Date: Sun, 11 Jan 2004 16:33:09 -0800 (PST)
From: Kirk Landers <ilj4ever44@yahoo.com>
Subject: Dating and the Single Life- part 11

Copyright and Disclaimer:
1. This is a fictional story with fictional
characters.
2. No one is to steal this story under any
circumstances.
3. This story deals with relationships and not sex, so
if you're looking for a story with a lot of sex in it,
this isn't the story for you.

Well, I got many requests to get Kyle and David
together... hope you were all pleased with the way
chapter 10 ended.  But of course you all know it's not
going to be all nice and easy...  Expect a lot more
bumps along the road for the two of them, and expect
some new stories to open up for Tyler and Jake...
Enjoy!

I would like to take this moment to welcome Robin, who
has kindly volunteered to be the editor of my story.
She has already made it 10 times better.  Thank you so
much!

"THE END AND THE BEGINNING"

"I love you David.  It's always been you," Kyle said.
"I should have seen it earlier.  I tried to get over
you, but then you fixed my grandpa's watch for me and
it just made me realize even more how much I loved
you."

David didn't say anything, he just leaned in and
kissed Kyle.  It was a deep, passionate kiss.  A
kiss that showed their longing for each other, the
love they shared, their friendship.  It was a kiss
that
was filled with a million emotions.  A kiss that was
only the beginning...

After a few minutes into the kiss, Kyle broke it up.

"Wait," Kyle said.

"What is it?" David asked.

"This feels wrong.  Not the kiss.  The kiss felt
wonderful, but this isn't fair to Brett," Kyle
replied.

David just smiled.

"What is it?" Kyle asked.

"You're truly a good person," David said. "I mean,
Brett forbids me to see you and you're still worried
about his feelings."

"Well, in a way I can understand his request.  I
mean, I'm sure it's hard for him knowing the feelings
between us," Kyle answered.

"Yeah, I know," David said. "He just wanted less
conflict in the group."

"Exactly," Kyle said.

David laid on Kyle's bed and Kyle laid down with him.
David wrapped his arms around Kyle and held him
tightly.

"I've wanted this for so long," David began. "It's
hard to believe that we're finally a couple."

"Not yet," Kyle said. "I just don't want to make you
and me official until things are complete with you and
Brett."

David nodded, "You're right.  I owe Brett that.  He's
a great guy.  I feel bad for doing this to him."

"I know, me too," Kyle said.

The two shared a moment to contemplate what was
happening between them.

"So, should we tell the other guys?" Kyle asked.

"Let's wait," David replied. "until things are cleared
up with Brett first."

"All right," Kyle answered.

"Well, I should get going.  I'm going to stop by the
store to make sure everything's going all right
there," David said.

"Okay," Kyle replied.

"I'll see you soon," David said, leaning in to give
Kyle a kiss.

"Wait," Kyle said, stopping David from kissing him.
"Let's hold off on that for now."

"Right," David said, agreeing as he headed for the
door.  He opened the door to leave, but as he headed
out he turned around, "No, I have to do this."

With that David kissed Kyle again.  He expected Kyle
to resist but was pleasantly suprised when Kyle
wrapped his arms around him.  They kissed for a couple
of minutes before breaking it up.

"All right," David said, "I'll get going now."

"Okay," Kyle said, smiling.

"I'll see you," David said, heading out the door.

"Bye," Kyle replied.

As David was leaving he kept looking back at Kyle and
smiling.

At Tyler and Jake's apartment, Jake got home and
took a deep breath to think over whatever was going on
between him and Miles.  He knew that nothing
physical happened, but Jake still couldn't help but
feel guilty.  There was an attraction there between
him and Miles, an attraction that both of them shared
for each other.  Jake went into the bedroom and laid
down to rest.  Right when he laid down the phone rang.
He reached to the counter and picked up the phone.

"Hello?" Jake asked.

"Hey baby," Tyler replied.

"What's up?" Jake asked.

"Nothing, just wanted to see if you were home," Tyler
answered.

"I'm home," Jake said.

"Good, I'll be getting off in a few hours," Tyler
said.

"Okay," Jake said.

