Date: Sun, 12 Oct 2014 15:32:16 -0700
From: andy dearth <andyistiredoftimeandspace@gmail.com>
Subject: Rings and Promises #29 by Kane

*Chapter Twenty-Nine: The Eff!*


 *[Author's Note: *So what did you guys think? Loved it? Hate it? Think it
needed a little something? Well let me know, because your thoughts matter
to me. So my dear lovelies, this story is about to come to an end. I mean,
not this very chapter, but soon. Anyway, if you liked this story and want
me to write something else then please say so. I actually have an idea for
another one but...well...I dunno. Anyway ENJOY! Love you! K, thanks bye.*]*


 *Seth P.O.V*


 So much time has passed since Brett's proposal. There were so many good
times after that it was all so amazing. I watched everything play past me
like an old movie on a projector. I was so happy with my life I couldn't
even begin to imagine it without the people I've come to love more than
anything. "Seth, what's up?" Vulcan asked as he snapped me out of my
thoughts. "I'm just really happy for you guys, you know?" Vulcan did know.
Because he was also very happy. He got to know and feel love on a very
different level, and it all started with this little boy in front of us.
This little boy who had it so rough, was now the most important person in
our lives. "I really love you guys." I muttered. The only one who seemed to
hear me was Aiden. He turned around and smiled at me. He grabbed my hand
and gave it a squeeze, letting me know he loved me too.


Here we are, standing outside Lee's office, about to find out if we
graduate or not. Aiden was our moral support. "Dudes I'm freaking out!"
Brett said. "Why? Your grades are fine." Aiden said as he waved off Brett's
panic. "Yes but I did go through a brief jackass period remember? My
permanent record must be shit." Brett said as he leaned on Aiden. "Pray for
me little one." Aiden laughed. "Don't worry you're going to graduate." Lee
came out then and looked at the crowd. "Before I start I just wanted to let
you all know that this school year was the best one I've ever experienced."
He looked at Vulcan and smirked. He held his arms out like the pope did.
"Congratulations to all of you." There was a loud cheering and suddenly
papers and binders were being thrown in the air. Vulcan went and jumped on
Lee. "I love you, you crazy old bastard!" Lee chuckled and returned the
hug. "Gonna miss you Magnus." Vulcan just grinned. "Don't worry, I'll
visit." Lee feigned panic. "Please don't..." They laughed after brief
silence. I sighed in relief. "Oh thank god I'm graduating." Aiden grinned.
"See? I told you." I ruffled his hair. "When I go off to college I'm gonna
miss you like hell." Aiden hugged me. "I love you Seth." I smiled and
returned the hug. "Love you too little bro...I really do." Exams were over,
we were graduating, my buddy was engaged, and whether or not I get accepted
to any of the colleges I applied to, I know I did my best so I won't have
any regrets. Now, it was time to get down and PARTY! "No we are not
partying." Vulcan said suddenly. I jumped and began to wonder if he was
reading my mind. "What why not!?" Oh, he was talking to Brett. Phew, for a
second there I thought Vulcan was psychic. "C'mon, it'll be fun! We can
have it at my house. Please? Pretty please?" Brett pouted. Vulcan sighed in
defeat. "Fine...what time?" Brett brightened. "Starts at eight. See ya
tonight bro!" With that he ran off, probably to go find Eli. "So I guess
we're partying tonight?" I asked. Vulcan sighed. "Guess so."


