Date: Sat, 8 May 2004 14:05:57 -0700 (PDT)
From: Kirk Landers <ilj4ever44@yahoo.com>
Subject: Dating and the Single Life- part 16

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.


   Hope you all are enjoying.  Here's part 16 entitled
"Jake's Decision"

"JAKE'S DECISION"

     Kyle and David were laying in bed together.
Having just had sex for the first time they still had
that glow on their faces, the type of glow one could
only get from being intimate with the one you love.
Kyle sat up and picked up the box of stuff that David
had brought over with a bunch of memories in it.  He
looked at the stuff inside and pulled out a sea shell.

"What was this from?" Kyle asked looking at it.

"The day I was trying to teach you to surf," David
replied.

"Oh yea," Kyle said remembering, "I sucked at that."

"Yea, you're not much of a surfer," David said
jokingly.

"What's this?" Kyle asked picking up a couple folded
peices of paper.  He unfolded them and was shocked by
what he read. "Oh my God, this was the chat from when
we first met online."

"Yea, I printed it out and kept it," David confessed.
"I knew you'd end up being someone important in my
life that night."

Kyle smiled, deeply touched.

"I'm still amazed you've kept all these things," Kyle
said.

"I know, I was almost not going to show you because I
thought you might think I was on the border of being a
stalker or somthing," David said smiling.

"Well considering we've been best friends for years I
would hardly think of you as being a stalker," Kyle
said giving David a kiss.  Kyle then set the box back
down on the ground and laid back down next to David.

"So, are you happy that we did this tonight?" David
asked.

"Yea," Kyle replied, "Very happy."

"I'm glad," David said.

"Actually, in a way I'm glad that Marcus told you
about me," Kyle said.

"What do you mean?" David asked trying to act
innocent.

"He told you that I was afraid to sleep with you,"
Kyle replied.

"No he didn't," David said knowing he was busted.

'David it's fine, Marcus probably knew that I wouldn't
be able to talk to you about it, so he did it for me,"
Kyle said.

"You're not mad?" David asked.

"No, of course not," Kyle replied. "Marcus was just
helping me out."

"Yea," David said.

"Speaking of which, did he tell you that he was going
to move back into his place?" Kyle asked.

"Is he really?" David asked.

"Yea, today I'm going to help him pack up and move
back in," Kyle replied.

"Do you think Marcus is ready for that?" David asked.

"I think so," Kyle replied. "He's been doing really
well lately."

"That's great," David said.

"Yea," Kyle said. "Hopefully things within our group
will start to go back to normal again."

"Only thing that needs resolution is the friction
between Jake and Tyler," David said.

"I know," Kyle replied. "Hopefully they'll work things
out."

Over at Jake's place he was busy packing things up
when his cell phone started ringing.

"Hello?" Jake asked answering.

"Hey it's Marcus,"

"Hi Marcus what's up?" Jake asked.

"Not much, just calling to see how you're doing.  It's
been a while," Marcus replied.

"Yea, I know I'm sorry.  Things have just been weird
lately," Jake replied. "Besides, I thought you were
mad at me for what happened."

"Well, it wasn't your best move," Marcus said. "But I
know you feel bad about it."

"I do and I've decided on a way to move on," Jake
answered.

"What's that?" Marcus asked.

"I'm moving," Jake replied.

"Excuse me?" Marcus asked not sure he heard right.

"I'm moving to New York," Jake replied.

"Whoa! Jake when did you decide this?" Marcus asked.

"Yesturday," Jake replied.

"When are you leaving?" Marcus asked.

"Tomorrow," Jake answered.

"Okay, so if I didn't call right now when were you
going to tell us this?" Marcus asked.

"Sometime today or tomorrow," Jake replied.

"So you're moving because of Tyler?" Marcus asked.

"No, I'm moving because there's a good job for me in
New York and it will give me a chance to start over,"
Jake replied.

"And you just plan to forget about us?" Marcus asked.

"It's not like you guys even want me around," Jake
said defending himself. "This is the first time you've
talked to me in over a week."

"Look I'm sorry, but you screwed up so, yes, we were a
little mad at you, but we still love you.  You can't
just up and leave us like that!" Marcus lectured. "If
you ask me, the only reason you're doing this is so
you won't have to face the guilt you feel."