"You okay?" Tyler asked.

"Of course," Jake answered quickly.

"Really?  You sound a little weird," Tyler said.

"No, I'm fine," Jake replied. "I'll see you in a
couple of hours."

"Okay. Bye babe," Tyler said.

"Bye," Jake said quietly, as he hung up the phone.  He
laid back down and thought about everything...

*******

Meanwhile, Marcus went over to Randal's place.  The
two of them sat around talking about everything that'd
happened in the group over the past few months.

"This has been a crazy couple of months," Marcus said,
taking a sip of his beer.

"I know," Randal replied. "First with Kyle and David,
then you and Thomas, me and my HIV scare, Tyler and
Jake, then it came back to Kyle and David."

"That pretty much sums it all up," Marcus said,
laughing.

"Thank God we were all here for each other," Randal
said. "It would have been hell otherwise."

"Yeah," Marcus answered, "I'm kind of worried about
Kyle right now."

"Me too," Randal replied, "but you know it's not all
David's fault either.  He's going through a rough
time,
too, right now."

"I know, and I understand it must be difficult for
him,
but he can't just do that to Kyle.  He should have
talked to him first," Marcus said.

Randal nodded his head, agreeing.

"Well, it's a new year, 2003 is behind us.  We can all
hopefully look forward to a more stress free year,"
Randal said.

"I'll drink to that," Marcus said, as they both took
sips of their beer.

"So, how are you doing?" Randal asked. "Do you think
you'll be ready to go back to your house any time
soon?"

"I think so," Marcus said. "I'm not really thinking of
Thomas as much as I used to."

"That's good," Randal said. "How about the
nightmares?"

"No, haven't had one for a couple of weeks now,"
Marcus replied.

"That's great!" Randal said happily.

"Yeah, it's nice to finally get over all of that,"
Marcus said.

"I knew you'd come through it all right," Randal said,
smiling.

"Thanks," Marcus replied. "I actually have been
thinking of dating again."

"Really?" Randal asked.

"Yeah, I mean, I don't know if I'm completely ready,
but..." Marcus said.

"But at least you're thinking about it," Randal said.

"What about you?" Marcus asked. "After your HIV scare,
do you still plan on just hooking up with guys?"

"I don't know," Randal replied. "I've never been good
at relationships.  Monogamy has always been a down
fall of mine."

"Well, you should think about cutting down the
hookups," Marcus warned. "or the next time you go in
for a test, it might not come back with the results
you
want."

"I know," Randal said. "I'll think about it."

"Okay," Marcus answered. "I'll tell you what, how
about you and me find dates sometime and do a double
date."

Randal thought it over, "I guess it couldn't hurt."

"Yeah," Marcus said.

"But, don't start dating until you're really ready
Marcus.  If you're still having trouble over Thomas,
then give it time," Randal said.

"Well, maybe dating can actually help me move
forward,"
Marcus said.

The two of them sat there, both contemplating
dating...


*******

After David got through checking on things at his
store, he went home.  Brett was in the living room
sitting on the couch, going over some papers.

"Hey babe," Brett said, looking up from his book.

"Hi," David said a little nervously.

"You all right?" Brett asked.

"Yea, I'm fine," David answered. "I thought you were
going to be at work."

"I went in and there wasn't anything there that I
couldn't do here, so I brought my work home," Brett
said.

"Oh," David replied.

"Where did you go?" Brett asked.

"I went to check on the store.  Make sure Tony was
handling everything all right while I was gone," David
answered.

"I see," Brett replied. "Well, what do you want to do
tonight?"

"Tonight?" David asked.

"Yeah, I thought maybe we could go out to eat," Brett
said, getting up and giving David a kiss. "Does that
sound good?"

"Um, well actually tonight wouldn't be good," David
said, trying to think of something quick to say.
"Tyler
and Jake invited us over to their place tonight."

"Really?" Brett asked.

"Yeah, they just called me," David lied. "I said we'd
stop by."

"Oh, okay," Brett said. "What time?"

"Seven," David answered.

"Okay, well, I'll just finish up my work before we go
over," Brett said, giving David another kiss before he
went back to the couch to work.