I spent the rest of the day by myself. I needed some me time. I figured I
should give Vulcan and Aiden their space. I'm sure they've had enough daily
doses of Seth. I walked around town, because I knew that I would be leaving
here soon. If not for college, then to travel. Even if I had to take it one
bus ride and one plane ride at a time. I was going to find my own way.
Having loving parents, awesome friends, and all in all just a sweet life, I
was the happiest SOB alive. I walked everywhere, stopping at a few parks
for little breaks or to get something to eat or drink. I was just content.
As I kept walking, I found Eli at a tailor shop. I didn't even know we had
one of those. I decided to say hello so I walked in. He turned around and
his face brightened. "Seth, dude I would so hug you if there weren't pins
in this jacket!" I laughed. "The hug can wait then. Wouldn't want you
poking me." I said with a wink. "Someone might get jealous." He scoffed and
rolled his eyes. The tailor on the other hand did not seem to find my humor
at all enjoyable. Eli shrugged the jacket off and handed it to the tailor.
"That would be lovely Martin thank you." Martin the tailor grunted and took
the jacket from Eli. "Well aren't you the little rich boy." I said as Eli
brother hugged me. He smacked my arm. "Shut up, it's for your graduation."
I rubbed my arm and laughed. "Hey wanna go get some pizza? My treat." Eli
said as he grabbed his jacket from the coat rack. I nodded. "Yeah sure, I
could eat."


So we went to this little pizzeria that I didn't even know we had.
Seriously, I've really gotta pay attention to my surroundings. Either that
or I need to get out more. We ordered the house special and a couple of
cokes and just relaxed in our booth. "So, how does it feel to be engaged?"
I asked. Eli blushed. "It's amazing. Like serious awesome-sauce." He played
with the ring on his finger. "I wonder how long Brett has had that." I said
as I eyed it. Eli blushed a shade darker. "He said he's had it since his
dad's um...incident...yeah." I arched a brow. "Oh...okay...no wonder he
panicked." Eli looked up. "What do you mean?" "Well you know before he
proposed he couldn't even form coherent sentences?" Eli nodded. "Yeah, I
think that's why. When you jokingly asked him if he didn't wanna marry you,
you may have set his mind at ease then." Eli still looked confused.
"Because to him it was a sign that you accepted everything, even his jerk
father's situation." Then the tears started. "Oh..." Eli said as he put a
shaky hand over his mouth. "Oh geez, please don't. I meant it in a good
way." I said in a panic. Eli laughed and wiped away the tears. "I know, I'm
just..." "Happy? Touched? Wildly in love with Brett?" I added, finishing
his sentence for him. Eli laughed again and nodded. "Yeah, all of the
above." The pizza came and we dug in. It was so warm and the cheese was all
melted so it was just a gooey mess. I was a happy boy.


*Aiden P.O.V*


 So here I am lying next to Vulcan. He is sleeping so soundly, the faintest
hint of a smile on his face, and here I am just staring at him. He's so
beautiful. His blond-auburn hair, his beautiful bare skin, his full lips,
and that beautiful smile. I felt my face heat up. I'm so in love. "What are
you doing to me?" I whispered as I ran my thumb over his cheek. I snuggled
closer to him and let his warmth wash over me. My eyes started to close and
my body relaxed. I was then greeted by wondrous darkness and I began to
dream.


I've had this dream before. The one where I'm standing in a dark space and
watching my life go by in the form of images. "Aiden." That voice. That
voice I've missed so much. "Lorelei?" I turned, looking for the source of
her voice. Just then a pair of arms wrapped around me. They were warm and
comforting. "My baby boy is all grown up." I immediately wanted to cry.
"Mama..." I could feel her body pressed up against mine in a full hug.
"You've found happiness in its truest form." She said, her voice so soft
and melodic, like a beautiful melody from a music box. "Are you real?" I
asked. She chuckled. "About as real as I can be. I just wanted to visit
you. I'm so proud of you." Her hug grew tighter. "Be happy Aiden. I want
you to always smile and laugh. I'm so happy that you've met the people you
have in your life today." "Mama, can I look at you?" I asked. She let go. I
took that as an okay and turned around. What I was saw was amazing. She
hadn't changed at all. She was as beautiful as the day she left me. "I'm so
glad I got to see you." She said as she began to fade. "Mama wait!" I said
as I reached out for her. But instead of grabbing her hand, I grasped
someone else's, and then I woke up.


