Date: Fri, 17 Apr 2009 23:13:16 -0400
From: Ethan Y <mr_e08@hotmail.com>
Subject: Noah and Jordan Chapter 6

The following story is a work of fiction - and does not represent any
living person. The story will in the future contain sex between two adult
consenting men. If you are a minor, or it is illegal in your area to read
the following story, please leave now. The author retains all rights to the
story. Please do not reproduce without prior consent.

---

Alright - thanks for all the feedback. Sorry for the delay in posting. I
will try to have chapter 7 out faster. If I've made any spelling or grammar
mistakes - please do excuse them. If you have anything to say about the
story or where it's going - any feedback, comments, questions, concerns - I
always love hearing from you guys - all comments are welcomed ... I can be
reached at mr_e08@hotmail.com.

Thanks for reading and enjoy.

Ethan.

Now enough of me and on to --- Chapter 6

*** NOAH ***

I feel like the energizer bunny on speed. I keep going and going ... and
going. Not stopping and not looking back. I'm out of breadth, but that
doesn't matter. I'm sprinting across campus. I need to get away. After I
said bye to Jordan and Sebastian I quickly made a getaway. My heart's
thumping so loud I can feel it throughout my body. I'm such an idiot! Why
the hell was I acting like such a school girl in front of Sebastian? What
the hell came over me? There's just something about him, the way he spoke
to me, interacted with me, and the way he looked at me .... ah man. And it
didn't help at all when Jordan told him I had been asking about him! Damn
that was embarrassing. I just wanted to crawl into a dark corner and never
come out. Then to top it off Sebastian had this grin plastered across his
face. He looked so pleased with himself. It gave me goose bumps.

As I am tormenting myself internally, I start to walk off campus and
towards the movie theatres. I want to be there early to meet Jenn. I have
no plan on standing her up for a third time in a matter of one week. She
was easy on me the second time but I know that won't be the case if it
happens a third time. With all the extra speed I've gathered it doesn't
take me long to get there. I'm actually here pretty early.

The theatre isn't really busy given it's a Wednesday night. Jenn should
have arrived by now but I have a feeling she's going to be late. When she
finally does arrive it's just in the nick of time. I know she's trying to
get back at me and make me wait like she waited for me on the weekend. Much
to my dismay - and I'm sure to her evil delight - she chooses a chick
flick. I want to argue with her, I even have an argument prepared, but I
decide to let it go.

In terms of the movie, well, the next two hours are like a slow dull
death. You long for death but it never comes - always just a bit further
then the tip of your finger. Every time it seems like the movie is about to
end, and your soul will finally be free ... it doesn't. Instead it turns,
going down another pointless direction. Oh no! Now the dumb girl can't find
her stupid shoes to match her dress, what ever will she do? Talk about a
dilemma. You would think a romantic comedy would have at least some funny
scenes in it. Nope, not this one. Well at least in all of this there is one
highlight ... a small silver lining. I can tell Jenn is as miserable as I
am.

"So did you enjoy the movie?" She asks when we're out of the theatre.

"Yeah, best movie ever." I reply was as much sarcasm I can muster.

"I know wasn't it? Oscar worthy no?"

"Spare me - I know even you hated it." I say shooting her a look.

"Holy crap I didn't think it would ever end! Both the guy and the girl were
so annoying. I was actually hoping they wouldn't get together in the end."
She says.

"If I was that guy I would have dumped that girl in the first five minutes
of the movie. She was such high maintenance - just like you."

"Haha you're so funny. Trust me I'm not high maintenance. You should see
some of the other girls I know and what they make their boyfriends do for
them. Even I want to slap them sometimes. Some of them can be really
something. Then they try to withhold sex so the guys will do what they
want. Trust me, I remember all the drama between you and Stacey. I was so
happy when you broke up with her."

