Untitled.

That is essentially what my life is at this present point in time. I find myself in a rather perilous state of flux. My life has no real set course past today. I wanted to be here, and I still want to win. But then what?

What do I do once I either succeed or fail at my life's ambition of being the best here today? Do I blaze a trail forward and set my sights even higher? To be perfectly honest, I feel today is the pinnacle of my fighting career. I don't know if I want to pursue it past today.

I am here to prove a point to those who doubted me, to those who wronged me. Yet now, having vented my rage upon Marty Lee, I find myself with little left to wage upon Lucas and Dade. In fact, I feel the opposite to rage now. I feel ... sadness. I feel lonely.

I am lonely.

I miss feeling happy. I miss feeling loved. I miss my life before Mom died. I miss Lucas. I even miss Dade.

I miss everyone. I miss Mike and his reassuring constancy. I miss Sarah the bitch. I miss Marcel the beautiful blondie. Damn, I miss everyone. I miss my life. I miss it so much.

What am I now? I'm too young to pine for a life lost, aren't I?

Couldn't I just wake up and have all of this be a dream? Can't I just wake up and have my life back? Is that my problem? That even after all this time, I just haven't let it go?

I slam my fists down on the bench either side of me. I can feel tears of frustration start to rear up in my eyes. I'm so anxious. I feel like I'm due to face this path ahead of me after today, and I don't know how to do it.

"I want my Mom." I said pitifully to myself, letting out a choked gasp.

I hold my head in my hands and let some long overdue tears flow freely. Being away from Merlow, away from my life, it's helped me block out the pain of losing Mom. The pain of having my whole life ripped away from me. But now, being confronted by that I'd left behind, the emotions, the memories, they all come flooding back to me.

"Oh, God, I miss you so much." I sob angrily, my fingers digging against my face, "Mom."

I weep openly, grateful that I had the changing room to myself. I didn't think it would hurt this much. I didn't think that seeing them would do this much to me.

"Hey," a voice says, shaking me from my anguished tears.

"Mom?"

I pull my hands away from my face in surprise and look up. It's not who I expect to see. In fact, it's probably the last person I expect to see.

"Sarah?" I gasp in disbelief, eyes widening as they take in the sight of her, "Sarah!?"

I shoot to my feet in an instant, my heart racing and my face bursting with a wide smile. It's barely a smile. I'm too wrought with emotion to truly smile, but my need to see someone familiar is obvious in my eyes. It's Sarah!

"Still my name, yes." Sarah smiles softly, letting me take in the welcoming sight of her.

She may not look as she once did, before cancer ravaged her, but she's still gorgeous to me. She isn't wearing a wig, that wouldn't be her style. More power to those people who need one to boost their confidence, but Sarah has always been a little against the grain in some ways. It's a character trait I find incredibly admirable in her. She's never been afraid to go her own way at times.

She's wearing a spunky black fedora to cover her bald head, and a cute little skirt and coat. She looks gorgeous. Careful not to hurt her, and treating her like she is the most fragile object I've held in my life, I wrap my arms around her and give her a warm kiss hello.

I can't believe she's here. And she looks so good! I remember seeing her during her most intensive chemo cycles and she had a quite frightening color of death about her. Her eyes were always sunken. She was always a near deathly grey.

When I stayed up in Saran City with her and Mike, I would always marvel at what a true trooper she was. I've had my own fair share of problems, but they are utterly miniscule in comparison to hers. Now, where once her eyes were shadowed by eerily dark circles, her cheeks gaunt and bony, she now has a hint of color in her face. The circles are still there, no doubt, and the ghostly complexion lingers, but it is a noticeably improved Sarah I see before me.

"Sarah, you look amazing!" I gasp, stealing another kiss and gentle hug.

"You call that a hug, Pussy?" Sarah smirks, crushing me incredibly tightly.

"Shit, you haven't changed," I laugh, kissing her cheek again and reveling in the warm embrace. "Man, it's so good to see you, Sarah."

"I know, Baby, I know." Sarah sighs, not quite ready to let me go yet.

It is so nice to feel her again, to smell her, to actually know she's right here with me. I find myself with a million questions to ask, and I can't really be bothered asking any of them. All I want to do is immerse myself in this moment.

"I suppose you're wondering why we're here, huh?" Sarah asks after a while, letting me go so she can look me over, "You know, for a man, you have the distinct aura of a bitter bitch on your face today. You probably call that your fighting face, yes?"

"God, you're still a bitch." I chuckle, shucking off my shirt so I can rub some oil into my aching shoulder before my fight, "Wait, wait, you said 'we'?"

"Oh yeah, I said 'we', Mother fucker," Sarah smirks.

"Still talking like a lady then?"

"Only when I die, Bitch, only when I die," She says before she instinctively moves behind me to help me with my shoulder, "Marcel brought us in."

"Blondie's here?" I ask in surprise, "Mike too?"

"The whole gang is here. They're watching Dade's fight. We were running a bit late because one of our connecting flights decided to throw a tantrum. But there's a pause in Dade's match to dispute a point, so, I figured I'd come and find my boy. I'm so proud of you for getting here today. We were always going to come and watch Dade. I mean, it's the nationals for crying out loud. But when we found out you were here too…" Sarah hitched a little before she leans over my shoulder to kiss my cheek, "I'm so proud of you, Storm. No matter how far you get, I'm so proud."

"Thanks, Sarah." I smile gratefully, closing my eyes and letting out a content sigh.

I know I should be heading out to watch the rest of Dade's fight, but I'm not sure I want to watch. And now with the news that Marcel is here with Mike, both of whom I want to see, I'm feeling a little awkward. I haven't seen Marcel since I left him in Drake. Here I am, thinking about Lucas, and now the moment I hear Marcel is here, I just want to get up and find him right away.

