University Story - Chapter 0: Part 1
*Ok, this next chapter is from before Alex got to Duke University. It revolves around his last year at high school, and of how he came to be at the University. I wanted to do it all in one chapter, but it turned out to be just too much. I cut it and split it into two chapters. The next one is already started, so you won't have to wait as long as last time. It should be out quite soon :) Enjoy
Chapter 0 - Part 1: Tears through the Years
The first school bell of the year rang, and Alex walked into school. It was his last year of high school and he was beaming! He already knew he was gonna make the soccer team, and he was actually excited for classes. He was a nerd like that! He was wearing his favorite shirt, his favorite pair of shorts, and even his lucky underwear! How could things go wrong? It hadn't even started yet, but his last year already felt perfect.
Alex walked into his first class, Chemistry. He was excited to see what this class would be like. Alex saw his best friend in the back of class, and his smile got even wider.
"Hey Peyton!" Alex said, taking the seat next to the mountain lion.
"Sup man?" Peyton said, his eye brow rising in confusion, "Why are you so happy?"
"First day of our last year! Aren't you excited?"
"God, your optimism really depresses me, you know that?" Peyton said, laying his head on his desk, wishing it would magically turn into his bed.
"Oh shut up!" Alex said, jokingly pushing his friend a little, but just enough to wake him out of his delusional sleep. Alex burst out laughing as his friend tried to regain his balance, only to fall right out of his seat.
"Not funny man!" Peyton said, most unconvincingly, as he was laughing just as hard. They were best friends. They liked all the same things, same TV shows, same movies, same ice cream flavors, anything really! They were inseparable.
They had met two years ago at soccer try-outs. Peyton was the best forward, a perfect athlete. He was built for sports, and he was the envy of the whole school. He was about 6'6, and his light brown fur showed off his muscles well, but he made sure he didn't get too bulky. Alex was the best goalie, and though shorter and thinner then Peyton, was in just as good shape. They spent all practice trying to beat each other. Even when practice was over, neither of them wanted to quit. They just couldn't lose to each other. Once even they got tired, it was pretty late. Even then they didn't want their perfect evening to end. They spent the rest of the night just lying out on the top of Peyton's truck, just talking. They had been best friends ever since. Both had been new at school, so finding someone, anyone, felt too good to be true. They may not have been the most popular kids, but everyone in school knew they were best friends.
Their teacher Mrs. Andrews, a middle-aged mouse, walked in and asked everyone to settle down. Alex got out his books and sat eagerly awaiting the lesson to start. He looked at the board, and then over to his friend Peyton. Alex couldn't help but smile when he looked at him. He just made him so happy. He looked at his eyes, hazel, and how they weren't even looking at the board. Peyton didn't care about school as much as Alex did. He then glanced down his light brown fur, tracing his muscular arms to the pen he was twirling in his fingers. Alex had jerked his head back to the board, blushing. Lately, he hadn't been able to keep Peyton off his mind. He didn't understand why, but by the time he focused on the lesson, he had already missed which pages had been assigned for homework.
Alex rolled his eyes, and laughed a little to himself. Way to start the year off well, he thought.
* * * *
About a month of school had passed, and as expected, Alex was loving all his classes, and doing quite well. He wanted to go to a good university, and he made sure to put everything into his studies.
Peyton however, was a little less driven. He hated Chemistry, and only really took it so he could be in a class with Alex. They had taken all different courses, and when Peyton found out, he switched out of Gym for Chemistry, to everyone's surprise. "I'll get enough exercise with soccer" Peyton told people. He just couldn't imagine a whole year without Alex sitting next to him. He thought all the headaches from Chem. studying was worth the husky's company. He really made the classes fly by. Unfortunately, Peyton rarely got anything done when Alex was near him. He would always find his eyes wandering from the board to his friend. He'd always start at his eyes. They were the lightest blue, and he felt lost looking in them. His black and white fur was shiny and soft. Sometimes, Peyton wanted to just touch Alex. He was intoxicating, and by the time Peyton caught himself staring, the lesson was always over.