"That's not true," Jake argued. "I'll have a good job
when I move to New York, and it will be a good
experience for me."

"Jake you should really talk all of this over with us
first," Marcus lectured.

"I'm sorry Marcus, but this is something I have to
do," Jake replied.

"Well, I'm going to have the guys and me stop by your
place later today," Marcus said. "We need to talk to
you."

"Fine, but I've made up my mind," Jake said.

"Yea, I'll talk to you later," Marcus replied hanging
up.

At Randal's apartment Stanley and him were waking up
in bed holding each other.

"Morning," Stanley said giving Randal a kiss.

"Good morning," Randal replied. "How'd you sleep?"

"Best sleep of my life," Stanley answered.

"I'm glad," Randal replied.

Stanley laid in bed with Randal and knew he had to
tell Randal the truth about the fight he had staged.

"Randal, there's something I have to tell you,"
Stanley began.

"What is it babe?" Randal asked sitting up.

"Do you remember that fight I had in the club a little
while ago?" Stanley asked.

"Yea, what about it?" Randal replied curious.

"That fight wasn't exactly an accident," Stanley said.

"What are you talking about?" Randal not quite
understanding.

"I had that fight set up," Stanley said.

"What?" Randal asked, not sure how to take that.

"I um...you see...I wanted to-" Stanley began saying
but Randal quickly cut him off.

"Let me get this straight," Randal said. "You set up a
fight with a guy and lied to me about it?  Why?"

"Please hear me out before you yell at me all right?"
Stanley asked.

"Fine," Randal said, still confused, not too sure if
he should be mad or not.

"I've had problems with relationships in my past,"
Stanley began explaining, "And when you and I met I
just got really excited at the thought of us.  I
guess...I was scared that I would end up loosing you
like I did with others before and I wanted to do
something to impress you and show you how much I like
you.  I know it was stupid, but I just got paniced I
guess.  I'm so sorry I lied to you about it."

Randal took a minute to take that all in.

"I see," Randal replied.

"You probably hate me now," Stanley said.

Randal moved a little closer and placed his hand in
Stanley's.

"Well, it's not something I'm really happy about,"
Randal began, which put a slight frown on Stanley's
face. Randal however smiled reassuringly. "But I've
also never had a guy go through so much trouble to get
me to stick around.  Stanley it wasn't that impressive
fight that made me want to stick around.  I'm with you
because of who you are, you're this great, kind,
handsome, incredible guy.  That's why I'm with you."

"Really?" Stanley asked smiling.

"Yes," Randal replied giving Stanley a kiss.

"I'm sorry, I promise, no more secrets," Stanley said.

"Good," Randal said giving Stanley a hug.

Stanley laid there in Randal's arms, understanding
more than ever how lucky he is to be with him...

Kyle and David were in the kitchen of Kyle's apartment
making breakfast when Marcus came rushing in.

"What's wrong?" David asked seeing Marcus looked
upset.

"Jake's moving," Marcus answered.

"He's moving?  But he just moved into that apartment
he's in," Kyle said confused.

"No, he's moving to New York," Marcus said.

"Whoa! New York?" David asked shocked.

"Yea, I went over to his place and he was packing up,"
Marcus replied.

"When does he leave?" Kyle asked.

"Tomorrow," Marcus answered. "Can you guess why?"

"Because of Tyler?" David guessed.

"Yup," Marcus said.

"That's crazy!" Kyle said, "He's going to move across
the country because of a failed relationship?"

"That's what I'm saying," Marcus agreed.

"Well, it's probably the guilt of it all," David
suggested.

"Yea, but that's still no reason to move all the way
to the east coast," Kyle said.

"We need to talk to him," Marcus said.

"Intervention?" Kyle suggested.

"No," David stepped in, "I think we all know that only
one person can keep him from moving."

Kyle and Marcus both took a moment, then nodded
realizing that only Tyler could keep Jake from
moving...

Later that day Jake was packing still when someone
knocked on his door. Jake opened the door to find
David standing there.

"Hey," David said doing his best to put on a smile.

"Hi," Jake replied. "Come in."

David walked in and observed all the boxes of packed
up clothes, pictures, etc.

"Wow, you're really moving huh?" David asked.

"Yea," Jake replied. "Can I get you something to
drink?  I only have water."

"No, I'm fine.  Thanks," David answered.