I didn't expect to have any issues after leaving Marcel. I believed that was the end of it for us. A time neither of us would regret, and perhaps something that always had to happen.

The last few months I've started a new life for myself. I've made new friends. I've focused myself on my training, on competing, on getting here today. But now I feel as though I'm being tested. I feel as though I'm getting some giant karmic beat down.

I have my old life suddenly clashing with my new life. Fate is asking me, what do I really want? And more specifically, who do I really want? I've dated a few girls since, nothing serious, mostly just testing the waters. None of them were serious. None of them had anything on Lucas or Marcel.

And there lies my dilemma. Lucas is the past. The distant past. He represents a failure of love.

Marcel represents something else. I credit him with giving me the boost I needed to move on with my life after leaving Merlow. I credit him with giving me strength above all.

If I've put Lucas behind me, why then, after all this time, do I still think about him? Is it lingering remorse or guilt for the fact we didn't last the distance? Is it me just feeling bad? Do I actually still have feelings for him?

And if I do still have feelings for Lucas, why do I still have this ... warm desire to find Marcel and just be with him? Oh for crying out loud, I've just gone and made a meal out of my heart, haven't I?

Lucas and I are long over, and he doesn't really deserve any consideration, does he? I know going back down that path is just asking for trouble. I'm angry at myself for even considering it. And considering it today of all days!

"I have to focus." I say suddenly, "I have to focus, Sarah."

"You have to focus, Storm. You have to focus," Sarah was being a little cheeky.

"Oh shut up." I chuckle as I stand up and turn to face her, "You're not helping."

Sarah suddenly slaps me across the face, quite hard I might add, before speaking, "Am I helping now?"

She smirks at me and I cannott help but smirk back as I hold my stinging cheek. She sure hasn't lost the fierce aspect of her personality. It just makess me all the more happier to see it alive in her again.

"Alright, I'm focused, I'm focused. Come on, I want to see the others." I say as I grab her hand and tried to make a quick exit.

"Focus on your match. You can see them afterward, ok?"

"Come on, are you for real?!" I whine, "Why can't I see them now?"

"Because you need to focus on your fight, Dumbass." She pinches my cheeks, "How did you make it this far without me?"

"Oh goodness, I don't know, how ever did I make it this far without you? You're so ... warm and encouraging." I say dryly, "You're right though. I have to focus. Yeah ... focus."

* * * * * * *

"Dudes! I can't believe you're here!" Lucas said excitedly, still crushing both Mike and Marcel in a fierce hug, "I can't believe it!"

"Yeah, well, believe it, Sheridan." Marcel chuckled, patting Lucas's back.

"You can let me go now, Sweetheart." Mike joked, pretending he was having trouble breathing because of the hug.

"Nope! No! No way!" Lucas almost screamed, so very excited to see his old friends again.

He gave them both a series of wet kisses on the cheek as he hugged them, moving from side to side with urgency. This was such a happy surprise! He couldn't believe it. Mike and Marcel were here! Storm was here. Even Sarah was here!

"Wait! Sarah!" Lucas exclaimed quickly, "Sarah's here! She's here!"

"Making sucky face with Storm, no doubt." Mike smirked wryly, "They haven't seen each other for so long she was practically jumping out of her chair on the flight here."

"Oh, yeah ... Storm." Lucas said with a weak smile, before he turned it into a broad, happy one, "Well, that's great news! Man, Dudes, People, just wow. I can't believe you're all here!"

"Why aren't you monkeys watching the fight?" Sarah asked as she approached the group with a smile, immediately joining the group hug.

She latched onto Lucas's back as the four squeezed in a tight embrace. All four were either mock grimacing or laughing. It was almost a complete Pack reunion.

Lucas felt like he could positively float away right now. He hadn't felt this happy in too long a time. These were three of the people he loved most in the world next to his family. He was caught in the middle of the three now and didn't want that to change anytime soon.

"I love all you Dudes!" Lucas grinned, bouncing in the middle of the group hug.

"Hey, just because I have bigger metaphorical nuts than all of you combined, that's no need to call me a dude." Sarah smiled, kissing Lucas's neck from behind and sighing contently.

"Don't break it up just yet." Lucas whispered to the group, who didn't seem too much in a hurry to do that.

Dade's match was still on hold due to a technical point dispute currently in progress. Lucas was grateful for this as he could just enjoy the moment that all the others seemed to be enjoying as well. He still wanted to pay Sarah some special attention as he hadn't seen her in the longest time out of any of the group. But for now he just wanted to revel in this no doubt strange looking group hug in the midst of the crowded sea of spectators all focused on the centre mat.

* * * * * * *

"Come on, what the fuck is going on here?" I ask in annoyance as I stand on the sidelines of the main fight floor.

I am anxious for Dade's fight to resume so I can know whether I'll be facing him in what will hopefully be my penultimate match, and not my final match. Unfortunately, Sensei Takada, whom I have not yet had the chance to speak to, is vigorously debating a rule interpretation that denied Dade a point.

"Daniel?"

I turn my head at the familiar voice, giving a small smile. Corey Caines, one of the many new friends I've made in the last few months, smiles back at me. I'm a little jarred to see him. I've connected myself to my old life just being here, and now seeing him is a reminder that my old life is just that: old.

I have to admit, I've already reacquainted myself with being called Storm so being called Daniel was also a little jarring. I smile at Corey, giving him a nod of acknowledgment as he approaches me. I intended to come alone, but already Corey has proven to be quite attached to me. To be completely honest, I don't know whether it's just because he likes us being friends or something more, but I'm hoping it's just a friend thing. If I do get another lover, I'd like to try having a girlfriend.

