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Endsville High	By : ManChesterEngland Category: +G through L > Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy Views: 5259 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the cartoon(s) that this fanfiction is written for, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 7
- 8
- 9
A/N: This chap introduces some new people and it has the first solo scene (as in masturbation.

Warnings: Self mutilation, attempted suicide, angst, depressing thoughts, explicit masturbation, hint of masochism, and interracial attraction.

Chapter 8

Gerald skillfully dribbled the ball to the opposing basket and made a shot. He smiled satisfactorily as he heard the ‘swoosh’ as the ball went in.

Arnold ricocheted from his stand near the basket and caught the ball on the rebound. He began dribbling to Gerald’s basket when he noticed that Gerald had stopped trying to catch him and was sitting on his rump in the center of the court.

Arnold turned still dribbling the ball and looked at Gerald, “You know sitting down is not an approved way of defense in basketball.”

Gerald looked up at his best friend and smiled, “I know that, Arnold, but I got something I need to say to you.”

Arnold came over and chuckled lightly as he looked down at his friend. “Well, it can wait till we finish our game. Now get your butt up and play me. It’s no fun kicking your ass when all you do is sit!”

Gerald laughed at this and grinned up at Arnold, “You wish you could kick my ass.”

Arnold just smiled in return and began to move away again.

“Arnold, what I have to say can’t wait. If I don’t say it now I don’t think I’d ever have the courage to say it to you again.” Gerald’s words stopped Arnold in his tracks.

Arnold stopped bouncing the ball and looked intently at his best friend. Gerald looked really serious. Arnold couldn’t think of anything that would be so important that Gerald would need to tell him now. ‘…unless of course it’s death. Oh my god! Is Gerald dying?’

Gerald reached out to Arnold beckoning him closer. “Come here. Come, sit with me.”

Arnold placed the ball on his hip and supported it with his right arm. He walked over to Gerald plopping down next to him. “What’s on your mind, Gerald?”

Gerald didn’t answer his question immediately. He just sat there looking spaced out.

Arnold didn’t interrupt his friend, thinking that Gerald was probably just organizing his thoughts. But after they sat in silence for ten whole minutes Arnold was getting antsy and just wanted to get this talk over with so they could get back to the game. He opened his mouth to say something but Gerald beat him to it.

“You remember why I broke up with Phoebe right?” he began.

Arnold blinked as he stared at Gerald. ‘How can I forget?’ He wasn’t sure if it was a question but he felt the need to answer. “Yeah, I remember why you guys broke up. I was there, remember?”

“Yeah well, we broke up because we thought that maybe we were too young to be getting that involved,” Gerald was talking like he was in a trance, reliving everything as he spoke. “I mean, we had felt like we didn’t need anyone else, like we had found our soul mates. Phoebe had said that maybe we were moving too fast into it. I had agreed so we broke up so we could test the waters. You know, date other people.”

Arnold rolled his eyes. ‘I’ve heard all this before.’ He thought and he said as much, “Gerald, I know all this.”

“I know you know Arnold but work with me, I’m going somewhere with this,” Gerald smiled at Arnold looking at him briefly then turning to continue looking out to the distance. “Well, after we had broken up I felt really bad and I got all depressed and I grieved a lot.”

Arnold chuckled a bit. ‘Tell me about it.’ “Oh yeah, those were real tough times. You were a complete wreck. Nothing pulled you out! But I had stuck with you and you got back on your feet.”

Gerald nodded still looking into the distance, “Yes, Arnold, you had. But then even after that I could never keep my promise to Phoebe. I couldn’t bring myself to date others. I had tried and tried but it just didn’t work. I always felt like she was the one for me and I’d be betraying her if I went with anyone else. Till this very day Arnold I still can’t go out on dates.”

Arnold nodded, not really seeing where Gerald was going with this. He already knew that his best friend was madly in-love with Phoebe and he knew that Phoebe was probably just as in-love with him. This was not news and it definitely wasn’t good enough for their game to be called to a stop especially since they were working off the tension of transferring to a new school.

Arnold sighed, already bored with the conversation, “Where are you headed with this, Gerald?”

Gerald sighed as well. “What I’m trying to say is,” Gerald looked Arnold in the eyes. “I think I want to get back with Phoebe and I want to do it soon. I can’t wait anymore.”

Arnold felt weird. He felt sick. ‘Oh no, not again… Don’t get sick Arnold. Don’t get sick.’ He couldn’t look at Gerald directly. Suddenly he realized where the conversation was headed and he didn’t like it one bit.

Arnold got up from his perch still avoiding Gerald’s eyes and began to dribble on the spot. He was doing it so he could have something to focus on. He didn’t want to think. He wanted Gerald to tell him he was joking so they could laugh and get back to their game but somehow he knew it wasn’t going to happen.

Gerald got up as well and attempted to keep his eye contact with Arnold, who was doing a marvelous job at avoiding his eyes just now. “Arnold, did you hear what I just said? I said I want to get back with Phoebe.”

Arnold looked up catching the ball, abruptly stopping his dribbling. “I heard you the first time,” he snapped. He knew he was being a jerk but he couldn’t help it. This was so unexpected and they were now in a new school. Can’t Gerald see that he needed him most now?

‘Don’t do it Gerald. Don’t leave me again.’

“Then answer me goddammit!” snapped Gerald in return.

“Well, what do you want me to say?” growled Arnold, scowling. “It seems to me you have your mind already made up.”

Gerald sighed and ran his hand through his sleek black hair. He had gotten rid of the kinky tall hair he sported in forth grade and had permed his hair causing it to lie flat on his head and cut it so it was shoulder length. It had been tied back in a ponytail for his game with Arnold but he had taken out the tie when he sat to talk so now it hung freely around his face.

He flashed a tired look at Arnold. “There’s no need to get mad. You know exactly what I want you to say. I need to know if you’re okay with this,” he sighed and looked away slightly embarrassed at what he had to say next. “I need to know if you’re ready for this after what happened last time.”

Arnold looked away as well. ‘I can’t believe he just brought that up. I thought it was water under the bridge now.’ Gerald was speaking.

“Arnold, I know we said we’d forget what happened but you and I and everyone else that was involved knew that this would come up again if and when I decided to date again. I need to know that you won’t try it again.” Gerald was gazing intently at Arnold, “I would never forgive myself if I let this happen again Arnold so I need to know how you feel.”

Arnold felt like a heel right then. He couldn’t believe that his best friend for all time was just waiting for him to say ‘I feel great’ or ‘I feel bad’ so he could decide if he should to get back with the girl of his dreams. Arnold couldn’t crush his friend like that no matter how much he knew he was going to regret loosing Gerald’s constant company. At least this time he was prepared. He had been forewarned. Maybe he was ready to let Gerald go. ‘Yeah right, ready my ass.’

Arnold looked at his friend and forced a smile, “I’m fine, Gerald. I don’t have a problem with you getting back with Phoebe. In fact, I can’t wait for it to happen!”

‘Someone please shoot me. Shoot me now! I’m as good as dead already.’

Gerald didn’t look quite convinced, “I don’t know Arnold you still seem shaky to me. I mean, if you don’t think you’re ready just tell me right now and I wouldn’t do it.”

‘Shit, I’m not your fucking baby sister or something. I’m eighteen fucking years old! I think I can decipher my own fucking feelings! Just take my good will and fuck off.’ Arnold forced an even wider smile, “I’m sure, Gerald. I’ll be fine if you two start dating again. When do you plan on asking her?”

Gerald blushed slightly. “On Saturday, I plan to take her out to dinner.”

‘Well, thanks a lot you fucking asshole! What if I had said I was uncomfortable with this whole fucked up arrangement, what then? Would I have ruined your little plans for the future? Shit, I bet he knows exactly where he wants to take her too!’

“You mean, this Saturday? Wow, you’re not wasting any time, are you? So, where are you taking her to?” asked Arnold as he squelched his pissed of thoughts.

“I’m going to take her to ‘Cher Pierre’ for a romantic French dinner,” smiled Gerald already thinking about Saturday night.

‘Oh wow, how bloody fucking romantic. Go ahead and take her to the restaurant you and I found! See if I care! The cheesy ass probably has something else planned for her.’

“Wow, that’s really romantic. Got anything else planned?”

“Hell, yeah,” grinned Gerald like an imbecile. At least, Arnold thought he looked like an imbecile. “I’m taking her on a carriage ride during which I’ll pop the question.”

‘It’s not a frigging wedding proposal! All you want is for her to be your girlfriend so you can fuck her and get her out of your bloody system. I hope it fucking rains Saturday night. Let’s see you try and take her on a ride then.’

