Date: Mon, 3 Nov 2003 22:36:35 -0800 (PST)
From: Kirk Landers <ilj4ever44@yahoo.com>
Subject: Dating and the Single Life- part 4

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 alot of sex in it.
This isn't the story for you.


     Now a couple of people were complaining about
Kyle's attitude in the last chapter and I thought I'd
explain.  I had at first thought of having Kyle just
be a jerk to other people, but still stay nice to his
friends, but I wanted to emphasize how much not seeing
David would effect him and I thought it would be
really effective if I showed him being a jerk to his
friends, I mean in real life the only time people
would every be that cold to a friend is if something
has really effected them and I thought that doing that
to Kyle would really show how important his friendship
to David is and how much the loss of David has hurt
him.

  Anyway here is part 4 entitled "Birthday Blues".

     Kyle was riding a horse around a big open ranch
area on his birthday.  He was riding slowly, when he
heard a galloping behind him.  He looked back and saw
David riding up towards him.  Kyle's face beemed with
happiness.

"I didn't think you'd come." Kyle said

"I couldn't break tradition." David said smiling

"Good." Kyle replied

"Can I ask you a question?" David asked

"Sure." Kyle answered

"Why won't you let me love you?" David asked

Kyle not sure what to say answered, "David, I-"

But then David cut him off, "I'm the one you're
supossed to be with, but you can't seem to see that."

"David, I've told you, it's not you that I'm
rejecting.  I just don't thing relationships are
good." Kyle said

"You said you don't think you'll find the guy you're
supossed to be with," David began, "Well look right in
front of you and you'll find him.  Me, I'm that
perfect guy, I'm your soul mate."

Kyle looked down not sure what to saw.

"If you can't see that then you'll always be alone."
David said

When Kyle looked back up David was gone.

"David?" Kyle called out looking around, "David!"

Kyle started to panic. "David where are you?"

     Suddenly, Kyle woke up in his bed.  it was just a
dream.  Kyle laid in bed for a little bit thinking
about that dream.  He wasn't quite sure what to make
of it.  It was the day before his birthday.  However,
unlike all his other birthdays he's not looking foward
to this one, due to the fact that he won't be spending
it with David.  He got up and got ready for work.  On
his way out he looked at the picture of him and David
riding horses from his last birthday.  Looking at it,
he decided that he wasn't going to let his situation
with David cause him to break tradition.  He went to
the phone and called up the ranch him and David went
to every year.  He decided that even if David won't be
there, that won't stop him from tradition.

"Hi, is this Mr. Andrews?" Kyle asked

"Yes." he replied

"Hey Mr. Andrews this is Kyle Garrett."

"Hey Kyle.  I assume you're calling because you and
David are going to be coming out tomorrow?" Mr.
Andrews asked

"Actually, it's just going to be me." Kyle replied

"Where's David?" Mr. Andrews asked

"David, is unavailable." Kyle answered

"All right, well I'll make sure Duke is all saddled up
and ready for you tomorrow." Mr. Andrews said

"Great thanks." Kyle replied hanging up.

He then left and went to work.

Over at Marcus's apartment he and David were getting
ready to go get breakfast.

"So, tomorrow is Kyle's birthday." Marcus mentioned

"I know." David replied

"Are you going to get him anything?" Marcus asked

"I don't know." David replied, "I mean, I should.
After all, he is still my best friend."

"But?" Marcus asked knowing that there is more to what
David has to say.

"But, with the way things are between us now I don't
want him to feel weird getting a gift from me." David
answered

"I don't think he'd feel weird." Marcus replied, "I
mean, he's going to be thinking about you anyway."

"What do you mean?" David asked

"You two always went horseback riding for his
birthday." Marcus replied

"I feel so bad that I won't be taking him this year."
David said

"Kyle's a big boy, he understands." Marcus said

"I know, but still, I've let him down so much
already." David said

"David, don't think about it so much.  Your reason for
wanting space from Kyle is so you can get over him.
You can't do that if you're worrying about hurting him
all the time." Marcus replied

"I can't help it." David said, "I care about him, is
that so wrong?"