I've always been quite open about my ambiguous sexuality. Maybe I'm just at that age where sex with either gender is a turn on. I've stopped trying to figure out which side I'm permanently on, because on different days I have different ... turn-ons. But I think because the memory of men still burns my heart a little, I have little desire to jump back in the same boat. And part of me just wants a girlfriend.

"There you are!" Susan smiles, walking up to me with Corey.

"Hey, Kids." I tease, "Playing nicely?"

Corey grins sheepishly at me, his big brown eyes rolling a little at my comment. I didn't set out to make any new friends. All I wanted to do was lay low and try my best to make it into this tournament. Unexpectedly, life just happened and here I am, facing old friends while being joined by new ones. It's a little odd.

"You were really good out there." Susan nods, rubbing my arm, "Kinda hot watching you, Danny Boy."

"Yeah, cool." Corey smirks, sarcasm dripping off his tongue, "Pow pow pow, goal!"

"Corey, you are such a nerd." I say, shaking my head and smiling at him.

He really is a bit of a dork. A very cute and likeable dork though. I don't know if it's me or Susan he's into, or neither, but I think they're both quite cute together. Neither is very popular in the grand scheme of my new school, but it doesn't matter to me.

Without blowing smoke up my own ass, it's been quite a change of pace to Merlow. In Merlow, everyone knew my name and in the social circle I tended to float just left of centre at the top of the popularity food chain. Most of my friends were jocks or popular as well.

But I had neither the interest nor the time to try and establish myself at my new school this late into my high school life. Besides, I like Su and Corey because they are quite happy being their odd, dorky selves. Corey is no Lucas or Marcel in the looks department, and he's rather lanky, but in his own way, he's all kinds of dorky gorgeousness. Big, bright brown eyes, a cute freckled nose, and pasty, 'doesn't-get-enough-sun' skin. I can't quite pin it, but something about him always makes me smile.

Then there's Su, who is what I consider a book nerd. Sarah was a bit of a book nerd, so was Claire, but where Sarah was sporty and well connected, and Claire was classic pretty girl material, Susan was plain, regular, fun, completely uncoordinated, socially ignorant, with fat lips and big breasts. I actually thought she was quite attractive, but my opinion is bias because I find her personality so easy going.

So I've gone from top of the food chain in one school, to bottom feeder in my current school. I almost think I prefer the current one. Nobody knows me. People just think I'm the local martial arts freak who is incredibly anti-social and staunch.

I like that.

"You know when you punch, does it hurt them?" Corey asks me curiously, "Or is it fake like wrestling?"

Being the incredibly mature person I am, I punch him in the arm. He gasps, holding his arm and staring at me with wide eyed amazement. It clearly hurt. I'm evil.

"Come here, ya big dork." I grin, pulling him in for an impromptu hug,

"Ow, that hurt!" Corey winces, laughing, "You're a bully, Dan."

"I'm sure I am." I smirk, giving him a big wet kiss on the cheek and crushing him in a hug.

"Ewww, lemme go!"

"I'm sorry, I forgot, you only like kisses from Su, right?" I say cheekily, letting him go and poking my tongue at him.

"Ooh, he's cute." Susan say, her gaze on the mat.

I turn to follow her gaze and realize she was staring at Dade. He'd taken his gi off and thus revealed his shirtless torso for many eyes to feast on. I roll my eyes. Dade, you honey pot.

"Forget it, he's trouble," I say dismissively, "I'm going down to the changing rooms again. Are you two ok?"

"We're fine. Corky Dorky here brought some of his emo rock music for us to listen to while we wait." Susan says, smiling at me, "Why, don't you want to be seen in public with us?"

"If I win, I'll be sure to call you up to celebrate with me. Is that public enough for you?" I ask.

"Do you think you're good enough to win?" Su asks casually, not really realizing how extensive my history is in fighting, "I mean, these are the nationals. And that guy out there now looks really good."

"Pfft." I grumble, "I'm going to go up and get me a snack before I go to the changing rooms, alright? Do you two want anything?"

"Nah, we're good, Dan," Corey smiles at me before he walks off to find a seat with Su.

He has a really cute smile. I don't have any romantic interest in me, but the guy is a real joy to be around. His smile makes me happy. When I first arrived at my new school, despite my attempts to brood and distance myself from people, he managed to break my resistance. A few unassuming smiles later and we were talking, or more factually, he was talking to me on a regular basis. About everything and anything he could talk to me about. All I needed to do was sit there while he told me about how cool something was, or how Kirk was better than Picard. He has little interest in sport, but seems to think he's quite coordinated at soccer and cricket. I don't have the heart to tell him otherwise. He is however quite keen on theatre and takes delight in acting and transporting himself to worlds that exist inside his head. So different to anything I'm used to. I really like the guy. He's just fun to be around and doesn't seem to want anything in return.

Today is turning out much better than I expected and nothing like the drama fest I expected it to be. I'm almost feeling happy! It's a fun sensation, I must admit.

I make my way up to the second level of the stands so I can get to one of the food kiosks that has some rather delicious chicken subs. My favourite. Skipping up with a bounce in my step, I find myself next to the railings looking down to the centre mat. My eyes catch Dade before they pan back in front of me to find myself a few feet from an unexpected sight.

Marcel, Sarah, Mike, and Lucas are all laughing and locked together in a tight hug, bouncing up and down like a group of crazy people. I step back in surprise, frowning suddenly at the sight of Lucas so close to me. And next to Marcel of all people. Mike! He's good to see. Sarah, as always a sight to behold. But Marcel and Lucas? My stomach isn't quite ready to handle that level of awkwardness. But still, it's them. The Pack. Holy shit, the Pack!

