there was not any physical attraction involved. None whatsoever. The fact that each of them would begin to sweat when the other one was near and suddenly become nervous and begin to stutter, that was just, well, they must have had too much to drink the previous night. Or maybe they just hadn't been getting enough sleep lately.

That had to be the case. And certainly they were not drinking to get constant thoughts of the other one out of their mind, or losing sleep do to those kinds of thoughts. No, that wouldn't make any sense. It could not possibly be logical. Best friends could not like each other in such a way.

Or is like the correct word? Perhaps love is more accurate? No, of course not. Hah. Now that is truly ridiculous. Love was definitely not the word to use.

Really, how could it be? Jonny and Chris were just best friends. Best friends who thought about each other all of the time. Who just happened to notice when the other's eyes hit the light in just the right way and made them shine. And who also happened to notice when the other was wearing a shirt that was stretched just a tad bit tightly over their chest.

Or, even more commonly, happened to notice when the other was not wearing a shirt at all, it being the middle of summer and all. And boy does that Beehive get hot in the summer. Yes indeed. Is it hot in there, or is it just them? Well certainly it's not just them.

No, everybody in the place is sweating. Oh wait, they aren't? A new air conditioner, just installed last week, keeps the temperature in the sixties at all times? Well that's odd. Very odd indeed. Then why all of the sweating?

Certainly not because the one man was watching the other man looking at him, and vice versa. And because both of them were shirtless, because damn it, it is WARM in there! And because each man's eyes were staring at the other with longing.

Longing, no that cannot be. What? Lust you say? What are you mad? Clearly you are off of your rocker sir, you need to get that brain of yours checked out. Everything you are saying is absolute rubbish.

Don't you roll your eyes at me. Just because they happened to both need to use the bathroom at the same time does not mean a thing. Not one single solitary thing. Like mentioned previously, it is very hot in the Beehive. They obviously had just been drinking a lot of water, to stay hydrated. You've always got to be wary of dehydration in such heat.

Would you please SHUT UP about the air conditioning already! It's broken. It must be broken. Clearly it is broken, or else why would they be so warm?

By the way, just so you know, if they happened to enter the bathroom at the same time, and happened to turn off the lights, well that just means that they are trying to conserve electricity. And time as well. Time is money after all.

And if it just so happened, that while they are in said bathroom in the dark, that their lips happen to meet, well that is purely accidental. These things happen. Certainly it would also be accidental if one of them were to strip the other's trousers off. Remember, it is dark. Who knows what can happen when you are practically blind.

And if the one who is already stripped happened to take off the pants of the one who is still wearing them, then that is just a crazy coincidence. Two accidents in a row, who would have guessed it? But these things happen.

If they happened to be standing there, kissing and pants-less in the dark of a small bathroom, and somehow their bodies ended up pressed against each other, you just need to know that it could happen to anyone. Little accidents like that.

And suppose they went further than that, purely accidental mind you. Well, then that would just be alright. Because of course these little mishaps are just a part of life.

Another common accident? Forgetfulness. And look here, it seems that some details were left out of this little tale. Terribly sorry. Perhaps you wanted a better description of what went on? Well, sorry about that. Next time maybe.



THE END

Sail To The Moon

Part 1

The breeze coming off of the water was warm, almost tropical. It felt good against Jonny's face as he sat in the sand. It was still warm from the sun beating down on it all throughout the day, and probably wouldn't get much of a chance to cool down before the sun shone on it again; a constant cycle of heating and reheating.

The waves gently licked the shore and produced a most soothing sound. This was the ocean's lullaby. At least, that's the way Jonny thought of it. He stared out at the black water and wrapped his arms around his legs, bringing his feet in closer and wriggling his toes in the sand. This was truly a way to spend a vacation.

But there was a noise that didn't fit in with the soothing sounds of the water. A pair of feet, in a pair of sandals, which were not his own by the way, shuffled down the beach and stopped next to Jonny. Jonny looked up at the man, who looked like somewhat of a giant from this particular angle. No they were certainly not his sandals. Chris didn't own anything but sneakers.

He also did not appear to own shorts; he was wearing loose fitting black pants even though it was the middle of summer. This made Jonny chuckle.

"What? "

"Oh, nothing."

"Having a party without me, I see."

"Not necessarily without you, just...with myself only."

"Oh, okay. I'll leave then."

