Dear All,

Another edited and extended chapter of "Fire and Ice" is here for you to enjoy and read, and this one is focused on the bond of friendship between the characters as true and good friends are a treasure. However, I won't add anything else, just that you will have an interesting and quite rich part to read.

So, the quote is fitting perfectly in my opinion, also because we will have the POV of...you will see, I won't say more to it.

Old and usual readers will notice I slightly altered the organization of CH.12 and CH.13 and some parts from CH.12 have been moved here, to make more sense and I think you'll understand by reading the update, which yeah, is much longer than the first version ^^ and offer new parts ^^

I am leaving the song from Jamiroquai as it perfectly fits part of it and yeah, also a picture of a skateboarder, as you will see in the chapter.

I would like to thank my many readers and in particular some that are always following all of my stories and gifting me with wonderful and very insightful comments, that really help me in many ways. I cannot list all your names because it would take a lot of space, but you all know who you are and how grateful I am 😊 so is my Cat.

And now, enjoy the edited, enhanced chapters!

"A day without a friend is like a pot without a single drop of honey left inside," by A.A Milne in Winnie the Pooh.

JASPER POV:

I spent the whole morning thinking about Travis and trying to understand what happened to him yesterday. Oh boy, I knew something went wrong, I felt it and got super nervous when he didn't call me, sending me just a couple of messages and somehow lacking his usual crazy spirit in them. Why didn't I call him first? Why didn't I go to his place to make sure he was OK? I should have gone, but I didn't want to disturb him, and I had a feeling he maybe didn't want to talk, so I avoided. But I was so nervous and worried that I hadn't realized at first whom was around us, if he was there alone or not, if I was scared or not. I only saw Travis and jumped on him as first and instinctive thing. Seeing his smiling face calmed me down at once.

Later on, as I cooled down a bit, I took in the presence of Aleksandr Lebedev and the other guy whose name I-I think was Hayden, and I let go of Travis, feeling Aleksandr's eyes hard on me and staring as if I was some small annoying thing and I gulped down. I-I didn't know how Travis could calmly be around him and if I wasn't mistaken, they had arrived together. How was that possible? I had to ask him about that. Good thing the other guy, Derek, was really nice and friendly, but uhm, pushy in a way and we soon found ourselves invited to have lunch with them. Oh boy...how was I going to do that? How could I stand to eat in his presence? Oh, I had to relax a bit and try to understand how they could all be fine with someone like him, how a nice guy like Derek or Hayden could stand his bad presence.

Bu-but the shock wasn't over, and River joined the group, a guy older than me and very good looking, with peculiar blue eyes that made me blush every single time we crossed glances. He was very calm and composed, observing all of us and me, so that I dropped my stare not feeling at ease. But then, I felt my mouth opening a bit and my eyes widen as I witnessed the way Travis and Aleksandr were talking, completely different than yesterday, looking close as they never did, knowing his well-known dangerous reputation, and I just stared getting more confused by the seconds, seeing how they appeared at ease with each other and more questions began to tumble in my mind.

Boy, the more I thought about what occurred in the morning and the day before the more I tapped my fingers on my leg nervously, biting my lips. I was slightly shaking with nervous and worry and I had to calm down, because the professor was casting curious looks at me. My eyes went to the desk and I took a deep silent breath; OK, let's try to pretend taking notes. I had an idea they always considered you smart and cool if you took notes with interest, so I did my best. I peered at the professor and he had already ignored me, back to explain whatever he was explaining. Uhm, lucky me this one was usually quite lazy to call out students and make questions, having good mood most of the days.

Suddenly, my phone vibrated in my jeans' pocket and that had me almost bounce on my seat. The girl sitting beside me glanced at me with a sweet smile and then giggled. I quickly smiled back and then looked away, because, well sorry, I wasn't interested, even though she was really pretty and nice looking, always being friendly to me.

I checked my phone and it was a message from Travis, which immediately spread good mood in me.

"Hey cutie, do you feel like skipping the next class? I have one hour free."

I rolled my eyes at the "cutie", but I was almost getting used to that. Well, almost. I considered the idea and why not? Next class I had was mathematic and I had already rather good grades and the professor was somehow old, treating us all like his grandchildren, never getting mad once unless someone was rude or disrespectful, with such thick glasses that I had an idea he wouldn't even notice if someone was missing or not. Also, I remembered he never called presences either.

"Sure thing!" I typed at once, smiling at the idea.

"Fantastic, lets meet at the library, OK? xox"

"OK, later! xx"

When the bell rang, I literally sprang out of the class, not wanting to waste even a second. Travis asked me to skip class and it was very unusual for him, thus I imagined he clearly wanted to talk to me alone and that wasn't going to happen at lunch. Oh boy, lunch. Ugh...the idea hit me then like a huge Star-destroyer and I gulped down, slowing my pace for a moment. Would he be there? Sure thing he would be there and what was I going to do about that? Nothing. Simply calm down Jasper think that you were with Travis, that nothing was going to happen, nothing. I gulped and swallowed down really hard. I-I had to talk to him about this, because my friend had to know about him and what happened.

I spotted my best friend – yes, I could finally say I had one here in school and how lucky I had been to find someone special like Travis – leaning against the side of the library's door, checking his phone, and his white hair cascaded on his forehead, one leg crossed over the other, black nail polish, a mesmerizing aura around him. Oh boy, how could someone be so gorgeous and handsome? He looked up and saw me, and at once a huge smile lit up his deep black eyes and I zoned out for a second right there. He had that spellbinding and captivating effect on me and, no doubts, on pretty much everyone else.

Hadn't the scary and dangerous Aleksandr spoken to him closely, his eyes set on his face and staring intently, as if feeling a pull toward Travis? Yeah, he did, I think. That other very handsome guy, River, had a similar effect, but I still felt too nervous around him to realize how amazingly attractive he was.

"Jasper," Travis called immediately, taking two steps towards me with his usual cat-like and elegant way of walking. He hugged me tightly and I hugged him back, giggling at that, feeling my cheeks getting warm and red. When he pulled back, his hand ruffled my hair and his lips left a soft kiss on my cheek.

"Let's go to the library and find a very good spot, so nobody will bother us, and we will be able to talk as much as we wish," he said as he opened the door and I followed him. We found a very good table that was in a silent and quite remote corner of the library, far from the main area and from the door or the desk. We sat there and I fire out many questions in one go, making him chuckle.

"Travis, what happened yesterday? Did that Collins give you problems? And why didn't you call me yesterday and why did you arrive with Aleksandr today and..." I stopped, seeing his expression and the way his lips tilted up, his chin resting on the back of his hands crossed together. "Uhm, sorry, too many questions, right?" He shook his head and smiled.

"Nonsense, Jas, you can ask all the questions you want, and you know that," he reassured me, quickly caressing my cheek and I melted at the sweetness and affection that simple gesture carried. "We are friends, aren't we?"

"Yep, best friends, Travis," I confirmed with enthusiasm, nodding vigorously and responding to his smile. He looked around us once more and, when he was sure nobody was in the vicinity, he began to speak and...oh boy. I should have really called him last night!

He told me everything that occurred the day before when school ended, what they tried to do him, the fact it had been four of them, how he ran out losing the leather jacket but somehow keeping the bag, how he met Aleksandr in the parking lot, how he helped him. The more he spoke the more I felt shocked, worried, angry, relieved and shocked again. Sure thing, my eyes and face expressions talked and expressed enough of my thoughts and emotions, since I was speechless.