Surprising myself as much as them, I let out a mighty cry of excitement and leap at them, crashing into their hug and making myself part of it. I let out a scream, utterly giddy with joy and plastered with a stupid grin. I can't help it, it's the Pack! Individually, we might all have some weird awkward issues, but together? Together you can't help but feel the love, the bond we all share. We've been through so much. It never leaves us.

"The Pack, the Pack!" I cry happily, pressing messy kisses to whoever is closest to me as I'm on the edge of the hug between Mike and Marcel.

For a while, everyone is surprised to see me, but it is a very short while before the hug tightens and we all just revel in being around each other again. I can't describe how fantastic this feels. Truly fantastic.

I've kissed Mike, Sarah, and now Marcel hello. I can already feel a headache starting to form in my head. When I kissed Marcel hello, it was just like with Mike and Sarah, on the lips, as we always do. But unlike theirs, ours lingered. Briefly, to be sure, but it definitely lingered. Ever since our time together in Drake, I've wondered how I'd handle the next time we met. And now we're here, I have absolutely no idea.

There's nothing weird about it. We're both happy to see each other, genuinely. And even more genuinely happy to be reunited as the Pack again. Without even thinking about it, I give Lucas a mighty kiss hello as well. I think it's really the first time he realizes I'm actually here. He stares at me with wide eyes, completely not expecting to see me up close, least of all to greet him in such a happy fashion.

"Lucas!" I say excitedly, grinning, "I know I'm incredibly hot and gorgeous but you really must stop staring like that!"

Lucas blushes and grins, realizing I'm not going to cut his eyes out or dredge up our rather painful ending. When the hug breaks, I grab him and pull him right into my arms. I hug him tightly, sincerely, kissing his cheek and just hold him. My eyes are closed and I'm reveling in his smell, his warmth, his familiar presence next to me.

It's painful, to be perfectly honest. I realize now by the ache in my gut that I've missed him more than I realize. I hate it. I don't want to hurt, or feel, or ponder about our relationship. What I want is to be mature, to not hold anger or a grudge. What I want is to be happy to see these people who have meant so much to me in my life.

"Hi, Lucas," I whisper in his ear as we hug.

Mike, Sarah, and Marcel have moved away to give us a little space. I'm grateful for it, but also a little annoyed that the Pack time has been broken so quickly. I want to change that, but first I feel I need this moment with Lucas.

"God, I didn't realize how much I'd missed you until I saw you again like this." I say softly.

He's crying. Silently so, but crying nonetheless. It's very soft, but definitely there. The confusion I feel right now is so utterly palpable. I don't know what I'm supposed to do, but I'm trying to be confident and assured for his sake.

"Storm? It's really you?" Lucas asks, burying his face in my neck and stifling a pained gasp, "Don't you hate me? I thought ..."

I break the hug, cupping his face and smiling a little wet eyed at him. This isn't what I wanted or expected. I wanted a casual meeting. I wanted to do my best to keep our time together happy and light. Now we're both like this and it's the last thing I need or want at this point of the day, or even my life. I just don't think I can pull off hatred when it comes to Lucas. Yes, I still feel angry, but I can't help but feel empathy for him. I can't help but still care.

I sniffle a little and lean forward to give him a brief, chaste kiss on the lips. I think it says more than words could right now. I smile at him and thumb his cheek to wipe a tear.

"You shouldn't still be crying, Dude Boy." I say softly, "Come on, spark up."

"Sorry, I just ... didn't expect this. Not ... to see you or ... for you to ... to be like this." Lucas says, wiping his eyes and trying his best to compose himself.

I'm not doing much better than him to be honest. I try to fight it, but there is still a bond there between us. I think there will be for years to come, if not till the day I die. I just wanted him to stop hurting, and I wanted to stop hurting myself as well.

"Can we ... I know there's a lot we might want to say, but I just don't think I can do it right now." I say honestly, "It's the big day, you know?"

"Oh, Dude, Dude, of course." Lucas says quickly, rubbing his eyes and nodding vigorously, "I wasn't going to try and talk to you until after the fight, but I mean ... I just ... you're here and ... I'm just ..."

"I'm happy." I smile sincerely, turning to the others and motioning for them to come back in, "I'm really happy. The Pack is here. You and I are here. Everyone's here. Even bloody Dade is here. I'm happy. Smile for me?"

"I can smile for myself, Dude." Lucas smiles wryly, "Pack's here, you know? It's hard not to be hap..."

"Winner ... Sven Sorensen!"

"What the fuck!?" I scream, turning my attention immediately over the railing down to the centre mat, "No way!"

My stomach does a flip. This isn't right. This can't be happening. Dade was supposed to win! He's supposed to get to me! I'm supposed to fight him! Me!

"Fuck!" I curse angrily as the five of us stare down over the railings to where Dade is bowing in respect to his opponent.

Marty Lee, looking a little battered but otherwise fine, is waiting on the sidelines for Dade. I feel sick inside. This isn't how it's supposed to be. This isn't my big redeeming fight to prove myself against him once more. How am I supposed to level up against him now if I can't even fight him?

"Shit!" I scream again, kicking the railing, "Fuck!"

"Oi," Mike says casually, nudging my shoulder, "It's ok. He'll be ok."

"I don't care if he's ok, I just want to kick his ass!" I reply, realizing just how stupid I sound once I've spoken, "I want to fight him out there on that mat and beat the shit out of him so he knows I'm the fucking best and I deserve to be here and not him! Me! I earned this!"