I do remember all the drama with Stacey. When we were together at first it
was a lot of fun, we would go out and just enjoy each others company. That
only really lasted for a few weeks. After she wouldn't want to go out - or
she would always want to go when I didn't. And she became so picky about
where we would go. Nothing was good enough any more. And if I was busy -
like writing an exam- then I was avoiding her on purpose. I was really
relieved when we broke it off. Several times Jenn tried to give me a
reality check but I was too dumb to listen. Being with Stacey was safe. I
knew her and I had gotten used to being with her. I guess I always had this
illusion in my head that things would go back to the way they were
originally. But even when I realized that was just a delusion - I still
hung on because being alone would mean perhaps I would have to deal with
emotions I wasn't ready to think about.

"Well what are you going to do? Us guys just have to put up with your
kind." I say.

"I know that's the leverage we hold over you guys. You're stuck with
us. Unless you just ditch us all together and jump the boat - hook up with
a guy instead. Much less drama that way." She says.

I know she didn't directly say that to me. She was just rambling on as
usual, but it felt really weird when she did. I'm not even sure why but
when she said it I thought of Jordan. But I quickly get the image out of my
head and look at Jenn. "Why don't I push you off a boat?"

"You're so funny ... and sadly you're even funnier than that damn movie!
Does the director even know what romantic comedy means. It should at least
be partly funny!"

"Well it serves you right for trying to get back at me. You just wasted two
hours of your life too." Seeing how annoyed she is with herself it almost
feels like I won after all in the end.

"True but at least I got to see some hot shirtless men in the movie. You
wanna know who else is really hot?"

"Who?" I say back to her without much enthusiasm.

"Joooordan."

The way she says his name I know it's too annoy me. I only respond by
saying, "uh-huh." But deep down inside I am hoping she'll drop the subject.

"Why didn't you tell me he was hot before when I asked?" She says slapping
me on the arm.

"I don't check out guys." That was the easiest answer. I didn't tell her he
was good looking because I didn't want to talk to her about him.

"So when are you going to introduce me to him?"

"You're crazy if you think that's going to happen."

"What - why not? He's single - so am I. And clearly you like hanging out
with him so he has to be half-decent. What's the problem?"

"I'm not a match maker - and besides he just got out of a serious
relationship. I don't think he's ready to jump back in just yet."

I had no idea if that was true - but it was all I had. I didn't want Jenn
hooking up with Jordan for a number of reasons. It would be weird if they
hooked up because then I would be the odd one out. And besides he was an
outside friend - someone not in the circle of people I always met with and
I wanted to keep it like that. And if it didn't work out between the two -
or he declined to go out with her - then it would make everything
awkward. It was in everyone's best interest to drop it. But knowing Jenn I
knew she wouldn't. She would get herself at least introduced one way or
another. I knew that much for sure.

------

Monday morning. A new day and a new week. I would love to say I woke up
fresh and ready to face the world - but I didn't. I'm running late -
again. Those restless nice where I just lay in bed have returned with full
force. All night long I stare at my ceiling thinking about the last few
weeks and how this year has been so different. I should be happy. School is
going well - things with Jenn are great - and I've made some new
friends. But there is something troubling me. Anyways I can think about
that now - I have to get to class.

I start sprinting down the hallway almost tripping along the way. This prof
I have is a hard ass. He stops and points out your late to everyone while
they all stare at you. It's happened twice already (even thought this is
only the fourth week of classes) and I didn't want it to happen again. I
have about 2 minutes to get to class. I just have to round this corner and
then ... shit! I stop dead in my tracks. I quickly look around and go back
behind the corner. He didn't see me. I'm sure of it. Right, he didn't. He
was looking down, how could he have? Even though my class is only a few
metres away I decide to go around the corridor. It will take me a few
minutes and I will be late for sure but its worth it. I really don't want
to run into Sebastian. I know I'm being dumb. He probably doesn't even
remember me from last week. But I just don't want to see him and make a
fool of myself for the second time in a row.

By the time I enter into the classroom I'm about five minutes late. As
expected the prof stops.

"So nice of you to join us. Please go ahead, I'll wait while you take your
seat." What fun.

I mouth the word "sorry" as I take a seat.

What a great way to start a new week.

-----

Home sweet home. There's no place like it. No chance of running into anyone
here.

