Kaiden

The month ended with our exams and SATs, leaving everyone exhausted from the studying, submissions and homework. Halloween arrived with the Credence and Westbrook game.

The whole school is buzzing with anticipation.

"You remember what I said right? Win or lose, doesn't matter!" I tell Nathan who looks pale, his leg bouncing. It's just before the game and he asked me to accompany him to Westbrook, instead of coming with the other players.

"You know it does but I'll try to not let it bother me too much," he sighs. I place a hand on his arm.

"You're fine okay? Just go in there and give it your best shot, literally."

"There's so many old faces I'm going to see and it's not going to be pretty. Find me after the game again okay, Kai?"

I nod, not wanting to ask what he means by that. It would probably aggravate his nerves more. We leave my car. I spot Raven and Bella getting out of Max's car and feel a tad guilty for not offering to pick them up as well.

"Hey guys!" Raven calls, happily running to us. She gives Nathan a hug.

"Goodluck! I know you'll do well!" She beams. He thanks her, smiling.

Bella wishes him luck and kisses Max quickly. He goes a little red.

Nathan gives me a parting glance and I nod, sending him a thumbs up.

"He seems tense," Raven says, hooking her arm in mine. Bella nods.

"He is."

We walk to the bleachers and for the second time, I wonder why I didn't attend school games earlier. The air is charged and I'm feeling the rush. We find our seats along with the other students. The teams are yet to come on the field.

"Kai!"

I turn to see the familiar faces of Seth, Sam and Ana, waving to me from a few rows above. I smile.

"Come join us, there's a few empty seats here!" I call.

"Fancy seeing you at our school?" Sam smirks, nudging me. "Got rid of your ego finally huh?"

He puts an arm on my shoulders and waves at Raven and Bella. I blush at the sudden action.

"Hey girls!" Seth nods. He introduces Ana to them and she immediately starts talking like the happy person she is.

"So, Kai, ready to watch your team get annihilated?" Seth teases.

"Hah, you wish," I grin.

The game begins. The ball is in Credence side of the field. Our team looks in better form. I'm just hoping no one gets injured again.

The commentator mentions that an ex Westbrookian is in the Credence team. Whispers erupt in the audience. I catch a few bits.

....heard he got kicked out...

.... no, he was that gay kid remember...

.... i would change countries if that happened to me yet he's here again?...

I furrow my brows. There's no mistaking the whispers are about Nathan and they're not the nice kind. So... what Daniel said, it's true then? He really did get kicked out for liking a boy?

"What is everyone whispering about?" Raven asks.

Sam looks around to see who is speaking, his mouth in a hard line. He seems fucking pissed.

"Nothing, nothing, just rumours," Seth interjects quickly. "Don't listen to them, okay?"

Sam nods, giving me a smile. I don't believe them but I focus back on the field. Raven nudges me, raising a brow. I shake my head.

Ryan and Daniel score and our school cheers.
I probably yell the loudest, proud of my friends. Ryan makes a kiss my ass gesture to the Westbrook captain who doesn't look too pleased.

"Ryan's getting cocky huh?" Bella laughs.

"He shouldn't annoy anyone that's all," Raven mutters. "We don't need fights breaking out."

The ball goes to a Westbrook player, who Alex is defending. He slyly makes a feint but Alex is too quick for him, dribbling the ball away. The player runs behind him. Alex passes the ball to Calum who passes it to Nathan.

Score!

Nathan effortlessly kicks the ball in the net. It's like they're not even trying. I hoot and cheer.

Sam laughs.

"Tone it down cutie. There's still a lot of time for the tables to turn Kai, don't celebrate too early!"

His hand slips into mine and he laces our fingers before letting go just as quickly. I meet his gaze but he's still watching the field, looking mesmerizing in the setting sun.

"Watch the game Kai," he smirks.

"Why? Westbrook is going to lose anyway," I tease.

"Bet on it?"

"You're on!"

"If we win, I get to take you out. If you win, you introduce me to your crush."

Sam grins mischievously.

"What?!" I stutter. After knowing Nathan loathes Sam, I don't think I want him to know at all.

"It's fair stakes Kaiden, don't chicken out now! That's not very gentleman like of you!"

"Can it be something else?"

