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Disclaimers: See Part 1. Chapter Two
Date: June 23, 3021 Aeryk and his friends stumble out of the club and make their way over to Brian’s car. "Man, that ish one hoppin’ club!" Jackie slurs. "I think thish ish my new favorite hang out!" She grins stupidly and lets out a slight hiccup. "Hey guys, it was fun." Jeff says. "Brent and I are gonna have to pass on the coffee and head home." He turns to Aeryk. "Nice job at playin’ pool tonight. I’m gonna have to watch you from now on." Aeryk chuckles. "It was all beginners luck, I assure you. Have a good night you two." Aeryk waves as Jeff and Brent walk off. "So what about you two?" Aeryk asks Aaron. "Nah, I think I’m gonna ‘ave to," He lets out a burp. "Pass also. I can feel a nasty ‘angover comin’ on." He holds his enflamed head between his hands. "Thank God for Saturdays." "Guessh I’ll have to drive him home then." Jackie says. "You alright to drive Jackie?" Aeryk asks concerned. "Nah, she’s fine." Brian says swinging a heavy arm over Aeryk’s shoulders. "Right Jax?" He glances at her, not noticing the look on Aeryk’s face nor the sudden flush of red. What’s with this tingling sensation? Aeryk asks himself, worried. It takes all that he is not to lean in closer to Brian. Jackie nods her head. "I’ll be fine, I’ve driven under worsh conditionsh." "Alright, be careful okay?" Aeryk says, his eyes dark with worry. "Shtop worrying Aeryk." Jackie says grinning. "Would you rather have Aaron drive?" They both look down on the ground next to Brian’s car. Aaron has passed out and is now snoring loudly. Aeryk laughs. "I guess not, eh?" He grabs a quick hug from Jackie. "Anyway, I want you to call me tomorrow, alright?" "Gotcha." Jackie pulls back and winks. "Come on you lazy git, to home with yah." Jackie says lifting Aaron off the ground and practically dragging him to her car. "So I guess we’re gonna call it a night, eh buddy?" Brian smiles down at Aeryk and pats him on the back. "No fun in just goin’ to get coffee ourselves. Besides," He lets out a mighty yawn. "I’m dead tired." "Can you drive?" Aeryk asks. "Hell no." He replies. "You drive." He walks over to the passenger side of the car, falls in, and shuts the door. Aeryk enters the car and activates it. "Did you have fun tonight?" He drives off and is startled briefly by the power and sudden speed of the car. Brian nods lazily. "They make good drinks there." He turns his head to Aeryk. "How come you didn’t drink tonight?" Aeryk shrugs. "I didn’t feel like it, I guess." Brian turns back and watches the buildings roll by and lets out a contented sigh. "You sure did dance the night away, though." He smiles. "You should see the look on your face when you dance. It looked like you were on cloud nine." "I love dancing." Aeryk says lowly. "It’s my chance to escape." "Still," Brian stretches and scratches stomach. "I wish I could dance like you do." "Why’s that?" Aeryk asks perplexed. "You mean you didn’t notice?" Brian looks at Aeryk, aghast. "Notice what?" "All those chicks hovering over you!" He cries. "Damn, you must’ve been out of it if you didn’t notice that." "Oh." Aeryk says simply. Aeryk has faint recollection of the time when he found himself the center of attention with many women. At the time he shrugged it off and continued to exist elsewhere. Even when he heard Brian and Aaron let out loud whistles and whoops of encouragement for Aeryk, and when he became sandwiched between to other female dancers, he ignored it all. He didn’t care. "Man, Aaron and I were all tryin’ to figure out how you did it too." He chuckles. "You’ve got it made if you continue like that buddy. Did you get any numbers?" "No." Aeryk says quickly. "What?" Brian cries. "Have you been off the market for that long? Geez, with all them hotties hanging over me like that, you’d bet I be gettin’ some numbers." He smirks. "It’s okay though, Aeryk, I didn’t get any numbers either." "Why?" Aeryk taunts. "Too chicken to approach someone?" Brian scowls at Aeryk briefly before he starts grinning. "Nah, I just didn’t see anyone I’d be interested in." "You make it sound like you want to find somebody, Bri." Aeryk quickly curses himself for using the affectionate term for Brian’s name. Brian shrugs, not really hearing how Aeryk used his name. "I don’t know. I guess my father is kinda right about some things. I’m twenty-three and I haven’t had a steady girlfriend for damn well most of my adult life." He chuckles. "I guess I should think about settling down." He sighs. Aeryk looks at his best friend in awe. "Brian Johnson? Settling down?" He guffaws. "You crack me up Brian." Brian smiles faintly. "I don’t know." He says. "I guess it’s the drinks in me. I’ll probably forget this entire night in the morning." Aeryk nods in agreement and the two continue the rest of the ride back home in mutual silence. Well, I guess I don’t have to worry about the awkwardness of telling Brian about how I feel. It’s obvious he won’t feel the same way about me. Aeryk says to himself. What am I thinking? Of course Brian won’t and neither do I! This is stupid Aeryk. You had a friggin’ girlfriend before this. How can you just become gay? You can’t, see. He nods affirmation. Right, so no more of this crap anymore. You got it brain? He looks over as he hears Brian let out a gentle snore. He smiles slightly at his friend then takes the last turn toward their condo.