I couldn't help feeling terribly guilty, because it was my fault that Travis got involved with that gigantic doofus of Collins and right because he helped me out. When I said that to him, he surprisingly slapped the back of my neck very energetically, gaining a very dumbfounded gasp out of me, and he snorted loudly, calling me silly and explaining that sooner or later he would have anyway gotten into an argument with that "peanut-size-brain-asshole". Yet, that was precisely how he called him. Boy, he was really colorful. He also added that he would have done that again and again, since it got us the chance to become friends and he was happy to have helped me. I-I didn't know what to say, so I just smiled wider and wider, and he got it. But then, I realized how beyond happy I was when he confirmed nothing happened but worried, knowing he was still in danger.

I suddenly began to quickly talk, somehow influenced by him and letting out all my thoughts, emotions and what passed by mind, still having more questions.

"Jas, remember to breathe and chill a tiny bit, OK?" Travis joked.

"I mean, I-I don't know what to say, it's so, s-so..." I couldn't really think of the right word, but he came up with the correct one.

"So surreal?" He offered and yeah, sure, that was the right word. Did Aleksandr really take care of Travis and let him stay at his place? Apparently yes and I was more than shocked, especially when he had told me of having collapsed out of tiredness and that he had carried him in his arms, taking him to his place and making sure Travis really was feeling well and safe, checking on him. I...I mean, did he really do all of that? Aleksandr Lebedev known to be a very scary and unsociable, cold person? I couldn't almost believe it and well, that explained why they spoke with such confidence and closeness during the morning.

He told me about dinner and how nice his family was, his older brother being very funny apparently, and I just nodded still astonished, still in some daze, while he smiled at me, and then, he suddenly sprang up as if something had bitten him in the butt.

"I just got the most wonderful and great idea, Jas!" He very fast said pressing his hands together and being unable to stay still. "Hell, a fantastic idea, believe me." I lost myself in his grinning sparkling eyes, automatically nodding at his exuberant and contagious enthusiasm, and after remembering to in fact ask what that was about.

"Uhm, what idea?" I carefully asked, because it was also true his sudden outburst of excitement sort of worried me, hoping he didn't have in mind some very strange and crazy-Travis-like idea.

"Would you like to come with me today and see me dancing? You can spend the night at my place, and you remember mom isn't home, but even if she were it wouldn't change much."

Oh right, uhm, she was still on a business trip. I considered his idea, about spending the night at his place, at a friend's place, something I never had the chance to experience in my life, thanks to the strict rules we had at home. Normally my parents wouldn't obviously agree, having always argued when I wanted to stay at Carlos's or Stevie's place, but if I told them it was a student of this school and mentioned Travis's mother name, I was sure they would be fine. Mother and father apparently knew her and as usual, all they cared about was their silly image and status. I was really glad my brother had left all of this, starting a brand-new successful career different than what my parents had set out for him.

"If that isn't a problem...I'd love that," I sort of stuttered out, fumbling with my fingers and blushing.

"Duh, why should it bother me cutie? I freaking asked you!" He was still standing and looking positively possessed, eyeing me with dazzling and spirited eyes, moving from one foot to another, unable indeed to stay still. He was such an enthusiastic and open person that you couldn't help feeling carried away, sensing his emotions wrapping around you in the nicest and warmest possible way.

"True," I timidly said, giggling. "OK then, thank you! I think that if I mention your mother's name, they will be fine with this. You remember how strict they are, so..."

"You don't need to explain yourself and I know how they are with you, but hell, do they know my mom? I mean, of course she's super cool and fantastic and the best lawyer here in New York and probably all around the United States." He wasn't kidding, he really thought so. Uhm, my parents knew her well, I heard them talking about Mrs. Henderson, well, Michelle, a few evenings ago, saying that their company was lucky to have two lawyers coming from her studio representing a brunch of father's business, as apparently they were all very capable and successful.

"Yep, they sort of know her and maybe father met her once, it wouldn't surprise me considered his large business," I said, and he nodded while listening intently, finally sitting down but still moving the leg he had crossed over the other. "I think two lawyers working at your mom's studio represents a brunch of their company."

"How damn cool, Jasper, right? Well, so it's settled without problems."

"Yep," I only said and right in that moment, the bell rang signaling the hour that preceded lunch and I suddenly felt nervous, which made Travis gaze at me with a puzzled expression. Oh boy, there wasn't a thing he missed going on in me and, from his frown look, I knew he felt my tension and uneasiness.

"Are you really OK to join them for lunch? If it's a problem, I can send a message to Alexi and..." I blinked a couple of times as I heard his last words. They even exchanged phone numbers...oh. But I shook my head and tried to appear less nervous. I was being silly for no reasons.

"Nah, don't worry about it, Travis, I am fine with that," I reassured him, trying to find the right way to express myself. "I think I just need to get used to them." My answer clearly didn't satisfy him at all, because he studied me with his intense eyes, and I felt like I was going under a mute interrogation. I tempted a faint smile to assure him, but he didn't buy it, obviously.

"What is it that makes you so nervous, Jas? I mean, you look really tense and almost scared, what is it? Or who is it? Is it Alexi maybe? I mean, I understand you somehow, as he has a hell of a scary and rough aura around him, that's so fucking true." To hear him curse made me chuckle and relax. Boy, he really was the best.

"Don't worry, Travis, really," I only replied, not wanting to deepen that topic yet and definitely not here, given we were running short of time.

"OK, OK, Travis got your message, and I'll let you off the hook this time, but not next one, so be ready." I knew he meant it and I swallowed at the idea of having to explain him everything. What would he think of that? Oh, I had to stop fretting this much.

We left the library and then went to our respective classes, mine passing by very quickly and then, it was lunch time. I hesitated a moment, still sort of afraid, and then mentally kick my butt for such ridiculous behavior. Nothing was going to happen, and I had no doubts Travis was watching out for me, because I knew he always did that.

We met at the entrance of the cafeteria and once more he asked me if I was OK with this, having to reassure him it was fine. So, we stepped inside and at once he spotted their table. I froze on the spot, for they were all there and he was there. Oh boy. He had the courage to smile at me and wave, asking if I was OK. What on earth was that? He obviously pretended not to know me, and I wondered, was he a bipolar jerk? Oh boy, Travis was starting to affect my language. Travis...yeah Jasper, think of him and calm down. As if hearing my thoughts, or more likely sensing my state of mind, my friend grabbed my hand and whispered something at me very discreetly.

"Relax cutie, I am here with you." That helped a bit. Then the always cheerful guy, Derek was his name I believe, playfully punched Travis on his shoulder and grinned at him and then at me.

"It was about time your sexy ass joined us!" He joked with loud voice, seeing the other guy named Hayden casting a quick look in our direction and also greeting quite openly.

Boy, Travis was right in describing Derek as a clown. And once I slightly calmed down, I had the chance to finally observe how attractive he was, being very tall and athletic, milk chocolate and smooth skin, constant smiling big dark eyes, short hair and a typical basketball player body. Then River greeted us and sure thing my cheeks went bright and fluorescent red. His gaze was provocative and cunning, and his peculiar blue eyes mesmerized me like Travis's ones. They both had cats' eyes, and both knew about it, playing with that.

Oh boy, this was going to be quite the experience.

Aleksandr spared a distant and quick glance at me and I silently gulped down, considering for a moment to leave at once, but immediately rejecting the option. He didn't care much about me, but as he saw Travis, his expression slightly smoothed down and he smiled at him. I mean, wait, did he really do that? Yep, he openly smiled at him.

I was about to sit down, shocked about everything, nervous and tense like a piece of iron, when Derek hugged my shoulders from his height and grinned at me. Travis smiled and winked, as to say not to worry, because Derek was fine, and nothing would go wrong. I decided to trust him and give him a chance.

"Jasper cutie-dude, let's get something to eat, what do you say? I am personally starving, man," he sort of rapped the words moving his hands and head following the rhythm and I noticed how River chuckled and shook his head.

