My Misadventures

25: Haphazard Happenings

"Murdock!" Kel's angry voice shouts behind me. I turn, but before i can tell him to buzz off, he shoulders past me with a quiet "follow me."

I look up and down the hall, then follow him into the bathroom (The bathroom?). He's glancing under the stalls, making sure that we're alone. Alright, no funny business today. If he swings, I'm swinging back and putting him in his place.

He leans against the sink with his arms folded. "Okay, there's no easy way to say this, so I'll make it quick. I know you're gay."

All sound seems to stop. My heart pounds, and my throat tightens. How did he find out? Did Caleb tell him? It was only like five hours ago we were swapping spit in the bed of his truck... but they don't even know each other? Why is he bringing it up? Is he going to tell everyone? Maybe he's taking this rivalry too far. Maybe I can convince him that I'm not, and he'll forget all about it.

"No, I'm not-"

"Cut the bullshit, I know." He shakes his head. "I just want you to know that even thought we're rivals and whatever, I will never use that against you."

"Wait, really?" I blink. "But that's like, the perfect way to ruin me. If anyone finds out, then they'll hate me. Isn't that what you want?"

He shakes his head. "I want to prove to people that I'm better than you, I don't want to destroy your life. You're right though; if anyone finds out, then they'll hate you. That's why I'll keep your secret."

"What's the catch?" I look at him suspiciously. "What's in it for you?"

"No catch. Being in the closet f*cking sucks, dude. It kills. I don't want to lose my rival to something as stupid as suicide."

I just stare at him for a second, stunned by his sincerity and concern. "That... means a lot to me. Thank you."

"Don't thank me." He turns to go. "Ever."

"Wait." I say just as he put a hand to the door knob. "How did you know, anyway?"

"Takes one to know one, knuckle head." He chuckles, then disappears out the door.

~

A text from an unrecognized number. "Yo, this is Pulse from the LOH. Would you be willing to spar with me today? Do u have time to get some extra training in?"

I've heard her name before, and her file is in my database. "Sounds fantastic. I'm free right now, where do you want to meet up?"

"Ahhh I can't believe you actually answered! Um, there's a field out by Garden's Cafe, do you know where that is?"

"I'll be there." I text, then stuff my phone in my pocket and head towards the highland bridge.

~

"Sorry I'm late," I say, skidding to a stop next to Pulse. "Traffic was insane."

"You can literally swing over them." She rolls her eyes.

Her costume is as fantastic as I'd thought. Black, Blue, and neon. Her mask is a screen, and lights up with different expressions as she speaks. It's like a computer screen, sometimes showing =) or XD, but you know, right side up. O.0 and *^* and •~• but my favorite is when she lights up with -_-

"What kind of training did you have in mind?" I ask, popping my neck and stretching an arm.

"My hand to hand combat needs some serious help. I don't know anything about punching, and frankly I'm a bit heavy footed."

"Okay." I nod. "I can help you with some strategy and basic hand to hand. But the thing that will help the most with your heavy feet is cardio workouts, hiking on rough terrain, and running."