Mike just frowns at me, disappointment evident in his eyes. I know I'm acting out. I know I'm being stupid and selfish and immature but I could hardly give a fuck. I'm an asshole and I know it! I wanted revenge! I wanted payback! I wanted them all to see that I'm stronger and I'm still surviving without them! Dade and Lucas both. And now it's all gone to hell.

"He didn't deserve to beat me, Mike." I say venomously, anguish in my eyes, "You weren't there. You didn't see it, alright? I hate him! I went away and fought my way back here today, just so I could face him and even the score. And now everything I've worked for means nothing because he's lost before I get the chance to face him!"

Mike shoves me, not hard, but enough to get my attention. It wasn't meant to hurt, or look bad, just to get my attention. Clearly he's been spending too much time with his wife. Her habits are rubbing off on him.

"Enough." He says angrily, "He's your brother. No matter what, he's your brother. Don't you forget that. You're supposed to be the older brother. You're supposed to be ... better than this. If all you did was find a way back here so you could beat him, you don't deserve to win anything here today. The Storm I knew didn't fight for petty bullshit. Well, he did sometimes, but still that's no excuse to keep doing it. I don't care how he beat you, he beat you and you lost. You've had months to get over it, Storm. Grow up. You're here to fight, you're here to win. Grow up."

"Fuck you, Mike." I snap back at him, before I close my eyes, realizing I was picking a fight with someone I really shouldn't be picking a fight with, "Look, just ..."

"Storm," Sarah adds in, placing her hand on my cheek as if she knows it will calm me.

I let out a sigh and nod in understanding, "I know. I know."

"Storm, you've wanted this longer than you've wanted to get even with Dade, haven't you?" Mike asks, "Isn't today something you've wanted since before you had hair on your little dick?"

"Hey!" I gasp, almost choking as I stifle a laugh, "Bastard."

"I know you like to live up to your name, but save the Storm for the mat, ok?" Mike asks, putting his arm around me.

"I'm sorry." I say sincerely, "I'm sorry. I ... I'll try to pull my head out of my ass a bit, ok?"

"You made it here, Storm. That's amazing. I'm proud of you." Mike reassures, "You don't need to prove yourself to anyone."

"I know you're right, I just ... just nothing. You're right and I just need to get on with it. Win for the right reasons." I say, taking a deep breath to focus myself.

"Go on, you tempestuous bugger." Mike smiles, "Get your fight on and just remember, it doesn't matter where you go, you represent Merlow, Bro."

"You guys will be here after I'm finished, win or lose? I still have two fights left if I'm lucky. Pack time can't be over yet, can it?"

"We'll be here." Marcel says, putting his arm around Lucas, "All of us."

I close my eyes and clasp my hands together as if to summon myself, as if I were about to say a silent prayer. If God is up there, I don't think he'd return my calls anyway.

I open my eyes and look at the four people standing before me. We've all changed, that much is so obvious. We're all older. We've all matured away from each other, and yet we are still very much bound as a group.

"I'm going to win." I say confidently, "Because you're all here, I know I'm going to win. Thank you."

"Thank us by buying us dinner after you win, alright?" Marcel suggests.

"Sorry, Buddy. This independent Storm runs on a tight budget these days," I shrug, "branching out on my own seemed like a great idea, but you know, pretty dumb and expensive too. Kinda burning through what Mom left me."

"So go home, Dumbass," Sarah laughs at me, "The house is yours, you don't have to pay rent. She left that so you two wouldn't have to worry about having a roof over your head. It has to be better than what you've got now."

"We can discuss my private life in more detail after the tournament, alright?" I chuckle, giving each a nod, "I'm really glad you're all here. Thank you."

* * * * * * *

"You know his ego is going to be out of control if he wins this thing," Mike smirked as the group waited for Storm to begin his semi final match.

"It's already out of control," Sarah smirked, "He's fought Sven before. He's beaten him before. He could beat him again."

"Sven might get his own little karmic retribution after all this time."

"Or maybe Storm will win and none of us will ever live it down." Dade said, surprising everyone as he joined them on the upper decks.

"Dade ..." Marcel said, giving Dade a sympathetic nod.

"Hey." Dade smiled, looking quite serene for someone who had just lost his match, "I can't believe you're all here."

Sarah received the first and largest hug, followed by Mike. The three spent a few moments reveling in their reunion, clearly enthused to be together again. Marcel and Dade sufficed themselves with small nods of respect. It seemed awkward to contemplate anything more. Time and circumstance had seen to that.

"For someone who just lost, you look pretty sweet, Bro." Mike said to Dade.

"Well ..." Dade shrugged, smiling softly, "I gave it my best and I lost giving it my best, so ... I'm happy."

"You did real good, Dude." Lucas said sincerely, "You did real good."

"Thanks." Dade said, walking over to the railings to glance over the centre mat, "I wanted to win. I wanted to face him again, but I guess it just isn't meant to be."

"Have you spoken to him yet?" Mike asked curiously.

"Maybe after the fight." Dade said, biting his lip, "I hope."

Mike put his arm around Dade's shoulder and kissed his temple, "It's good to see you, Bro. It's good seeing the gang all back together."

"It's the Pack, Jack!" Lucas grinned, giving two thumbs up, "We're back, Dudes!"

"For now at least." Sarah smiled ruefully, sitting down next to Lucas and giving him a one armed hug, "We should all make the most of it. You never know when we'll all be together in the same place again."

"Soon enough." Marcel said with a subtle smile, as if he knew something the others didn't, "But you're right, Sarah, we should make the most of it. So ... dinner right after this, yes?"

"Well, Marty Lee's here too and we all kinda came together, Dude." Lucas said, wondering where Marty Lee had gotten to.