"Uhm...cutie dude is a bit...uhm..." I had to stop stuttering and talking, well, not properly talking in this way. I wasn't a small kid!

Derek just smiled and motioned me to follow him, which I did, because somehow, I felt way less tense around him. He took me to the line and stood beside me, eyeing the food and decided what to get. I glanced at him, having to tilt my head back; he sure was very tall.

"Sorry, guess dude is enough, right?"

"Sure," I timidly replied, darting my eyes away from his face.

"Feeling a bit better now?"

"Uhm?" What did he mean by that? Oh boy, don't tell me he had noticed, too. I blushed and looked down, feeling like a silly small child.

"Hey man, relax," he kindly said, placing a large hand on my shoulder. "I know it's not easy to deal with all of them at once, especially with our unsociable and grumpy Alex, and believe me when I say that Travis is amazing for doing it without a care or a sweat. They are all these tough and huge beasts looking bastards, except for River, who is a very attractive and smartass looking bastard," he joked, smiling and chuckling. So much good mood and optimism radiated from him that I relaxed more.

I quietly laughed at what he had said, because he was so spontaneously funny and friendly that I couldn't resist him, sort of washing away part of my worries. And this got me very much confused trying to understand how someone like Derek could be friend with him. I mentally shook my head as to chase the thought away.

"You're right, Travis is amazing," I agreed with him.

"You bet dude, he really his, I like him," he directly declared, and I smiled at that. I had the idea there was a hidden meaning behind his words, something I couldn't grasp, because he smiled smugly and nodded to himself, quickly glancing at the table. "But hey, I like you, too, you seem very quiet but also a very nice person."

"Oh, well...th-thank you," I fumbled on my words, feeling my face warming up and having to avert my eyes away. It finally was out turn and getting food helped me in keeping myself and my thoughts busy, noticing how much Derek was putting on his tray. Was he really going to eat all of that? My eyes ran over his tall figure and yep, he probably needed it.

When we walked back to the table, I sat between him and close enough to Travis, trying my best to focus my attention on the food and on Travis' presence and scent, warm, sweet and soothing. He was talking to Aleksandr and they seemed so close I often had my eyes darting at them, confused and surprised. I gulped and returned my attention to the meal. Did he perhaps like him? I shook my head not able to imagine that and, even if that was the case, even if Travis liked Aleksandr, wanting to share the information with me was entirely up to him.

Lunch quickly passed by and with Travis, Derek and even Hayden, who really was a nice funny in a quiet manner guy, I somehow got over his presence. River asked me a couple of things, but I could just munch out a few words because the way his eyes stopped on me was too difficult to take. Aleksandr ignored me straight away, talking pretty much to Travis only, and well, I was very much OK with that.

When school was over, Derek offered us a lift to Travis's dance school, saying he was free in the afternoon so that it wouldn't be a problem. He explained he would meet with some teammates later for a few shoots, as he really liked basketball. When I mentioned I also followed it, as my brother and I often went to watch games together whenever in town, I sealed my fate. Boy, he truly was a chatterbox and I think he didn't keep his mouth close for a whole second; he talked non-stop until we reached the building and funnily enough, Travis kept it up with him, both of them talking fast and exchanging many jokes. I felt almost dizzy and I mostly just added one-word comments.

"Guys, see you on Monday at school, alright?" He said once we arrived and he stopped the car a moment.

"Of course, Derek, and thank you again for the lift, I guess we were lucky there was no traffic shit or so," Travis replied, checking the time on his phone.

"What are you up to for the weekend?"

"Cutie will stay over my place tonight and then tomorrow I'll go see him doing skateboarding and yeah, before you ask for it, I'll take super-hot videos and pictures of Jasper," he joked and I blushed madly, muttering out something.

"Travis, I...well..."

"Hahaha, do that dude, I'll be looking forward to those pictures and videos, 'cause I found it super cool and you know what? Also, Dima would probably like that, he's into snowboarding, of course something ice and cold related, but he'd appreciate that." I didn't say anything to it and just kept quiet. "Guys, enjoy your weekend and don't get too crazy and wild on our cutie, alright Travis?" He then joked out and my eyes widened at that, feeling Travis placing an arm around my shoulders.

"Nah Derek, don't worry, I'll behave."

"Sure man, because you should reserve your craziness and such for someone else," he commented with a wide and foxlike smile, dimples showing deeply on his face. Travis only chuckled and shook his head.

"Whatever, dude," he mocked. "We've got to go, or Natalia will literally kick my ass." And with that we say goodbye to Derek.

We quickly walked in the studio, seeing how nice and modern it looked, and I could feel Travis's excitement almost wrapping around me, noting how he quickened the pace impatient to be already dancing, eyes sparkling in anticipation. He really loved it and I couldn't wait to assist at his performance because I had a feeling it was going to be very dazzling, just like everything about him. When his teacher, Miss Natalia, spotted him walking, she first hugged him for dear life and then studied me with narrow and inquisitive eyes, a playful smile rising on her red lips, hair pulled up tightly and very precisely in a chignon, her body appearing very graceful and even more slender, very thin yet with lean muscles practicing ballet for years must have given her. She was beautiful and I couldn't help my staring at her.

"Who is this adorable boy, Travis? You look absolutely to be eaten in one big bite," she told me directly and my mouth opened up a bit not sure what to say, hearing Travis chuckling. Oh boy, here we go again.

"Natalia, this is my friend Jasper and for today he will stay here, obviously if that is OK with you."

"Absolutely no problem for me, but only if he stays quiet and silent." She eyed me meaningfully, for then winking and smiling, which made me blush and avert my eyes elsewhere.

"Don't scare him off, Natalia, Jasper is super polite and nice, with far better manners than myself," he told her, hugging me from behind and pressing the side of his face on mine. "Isn't that so, Jas?"

"Uhm, well, I just am not used to swear a lot..." I timidly confessed and he hugged me tighter.

"I was just kidding, well, I was half kidding. Now get your hot ass ready, because I'm forewarning you, darling; today I am going to make you spit blood. You missed one day of practice yesterday, didn't you? So, get ready at once," she ordered and threatened him at the same time, and sure thing she meant that. I would be super scared of a teacher like her, because she really looked like someone who could kick your butt during practice. Travis explained me she was a perfectionist and he liked that, so well, I believe he was used to her methods. Then a question popped in my mind: were all the people around Travis this sort of hyper and really extravagant?

Travis went to the locker room and Natalia, before letting me inside the main room made me remove the shoes which I left on a shoe rack right beside the door; then she guided me in the room, a large space with tall windows, very bright and with one wall completely covered by mirrors, another having handrails and a pianoforte placed in a corner. Other dancers were there stretching, and they immediately looked at me, some of them smiling openly, even a guy who followed my every step, making me feel terribly uneasy for the shameless way in which he stared. Natalia showed me a chair and said I could sit there if I pleased, or on the floor if I preferred. I sat down as the floor was made of shining and perfectly clean wood, the room warm and somehow cozy.

Travis arrived after a few minutes and waved at me, performing a couple of pirouettes for me, to which I quietly laughed, seeing how the other students observed him intently. So, I sat there watching him also do stretching and other warming up exercises that made my eyes bulge out, because it looked painful and well, I definitely would never be able to do that. Boy, he was super amazing and so elegant, extraordinary flexible and, at the same time, powerful and explosive. I was impressed at how much he arched his back, there was something very sensual about it, how his hair danced around him, how he moved his arms gracefully and how concentrated and excited were his eyes. His muscles flexed according to the rhythm of the music softly playing in the background and they looked perfect, shaped in a way I had never seen, his body being a perfect harmony of strength, elegance, power and dazzlement, exactly like Travis himself.