After grabbing a bite to eat I change into some comfy clothes and climb
into bed with a book. Tonight I just want to relax and read.

Of course that doesn't last long. I'm really at an interesting point when
the phone starts to ring. Great timing! It's probably just Jenn. She has a
talent for calling at the worst time possible. I'll talk to her later.

But it keeps ringing. Whoever it is really wants to reach me it seems. I
should at least check who it is. I grab my phone and look at the caller
display: Jordan. This is the first time he's ever called me. Perhaps it's
important. I'm about to flip open my phone when it stops ringing.

I open it anyway and call him back.

"Hey man!" He says with a lot of enthusiasm.

"Hey sorry, I was away from the phone. You called?" I try not to sound too
curious - even though I really am.

"Yeah I did. But it's not a bad time for you is it? You're not busy are
you?"

Nope, nothing. I have no real life. I'm reading a book! Of course I don't
say that. I don't want to sound like a pathetic looser.  "No, nothing I
can't do later. What's up?"

"Ah, I wanted to ask you something."

If I was curious before - well now I'm on pins and needles. He says the
last line with a bit of hesitation in his voice. It sounds big and
important. Even though I wouldn't say we were best friends or anything we
definitely had become friends in the last two weeks since we met. In
English class on the previous Friday, the entire time we just sat and
talked the whole way through. The prof actually told us to shut up or get
out mid-way through the class. Even though it was pretty embarrassing at
the same time it was amazing. I was never the person who would be talking
in class with their friends. I was always the nerd listening intently and
passing judgement on those who talked. But that day I felt ... I felt
... alive. It was different - I was different. I was doing things I hadn't
done before. I don't think I have ever laughed so much during an English
class. My stomach was in pain because I was trying so hard not to laugh out
loud. And even though I was telling Jordan to stop, he wouldn't. He kept
going on and on, sending me over the edge each and every time. I had no
idea he could be so funny. At first he was more reserved and I could tell
he had some anger and unresolved issues with his ex-girlfriend. But in the
last two weeks he seems to have taken on a new grasp of life. He seems like
a completely different person - a person I am increasingly enjoying
spending time with.

"Yeah, ask away ... "

*** JORDAN ***

I need to stop staring at my phone. All day long I've contemplated calling
him. Usually I would just call John but with everything that happened last
weekend I still wasn't really on speaking terms with him. I had tried to
get in touch with him a few times but to be honest I wasn't really trying
much. We had met a few times since but there wasn't the same understanding
between us. In terms of Eli - well, we were never really good friends to
begin with. He is more like John's shadow. They come as a package. And
truth be told I actually want to call Noah. I know it might seem odd
because I've only known him for two weeks - but I do tend to make friends
quickly. And with Noah its just been a really weird friendship so far. As a
classmate he's done more for me than most of my friends have. He helped me
with my foot, brought me food and overall he's just been a really good
listener. I was really starting to feel like I could trust him.

Even he seems like he is opening up to me. At first he was really shy and
reserved but that's changed in this last week. It's almost odd to think we
would be friends. I'm the loud, social guy who is always smiling. Noah is
shy, quiet and just hurries along the hallway. I barely ever see that guy
smile. But I did on Friday. Not only did I make him smile but I made him
laugh - and did he laugh! That guy was peeling over on the floor. It was
nice to think that I could actually do something nice for him once. I know
I should have stopped when the prof told us to shut up but I just couldn't
help myself. I don't think I have ever laughed that much in an English
class before. It was just so easy for me to be myself around him and not
someone else. With John and Eli I sometimes feel like I put on a facade or
I'm just jumping on to the bandwagon. But with Noah I feel more like
myself. And I like teasing him.

Okay - enough. I'm going to call him. I pick up the phone and dial his
number. It rings .... and rings ... and rings. I keep thinking he's going
to pick it up so I wait, but I'm sure he isn't by his phone. Oh well I
guess it was a dumb plan anyways. He was probably going to say no so all
the better.

And then the phone rings.

"Hey man!" I say that with way too much enthusiasm.

"Hey sorry, I was away from the phone. You called?"