Date:
June 23, 3021 Aeryk manages to park the car and pull out his larger friend. He wraps Brian’s arm around his shoulders and nudges the door closed with his foot. "Damn, you’re heavy." Aeryk grunts, and Brian giggles drunkenly. "A little help would be appreciated too, yah know?" Brian lolls his head and faces Aeryk. "I can’t," He slurs with a silly grin. "I’m much to tired to walk right now. Carry me." Aeryk lets out a long sigh. "Just shut up and at least try to walk, okay?" The two stumble up the stairs up to their condo and Aeryk lurches open the door. Aeryk decides it best that he deposit Brian in his room first. He leans Brian against the door and with little difficulty removes his shoes and throws them askew. He manages to get Brian into his room and tosses him onto the bed. Aeryk finds a lamp covered by a dirty shirt and flicks it on. He hears Brian moan something about turning off the light, but Aeryk ignores him. "Alright Brian, let’s get into bed." Aeryk whispers. "But I’m not tired mom." Brian says, laughing to himself. "Can’t I just stay up a little longer?" Aeryk rolls his eyes. "Sit up Brian." He orders and is, surprisingly, obeyed. Aeryk manages to wrestle Brian’s shirt off. His nose is assaulted with the strong scent of sweat and he reels back slightly. "Damn boy." He mutters. Brian falls heavily back onto his bed and sighs. He then tries to undo his belt, but his drunken hands had other ideas and refuse to cooperate. Aeryk lets out an irritated grunt and finishes the sloppy job and tells Brian to take off his pants. "I’m not going to help you any further." As Brian was busy battling with his pants Aeryk looks around the room and frowns. "How can you live like this?" He asks. "I’m comfortable with the way things are Aeryk." Brian grunts as he finally takes off his pants and socks. "I’m sure you are." Aeryk mutters. There is the familiar sound of Brian’s soft snore meaning he has fallen asleep, again. Aeryk looks down at his drunken friend and shakes his head, smiling. He leans over to place Brian under his sheets, all the while thinking, Why am I doing this? Could I really be falling in love with him? He shakes his head. Nah, a friend is supposed to do this for another friend. I gotta watch out for him, even in the most meaningless of situations. He slowly reaches for Brian’s muscular legs, and gently moves them under the carelessly tossed aside sheets. As he pulls the cotton sheets up, he suddenly feels a strong arm around his back pull him down onto Brian’s chest. Aeryk lets out a startled gasp and finds himself face to face with Brian. He ignores the smell of alcohol in Brian’s breath and watches in mute horror Brian breathe steadily; completely unaware of what’s happening. Adding to the horror, Aeryk suddenly feels himself moving his lips closer to Brian’s. He could almost taste the red wine Brian drank earlier in the evening. Aeryk’s heart begins to pound furiously in his chest. His mind went hazy, intoxicated by Brian’s scent. Aeryk felt a sharp, almost electric, sensation flash through his body as his lips gently touch Brian’s. The softness and the taste of Brian sent Aeryk’s whole body into a state of mindlessness. He remains with his lips gently locked with Brian’s for what seem like an eternity. Brian’s arm tighten momentarily, forcing Aeryk onto Brian’s lip more, for a moment then went limp and fell to his side. The tell tale sound of two lips parting company sounds gently in the room as Aeryk slowly pulls himself away. He stands above the sleeping Brian briefly; his mind suddenly regaining it’s lost control, and tries to absorb what just happened. "Damn it." He curses under his breath and hastens out of Brian’s room and into his own. He shuts the door silently behind him and leans against it, his mind still unable to fathom what just happened to him moments ago. Aeryk was unable to resist the temptation to slam his fist on his door in total frustration. He clenches his teeth and runs his hands through his neat brown hair. He turns on his lights and then storms over to his closet then begins to tear off his clothing. "Fuck!" He snarls. "What in the God damned hell was I thinking?" He struggles briefly with his shirt, and then hurls it across the room letting out an irritated growl. He then leans against the wall, half-naked and feeling completely lost. He lolls his head back and stares at the ceiling in an attempt to keep the tears of frustration and fear inside him. He lowers his head and stares at his futon, and heaves out a sigh. "I can’t do this." He whispers. "I can’t fucking do this." He pulls off his pants and socks and tosses them aside and falls onto his bed. The sheer audacity of Aeryk’s action on Brian refuses to release its strong grasp on Aeryk’s mind. He sits up on his bed and holds his legs close to his chest. "What am I going to do now?" He mutters. "What can I do?" He snorts in disgust. "Nothing, that’s what. I’m not about to be a damn fool and push away my only real friend. He’s all I have." The tears Aeryk feared begins to fall freely from his eyes. "Mom, I feel so alone. I don’t know what to do. Ma," He sobs. "I wish you were here."