"Dude are you okay?" Vulcan asked. My hand was outstretched as if I were
reaching for something and he was holding it, he was the one who grabbed my
hand in the dream. "I'm fine. I was dreaming." "Was it bad?" He asked,
tightening his hold on my hand. "No...it was just...nostalgic I suppose." I
replied, pulling him to me. I kissed him full on the mouth. He chuckled
into the kiss and slowly pulled away. "I love you." He said as he caressed
my cheek. I smiled up at him, grabbing his hand and bringing it to my lips.
"I love you too." He kissed me till I couldn't breathe, and even then I
didn't want to pull away. Vulcan, I love you more than you can ever imagine.


*Brett P.O.V*


 Party is all set! Food, sodas, booze, music, and lots of space for
dancing. I doubt many people will come, but as long as the people who
matter most show up it's going to be a party. Just then the door bell rang.
When I went to answer the door, I was surprised to see who was on the other
side. "Nick?" My former team mate just looked at me. "Uh, yeah...can I come
in?" Let's see...how about no!? "Please man? I kinda need to talk to you."
I sighed and moved aside. "If this is some sort of trick to ambush me
AGAIN, then be prepared because I'm so fucking over it that I'll beat the
absolute shit outta all of you." Nick didn't say anything. "I heard you're
having a party." He said after a minute of silence. "Why are you here
Nick?" I asked, wanting him to leave as soon as possible. "I, um...I just
wanted to apologize." He said. I arched a brow. "What?" He looked fidgety
and couldn't even keep eye contact for more than three seconds. "I wanted
to apologize. I was a dick and I'm sorry." I still couldn't believe it.
"Why huh? Why are you here all of a sudden?" Nick sighed. "This guilt is
driving me insane man!" Ah, so that's why. His conscience was giving him
hell and he was here to quiet it. "Okay fine, apology accepted." I said.
His face immediately changed. "Are you serious?" He asked. I nodded and
folded my arms over my chest. "Yeah I am. I accept your apology, now please
leave." Nick nodded. "I suppose I deserve that." He said as he made his way
to the door. "Thanks man." He said, a slight smile on his face. I almost
felt guilty...almost. "You're welcome." As he opened the door, there was
Eli and Seth standing on the front porch. "Uh...hi?" Seth looked like he
wasn't sure how to handle Nick's presence. Nick waved and walked passed
them. "Are you okay?" Eli asked. I nodded. "Come in."


It started with just the three of us and then Vulcan and Aiden showed up.
Soon more and more people showed up and we found ourselves with a full
house. "Who are these people!?" I yelled over the blaring music. "The
graduating class!" Vulcan yelled back. Dubstep blared throughout my house.
There were people making out, getting drunk, and eating up all the food.
"Hey have you seen Seth!?" Vulcan yelled. I shrugged and looked around. I
found him making out with some girl and groping her boob. I tapped Vulcan
on the shoulder and pointed to where Seth was. Vulcan laughed and choked a
little on his beer. "You got condoms on you?" He asked. I nodded. "Why?" He
pointed at Seth. "Because he is definitely getting lucky tonight! Where are
they, I'll text him." He pulled out his phone. "There are some in my room,
first door upstairs on the right." He typed down everything I said and sent
it. We looked to Seth to find him pause his make out session. He looked for
us. When he saw us he waved and pointed to his phone, giving us a thumbs
up. I laughed and shook my head. I've made some pretty weirdly awesome
friends. The party raged. The cops were called twice because of the noise
and someone threw up in my mom's flower pot on the front porch. The party
lasted till the wee hours and even then there were still some people
getting their drunk on. This is the greatest night ever.