"No, stay."

"Okay," he replied, sounding confused. "So....why are you here?"

"Why are you here?"

Chris blushed and ran his hand through his curls his ever lengthening curls. Haircuts were not part of the ideal vacation, it seemed. "I came here looking for you. It's not much of a party without you, to be honest."

"It wasn't much of a party with me either. Girls and drinks might be Guy and Will's idea of a good time, but not mine."

"What is your idea of a party, Mr. Parties-A-Lot?"

"Mr. Parties-A-Lot?"

"It sounded better in my head."

Jonny laughed again. "This is my idea of a party. This is the most fun I've had all night."

Chris returned the laugh. "Can I sit down?" He was, however, already sitting.

Jonny rolled his eyes. "Well you kind of already are."

Chris let out a nervous chuckle. "True, true."

For a while after that they sat in silence. Without saying anything, they both knew that the other was thoroughly occupied with taking in the scenery.

The sky was as black as the water and cloudless. The soft white light from the full moon danced across the water in a random yet seemingly conventional way. It was like watching a performance in a theater. Except this performance did not cost any money to view and was completely unrehearsed.

Jonny admired the way nature could appear so unorganized, but at the same time know exactly what it was supposed to be doing. He wanted to know what he should be doing right now. Perhaps he should be speaking. Not everything could be deciphered through silence.

"Chris?"

"Yes Jonny?"

"I'm glad you are here. Actually, when I left earlier I was hoping you would follow."

"Hmm...and here I was thinking that I was bugging you. Yet it turns out that you want me around, eh?" He gave Jonny a playful nudge with his elbow. But Jonny was serious. Chris turned his to see a pair of green eyes looking directly at him.

"Yes, I want you around me. I always want you around me. I don't think I made it clear before....I am only enjoying myself when I am around you."

Chris was silent for a long moment. Jonny couldn't look at him again; it was agonizing to wait for a break in the silence. So much unlike the peaceful silence of a few minutes ago. Finally Chris cleared his throat to speak.

"I'm glad we feel the same way," he said quietly.

They fell back into silence again. Jonny laid on his back in the white sand and put his hands behind his head. He felt completely at peace. He stared at the moon and was fascinated by it. After a while he stole a glance at Chris and was far more fascinated. Chris's eyes seemed to reflect the moon's light just as the water did. But even more intriguing than that was Chris himself.

He was tapping his feet and his fingers on the sand, shifting about and never staying in the same place for more than a few moments.

"Are you having a problem Chris?" he asked, laughing.

"Don't the reflections on the water look like they're dancing?" Chris blurted out, rather than giving an answer to the question.

"Yeah...they do," replied Jonny, surprised. "I was just thinking that earlier."

Chris stood up abruptly. "I'll be right back okay?"

Before Jonny had time to open his mouth in reply Chris was already dashing up the beach and to the vacation home they were staying in. Jonny just laughed again and wondered what Chris could possibly be up to.


Part 2

He didn't have to wait long to find out. Soon he heard the swooshing noise of sandals on sand and a split second after that there were those long legs clad in those black pants again, standing next to him. Jonny slowly brought his eyes upwards. He frowned in question of the items Chris was now holding.

"What is that, a battery powered radio or something?"

"Yes!" shouted Chris excitedly.

"And you brought beer too?"

"Just a six pack. I thought you might want some. And Guy certainly has plenty of it to spare," he added, rolling his eyes.

"Thanks," Jonny replied, suspiciously. But he sat up and grabbed a beer. He discovered he truly had a taste for it at the moment, and soon he was reaching for a second one.

"So what's with the radio? Are we going to have some music or what?" he asked, smiling.

"Oh yeah!" he replied, excited again. He leaned down in front of the small black machine and fiddled with the dials until he was satisfied. Soon a sweet little melody was filling their surroundings.

"This doesn't sound like party music," Jonny teased.

"It isn't. Well, it is. But it's music for our kind of party."

"And what kind of party is that?"

Chris smiled giddily and reached down and grabbed Jonny's hand without warning. "Come oooon," he whined. " Stand up!"

"Stand up for what?" Jonny asked, sitting up and smiling widely at Chris's antics.

"For dancing!" he bleated childishly, quickly pulling off the sandals.

"Dancing?" he repeated, laughing yet again. He let himself fall back in the sand.

