Date: Fri, 10 Feb 2006 11:23:19 -0800 (PST)
From: Kirk Landers <ilj4ever44@yahoo.com>
Subject: Dating and the Single Life- part 26

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 everyone had a great holiday.  Here's part 26....

"FUTURE PLANS"

"Should we book the tickets to Hawaii now?" Jake asked
as he was looking at airline prices online at Marcus'
place, where all the guys were hanging out.

"You guys are getting married in Hawaii?" Randal
asked.

"It's one of the few places where it's legal," Tyler
replied.

"And it's Hawaii, it'll be beautiful," Jake added.

"True," Randal said.

"When is this going to take place?" David asked as he
and Kyle laid on the couch together.

"June," Jake replied.

"You're only going to plan for five months?" Marcus
asked.

"Well, it's not like it's going to be a huge
ceremony," Tyler said. "It's just going to be us."

"What about your parents Jake?" Kyle asked.

"They're okay with me being gay, but they don't want
to be apart of the whole wedding thing," Jake replied
shrugging.

"I'm sorry," Kyle said.

"It's fine," Jake said. "It's not about them anyway,
it's about Tyler and me."

"Yup," Tyler replied giving Jake a kiss.

"I'm so glad you guys have worked everything out,"
Marcus said admiring how much love Tyler and Jake have
again for each other.

"I second that," Kyle added.

"I third it," David chimed in.

"Thank you guys," Jake said. "We couldn't have done it
with out you."

"We didn't do anything," Randal said. "It was all you
guys and the love you have for each other."

"And Dr. Waissman," Tyler added in.

"And how are things with you two?" Marcus asked Kyle
and David.

"We're doing great," David said giving Kyle a kiss.

"Really great," Kyle said smiling.

"Marcus, I know we've asked you this everyday since
Christmas, but how are things going with you?" Jake
asked.

"I'm hanging in there," Marcus replied. "I've saved a
lot so I'm not hurting for money or anything, but I
just don't know what I want to do."

"Are you considering a completely different
occupation?" Tyler asked.

"Kind of," Marcus answered.

"That's brave," Stanley said.

"This can be great," Kyle said. "You can do something
you've always wanted to do now.  I wish I could."

"But I don't know what it is I really want to do,"
Marcus said.

"When you were younger was there something you always
wanted to do?" David asked.

"I don't really remember," Marcus shrugged.

"Aren't you and Trevor going to have dinner with your
mom tonight?" Randal asked.

"Yeah," Marcus replied.

"Perfect," Randal said. "Ask her if she remembers
anything that you wanted to do when you were a kid."

"You guys are living in a dream world," Marcus said.
"When we're little we always have big dreams and
aspirations, but no one ever get it."

"Maybe this is your chance," Kyle said. "Why not go
for it?"

"Because I might end up falling flat on my face if I
do," Marcus replied.

"Have to take risk to get what you want," Randal said.

"Well, I'll talk to my mom tonight," Marcus said. "I
just don't think I was ever one of those kids who
wanted to grow up and be astronauts or the president
or anything like that."

"Sorry to change the subject but I want to make sure
you all are going to be in Hawaii for the ceremony,"
Jake said.

"I have plans, sorry," David joked.

"Of course we're going to be there," Randal said. "Do
you honestly think we'd miss it?"

"Well I just wanted to be sure," Jake replied.

"Just let me know when you get to the good part of the
wedding planing," Kyle said. "When are you going to
sample cakes?"

Meanwhile, Trevor, Luis, Zack, and Miles were at
Trevor's place helping him pick out clothes to wear
for when he meets Marcus' mom.

"I like the green shirt," Luis said holding up a nice
green button down shirt.

"Don't you think it's a little too formal?" Trevor
asked. "I want to look nice, but I don't want to look
like I'm trying too hard."

"Well you are," Zack commented.

"I am not," Trevor retorted.

"Yea, that's why you've been trying on shirts all
morning?" Miles asked.

"You're one to talk about trying too hard," Trevor
replied.

"That's different," Miles said.