"Aw come on, no. I wanna meet this person who's gotten you so infatuated that you're rejecting me?"

"Excuse me, we kiss literally every time we are alone, that's not rejection at all! You said you don't date, so I don't see why you care about who I like?"

He frowns and falls silent. I feel a bit guilty but it's true.

I watch Nathan's number ten jersey as he runs behind the opponent. So far, nothing untoward has happened and I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

By half time, the score is 3-1.

I'm hoping Westbrook wins, much to my dismay. Even though I didn't accept the bet, I don't want their team to get vindictive towards my friends. It would result in tussles and I have a feeling Nathan would be first bait.

"I'm heading to the washroom," I tell the girls. "Don't go wandering alone."

Sam follows me, scrolling on his phone. He doesn't speak. I enter a stall and do my business. I open the door and step out, but a pair of strong arms pushes me back in.

"What the f- "

Sam roughly connects our lips, grabbing my neck. I collide with the wall as he hungrily kisses me. I kiss him back, because my body just automatically responds to his touch. He bites my lip and I open my mouth, tongues exploring each others.

He pushes me back, grabbing my face and kisses me feverishly again. I know he is angry but it's turning me on so much, I can barely restrain myself. He pulls off my shirt, his mouth leaving mine for a second.

I inhale greedily.

He bites on my neck and my head falls back. I bite my lip, stifling a moan. My nails slide down his back and I rock into his hips, making him step back.

"Fuck, Kai!" He gasps. I blink at the sudden loss of contact.

"What the hell?" I whisper. He hands my tshirt back and I put it on.

"Don't do that unless you want to go out there with a boner?" He says, voice an octave lower, eyes hooded with lust.

"Don't start something you can't finish," I sigh and step out of the stall. There's no one outside much to my relief.

Sam follows a few seconds later and in perfect timing because a few guys I don't recognise enter, chatting. They nod at Sam.

We leave the bathroom, me trying to smooth down my hair. I am still so turned on, glad I have a jacket to conceal my nethers.

"You have a hickey," Sam says, eyes wide. "Fuck, why do you have such thin skin?"

I roll my eyes.

"What was that kiss?" I ask, going to the concession stand. I buy myself and the girls some sodas. Sam gets himself a hotdog.

Man, he's really craving sausage isn't he?

"Nothing. I got a little pissed off because... well, you're right."

"I know," I smirk.

"You're lucky you're hot!" He shoves me.

"What took you so - oh thanks!" Bella says, happily taking the soda. Raven looks at me questioningly. I shake my head.

The whistle goes and the game starts again. This time, the Westbrook players are a lot more on offensive. I wince everytime someone falls. They're playing rough.

Westbrook scores, making the scoreboard 2-3.

The ball goes to Nathan again. I hold my breath. It's important to him that we win and that he gets the most goals out of all. He passes the ball to Daniel but it gets intercepted. It's a close call and Westbrook seems desperate to get another goal in. It would be a tie then.

"Come on Nathan," I chant continuously under my breath.

It's only ten minutes left now. The anticipation is making my hair stand on end. Credence isn't aiming for goals but they should at least hold out and not let the rivals score either.

Luke passes the ball to Ryan who passes it to Daniel. It goes to Alex and then he dribbles it to the goal. He realises Nathan is free and passes him the ball.

The entire school holds their breath.

It's another effortless goal by Nathan, just as the whistle goes, signalling the end of the game.

The cheers that erupt from the audience are enough to deafen. Raven and Bella scream loudly jumping around like maniacs.

I don't think I've ever felt so much pure joy, for someone else!

Our team is celebrating loudly on the field. Nathan is beaming, hoisted on everyone's shoulders. My smile is probably reaching my ears.

He did it! I knew he would but it still feels amazing to see him like this.

Our coach is probably crying. He retires this year and it was his last chance to settle the dues.

"So, when am I meeting your crush?" Sam grins naughtily, nudging me.

I had almost forgotten he's here, so caught up in watching Nathan's childlike happiness. God, he looks beautiful when he smiles.

"Nope you're not. I never consented to the bet," I grin. Sam pouts but doesn't say anything.

We all walk out to the parking. Raven pulls me a little back from the others.

"You're... still messing about with Sam, aren't you?" she asks. "Don't say no because that hickey doesn't lie."