"Yes, dancing. Now get uuuuup!" He grabbed hold of Jonny's hand again and pulled as hard as he could, but to no avail. Jonny just kept laughing. He loved it when Chris acted like a spoiled child. Chris began to pout.

"If you don't get up I'll...I'll tickle you!"

"You wouldn't."

"I would."

"Don't do it!"

"Too late!!" he cried playfully, and fell on his knees and began viciously tickling Jonny's stomach.

"Stop, please stop! Stop it!" Jonny cried, laughing so hard he could barely breathe.

"I will stop only if you agree to dance with me!"

"Okay, okay, I will!" he gasped. Chris retreated and Jonny wiped tears from his eyes. That was the hardest he had laughed in months.

He slowly stood up. Chris immediately grabbed his hands and began to dance with Jonny all across the beach. At first Chris did most of the work but soon Jonny felt himself joining in more. He swayed in time to the music. He realized that they were basically slow dancing right now. Not once in his life did he ever think he'd be doing this with Chris. And never once in his life was he going to regret doing this.

They danced for hours on the beach, leaving their footprints in the sand to be washed away at high tide. Eventually the sun peered it's head over the water's edge, and they both collapsed to the ground, exhausted.

Chris turned to Jonny. "Thank you for dancing with me" he said sleepily. Jonny smiled and stared at Chris as he slipped into unconsciousness. He wanted to believe to believe that it was the alcohol that was stirring these feelings for Chris up inside him, but he knew that wasn't true. He hadn't even had that much to drink.

No, the truth was that would do anything if it meant being with Chris. Because he liked Chris very much. And in the brand new light of the day, he could admit this to himself.
For Chris, he would leave a party full of girls and beer to sit on a beach. He would dance all night by the light of the moon. Quite likely, he would even follow Chris straight to the moon.



THE END

The iPod

When Chris got his first iPod, all he did for weeks was dance around listening to it. Well, after he finally figured out how to fill it with songs. That took a while. But once he finally learned, he took that iPod everywhere.

He listened to it during car rides, out shopping, at restaurants, and even at Will's birthday party. Will was not pleased about that. I think it's a fair bet to say that Chris will never do that again.

One day, I got really curious as to what was on that contraption that could possibly be so addictive. So I casually asked him if I could look through it.

But he abruptly turned defensive. He completely stopped dancing and gave me a good, hard stare. It was difficult for me to keep from laughing. If you've ever seen Chris try to be serious, you'd know what I mean.

He told me, in the most somber tone he could manage, that it was his iPod and that nobody could touch it but him. He actually wagged his finger at me as he said this. I had to turn my face to keep from going into hysterics.

Chris was not pleased with my weak attempts of hiding my laughter. He frowned and put his hands on his hips. "I mean it! Jonny-boy, if you touch this iPod I will be forced to use...well, force." I just snickered. Chris made some sort of huffing noise. And then he begun to cradle his iPod in his arms, like it was an infant or something! I had to tell him that he was crazy. And then-I am not joking- he actually kicked me. Right in the shin. I tell you, that man is as crazy as I told him he was, and maybe even more so.

A couple of weeks later though, I saw him showing it off to Guy. Guy did not seem impressed, by the way. Which is understandable. Someone that lives and breathes music from bands like Pink Floyd is likely not going to be impressed by Beyonce's latest hit single.

Back to the point. I was now insanely curious. Chris had told me that nobody was allowed to touch it. I realized that must have been a lie. He just didn't want me to see it.

I have to admit I was upset that he would show it to Guy but not me. I felt a little bit like a reject. Truthfully, I remained heavy hearted about the whole incident for weeks afterwards. I know that probably seems like an overreaction. So what if he wouldn't let me see the songs on his iPod? But it hurt me. I had always thought we were best friends. I wondered what had changed.

After a few weeks of feeling like a loser, I saw the iPod sitting on a table one evening. Chris wasn't around. I couldn't help myself. Curiosity got the best of me. I had to know what Guy could see, but I couldn't.

I quickly snatched it up from the table and turned it on. It was under the playlists section. I scrolled through them, but none of them seemed to be special in any way. But one of them caught my eye. I stopped scrolling and stared at it. A playlist called "Jonny".

Now I was really curious. Why would he name a playlist after me? I clicked on it, and upon looking through the songs, I was shocked by what I saw. And heard. I had to listen to a few of them to believe it. They were all love songs. I quickly put the iPod in my pocket.