"Yeah I did. But it's not a bad time for you is it? You're not busy are
you?" I was really hoping it wasn't a bad time.

"No, nothing I can't do later. What's up?"

I hesitate for a moment, my voice is not as strong as I thought it was when
I first called. Suddenly all of that energy I had seems to be
disappearing. "Ah, I wanted to ask you something."

"Yeah, ask away ... " he says.

"Um, I was wondering if you're free tomorrow night and if you wanted to
... " I take a deep breadth. I don't know why I'm so nervous. This isn't
like me at all. " ... If you wanted to, uh, come to our first volleyball
game?"

Okay. Done. That wasn't so bad was it? Since I wouldn't be playing in the
game - thanks to my foot - I would be sitting and watching with the
crowd. I could sit with the team but I thought that would be depressing
because I would just be sitting on the bench the whole time. I didn't even
have to go but I definitely wanted to go and cheer them on. I thought it
would just be a lot easier for me if one of my friends came along with
me. Most of my other friends were my teammates who would be playing.

I continue rambling, " ... it's okay if you're busy and can't make it, I
understand, it's just since I won't be playing I'll be watching from the
stands and I thought perhaps you would want to join me and watch with me
but you don't have to if you're busy, which you probably are, and you know
what, I'm sure you're busy anyways. It's fine you don't really need to
come, I should be fine on my own ... "

"Jordan," he says in a soft, calm voice, cutting me off. "I didn't say
no. I actually would love to come and cheer on our school team. You know
show some school spirit. In fact, I was actually planning of going to the
game in the first place. So we might as well go together. I thought I told
you I am a fan of the school team."

"Really? What's our team called?"

"Uh ... oooh, the, um, the ... um .... the Lions?"

"The Hawks."

"Lion, hawk, who can really tell the difference?"

I let out a short laugh and smile. Here's a guy I don't know too well and
yet he understands me. He could tell I was hesitant and nervous to ask him
and he changed the topic and made it about him. He tried to make the
situation less awkward for me - which if it were John would have made it
even more awkward. And I know I could have made it easy on him - and not
pointed out the fact that I knew he was lying. But as I said - I do like
teasing him.

"Thanks man." I say.

"Why are you saying thanks? I'm not coming for you. I'm there to support
the team. It's all about the team."

"Alright so I'll see you at the game."

"Sure." He sounds rather unsure of himself

"You have no idea when it is do you?"

"Nope."

"But I thought you said you were planning on going?" I just couldn't give
this opportunity up.

"Dude shut up and just tell me the day"

"Fine, fine. Tomorrow at 7 in the main Gym."

"Okay - I'll see you then." He says.

"You do know where the main Gym is right?"

"I'm not that helpless."

"I'm not too sure about that."

"See you tomorrow."

"Bye."

Perhaps the game wouldn't be so bad after all.

-----

I would love to say the gym was packed with supporters but like most nights
it's half empty. Volleyball just doesn't have the same number of loyal fans
as others sports at the university does. It's a shame too because our team
has really improved a lot since last year.

Most of the guys are sitting at the bench getting warmed up. The coach is
giving them his last ditch effort to whip the team into shape. He's
probably telling them to remember to work as a team, fill the holes and
call for help when you need it. Before every game it's the same speech. If
only my stupid foot was better! I have an appointment next week to see the
doctor. He should tell me then how many more days or weeks I would have to
wear this thing. Even though it has been two weeks I'm still having a lot
of trouble with these crutches. I also am starting to run low on cash
because I've taken time off from my part-time job.

As I'm looking around the gym I notice Noah enter. I wave him over to where
I am. He really is a klutz. He's almost fallen twice already. Perhaps he is
right and any type of hand-eye or foot and eye co-ordination isn't his
thing. And down he goes. Ouch that looks like it hurt. Even from this
distance as he tries to fumble his way through the crowd I can see he is
sporting a new t-shirt with the volleyball team's logo on it.

"Hey - you okay?"

"Yeah it's nothing. They make these bleachers so narrow it's hard to really
balance on them."

"Someone's all dressed up for the occasion." I just had to tease him.