I turn up my jacket collar a bit more, embarrassed.

"I... didn't exactly stop," I whisper. Her eyes widen.

"Wow, I didn't know you could do casual sex? It's been two months now right?"

"We - we didn't... I mean,... fuck no, we didn't bone yet, okay?"

"Oh, you didn't? That's strange. Sam doesn't seem like the type to pursue someone this long if he's not even getting sex."

I nod, eyeing Sam. He's listening to Bella and Ana discuss something excitedly. He's getting so many looks from the passing girls of Credence, but he doesn't even glance their way. His presence just oozes charm, a sexy boyish charm.

"I just... I get a vibe from him you know? I may be wrong," Raven says.

"Listen, all I know is that I'm stupidly turned on by him. He said he doesn't date so it's clear nothing more is coming out of this and I'm not expecting anything. We've done other stuff, just not the penetration part."

"Ew Kaiden, TMI!" Raven pushes me away.

"You asked!"

"I know and I shouldn't have!" She shudders.

I put an arm around her and she smiles grudgingly. I crane my neck to see if Nathan's here. Ryan and Daniel walk to us, looking showered and ecstatic.

"If it isn't the winners!" I cheer, giving them both hugs.

Ryan chuckles. Sam and Seth congratulate them. Bella and Raven hug them happily.

"In your face, Westbrookians!" Daniel grins, sticking his tongue out at Sam, who just raises a brow in amusement.

"Have you seen Nathan?" I can't help but ask Ryan. Max and the others are walking to us but I can't see him.

"He was showering. He had a slight foot sprain so he was icing it and went to freshen last," Ryan says. I nod.

"You played beautifully guys, I'm emotional!" Max says, beaming at our team. He looks like a proud dad and I would like to imagine Coach as the proud but gruff grandpa.

"If only your lacrosse players were this dedicated," Seth laughs, earning several middle fingers instantly.

"Chilly," he mutters, rolling his eyes.

Everyone disperses soon after. Sam lingers behind.

"About the trip, we're going this weekend. I'll pick you up on Friday evening at 5 okay? You're coming right?"

I nod, distracted, eyes still fixed on the school gym. What the hell is taking Nathan so long?

"Okay, so... I'm gonna go now," Sam says.

"Okay, bye. See you!" I mutter, walking away towards the school already.

I find Nathan in the hallway, looking at a notice board and sigh in relief. I walk to him and tap his shoulder. He jumps.

"Holy crap, Kai-Pie, you scared me!"

"I was waiting for you, idiot. Thought you got jumped or something!"I shake my head.

I worry about him too much, he can handle himself just fine, he's not a five year old.

"I was getting a bit nostalgic," He admits, a small smile playing on his lips. "It's not been that long since I left these halls."

"You still haven't told me why you left," I mutter as we walk back out of the building.

"It's... a long story, Kai. Maybe some other time?" He smiles, poking my forehead.

I knew he wouldn't tell but it was worth a try. I wonder why he denied the rumours when I asked because they're clearly real. Damn, Daniel was really speaking the truth.

Maybe Nathan denied it because he wanted a clean start in Credence. That's what he's afraid of. That's what bit him in the butt, being open about the person he likes. No wonder he is so aloof.

"Fine. But I told you we'd win, so I want a treat!" I smile, nudging him. He nods, chuckling.

"Anything for you," he says, locking his arm in mine.

I blink at the unexpected contact but he pulls me ahead. This feels nice.... even if we are just friends now.

God, who am I kidding, I'm trying not to giggle like a middle schooler.

"We won!" He laughs, skipping along the parking. We reach my car, not letting go of our hands just yet.

"Yeah you won! You were amazing out there! I told you, you're an asset. I'm pretty sure you're going to get scouted soon and then you'll be in varsity before you know it!"

He stops skipping.

There's a look on his face I can't understand.

Then, he pulls me into a hug.

The kind of hug that I never want to let go of, with his arms around my waist and his head buried in my neck, the kind that makes my whole body want to melt.

My poor little heart can't take it.

"Thanks Kai," He says softly, his breath tickling my ear.

"Hm? For?" I ask, breathing in his enticing scent.

I have fallen so hard for him, I want this, us, all the fucking time but I can't. I will never have this. And it hurts like a bitch.

"For believing in me."