Arnold stifled a mean laugh and looked away. He began dribbling the ball to the basket again with a slight frown on his face. Why was he being so mean? Phoebe was a nice girl and Gerald was his best friend. He knew they both liked each other and he really wanted them to get together but he just couldn’t help but feel lonely. He knew that this reunion meant he’d be alone most of the time; just like he was last time.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Arnold frowned slightly and fiddled with his fries. He looked up when he heard Phoebe giggle like a five year old girl. Next to her sat Gerald. He had his arm around Phoebe’s shoulder and was whispering stuff that Arnold could only assume were naughty into her ear. Phoebe was blushing but listening intently as Gerald abused her mind with obscenities.

Arnold’s frown changed to a scowl and he looked away. ‘Little bitch stole my best friend. I wonder how she’d look with her severed head served on a silver platter.’

Arnold smiled evilly at his food with his glower still in place. He looked particularly dangerous.

Gerald stopped saying stuff to Phoebe and looked up. He watched Arnold fiddle with his food with a maniacal look on his face. Gerald cocked his brow, “Are you gonna eat that, Arnold, or are you hoping that you could stare it to oblivion?”

Arnold snapped out of his sadistic thoughts to focus on his friend, “What did you say Gerald? I didn’t hear you.”

“I asked if you were going to eat that. What’s up with you man? You’ve been spacing out a lot lately.”

“Uh… family troubles,” mumbled Arnold stupidly bringing up a touchy topic.

Helga rolled her eyes, “Yeah, like I believe that, football head. Nothing gets you down. You’re like a jolly little elf or something.”

Phoebe giggled again. Arnold was slowly beginning to detest the sound of Phoebe’s giggles.

“I must agree with Helga, Arnold,” said Phoebe. “You have always been able to look at the bright side in any situation. I really doubt your grandparents’ respective illnesses are enough to get you this down.”

Arnold glared at Phoebe, “What, you think you have me all figured out?”

“No Arnold, I merely…”

“Save it. I’m not in the mood for your intellectual crap,” he cut her off rudely. He really wasn’t in the mood for her company at all.

“Man, Arnold there’s no need to be rude. We were just having fun,” frowned Gerald. He was getting mad at Arnold’s grouchy attitude.

Arnold huffed and looked away. ‘Bloody girl has you wrapped around her finger.’

Arnold didn’t really hate Phoebe. In fact, he liked her; she was one of his closest friends. He just hated her as Gerald’s girlfriend. I mean, she was ruining his long time friendship with her relationship. First, she had taken up most of Gerald’s free time. Then, she had made Gerald unavailable when Arnold’s grandma developed breast cancer. She had even made Gerald unavailable when Arnold’s grandpa had suffered a stroke. And now, she was making Gerald turn against him!

Arnold had expected to have the constant presence and support of his best friend through out his life. He wasn’t taking it likely that his friend hadn’t been available for him during the hard times of his grandparents’ decline and other things. He had had no one to turn to and Gerald had been too busy ‘dating’ to be there for him 24/7 like he was supposed to.

Arnold was so lost in his thought he almost didn’t catch the smacking sound next to him. Slowly, he turned his head towards the source of the sound. He stared in shock and disgust as he watched his best friend suck face with Phoebe. They were practically eating each other’s face and they were getting saliva everywhere. In Arnold’s opinion that meant they couldn’t kiss very well if they were missing so much but that wasn’t what bothered him.

Somehow Arnold had come to believe that Gerald and Phoebe’s relationship was some sort of intense friendship. He had come to believe that Phoebe simply wanted to replace him as Gerald’s best friend. This was why he had been so hateful towards her. It never occurred to him that Gerald was always going places with Phoebe and leaving him in the dust because she gave him something he could not. She was his girlfriend.

It finally dawned on Arnold. He had been blind for so long. How could he have been so dumb as to believe that everything would remain the same? Gerald was growing up and was experiencing the world of female companionship. Arnold had had a wild array of crushes back in fourth grade and still it never occurred to him that if he went out with any of them, his priorities would have to change.

Arnold felt his heart crushing with the sudden weight of loneliness. He realized that people change and the ones he held dear would not be with him forever. They can only be with him as long as it didn’t interfere with their lives.

Arnold felt sick. He felt disgusted, alone, and just SICK.

Somewhere he heard someone yelling ‘get a room’ to the smooching couple, but he couldn’t tell who it was. Arnold gagged and quickly covered his mouth as he staggered to his feet. He hadn’t eaten anything since they’d been here and now he was about to puke up his lunch from school earlier in the day.

Arnold made a beeline for the restroom. He heard someone call his name. He didn’t answer… he couldn’t answer. He barely made it to the porcelain bowl as he threw up what little he had had that day. He heaved and retched as a liquefied version of his meal spewed from his mouth.

When he was done he stared into the toilet bowl at his disgusting regurgitation. He gagged a little at the sight then pulled the toilet handle. He stepped out of the stall as his vomit swirled down the toilet. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Gerald, Sid, Stinky, and Eugene. They had apparently followed him.

‘Heh, at least I got him to stop sucking face and pay attention to me. Too bad it won’t last very long. He probably wants to leave right now. I bet they all want to leave.’

What little consolation Arnold had at his friends being there dissolved with that last thought. He walked to the sink and rinsed out his mouth then he splashed some water on his face. He walked over to the paper towel dispenser and retrieved a whole bunch. When he was satisfactorily dry he made to leave but was grabbed by Gerald and slammed against the wall.

“Why’d you do that Arnold?” he demanded.

“Do what?” growled Arnold his eyes narrowing.

“You got sick watching Phoebe and me make out. What the hell does that mean? If you didn’t like it all you had to do was say so, not fucking loose your lunch!”

Arnold scowled, “Oh, I’m sorry. I’ll keep that in mind the next time I’m about to puke on the table when you’re busy sucking face.”

Gerald simply glowered back at him.

Arnold rolled his eyes, “Look it’s not like I can control it. You make it seem like I did that intentionally to ruin your fun!”

Eugene coughed into his hand and looked away. Stinky quirked his nose in what appeared to be a way of saying ‘yeah right.’ Gerald merely raised his eyebrows like what Arnold had just said was amusing and Sid simply stared at him. Maybe he was thinking… maybe not.

“But Arnold you’ve been mean to Gerald and Phoebe all night,” said Sid. “What else were we supposed to think?” he asked after what appeared to be a minute.

“So what, you all think I did that intentionally?”

Everyone fell silent. Gerald let go of Arnold and let him stand firmly on his feet.

Arnold was shocked. ‘I can’t believe it! They actually think I can stoop that low? Me, the good guy! I would never…! I can’t believe this. I think I’m going to be sick again.’

Arnold clutched his belly and forced himself to move. He didn’t want them to see he was getting sick again. He walked out of the restroom and back into the café. He saw his friends stare at him disgustingly. ‘Obviously, they all think the same thing.’

He stopped at the table to grab his backpack and happened to look at Phoebe. He felt even worse as she looked away, unable to meet his eyes. Arnold silently hefted his bag unto his shoulder and walked out with his belly complaining all the way.

Arnold had never felt so alone in his life. His parents were gone, his grandparents were counting the days, and his best friend was as good as gone. He had no one.

Arnold left with only one thought, to get the pain in his heart away. He never saw the pair of blue eyes among the others that looked at him with sympathy and care and even love.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Arnold held the knife close to his left wrist. ‘It’s ok. It’s just like the other times only this time, you’re trying to kill yourself. Don’t forget Arnold, deep cut! Slice the vein in one quick movement and it would be over. Bye-bye pain.’

Arnold stuck his tongue out in concentration as he slowly began to press the blade to his skin. Sweat congealed on his brow with the effort.

He had been cutting himself since that faithful night. The first time had been an accident. He had gone home and cried himself to sleep after emptying his bowels once again then he had woken up at 3am feeling really hungry. At first he had wanted to stay where he was and starve but his hunger would not be denied. So, he had gone down to the kitchen and had been really clumsy as he fixed his sandwich, nicking himself on his finger. That brief moment of physical pain had made him forget his troubles to focus solely on the hurt and as his blood dripped he had wondered how much relief could be gotten from a bigger more deliberate cut.

Slowly, he developed the habit. A little nick there, a little cut here and no one would know. But as his view on life became darker, his cuts had become deeper and bigger. His appetite for food diminished quickly and he was becoming really skinny and deathly pale. He had been taken off the basketball team due to his failing health not that he cared much at this point.

Gerald and the others had forgiven him for that night but the damage had been done. No matter how they tried to make him feel better, or make him belong once more, he just couldn’t get into it anymore. Arnold was alone and he wanted a cure to the pain. What Gerald could offer him now wasn’t enough. He needed all or nothing, not second best.