That night I listened to every single song on the playlist. The one called "Jonny". The one he made with my name. The one that expressed all his feelings for me. I fell asleep with a smile.

The next day, Chris was freaking out. He frantically asked me if I had seen his iPod. I had forgotten that I still had it. Of course Chris was freaking out, he loves that iPod like his own son. I took it out of my pocket and handed it to him.

He looked shocked rather than angry. I expected him to be angry. Encouraged, I told him that I had been curious and spent last night looking through it. I told him that I had seen his playlist for me.

His face turned so red right then. He looked completely stricken too, and wobbled like he was going to pass out. I realized how much it meant to him that his feelings were kept secret. But luckily, he didn't have to worry.

I pulled out my own iPod and showed him one of my own playlists. It was called "Chris".



THE END

How I Feel

"It's tiiiiiime!" screeched Chris in a shrill voice, to no one in particular. He had been waiting for this day for nearly a month.

"Time for what?" asked Guy, sticking his head in the door.

"Woah Guy, don't sneak up on me like that! I could've been naked for all you know!" Chris shrieked, laughing.

Guy just gave him a bored look. "Yeah, sure you will be." They were all used to Chris's typical early morning hyperactivity. Although today, Guy thought Chris seemed extra hyped up.

"What is with you today? Have you had....chocolate?" He shuddered at the word. Chris plus chocolate did not go well together. He walked into Chris's room, looking in the garbage for wrappers.

"No, not yeeeeeet," he sung. "But hopefully I will get some!"

"Nobody is going to give you any chocolate Chris. I will make sure of that myself. You clearly don't need it."

Chris pretended to pout. "Not even on.....Valentine's Day? Surely Dr. Love hasn't forgotten that today is Valentine's Day?"

"Dr. L-no, I'm not even going to ask. But what's so special about Valentine's Day? It's not like you have anyone to celebrate with." He crossed his arms and smiled smugly.

"Maybe not yet, but in a little while I may have someone after all! Just wait and see!"

Guy just shook his head and left the room. Chris was clearly off of his rocker.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Chris was pacing back and forth in the front hall.

"Chris, stop that. You'll wear a hole in the floor."

"I can't help it Will, I'm nervous!"

"About what?" he asked grouchily.

"About my package! I am supposed to be getting a package in the mail today! What if it doesn't come? What if it never comes!!??"

"I'm sure it will come. Stop being so paranoid. Who is the sender?"

"Jonny!" giggled Chris excitedly.

"But isn't he coming back from his vacation next week? Why does he need to send you something now?"

"Well....he might stay an extra couple of days," replied Chris, shrugging.

* * * * * * * * * * *

An hour later Chris finally heard a knock on the door and ran to answer it. He saw the brown package and squealed with delight. He quickly singed for it and was already opening it before the delivery man had made it down the driveway.

After mutilating the packaging, he peered inside the box. His heart leaped. Inside was a box of chocolates and a letter. He didn't even need to read the letter to know what it would say. The chocolates told him everything he need to know. But he read it anyways, just to be sure.

Chris,

Thank you for sending me that letter. I needed to hear that. I never would have had the courage to tell you how I felt. I admire you for that.

As you probably already figured out from the chocolates I sent you, I do feel the same way as you, and accept your proposition. I mean, of course I would. The only reason I came to this damn island in the first place was because I couldn't bear to look at you and not have to courage to say how I felt.

Please come in two days. We can spend a whole week together, before we have to return to London to start recording again and all of that. But don't think of that now. Just think of you and me, together at last.

With all the love in the world(it feels so good to finally say that),
Jonny

P.S.-I agree, let's not tell anyone about this.



THE END

Lips Like Sugar

"I am so glad that you are here. It means a lot to me. The others don't seem like they want anything to do with me most of the time."

"You are such a silly man, do you know that?"

"Is that why everyone else tires of me so quickly?"

"Listen, you are like sugar. Everybody loves you and wants you."

"I see the green eyed monster of jealousy its showing its head, quite literally in fact. Although I do not consider you a monster in any sense."

"Of course I am jealous. Because I have a real sweet tooth."

"Is that so?"

"Absolutely. But I know deep down that I have nothing to fear. Others tire of sugar after a short time. It is too much for them to handle."