"No, but it's just making it harder for you to get
over him." Marcus said

"I know, you're right, but I mean this is Kyle.  I
can't stop thinking about him." David said

"I know and I understand, but you have to realize that
Kyle wants you back in his life and for that to happen
you need to get over him." Marcus said

As they were about to leave Marcus's phone rang.

"Hello?" Marcus asked answering the phone.

"Hey, it's Thomas."

"Hi Thomas." Marcus said smiling

"Hey, I was wondering what you were doing tomorrow
night." Thomas said

"Well, actually it's my friend's birthday, but I don't
think we're doing anything tomorrow night." Marcus
said

"Great, do you want to get dinner?" Thomas asked

"Dinner sounds good." Marcus replied

"Awesome, I'll pick you up at around seven?" Thomas
said

"That sounds like a plan." Marcus answered

"Okay, cool.  So, I'll see you tomorrow." Thomas said

"Yea, I'm looking foward to it." Marcus replied

"Me too." Thomas answered sweetly

"All right, well I'll see you tomorrow." Marcus said

'Okay, bye." Thomas said

Marcus hung up and headed out the door with David.

"So, who's Thomas?" David asked

"A guy I met at the club last week." Marcus replied

"Whoa, last week?" David asked, "When were you going
to tell me you were seeing someone?"

Marcus laughed a little, "I didn't want to get my
hopes up.  This is only going to be our third date and
I don't know where things are headed yet."

Marcus and David got in Marcus's car and started
driving.

"Have you two had sex?" David asked

Marcus's face turned red, "That's none of your
business."

"You did!" David said laughing, "When?"

"The first night we met." Marcus said sheepishly

"Oh my God!" David said laughing, "Wow, Marcus I
didn't know you had it in you."

"Be quiet it's not like you never had sex with someone
the first night you met them." Marcus retorted

"Yea, but that's me, I do stuff like that.  It's just
not like you." David pointed out smiling., "So I guess
the sex was good."

"Excuse me?" Marcus asked

"Actually that was probably a good thing.  You two
both know how the other performs in bed, I mean it's
better than being let down from it if you two had
waited further into the relationship." David replied

"Okay, shut up." Marcus said jokingly

"God, I miss sex." David said

"Then go meet someone." Marcus replied

"It's hard, I tried hooking up with someone last
Saturday, but when I was kissing him I kept thinking
of Kyle." David said, "So it's probably not the best
time for me to be having sex right now."

"It'll get easier." Marcus said encouragingly

David sat there trying hard to believe it, wondering
if he'll ever get over Kyle.

   At work Kyle was busy shelving toys when Tyler and
Jake came to see him.

Hey Kyle." Tyler said as they walked up to him.

"Hi guys, what are you two doing here?" Kyle asked

"We were driving by here and decided to stop by and
ask you a quick question about tomorrow." Tyler
replied

"Tea do you want to go out for your birthday or we can
just eat at our place." Jake said

"You guys don't have to do anything." Kyle answered

"Yes we do, it's your birthday.  We want to help you
celebrate." Jake said

"I appreciate it, but I just don't know if I want to
do anything." Kyle said opening up a box of toys to
shelve.

"What do you mean?" Tyler asked, "It's your birthday,
you have to."

"With everything going on between me and David right
now, I'm just not in a real celebrating mood." Kyle
replied

"At least do something." Jake sugested

"I am." Kyle answered, "I'm going to go horseback
riding."

Jake and Tyler both looked at each other, not sure
what to say.

"Isn't that what you ussually did with David every
year for your birthday?" Tyler asked

"Yea." Kyle replied

"Then why would you want to do it with out him?" Jake
asked

"It's tradition." Kyle replied

"A tradition you did with David." Jake pointed out

"I know, but it's something I want to do.  I mean I
would love it if David would be there too, but going
out there will bring back good times that I had with
David.  I was mad at David for a while and I don't
want to hate him anymore.  It'll make me remember why
I care about him so much." Kyle said

"I'm sorry, but I have to ask this." Tyler began, "Why
aren't you and David together?  I mean it just seems
that you care about him so much."