Luckily Alex paid attention, as he always helped Peyton out. They had made it a habit to study together a few times a week. Without Alex, Peyton knew he'd fail for sure. God he owed his friend so much. He was the best...
Peyton knocked on Alex's door, holding his books, ready to study. Ya, "study", Peyton thought. He laughed a little when he thought of it. You could hardly call it studying. Sure, Alex would make sure Peyton knew the material before they left, but the mountain lion always came up with an excuse to goof off. His last excuse was "Sci Fi movies can help him learn Chemistry".
Alex's mother, Heather Mackenzie, opened the door, with a wide smile on her face. She was such a nice lady, Peyton thought.
"Hello Peyton!" She said happily.
"Hey Mrs. M!" Peyton walked in quite casually. He spent so much time at that house that he felt almost at home there. "Alex ready to study?"
"Oh, I'm sure. Are you?" She said, looking at him with crossed arms. She loved Peyton like a son, but, like a true mother, nagged whenever she got the chance.
"Uh, course I am." Peyton averted his gaze, trying not to look her in the eyes. She knew he was lying anyway, but it helped his nerves. She giggled a little, and nodded in the direction of Alex's room. Peyton smiled, and bolted off to see his friend. His best friend. Peyton couldn't feel anything but joy when he thought about it! He had Alex as a friend, and he felt so lucky.
Peyton walked into Alex's room, not even knocking. The husky was sitting at his desk, his headphones in. He didn't even hear Peyton come in. Peyton, like a good cat, sneaked up behind Alex. He tried not to laugh out loud as he stalked his "prey". Before Alex even had a chance to turn around,
BOOM!
"AHH!!!" With a loud yelp, Peyton lifted Alex into the air and flung him onto the bed. He then pounced on top of him, pretending like he was going to eat him. He snarled and growled like a real beast.
"Oh man, you're frickin crazy!" Alex wanted to be angry at his stupid friend, but he couldn't hold back his smile and laugh.
"Quiet you. Prey shouldn't talk..." Peyton growled, clearly still in character.
"Get off!" Alex tried to push Peyton off, but he couldn't stop him. Peyton was pretty big for his age, and he dedicated as much time at the gym as Alex did to his studies. Both boys started laughing, not being able to speak. Once the laughter started dying down, Peyton looked down. Alex had such a beautiful smile, he thought. His teeth were so white, and his eyes...those perfect, blue eyes captured his heart every time.
"Umm, Peyton?" Alex's head was tilted to the side in confusion. His friend had just been sitting on top of him for quite some time. "You ok?"
"Oh-ah, ya. Sorry man..." Peyton jumped off the bed as fast as possible. He turned his back to Alex and picked up his books. What was that all about? He had just been messing around with his friend, nothing more. Then why didn't he want to get up? He had never seen his friend so close up before. Every part of him was perfect. He just got lost in it all, like he did every day in class. It was all so confusing, and he thought he should just focus on studying tonight. He loved his friend, but he wasn't in love him. That was crazy...
"Wanna get started?" Peyton said to Alex, not even turning back to look at him.
"Uh, sure Peyton." Alex sat up on the edge of the bed, and looked up at his friend. He was picking up his books, doing everything to not make eye contact with Alex. What was going on here? Peyton had been acting so strange lately. Alex really didn't understand. It only made it worse that Alex was just as confused about how he thought about his friend. He couldn't get his friend off his mind, and loved every moment that he could see him. Just being around him made him feel so happy. Peyton made him feel safe, and confident. But now, it was like whenever they tried to do something that was once normal, something made them hesitate.
They both sat at their usual spots at Alex's desk and got straight into studying. After a little while, they both forgot about what had happened on the bed. Things got back to normal pretty fast. They were both smiling again, laughing, and Alex was trying to make Peyton focus.