Date: June 23,
3021 "Man, I wish you would at least talk to me Aeryk." Brian says, looking over from his driving at his tormented friend. "You didn’t say a damn thing to me at breakfast. Is something bothering you?" He’s answered with more silence. "What, did I say something to you last night that pissed you off? If I did, I didn’t mean it." Brian brings his car to a stop as the signal turns red. "Well?" Aeryk remains staring outside the window, away from Brian. "It’s nothing Brian." Brian shakes his head. "You’re such a damn liar Aeryk, talk to me dude. I thought we were friends." He looks ahead and waits for the light to turn green before saying. "Is it about you not seeing your family today? You did want to come with me after all." "It’s not about that." Aeryk snaps. "Just drop it, please." Brian scowls. "What’s gotten into you? You best not act like this around my parents alright." Aeryk sighs and shakes his head. "Look, I’m sorry." He turns to his friend. "I’m just having a bad day right now, and..." He stops himself. "I’m just having a bad day." "Alright, what ever bud." Brian shrugs it off and the two continue to drive in silence as they leave the city and enter the vast countryside. Today, despite the wonderful weather in the past, is dark and gray like Aeryk’s mood. The forecast called for rain and thunderstorms. As is his habit for this day, the anniversary of the earthquake, Aeryk dressed himself completely in black. To combat the sudden chill weather, Aeryk put on a heavy woolen sweater, slacks, and polished dress shoes. Brian looks over to Aeryk, his deep brown eyes dark with concern. He’s never like this, even today. What’s the matter with you bud? You’re my best friend, and like a brother to me. I hate seeing you like this. Why can’t you talk to me now? Brian decides to try and lighten the situation. "Hey, how about some Destiny’s Child?" He asks, smiling. Not needing an answer from his mute partner, Brian calls out the order for his M.A. (Music Archive) player to find a song played by the twenty first century group Destiny’s Child. After a moments wait, the riff to the beginning of the song Emotion begins to start. "Ah, crap." Brian curses the slow, and somewhat sad song. "Sorry, I should’ve been more specific."
It’s
over and done
And
where are you now, now that I need you?
In the
words of a broken heart Goodnight, goodnight Aeryk continues to stare blankly out the window and listen to the words of the song. He feels that someone up there is playing a nasty trick on him, and hated his life because of it. He stayed up most of the night, unable to sleep because of the maelstrom of emotions that mercilessly assaulted his soul. The sense of utter betrayal to his family nagged at him. The emotion of an alien love toward someone he looks to as a brother, tore at his heart. It was then he wished he was dead, alongside with his family. At least he wouldn’t have met Brian, became the best of friends, and eventually fall in love with him. Would you stop that? Aeryk roared to himself. You’re not in love with him. It’s impossible. Aeryk continues to watch the country rush by him in a blur of green grass, tall proud trees, and thick gray clouds. He attempts to grasp at anything else than the thoughts of his predicament with Brian. He finds, however, the memories of his past. Morbidly thankful for it, Aeryk surrendered himself.
Aeryk watches his brothers Justin and Aaron run off down the beach after his other brother Ryan. Just moments before, Ryan successfully attempted to dump a large bucket full of the cold seawater of Justin and Aaron. Their mother, let out a groan as her mind was pierced with high pitched squeals. And their father, just let out a healthy laugh. Aeryk turns away as he hears his sister Michelle calls out his name. He walks over to the nine year old clad in a pink, frilly bathing suit, smiling. "Come help me with this castle okay?" She says, not bothering to look up from her creation. The youngest, and only girl beside their mother, Michelle has been the most pampered of the five children. She has developed a tough and smart personality to combat those of her older male siblings. Basically, what Michelle wants, Michelle will demand for. Aeryk smiles fondly at his sister and kneels beside her and begins helping her with the sandcastle. He spies a pile of Barbie and Ken dolls just to the side. "So where are they all gonna live?" He asks patting the sand. "Well, she’s the queen," Michelle says pointing to the Barbie with the biggest, most elaborate dress. "She gets the biggest room." "What about the king?" Aeryk asks. Michelle rolls her eyes and lets out an exasperated sigh. "Duh! The king gets the next biggest room." "Why don’t they sleep together?" "Because Ken snores a lot like daddy. So Barbie kicked him out." Aeryk laughs.