David then went into the bedroom and called up Jake.

"Hello?" Jake asked.

"Hey, it's me," David replied.

"What's up?" Jake asked.

"I have a huge favor to ask you," David replied.

"Sure, what is it?" Jake asked.

"Can you have us all over at your place tonight?"
David asked.

"I guess so, why?" Jake asked.

"Long story, I told Brett that you and Tyler invited
us all over." David replied, "I'll explain the whole
thing later, but is it all right?"

"Of course," Jake said. "What time?"

"Seven okay?" David asked.

"Yeah, I'll see you at seven," Jake replied.

"Thank you so much," David said gratefully. "and I
will explain it all later."

"Okay, see you tonight," Jake said.

David hung up and went back in the living room and sat
on the couch by Brett.

"You know," Brett began.

"What?" David asked.

"I don't feel too much like working right now," Brett
replied seductively as he moved closer to David and
started kissing him. "How about we go to the bedroom?"

"Now?" David asked.

"Yeah," Brett answered.

"I would," David said. "but I have to get some stuff."

David got up from the couch.

"What do you have to get?" Brett asked.

"Jake asked me to bring over some food.  So I was
going to go to the grocery store right now and pick up
some chips and stuff like that," David said, moving
towards the door.

"But we don't have to be there for a couple of hours.
We
can get it on the way there," Brett said.

"Yeah, but by then the grocery store might get
crowded,
and you know that I hate waiting around in a crowded
grocery store," David babbled.

"What?" Brett asked, confused.

"I'll be right back," David said, as he went out the
door.

Brett stood there in the living room confused...


*******

Kyle was sitting in his room thinking about David and
him kissing earlier when Marcus and Randal walked in.

"Hey guys," Kyle said suprised.

"How did things go with you and David?" Marcus asked,
concerned.

"Fine," Kyle replied. "Things are all worked out."

"Really?" Randal asked.

"Yeah," Kyle answered.

"That's good," Randal said, sitting on the bed. "What
did he say?"

"It's a long story.  I'll tell you guys about it
later," Kyle said.

"Okay," Marcus said suspiciously. "Did something
interesting happen between you and David?"

"Interesting?" Kyle asked, smiling a little.

"Oh my God!" Randal said.

"What?" Kyle asked.

"You two kissed," Randal replied.

"You did?" Marcus asked.

"How did you guys know?" Kyle asked, busted.

"So, it's true!" Randal said, laughing.

"Okay, okay, but keep it quiet," Kyle said. "We don't
want anyone knowing about it right now."

"How did this happen?" Marcus asked.

"It just happened," Kyle said. "It was... perfect."

"Yeah, but what about Brett?" Randal asked.

"That's why we want to keep it quiet.  Nothing is
going to happen between David and me until things are
worked out with him and Brett," Kyle answered.

"Wait, so you're saying that David is breaking up with
Brett?" Marcus asked.

"I think so," Kyle answered, feeling guilty.

"That's great," Randal said happily. "I mean, not for
Brett.  I feel bad for him, but it's what you want and
it's what David has wanted for so long."

"After all these years, he's finally getting you,"
Marcus said happily. "This is a big step for you."

"It is," Kyle agreed. "My first boyfriend since I was
16."

"Wow, it's been six years since your last
relationship," Randal pointed out.

"Yeah," Kyle replied. "So, I'm a little nervous about
it."

"What do you have to be nervous about?" Marcus asked,
"This isn't some guy you just met.  This is David.
The guy who knows you better than anyone, and who
loves you like no other."

Kyle smiled thinking of David.

"Yeah, I guess you're right," Kyle said. "but I just
have this fear I'm going to mess it all up somehow."

"You'll be fine," Randal said encouragingly.

"Thanks guys," Kyle said gratefully. "I needed to hear
that."

"That's what friends are for," Marcus said.

"Yeah, and you two have been the best," Kyle replied.

"Anytime," Randal said.

Just then Marcus' cell phone rang.

"Hello?" Marcus asked answering the phone.

"Hey, it's Jake."

"What's up?" Marcus asked.

"David just called and wants to have a get together
tonight," Jake replied.