"Jake, I've told you.  I don't like relationships."
Kyle said

"You don't like relationships or you're afraid of
relationships?" Tyler asked

"Tyler." Jake scolded

"It's fine." Kyle replied sincerely

"I'm sorry Kyle, but it just seems like you and David
are a perfect match." Tyler said

Kyle wasn't sure how to answer.

"We should get going." Jake said, "Kyle, come over
tomorrow at around noon all right?"

"Okay." Kyle said, "Bye guys."

Tyler and Jake walked out of the store leaving Kyle
wondering if maybe Tyler's right.  Outside of the
store Jake scolded Tyler for saying that stuff to
Kyle.

"What the hell were you thinking?" Jake asked

"Hey, you know that Kyle and David should be
together." Tyler responded

"Yea, but you don't go attacking Kyle about it, not
after all he's been through lately." Jake said

"Maybe Kyle just needs a little push to see that he
should just be with David.  Kyle's obviously in love
with David even though he can't seem to see it." Tyler
said

"I know, but now is a really bad time to be pushing
him." Jake said

"Actually, I think now is a perfect time." Tyler
began, "Maybe him seeing that he and David should be
together will cause this whole friction between the
two of them to end."

"All right, but don't push so hard." Jake said

"You're right, I'm sorry." Tyler replied

The two were quiet for a couple seconds.

"You want to go home and fool around?" Tyler asked
smiling

Jake looked at Tyler and at first was going to say no,
but then resided.
"Sure." Jake replied and the went and drove back to
their place.

Over at Randal's apartment he was wrapping his gift
for Kyle when he got a call from a guy he hooked-up
with last week.

"Hey Randal it's Alan, we got together last week
remember?" he said

"Oh yea, sure.  What's up Alan?" Randal asked

"I just came from the doctor and I found out I have
something." Alan said

"What do you mean?" Randal asked

"I'm positive." Alan replied quietly

"What?" Randal asked worried

"I'm sorry I didn't know.  If I had known I wouldn't
have put you at risk like that." Alan said
aplogetically, "I think that maybe you should get
tested, in case the condom didn't hold up through
everything."

Randal suddenly felt light-headed, he wasn't sure how
to respond.

"Thanks for calling." Randal said quietly hanging up,
he slowly sat down on the floor and was worried about
what was in store for his future.

After Marcus had breakfast with David he went to work
and was finishing some paper work when Thomas called.

"Hey Marcus." Thomas said

"Hi." Marcus replied

"So, I was wondering, tomorrow would you rather get
Italian or Mexican?" Thomas asked

"Italian sounds good." Marcus answered

"Great.  I know this really good Italian resteraunt."
Thomas said

"Awesome." Marcus said

"So, what are you doing?" Thomas asked

"Just working, how about you?" Marcus replied

"Same." Thomas replied

Outside of Marcus's office in the parking lot, Thomas
was sitting there watching Marcus from a far, watching
his every move.  Thomas took out some pictures he just
had developed and started flipping through them, each
one of Marcus.  There was a picture of Marcus and
David getting in Marcus's car to go to breakfast, a
picture of Marcus and David eating, a picture of
Marcus driving to work.  The whole lot of pictures
consisted of images like that.  Thomas just sat ther
mesmerized by Marcus and every move he makes.

     When David got to his apartment he went to his
room and pulled out a photo album he had of him and
Kyle.  He turned to a page of him and Kyle horseback
riding together on Kyle's 21st birthday, it was around
the time David really started falling in love with
him.  He sat there remembering the good times the two
had together.

****FLASHBACK****

Kyle and David were on their horses racing in an open
field.  Kyle being a skilled rider easily beat David.

"Nice try." Kyle said

"This time next year I'll be able to kick your ass."
David replied smiling

"Thanks for doing this again." Kyle said gratefully

"Of course, it's our tradition." David answered as the
two rode calmy together.

"Well, I mean I know you don't like riding that much."
Kyle began, "So, you being here with me means a lot."

"You know I'd do anything for you." David replied,
wanting to tell Kyle then and there that he loved him.
 As David was looking at Kyle he accidently pulled on
the horse's reigns causing the horse to lift up it's
front legs sending David falling to the ground.  Kyle
quickly got off his horse and rushed to David.

"You all right?" Kyle asked resting David's head on
his legs.