Aeryk slowly removes himself from his revelry as Brian takes the final turn and passes under a grand iron gate guarding a magnificent Georgian style mansion. Brian brings his Porsche to a stop behind an elegant Aston Martin and shuts off the car. Before Aeryk climbs out, Brian grabs his arm. "Aeryk," He begins seriously. "You know you can talk to me about anything. And, if you want too, we can head by the cemetery later." The strange electric sensation flashes through Aeryk’s body again at Brian’s touch. He looks at his friend and feels a smile creep up on him. He nods and says, "Thanks Bri." Brian smiles back and lets his friend go. There, that wasn’t so hard. At least he said something. The two emerge from the Porsche and walk up the marble steps toward the large mansion. Several balloons of various colors and countless streamers litter the thick pillars and balconies. "My mom never misses a chance to go all out for a birthday." Brian smirks. "I wonder who’s all here." They stop at the large double doors and Brian pounds on the door with his fist. Moments later the door swings open and Brian’s mother, Barbara, meets the two with a partial frown. "For a moment I thought it was the police." Her frown turns into a mischievous smirk. "Then I realized that the police have more manners than my son." She opens her arms and wraps them around Brian’s broad back. "How are you darling?" "As good as I can be." Brian responds pulling back. Barbara turns to Aeryk and gives him another hug. "And you Aeryk? How are you holding up today?" Aeryk smiles. "I’m surviving." Barbara pulls back and clasps Aeryk’s hands. "I can only hope to understand your pain Aeryk. You’re welcome here anytime." She says sincerely. Aeryk thanks Barbara and she escorts them into her house. "Your father’s in the study with his brother." She rolls her eyes. "They’re discussing the recent football game." "Okay, I’ll be right back Aeryk." Brian says walking off toward the den." "So, how are things within the F.Y., Aeryk?" Barbara asks as they walk into the lavishly decorated living room. The room looks like it was made out of clouds. Everything from the couches to the curtains was white, with the occasional gold accent. "Things are relatively slow, which is a good thing I guess you can say." Aeryk responds. Barbara nods her agreement. "Let me introduce you to everybody." He points to a couple. The man wearing a camel colored turtleneck shirt with blue jeans and the woman he’s with is wearing a light blue linen, sleeveless dress. From the similarities in their brown hair and blue eyes, and general facial features, Aeryk guessed them to be brother and sister. "Those two are Brian’s cousins Rachael and Ricky, from my side of the family." She points to another, older couple. Both in their late forties and wearing navy blue yachting suits. "Those two are Mr. and Mrs. Dubois." Barbara says trying to hold back the sound of distaste in her voice. "They belong to our yachting club. Very snooty people." She adds lowly and Aeryk grins. "But Brian’s father insisted they come." Barbara finishes pointing out various friends and relatives just as Brian joins them. "So, were they throwing fists?" Barbara asks sarcastically. Brian chuckles. "No, they’re just red faced right now. You can expect to hear objects crashing around in there soon, though." Barbara heaves out an irritated moan. "Alright, I’ll go pull those two apart." She walks off toward the study. "I’m starving, lets go find something to eat." Brian says as he walks off with Aeryk. "So, did you meet anybody?" "No, your mom just pointed out everybody." Aeryk says as they enter the vast expanse of the kitchen. This time, the theme of the room is cows. "I guess your mom has a thing for cows?" Aeryk asks, gazing around at the menagerie of cows. Brian rolls his eyes. "My mom has a thing for almost everything. Every room has a theme." He walks over to the counter and looks at the various finger foods. "You saw the den right? The theme there is ‘White Tranquility’, or so she says." Aeryk’s cell phone begins ringing and he pulls it out of his pocket. "Hello?" "Aeryk," A raspy voice calls from the other side. "It’s Jackie." Aeryk smirks. "Hey Jackie, glad to know you made it home alright." "Who said anything about me being home? I’m at Aaron’s right now." "What happened?" "I passed out the moment I entered his house, and I’ve got the welt to prove it." She lets out a moan. "So what’s going on? I hear people in the background." "Oh, I’m just over at Brian’s dad’s birthday party." "Really? You’re not going to the cemetery today?" Jackie asks surprised. "Nah, I’m gonna try and move on from it. It’s been too long a mourning period for me yah know?" "Good for you Aeryk." Jackie says. "But you should at least visit every once in a while." "I plan on doing that anyway Jackie, thanks though." "Hey, before I forget to tell you again, Chief wants us all over at his house tomorrow and throw a little welcoming party for the new kid. What’s his name again?" "Joe." Aeryk responds. "Oh yeah, right. Anyway, it won’t be until like around six." Aeryk sighs. "Okay, I’ll let