"What for?" Marcus asked.

"I don't know, but it's going to be at mine and
Tyler's
place," Jake replied.

"Okay, well Randal and Kyle are here with me so I'll
tell them," Marcus said.

"Thanks.  See you guys around seven," Jake said.

"Talk to you later," Marcus replied, hanging up.

"Who was that?" Randal asked.

"It was Jake," Marcus replied. "We're having a get
together tonight at Tyler and Jake's."

"Sounds good," Randal answered. "I don't have to start
work until ten."

"What's the occasion for the get together?" Kyle
asked.

"David wanted it," Marcus replied.

"Really?  That's weird," Kyle said. "David didn't
mention anything about that to me."

"I know what this is," Randal said excited. "He's
going to ask you out officially tonight."

"What?" Kyle asked.

"It makes sense," Marcus replied. "Why else would
David want us all together the same day you two
confessed your feelings for each other?"

Kyle thought it over and realized that they might be
right.

"Oh my God," Kyle said, feeling a little overwhelmed.
"I think you guys might be right."

"Of course we are!" Randal said. "It's the perfect way
to show his love for you."

"David is the best," Kyle said, smiling to himself.


*******

At the grocery store David was walking around.

"I'm the worst," David said to himself. "How am I
supposed to break up with Brett?  He's a nice guy, he
doesn't deserve what I'm doing to him."

"Are you talking to yourself?" David heard someone say
behind him.  He turned around to face Jake.

"Hey, what are you doing here?"

"I came to get some food for tonight," Jake replied.

"Oh, you don't have to.  Since I'm making you guys do
this, I'm going to buy the food," David said.

"Okay, well I'll keep you company.  It looks like you
need someone to talk to," Jake said.

"Thanks" David replied.

"So what's going on?" Jake asked.

"Okay, well I was going to break up with Brett," David
said.

"What?" Jake asked shocked. "But you guys just moved
in with each other a little while ago."

"I know, but stuff happened," David answered.

"Does this have anything to do with the get together
tonight?" Jake asked.

David nodded, "It has everything to do with the get
together tonight.  I was going to break it off with
Brett, but I couldn't.  I felt so bad, he doesn't
deserve it."

"Then why are you doing it?" Jake asked.

David was quiet for a moment, then sighed, "Kyle."

"Kyle?" Jake asked. "I don't get it.  Didn't you get
with Brett to get over Kyle?"

"Yeah, but then certain things happened," David said
sheepishly.

"What?" Jake asked, "Did something happen between you
and Kyle?"

"Kind of," David replied.

"Oh my God," Jake said smiling. "What happened?"

"We sort of kissed," David answered.

"David, this is huge," Jake said.

"I know," David replied. "This is really big for me
and Kyle."

"Yeah, so what does this mean?" Jake asked. "Are you
two a couple?"

"No, well not yet anyway," David said. "That's why I'm
breaking up with Brett."

"David I can't believe it.  First you wanted Kyle, but
he wasn't interested, then he wanted you, but you were
with Brett, and now finally you guys are getting
together.  It's about time," Jake said.

David smiled, "Yeah, I mean this is what I've wanted
for years.  But for some reason I couldn't break up
with Brett.  When I was going to I changed the subject
quickly and said that we were going to your place
tonight."

"Oh, so that's why you're all coming over," Jake said,
understanding.

"Yeah," David answered. "I can't break up with him.
What do you think that's saying?"

"I think it's saying you're a nice guy who doesn't
want to hurt someone you care about," Jake replied.

"I don't want to hurt him, but I know by prolonging
it,
this will end up hurting Kyle," David said.

"Well, you're just going to have to tell Brett right
away.  Don't wait, it will only make it harder for
you," Jake said. "Just think of how good things will
be between you and Kyle once this is all over with."

"You're right," David said. "You're absolutely right.
Thanks."

"No problem," Jake answered.

"So how are things going for you?" David asked.

"Okay," Jake replied.

"Just okay?" David asked, sensing something.

"I'm just a little confused right now," Jake said.

"With what?" David asked.

"Well, you know how much I care about Tyler right?"
Jake asked.

"Yeah, you guys are great," David answered.