"What's going on?" Jake asked.

"I just came here to talk to you," David answered.

"You going to try and keep me from moving?" Jake
asked.

"Yea, I'm going to do my best," David joked dryly.

"David, you've been such a great friend to me.  I love
you for that, you and Kyle are just the best.  I can't
thank you guys enough for always being there and I'm
so happy you two have found each other.  I think I'm
going to miss you two the most," Jake said sadly. "I
wish things weren't ending so weird between me and
everyone, but this is really a great thing going for
me."

"Jake, it's your dad's company.  I'm sure you can get
this job whenever you want.  Just stay, for us," David
appealed.

"David, you know as well as I do that I'm not moving
because of this job," Jake confessed. "This will be a
great thing for me because it will give me a chance to
start over.  Maybe I won't screw up this time."

David took a big breath before saying what he was
about to say.

"Jake, I wasn't supossed to be the one here now trying
to say something to keep you from moving," David
replied. "But I think that if you leave now you'll
regret not smoothing things over with Tyler."

"I can't," Jake said.

"Yes you can, you just won't," David shot back.

"Don't you understand how hard this is for me?" Jake
asked.  "I screwed over Tyler and I screwed everything
up between everyone because of it."

"Jake, if we truly hated you for what happened do you
think I'd be here now trying to get you to stay?"
David asked.

"I'm sorry," Jake replied. "It's all too much for me."

Before David could argue anymore there was another
knock on the door.  Jake went and opened the door and
found himself facing...

"Tyler," Jake said nervously.

"Hey," Tyler replied quietly.

David let out a sigh of relief when he saw Tyler walk
in.

"I'll let you guys talk," David said as he headed out
the door.

David left and Tyler and Jake found themselves
nervously looking at one another.

"Moving huh?" Tyler asked.

"Yea," Jake replied.

"You sure this is something you want to do?" Tyler
asked.

"I think so, well I don't know.  I think it'll be for
the best," Jake replied.

"I see," Tyler said looking at all the boxes. "You
aren't leaving because of me are you?"

"No." Jake lied.

"I just want you to know that there are no hard
feelings," Tyler said.

"Thanks," Jake replied.

"Yea, well...good luck I guess," Tyler said holding
his hand out to shake Jake's.

"You too," Jake said shaking Tyler's.

Tyler, not sure what to do or say quietly walked to
the door.

"Bye Jake," Tyler said.

"Goodbye Tyler," Jake replied as Tyler went out the
door.

Jake stood there, heartbroken over everything...

That evening Stanley and Randal were at Marcus' house
being filled in on Jake moving away.  Kyle and David
where there helping him unpack.

"So he's just moving?" Randal asked.

"Yea, looks that way," Kyle replied.

"Maybe Tyler convinced him not to go," David said
hopefully.

"I hope so," Marcus added as he was busy unloading
boxes.

"Marcus I have to tell you I'm really proud of you,"
Randal said.

"What do you mean?" Marcus asked.

"You went through a lot with Thomas and I'm glad
you're finally feeling comfortable enough to move back
in here," Randal replied.

"Thanks," Marcus said gratefully.

"You still thinking of visiting Thomas?" David asked.

"Yea, actually I decided I'm going to go see him
tomorrow," Marcus replied.

"You are?" Kyle asked suprised.

"Yea, I think it's the last bit of closure I need,"
Marcus answered.

"Be careful," Randal said with concern.

"Don't worry, he's in prison.  He can't do anything to
me," Marcus said.

"I know, but I'm just worried about what it can do to
you emotionally," Randal said.

"I'll be fine," Marcus replied.

"Sorry if this is too personal but who's Thomas?"
Stanley asked.

"Here's the cliffnotes verson. He's this guy I dated
for a little bit and then he turned all psycho and
tried to kill me," Marcus said.

"Oh my God," Stanley said shocked. "That's aweful."

"Yea, but it's okay.  I'm finally over it and ready to
get back to my normal life," Marcus said.

"Good for you," Stanley said.

"Thanks," Marcus replied.

"Well, I say we have a drink to celebrate," David
said.

"That sounds great, but I have nothing here," Marcus
replied.

"Let's go to my place, we'll have a drink there," Kyle
said.

"Sounds good," Randal said.

The guys got up and went to Kyle's apartment and had a
beer together and talked.  As they were talking there
was a knock on the door.