Brian know." "Okay Aeryk," Jackie lets out a mighty yawn. "Damn this hangover of mine. I better get going, I’ll see you later okay?" "Alright Jackie, rest up. Bye." Aeryk hangs up and puts his cell phone back into his pocket. "Who was that?" Brian asks munching on some cheese and crackers. "Man, this cheese it good. Have some." He says handing Aeryk a small plate with cheese and crackers on it. "That was Jackie. She wanted to let us know that Chief is throwing a small welcoming party for Joe tomorrow at his house at around six." Brian nods. "Cool." He continues to inhale the various fruits, cheeses, and meats on the counter until his mother walked in. "Brian Johnson!" She cries. "Get your filthy hands out of the food this instant." "But mom, I’m hungry." He complains. "Wash your hands first you nasty spawn of mine." She jokes and shoos him away and turns to Aeryk. "I swear, that boy. Did you have something to eat yet Aeryk?" She asks sweetly. "Yes, thank you." He says showing her his plate. "Hey mom, Aeryk, come and check this out!" Brian calls from the study. Aeryk and Barbara walk into the study, a room full of books and a large mahogany desk, as Brian turns up the volume on the television inside. "President Miller and countless other citizens today in the capital, are gathering to mourn the loss of their loved ones during the fatal earthquake that shattered the world five years ago. Sadly, all of the developing nations and even those who were members of the super powered nations of the world suffered greatly due to the tragic event. Countless cities fell just moments after the quake began, even large parts of the continents collapsed into the sea. Let’s go now to the Presidents speech, now in progress." The picture on the television moved onto the President standing on a podium, giving a speech to the hundreds of people lining up at the newly created memorial placed in honor of those lost. "...even now, just a mere five years after the tragic event which brought this world closer together, the human race is thriving. The years of nonstop efforts to rebuild our lost cities have brought forth majestic icons that are proof to our unbreakable spirit. But our work is far from over. Even now the worlds top engineers and architects are coming together to further improve buildings and homes for our safety, should another earthquake of that magnitude ever occur again. New technologies are even now ..." Aeryk, silently, leaves the room as he heart begins to pound furiously. The earthquake that left him without a family or home. The earthquake that shattered his very being. Aeryk’s stomach lurches as he feels the floor shudder below his feet. "What was that?" He grabs his sister’s small hands and pulls her close to him. "Stay close Shelly." "Aeryk, Michelle," Their father calls as he, and the rest of the family rush over. "You alright?" "Yeah, what was that?" Aeryk asks. The floor in the toy store begins to shudder again, this time it didn’t stop. An earthquake. The people inside the store began to panic as the hanging lights begin to swing around and flicker. Several people push past the Green family in an attempt the escape the mall. "Everybody go!" Aeryk’s father calls and they begin to run. Aeryk lurches to a stop, and is nearly shoved over by a running man, as he feels his sister’s hand leaves his own. He turns back as looks at his sister, planted where she’s standing, terrified. He shoves his way back to the small girl and takes her hand. "C’mon Shelly, we need to get out of here." "I’m scared!" She wails, tears falling out of her eyes. "Where’s mommy!" "She’s waiting for us outside honey, we need to get going now." Aeryk says calmly, despite the panic rapidly consuming his body. There is a loud booming sound and horrified screams as Aeryk whirls around to see that, in the distance, a part of the roof has collapsed. The multi-level mall begins to swerve and shake violently and the freestanding shelves begin to fall around Aeryk and his sister, and she lets out another horrified scream. Aeryk tightens his grip on Michelle’s hand and forces her into a run. Suddenly, the roof just before them falls open and countless electric wires falls down, blocking their only chance to escape. Aeryk hears his mother let out a horrified gasp and screams out his name. "Oh please God no!" She cries. "Mommy!" Michelle cries and reaches out with her free hand to her mother. There’s another explosion of yells of pain and horror, meaning that more people have been entombed in rubble. Glass begins to shatter and Aeryk hears the crackle of electricity dancing before him, preventing him from moving on. Despite all the chaos around him, the world around Aeryk was silent. He gazes with hopeless eyes toward his mother, father, and younger brothers as they look back at him. He then looks down at his crying sister and picks her up and holds her close to his shaking body. "Aeryk!" His father calls. "We love you." The seven of them look at each other, and Aeryk sees his father, mother, Ryan, Justin, and Aaron hold each other close. Aeryk knew they would rather die than live on without