"Me? What this old thing," he says pointing to his shirt, "I've had this
for years now."

"Right and that's why you forgot to take off the tag?"

"Shit, I thought I took that off ... " He starts to look for a tag on his
shirt. Of course there isn't one. I just wanted to see his reaction. It
confirms my initial hunch - he has just gotten it. I start to laugh.

"What?" He says. "There's no tag is there."

"Nope."

"Damn you."

"So when did you really get the shirt?"

"Fine, I got it today. You really couldn't just let it be could you?"

"Nope."

He looks so funny the way he is blushing. It was nice of him to really show
he wanted to be here. Of course I knew he wasn't a big fan - but the way he
went about trying to get involved was nice. I guess he really did sense I
was being self-conscious yesterday when I asked him to come. And I really
did appreciate how he was making this about the team and not me. At the
same time I could make this easier on him and not pick on his shirt - but
where's the fun in that? I know if I had asked John to come he would have
never been as supportive. He doesn't really consider volleyball a spectator
sport unless it's beach volleyball with girls in bikinis.

Soon enough the game gets underway. At first my team is doing pretty well
though the other team starts to build an early lead. Not to sound conceited
or anything - my team just isn't doing as good without me. It kind of makes
me feel good and bad at the same time. Bad that they're losing but good to
know that I am a vital member on the team. Their main weakness seems to be
communication. Several times the ball has fallen in open holes because
someone thinks someone else is going to get it. Since I'm out of the game
there is a sub playing in for me. He usually doesn't get much court
time. So far he's missed the ball several times thinking someone else was
going to get it. I can tell there is a bit of frustration in the air.

"Are you enjoying the game?" I ask turning to Noah.

"Yeah it's a lot of fun to watch. Though it would be nice if we were
winning."

"I know. They're just not communicating with each other like they should."

"Yeah the other team keeps aiming for the holes and it seems to be
working. Especially around that guy," he's pointing to the sub.

"Yeah he doesn't usually play much. That would be me playing really, if it
wasn't for my foot."

"Well then I'm sure you guys would have been winning."

"You're giving me a lot more credit then I deserve."

"Perhaps, but take it and run with it. Or, um, in your case - hop with it."

I give him a mock smile to indicate to him how he's so not funny. I must
say I'm glad I asked him to come.

By half time we've already lost two sets. We still have a few more to go so
I'm not throwing in the towel just yet - but I must admit it's not looking
to good right now.

A few of my teammates come up to me to ask how I am doing. Most of them
have gone back down to the bench when Sebastian walks up to us.

"Enjoying the game sitting on your lazy ass?" He says coming up to me.

"Haha, you know I would be out there if I could."

"Noah I tell you any excuse to take a break - this guy will take it."

"Well it looks like you sure could use me out there tonight." I say back to
him.

"Yeah man, we're getting our assess handed to us. Noah, trust me, we're
usually not this bad."

"I never said you were. You guys are playing really well." Noah says.

"Nah, you don't need to be modest," Sebastian says back. "So are you at
least enjoying the game?"

"Yeah I am. It's a lot of fun to come and watch." Noah replies.

"Well you should come by more often then, we would love to see you."

"Thanks." Noah barely whispers the word. Wow he really is a shy and
reserved guy.

Sebastian stays around for a while talking about the game and strategies to
win. The whole time Noah is awfully quiet. I'm not sure if he is just
bored, confused or just really that shy.

"Alright man, I gotta get back. A few of us guys are going to get together
after the game. You should come. Oh and Noah you're welcome to come along
as well." Sebastian says.

"Yeah just call me after the game and let me know where you're all going."
I say.

"Sure. Oh and yeah Noah you should be more careful when walking on the
bleachers. You don't want to fall like that again. Bye."

Noah looks like a dear caught in headlights. He's just frozen there staring
as Sebastian goes back down to join the team. If he was blushing before -
now he had flushed several shades of red.

"Sebastian's a great guy," I say.

"Yeah he seems nice." Noah says.