"Oh, maybe that's Tyler or Jake," Kyle said going to
answer the door.  Kyle opened the door, but no one was
there.  He looked around but saw no one, he was about
to close the door when he looked down and saw a
picture.

"Who is it?" David asked.

"You should take a look at this," Kyle replied
seriously.

David got up from the couch and walked over to Kyle
and looked at the picture Kyle was holding.  It was a
picture of Kyle and David together, the scary thing
was that it was a picture of them sleeping together in
Kyle's bed.

"Oh my God," David said shocked.

"Someone was in our place last night," Kyle said
gravely.

"Must be the same person who broke in here before,"
David said.

"This is getting really out of control," Marcus said
when him, Randal and Stanley went up to them.

"Maybe you should think about moving," Randal
suggested.

"That wouldn't make a difference," Kyle said. "The
person who's doing this is obviously watching us, they
would know when and where I moved to."

"You should call the police," Stanley said.

"We did when this person broke in last time, but they
said there was really nothing they could do," David
said.

"And you have no idea who it is?" Marcus asked.

"None," Kyle replied.

"Anybody you may have hurt or dated?" Stanley asked.

"David's the first guy I've dated for years," Kyle
said.

"Yea and I don't think anyone I've dated could be
capable of this," David said.

Before they could continue with the conversation Tyler
walked in.  They all quickly turned their attention to
him.

"How'd it go with Jake?" Marcus asked.

"Fine," Tyler replied.

"So you convinced him not to go?" Randal asked.

"No, he's still going," Tyler answered.

"He is?  Didn't you try to get him to stay?" David
asked.

"No," Tyler replied. "I just went to say goodbye."

"What?" Marcus asked shocked. "Why didn't you try and
convince him to stay?"

"Because he wants to go," Tyler defended.

"No he doesn't," Kyle said. "He's going because of
what happened between you two."

"Tyler are you so stubborn that you won't admit you
still love him?" Randal asked.

"What are you talking about?" Tyler asked.

"Look, I know I don't know you as well as the other
guys," Stanley began, "But if you do still love him,
don't you think it would be better to set your pride
aside and stop him?  Otherwise you might never see him
again."

Tyler stood there thinking closely about what Stanley
just said.  But he then quickly dismissed it.

"No, you guys I'm over him and if he wants to move
that's his call.  If he's moving on account of me then
that's his problem," Tyler said.

With that Tyler left leaving the rest of the guys
shocked by his attitude.

Later that night Tyler was getting ready to go to
sleep when he began thinking of him and Jake.

****FLASHBACK****

"You think we should tell them?" Tyler asked

"Well, I don't know." Jake replied, "I guess I'm still
not sure myself where we are in this relationship.
Are we a couple? Are we friends who sleep together?
What are we?"

"What would you like us to be?" Tyler asked

"I want us to be just that, an 'us'." Jake explained,
"I want this to go somewhere.  But I just want to make
sure that's what you want too."

"It is." Tyler said, "I just didn't want to rush you
or anything."

"So, are we making it official?" Jake asked

"I think so." Tyler replied smiling

The two leaned in and kissed tenderly.

****END FLASHBACK****

As Tyler laid there he became more and more confused
as to how he felt.  Did he still love Jake?

Over at Kyle's place he and David were sleeping
together when Kyle woke up to a strange sound.

"David wake up," Kyle said shaking David.

"What is it?" David asked waking up.

"I heard something," Kyle replied.

"Where?" David said more awake now.

"In the living room," Kyle said.

David reached over to turn on the light, but before he
could someone beat him to it and turned it on for him.
 David and Kyle both looked up at the person standing
over their bed.  The person was in all black and had a
ski mask on to cover his face.

"Who are you?" David asked.

"You had to have known that I was going to pay you
back for hurting me right?" the person asked.

He then took off his ski mask to reveal his face.

"Oh my God," Kyle said in total shock.

"Brett?" David asked unable to believe his former
boyfriend was capable of this.

"Suprise," Brett replied.

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

To Be Continued....

Hope you all enjoyed it.  Sorry it's been so long
since I posted a new one.  I've been very busy lately.
 I'm going to write the season 1 finale and then take
a little break and then come back with season 2.  Any
comments, questions, or feedback please e-mail me at
ILJ4EVER44@yahoo.com