him and his sister. Aeryk put his sister down and knelt beside her. "Hey, remember that place that I told you about? The place where Bups went, where she’ll be happy forever and ever." Michelle sobs and looks up at her older brother, of whom she adores. The memory of their beloved dog brings a slight smile to her face. "Yeah, I miss her." "How about we go pay her a visit." "Really?" She smiles. Tears burst from Aeryk’s eyes as his plan to soothe his sisters fears worked. "Yeah sweetie. Let’s go visit Bups." There is one final explosion of screams and falling rubble and Aeryk looks up just as the roof above him collapses. At that moment, time seems to slow down. He turns to his parents and brothers, all looking at Aeryk and Michelle in horror, and mouths the words, ‘I love you all’. He then sees his sister gazing up at him expectantly, not noticing the falling rubble. And then the insurmountable pain. The last thing he remembers before blacking out is the soft feeling of his sister’s hand. Aeryk wakes to hear the muffled sounds of men’s voices and a strange beeping sound. He can’t feel anything beside the sharp pain in his chest. Am, am I dead? Then there is a blinding light above him. Aeryk squints his eyes and tries to move out of the bright light above him. "Hey! We got a live one here!" A man bellows above him, kneeling down. "It’s gonna be alright guy. You’re just fine." What? I’m alive? He cries inside. "M-Michelle?" He gasps as he is pulled out from the rubble. "W-where’s my sister?" "It’s alright now sir, you’re gonna be alright. Put him on the stretcher." The man orders. As Aeryk is placed down on the stretcher he notices several more bodies being removed from the rubble around him. His eyes widen in horror as he sees the bright orange shirt with a little pink flower on it his sister was wearing. "Michelle?" He cries and tries to move, but is instantly restrained. "Michelle!" He yells and, despite the flash of pain in his entire body, he shoves the men off of him and stumbles over to the man carrying his sister. "What are you doing? Give her to me." He grabs at his sister’s little body and falls to his knees, cradling her in his arms. "Hey, Shelly." He whispers to the motionless body. "Hey, it’s me Aeryk." He chokes on a sob. "Shelly? Come on sweetie, it’s me." Michelle’s blue eyes flutter open and she turns to her brother and smiles faintly. "Hi Aeryk." She says. "Where’s Bups?" Aeryk’s heart leaps in his chest in relief. "Hey honey, I thought you left me." He leans over his sister’s small body. Michelle slowly turns her head up toward the night sky and smiles. "Oh, Bups." She whispers. "There you are. Have you been a good girl?" Aeryk looks down at his sister in horror. "Michelle?" He moans. "Please no!" "Aeryk, don’t you see her. She’s so happy to see us." She lets out a contented sigh, closes her eyes, and then dies in Aeryk’s arms. "Mich-elle?" Aeryk shakes his sister gently. "Oh, please God ... MICHELLE!"
After that day, Aeryk gradually learns that his aunts, cousins, uncles, and grandparents all died in that quake. Of all the thirty-eight people in Aeryk’s family, he was the only one to survive. He finds a flight of stairs and sits down, his breathing becoming labored as the horror he had to deal with back then assaults his mind with a vengeance. His Grandmother, a strong woman who bore nine children, was one of the most important women in Aeryk’s life. His Grandfather, who fathered those nine children, who took him and his siblings on countless adventures and opened up the world to them. His aunt Cathi and her husband Michael, though not large parts of Aeryk’s life, he always knew he could count on them whenever he needed someone wise to talk too. His uncle Terry and his wife Michelle, two of the most fun loving people Aeryk has ever met. He has found a unique attachment to those two and loved them with high esteem. His aunt Erin, her husband Clay, their twin daughters Brooke and Paige, their eldest daughter Jessica, and the boys Bo and Dillan. If there could ever be a family that resembled the strong bond Aeryk and his family had, they were the ones. Aeryk has more often than not ran to his aunt Erin whenever he found he couldn’t speak to anyone else. He trusted her immensely. And his cousin Jessica, only three years older than Aeryk, she and him were almost inseparable when growing up. And darling Paige, when she was just a baby, she would refuse to leave Aeryk’s side when he held her. It was often a joke brought up at family get togethers. His aunt Debbie and her husband Steve, and their kids Brittany, Blaine, Shane, and Scott. Aeryk knew, with Debbie, if he ever needed any spiritual guidance, she would welcome him with open arms. She was his Godparent. His aunt Diane and her husband Jeremy. Aeryk and Diane, who was only six years older than him, were like best friends. They would often go to country music concerts, see Jeremy in the rodeo, and several other events. She was once an officer of the law and Aeryk admired her very much, she is the reason he joined the F.Y. Police. His fiery aunt, Brenda and her children Sean and