Arnold could hear his phone ringing in the background.

‘Who the hell would call me? Heh, it’s not important now. It’s too late.’ Arnold smiled sadistically as he watched the blood flow from his sliced wrist. ‘Now for the other before I loose feeling in this hand.’

Arnold gripped the blade as well as he could with his bloodied left hand and swiftly cut a jagged gash in the wrist of his right arm. He couldn’t afford the luxury of feeling pain like he had with his left wrist. ‘Ahhh… pure bliss; It feels so good to be slipping away.’

Arnold heard his answering machine beep. The person that had been calling him was leaving a message. It sounded feminine and vaguely familiar. What was she saying? It sounded almost like she told him to wait. ‘Wait for what? Oh well, I guess it doesn’t matter much now.’

Arnold began to laugh deliriously as his vision dimmed. He swore he could hear more ringing. ‘Is that the phone or my ears?’

Arnold began to fall slowly. He was fading fast. He couldn’t think straight anymore. The ringing changed to pounding. Someone was either at his door, or his ears tended to play weird tricks when he’s about to die.

Just as the light was about to fade Arnold’s door flew open. It had been forced because he knew he had locked it. In his doorway, he saw an angel in pink and white with a blonde mop on her head. Arnold heard her scream and call his name. He smiled slowly. ‘Why am I not surprised? Too bad she’s a bit late.’

As his vision went black Arnold heard himself say, “Goodbye Helga.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

‘This wasn’t supposed to happen.’

Arnold scowled at the people surrounding his bed. He had been awake for three days now. His doctor told him he almost hadn’t made it and was very lucky he got help when he did. He said that Arnold had needed a blood transfusion and that he had been out for two days. Now it was Sunday and everyone came to visit.

When he had first woken up, the first thing he had noticed was that he was waking up at all, the next thing was the blonde head on his bed. He had fallen asleep again after that. Maybe he had passed out from the shock of it.

The second time he performed his awakening act there had been more people in the room and they had been talking about him. He had actually been listening in for a bit trying to figure out where he stood and if he had a chance of escaping life again when he had heard Gerald’s voice. He hadn’t believed that Gerald was there and that had forced him to open his eyes.

He had practically been jumped by his grandma and choked by his grandpa. Gerald had stayed back and smiled wanly. Arnold then realized the room’s fourth occupant. It was his savior and bedside mate.

Before he got the chance to speak she had slapped him and growled, “The next time you try to take your life Arnoldo, I will make sure you regret ever meeting me.” With that said she left him and everyone else staring at her back as she departed the room. That was definitely not the greeting he had expected but then he never really could tell what to expect with her.

Now after his three day respite Arnold had everyone he ever knew trying to see him. ‘Everyone, except her… She had never come back since I had woken up.’

If he wasn’t still so depressed he might have felt bad at leaving all these people. But he was still pretty lonely so the people didn’t help much. Especially since the one person he had thought cared didn’t think he was worth visiting while awake.

Arnold was released the next day but was placed on suicide watch. Everyone he was with was expected to watch everything he did. Anything that was remotely sharp had been taken from his room. Even his stereo system was on lockdown. Arnold actually felt worse than before his cutting. And now that everyone knew he cut, he had no way to relieve his pain.

After about two weeks of trying to catch up with his studies and trying to eat. Arnold was still failing at both. He was even failing at socializing. He desperately wanted to cut himself especially when he saw Phoebe and Gerald but that was obviously not an option. He needed to find a new detrimental way to deal with his pain or he was going to cave and do something drastic. Like jump in front of a moving bus!

Arnold was sitting by himself at lunch, trying desperately to not impale his hand on the rusty nail he saw when Helga sat next to him. She didn’t say anything for a long time and simply sat.

Arnold was sure he should feel particularly uncomfortable around her but he didn’t. He had come to find calm whenever she was around. ‘She’s the only one that doesn’t feel the need to speak to me when she sees me. She acts like what I did never happened. I don’t know if I’m grateful or mad. I wonder what she wants. She hasn’t been this close to me since I woke up.’

They sat in silence for a little bit longer. Then Arnold saw her hand appear in front of him. She dropped something and pulled her hand away. There before Arnold’s gaze was a small razor.

Arnold didn’t understand. He turned and stared at her with a question in his eyes.

“No one’s watching you right now. It’s your choice,” she said silently, almost like a whisper but quieter somehow. After that she got up and left.

Arnold stared at the blade for a long time. He wanted to do it, but he was getting cold feet. He didn’t want to leave for some reason. He felt like there was something to live for, or someone. He was about to turn and search her out again but he heard someone else approaching him. Quick as a flash Arnold grabbed the razor and hid it. He turned and faced his second visitor. It was Gerald.

Gerald was apologizing. He was saying sorry for abandoning Arnold, for being too caught up with Phoebe, for blah, blah, and blah. Arnold didn’t care about what Gerald had to say. So, he blocked him out.

‘The only reason you feel sorry you fucking piss is because I made the mistake of leaving a detailed impassioned note of how I felt when I decided to end it. I knew I shouldn’t have written jack. Ugh! GET AWAY FROM ME! I DON’T NEED YOUR FUCKING PITY! Huh, wait, what was that? What did you just say?’

“Uh, Gerald… could you repeat yourself please? I wasn’t really listening.”

Gerald looked at him weird, “Where should I start from?”

Arnold wasn’t sure what to say. After all he hadn’t been paying any attention at all. He took a wild guess, “Uh… start from the part about you and Phoebe.”

Gerald looked at his hands, “I said Phoebe and I are through. We figured that maybe we were moving too fast and getting way over our heads. So we decided to cool it for a while and see how it goes from there.”

‘What, do I look like I was born yesterday? Just say you’re ditching the chic so you can watch my suicidal ass 24/7 I’ll completely understand.’

Arnold snorted and got up. He didn’t want to hear anything else Gerald had to say. He turned around and was about to hunt down a particular blonde but the bell rang so he went to class instead.

* * * *

Two weeks later Arnold held a weeping Gerald to his chest. Gerald had been away from Phoebe for only two weeks and the guy was worse than a wreck. Arnold was the only thing standing between Gerald and clinical depression.

‘Funny how things work out… You were never there for me, but here I am for you. I’m still mad and I still hate you, but maybe with time I would forgive. You need me now and that’s all that matters.’

And that had been all that mattered as their lives had drifted together again.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

‘Now he wants to take it apart. He’s such a nice guy.’

Arnold took a shot at the basket and missed. He swore under his breath. He knew Gerald would know something was up because of that missed shot. It was an easy shot and Arnold was really good at shooting from the angle he was in. He almost never missed a shot. Just as expected Gerald spoke.

“Arnold are you sure, absolutely sure, that you are okay with this?”

Arnold turned and feigned another smile, “Of course I’m sure man. Why wouldn’t I be?” Oh, wrong question. He jogged over to the ball and picked it up.

Gerald walked up to him and easily stole the ball from Arnold’s loose grip, “I’m only asking because I can’t loose you, man. I can’t go through what happened last time again.”

'Ha! Go through what? You didn’t even know what was going on till it was literally too late and even then it passed you by until I was in a fucking hospital recovering from it all.’

Arnold’s hands were shaking slightly. He needed this conversation to end and for them to get back to the game. He clenched his hands into fists so Gerald won’t see his crazy nerves.

“Gerald, I promise you that I’m fine with this. What happened last time is not going to happen again.” ‘Maybe…’ “I’m completely over it,” ‘Yeah right!’ “Hey, maybe this time I might even get me a girl of my own.”

Arnold threw the last part in as an extra bonus. He doubted he would find anyone. The only girl that appealed to him hated his guts and beat him on an almost daily basis.

Arnold almost cracked a genuine smile. She had unknowingly provided a substitute for his cutting.

Gerald laughed and began to dribble the ball. “Hey you’re right, Arnold. Maybe you would get to find a girl. It’s a new school, so why not some new beginnings. There are lots of cute girls in our senior class, maybe one of them could be the girl of your dreams.”

Arnold instinctively got ready to block Gerald and steal the ball back as he smirked at Gerald’s comment.

‘…Girl of my dreams? Do you think I’m a fucking romantic like you? Besides I already have a girl. She just doesn’t know it yet. I wonder if I should let you in on the dark workings of my mind,’ thought Arnold idly as he easily swiped the ball from Gerald and proceeded to shoot it. He smiled satisfactorily as he saw it swoosh easily into the net.

‘Ha ha, 2 points… maybe I will tell you. I’d like to see how you handle damaged me. Maybe you’ll even be able to help me get my girl to keep me from my demons.’