"Today I met this guy at work.  He's new," Jake began,
"and well, he's this really hot guy, and of course
he's gay and he wanted to go out with me.  I love
Tyler, I really do, but I just couldn't help but be
attracted to him."

"Is it just a physical attraction?" David asked.

"No, he's also a really nice guy on top of it," Jake
replied. "I want to be with Tyler, but I just wonder
what it would be like if I went out with this guy."

"Don't," David said. "What you have with Tyler is not
something you should move away from.  You love Tyler
and he loves you.  I know you might be tempted to get
with this guy, it's natural, you'll always find
someone
and wonder what might happen.  But you and Tyler
are perfect together."

"I know, and I told the guy I was seeing someone,"
Jake said. "I was just really confused today because
from my time of being with Tyler, I have never found
anyone I was attracted to besides him."

"Just give it time, you'll soon see that what you have
with Tyler is so much more special than anything you
might have with someone else," David said.

"I know, you're right.  Thanks," Jake said, calming
down a little.

After the two of them got the things they needed, they
headed out of the store.


*******

When Jake got home, Tyler was there.

"Hey you," Tyler said, giving him a kiss.

"Hi, when did you get home?" Jake asked.

"Just a few minutes ago," Tyler replied.

"Oh, hey, the guys are coming over tonight," Jake
said.

"Okay, cool," Tyler replied, hugging Jake. "You
excited
for the trip next weekend?"

"Yeah," Jake answered. "I've been waiting for that
since we told the guys on Christmas."

Tyler kissed Jake again.

"It'll be great.  A weekend away with the group in
Palm Springs.  It was a great idea babe," Tyler said.

"Thanks," Jake replied. "Although I don't think Brett
will be going."

"Why not?" Tyler asked.

"David will explain it to you later," Jake answered.

"Okay," Tyler answered suspiciously.

"Want to help me get some food ready?" Jake asked.

"Sure," Tyler replied, as they headed into the
kitchen.

As the two of them were working on the food, Jake
tried to concentrate on his love for Tyler, but kept
thinking about Miles.  As he was putting some chips in
a bowl he began to wonder what Miles was doing right
now, what he was thinking about... what he was
wearing.
He couldn't take it anymore so he went up to Tyler.

"Hey, the guys won't be here for a couple of hours.
You want to go to the bedroom?" Jake asked with a
smile.

Tyler just smiled and the two of them headed towards
the bedroom.  On the way there Jake hoped that this
would help get Miles out of his mind.


*******

David drove around for a little bit.  He didn't want
to go back home because he didn't want to face Brett.
He knew he should, but he was still having trouble
finding an easy way to break up with him.

"Brett, the thing is, you and I are great, but..."
David rehearsed to himself, "You were right, I tried
to deny it, but I still love Kyle... no that sucks."

David thought of another way to break up with him.

"I think we both just want different things right
now," David continued. "That's dumb too."

David leaned back, frustrated.  How was he planning on
breaking up with Brett?  He looked down at his watch
and saw he had an hour before he had to head over to
Tyler and Jake's so he took out his phone and called
Brett.

"Hello?" Brett asked.

"Hey, it's me," David replied.

"Hi, where are you?" Brett asked.

"I'm still at the grocery store," David lied. "So,
want to just meet at Tyler and Jake's?"

"Sure.  No problem," Brett answered.

"All right.  I'll see you then," David said.

"Okay, bye babe." Brett said.

"Bye," David replied, hanging up.


*******

Over at Kyle's apartment, Randal, Marcus and him were
still talking.

"You guys, I still don't know if you're right about
tonight," Kyle said, "It just doesn't seem like
something he would do."

"Declare his love for you in front of all of us?"
Randal asked. "Kyle, he's pretty much done that
already.  We all know how much he loves you."

"I know, but still, it doesn't sound like him," Kyle
replied.

"Well, we'll find out in a little bit.  We should head
over there," Marcus said.

The guys got up and headed over to Tyler and Jake's.


*******

Later that night, all the guys were there except for
David and Brett.

"So, did David tell you why he wanted us here?" Randal
asked Jake.