"Aww, come on, I got this! Let's do something fun now!" Peyton begged. He had had enough chemistry for a life time, and thought his head would explode if he memorized one more formula.
"I dunno, we really should-" Alex said, looking at his books, and avoiding Peyton's gaze. If he looked into his pleading eyes, he'd cave for sure.
"Come on! Pleeease!" Peyton moved his face into Alex's vision, his puppy dog eyes on full blast.
Alex sighed, and laughed a little, "Aw, alright."
"YAY!" Peyton jumped up happily, stretching as he did, "Man, I think Chemistry is actually gonna kill me."
"Nah, you're doing fine!" Alex said honestly. Peyton was actually pretty smart, he just wasn't motivated. "What do you wanna do?"
"We've been sitting inside for way too long! Wanna shot some hoops?"
"Sure, I do feel bad being inside all day."
"Awesome" Peyton smiled and ran ahead of Alex to his backyard.
Alex blushed a little. There was the smile that was burned into his mind. He looked to the bed, where his friend had laid so close to him not long ago. Then he looked to the doorway where he ran out. He started walking out to his backyard slowly, and stood in the doorway, watching his friend warming up. He knew he was staring, but he didn't care. His friend's body was just so perfect for sports. Even though he didn't really play basketball, he moved like he was on the school team or something. His muscular legs moved and flexed perfectly as he ran and jumped. He was wearing a green tank top that showed off his built biceps as he played. He really was gorgeous...
"You gonna play? Oh, I get it! You already know I'm gonna beat ya!" Peyton laughed a little as he taunted Alex.
"Oh sure, we both know soccer's the only sport yur good at!" Alex giggled as Peyton frowned at him. Alex took the ball and dribbled it away from his friend.
Peyton was gorgeous...for some girl! Ya, some girl will be really lucky to have him, Alex thought...really lucky...
* * * *
"Phew! When did you get good at basketball?" Peyton said, still panting a bit as the boys finished their game.
"Maybe I've always been good," Alex joked, "And I've just been letting you win all this time" Alex laughed to himself.
"Oh come on! Rematch?" Peyton asked.
"Well, if you can take the ball, then maybe I'll play again." Alex held the ball over his head, and awaited his friend's attempt at taking it.
"Hehe, alright then!" Peyton started moving his arms around his friend, trying to take the ball. After a few failed attempts, he realized it wasn't working, so he picked the husky up and lifted him over his shoulder.
"H-Hey! That's cheating!" Alex said, trying to hold back his laughter.
"Nope, no one said that I needed to take just the ball." Peyton laughed as Alex squirmed in his arms.
"You're crazy! Put me down!" Alex sputtered through giggles. He dropped the ball as he tried to twist his way out of Peyton's vice grip. Peyton began backing up, being unaware that the basketball was there, and...
*BOOM*
"Woaaah!!!" Peyton yelled as fell backwards onto the grass, "Oh man..."
"Oh no, Peyton!" Alex said as he lay on top of his friend, "You ok?!"
"Hehe, ya," Peyton whispered, a small smile on his face, "But I'd be better if ya got yur knee out of my ribs."
"Oh, sorry-" Alex said as he attempted to get off his friend, but he was stopped. Peyton had his arms around Alex's waist, holding him in place.
"I didn't say get up." Peyton whispered to Alex, his perfect smile spread across his face. He didn't know why he was doing this, but it didn't matter. He had been confused about his feelings for Alex for so long, and that sure hadn't changed. All he knew was that he loved being close to the husky. He had regretted getting off him when they were on his bed, and he didn't want to run away this time. He liked where he was, and didn't want to leave.
"B-But," Alex tried to say, the white fur on his face red with embarrassment, "W-Why?" He asked as if he didn't know. He knew Peyton better than anyone. They could tell what each other were thinking no matter what, and Alex knew what was on his friend's mind. He just didn't understand why.