"What if that happens with you? I suppose that someday, even you will tire of me. You will become ill at the very sight of me, and not be able to look at me again for a very long time. And what will I do then? I will suffer greatly. The candy jar is a lonely place without the thought that someone will eventually open it up."

"That will never happen."

"How do you know?"

"Let me tell you a secret of mine. A well-kept secret, until now. I have more than one sweet tooth. In fact, all of my teeth are very keen to sugar. It will be an eternity and then some before all of them tire of the stuff."

"That is very good news for me. Now I will not have to worry about being alone. It fills me with joy to think that I will be able to please you for that long."

"This brings up another matter. It has been too long since I have gotten my last fix. The sugar high, I'm afraid, is wearing off. And I am beginning to feel quite miserable."

"How can I help you?"

"Your tongue is like candy to me. The sweetest of it all. I find it very unfair that you keep it hidden away from me, when you know of my addiction to it. I have not tasted that candy in an agonizingly long while. My teeth, they ache with longing for it. They have not felt it's sugary goodness coating them for far too long. And the worst part is that you are teasing me. You have set up shop, and you are displaying such things to me that I cannot ignore. Your butterscotch curls, your blue raspberry ice eyes, your candy apple lips, they taunt me. They are a constant reminder of what I am missing out on."

"I see. That does seem a bit unfair. I wouldn't want to deny your daily fill."

"You are very gracious. But I have just one question."

"And what might that be?"

"Will I have sole access to the candy store? I would hate to see it shared by others with greedy, lustful eyes."

"No, this store is just for you, and you alone."

"I'm glad. Now please, may I sample your wares? "

"You may do more than that. But might I give you a suggestion?"

"Absolutely, you are the expert after all."

"I suggest you start with the candy apples."

"You read my mind."



THE END

If You Never Try.....

Part 1

"Ice skating? That's your grand idea to pass the time?"

"What's with the tone, Jonny-boy? It'll be fun!"

"Chris, I thought I made it clear that I can't ice skate."

"Yes, but I intend to teach you." Jonny sighed. "Okay, I give in. But when I meet my icy death, I'm blaming you."

"Fair enough," Chris replied, his laughter ringing out like bells in the frosty air. Jonny couldn't help but notice the way it echoed across the tiny clearing, making it sound even lovelier than it usually seemed to him.

"Jon, are you going to put on your skates or not?"

"Oh." Jonny blinked, trying to free himself of the daze that he was accustomed to experiencing whenever Chris was near. The lanky man was standing before him, a pair of old black skates dangling in his hand, a similar pair on his own feet. He knew he should probably reach out and take the skates, but instead he just gawked at him.

"Yeah I know, the scenery here is beautiful," Chris smiled appreciatively, shoving the skates into Jonny's arms. "Scenery? Oh yes, it's lovely."

Jonny didn't think he sounded very convincing. But Chris seemed to think he was sincere. He stood back to take it in,his blue eyes shining with admiration as he gazed upon the tiny clearing surrounded by snow dusted trees. Sunlight reflected across the frozen pond and made it shimmer. But Jonny only noticed the way the light hit Chris's eyes and made them shine brighter than ever. He looked down quickly, trying to avoid eye contact.

"Hey, these are my old skates. Where'd you find these?"

Chris replied with exuberance mirroring that of a four year old. "In my basement last year while I was spring cleaning! Can you believe it!? And I found mine too!" He pointed to his own feet.

"I think I've only used these like, once." He paused for a moment, piecing together long-forgotten memories. "It was here, at this very place."

"Yep," responded Chris with a wide grin.

“I can’t believe you remembered.”

“How could I forget? I think we fell about a hundred times that day,” he replied, sharing a laugh with Jonny. Chris looked around the place lovingly. “This was the first thing we ever did as friends, wasn’t it?”

“Yes, I remember it well now that you’ve brought it up. You must’ve seen me sitting in that café by myself. You came up to my table and asked me if I was new to London. I believe I nodded, and you told me you were new to the city as well.” Jonny smiled appreciatively. “And then you asked me if I had made any friends yet.”

He smiled even wider as the memory of that day became clearer and clearer in his mind. Even from the first time he saw Chris, curly wild mess of hair and all, he knew he loved him. It was quite literally love at first sight. There had never been a doubt in his mind from that day on that Chris was the person he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.

Chris laughed, or more accurately, scoffed, at the dug-up past. “I was such a loser back then.”