"So ... bring him?" Marcel shrugged.

"Actually, Marty Lee won't be around. He ... left in a bit of a hurry after my fight." Dade said, saying nothing more than that.

He knew what had happened between Storm and Marty Lee. He didn't feel it important to embarrass Marty Lee by discussing the incident openly. With Marty Lee out of the picture, the only thing stopping the Pack from spending time together was his non-existent relationship with his older brother. He wondered whether he should brave the tense atmosphere or excuse himself from the gathering so the others could enjoy their evening.

"Then it's settled." Sarah said, taking Dade's hand to pull him down beside her, "We're all having dinner afterward. No discussion."

"Well, that settles that, doesn't it?" Dade chuckled, shrugging in acceptance of Sarah's proclamation.

"Certainly does, Daddy." Susan said as she squeezed Dade's shoulder hard.

"Ow ow, sore sore Dade." Dade winced, chuckling slightly.

Marcel smiled softly, but said nothing. He already knew about Claire and had come to accept that his place in Dade's life was probably long over. He still had trouble adjusting to the fact that Dade was going to be a father, but he'd come to accept it as Mike and Sarah had.

"So Dade, what's it like knowing your life will soon be over shortly?" Sarah asked cheekily, "I hope Claire is making your life miserable."

"Kinda the opposite actually." Dade blushed, "We're pretty good, you know."

"Well, you always were pretty crap at sucking dick." Marcel added in, shrugging, "Makes sense you'd go back to pussy licking."

Mike smirked wickedly, covering his eyes, "That's really too much information, Blondie."

"Oh well." Marcel laughed, "If a living God like me can't keep him on the gay and narrow, he's bound to frequent the banal halls of heterosexuality."

"Excuse you, I quite like those halls." Sarah chuckled, "And I'm bloody glad my husband does too, or there'd really be trouble for us!"

"I'll have you know, I was very good at sucking dick. Just ask Storm. He never complained." Dade joked, clearly trying to get a rise out of everyone.

He almost did, until Mike just shook his head and waved Dade's comment off, "You're still a little pervert. I'm going to get my wife a drink. I'll be right back when this topic of conversation has hopefully changed to things other than the sexual antics of my brothers."

"Oh you know you love it, Old man!" Dade yelled after Mike, grinning broadly, "I'm still the hottest man in Merlow!"

"Psh, maybe until I get back there." Marcel countered, "Until then, I'll let you occupy the spot. But you know, the old straight lifestyle is sending your looks to pot."

"You are just a bitter old homo." Dade teased, standing up and prodding Marcel in the chest, "That's what you are. A very, very good looking bitter old homo, but still one nonetheless." He chuckled.

"Well, at least I'm good looking." Marcel grinned, "That's what counts, right?"

"Oh man." Lucas groaned, shaking his head and smiling at Sarah, "It's like we never left each other. We're all as demented as ever."

"Speak for yourself, Dude Boy." Sarah sighed contently, leaning back in her chair, "I'm far more demented than any of you mere mortals."

"Oh, Dude, they be fightin' words, right there." Lucas joked, kissing her cheek and growling playfully as he hugged her from the side.

"Get off me!" Sarah laughed, trying to wriggle free, "You big bloody teddy bear."

Marcel smiled at the exchange before he turned to Dade, smiling softly and just taking in the sight of him. He let out a deep breath and dared to brush a strand of hair from Dade's eyes. They shared a glance, an understanding glance.

"Yeah, the looks are definitely going." Marcel teased softly, smiling.

"That's why your cock is stabbing me in the leg. Because my looks are going."

"Got me there." Marcel chuckled, just staring at Dade a little while before he continued, "I'd say the same for you, but you've always been a little underwhelming in that area so it's hard to notice."

"Oh ..." Dade grinned, trying to hold back his amused laugh, "You truly are a reborn smartass, aren't you?"

Marcel pulled an apple from his pocket and took a bite of it, smirking at Dade, "Everybody changes, Dade. You're proof of that."

Dade gave Marcel one of his trademark raised eyebrows in response. Marcel chewed on his apple, smirking smugly at Dade. For some reason, this unsettled Dade. For all his mistakes, and all his sins, he truly believed he and Marcel had reached an understanding. He believed they knew each other. And yet, here and now, he had the most unsettling sensation that he didn't quite know Marcel as much as he thought ... or perhaps would have liked.

* * * * * * *

"So who were those people you were talking to before, Danny Boy?" Corey asks me as I go through some warm ups for my coming semifinal match.

I don't know how to really explain who they were. I never really talk about my past with Corky or Su. I prefer to stick to myself and let them do all of the talking about themselves.

"Yeah, we were sitting here quite bored, all on our own, Daniel, wondering where you'd gotten off to. And then we look up and see you have a gay old time with some people who aren't us." Susan says, waggling her index finger at me, "What gives, Monsieur?"

Thankfully, I don't have to answer either of them because I am greeted by a surprising visitor. Sven Sorensen. I consider him a war buddy. In the sense that we've fought each other enough times over the last few years in various tournaments to get a pretty good sense of the other. In fact, it wasn't long after Lucas first arrived in Merlow that I was flaunting a victory over Sven to take a Regional title.

I wouldn't exactly call us friends, or enemies for that matter. We have a strong mutual respect for each other. Actually, I suppose we are friends. I'm just too much of a cold ass to recognize that, even after all this time bashing each other's heads in. I both look forward to and dread our matches. Facing off against a 6'4" blonde haired walking mass of muscle can be rather a challenge.

"Storm." Sven says in his heavy Scandinavian accent as he extends his hand to me.