They tried a new choreography and the music was a mix of medium slow and then impressively strong melodies, and he perfectly danced them, the music perfectly followed and suited his personality, his steps, his movements, his piercing and alluring gaze. I was amazed, as if under a spell and Travis was the wizard. Boy, I hope I didn't sit there with a silly expression and my mouth wide open.

When practice was over, he made few pirouettes in my direction, he was wearing only super adherent black dancer thick tights, which wrapped around his long and muscular legs, his chest bare and exposed, so I could see his abdominals flexing and his perfect and sculpted upper body whirling around with each of those complicated steps, noticing he had a piercing on one of his nipple, which he had carefully covered with some medical tape. Boy, could he be sexier than that? I shook my head. His influence was getting on me worse and worse. He stopped in front of me, made a couple of other steps, whose names I didn't know, and elegantly bowed deeply, grinning like a Cheshire cat. The other students had observed him for the entire practice, some with evident admiration and some other even more clearly envious of his talent.

"So, cutie, what do you think?" He asked, drops of sweat rolling down his neck and chest, his eyes still wide open and shining with excitement, still moving around a bit in very light steps.

"You are amazing, Travis. Boy, you are absolutely perfect, beautiful," I blurted out without thinking about it and afterwards I blushed immediately. He halted and grabbed my hands, pulling me up to leave a light kiss on my cheek.

"Thank you, I'm really happy you enjoyed this, or were you bored maybe? I know it can be long so..." I stopped him immediately. Bored? Was he kidding me?

"Travis, it was impossible to be bored, believe me and I hope I can come to watch you dance again," I honestly said, and he nodded enthusiastically.

"So, tomorrow will be your turn, hmm?" He said amused and for a moment I feared what he meant. Did he want me to try ballet? Boy, I hoped not because it looked very difficult and even painful from time to time.

"Uhm, my turn for what?" Now I was confused.

"Your turn to show me how you do skateboard and those super-crazy and cool tricks!" I gazed at him for a moment completely stunned and then I felt my smile grew wider and wider, reaching up my ears, because he truly wanted to see me with my skateboard. I couldn't believe it. I felt like I could jump around and bounce like a kangaroo, as the excitement in him was real and absolutely not faked for the sake of making me happy. I was so lucky we became friends! Yeah, we were very different in many ways, yet it felt like that as friends we complimented each other and his enthusiasm and spontaneity in expressing his emotions was like a sweet medicine for me.

"Sure thing, Travis!" I confirmed, smiling and giggling.

"Deal then, and now, I'll go shower and then how about dinner out? I am famished." No doubt he was, given for how long he had exercised and how complicated and hard it all looked.

"Yep, sounds great to me, I'll wait outside, OK?" He nodded and then leaned closer, whispering in my ear.

"What did I say about you easily getting guys' attention, hmm? Two guys here couldn't stop devouring you today, so good job cutie," he murmured very quietly, winking at me in his typical way.

"Boy, Travis..." I mumbled out, but he just grinned more and then went for the shower.

TRAVIS POV:

Jasper had clearly enjoyed watching me dancing and that gave me so much crazy happiness and joy that nobody would ever be able to guess. I mean, having a friend with whom you could share your likes, passions, dislikes, what you loved the most, your hobbies and much, much more was something I missed for the most part of my life and now, I could finally understand why it was so special and unique. Also, it was very funny to witness how both a guy and a couple of girls hungrily eyed him, wondering if we were together or not, and even asking me later in the locker room. Once they heard he wasn't my boyfriend, their faces lit up at the news, but, aside the fact it wasn't my place to say he was gay and thus having no interest in the two very beautiful and quite smart girls, I also doubted he would like the guy.

Hell, I wasn't sure what type of guy cutie liked, but I had a feeling that Mark, that was my ballet colleague's name, wasn't his cup of tea. I would ask Jas later, just to have some funny and gay talking between two best friends. I definitely couldn't wait for that.

I really liked and appreciated Jasper's qualities and personality, the fact he was very shy but slightly enthusiastic, yet never too overly reacting or hyper (differently from me, I had to admit that), sweet like a cinnamon roll and cute koala, and also, easily dazzled by me apparently. When I told him, I wanted to see him skateboarding with his friends he clearly was out of his mind for the happiness and hell, that made me love him even more. He also wanted to share his passions with me, but obviously too shy and slightly insecure to ask directly. Still, day after day he was opening up to me more and more, expressing his feelings and emotions more freely, well, with me at least. Fantastic and freaking awesome; and no, no sarcasm this time, only real and very honest Travis.

We ate dinner out, at one of my favorite diners right close to Central Park, one of the places here in New York that was on top of my liking list. I loved the immense park and, when it wasn't too cold for my ass, I went to jog there, listening to my music, then sitting and relaxing reading a book, talking maybe to some street artist and then improvise a street dance with some others. It was crazy and totally random and that's probably why I so fucking loved it. I wondered...would Alexi also enjoy that with me? Would he go running with me and then simply sit on some bench talking? We were friends and I pretty much still had to discover most of him, even though yesterday and today we really made damn huge progresses. I could ask him and give it a try.

Jasper and I sat at a table right beside the tall window of the diner, enjoying the view of the city outside, of its lights and cars, of the trees we could spot not so far from the park, talking, laughing at things, checking videos online and taking silly selfies together. I ordered a mixed salad without any sort of sauce the new waiter wanted to advise me and a medium rare steak, because, as I said already, I was a real freak and fanatic about eating healthy and I disliked any sort of shit food. Jasper was more relaxed about it, given he had a huge portion of fries with three different kinds of sauces at their side, a cheeseburger almost of his own size and ice cream with cookies. But the thing was that when you spent most of your life and time dancing and in contact with people even more obsessed with their body, weight (which definitely wasn't my problem) and looks and health in general for some, it just came out as a habit, like breathing or having sex.

After dinner we took a taxi and went back to my place; there I called mom, having read her message she was finally free to talk. I told her Jasper was there with me, so she pestered me to let her directly say hi to him over the phone and I should have taken a picture of his face, of the expression he made at hearing mom's enthusiastic voice. She was already in love with him, telling him he was welcome to our penthouse whenever he wanted. After that, we decided to stay in the living watching something on TV, still talking and making comments. I landed a change of clothes to Jas, something more comfortable to wear, even though they weren't his right size, and, at that point, an idea hit me.

"Jasper, I've got another fantastic idea," I fired jumping on my knees on the couch, seeing he ogled me with slightly wide eyes and swallowing down. Was I that hyper sometimes? Oh well whatever. "How about we go shopping tomorrow, before meeting your friends? I need some new clothes, hell...I don't really need them, you saw my huge closet, but you know what I mean, right?" I clapped my hands and intently stared at him, leaning closer and smiling widely. "So?"

"Uhm, shopping? I never really went much for that," he replied not getting the awesomeness of my idea. As I said, he was terribly adorable, cute, really hot in his sweet and koala-like way, and had a very nice and toned body, but...sigh...his clothes hid it too much and I thought that maybe a touch of my sense of fashion or a couple of advices could help in this. Yeah, alright, I was a bit bossy sometimes and I liked to make things the way I wanted, but if anybody had a problem with that, my reply was one and only one: bite me. I wasn't going to boss Jasper around of course, and I would never force him if he said no, but if he was willing to go with me, I'd only give him an advice here and there, being sure he'd appreciate it. The skater-boy style really suited and complimented him, no doubts about that, but he could still keep it without baggy jeans and hoodies.

"Yeah, cutie, some shopping for clothes, as you need my most precious advices on that...if you want, of course, I'm not saying you must, OK?" I nodded at him reassuring I wasn't going to drag him from shop to shop as a sort of torture. "What do you think? Are you in or out?"