Jonny frowned. “Chris you were never a loser. Even back then I thought you were the coolest person ever. You treated me like a good friend you had known for years; with only a few sentences you made me feel like I was wanted.”

Jonny was slightly shocked that he had just said those things. That was the closest he had ever come to a love confession. It was a scary feeling, but it was also liberating.

“Aww, Jonny-boy that’s so sweet of you to say.” He wrapped is long arm around Jonny’s neck and ruffled his hair playfully. Jonny felt his feelings of freedom fade away. He would never be able to tell Chris how he felt, because Chris did not feel the same way. He sighed a bit too loudly. Chris inferred that he didn’t want the playful attention, so he removed his arm and took a step back. Jonny very nearly rolled his eyes. As if there’d come a day when he didn’t want Chris to touch him.

“Alright you need to get those skates on your feet Jon. There’s only a few hours of daylight left and you’re not getting out of this.” He wagged his finger playfully.

“Yes master”.


Part 2

Ten grueling minutes later, Jonny finally managed to put on the skates. But getting the skates on were the least of his troubles. He tentatively stood and cautiously made his way to the edge of the pond. Chris was already gliding around the pond’s small circumference.

“Come on Jon, you’ll do fine!” He gestured to Jonny to join him.

Carefully, he stepped onto the ice, wobbling and keeping his arms out wide to keep from falling, which he thought must have been a ridiculous sight. But Chris didn’t laugh at him. Instead he skated behind Jonny, grabbing his forearms to help support his weight and help him keep his balance. Once he could finally stand without assistance, Chris turned swiftly so that he was facing him.

“I can’t do this Chris.” What he really couldn’t do was handle such close contact with Chris, but obviously he couldn’t tell him that.

“Here, I’ll help you.” Before Jonny had time to breathe, Chris grabbed onto his hands and began pulling him slowly across the ice.

Jonny was shocked by the unexpected contact, although he knew he shouldn’t be. Chris was always like this. But he couldn’t help it, every touch was like an ocean wave that took him by surprise and stole his breath away. He tried to speak, but instead just stared wide-eyed at Chris.
“Don’t look so frightened. I won’t let anything happen to you.” He smiled encouragingly.

“When did you get so good at this? You told me after that first time that you would never skate again.” Chris blushed. “Oh…well, I found that I liked it more than I thought.”

“So when did you-“

“Remember all those times I told you I was going to study at the library? I was actually here, practicing.”

“Well, I knew you weren’t at the library. I went there once, to talk to you, but you weren’t there. I just figured you were on a date or something.”

“A date?” Chris laughed loudly. “Yeah, right. Like there were hundreds of girls just lined up to date me.”

“Oh come on Chris, don’t be like that.” But secretly, Jonny felt relieved knowing that all those “library” plans hadn’t actually been dates. All this time, he had thought that was the case. He had come to the library that one day to tell Chris that he loved him. But upon finding out he wasn’t there he lost his courage and gave up all hope of ever bringing his feelings to light, automatically assuming Chris was already with someone else. However, upon looking back, he thought it had been a foolish thing to do.

They came to a patch of thin ice and Chris turned sharply, tightening his grip on Jonny’s hands. Jonny felt the crisp air hit his face as he was pulled quickly around the bad patch of ice and was flooded with even more memories of the day, long ago, when he had come here with Chris.

It had been so cold that day, and yet the sky was as blue, well not quite as blue, as Chris’s eyes. They had spent more time on their butts than on their skates, but Jonny had laughed more than he ever had before.

He remembered one particularly nasty fall he had taken. Instantly Chris had been in front of him, outstretching his hand to help him back up. Of course, this just caused them both to fall back in a heap. But what Jonny remembered most was the feel of Chris’s hand in his. And that feeling felt as lovely now as it had back then, if not lovelier.

He loved the way Chris’s hands fit into his own. He got a warm feeling inside, despite the cold. He felt his heart begin to race.

Over the years, Jonny had always believed he had gained a sense of control over his feelings for Chris. He normally practiced a unique ability of keeping those emotions locked up, never to see the light of day. But he could now feel those defenses weakening, and he wondered what it would feel like to pull Chris in close to him, to press his thin body against his own, to hold onto him and never let go.

He silently began to panic, terrified that he’d attempt to make one of his fantasies a reality and lose his best friend in a sea of unrequited feelings.