"Sven, still on steroids, I see." I say with a smirk, gripping his hand in a tight handshake, "Good to see you."

"Hey, why are you two talking? And Storm? What are you, a rain cloud or something?" Susan asks curiously, "Aren't you supposed be avoiding each other until you know ..."

"We aren't getting married, you know." I grin, "Besides, Sven always comes to pay his respects before I beat him."

"I just beat your brother." Sven points out, "He beat you. Therefore, I beat you. Finally."

"You've beaten me enough times over the years, Sven."

"You have winned more. That means I have not winned enough." He says, smirking and poking me good naturedly in the chest, "But soon I will win the biggest match we have."

"Wait, wait, he beat your brother?" Corey asks, confused.

"You mean that hottie was your brother, Dan? What happened to you? Were you the mailman's contribution to the gene pool?" Susan asks cheekily.

"Excuse you, I'll have you know, I have more hot genes than he does."

"And yet you hang out with us?" Corey says.

"Hmm." I reply, biting my lip, "You have a good point there. Would you believe I was pretty popular in another life?"

"Umm, no?" Corey laughs, punching me playfully in the arm, "Getting above your station a little are we, Dan Man?"

"That's why I hang out with you two. You're both just so ... good at reminding me I should strive to be more than I am ... so I can stop hanging out with you two." I say dryly.

"So these are your new little friends?" Sven asks with a chuckle, "Hmm?"

"Hey, we're cool." Corey says with his cheeky grin, "You just don't know it yet."

I can't help but laugh gently at that, putting my arm around Corey's shoulder. They might be a different breed to the Pack, but they're good stock. We're a tight little group of nerds, we are. I spend all my time training to get here, and they spend all there time watching me or talking to me while I train and try to pay attention to them.

"So, Storm." Sven says, reaching out to take my hand again, "I will see you on the floor. You will not win today. I will beat you."

"You beat me and I'll get you English lessons, ok?"

"My English is great. Only your hearing fails." Sven chuckles wryly, "I will go to the top, Storm. There is only place for one, my friend."

"More the pity for you, Sven." I smile softly, nodding in respect, "See you out there."

"Yes." Sven nods sincerely before he turns to leave.

The moment he leaves these two are right on my case. I knew bringing them here would likely mean I have to reveal a little of my history, but that's ok. They waste no time in beginning their interrogations.

"Brother?!" Corey gasps, grinning with amusement, "What else are you hiding up your perfectionist ass, Danny boy? You have a brother and you never told us?"

"Actually, he's my hal…" I begin to say, before I shake my head, "Yeah, he's my brother. But we don't talk."

"Family angst. Oooh." Susan says, squeezing my arm supportively.

"Anyway, I better go and get ready to face Svengali." I say with a deep breath, "Wish me luck, Dorky and Su!"

"Good luck!" They say in unison before the three of us share a group hug.

I love my dorks. I've missed the strong bonds of the Pack, but with everyone having gone their own way, it's really nice having these two. The Runts. That's what we should be. I'm antisocial. Su's intellectual. Corey's a dark horse talented hottie. My Runts. What a name, aye?

"Hugs and kisses!" Corey laughs before the three of us share just that.

"Ewww, cooties!" I grin, breaking the hug before I give them all a mock salute, "Victory or humiliation!"

With that, I turn and leave them, hands clasped behind my back. My nerves are gone. I think I'd be a lot worse if I was facing Dade. And oddly enough, I think I would live if Sven beat me. Not that I am handing a victory to him. I came here to win. I think just seeing the Pack and settling some business with Marty Lee has really lifted a weight off me. I feel happier. I feel ... ok. I feel ok. I'm smiling so something must be going ok.

The only outstanding issue is Dade. But I have at least one fight left in me. Hopefully two. I can deal with him after that.

* * * * * * *

Catching Sven's right foot mid kick, I step in and sweep out his left leg. I jab down to his chest to score the point, but the bloody bastard reads me as well as I've read his kick. He grabs my arms and pulls me toward him, forcing me to butterfly kick over the top. It might look pretty, but it gives him the split second he needs to counter.

"Point ... red!" The referee calls out.

This sucks for me, of course, because I'm not red at all. I'm blue. Suckage.

"Mother fucker!" I curse, walking back to my corner.

It's a tough match. We're even at two points a piece. One to win. One to lose. I feel an ounce of frustration. I might've felt happier before this match started but it sure hasn't helped my fight any. The focus and anger I had when I started this tournament drove me to this semi final. Now I don't feel so angry anymore, I'm screwed!

"You can't beat him, Storm!" Dade calls out from the sidelines, "I beat you and he beat me! That means you're at the bottom!"

I almost fall over myself when I hear him. His first words to me, and they're a taunt. I turn to him in surprise, feeling a rush of anger as I narrow my eyes. I know what he's doing. I know why he's doing it. But I still can't help the desire to rush over to him and smack his head in.

"You'll get your fucking turn soon enough!" I yell back, pointing squarely at him.

He meets my glare with a half smirk. Smug mother fucker. I'm playing right into his hands. He wants me pissed. In his own way, he's trying to help me. Unfortunately, it's not really very helpful. In my distraction, I let Sven start an offensive drive toward me. He is incredibly strong and I just barely miss a straight punch that would've scored him a point and probably sent me back on my ass. I've taken many of his hits, and all of them hurt. A lot.

If I am to beat him, I will need to put my speed and agility up against his brute force. Stepping quickly backwards and dangerously close to the sideline, I dive under one of his roundhouse kicks before leaping straight up and connecting with one of my own, right to his jaw. It happens so fast he barely realizes I've hit him until the referee calls for the point.

"Point ... blue!"