Gerald had caught the rebound and was moving to Arnold’s net while Arnold chased after him thinking all the way.

‘Yeah, that might prove to be interesting sport.’ Arnold grinned at the thought and slapped the ball out of Gerald’s hand stuffing his attempt at a dunk. Maybe this whole getting back together thing wasn’t so bad after all.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Abigail yawned as she stepped out of her room. It was 7:30 pm now. Where had the day gone? She walked into the debriefing room, which was also their common room where they hung out, and surveyed her teammates.

Kuki was off to the side in the kitchen humming as she made something Abigail was sure was to be their dinner. She didn’t mind Kuki’s cooking as Kuki had greatly improved, but at the same time she wasn’t a fan of eating other people’s food. She always preferred something she had personally made or bought.

Wally was sitting on the couch and was watching what appeared to be mud wrestling. Wally hadn’t changed much over the years. He was no longer the shortest member in the team though he was still shorter than the guys and he still loved to watch violent shows and to play video games. What changed in that category was now he watched chic fights as well, having finally given in to his teenage hormones.

Off to the corner sitting at the only work table in the whole room, was Hoagie. He was still working on that blue print for his weapon. He had been working on it for at least a week now and it never took him that long on anything. It must really be an awesome weapon to garner so much of his time and attention. Correction, it had better be an awesome weapon to garner so much of his time and attention. Abigail hadn’t forgotten the last time Hoagie worked on a long project though still not as long as this one. It had been the dumbest weapon ever made and Abigail had been royally pissed.

Abigail surveyed the room once more, since no one had noticed her entrance yet, and realized that their leader wasn’t in the room. She stepped in fully and made her way to the kitchen. Kuki looked up from her batter of whatever and smiled.

“Hey Numbuh Five,” she yelled enthusiastically.

This caused the room’s other two occupants to look up from what they were doing. Hoagie smiled by way of acknowledging her and looked back at his blueprints while Wally waved at her and resumed watching his show. Abigail saw Wally blush and quickly change the channel as one of the ladies mud wrestling suddenly had a boob pop loose of her bikini top. She saw him slide a sidelong glance her way to see if she had seen anything. Abigail smiled knowingly at him and went over to the cabinets. Wally’s blush deepened.

Abigail began brewing her herbal tea when Kuki said something. Abigail wasn’t sure if it was directed at her or if Kuki was simply mumbling stuff to herself. Curious, Abigail asked, “What did you say, Kuki?”

“I said Numbuh One hasn’t come out of his room all day since we got home from school,” repeated Kuki.

Abigail nodded and continued with what she was doing. She knew what Kuki was trying to say to her. She was saying ‘go check up on him, I’m worried’ but Abby really wasn’t in the mood. She hadn’t been happy when Lizzie had accused her of stealing Nigel and it had made her wonder if there wasn’t some truth in what she said.

She knew that she didn’t feel much for Nigel except a platonic friendship, but what if Nigel liked her more than that? If that was the case then she was partly to blame for Lizzie and Nigel’s break-up because of the amount of time Nigel had been spending with her prior to the break up. This meant she had been unconsciously fueling his desire. At least, that’s the way Abigail saw it.

Abigail placed her mug next to the brewing pot of tea and rested her head on her palm. She had seen a couple of instances when Nigel had been staring at her like he was a hungry dog and she was prime rib; but she had brushed those times off as her imagination. If they weren’t her imagination, and Nigel really did like her, then all she could do, now that he was single, was stay away from him. Maybe if she discourages him enough he would run back to Lizzie thereby leaving her guilt free.

Abigail sighed heavily as she poured tea into her mug. This is why she hadn’t wanted to get involved with Nigel’s issues. She had feared complications. Actually, it was because of things like this that she had tried to remain aloof with almost all personal occurrences in the team. Granted she was going by assumptions, a desperate girl’s accusations, and a couple of lust-filled stares, but that didn’t mean she could just write off the whole possibility. She needed to distance herself again, and fast.

Kuki tapped Abigail on the shoulder breaking her from her thoughts and she looked up.

“I know you’re worried about what Lizzie said, Numbuh Five but we need you to check on Numbuh One,” she said.

Abigail slowly nodded knowing that Kuki was right. Despite how she felt about this whole situation, it was up to her to dig Nigel Uno out of his rut. She grabbed Nigel’s mug from the cabinet and poured him a cup of herbal tea as well. She knew Nigel didn’t like it much but it still calmed him whenever he drank it. She added sugar and lemon just the way he liked it and crossed the common room to the door leading to Numbuh One’s wing of the base.

Abigail swiftly entered and walked down the dark hallway towards the last door which she knew held Nigel’s room and most likely his body. She knocked on it rather awkwardly due to her occupied hands and waited for a reply.

She heard a groggy go away. Ignoring the call she knocked again this time using her foot. Nigel never took naps so he must have done something stupid to pass out. She heard shuffling on the other side then she stepped back as she knew the door was about to be flung open.

Sure enough the door opened forcefully and a very angry Nigel stood at the door. He didn’t have on his shades and he wasn’t wearing anything save his black boxer shorts and they hung low on his hip.

Abigail couldn’t stop herself from giving Nigel a quick once over. It had been a while since she had seen their leader shirtless and in that amount of time Nigel must have been working out.

Abigail noticed how toned and smooth Nigel’s abs looked; she saw how the bicep of his right arm that clutched the door flexed slightly with his movement; she saw the distinct rise and fall of his chest, which was coated with a little fuzz, as he breathed, his nipples dusted a slight pink and hardening at the cold; she noticed how his body distinctly narrowed into his hips disappearing into his boxers, with a distinct trail of hair leading into his boxers; she admired how his legs were slim but appeared powerful; and she noticed how his whole body appeared to be the same shade of pale making him the same color… all over.

Abigail looked up and attempted to ignore how hot her teammate had become. ‘Damn this isn’t good. I’m starting to think he’s hot. I shouldn’t have looked him over.’

Nigel hadn’t opened his eyes yet and growled out at whoever had disturbed him, “I said go the fuck away.”

Abigail snorted at that and responded, “I would if you didn’t look like you could use my help and when in the world did you become such a potty mouth?” She shoved the still steaming cup unto his bare chest causing him to open his eyes and back away simultaneously.

“A-Abigail…?” He stuttered completely taken aback. He unconsciously rubbed where the cup had touched him.

‘If only that were my hand… ok bad, Abby. Those are not accepted thoughts.’ Abby rolled her eyes. “Who did you expect?”

Nigel simply stepped back letting her in. He didn’t really want to answer that question.

Abigail walked in and watched as he shut the door behind him. When he seemed to register his state of undress, he went to his dresser and quickly pulled out a plain black t-shirt. He made his way to her across the mounds of mission plans, papers, and clothes on his floor. When he was close enough he indicated the second mug in her hands, “Is that for me?”

“Yeah,” she answered shoving his mug into his hand. “It’s just a little wake up call before dinner.”

He looked at the brew and lifted the mug to his lips. “Does that mean this is coffee?” he asked as he took an experimental sip.

“No. It’s herbal tea,” she responded smiling slightly as she watched him pull it away from his face cringing slightly at the taste.

“Why do you always give this to me?” he asked as he raised the cup for another sip.

Abigail shook her head. He always complained, even when she made it to his liking. And she knew he liked it because he finished it every time but, to her annoyance, he always saw it fit to at least whine about it before actually drinking it.

She shrugged by way of answering his earlier question and went to sit on his bed. She scooted in so she was farther up on the bed and then she crossed her legs under her getting comfortable.

Nigel watched Abigail under his lashes as he took sip after sip of her great tea. He would never tell her but he loved her herbal tea. He had never been a coffee fan but was never able to make his tea just right, so he had been forced to settle for coffee or at best a Lipton tea bag.

Nigel had been so happy the first day she had offered him tea, though he really had hated the taste at first (she had given it to him without sugar). Since then he just loved to complain whenever she offered him tea. Needless to say, he didn’t drink coffee anymore… well, at least not as much.

When he saw she was comfortable he walked over and sat next to her in the same way. He watched as she nursed her tea, taking little sips. She was bidding time.

Nigel was slightly uncomfortable with her presence. He was embarrassed that he had answered his door in nothing more than his underwear and was disgusted that the one time she wanted to talk in his room, it was a mess. He was also fighting his desire to simply jump her. She looked so good with her hair in a ponytail and only dressed in shorts and a tank top. Her small but compact breasts filling out the top, she was obviously not wearing a bra and Nigel just wanted to reach out and cup those dark chocolate mounds.

Also, the fact that they were even in his room added to his discomfort. They had talked on many occasions but mainly in her room, or the patio outside the common room; never in his room or anywhere else. He wasn’t sure what was expected of him. He drank his tea and waited for her to begin.