"Yeah, well kind of, but he'll explain it to us
later,"
Jake replied.

"I see," Randal said, taking a sip of his beer.

With that, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in," Tyler shouted out.

"Hey guys," Brett said walking in.

"Hi...Brett," Kyle said suprised.  Kyle, Marcus and
Randal all looked at each other questioningly.

"I guess it's not what we thought," Marcus whispered.

"Obviously," Kyle replied.

"David here yet?" Brett asked.

"No.  You guys didn't come together?" Tyler asked.

"No, he wanted me to meet him here," Brett answered.

"Help yourself to a beer," Jake offered.

"Thanks," Brett said heading into the kitchen.

"Why the hell are we here then?" Randal asked Kyle and
Marcus.

"I don't know.  I thought you and I were right,"
Marcus said.

"David didn't break up with Brett," Kyle said. "He
couldn't."

"What do you mean?" Randal asked.

"He just couldn't," Kyle replied. "He doesn't want to
hurt him."

"Are you psychic or something? How do you know?"
Marcus asked.

"That's just the kind of guy David is," Kyle replied.

Before they could say anything else, Brett walked back
in.

"I'm going to use the restroom real quick," Brett
said,
setting his beer down on the table.

"Sure, go ahead," Jake said.

Brett went to the bathroom.  While he was in there,
David arrived.

"Hey guys, sorry I'm late," David said.

"You going to tell us what's going on?" Randal asked.

"I will, but I want to talk to Kyle privately first,"
David said.

"Sure," Kyle answered, getting up. "Mind if we use the
bedroom?"

"No problem," Tyler said.

David and Kyle went into the bedroom and closed the
door.

"I know you're probably pissed at me right now," David
said.

"What?  No, I'm not pissed at all.  You don't want to
hurt Brett, I understand," Kyle replied.

"it's just that, he doesn't deserve what I'm about to
do to him," David said.

"I know, it's fine.  I'm not in a rush," Kyle said.

"Well I am," David said sweetly. "I can't wait to be
with you."

Kyle smiled, "Me too."

Back outside Brett came back from the bathroom.

"David here yet?" Brett asked.

"Yeah, he's in the bedroom," Jake said,
absentmindedly.

"Okay, cool I'll be right back," Brett replied,
heading
for the bedroom.

"Oh wait!" Randal said to try and keep Brett from
going into the bedroom, but it was too late.  Brett
walked into the bedroom right when he heard...

"I'll break up with him tonight.  I just have to
figure out an easy way to let him down," David said.

"Excuse me?" Brett asked, standing in the doorway.

"Brett!" David said, suprised.

"You're breaking up with me?" Brett asked.

"We need to talk," David replied.

Kyle walked out of the room quietly.  Brett came in
and faced David.

"I'm sorry Brett.  You mean a lot to me, but-" David
began, but Brett cut him off.

"You son-of-a-bitch..." Brett growled. "This whole
time we
were together was some joke wasn't it?  You were only
with me to try and get to Kyle."

"No, that's not true," David defended.

"Bull!" Brett said." I knew it, you were always
wanting Kyle, not me."

"Brett, let me explain," David said. "I'm so sorry for
doing this to you.  I really did care for you.  I
still
care for you.  It's just that Kyle and I are...him and
I belong together."

"Fine, congratulations," Brett said. "I'm going to
go."

"I'm so sorry Brett," David said. "Anyway, can we
still be friends or anything?"

"Yeah right!" Brett said, walking away. "I loved you."

"Brett wait!" David called out, but Brett just walked
out the door.

David walked into the living room area where the guys
were.

"Is it over?" Marcus asked.

"I guess so," David replied.

"So, where does that leave you and Kyle?" Jake asked.

David looked over at Kyle and saw all the
possibilities
of their future together.  Despite the break up with
him and Brett, he couldn't help but smile at his
future
with Kyle.

Outside, Brett got in his car and his sadness turned
to
anger and vengeance.

"You'll pay for this." Brett said bitterly.  "Both of
you."

******************************************************************

To Be Continued...

With any comments, questions, or feedback, please
e-mail
me at ILJ4EVER44@yahoo.com.  Thanks!!!!!