Well I would love to say we won - but we didn't. Our first game and our
first loss. I really tried to convince Noah to come out with us after the
game but he was insistent on going home. Something about school work and
how it was already late and a school night.

"Okay - I'll see you in class tomorrow. And oh - how about we meet on
Thursday for lunch. We can finalize our topic for our presentation and then
on Friday let the prof know." I say to him as he gets ready to leave the
gym.

"Sure, sounds good."

"Okay see you tomorrow."

*** NOAH ***

"Hey Jenn. Yeah I'm in the library right now. Um, 8th floor at the
back. Yeah I'm saving a table for us. No it's not busy - it's actually
dead. No one's around and it's quiet. Ok. No I don't mind waiting five
minutes. Take your time. Ok. See you in a bit. Bye."

I shut my phone and place it on the table. I usually don't use my phone in
the library but I honestly feel like I am the only one here. It is dead -
not a soul in site. Jenn and I thought about just getting some work done
today during our lunch hour. I had English class with Jordan in 2 hours.

Speaking of Jordan, last night I went to his first volleyball game. I was
actually kind of surprised he invited me to come - but I'm really glad he
did. It was a lot of fun to watch and to just hang out with him. But of
course I have to make an ass of myself one way or another. I can't believe
I fell in the bleachers. I was trying so hard to be careful too. I swear
they make those things for you to fall on purpose. And then - my luck - of
course I forgot Sebastian would be there. And of course - he had to see me
fall! Damn! And then he says it before he leaves with a smirk on his face.

I was also really surprised Sebastian invited me to their volleyball get
together. Even though Jordan kept asking me to come I really didn't want to
be the odd one out. And besides Jordan would be with his friends and I
didn't know anyone so it would be weird. I also still wasn't ready to face
Sebastian just yet. There was something about him that just made me start
acting like an idiot. And knowing me I would have done something or said
something really stupid in front of everyone. Honestly I have the worst
luck.

"Hey."

I almost jump out of my seat. I know that voice. This time I have no where
to run - I'm trapped. I slowly turn my head around. Perhaps I am crazy and
just hearing voices in my head.

No - I'm not crazy. He's right before me beaming with confidence. Standing
there erect and tall before me, wearing dark faded jeans, a snug t-shirt
which shows off his defined muscles, his bag flung over his left shoulder,
sunglasses perched on his slick hair, and a smile that showcases teeth that
seem too white to be real. Honestly he looks like he just walked straight
out of a magazine.

"Hi ... Sebastian."

Where the hell did he come from? I had picked a spot with no one around
me. This side of the library is always empty - always. It's the perfect
spot to be alone and get some work done. And now here I was alone with
him. I wonder how many times I will make an ass of myself this time.

"Do you mind if I sit down?"

YES, YES, YES!! I think internally.

"No of course not."

How could anyone say no to that soft, deep voice coupled with his eyes
staring right into you. No! Don't sit beside me! Damn it. I try to nudge my
seat back but it's no use. The legs barely move on the carpet. Stupid cheap
chairs and cheap carpet.

"So did you enjoy the game last night?"

"Yeah, yeah .... ah, it was great. Sorry you lost though."

"Nah it happens. We just need more practice. So how come you didn't come
with Jordan for some drinks after?"

His voice is so seductive. Shit - get your head together man!

"I ... I had to, uh, work for school." Wow now I can't even put together a
simple sentence!

"Oh that's a shame. We were all hoping to see you." He says.

I've realised looking right at him doesn't work. I lower my head down and
place my hand on the book in front of me on the table.

"Oh, well the team doesn't really know me ... so I didn't want to intrude
... "

I barely get the last word out. Okay, my heart is going to stop. Maybe it
already has. It's really hot in here all of a sudden. I'm sweating more
than I ever have. My breadth quickens. My chest is heaving. The world seems
to stop as he puts his hand on top of mine and his leg brushes against my
knee. He leans in closer to me and just inches from my ear he whispers, "I
was hoping you would have come ... "

Oh crap.

-----

Well that's the end of this chapter. Until next time folks! Comments,
questions or feedback ... mr_e08@hotmail.com. Ethan.