"Uhm, well Travis, sure, why not? I'd like to buy something new honestly and yep, I'd be curious to see what you'll advise me, but please...no ripped jeans!"

"No worries, I don't think you'd go for that, so you're safe about that. So, are we cool about my super fantastic idea?"

"Sure!" He replied with a really sweet and ear-to-ear smile.

Great! I jumped on the couch and then landed graciously in front of him, performing a couple of new steps from the choreography we tried today and after I bowed dramatically. He clapped at that and I chuckled, going to hug him tightly.

"Tomorrow we'll have a lot of fun and you'll be in my hands." I sort of smiled evilly and he blushed madly, but still giggling.

"You know, with you saying something like that and having that kind of expression, how to say it? Yeah, it's sort of scary," he joked, and I winked at him more devilishly, to which he shook his head as if to indicate I was a lost case. Oh hell, I might have been in some things, but what-fucking-ever, right?

Jasper insisted in showing me some Star Wars "The Clone Wars" series on Netflix, because when I confessed, I never watched Star Wars he gasped out as if I had said I no longer was gay. He was a huge fan of that and to make amend of my neglection, we watched some episodes, finding it actually very cool. So, I promised I would watch all the movies and I think that truly made him happy. After, we watched many episodes of the first season of "Frasier", and we laughed so much that my abdomen ached. Hell, it was an old show, I knew it, but it still was one of the best ones ever and I couldn't believe that Jasper as well liked it. No, he actually loved it. His imitations of Niles Crane were purely priceless, I mean, he sure had a career as an actor. I rolled on the couch, not able to stop my laughing and pleading him to stop with that, almost falling down from it, but he caught me. We burst out laughing like two madmen on a sugar rush.

"Boy, I am growing a six pack just by laughing," Jasper joked hugging his own stomach, his dark chocolate eyes sparkling and grinning like a kid, his hair tousled all around, his face flushed for the laughing we did. But did he say six-pack? Travis had to see that!

"Show me, show me," I sang as I recomposed myself on the couch.

He hesitantly lifted the t-shirt and triple damn, he really had a slender six pack, not as shaped and clearly defined as mine, and nothing like Alexi's perfect and divine and fucking hot, mouthwatering muscles, but they were there. Jasper had very sexy abs and as I said already, he really was hot. Then, my thoughts veered back to Alexi...I lost myself daydreaming about him for a split of a second, wondering if being friend with him would be as easy as it was with Jasper. With cutie, it felt like we were meant to be friends, if that made any sense. It was just absolutely natural, perfect. With Alexi, I desired to be friends with all my passion, wanting to know more about him and be close to him, but hell, I couldn't deny the insane lust and attraction I felt for him, and more than that.

But then, I remembered when today Derek confirmed me how much Alexi valued his friends, what they meant for him, how deeply important they were in his mind and heart. Derek explained me so, because I had asked him, having formed this impression this morning at the locker, seeing Alexi interacting with River, then later at lunch, observing how they all seemed very attached, and thus, I wanted to confirm that for myself. And I had been right in my guess. Friends, which for him meant his best and closest friends, meant a freaking lot.

I shoved that thought away and concentrated on the present time. I would consider that matter later on and see how it would all evolve. No need to break my brain over that right then.

"You weren't joking, cutie," I exclaimed very impressed to Jasper, nodding and smirking in appreciation. He really was a hot cutie!

"B-but they don't look as great and defined as yours," he mumbled blushing.

"Freaking hell Jas, I dance my ass off every single day, and you met Natalia, so you can have your idea about her training sessions, right?" He nodded at that. "If my abs weren't this fucking perfect and sexy, I should punch and slap myself at the same time, every single day. Plus, you see what I eat, so really, don't even think that, because you're terribly sexy and you saw it earlier at the studio and you know what?"

"What?"

"The guy often looking at you during training and also two girls asked if you were my boyfriend, obviously being interested in you. See? You are a sexy cutie and no need to be as crazily obsessed as I am, having to say crazy things as slapping myself if I hadn't this kind of body and such," I said an he began to chuckle and then to laugh, more and more, until he had tears rolling down from his eyes.

"Oh boy, you are just the most funny and hilarious person I have ever met. I think my friends would totally love you! When you curse this much, you just make me laugh like crazy," he admitted while still shaking with laughter. I found myself doing the same, for his words came out in between laughs, chuckles and hiccups for the too much cackling.

At one point, I attacked him with mad Travis's tickle attack, and he began to move and roll around as if possessed, looking like a fish out of water, giggling more and more. He was extremely ticklish and at one point he counterattacked, and we ended up rolling down the couch, falling on the soft carpet.

"Stop, stop, stop, Travis, you are going to kill me," he cried out, shaking with hilarity and tickles. So, of course, I stopped and fell on my back, breathing deeply to stop my own shaking for the entire insanely comical situation.

"Glad to know I make you laugh," I honestly said, and he just smiled. I checked the time and I honestly needed to lay down a bit. "How about we go to my room now? We can still watch some TV there, but I need to relax on my big, comfortable bed." Then I thought over something. "We have a couple of extra bedrooms, if you'd prefer sleeping alone and you'd everything there ready, believe me, but if you want to share mine, I'd be very happy," I honestly told him and I could see from his expression he felt the same.

"Travis, I never did this in my entire life and I definitely wouldn't mind sharing your same room, so we can talk more and such."

"Fantastic then!"

Again, the same question aggressively made way in my head and struck me there: was being friends with Alexi going to be as easy as it with Jasper? At least I hoped it would be half easy as it was with cutie, I really damn hoped so, but in my heart, there was a heavy feeling because I knew the attraction had stretched way further. However, I wanted and needed to get to know him more and more, I desired to know everything about him. Argh, I just sounded like a fucking stalker, get a grip Travis, will you?

Jasper and I changed into sleeping clothes, which consisted in a pair of shorts and comfortable t-shirt for both of us; no need to push it with him and be shirtless, as I had slept with Alexi. That was so different and just the thought was enough to kickstart everything in me. I shook my head when Jas wasn't looking and switched the TV on, watching something, until we both were yawning so much our jaws could break, and so we decided it was time to sleep.

"Travis, can I ask you something?" He queried in an insecure murmur, probably slightly blushing, but hidden by the darkness of the room.

"Yeah, anything," I told him straightaway, reassuring him.

"You said you changed school and joined ours in September...can I ask you why? I mean, it's your last year, so why did you change school right during your last year of high school?" His voice was calm and concerned, clearly worried he touched a nerve. Hell, he sort of did touch a very painful nerve, but somehow, I didn't mind the question coming from him. It was OK.

"Well, let's say I had to change school, because a lot of stuff happened and I needed to stay away from problems; Natalia clearly explained me I needed a spotless curriculum to enter the Julliard University and I had risked too many times to have problems in school, even if not generated or started by me," I began to tell, sighing out thinking about those past moments.

"You already have your idea about how I am, how I can't simply walk away from certain situations and keep my damn mouth shut, and believe me Jas, sometimes it back-fired me fucking badly. Plus, not everybody is cool with my being openly gay, or I don't even know if it's that or something else they don't like about me." I exhaled out loudly at that, my memories from the first high school resurfacing my mind. I sighed again, this time silently, remembering how mom got so mad with the principal and the entire teaching body that pretty much threatened to sue all their asses. Hell, she got on such a mad enraged mood, that she almost scared me.

"Uhm, I understand, well, wh-what happened?" His voice was unstable, still worried to ask me something I didn't feel like to explain. I wasn't going for details, anyway. Not now. Especially not about the second fucked up case. No...I really didn't feel like talking about that shit, not even with Jasper.