Amanda. She and Aeryk often shared enormous lengths of time laughing until their sides hurt and tears fell from their eyes. His uncle Kirk, Aeryk learned a lot about the generals of life through him. Finally, his uncle Paul and his wife Zhi, and their children Kirk, Alexandra, Joshua, and their unborn baby. Aeryk grew up not really knowing his uncle, which is another source of Aeryk’s anguish, not knowing that aspect of his life. His mother, Michelle, she was the single most important person in Aeryk’s life. This small woman brought about five strong children. Each with their own very different personality and persevered through the struggle of schooling and the constant arguing with her head held high. His father, Robin, a man who’s life growing up was an experience in itself. He grew up in the poor neighborhoods and dealt with parents who were never there, and elder siblings who tormented him. His brother Ryan, was like Aeryk’s second self. When younger, those two would think of the most cunning ways to wreak havoc on their poor mother. But as the two grew older, they started to separate. Aeryk, to this day, still pleads for Ryan to understand how much he loved him. His brother Justin, who had developmental problems, was as smart as the next kid. He would always find a reason to make anybody laugh in any situation. Aeryk still misses his goofy smile. His spirited brother Aaron, who was Aeryk’s comedian. The poor boy would purposely slam into a wall and fall dramatically, and make strange noises, which made Aeryk laugh no matter what his mood. And his beloved sister Michelle. The very light in Aeryk’s eye. He loved his sister above all his brothers. There was nothing in this world Aeryk would do to make sure she was safe and happy. "Aeryk?" A voice says gently. "Hey, buddy, are you okay?" Aeryk turns his tear filled eyes up and sees Brian kneeling before him. "I-I..." He couldn’t begin to utter his pain. Brian looks around quickly. "Hey, let’s go upstairs." Brian guides his friend upstairs into a room and shuts the door. "This used to be my room." He says softly. "No one will bother us here." Brian looks at his friend. "What’s the matter bud?" Aeryk sits down on the small bed and covers his eyes with his hands. "Fuck, Brian," He begins. "I can’t do this anymore." "Your family?" He asks tenderly. Aeryk nods his head slowly, he suddenly begins to feel very hot. "Watching the news, and remembering, seeing, what happened five years ago." He heaves out a shaky sigh. "I thought I was going to die Brian. I was ready to die!" He exclaims. "Why did I have to live and no one else? Why must I be alone?" He lowers his head and his whole body begins to shake uncontrollably. Brian kneels beside Aeryk. "You alright?" He notices small beads of sweat forming on Aeryk’s brow. "Stay right there Aeryk, I’m going to get something to help you calm down a bit." He rushes out of the room. What’s happening to me? Aeryk asks himself. I feel so strange, my body... He lies down on the bed and puts his hand to his forehead. "I’m burning up." He whispers. Aeryk remembers the look of concern in Brian’s eyes and the strange yearning for his friend’s body when Brian was close to him. "Am I?" He asks the ceiling. Despite all the mental arguing and reasoning, Aeryk reluctantly came to a conclusion. "Yeah, I guess I am." He turns on his side. But what do I do about Brian? God, I love him so much, but I don’t want to push him away from me. He’s the most important thing to me in the entire world. He’s all I’ve got. There’s the sound of heavy booted feet rushing up the stairs and Aeryk sits up on the bed just as Brian enters the room, holding two glasses of red wine. "Here," He says handing Aeryk a glass. "This should settle you down a bit. How are you feeling?" Aeryk takes a small sip of the wine and shivers slightly as the wine runs through his body. The shaking slowly ceases, but the fire in his mind still blazes. "I’m doing alright, I guess, thanks." Aeryk says meekly. "Hey," He finds a chair and pulls it up close to Aeryk and sits. "Wanna talk about it? It might help some." He gazes at his friend with warm brown eyes. God, your eyes are so beautiful. Who ever claims your heart Bri, is a lucky woman. Aeryk turns his blue eyes away for a moment. "I guess it’s just hard for me." "Damn right, it would be hard for anyone to loose his entire family bud." Brian says. "But there’s something else going on, what is it?" Aeryk’s stomach lurches. "Th-there’s nothing else I think. I’m just having a real tough time trying to find my place in the world. I’ve grown up for five years without parents to guide me, or any other family for that matter." He slowly rises to his feet and paces the room with Brian watching every step he’s taking. "Sometimes I feel like I’m some sort of failure to my family’s memory. I couldn’t finish college, like my parents were hoping for me to." He snorts. "Did you know I was supposed to be the first Green to ever graduate from college? Now, I’ll be the only Green." "Aeryk, don’t beat yourself up over that. I’m sure your family is very proud of you no matter what you