“Why’ve you been in here for so long, Nigel?” asked Abigail deciding to bite the bullet and face this thing head on.

Nigel looked at his tea. It was almost gone. “I wanted to be alone,” he finally answered.

She nodded like that was all she needed to know. Then suddenly she said, “If you miss her Nigel being alone isn’t going to help.”

Nigel clenched his teeth. He sometimes hated it when Abigail was so perceptive. The truth was he had been missing Lizzie even though he knew he loved Abigail and was thoroughly fed up with Lizzie. When he had gotten to class after lunch he had felt sad. His sadness had deepened as the day progressed and he had locked himself in his room to hide from the others. He hadn’t wanted Abigail to see him grieving. For some reason, he thought she was going to chastise him and tell him to reconcile with Lizzie and in his depressed state he wasn’t sure if he would have been able to say no if that happened.

Abigail sighed breaking the long silence and drawing his attention from his thoughts, “I’m not going to tell you what to do if that’s what you’re worried about. I mean, even if your relationship was hell, you had still been with her for 6 years which is a good chunk out of your life. It’s hard to just forget 6 years of good times and bad times.”

Nigel nodded, agreeing with Abigail. She had voiced his earlier realization that it was indeed hard to forget past love, even if it was love gone sour.

“At the same time, locking yourself in your room is not the way to go about it,” added Abby. “You need to be surrounded by people that care for you so you don’t slide into something like a depression.”

“People like you?” asked Nigel before he had time to think.

Abigail smiled slightly, “Yes people like me, Kuki, Wally, and Hoagie; your team. We all care about you and don’t like to see you in a rut.”

Nigel smiled, “How come you’re the only one that came then?”

Abigail saw where Nigel was headed and laughed slightly, “Well, for some reason they’ve come to think that second in command is the only one that can talk to you. So now I’m stuck with the grunt work.”

Nigel laughed out loud. She had just referred to his emotional problems as “grunt work” and for some nonsensical reason he found it amusing. A sudden knock on the door interrupted his laughter.

“Hey you guys, Kuki said dinner is ready.” Wally said through the door.

Nigel sniffed regaining his composure. “Ok Wally, thanks. We’ll be right out.”

Nigel gulped down the rest of his tea and hopped off the bed. He searched around for his blue sweats and found them sticking out partially from under his bed. He pulled them on and went over to Abigail’s side. He held out his hand offering to help her off the bed.

Abigail looked questionably at his hand and cocked her eyebrow. “I think I can manage to get down on my own Nigel.”

Nigel noticed that this was something he tended to do for Lizzie as she liked it when he dotted on her. He didn’t know he was doing it to Abby. He blushed slightly. Obviously, it had become a habit.

“Sorry it was something I used to do for Lizzie. She loved the attention.”

Abigail nodded at his explanation and got off on her own. Straightening her shirt, she walked over to the door with Nigel tailing behind her. Suddenly she felt his hand stop her from leaving. She turned and looked at him, a question in her expression.

Nigel blushed again, “I just remembered that I have two tickets to the Carnage concert for tomorrow night and I was wondering if you would like to go with me.”

Abigail began to decline when Nigel spoke again.

“It’s not a date I promise. I mean it was supposed to be but…” Nigel sweated. “What I mean is, I had originally gotten them for Lizzie and me, but we broke up earlier than I expected so now I just have them. I would ask anyone else but I don’t think Wally would appreciate me asking Kuki, Hoagie, I know, is busy, and Wally hates Carnage. He says they’re sissies in all that make-up. I just want to be able to go with a friend…”

Abigail placed her index finger on Nigel’s lips effectively shushing him. He was babbling and she knew he did that when he was nervous. Funny, she never really thought she was capable of making Nigel Uno nervous.

Nigel blinked at her. Abigail had no idea what her finger was doing to his hormone system. It was taking all his will power to keep from licking it or taking it in his mouth and sucking on it. He barely kept himself from moaning at the thought. He hoped she didn’t notice his discomfort.

Abigail took her finger away. She still wanted to say no for moral reasons but she loved Carnage and had been disappointed when she hadn’t been able to get a ticket. Plus Nigel looked like he really just wanted a friend to go with and not like he was trying to replace Lizzie. So she consented.

“I’ll go with you Nigel but only as a friend. This is not a date.”

Nigel smiled, “I promise this is not a date.” He paused. “Thanks,” he added as an after thought.

Abigail nodded and left the room with an ecstatic Nigel walking behind her.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Sid took in a deep breath as he looked at the shop from under his hood. He stood on the other side of the street and was currently contemplating the wisdom in his decision to check out a shop called Eros Star. The sign displaying the name flashed in gaudy, neon pink and red light and Sid fidgeted as he watched another patron walk out of the store. He’d been standing there for a good fifteen minutes and he was sure he could have been in and out by now if he only had the courage to cross the damn street.

He had accidentally heard about the shop from his mother as she conversed with one of her girlfriends. Apparently, Eros Star was ‘the’ place to go when one wanted to satisfy certain bodily ‘needs’. Sid growled at himself in frustration and stiffened his stance. He didn’t come all this way just to turn back without at least checking the store out. Strengthening his resolve, he quickly crossed the street and stole into the store. He forced back his cringe at the chime of bell announcing his entrance.

The first thing Sid noticed was the nice interior of the store. It was no surprise that the shop was found in the beat down district called the Slums and that the building it was in was pretty rundown looking from the outside; but it was a surprise that despite the questionable nature of the store’s specialties the interior looked not only well cared for but also inviting and calm.

Everything in the store was bathed in red light and soft sensual music could be heard from unseen speakers. Sid’s sneakers sunk into the plush carpeting as he stood at the entrance surveying the shop. The walls were decorated in posters exhibiting men in the nude or half-naked persuasion and posed in the most erotic way. Sid quickly looked away from a particular poster of a man in a cowboy hat and sporting a raging hard-on proudly with his legs spread wide.

From his vantage point, Sid saw that the shop was also organized for convenience with separate aisles and signs indicating the contents found in each of those aisles. Apart from the posters, there were also baskets and bins filled with miscellaneous sexual toys stacked against the walls. Finally, on the back wall, Sid could spy a door partly hidden by a bead curtain. He could only assume that the door led to a back room not willing to think of other possibilities.

Finally realizing that he was just standing before the door, Sid quickly moved to the closest aisle and ducked in to hide amongst the shelves. He skimmed over the contents of the shelves and stopped abruptly when he spotted a film with two men on the cover in a very compromising position. Disbelievingly, Sid slowly picked the film from its place and closely inspected the case. As he read the back contents of the film there was no doubt left in his mind that the film was indeed gay porn. Blushing furiously, Sid quickly replaced the tape and better inspected the tapes in the aisle. On the left could be found the safe run-of-the-mill hetero porn but on the right, every single video or DVD was of the homosexual variety. Be it lesbians or gays, the tapes only displayed same sex erotica.

Blushing even more now that he realized this, Sid made his way down the aisle stopping occasionally to survey some of the films and DVDs with the more innocent cases. Sid was sure his ears were flaming red and he thanked the heavens he was covered by his hood. He hadn’t quite decided what, if anything, he was going to buy but he did know that he wanted to leave the shop with something for all his troubles; he just wasn’t sure gay pornography was the way to go. He silently exited the aisle and slunk into the next.

Once again Sid’s face changed to an unhealthy shade of red as blood rushed to his head. He prayed not to have a nose bleed as he gazed upon the various shapes and sizes of rubber dicks. There were dicks in many different colors and some were even multicolored, there were some that were anatomically perfect, and some that were flavored, and some dicks even went as far as being edible, and all these dicks were of different lengths and widths. Apart from the wide array of erections, there was also a good selection of lubricant, lotions, body food, and bathing salts on the other side of the aisle.

Hesitantly, Sid reached out and grabbed one of the larger dildos in his palm. His hand could barely circle it and he stared in trepidation at the dickhead. Swallowing at the daunting prospect of fitting that into his asshole Sid re-shelved the enormous, by his standards, dildo and walked over to the dicks that were more average in size. He figured he’d start small and work up. Picking one of the vibrating varieties, he surveyed it and weighed it lightly in his palm.

He accidentally flicked its switch and stared in horror as it vibrated in his hand, wiggling around like some live thing. ‘What the fuck am I doing here?’ thought Sid desperately. ‘I’ve never shopped for things like this! I have no idea what to look for!’

He had just decided that it would be best to return the dildo to its shelf and beat a hasty retreat when he heard a distinctly male chuckle behind him. He whirled around and dropped the still vibrating cock in shock as he stared up at the face of a youngish, blond guy with slate grey eyes.