"Yea, in your case it's almost considered psychotic,"
Trevor joked.

"Shut up," Miles replied. "I can't help it that I'm in
love with Jake."

"Yea, except you can't do anything about it now,"
Trevor said. "He's getting married to Tyler."

"I know," Miles sighed. "I've been thinking that you
guys were right, maybe I should just give up."

"Thank you," Luis sighed in relief.

"You'll meet someone else," Zack encouraged. "But
Tyler and Jake seem really happy together and if you
really love Jake then don't you want him to be happy?"

"Yea," Miles sighed. "I know you guys are right.  It's
just hard when someone you love is with somebody
else."

"I know, but you'll find someone else," Luis said
putting his arm around Miles.

"Trevor, wear that," Zack said changing the subject as
he admired the black button up shirt and jeans that
Trevor tried on. "It looks perfect."

"You think?" Trevor asked.

"Yea, you'll 'wow' his mom tonight," Zack said.

"I hope so," Trevor said nervously. "I've never met a
boyfriend's parents before."

"I thought you met Justin's parents," Miles said.

"No, I was supposed to but then the week before we
broke up remember?" Trevor asked.

"Oh yea," Miles remembered. "You two were together a
long time."

"Over a year," Trevor commented.

"Do you ever think about him still?" Luis asked. "That
was a pretty bad break up."

"It wasn't a bad break up," Trevor replied. "Him and I
had different goals and priorities in life and decided
to just end things."

"Yea, but you were so upset afterwards because you
thought he was the one for you," Zack said.

"Well whatever, I'm with Marcus now and I'm happy with
him," Trevor replied.

"I'm glad," Luis said. "I didn't mean to start an
uncomfortable conversation about Justin, I just want
to make sure you're completely over him so you can
really enjoy and embrace this relationship with
Marcus."

Trevor smiled gratefully, "Thanks, but I really do
love Mar, he's a great, sweet, driven man.  But to
answer your earlier question, yes, I do sometimes
think about Justin and wonder how he's doing."

Back at the Marcus's place, the guys were still
looking over wedding stuff for Tyler and Jake when
Kyle looked down at his watch and noticed he had to
get to work.

"Sorry to abandon you guys, but I have to get to
work," Kyle groaned getting up. "I have to do
inventory."

"Want me to take you to work?" David asked.

"Please," Kyle accepted.

"We'll see you guys later," David said as they headed
to the door.

They said their goodbyes as David and Kyle left.  In
the David and Kyle were talking about Tyler and Jake's
wedding.

"I'm really glad that they were able to work out all
their issues," Kyle said.

"I'm glad we were able to work out our issues too,"
David said.

"Me too," Kyle replied as David reached over and held
Kyle's hand.

"Does all this wedding talk ever make you think about
it?" David asked.

"A little," Kyle replied. "But I don't know if I'm
really the marrying type.  I mean, before we got
together I didn't even like relationships much less
marriage.  So the idea of it is never something I
really thought of much."

"But you do think of settling down right?" David
asked.

"Well obviously," Kyle said. "I'm pretty convinced
that I'm going to be settling down with you."

"Yea?" David asked smiling.

"Yea," Kyle replied.

"What would you think if I asked you to marry me?"
David asked.

"Are you asking me?" Kyle asked confused.

"No," David answered coyly. "I'm just getting an idea
of where you are in terms of settling down with me,"
David.

Kyle replied with a smile, not too sure understanding
if David was hinting at a proposal or not.

"How about kids?" David asked.

"Huh?" Kyle replied confused. "You want to talk about
kids now?"

"I'm just curious," David said. "Do you think you'll
ever want kids?"

"Wow," Kyle answered uncertainly. "I've never even
thought about kids before."

"Really?" David asked.

"Well, I'm only 22 years old," Kyle pointed out.

"I know, but when you think of settling down with me
you don't see any kids in it?" David asked.

"Do you?" Kyle asked.

"Yea," David replied. "I see two kids."

"Two?" Kyle asked.

"Yea, a boy and a girl," David replied.

"And where did those kids come from?" Kyle asked.