do." Brian says tenderly. "You’re a caring, smart, and kind person. You’re a great asset to the F.Y. and have done a ton of shit for the city." He smirks. "What can I say about myself?" Aeryk manages a slight grin. "You’re not that bad Brian. You’ve been a good friend to me. Despite everything in my life, you’ve always been there for me." "Stop it, you’re making me blush." Brian jokes. "Seriously though, you are a great guy Aeryk." He stands and walks over to face his friend. "And a great friend. You’ve gotten me outta tons of problems in the past. You’ve dealt with me! I’m sure my parents would give you an award. Granted we have Jax and the others as friends bud, but if it all came down to one thing, I know you’ll be there standing with me." He smiles broadly, his brown eyes glowing with love. Aeryk’s blue eyes are caught in Brian’s for a moment before he turns away quickly. "Thank you." Is all Aeryk could say. "For your sake, you’d better do the same thing." He looks back up at his friend grinning. Brian laughs. "Much better." He says. "That’s the Aeryk I know." He opens up his arms to Aeryk, his brown eyes still shining. Aeryk, with some reluctance, embraces his best friend and relishes in the feeling of Brian’s thick, strong arms around his smaller back. There is that same, strange electric feeling surging through Aeryk’s body but he ignores it. Something compels Aeryk to look up at Brian. He hasn’t let go of me yet, why? He looks up into Brian’s eyes Brian smiles down at his friend and is startled by the sudden change in Aeryk’s eye color. "Your, um, eyes are really green all of a sudden." Why haven’t I let go of Aeryk yet? Why don’t I want to give him up? The same force that made Aeryk look up at Brian, slowly forces him rise up to meet with Brian’s lips. The two gently touch lips for a moment, then suddenly they feel each other’s tongues. Aeryk allows his mouth to open wider and give Brian’s sweet tongue access. They remain in each other’s arms, kissing with almost animal like passion. Brian’s tongue wrestling with Aeryk’s, each savoring the light taste of the red wine. What am I doing? Aeryk cries. Why can’t I stop? What’s going on here? Brian asks himself. Why am I doing this? He lets out a soft, deep moan as he feels a strange and exhilarating electric shock rush through his body.
I was born at daybreak
Never ending motion Brian places his large hands onto the back of Aeryk’s head and forces him deeper into his mouth. The two begin to breath deeper and with more passion, a fire sparks to life within their hearts. Brian’s eyes lurch open and he suddenly pulls away from Aeryk, panting for breath. There is a bright flash of lightning followed by a boom of thunder. Rain begins to pour outside in torrents. "What were you doing?" He gasps in shock. Aeryk gazes back at Brian, confused. "I-I don’t know." Brian presses his fingers to his lips. I can still feel him there. He looks up at Aeryk as a sudden anger flushes over him. "Brian?" Aeryk asks taking a step toward him. Brian puts up a warding hand. "J-just stay away." He rushes out of his room and down the stairs. Aeryk gasps in horror. "Brian, wait!" He calls rushing after his friend. Damn it Aeryk, you fucking idiot! Aeryk tears across the kitchen, receiving inquiring glances from Barbara and a few of the quests. Brian blasts out the front door and storms into the rain, followed closely by Aeryk. "Brian wait." Aeryk says. "I’m sorry." He says reaching for Brian’s arm. Brian wrenches his arm away and turns on Aeryk. "What the fuck happened in there?" "I don’t know Brian, I’m sorry." Aeryk replies. The rain pours mercilessly down on the two as the stand just beyond the cover of the house. "I can’t believe this Aeryk." Brian begins. "I just can’t fucking believe this!" He flails his arms in the air. "What are we supposed to do, huh?" Aeryk, frightened by the fury in Brian’s eyes, takes a step away. "I don’t know." "You don’t know?" Brian snaps. "Shit Aeryk. The fuck were you thinking?" "Look, I wasn’t alright?" Aeryk replies. "I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for it to happen!" "Yeah, right." Brian pauses a moment in an attempt to calm himself. "So, what’s with you huh?" Aeryk looks up at Brian in terror. Please don’t ask me that. "Well?" Brian asks impatiently. "Answer me!" He bellows.
What to do with this
love that I’m in? "I don’t know Brian." Aeryk replies, his heart pounding furiously. "I-I guess..." He stops himself. I can’t say it. I’ve pushed him far enough as it is. "You guess what?" Brian demands.
All alone as I wake Aeryk looks at Brian with pleading, scared eyes. "Please don’t make me..." "Answer me." He snaps, ignoring the small group of people looking at the argument from behind the windows. Aeryk gathers what little courage he has and says lowly. "I love you Brian." Brian’s eyes soften slightly as the anger inside him seeps away. "I’m sorry Aeryk, but I don’t love you that way." Aeryk’s heart bursts at the sound of those words and tears fall from his eyes, mingling with the rain on his face.
What to do with this
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