The blond was still chuckling as he bent over and pick up the dildo, switching it off as he stood. He walked over to Sid and replaced the rubber dick on the shelf before he looked down at him. “First time huh?” he asked jovially.

Not trusting his voice Sid just nodded jerkily.

The blond’s smile grew bigger. “Well you’re in luck because I happen to work here and I make it a point of helping lost little boys just like yourself,” he flicked Sid’s nose still smiling. “I’m Steve by the way,” he offered his hand.

“Sid,” squeaked Sid taking the proffered hand. Clearing his throat he tried again, “Sid, my name’s Sid.”

“Well nice to meet you Sid,” Steve shook and let go of his hand. “Do you want help?”

“Em… yes I would r-really appreciate it,” stuttered Sid in reply.

“Great now, just from observing you, I can tell you’re not only new to the world of self pleasure but you’re also of the male persuasion,” he paused. “Am I right?”

“Yes, so far,” managed Sid in a little voice.

“Ok, so how much do you have to spend? I think I know just what to get you.”

Sid dug into his pockets and produced a twenty, two tens, and two fives. “Um… fifty bucks,” he replied looking up.

“Hmm, not a lot but lucky for you we sell used stuff too and most of the tutorials are used anyway.” Steve began walking out the aisle and Sid assumed he was expected to follow. Quickly shoving his money back into his pocket, he chased after his guide.

“Tutorials?” he finally asked when he caught up with Steve in what he assumed was the discount aisle with the used merchandise.

“Yeah, tutorials,” answered Steve distractedly as he surveyed the titles on the tapes. “It’s like porn with a step-by-step guide on how to do it right. Rather than just watching it happen, you get taught.”

“Oh,” said Sid. He fidgeted slightly in his position. He began to rock on his heels; it was a nervous habit he had yet to break himself of.

After what seemed like an eternity to Sid but was only really five minutes, Steve triumphantly said, “Ah, here we go!” He pulled out a tape from the back of the shelf. It had been hidden by half a dozen other films. Sid wondered how he had even spotted it in the first place.

Smiling, Steve handed Sid the tape that was so aptly named ‘Gay Sex 101.’ Blushing once more, Sid tucked the tape under his pit and turned to leave.

“Wait you can’t leave yet!” exclaimed Steve laughing. “We still have more stuff to get.”

“Like what?” asked Sid turning back to face the taller blond.

“Oh I dunno maybe like a guide book, some condoms, a dildo, some lube, maybe even a proper porn movie and a magazine. I did tell you I know just what you needed, didn’t I?” Steve cocked a brow in amusement.

“Yeah, you did but I thought all I needed was the tutorial,” explained Sid blushing at the thought of the items Steve still expected him to purchase, ‘As if one movie isn’t bad enough!’

“Of course not!” he exclaimed looking slightly stunned. “I mean, what would you use to practice if you don’t buy a dildo?”

“Oh,” said Sid again. It was all he could get his brain to come up with.

“Come on,” said Steve as he walked down the aisle looking amongst the books for the one he wanted. Soon they found themselves back in the dildos and lubricant aisle with Sid holding his tutorial tape, a magazine, and a book entitled, ‘So, You’re Gay: A Guide to Living Homosexually.’

Steve surveyed the collection of dildos that Sid had been looking at before then suddenly he turned and asked, “Do you have a crush?”

Sid’s immediate reaction was to blush and then deny vehemently, “No I don’t! Why would you think that?”

“No need to be defensive,” said Steve raising his hand to indicate no harm. “I’m not asking out of perverse curiosity but it’s been my personal observation that if you buy things closer to reality you become less apprehensive to trying it out.”

Sid raised his eyebrow disbelievingly as his blush receded. “Really?” he asked warily.

“Yeah,” answered Steve. “So I just asked because it would be best if you got a dildo that’s closer to your crushes real thing. You do have an idea as to his size right?”

Sid’s blush that had just disappeared returned with a vengeance, “Em… I haven’t really s-seen anything.” He swallowed, “But em… he’s tall and has big hands and feet… em… he looks… um… pretty hung.” He quickly averted his gaze, suddenly finding his shoes more interesting.

Steve just nodded and smiled enigmatically at Sid’s discomfort. “It’s ok, I understand that you’re embarrassed but I kinda need a little more. Would you say he’s like me?”

Sid looked up then quickly looked over Steve’s frame. He noticed that height wise they were probably the same but his crush was more filled out and his hands were definitely bigger. He stole a quick glance at Steve’s crotch; and it looked like the package might be bigger for his crush too.

“Em… height wise, yes but he has bigger hands and feet…” he blushed once more, “And seems to have… em… a… a bigger package down there too. He’s always been big for his age.”

Steve nodded once more as he turned back to the shelves. He shook his head slightly at the dildos they had been looking at and moved over to the slightly bigger ones. He picked one up and checked it while he talked over his shoulder to Sid, “From what you tell me, he must be about your age but he’s well above average, right?”

“Y-yeah, you could say that,” answered Sid silently. He was staring in trepidation at the dick Steve held in his hand. ‘I hope he doesn’t expect me to buy that.’

Steve nodded again and replaced the dildo only to take a wider one that could vibrate. “This should do it,” he claimed handing the rubber dick to Sid.

Sid looked from the dildo to Steve and back again. He wanted to return it and pick up one of the smaller, safer looking ones but for some reason he trusted Steve’s judgment, ‘After all he is more experienced, plus he even works here.’ Stifling his doubt Sid took the dildo and placed it between his book and his tape.

Steve nodded in satisfaction. He was glad he wasn’t going to have to explain his reasoning to Sid and he quickly moved on to grab three different tubes of lube. One was flavored for when Sid wanted to practice blowing, one had extra viscosity for his first penetration, and the last one was just an extra. They left that aisle and moved to the porn aisle.

Steve appeared to be looking for a particular movie when he asked, “So what type of guy is your crush? What does he look like? What does he do?”

Sid shot Steve a skeptical look before responding, “He has red-brown hair, he’s works on his family farm a lot, and he’s got a country twang… why?” he asked as an after thought.

“No reason,” replied Steve as he walked directly to some tape and pulled it out. “Here you go, now we head to the counter for condoms and check out.”

Sid took the tape and stared in awe at the image of a country teenager with red hair and freckles, leaning shirtless over a pitchfork. ‘They have everything in this shop!’ thought Sid in absolute wonderment. He couldn’t believe they had porn to satisfy his taste. Slowly, as if still in a daze he made his way to the counter where Steve had picked out a pack of condoms and was ringing up the total.

After cross checking the prices Steve smiled at Sid and said, “Told you, you were lucky. Fifty bucks even, and because I like you, I think I’ll throw in some lollipops for free.”

Sid smiled genuinely for the first time and quickly handed over his wad of bills. He watched Steve pack up his purchases in a nondescript looking bag and throw in about five different lollies. When he was done he handed the bag over to Sid then placed his hand on his shoulder.

“Listen kid, I know you’re excited right now but it’s a dangerous place out there for people like us. I wanna give you some free advice. Find out whom else is like you in your school and hang out with them; there’s strength in numbers you know. Also avoid dark streets and alleyways, that’s where they get you, and try not to draw too much attention to yourself. I told you I like you and I’d like to see you here again and maybe with that crush of yours,” at this Sid blushed. “Just be careful ok?”

Sid smiled again and nodded. “Yeah, thanks,” he replied and quickly with the bag securely in his hand, he exited the store.

Once outside Sid exhaled a breath that he didn’t even know he was holding. Wow, that was quite a trip. Looking at his watch, Sid knew he had to hurry home. He buried his head deep in his hood and stuffed his left hand into his hoodie pocket. Silently, Sid made his way home thanking his stars that he had indeed taken the well traveled streets on this escapade.

Sid’s apartment building wasn’t exactly one of the best places either and the fact that it was walking distance from the sex store meant it was in the Slums as well. He didn’t quite mind the location much anymore it just meant he had to be more careful; especially with his orientation. Sneaking past the doorman (he could be such a bastard sometimes and was nosy as hell); Sid used the stairs and took them two at a time to the third floor. He avoided the elevator any time he could help it, it was a miracle it still worked at all and Sid was sure it was going to stop working just as he rode it and he would end up stuck there forever. He made his way to Apt 304 and silently turned his key in the lock.