"Will you believe it if I tell you this is my third high school?"

"Third one?" He asked very much surprised and I chuckled.

"Yeah, third one, cutie," I confirmed. "In the first one I had a group of idiotic students bored with themselves who took it upon me, somehow finding funny to try bullying me or calling me names on a daily basis. The fucked-up thing is that even two professors couldn't stand me for whatever reason they had, maybe because I was so very openly gay, or God knows why. I don't like to be pushed around, I react to that because I don't want people to think they can walk on me, so obviously I couldn't keep my cool and talked back almost every single time. I ended many times in the principal's office, lucky enough to get away with an annoying and useless talk. I think he knew my mom's position and didn't want to risk anything, but still, nothing really changed." I paused a moment and turned to my side, seeing he had done the same, so I smiled at him, for even in the darkness of the room I could see his worried expression. "You know what?"

"What, Travis?"

"In a way it taught me to brush over certain words, not to care about them, if they would call me fag or queer or whatever the hell. But it's not always easy and you might have days in which you're just not in the mood for that shit. It never was my fault, because I swear, I don't go around looking for fights or crap like that, but it's also true I couldn't keep my mouth shut to let them fucking insult me and fuck, also insulting mom. Hell, no, that fucking no. Nobody can dare to insult my mom in front of me, I'd kick the living shit out of them, I promise you."

As I recalled those past times, I felt the old anger rise in me, finding myself breathing more heavily and shortly, feeling a bitter taste in my mouth. I gulped it down. I hated all of those pathetic morons with no brain with burning passion, and I got into fights as well, quite bad and vicious sometimes. I once got suspended because of that, making it almost appear it was my fault. Mom straightened things up for me. Did they think I would let them beat me up happily and wait for them to finish? I fucking didn't think so. Thus, I fought back, I fought back like a madman.

I felt Jasper shiver beside me, which immediately brought me back to the present time and kicked the anger away. Damn it, I hoped I hadn't ruined everything, our fantastic evening and our even more amazing friendship. Great Travis, damn great.

"I...I am sorry, Jas, I didn't mean to burden you with all of this crap, I really..." He cut me off freaking surprisingly by hugging me tightly and sweetly. He was still shaking, and then, I swallowed down what came over me as he began to brush my hair. I remained completely silent for a moment and then I smiled, realizing he made feel calmer, way calmer than I could hope for. I didn't scare him or anything. No, he hadn't minded hearing that. I smiled more and hugged him back, relief and his sweetness washing away my worries.

"People are just a bunch of jerks," he murmured softly, my brows cocking up at the use of such word coming from him. Wow, cutie must have been very pissed! "You are wonderful Travis, you're my best friend and I love you very much because you're this crazy and special person, and hearing what they did to do makes me very angry but also very sad at the same time...I-I would like to kick their butts!" I chuckled quietly at his words. He was so precious and adorable, and so my arms hugged him closer. He never doubted the sincerity of what I told him, he trusted me completely and it was more than I could ask for.

"Thank you, Jasper, I love you, too, and you also are my special and super sweet best friend, thanks for trusting me, I mean it, many people often would say that I must have probably done something to provoke them, maybe deserving that in part," I told him,

"That's absolutely silly! Why would some people think that? I cannot even imagine it."

"Oh well, not everyone is as genuine and sensitive as you are, trusting your friends with open heart." I freaking meant those words with all myself. We kept silent for some minutes and we both calmed down. "Is it OK with you if I don't tell you everything right now? I don't really feel like talking about all that happened, especially in the second school, and not because I don't want to tell you or because I don't trust you or bullshit like that. Just not now, Jas. I am not quite ready for that, alright?" I asked, confessing my biggest weakness. He nodded and tightened the grip of his arms around me.

"Of course, Travis," he immediately replied. "Boy, I am actually so sorry for asking you something so personal and delicate, I shouldn't have...I feel so silly now." I slapped the back of his head. "Ouch!"

"That's for the gigantic BS you just said," I told him." Don't be ridiculous! Hell, I am glad you asked, because now you know more about my fantastic self and, believe me or not, it was the first time I felt like discussing about this freely, with someone else aside mom, so don't feel sorry, hmm?"

"OK," he shyly replied. "Thanks, Travis, I mean, for trusting me." I felt him smiling and I shook my head, as to say he had nothing to thank me for. Then, he suddenly changed topic and once more, I just loved him for his sensitive side. "Your bed is really comfortable and big, you know that?" He asked out of the blue, making the atmosphere lighter. He was such a sweet and considerate person, my cute Jasper. We both laughed at that and released each other from the hug.

"Hell yeah, I know how big it is, and imagine all the things you could do on this bed, the various positions you could try and..." He was the one slapping my shoulder.

"Boy, Travis, stop it!" I laughed at the super embarrassed tone of his voice.

I think we fell asleep after a few minutes, because the next thing I remembered was waking up in the middle of the bed, one arm under my head and Jasper curled up in a ball on the opposite side. He was still sleeping, very deeply, but when he felt me moving, he groggily opened his eyes, hair spiking everywhere in a complete bed mess, chocolate warm drowsy eyes peeking at me still not focused. But I was wide awake.

"Uhm, morning, what time is it?" He asked with a lethargic and low voice.

"Time to get up, to have some awesome breakfast that I will personally prepare and then to go for our amazing shopping," I sang as I hopped down my bed, dancing around the bedroom, feeling in a mental crazily good mood.

Jasper murmured something I couldn't understand and properly hear, for then rolling on the other side, then back again, mumbling something else that made no sense whatsoever but that maybe cursed my very cheerful mood, and at one point he got up. Aww...he was so cute and adorable as first thing in the morning! Alexi had been fucking hot and inspired me all sorts of dirty thoughts, but Jasper made me want to bite his cheeks and hug him tightly.

I quickly ran to the my bathroom and let him use one we had for guests, giving him all he would need, and after a warm and long shower, making myself presentable and super sexy as usual, I dashed to the kitchen, getting everything ready. Jasper joined me a while later, looking way less sleepy and much more in good mood. He asked if I needed help, but I told him to just bring my laptop so we could watch something while I cooked.

I made healthy pancakes, adding on top some raw honey and jam for Jasper, then Greek yogurt with homemade granola I prepared the other day, fresh fruits salad and some whole grain toasts in case Jasper would be still hungry. And hell yeah, of course I could cook and in fact I was very good at that. Mom was very busy, and it was only the two of us, aside the lady that helped her with the cleanings and sometimes with cooking; so, I learned how to do it in order to help mom and prepare yummy meals. Alright, she still was better, but I was almost there. Jasper loved them anyway.

After we were done with breakfast and everything else, we opted to take the subway and picked one of the best shopping malls in my opinion, and my opinions were always right and absolute. I preferred doing shopping browsing interesting and more unusual shops in the streets of New York, but a mall today was going to be more practical and I couldn't traumatize Jasper with my craziness.

We checked so many shops that I could see Jasper was almost dizzy, obviously not used to my rather insane pace, and I slowed it down, stopping for something to eat. However, he bought super-hot and nice-fitting clothes, and so the effort was paid back. He bought jeans better fitting him, for he really was very good looking, and he even went for a pair of slightly skinny jeans that looked damn perfect on him and his cute ass. The sale assistant said herself how they suited him, making him blush like a tomato. Then some nice shirts, t-shirts, not so baggy jumpers, a pair of black Etnies perfect for skateboarding according to him, and a nice creamed-color sweater that complemented his skin, his hazel messy hair and dark chocolate eyes. After that, since we were on a spree, he went for a new pair of colorful Vans. I am not even mentioning what I bought, already expecting mom's comments on how my closet would soon explode.