"We adopted them," David replied.

"Wow, so you've really thought a lot about our future
huh?" Kyle asked.

"I mean, I know it's really pre-mature to be talking
about settling down and all of that, but I think it
would be a nice life.  Don't you agree?" David asked.

"Sure," Kyle replied blown away by all of the hopes
and dreams David has.

"Did I just overwhelm you?" David asked.

"No," Kyle lied.

"Are you sure?" David asked as he pulled up to Kyle's
work.

"Oh look, we're here," Kyle said. "Well, I should get
in and start doing the inventory."

"Wait, Kyle," David tried to finish up their
conversation.

"I'll see you after work," Kyle said. "Love you."

"Am I picking you up after work?" David asked.

"No, it's fine," Kyle said quickly. "I'll get Marcus
to pick me up."

"He's going to be at his mom's remember?" David
reminded.

"Oh yea," Kyle sighed.

"I'll pick you up," David said.

"All right," Kyle replied. "Thanks."

Kyle planted a quick kiss and hurried into the store.

"Huh?" was all David could say as Kyle rushed into the
store.

An hour later Randal got back to his apartment to
check on Faith.  Faith was in the kitchen going
through the refrigerator.

"You're eating again?" Randal asked walking into the
kitchen.

"I'm eating for two," Faith replied.

"When Stan and I left this morning you were eating a
full stack of pancakes," Randal commented. "Now what
are you eating?"

"I thought I would make some nachos," Faith said. "Do
you want some?"

"No, I'm all right," Randal replied.

"Probably for the best, I don't think you'd like
nacho's the way I'm making them," Faith said as she
took some cheese, peppers, and chocolate syrup.

"Ew," Randal simply said.

"I'm pregnant!" Faith defended herself.

"Yea, but that's gross," Randal said.  Before Randal
could say anymore someone knocked on the front door.
"I'm going to go get that."

Randal went and answered the door and was shocked to
see Faith's ex-husband, Colby.

"Is Faith here?" Colby asked.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Randal asked
cooly, turning into the over-protective brother.

"Please Randal," Colby pleaded. "I need to see her."

"She's not here," Randal lied.

"Randal, I saw her car parked out front," Colby said.

"Just leave," Randal said. "You screwed up.  I don't
want you anywhere near her."

"I know," Colby replied defenseless, "There's no
excuse for what I did."

"Yea, and let me tell you something else," Randal said
getting ready to give Colby an earful, but before he
could Faith came up behind him.

"It's okay Ran," Faith said putting a hand on Randal's
shoulder. "I'll talk to him."

"What?" Randal asked. "Are you serious?"

"Yes," Faith replied. "It's okay."  Faith then turned
to Colby. "Let's talk outside."

Faith went out and closed the door behind her and
stood in the hallway with Colby.  Colby looked at
Faith with tears in his eyes.

"I'm so sorry Faith," Colby said sincerely. "I realize
how stupid I've been.  I know we were having our
problems, and instead of trying to face them, I ran
from them."

"And you ran into your secretary's arms?" Faith asked
hurt.

"I know," Colby replied. "It's just that we were so
unhappy for so long and I thought that it was over
between us.  But I've realized since you've been gone
that I love you and I don't want to be with out you."

"Colby," Faith sighed not knowing how to answer.

"Wait, please, just hear me out," Colby said. "You
have to forgive me, because I can't see myself being
happy in life unless you're there with me."

"I don't know," Faith replied. "I just got so hurt."

"I know," Colby said. "And I will do whatever it takes
to make it up to you."

"Let me think about it," Faith sighed. "I'll talk to
you later."

"If you want to talk more, I'm staying at the Hilton
down the street.  Room 243," Colby said.

Faith then went back inside the apartment and closed
the door.

"Are you okay?" Randal asked giving her a hug.

"Yea," Faith said quietly. "I'm okay."

"What did he want?" Randal asked.

"He wants me back," Faith answered. "He feels real
badly about what happened."

"Is that something you could forgive?" Randal asked.

"I don't know," Faith replied.