He noticed that the lights were off but he could see the blue light that could only be reflected from a TV screen. Listening intently, he picked up the distinct sound of snoring coming from the worn couch. Breathing as silently as possible, Sid opened the door a crack and slipped in. Shutting it just as silently behind him, he tiptoed his way across the hallway, avoiding all the creaking floorboards till he got to his door. Still breathing as low as possible, Sid turned the knob and prayed he had remembered to grease it so it didn’t sound. Sure enough the knob turned without sound or resistance and he slowly slid into his room. He breathed a sigh of relief once inside and made his way to his bed.

Sid reached under his bed and found the loose floorboard his mom didn’t know about. He stashed his purchases of the night inside this hiding spot and quickly covered it with his box of comics. He smiled now that he was sure he was in the clear and stripped down to his boxers. He got in bed and snuggled deep. Before long Sid was drifting of in peaceful, dreamless sleep.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Billy woke up and felt like he had been run over by a bus or some equally large vehicle. He was surprised that he was waking up at all considering the state he had been in. He slowly tilted his head to the side in search of his side table. He needed to see what time it was. He groaned when he saw it was 1am in the morning.

Billy slowly sat up. He groaned and held his head. Man, he had a killer headache but other than that he felt fine if not a little stiff. Slowly he shifted his jaw to assess the damage. To his surprise his jaw was fine. He opened his mouth wide and didn’t feel any pain.

Billy was confused. He was sure he had been mauled by Sperg earlier today. He smiled slightly at the thought. Sperg had really roughed him up. Slowly, still feeling rather sore, he got out of his bed and staggered over to his bathroom. When he got there he stared at himself in the mirror. He looked… fine. He looked like nothing had happened. Well, he had some nasty bruises but other than that all his scrapes and cuts were gone. He didn’t bleed anywhere and he didn’t even have any scars leftover from the cuts. No doctor was this good.

‘Mandy…’ he thought. ‘Mandy must have helped me at some point… Damn.’

Billy scowled. It isn’t that he wasn’t grateful for her help but he wanted the cuts and the scraps. The bruises just won’t cut it.

He took off his shirt and pulled off his sweat pants and boxers. He needed to see all of himself. Soon he stood naked in front of his full length mirror. Ok, maybe he was wrong. The bruises might actually work. He didn’t mind them now that he saw every single one. He had a huge bruise where Sperg had kicked him under his ribs. He had some on his arms. Even his legs sported some bruises. They were all deep purple.

Billy turned to see his back. Oh god, yes! He had a beautiful purple bruise running across his shoulders. The bruise was yellowing on his right shoulder which was the shoulder that had taken most of the brunt when he had hit the wall or crashed to the ground. He flexed his shoulders and moaned when he felt a sharp pain course through his system. He looked himself over again. God, he wished Sperg could see him now.

Billy thought about Sperg touching him where all his bruises were. He imagined Sperg smiling at him while he applied pressure to his bruises. Billy moaned. Thinking like this was not a good idea.

Billy looked at his groin. He couldn’t believe it… he was already half hard. Liking pain was one thing, but wanting Sperg was something very different. Billy couldn’t believe he had been thinking about Sperg sexually. That was just not right… ‘I wonder what it would feel like to have him grind on me; rocking his body against mine while still inflicting pain. Oh shit…’ but he couldn’t stop. He needed to take care of his problem.

Billy placed his left hand on the wall by the mirror to support himself. Then he focused his eyes on the image of himself in the mirror while his mind went to work.

Billy imagined Sperg standing behind him holding him painfully at his hips. He could see Sperg smirking as he leaned over and bit Billy on his shoulder till he bled. Billy’s hand applied pressure to the spot to create the illusion of the bite. He imagined that Sperg would suck on the wound and guzzle his blood as he ground his erection into the cleft of his ass.

Billy reached up and applied pressure to his shoulders seeing Sperg’s hand all the while. The pain was sharp and Billy moaned as it coursed through his body settling in his already engorged cock. Billy took his left hand off the wall and reached up to forcefully twist his nipple, he didn’t think Sperg would be gentle in anything he did. Billy moaned loudly and bit his lip in an attempt to keep quiet.

He slowly reached for his cock while his left hand still kneaded his tender nipple. He offered the same treatment to the other nipple slowly circling it and teasing it to a firm nub. He twisted that nipple too all the while imagining his hand was Sperg’s. Billy palmed himself and couldn’t help but feel disappointed because he knew if it were really Sperg, his dick would have been lost in his huge hands. He ignored this thought and forged on to rub his thumb over his dickhead. He smirked when he felt the pre-cum leaking through his slit. Billy forcefully yanked at his cock and yelled out in a mix of pleasure and pain. He pulled his foreskin back and flicked his slit as it leaked more pre-cum.

Moaning, Billy reached behind and slipped his hand between his ass-crack. He circled his entrance and teased his puckered hole with his forefinger. As he did this he reached lower with his right hand and fondled his balls. He didn’t think Sperg would be this gracious but at this point Billy didn’t care. Suddenly, he shoved is finger into his hole and groaned. Tears sprung in his eyes as he felt blood trickle on his finger. Smiling through his tears Billy forced his finger in some more and then yelped when he suddenly brushed against something. Oh fuck! He felt pressure and heat surge in his groin. He was going to come. Billy quickly squeezed his balls and denied himself release. He imagined that it would be something Sperg would do. Sperg loved to have something over people.

“Do you want it Billy?” Billy heard Sperg ask in his head.

Billy panted, “Please Sperg…” He palmed himself again. ‘God I sound so pathetic!’

Billy leaned over some more as he imagined Sperg shoving him to bend over. He pulled out his finger from his asshole and then just as quickly shoved in two. Billy moaned piteously as tears and spittle ran down his face. Blood dripped from his abused entrance but Billy didn’t feel it as he began to finger fuck himself. Slowly he tugged his dick in tandem with his fingers and Billy felt the pressure continue to build. He rubbed against that spot in his ass again and moaned as he picked up the pace with his hand. Thrusting erratically into his hand Billy panted and groaned and moaned, begging Sperg to let him come. Suddenly he pulled his fingers from his ass and fondled his balls as he fucked his hand. Billy pulled the foreskin back and covered his head with his hand running his thumb once again over his slit. Then quickly as if in an attempt to surprise himself Billy pulled his penis to the point of pain and his body tensed up. His body began to convulse and with a final moan of Sperg’s name, he released his seed all over his hand and on the mirror. He had never come so hard in his years of masturbation.

He felt really weak in the afterglow and slowly fell to his knees. He was panting deeply. His cock was flaccid but he was still unsatisfied. He wished Sperg was really with him, hurting and… dare he say it... fucking him. Billy groaned in frustration, ‘First I find out I’m a masochist now I find out I might be gay?! And it’s all because of one guy, all because of Sperg.’

Billy looked at himself in the mirror. He couldn’t see himself clearly because of cum running down the glass but from what he could see he looked extremely sad. ‘Pathetic little fag. He would never touch you to pleasure you… maybe if you’re lucky he’ll rape you in an attempt to completely break you.’

Billy groaned and forced himself to his feet. He twitched at the pain in his ass and reached behind to survey the damage. He pulled his hand away and stared at his blood, it was at this time he remembered the cum on his other hand. Looking at both messy hands, he brought his cum-covered hand to his mouth and slowly licked all his jizz off. He rubbed the blood from his other hand on his chest and then staggered out of the bathroom without bothering to redress or clean the mess on the mirror. He flopped on his bed face down, his ass having spasms at the pain of walking the short distance to his bed. Billy began to cry again as the gravity of what he’d just done really sinking in. He wept silently till finally he fell into fitful rest, dreaming about Sperg and bloody assholes.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Zim scowled at the door in front of him. He couldn’t believe what he had found. He couldn’t believe what he had dreamed. More importantly, he couldn’t believe where he was right now. With a snort of frustration Zim punched the doorbell. He growled low as he heard the sound of someone coming to the door.

Tak smiled when she opened the door and saw her visitor. “I’ve been expecting you, Zim,” she said enigmatically.

“Shut the fuck up,” spat out Zim, he shoved past her and stalked into her base. He was mad enough at having to be here, he didn’t need her to tell him about how she was ‘expecting’ him. It was more than his ego could take.

Tak snickered. She couldn’t help it. Seeing Zim admit he was wrong and come to her for help was more than she could take. She shut the door and faced Zim as he stood scowling in the middle of her living room.

Mimi, her SIR unit, sat in front of the television and turned when she saw the other invader. She looked at her master for orders.

“Go to the kitchen, Mimi,” commanded Tak walking over to the armchair and taking a seat.

Mimi obediently got to her feet and marched out of the room. She walked strangely like Gir but still she seemed more… sane.

Once Mimi was gone Zim rounded on Tak, “How do I stop it?”

Tak sighed, ‘What an idiot!’ “You can’t stop it Zim. Once you and I messed with our Paks to become taller we agreed to suffer through the same things all Irken tallers face.”