"I dunno Alex...I just know I like being close to you..." Peyton didn't stop looking at his friend. Alex may have been looking away from his piercing gaze, but Peyton couldn't think of anything better to look at than Alex. In his eyes, he was perfect.
"B-But...we shouldn't-"
"Why? I know you like this as much as I do." Peyton said to Alex in his strong, secure voice, "You can't lie to me. You should know that..." As he said this, he leaned up and nuzzled Alex's neck softly. He murred in perfect content as he did. He finally got to touch that soft, black fur. It was everything he thought it would be and more.
Alex bit his lip from both fear and excitement. Peyton was right. He did love this. Something as simple as just lying with a person you care so much for...it meant the world to both of them. Alex shut his eyes, and just took in the manly, sweaty smell of his friend, and the rough tongue that was now licking his neck. His mind was telling him to get up, but his heart shut that up easily. He was just too happy. He leaned back a bit so he could look Peyton right in the eyes.
"I-I...there's a lot of things I don't understand Peyton...but how I feel about you isn't one of them," Alex gulped, preparing himself for what he was about to say. He knew it was true, and Peyton knew it too, but it was still hard, "I love you Peyton. I never knew it, but I think I always have. I just-"
Before Alex could say anything, Peyton had leaned in and kissed him. Alex's eyes opened wide in surprise, but shut just as fast as he drifted into bliss. Both of them had kissed furs before, girls of course, but it never felt the same, never right. This kiss though, was unbelievable. It was soft and loving, but strong, revealing the unquenchable wanting they both had for the other.
As the sun set behind them, so too did their old friendship. They were so much more now. They were in love, and together. They didn't need anything else, and nothing else mattered. All they felt was the warmth of the other's body. Everything else was tuned out.
They didn't even notice the eyes watching them from the kitchen window...
* * * *
Months had passed, and the boys had never been happier! They had decided to keep their relationship a secret, fearing what others may think. It was more Alex's idea than Peyton's. He was so brave, Alex thought, and he felt guilty that he couldn't be that strong. Peyton didn't care what anyone thought, except of course, for Alex, and Alex was terrified of people finding out. Though it wasn't because of what they would think. No, that didn't matter. He was scared that word may find its way back to the one person that really terrified him...his father. If he found out about this, Alex knew all hell would break loose. Alex thought his dad was born to just intimidate. He did it too well. He was about 7'1, and had more muscle then Alex had ever seen. His voice matched his figure as well. Deep and loud. As a drill sergeant in the local military base, he had everything he needed to make new recruits shit their pants.
Alex thought it was best to keep this little secret from his father. Ever since he told him he wanted to go away for university instead of joining the army, like his brothers had done, he felt a distance between them. He just felt like his father really didn't like him very much, and it really depressed Alex. Thank God he had Peyton though. He couldn't imagine being alone, truly alone. It was his worst fear, and he had never told anyone that. Not even Peyton.
Peyton was walking through the halls, on his way to Alex's locker. It was the weekend of their 2 and a half month anniversary, and he wanted to spend every minute with him! He thought it was a bit sappy to celebrate two and a half months, but he jumped at any excuse to spend time with the husky. It didn't really matter how long they'd been together, as he'd be spending all weekend with him anyway. They always did!
He walked up to Alex's locker, and smiled. No one was around! He walked up behind Alex and put his arms around his waist.
"Hey babe," Peyton whispered into Alex's ear, "Happy 2 and a half months!" He said, laughing at how stupid that sounded.
"Wow, does that even count as anything?" Alex asked, still putting his books away.
"Any excuse to spend the whole weekend together. What do you say?"
"What do you have planned?" Alex asked, giggling as Peyton started nibbling on his neck.
"Nothing really." Peyton shrugged, "Just you, me, and a fun night at 'Make-out Point'"
"Just call it 'Grover's Point' like everyone else," Alex said, laughing at the cliché date. He loved it though.
"Aww, way to ruin my fun," Peyton said, turning his boyfriend around, "Guess you owe me for that..." Peyton said with a raised eyebrow.