"I'm fine Chris, I can do this alone now."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, yes, I'm sure. Just let go of me already."

"Okay, okay," muuttered Chris, sounding hurt.

Jonny felt bad, but it wasn't his fault that Chris made him feel this way. It was his own fault, for having those heart stopping looks and that enormously magnetic personality.


Part 3

Unfortunately, lost in his musings, Jonny didn't notice the small rock embedded in the ice until it was too late, and in a matter of seconds he lay sprawled on the cold, unforgiving surface. And before he had time to get his bearings Chris had skidded to a stop at his side and kneeled in front of him.

"Are you okay Jonny? I'm sorry, I shouldn't have let you try this yourself."

"I'm fine. It's not your fault, I wanted to do it alone. It was stupid of me." He slowly sat up and to his relief didn't feel any immediate pains. But he did have a strange sense that the world was spinning. Chris inhaled sharply.

"Oh shit Jon, you're bleeding." Chris reached out and tenderly touched a small gash on the side of Jonny's head.

"Ow." Jonny instinctively reached up to touch the wounded area, and upon inspection of his fingers found that he was indeed bleeding. Chris's eyes widened with fear. "Hold on, I brought a first aid kit."

Jonny knew he would be fine but figured he'd let Chris play the role of the doting mother for Chris's own sake. He knew that Chris would continue to blame himself for the injury, but he also knew that Chris would feel a little better if he could do something to help.

He soon returned with first aid kit in hand and an all-business expression to boot. Yes, Chris was definitely blaming himself. Jonny could easily read that in his expression.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. It's my fault, it really is. I promised I wouldn't let anything happen to you."

Chris reached out to bandage the injury, but Jonny grabbed hold of his arm. "No, Chris. You're not touching me again until you admit that this is not your fault." Chris glared at Jonny, and Jonny glared right back.

"Fine. It's not my fault," he mumbled.

"Thank you." Jonny then allowed Chris to finish tending to the wound because, metaphorically, by doing this Chris was mending his own conscience.

When he finished, Jonny flashed him a weak smile. "Chris, with my complete lack of ability this was bound to happen at some point."

"Well I'm just happy you're okay," responded Chris with a serious tone. Clearly he was unwilling to laugh it off so easily. "Here, let me help you up." He reached out his hand and pulled Jonny to his feet. This time neither of them fell in a heap.

Jonny sighed. "Would it make you feel any better if I sat down and had a rest?"

"Yes," replied Chris, sounding relieved. Once off the ice Chris led Jonny to a rotting log where they both sat, watching the afternoon pass; Chris fidgeting constantly but Jonny still as a statue. Jonny wondered what Chris was thinking. He only wished that this place held the same meaning for Chris as it did for him.

He figured Chris thought of it as the start of a good friendship, but Jonny thought of it as the start of something much more. He sighed yet again. This was so frustrating. He sometimes wished he could be a mind reader. He wouldn't abuse the gift, but it sure would be a nice thing to have in times such as these. Then he wouldn't need to have such doubts.

Chris must've heard the sigh, because he looked up and much to Jonny's delight no longer seemed to be guilt ridden. "Do you want to try it again Jonny?"

"No, sorry. Ice skating simply isn't my thing."

"Are you sure? You're getting better you know."

"No, it's alright."

"Well do you want to leave then?"

"Let's just stay here a while longer."

Chris smiled. "Good because I don't want to leave either."

Jonny figured this place must have some strange power to draw people in. The same kind of power that Chris had. Jonny glanced at him longingly. The sun hit a certain point in the sky then, and Chris's messy curls caught the light in a certain way that caused them to appear orange and red, as if they were on fire. Like Jonny was on fire now, looking at him.

He considered the fact that if he had not gone ice skating that first time, he wouldn't have had this beautiful man by his side. He imagined what might've happened if he had made his confession of love all those years ago. There was no way to know how Chris might've felt after knowing the truth. And there was still no way to know now. Then again, there might be one way.

"Chris?"

"Yeah," he questioned, turning towards him. His eyes were brighter than Jonny had ever seen them. He suddenly felt dizzy and weak. Perhaps his injury was more serious than he had thought. He shook his head, but the feeling wouldn't leave. Jonny had a sinking suspicion that it never would, unless he found out the truth.

"Chris," he repeated again, "there is....one thing I would like to try."