Randal just hugged Faith not knowing what to say, but
knowing that she needed the support.

That evening Marcus was finishing getting dressed when
Trevor showed up.

"Hey," Marcus said as Trevor walked in and gave him a
kiss. "You look great."

"Thanks," Trevor replied. "I have to tell you, I'm
nervous."

"Don't be," Marcus said. "My mom will love you."

"I hope so," Trevor sighed.

Trevor and Marcus then headed out and drove to
Marcus's mom's place. They arrived in front of a nice
little one story house, beautiful garden, it looked
like a little house that would belong somewhere in the
country instead of the Suburbs of Los Angeles.  Marcus
and Trevor got out of the car and headed to the front
door, before they had a chance to even knock on the
front door a sweet looking woman in her 60's with dark
brown hair and sparkling blue eyes came out.

"I thought I heard a car pull up," she said wrapping
her arms around Marcus.

"Hey Mom," Marcus said holding her tight. "I missed
you."

"Oh I missed you too sweetie," his mom said with her
Southern accent coming through.

"There's someone I want you to meet," Marcus said as
they finished their hug.  Marcus then turned to
Trevor, "Mom, this is Trevor."

"And you're every bit as handsome as I thought you
would be," Marcus's mom said wrapping her arms around
Trevor.

"Nice to meet you Mrs. Rowan," Trevor said as they
finished their hug.

"Oh, please don't call me Mrs. Rowan," she said, "It
makes me feel old.  Call me Paula."

"All right Paula," Trevor complied.

"So come on in boys," Paula said. "I'm sure you both
are starving, look at you two, you're both so skinny,
I need to put some meet on you two."

"So how are you mom?" Marcus asked as they walked
inside.

"I'm doing just fabulous," Paula answered. "You know
me, I always keep busy."

"I know," Marcus said as they sat down in the dining
room table.

"So Trevor, tell me a little about yourself," Paula
said as she brought a hot casserole dish over from the
kitchen.

"What would you like to know?" Trevor asked nervously.

"Everything," Paula replied sweetly. "Are you
nervous?"

"Honestly?" Trevor asked. "Yeah, a little bit."

"Oh sweetie, you don't have to be nervous," Paula
said. "I swear I don't bite.  So, what do you do for a
living?"

Trevor laughed realizing that Paula was nothing but
kindness.

"I'm a personal trainer right now," Trevor replied.

"Well that explains that hot bod," Paula said with a
laugh.

"Mom, you're going to embarrass him," Marcus said.

"Oh it's a compliment," Paula retorted. "Do you go to
school or anything?"

"I'm in graduate school now," Trevor replied.

"What is it you want to do in the future?" Paula
asked.

"Hopefully I'll become a psychologist," Trevor
answered.

"Wow, a psychologist," Paula said. "That's just great.
 You'll have to get on that, Lord knows I could use
some psychoanalyzing."

The three of them shared a laugh, Trevor's nervous
feelings completely dissipated.

"So how are things with you mom?" Marcus asked.

"Things are just great honey," Paula said. "I've been
so busy with my garden and the restaurant."

"You have a restaurant?" Trevor asked.

"Yes I do," Paula replied.

"How come we've never gone to eat there?" Trevor asked
Marcus.

"That's a very good question," Paula said turning to
Marcus. "You know I would love it if you and the boys
stopped by there more often to keep me company."

"I know, it's just kind of hard going there sometimes
since Dad died," Marcus replied.

"I know you miss your father sweetie," Paula said
putting her hand on Marcus's.

"I do, but you're right," Marcus said. "I should go to
the restaurant more often."

"And bring the boys," Paula said. "You know how much I
love them.  How are they doing?"

"They're great," Marcus replied. "Randal is going to
open a club."

"Fabulous," Paula replied. "And things with him and
Stanley are great?"

"Yeah," Marcus replied. "Kyle and David are great now,
Tyler and Jake are engaged."

"Engaged?!" Paula asked enthusiastically. "Well that's
just great.  So, what about you two?"

"What about us?" Marcus asked.

"How long have you two been together?" Paula asked.