"Wow." David said groggily

"Can you move all right?" Kyle asked concerned

David moved a little, "Yea, I'm fine."

"Thank God." Kyle said relieved

David looked up at Kyle and smiled.

"Why are you smiling you could have been hurt." Kyle
said

David didn't say anything, he began to lean foward to
kiss Kyle.  In turn Kyle also started leaning in, but
then the horses started to fuss and Kyle quickly shot
his head back up.

"I guess we should get these horses back." Kyle said
getting up.

"Yea." David replied, upset that he missed the perfect
moment.

Kyle helped David up and the two rode back to the
ranch.

****END FLASHBACK****

David set down the photo album and picked up the
phone...

Kyle had just gotten done with his shift at work, he
walked into his apartment just as the phone started
ringing.

"Hello?" Kyle asked answering the phone, but he
couldn't hear anyone on the other line, "Hello?"

David sat there on holding the phone listening to Kyle
and desperately wanting to talk to him, but knowing it
would be better if he didn't.

Kyle heard a faint breathing on the other line and had
a gut instinct at who it was.

"David?" Kyle asked, "Is that you?  Please talk to
me."

David then slowly hung up the phone.

Kyle heard the phone click then heard the dial tone.

"David." Kyle said quietly to himself hanging up the
phone.

Kyle went to his room and began thinking about what
Tyler said to him today.  Maybe he's right, maybe he
should be with David.  He knows that him and David did
spend a lot of time together and he cares about David
more than he cares about himself.  But at the same
time Kyle didn't want to get into a relationship, not
after the last one he was in.  He made a vow never to
become involved with someone and he was going to stick
to it.  But he also knew all he would be giving up by
sticking to that vow he made, and David even pointed
it out to him.

****FLASHBACK****

"I know, you don't want a relationship." David said
"But what I don't get, is that you are the most loving
person in the world, but you won't let anyone love
you."

"That's...a decision I've made." Kyle replied quietly

"I hope you change your mind one day.  I don't want to
see you alone forever." David said leaving.

****END FLASHBACK****

The only real question facing Kyle's mind was if he
wanted to follow his heart or follow his instincts?

Over at Tyler and Jake's apartment the two were lying
in bed together talking.

"So, do you think we're doing this too much?" Jake
asked

"Do you?" Tyler asked

"No, I mean it's nice.  It's easier doing this with
you because you know me so well and everything." Jake
replied

"Yea, there's no pressure between us.  We aren't as
tense." Tyler said

"Exactly." Jake replied

"God, you and me should just date." Tyler said half
jokingly

The two laughed a little and then quickly changed the
subject.

"What time do you have to get to work?" Jake asked

"In a few hours." Tyler replied, "So I should start
getting ready."

"Want me and the guys to meet there tonight to eat?"
Jake asked

"Yea, stop by at around nine." Tyler replied, "I'll
have a table for you guys."

"Cool." Jake answered

"Are you going to bring David or Kyle?" Tyler asked

"Well, I have to talk to the guys about what we're
doing for Kyle tomorrow so I'll ask David." Jake
replied

"All right." Tyler replied

"Doesn't this suck?" Jake asked, "Now whenever we hang
out we have to choose which one we're going to ask?"

"Yea, but it's only temporarily." Tyler answered

"I don't know, David is not even remotely over Kyle.
It's going to be a long time before we're all hanging
out again." Jake said

"Not if Kyle does what I suggested and just get with
David." Tyler replied

"He's not going to." Jake said

"How do you know?" Tyler asked

"Because, he's against relationships." Jake replied

"Yea, but things change." Tyler said

"Well, there's nothing we can do about it." Jake said,
"You go get ready for work, and I'll call the guys."

Later that night Marcus, Jake, Randal, and David were
eating at the resteraunt Tyler works at talking.

"I got him that jacket he wanted at the store I work
at." Jake said

"I still need to pick up his gift, I have it on hold
still.  It's a pair of black and white Pumas." Randal
said

"And I got him a pair of basketball shorts, and a
Lakers jersey." Marcus added

"I'm going to buy the cake for him tomorrow." Tyler
said walking up to them and giving them their food.