"And what might that be?" Chris's voices sounded quite close, and Jonny realized that he had been unknowingly moving towards him. For a moment he tried to look away, tried to turn back and return to his place on the log, but he knew he could not.

Chris's eyes took up his entire field of vision, as vast as the sea and far bluer. Jonny had to know. He had to know what those eyes saw in him.

Chris repeated himself slowly. "What might that be Jon?"

"This," he whispered.

He took Chris's head in his hands and brought his perfectly formed lips to his own. He pulled away after only a few seconds, hardly believing what he had just done.

"Chris I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me," he stammered, feeling the fear rising in his chest.

"Don't be sorry. It can be good to try new things." He smiled slyly and returned Jonny's gesture, with more passion this time. After a long moment they finally pulled away from each other, their cheeks flushed and their eyes shining.

"You're right Chris," breathed Jonny, "it certainly can."



THE END

All I Want For Christmas Is You

Chris was sitting on a park bench. All around him was a winter wonderland. Snow was falling lazily but steadily from the grey clouds overhead. It covered everything with glistening white sparkles that gave the place a mysterious feel, almost fantasy-like.

In the coming twilight, Christmas lights that had been carefully strung from the branches of a few trees glowed brightly. But Chris hardly noticed any of it, fixed as he was on the man sitting beside him.

Jonny's eyes seemed to be glowing far brighter in the limited light of the evening than anything in the trees. Chris saw a mother showing her daughter one of the trees, and almost laughed at their amazed reaction to the decorations. He thought it was truly comical that they should act this way when the most exquisite thing in the park, and likely the whole world, was right there next to him.

Jonny was wrapped head to toe in the warmest of winter gear. Chris knew he hated the cold, but he would always be willing to suffer through it to accompany Chris on his frequent strolls throughout town.

"You know Chris," Jonny spoke slowly, and with a good deal of guilt, "it's Christmas eve and I still haven't gotten you a present." He sighed, and looking up towards the darkening sky, added, "First I was going to get you that guitar you showed me once. Then I was going to get you this giant chocolate Christmas tree I saw at some old sweets shop in London, but nothing seems good enough."

He turned towards Chris and met his eyes. "Whenever I try to think of something, I just keep thinking about what I would want to give you. But what I want to give and what you would want to receive, well I'm afraid they might be two very different sorts of things."

Chris wished he could look away from those green eyes, but he knew he could not. "Well what is it you would like to give me?"

"No, I can't tell you."

"Why not? I'm sure that whatever it is will be something I will cherish."

"Well, it is not something that I can wrap, and what kind of present is that?"

"From what I've heard, the best kind."

"Okay if you must know," he whispered, I would love nothing more than to give you this." He began to get closer and closer to Chris, but suddenly became fearful and pulled back, shaking his head.

Chris was truly crushed; he had thought for one brief moment he might finally be getting his one wish fulfilled. He jumped up suddenly, and practically shouted, "Well if you're not going to tell me then I'm just going to tell you what I want! And we'll see how it compares!"

Jonny was shocked. He started to speak, but Chris cut him off. His voice sullen and full of sadness, he whispered "Jon, all I want is you. Perhaps it cannot be adorned in colorful paper and bows, but is the most lovely thing in all the world to have."

"Chris, I-"

"Jonny, it was just too much to bear to hear you say you don't know what to give me, when it is so clear in my own mind what I want." He shrugged and started to walk away. "I just thought you should finally know."

"Wait!" Chris turned to see Jonny running to catch up to him, finally stopping when he was mere inches form Chris's face. "As it turns out," he said softly, "that is the exact sort of thing I was hoping you would want."

"R-really?"

"If you don't believe me, why don't you let me give you your gift?" Jonny didn't wait for an answer. He simply grabbed Chris and kissed him. Chris just stood there for a moment, too stunned to say a word. Jonny smiled widely and broke the silence.

"It really must be true that to give is better than to receive, because I have never been filled with such joy as I am filled with now. And the best gift is something that keeps on giving. So..." He slipped his hand into Chris's.

Chris finally managed to regain his composure, and he returned Jonny's smile with one of his own. "I shouldn't have been worried. You truly do always know what I want."

He thought for a moment. "I only hope you will still want the same thing next year."

"I will always want you Chris," Jonny replied sincerely.

"Well that is good, because I will always want you."


THE END