"Almost six months," Trevor replied.

"So have you two thought about moving in or anything
like that?" Paula asked.

"Mom," Marcus said through gritted teeth.

"I'm not trying to rush ya'll," Paula said. "I just
want to know where you two are at."

"We're very happy together," Marcus said. "We haven't
really discussed the future yet."

"Okay," Paula said easing off, "I'm not trying to pry
or anything, but this is the happiest I've ever seen
you, Marcus, and I just want that to last."

"I know," Marcus said giving his mom a kiss on the
cheek, "And I appreciate it."

"Well, I'll change the subject," Paula said. "It
sounds like Trevor has a good grasp on what he wants
to do with his career.  So tell me Marcus, what are
you going to do now?"

"I actually wanted to talk to you about that," Marcus
said. "So, I've been trying to think of new careers
that I might be interested in, and the guys asked me
what I wanted to be when I was younger, but I don't
remember.  Do you have any idea what I wanted to be?"

"Now let me think," Paula said trying to remember. "Oh
I remember."

"You do?" Marcus asked.

"Yeah," Paula said fondly. "You wanted to be a ballet
dancer."

Trevor instantly started laughing.

"Are you kidding?" Marcus asked embarrassed.

"No, not at all," Paula said. "I remember you would
prance all around the house acting out The Nutcracker
or Swan Lake.  I mean that why you're father and I
were so easy when you told us you were gay, we figured
from the start you had to be."

Trevor was still laughing, Marcus looked over and
Trevor tried to stop.

"I'm sorry, it's just so cute to think about," Trevor
offered.

"Well, I guess that lead was a bust," Marcus said.

"Why?" Paula asked. "If you want to do ballet still,
go for it."

"No, that's okay," Marcus replied quickly.

"Oh honey, don't be embarrassed," Paula said giving
him a kiss. "It's cute you wanted to be a little
ballerina.  Now you two finish eating your dinner
while I get dessert ready."

Paula got up and went into the kitchen while Marcus
turned to Trevor.

"She loves you," Marcus said with a smile.

"I love her," Trevor replied. "She has to be the
greatest woman I've ever met."

"She is pretty great," Marcus said with a smile.

"And I never knew you wanted to be a ballerina,"
Trevor joked.

"Yeah, I guess that puts the whole 'do what I wanted
to do when I was younger' thing to rest," Marcus
replied.

"Well you'll think of something," Trevor encouraged.

"I hope so," Marcus sighed.

At the toy store Kyle was waiting outside when David
pulled up to pick him up.

"Hi," Kyle said as he got in the car.

"Hey babe," David replied giving Kyle a kiss. "How was
work?"

"It was awful as usual," Kyle replied. "How about
you?"

"It was fine," David replied.

They started to drive, there was an awkward silence
between them for a few blocks.

"I have a little surprise for you," David said.

"A surprise?" Kyle asked a little nervous. "What?"

"You'll see," David replied.

The two drove to David's apartment, when they walked
inside the living room was filled with candles and
music was playing.

"What's going on?" Kyle asked as they walked in.

"Dance with me?" David asked holding out his hand.

"What are you doing?" Kyle asked still not
understanding what all of this was about.

"Just dance with me," David replied with a smile.

Kyle and David then started dancing to the music
together, holding each other close.

"Do you want to tell me what happened earlier today?"
David asked.

"I'm sorry," Kyle replied. "I just got overwhelmed
with all the future talk."

"Yeah, I know," David said. "Why?"

"I don't know," Kyle replied. "I guess it's just
because I'm still adjusting to all of this."

"To us?" David asked confused.

"No, not us in general," Kyle clarified, "Being in a
relationship with someone."

"We've been together for a while now," David replied.
"You're still adjusting?"

"It's not being in a relationship with you that I'm
adjusting to," Kyle explained. "It's that I used to be
someone who never wanted to date.  It's just an
adjustment for me that I'm now someone who likes being
in a relationship and likes romance and all that
stuff.  I've changed a lot and I guess I'm still
adjusting to all of it.  I worry that if I let myself
enjoy it too much that it might get taken away."