"Oh, I guess I do..." Alex said as he leaned in closer, kissing Peyton softly. Every time they kissed it felt so natural. Like Alex didn't need to think anything, it just happened. His body moved for him. Peyton was a great kisser too. No wonder all the girls in school wanted him. He was hot, kind, athletic, and his kisses always left Alex breathless. But no girl did have him. Alex did. Every time he thought about it, he just laughed and shook his head. He just couldn't believe it. He was so lucky. He'd never felt this happy before.
Peyton broke the kiss. He always felt sad when he did. He couldn't think of anything better than being with Alex, so whenever they had to part, he just felt low. Just knowing he'd see him tonight though, put a smile back on his face.
"Gotta go babe...pick you up at eight?" Peyton asked.
"Can't wait," Alex said, a smile spread across his face.
Peyton growled a little, and groped Alex's firm butt, "Neither can I..." And with one last quick kiss, he headed out to his last class. Alex fell back against his locker, breathless like always. He couldn't believe what was happening. If someone had told him that he'd be dating Peyton a year ago, he would have laughed in their face. It all just felt so right though. He couldn't imagine how he lived before this.
"Cute boyfriend you got there," A mysterious voice called behind him.
Alex froze where he was, turning slowly to see who it was, knowing it didn't matter who was there. Someone had seen Peyton and him kissing. There was no way out, and before anything even happened, Alex felt a cage being built around him. Like he was trapped.
"You make such a cute couple," Karen said. It was Karen Cortina, the head cheerleader. She was a white bunny, and always wore her cheerleading uniform. Not only was it a symbol for how popular she was, but the short skirt showed just enough ass to make every guy in school drool over her. Worst of all, she was Peyton's ex.
"K-Karen, umm, hey-"
"Cut the crap, homo," Karen said, stepping so close to Alex he could feel her ample bosoms against his chest, "It all makes sense now," she said stepping back a bit, "It's the only reason Peyton left me. The only thing that makes sense. Still, even though he's a fag, I thought he could do better than a little shrimp like you. Pathetic."
Alex opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out. He had a million things to say, or scream at her, but he just couldn't. He held himself in his arms, feeling the cage around him shrink. He felt like his perfect world was collapsing around on him.
Karen walked up to Alex, and closed his mouth with one finger. "It's rude to gawk." And with that she sauntered past him. He could hear her laughter all the way down the hallway. Alex leaned up against his locker and fell to the floor. In such a short time he felt like everything was over. Karen would tell everyone, and sooner or later, word would reach his dad. Then everything would really be through. Alex banged his head against his locker, tears spilling down his cheeks. It was all his fault. He felt so guilty it physically hurt.
Alex stood up slowly, wiping the tears from his face. He had never felt so hopeless, but he tried to think logically. What were the chances that a few high school rumors would reach his father of all people? Slim to none. He put a smile on his face and headed to class. Peyton would be strong in this situation, so he should be too!
Accept he wasn't Peyton...Alex went through the whole day filled with fear. Every time someone looked at him or said his name, he thought they knew. He couldn't stand the pressure, and ran home the second school was over. Tonight he'd be all alone with his lover, and nothing else would matter. Once Peyton's arms were around him, his worry and guilt would melt away.
Once Alex got home, he ran right to his room, and fell on his bed. His nose was right in the sheets, and it smelled of Peyton. He had been over the day before to study. Alex lay out on the bed, and just smelled him. He felt safer already, but it also brought up another feeling. He had never felt nervous when he thought about his best friend, but now his stomach was full of knots. He tried to get over the horrible feeling, but he just couldn't. All that he could do was lie in wait. Wait for the inevitable end of his dream world. He pinched himself, hoping today was just a nightmare, but nothing. It had happened, and so much more was going to happen, and he just didn't think he could handle it all...
With a low, shallow whimper, Alex fell asleep on his empty bed, in his empty room, with his emptying heart all that kept him company...