All in all, I believe Jasper had a lot of fun with the shopping, asking me what I thought of clothes, taking time in choosing them; yeah, he had fun, I could see it on him. I had a couple of sale assistants flirting with me and asking for my number, so I pretended Jasper was my boyfriend, to make it quicker and also, to tease my friend. Easy to imagine and picture how embarrassed and red Jas was when I kissed him on the cheek in front of a sales-assistant. Yeah, I was a bit mean and evil sometimes, but what could I say? Bite me.

Also, a guy tried to hit on me, but he wasn't my type at all. He was quite hot, sure, wavy short blonde hair and dark eyes, strong jaw, someone who without doubts hit the gym, but he still wasn't my type. My type was someone with icy-blue eyes that...oh, cut it Travis.

Right because we didn't have enough bags with us, Jasper decided to go for something else, and in the end he bought a new skateboard, saying his old one was really old, stressing the "e" and "a" with a dramatic rolling of his eyes. I helped him carry all the stuff and before going for lunch, we dropped things at my place. I would then drive him back home. He kept the new skateboard with him, though, because after lunch Jasper called his friends and decided to meet in some specific spot of Central Park for some skateboarding, and he told them over the phone he had a new, super-cool friend to introduce them. I laughed as I heard them shouting something back, even though I didn't get what that was. I saw him smile, so it must have been good.

"Jas, do they know you are gay? I mean, before I blurt out something stupid," I asked him while we rode the subway. He chuckled at the idea and nodded.

"Sure, they all know, no worries about that, Travis. Boy, they are really cool and funny, you'll like them."

"I am sure I will," I agreed, grinning at him, because if they were his friends it meant they surely were nice people.

His friends were indeed funny and cool, a whole group of easy going and friendly skateboarders, all around Jasper's age, one or two maybe younger by one year only, hard to tell anyway. I think I sort of shocked them all at first with my looks, with my white-silver bleached hair, my dressing style, the piercing they noticed at first, my touch of make-up, but then they began joking with me and laughing at shit I told them, as if we knew each other since forever. Yeah, they really were funny and friendly a lot. One of them, Michael, asked me if I was Jasper's boyfriend and cutie almost choked at the question.

"Oh boy, Mike don't be stupid," he admonished him, "Travis is my friend."

"Man, he would make a hell of a hot boyfriend, though, right?" OK, I decided I liked him very much. Yeah, I was vain as a cat and he obviously meant what he said, so more points to Mike.

"Sure, sure," Jas mumbled, mouthing a "sorry" at me, slightly blushing. I shook my head smiling, it was totally OK for me.

"Yeah, I think Travis looks too wild for our Jasper, isn't that so guys?" A guy named Carlos with very dark hair and slightly tanned skin joked, winking at me and chuckling. "Sorry man, no offense, you're really cool and we're happy Jazzie brought you here, right?"

"Definitely," both Michael and Andy agreed, the other guy named Steven just observing everything more quietly but still smiling.

It was easy to relate with them, and we talked about music, school and sports. I sort of shocked them again when I told them I did ballet and so, to prove it, I performed something for them, gaining loud cheering and whistling, to which I bowed. Then we moved to a place arranged for skateboarding, having a couple of stairs with banisters and ramps, some other constructions whose name I wasn't sure but that I believed they were meant for them to try tricks. There also were all sort of objects to jump over and a small "half-pipe". I sat down on a small bench made of concrete and observed them all. They were all freaking amazing and often I widened my eyes or made appreciating comments. But hell, Jasper was the most amazing, the best one among his friends.

He had changed clothes at my place, now wearing the new light blue jeans, a black long-sleeved t-shirt under a warm hoodie considered the cold temperature, and to complete his look, a brand-new hat with the eyeshade on the back. He looked perfect! He removed the jacket after a while, saying it was too warm and uncomfortable to try tricks with that on. Once he went back, I took

my phone and started to take thousand pictures of him and of his friends, making a couple of videos as well. I was speechless while I watched him perform that crazy stuff.

It was incredible to look at Jasper doing all those insane and difficult tricks, as he explained me that's how those stunts and artistic jumps were called, and what amazed me even more was that he appeared like a completely different person than in school, in a good way obviously. Hell, he no longer had that super shy and concerned expression, but only a fucking gorgeous and confident smile. Jasper knew what he was doing, and he was a master in that.

He rolled on his skateboard towards a stair, then jumped up keeping his feet on the board and with it slid down from the handrail. Then they moved to the ramps and jumped higher, Jasper twisting his skateboard like a magician and twisting with it in the motion. On the halfpipe he rolled back and forth a couple of time to find the right momentum and speed and then, suddenly he was in the air, making a fucking awesome complete loop of 360 degree, landing after that powerfully on the ground with a smug and satisfied smile. I was so happy I filmed that! I ran to Jasper, now standing with his new skateboard in his hands, dark chocolate eyes gleaming with excitement and adrenaline.

"Jasper, you are fucking fantastic!" I cheered jumping on him in order to hug him, which made him almost fall on the ground.

"Boy, thanks Travis. How was that?" He asked honestly curious to hear my opinion. "That's pretty risky to do, the loop I mean, but I have been training for it quite long." He was lightly blushing, but his smile was priceless. His friends came over, cheering even more and patting his shoulders.

"Jazzie, that was incredible!" Shouted Michael, pouching his arm playfully and nodding. "When the heck did you manage to learn that? Share the shit, man!"

"Yeah, no shit buddy," Andy, if I remembered the name correctly, echoed, also playfully slapping Jasper's shoulder and he punched them back lightly, smiling and chuckling. Hell, I loved this new side of him.

"That was wonderful," the guy named Steven, with dirty blonde hair and green eyes said, glancing at him with full admiration, also hugging him. "But you should have used a helmet!"

"Nah, it was fine Stevie, don't worry," he replied still smiling. "Uhm well, next time, OK?" His friend nodded and then asked me if I recorded it and I said yes, proposing I could send him the video via message or Facebook and so, we exchanged contacts.

"Hey Travis, do you want to try it, too?" Michael ask me.

"No, thank you," I replied shaking my head. "I need to keep my sexy legs and arms in perfect shape and without bruises." I smirked at him like a cat and his eyes first widened, since he obviously wasn't used to my weird and extravagant personality, and after a moment he laughed out loudly.

"Man, I'll say it again: I like you, you're really cool," he told me, hitting my shoulder with a purposefully weak punch.

They went back to try and practice more tricks and combination, while I simply sat back admiring them. After a while, I asked Andy to take a picture of Jasper and I together and with that, they suddenly all wanted to take funny and silly pictures together, with their skateboards obviously, making all sort of poses and expressions. Hell, I was having so, so much fun. Later on, Jasper joined me and sat beside on the ground, flushed for the effort and excitement. He removed his hat and his hair was an adorable and quite tangled hazel mess.

"Uhm, how is it, Travis? Everything OK? Are you bored?"

"Bored, cutie? Are you out of your mind? I am having one of the best days ever, and your friends are really easygoing and nice, I mean it," I told him while grinning widely, seeing him mirroring my expression happy I liked them.

"That's great, because they're really good friends and I miss them a lot in school."

"I am sure you do," I agreed, because if I had such friends going to a different school, I'd also miss them as fuck. "But you do meet them regularly, right?"

"Yep, as often as I can, but it's not always possible, for many reasons and because, uhm...you know how my mother his." Oh right, his very strict and stuck-up mother. I said nothing about her, for it wasn't my business and place, as after all, she was his mother. "But you should join us again, what do you say?"

"I'd love that," I answered in all honesty.