"I see," David nodded.

"I guess that's why I didn't handle it well when
things started getting rough between us," Kyle added.

"I'm just glad you told me this," David said. "I don't
want to rush you or anything, I just want you to know
that I believe that we're it for each other.  You're
my soul mate."

Kyle leaned in and gave David a kiss.

"Thank you," Kyle said. "I love you."

"I love you too," David replied.

Back at Randal's place, he, Faith and Stanley were
eating dinner together and talking about Colby.

"I don't know Faith," Randal sighed. "On the one hand
it would be nice for the baby if you and him were
together, but on the other hand he cheated on you."

"I know," Faith sighed. "I've been weighing the pros
and cons of both scenarios."

"Do you still love him?" Stanley asked. "That's the
ultimate question you need to answer."

"I do love him," Faith replied. "I just don't know if
I can forgive him though."

"Well, look at it this way," Stanley suggested. "Can
you imagine your life with out him?"

"No," Faith replied after thinking for a minute.

"There's your answer," Stanley said.

"Thank you," Faith said getting up. "I need to go talk
to him."

Faith gave Stanley and Randal a kiss and headed out.
She walked down to the Hilton hotel and went up to
Colby's room.

"Hey Faith," Colby said opening the door. "Please,
come in."

Faith walked inside and faced Colby.

"How do I know you're not going to hurt me again?"
Faith asked.

"Because I know how stupid I was before and how I was
a fool for thinking there was anyone else for me,"
Colby replied. "I just got so lost and confused, I
know it's no excuse but I want you to realize that the
last thing I ever wanted to do was hurt you."

"I don't know how long it will take me to forgive
you," Faith said. "But I don't want to lose you
either."

"Are you giving me a second chance?" Colby asked
hopeful.

"Yes," Faith nodded.

Colby quickly went up and wrapped his arms around her.
"Thank you so much baby.  I promise, I'll never hurt
you again.  I'm so sorry."

"I know," Faith replied holding onto Colby.

"I love you," Colby said.

"I love you too," Faith answered.

Later that night Marcus and Trevor got back to
Marcus's house.

"I'm sorry that you didn't get some inspiration for a
job tonight," Trevor said rubbing Marcus's back.

"It's okay," Marcus replied turning to face Trevor.
"Thank you so much for coming tonight."

"I had a great time," Trevor said. "Your mom is
great."

"You're great," Marcus said giving Trevor a kiss. "I
love you."

"I love you," Trevor replied.

At Tyler and Jake's place the two were watching tv
when Jake's cell phone rang.

"Hello?" Jake asked answering.

"Hi," Miles said.

"What do you want?" Jake sighed.

"I didn't call to start trouble or anything," Miles
replied. "I just called to apologize."

"Really?" Jake asked.

"Yes, and I wanted you to know that I'm not going to
bug you anymore," Miles said. "I'm glad you're happy."

"Ok," Jake replied skeptical, "Thanks."

"Take care," Miles said and then hung up.

Jake set his phone down and turned to Tyler.

"Who was that?" Tyler asked.

"No one important," Jake replied kissing Tyler. "I
love you."

"I love you too," Tyler answered as the two slowly
began to undress each other.

At Randal and Stanley's place they were lying in bed
and talking.

"I really appreciated how you helped Faith tonight,"
Randal said.

"It was nothing," Stanley said.

"No, it was really great," Randal said. "You just
saved her marriage."

"I didn't save it, I just asked questions that opened
up her true feelings," Stanley said.

"Well you were great," Randal said. "In fact you
really turned me on tonight."

"Really?" Stanley asked with a grin.

"Really," Randal replied as he leaned over and started
kissing Stanley. "Get those clothes off, we're going
to have some fun tonight."

With a smile on his face Stanley quickly started
undressing while Randal began kissing his neck.

****************************************************************************
To Be Continued...

Sorry this one took a while, I've just been really
busy. With any comments, questions or feedback please
e-mail me at ilj4ever44@yahoo.com.  Thanks!  Hope you
all have a great Valentine's Day!