"I'm really missing it." David said more to himself
than to the other guys, "I still can't believe I'm
going to miss his birthday this year."

"You don't have to." Tyler reminded

"It would make Kyle really happy if you were there."
Jake added

"You guys, we have to give David a break.  He just
needs space from Kyle right now." Randal said in
David's defense

"We're not trying to force you to come or gang up on
you or anything, but if you want to come it'll make
Kyle really happy." Marcus said

"I know." David replied, "But I just can't."

"Are you going to get him anything?" Randal asked

"Yea," David answered, "Actually I think I got him
something he'll really like."

The next morning Kyle woke up at around 11:00 AM.  It
was his birthday, he's 22 years old.  Fortunately he
didn't have work so he's just going to go over to
Tyler and Jake's place then go horseback riding for
the rest of the day.  He got ready and then headed
over.

     Kyle got to Tyler and Jake's and went inside.

"Happy birthday!" Randal, Tyler, Marcus and Jake said
at the same time.

"Thanks guys." Kyle said smiling

"Here's your cake." Tyler said holding up a big
chocolate cake with 'Happy Birthday Kyle' written on
it.

"Wow, we don't get much gayier than this huh?" Randal
asked laughing

"It's the thought that counts." Tyler said

"Thank you Tyler." Kyle said blowing out the candles
on the cake.

They cut the cake and Kyle opened his gifts and the
five of them sat around and talked.

"Feels weird with out David here." Kyle said

"Yea." Jake replied

"We tried to get him to come." Tyler said

"He just needs some time." Randal said

"I know." Kyle replied

The five of them sat there quietly not quite sure what
to say.

"So what are you guys doing tonight?" Kyle asked
changing the subject

"Marcus has a date." Randal pointed out

"Really?" Kyle asked smiling, "With that guy you met
at the club last week?"

"Yea." Marcus replied

"You see this going somewhere?" Kyle asked

"Maybe." Marcus answered, "It's too early to tell."

"How well do you know him?" Jake asked

"Not very." Marcus replied, "But I'm looking foward to
finding out."

"What about you two?" Kyle asked Tyler and Jake, "Got
any plans tonight?"

"We'll probably just hang out." Jake said simply.  Him
and Tyler shared a little smile between them.

"I'll be at work if you want to stop by." Randal said
to Kyle

"Yea, that sounds good." Kyle replied, "I'll come by
at around 11."

"Cool." Randal replied

"Well, thank you guys for the cake and the gifts.  But
I should get going.  I have to get to the ranch now."
Kyle said getting up

"Well, have fun." Marcus said giving Kyle a hug

"Thanks man." Kyle replied

"I know you're upset David won't be there, but you'll
still have fun." Randal said encouragingly, "I'll see
you tonight."

"Thanks again you guys.  You're the best." Kyle said
picking up his gifts as he headed out.

Kyle drove over to the ranch and headed up to pay for
the horseback riding.

"Hey Mr. Andrews." Kyle said walking into the ranch
center.

"Hey there Kyle." Mr. Andrews replied, "Duke is all
yours for the day.  He's out back waiting for you
now."

"Great." Kyle replied, "How much is that going to be?"

Kyle pulled out his credit card ready to pay, but Mr.
Andrews waved it away.

"Already taken care of." Mr. Andrews replied

"Really?" Kyle asked, "I don't remember paying over
the phone."

"No, your friend came and paid for it." Mr. Andrews
said

"My friend?" Kyle asked confused

"Yea, David, the one who you ussually go riding with.
He stopped by yesturday and paid for you." Mr. Andrews
said

"Oh." Kyle replied really touched by what David did,
"Thanks."

Kyle walked out and headed to get his horse.  He got
on and started riding off around the ranch land.

"Thanks David." Kyle said quietly to himself as he
rode along.

>From the Ranch David stood there watching Kyle ride
off by himself.  He wants to be out there with him,
but is glad at least he gets to be here watching him.

"Happy birthday Kyle." David said

David watch as Kyle rode out of viewing distance and
then walked to his car and drove off.

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

To Be Continued....

With any comments, questions, or feedback e-mail me at
ilj4ever44@yahoo.com