*Seth P.O.V*


 Aw my head, the eff! "Yup...great party." I said as I sat up. I looked
around to find myself still in Brett's house. I then heard a small groan
and felt something shift beside me. I looked and found that girl I was
making out with last night. "Are you okay?" I asked as I carefully shook
her awake. She woke up and smiled. "Yeah...I'm fine. I suppose I should get
dressed and leave." "I think we both need to do that." I said, looking
around. She chuckled and got up. "Last night was fun." She said. I smiled.
"Hey, um...just so I know that I really did...did I use protection?" She
laughed and nodded. "Yeah you did...even if you didn't, I'm on the pill so
there's nothing to worry about." She got dressed and gave me a hug. "Bye."
With that she walked out the door. I debated whether or not to get dressed.
I decided to give it a few.


A few turned into an hour and I was still half naked. "Are you awake?" I
looked up and saw Brett coming down the stairs. "You macked out pretty hard
last night." He said with a laugh. "You depleted my condoms." I arched a
brow. "Are you serious? With just one girl?" Brett laughed harder.
"Yup...nympho. When you finally screwed her into unconsciousness, you
passed out too." Damn, a nympho? How the fuck did I manage that? Well shit!
I dunno whether to be proud of myself or get tested. "Do you know her?" I
asked. Brett shrugged. "She's dating some guy on the football team is all I
know." "Holy shit I just slept with someone else's girlfriend!?" Brett
laughed and shrugged. "I think it's better if this never leaves my house."
I nodded in agreement. "Where is everybody?" Brett pointed to the ceiling.
"Eli is still sleeping in my room...Vulcan and Aiden are sleeping in the
guest room. They didn't wanna leave without you. Want some coffee?" "Coffee
sounds golden." I got up and grabbed my shirt, pulling it on and running my
hand through my hair, trying to smooth it out.


Brett poured me some delicious smelling coffee. I drank it straight and
sighed as the warmth washed through my body. "So where's your mom?" I
asked. Brett laughed. "She's out of town for work. Like I said earlier,
this doesn't leave my house." I looked around at the mess we made. "I
suppose we should clean up." Brett looked around and tsked. "That would be
golden." So while everyone was asleep, Brett and I cleaned up. I took care
of the living room since I was basically responsible for the biggest mess
there. We cleaned, we goofed off, and we drank all the coffee. You know,
looking at Seth I'm in awe at how far we've come. I used to be a douche and
now I'm friends with this guy who saw things as black and white. There was
no grey in his world. If there were, things would've been harder between
us. Or maybe that's not it. If there was a grey area, Seth would probably
be the same person just with a wider perspective. But the way he is now is
just as good. "Hey Seth, thanks." I said. "For what? Helping you clean?" I
shook my head. "For being my friend." He smiled gently. He walked over and
hugged me. "We're bros dude. I got you." I hugged him back, tight.


We spent the rest of the time after that cleaning and making breakfast. The
guys came down and sat at the table. "That was a great party." Vulcan said.
Aiden nodded and leaned against the table. "Dudes when we graduate we won't
be able to do this again. I mean yeah we'll celebrate but c'mon, we'll all
be too busy applying for colleges and jobs." I said as I stacked some
pancakes, eggs, and bacon on a plate for Vulcan. He thanked me and dug
right it. I served everyone else and sat down. Seth pigged out. "You know
you're right." He said with his mouth full. I rolled my eyes. "Please don't
talk with your mouth full." Seth laughed and nodded. Aiden and Eli looked
down. "Aw c'mon guys, it's only a year. Besides you two still have each
other." Seth said as he noticed their sad faces. "We're just gonna miss you
guys." Eli said. I smiled. "But we'll always be together." Seth stuck his
pinky out. "I want you guys to promise me that we will meet up the second
we finish college or whatever the hell we plan to do, okay?" Eli locked
pinkies with Seth and nodded. We all did the same and at the moment, I felt
connected to them all. I loved these guys so much. "We're all going to do
the best we can and then come back as the greatest version of ourselves." I
said. We all nodded in agreement. These guys are the greatest friends a guy
could ask for.