“Then I’ll make myself short again!” snapped Zim, his frustration pouring through.

“You know you can’t do that Zim. Once you become tall… you stay tall. No being can grow backwards, not even Irkens.”

Zim growled once again and began to pace. When he had decided to alter his Pak so he could grow tall like the humans, he had read about what he was going through now. He hadn’t thought anything of it because it had said, ‘all Irken “tallers” yada, yada, yada.’ Since he was not a taller he had huffed at the reading and kept looking for a way to become tall. He had stupidly over looked the fact that once he became tall he would suffer through this… “Thing” he had read about.

Zim huffed, ‘Stoopid, filthy Irken need. I’m even sleeping now. Invaders don’t sleep needless to mention dream.’

Almost like she had read his thoughts Tak said, “You’ve been sleeping too, am I right?”

Zim stopped his pacing to look at her. For the first time he noticed that Tak was not in hologram but in her true Irken form. She was also no longer wearing her invader uniform. Zim thought it was a disgrace that she had changed so quickly, adapting to the earthling’s life style.

‘Bah, stoopid smelly stink monkeys.’ He snorted, “Yes I have. How do you know?”

“It’s all part of the package Zim. We begin to give in to our body’s needs,” she smirked a little.

Zim grunted and continued to pace. “Fine, what do I do now?” he growled out.

Tak realized that this question meant that Zim was giving in. He was accepting the fate and trying to find a way to overcome it. She grinned maliciously, “All you can do is to give in to it.”

Zim stopped and stood in front of her. He did not want to give in to what he was feeling. He would rather be executed than give in to what he felt.

Tak saw the rebellion in Zim’s face and laughed. She couldn’t help it. Zim was the only one stupid enough to want to fight when he knew he couldn’t win. When she had stopped laughing she took a deep breath to calm herself and looked at Zim in all seriousness. He still had that look on his face. ‘Fine, I guess I have to use the big guns. I hate to have to kill your ego like this Zim… actually, no I don’t.’

“How did you feel when he touched you, Zim?” she asked.

Zim simply stared at Tak. He really didn’t want to think about that.

“How did you feel when he was friendly with me, Zim? How did you feel when he didn’t tell you goodbye?”

Zim’s face darkened.

“Or when he pulled you towards him?” continued Tak.

“Stop…” Zim growled.

“Or when he did tell you goodbye?” she plowed on.

“STOP…”

“Or when he was ignoring you?” Tak’s smile became deadly. She moved in for the kill. “What were you thinking about when you were so close to his body that you could practically smell him? Do you think his skin is as soft as it looks?”

“I SAID STOP IT!” Zim yelled glaring daggers at Tak for making him think, for making him remember. ‘Tall chest, so sexy…’ Zim shut his eyes. He didn’t want to think this. He ran his hand over his head and felt his wig. In frustration he took it off and threw it on the ground.

“Why… HIM…?” asked Zim feeling really frustrated. “It could have been anyone, even you.” Zim stopped and stared at Tak, “Why isn’t it you? You and I are Irken. We are perfect.”

Tak shook her head, “We can’t because our bodies won’t accept each other. From the start, even before we tampered with our Paks, we have been attracted to something in our chosen other. When we became tall, that attraction intensified. Now, our body craves the body of the other and would settle for nothing else. This is ‘the need’, Zim. Each time we deny ourselves ‘the need’, ‘the pressure’ increases. Eventually, we are paralyzed from ‘the pressure’ and we become ill, incapable of any type of function. All we think about is our body’s desire.”

Zim sighed. He had read all this and was not happy to hear Tak repeating it. He walked over to the couch and collapsed in it. He titled his head back and stared at the ceiling. His antennae flattened on his head. ‘What am I going to do now?’ he thought despairingly.

“I suggest you court him” said Tak, answering his unasked question.

Zim scowled at her from his position and then sat up. “And how would I do that? He’s my enemy.”

“Was your enemy,” she corrected. “Now, he must become your mate.”

Zim cringed at the word. He’d avoided saying it because he feared saying it would be synonymous to accepting it. “That doesn’t solve my problem,” he grumbled.

“True, but lucky for you I plan to help.” Tak got up from her seat and walked over to the couch. She sat next to Zim and smiled.

Zim was not used to seeing invaders smile like she was smiling. It was a smile free of domination and insanity. He wasn’t sure if he liked it. He cocked his nonexistent eyebrow at her.

“I happen to know that both Gaz and Dib are fans of this Carnage group that shall be singing tonight,” she explained. “You could begin your courting by asking Dib to go with you to the concert.”

“Great idea Tak,” he spat her name. “There’s only one problem. One would require tickets to attend this concert and I do not have these tickets.”

“That’s why I said I plan to help. I happen to possess four of these tickets and you can buy two off me for 50 earth dollars.”

Zim looked confused, “Why would you purchase four in the first place?”

Tak rolled her eyes, “I got four because I knew you would forget about this whole “thing” and would require my help.” She gave him a superior look, “Unlike you, Zim, I tend to plan ahead and as much as you annoy me, you are still the only other Irken on this dirt ball and I am not about to lose you just because you were too stupid to plan.”

Zim frowned at the insult, “Ok fine. Give me the tickets.”

Tak frowned at Zim’s demanding tone but retracted the tickets from her Pak all the same. She handed them over to Zim and he gave her the money.

“Ok so, I ask the Dib-beast to accompany me to the concert. Then what next?” asked Zim stifling his sudden excitement at the thought of asking the Dib out. ‘Easy Zim, you don’t like him you’re just doing this to survive.’

Tak frowned, “Then you give in to your new instincts you moron. Your body and Pak are now like any of the other tallers. You will know what to do when the time comes all you have to do is not think and just act.”

“I am not a moron,” growled Zim, frowning darkly. He looked at the tickets again when something else occurred to him. “How long do I have to court him?”

“You court him for as long as it takes to get him to mate with you” responded Tak automatically.

Zim cringed at what she said and at what he was about to ask, “And how many times do I have to mate with him?”

Tak actually looked dumbfounded at his question. Apparently she hadn’t thought this far, “I’m not sure. But I would think once. ‘The need’ should be satisfied after that.”

Zim did not like that answer. He had already made the mistake of being flippant and he was not about to do it again. He stowed the tickets in his Pak. “What if the need remains after we do it once, what do we do then?” he demanded.

“Then I guess we would have to do it again till the need is gone,” stated Tak simply.

“And what if the need never leaves?” asked Zim getting panicked at the thought of having to mate with Dib more than once or worse, forever. ‘I might think he’s sexy but that doesn’t mean I want to constantly give in to desire.’

Tak’s left eye twitched, “That can’t happen. I mean, this whole thing is only mentioned to occur once in a taller’s life. That means once it occurs and has been satisfied it goes away.”

Zim looked skeptical. The fact that it isn’t mentioned again doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen again. “That may be the case, or it might be that it is never mentioned again because all tallers learn to live with it by mating whenever they feel the need. Maybe that’s why Red and Purple remain together as Tallest.”

Tak got up suddenly. She wasn’t sure if she was scared of what Zim said or mad that she hadn’t thought of it as a possibility. ‘What if he’s right? What if once isn’t enough?’ She rounded on Zim, “What about the Tallest before them. There has never been a pair of Tallest till now. The other Tallest before Red and Purple were single leaders. If the need is forever then how come they had no one with them?”

Zim didn’t like how Tak was suddenly trying to defend her idea. If she went on the defense that means what he said was a possibility and she was trying to refute it. “Who’s to say they never had mates? You said the need attracts us to someone that has something we like, that means the need can make a Tallest want an insubordinate. No worker drone would dare deny a Tallest what he or she wants.”

Tak hissed in return. ‘Damn, Zim has a point.’ “Ok Zim I admit, you have a point here but that doesn’t change much for now though. We must still court our humans and mate with them as soon as possible before we begin to lose function.”

Zim huffed and got up from his seat. He picked up his wig and put it on. He made to leave when Tak remembered something else.

“Oh and just so you know, once you realize the need consciously it tends to develop faster.”

Zim whirled on her, “What does that mean?”

“It means, Zim, that your desire to mate becomes stronger than if you were still denying it in your mind.”

Zim growled at this. He was angry but he didn’t think this petty attraction was something that would bother him. He could handle it. After all, he was an invader… ex-invader. Zim felt confident that he shall be through with the Dib come Saturday morning.

‘That is unless of course the need is forever.’ Zim growled again and opened the door to leave, ‘Stoopid, stinky need smelly.’

Zim marched off into the night and began to ponder ways by which he shall court the one called Dib Membrane.
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Endsville High