The air was getting colder, the wind rising and making me slightly shiver even if I wore a warm jacket, the sky beginning to slowly and lazily tint of red and orange, thin laps of purple on the edges, meaning the sun would be setting quite soon. We sat there for some other time, watching his friends jumping and rolling over and trying more stunts, taking pictures of them, making comments and just small conversation between us two, and at one point my phone rang, making me almost jump up for the surprise. I looked at the screen and my heart skipped a beat, while I froze right there, not sure I was actually still breathing.

Alexi was calling me.

I stared at his number for another two seconds, and I deeply breathed before answering.

"Hello," I only said, still bewildered by the unexpected yet fantastic surprise.

"Hey Travis, how are you? Am I disturbing you?" Fucking hell...his voice was hot and arousing even over the phone and of course, he was perfect and very considerate. I wanted to see him already and I knew Monday would never arrive soon enough.

"You absolutely never disturb me, believe me," I fired out at once, for then keeping myself in check. "I'm good and you?" I wasn't having exactly a very smart and capturing conversation, but whatever.

"Glad to hear that and same for me, doing good and just finished in the gym," he replied calmly, a slightly amused note perceptible in his voice and I felt like melting there. "Listen, I wanted to ask you if you'd like to join me and the other guys for a hockey game tonight? I've got extra tickets thanks to dad, since his team is playing. What do you say?" Was he really asking me for this? God, I had just wished to see him and now he invited me for a game! Fucking great and no sarcasm intended. I could hear his voice grinning at that, at the idea of his father's team playing and possibly going to kick ass and I smiled automatically, registering Jasper eyeing with a confused expression.

"Yeah, that would be fantastic, Alexi, thank you very much," I said quickly, trying to keep my voice as sensual as possible.

Oh my God, I was going to meet Alexi tonight, to see him in just a few hours...Alexi! What was the problem, Travis? C'mon, chill and calm down, will you? You were friends, remember? This wasn't a date, but just a get together with him and his friends. So yeah, remember the new plan: friends. Got that?

"Awesome, I'll pick you up around seven PM, is that OK with you?" I checked the time on the phone quickly and nodded to myself. Yeah, I had to soon move my ass from here and get ready.

"Thanks, that's perfect for me," I replied, for then looking at Jasper. "Oh, wait a moment, would you mind if I asked a friend to come?" He didn't answer for a couple of seconds and I hoped I didn't do anything stupid or to irritate him.

"Sure, who's that anyway?" His voice was slightly different, having acquired a bit of its usual coldness, but still sounding fucking sexy for me. I guess he really didn't like to meet strangers after all, but with Jasper he should be fine, because they already met. Even though, true enough, they hadn't exchanged half word.

"Jasper," I said hoping it'd be fine.

"I see, sure, go ahead and ask him," he replied less coldly, and I smiled.

I asked cutie, who was still sitting beside me with a puzzled look, trying to follow the conversation on the phone but not understanding what was doing on. At first, he blushed and tensed up a moment, for then relaxing as I smiled at him, explaining he couldn't because his parents expected him at home in a short while. Oh, now I understood why his mood had slightly changed in the last few minutes.

"Alexi? Jasper says he cannot make it, but he thanks you for the thought."

"No problem, really," he only commented. "All right, then I'll see you later, Travis. Pakà," he greeted me, and I could hear him chuckling spontaneously, the sound of that something I absolutely loved.

I silently swallowed down everything that sound stirred in me, what my mind began to think and imagine, how my body felt at the touch of his voice. Hell, being friends with him was going to be at least half easy as it was with Jasper? Sure, easy as jumping from the Empire State Building without a parachute. How fucking easy was that?

"Later, pakà," I answered back, smiling to myself excited at the idea I was soon going to see him, so I took a deep breath when I ended the call, trying to calm myself down. Jasper knotted his eyebrows in a cute questioning expression. "It means bye in Russian," I explained him, as I believed that was what he wanted to ask.

"Oh, I see."

"I am sorry you can't make it tonight," I honestly told him, and he shrugged his shoulders slightly disappointed himself.

"Well, tonight my parents have a family dinner with some of father's business partners, and I better get going very soon or, boy, my mother will never stop nagging about not being at home on time for the entire evening and Sunday. My brother is lucky to escape this, believe me." He explained his older brother lived in Los Angeles and from the idea I formed, he seemed a very good one. Jasper rolled his eyes clearly annoyed, his mood dampened by the idea. I felt bad for him and I wished I could do something, but there wasn't much to do.

"So, next time then," I tried to say, and he nodded with a timid smile. Ugh, I wanted to kick his mother's ass for making him feel so repressed and down!

He went back skateboarding for some other short time and then, it was time for me to get going and get ready for tonight. We said goodbyes to his friends and left. We took a cab to make it easier, arrived at home, grabbed his bags and I drove him back to his place quickly. He had protested saying he could take the bus or whatever, but I told him to shut it up.

"Send me a message to let me know how dinner from hell goes, OK?" I asked him when I stopped the car in front of his really huge and super posh house. I mean...house, that couldn't be called a house, but a mansion completed by a freaking huge fountain right in front of it.

"Sure thing, I will." He giggled and stepped outside the car. "You enjoy the game and also let me know how it goes."

"I will," I only said, and he waved, walking to the door with the bags of his new clothes, skateboard, but deflated mood, seeing how his shoulders had slumped down. I observed him a moment, then blew the horn and sent him a kiss. He smiled a bit livelier, but I had a feeling it wasn't going to be the best evening for him.

Once I arrived at home, I immediately jumped in the shower, taking a very long one, for then rushing back to my bedroom deciding what to wear. My eyes quickly darted on my phone, checking the time, seeing he would be here soon enough. I had to take a couple of breaths trying to calm down. I was going to see Alexi and, friends or not, I was incredibly excited, jumping around the room trying different combinations of outfits, deciding which one was the best. When I was finally ready and perfectly sexy, I sprayed my usual cologne and rushed downstairs for my shoes, right on time to hear to doorbell ringing.

Talking about making it on time...I exhaled again deeply and answered the intercom.

"Alexi?"

"Yeah, it's me, are you ready?"

"Yes, I'll be there in a few seconds."

"OK," He simply said, but that was more than enough to make my heart jump and make me shiver for the insane excitement at the idea of seeing him, of spending time with him and talking more, getting to know the hot, hockey beast deeper. I took another breath and closed the door behind him, quickly checking if I had everything needed and if I looked hot. I did, both of them. So, Travis, remember the plan: friends, friends, friends and take it easy.

Hell, easy, sure. I could do it.

I opened the front door and found him there waiting for him against the external building frame of the door, looking outrageously hot, his eyes immediately taking in my presence and his lips curving up on one side only in that fucking sexy and mind-blowing half-smile. We stood quite close and I responded to his smile at once.

Easy, did I say?

Sure, easy my ass.

Author's chit-chat:

What are your thoughts, feelings, ideas, impressions, what do you think will happen in the next chapter as Travis and Alexi will meet to watch a ice-hockey game?

I said it would be a chapter dedicated to their friendship but also to let us know more about them, seeing how adorable and sweet Jasper is, how crazy and enthusiastically extravagant Travis can be, how Alexi can change from very cold and distant to kind and warmer when the right person is beside him, what great friends River, Derek, Dima and Hayden are.

How do you like reading more about Hayden, having more interaction between their group? We will have more of him and well, we know we will have more of Derek in "Tricks of Love".

Obviously, with the issues Alexi has and what we still need to completely understand and reveal about Travis, things between them cannot be just pushed together and rushed, I hope you understand this, but I am sure you do. However, let us all see what will happen in CH.14.

I hope you enjoyed this, so please let me know!

Lots of Love, Magic, Hugs & Meows,
-TheWitchAndTheCat-