Game over, Sven. I'm in the finals. I try to hide the smile from my face, but it is almost impossible. I'm in the finals!

I move to bow to Sven and then the referees before I move to Sven and we share a handshake and hug. He's gracious in defeat. I don't think either of us begrudges a loss to the other.

"If you do not win final match, Sven will not be pleased." Sven said as we clasped hands after having shared a very manly hug, "You must win so Sven knows he was beaten by best. If you lose, I will have to come and kill you."

"Alright, alright." I smile, nodding respectfully to him, "I'll do my best."

"You are very fast, but you still favor your ribs. Be careful he does not expose that." Sven warns, patting my arm, "Fight well."

"Thank you." I say before he leaves me be.

I turn just in time to see my dorks come to greet me. A grin and a congratulatory hug later and we're all heading off to the sidelines. I realize there is some ... business that I must tend to now. I was going to wait, but it no longer can.

"Hey, I need to ... talk to someone. I'll meet you guys in the changing rooms, ok?" I say to them, "Sorry the day is such a drag. I'm paying for the movies when we get home, deal?"

"Done and done, my good man." Corey says with a happy grin before he and Susan wandered off.

I turn back to see if Dade has dared to remain on the sidelines. He has. If I really wanted to, I could walk right over there and start a fight with him. It's not like I'm involved in his life anymore. I don't have to play the role of the responsible one.

He seems to have lost a little of his nerve as I walk toward him. He's guarded in his eyes, as though he doesn't know what to expect from me. I'm a little surprised when I reach him and find myself ... smiling. Smiling on the inside, of course. The outside is impassive.

I don't know if I'm overly happy to see him, but it does please me to see him well after all these months. And yet standing before him starts to take a bit of the peace I had within, and replaces it with something morose. He reminds me of a past I'd worked hard to get past. A painful past. He reminds me of my old life. He reminds me of my old mistakes. He reminds me of Mom.

The smile has gone. I now feel inside the same as I look outside, and we haven't even spoken. Such a sad existence the two of us have. There's still too much emotion here. Still too much anger, confusion, apprehension.

"Fuck this." I say suddenly, before I turn and start to walk away.

I make it a few steps and realize something. Dade isn't trying to stop me. It's as if he knows that our relationship has changed. That our bond as brothers is all but destroyed. As if he knows that he has no right to ask anything of me. He's willing to let me go without a word to make me realize this.

I stop of my own volition, turning back to face him. When our eyes meet, it's a sad exchange. We really are broken. It's hard to believe we were once so close that either of us would have walked through fire and into the depths of hell for each other. And now it's all changed.

I step toward him again. We stand face to face. I don't know what to say. He doesn't know what to say. I don't know if I can do this.

And so neither of us says a word. We just stare at each other for a while. It's obvious we both have emotion in our eyes, but we both hold back any onslaught of tears. It gets harder with each passing moment though. There are really no words that can quantify the onset of pain I'm beginning to feel in my heart.

He makes me miss home. He makes me miss Mom. He makes me miss how close we used to be. He makes me miss myself. The Storm I used to be.

I turn away for a moment, my eyes watering quite liberally now. Yet still I refuse to cry. I refuse to break. Instead, I turn back to him and do what I think will say more than any words. I extend my hand to him.

He looks at me in confusion for a while before he extends his own hand. Our hands meet and we grip tightly like a vice. There is emotion in both our eyes as we shake, and it is truly difficult to remain composed. We share a glance of understanding. A glance that says so much. Finally, when that glance is over we part hands. I give him one last look, before I turn and walk away.

I try not to cry but it doesn't take long before that is exactly what I'm doing. I've no doubt he's doing the same. I don't have any ill will towards him now. I don't. I just want him to be happy. The part that hurts the most is that I truly feel that small moment between us was a closure of a kind we never received on our last parting.

I hope he finally rids himself of any guilt he might have had over the end of our relationship. He has far more important things he needs to focus on now. Far more important people. My role in his life could well be over. While it is something I expected, it's painful nonetheless.

Bye, Dade.

* * * * * * *

"Didn't go well." Dade gasped to the others, tears in his eyes as he shrugged, "I don't think. I umm ... I'm gonna go to the hotel to find Marty Lee. I'll umm ... see you guys before you leave, right?"

"Hey, hey." Mike said, cupping Dade's face and looking him in the eye, "Bro, what's wrong? What happened?"

"Nothing. Just ... nothing." Dade cried, pulling himself into Mike's arm and sobbing softly, letting all his anguish out, "Absolutely nothing. He didn't say anything. We didn't say anything."

"What did you do?" Mike asked, trying to figure out what had happened.

"We just stared." Dade said, resting his head on Mike's shoulder as he was hugged, "That's all we did. And then we shook hands and ... that was it."

"I'll ... I'll find Storm." Sarah said softly, hand on the small of Mike's back before she quietly slipped away.

Marcel and Lucas felt a little awkward and out of place right now. Marcel's first inclination was to go with Sarah, but he wasn't sure if that was such a good idea. He knew Sarah might want a heart to heart with Storm. Still, they were the Pack. It wasn't supposed to be about breaking off into pairs all the time.

He clasped Lucas's shoulder to let him know he was going, before he rushed off down the stairs to the lower level of the viewing decks, trying to find Sarah. Lucas bit his lip a little before he sighed, threw his hands in the air and cursed.

"Fuck it." He said before he rushed off after Marcel.

Mike chuckled and rubbed the back of Dade's head, "Looks like it's just us, Bro."

Dade didn't respond. He just sighed tiredly and held onto Mike. It was nice to feel like he could rely on someone else for once. With Claire he was the man, the one who had to be strong. The one who had to deal with her condemning brother. The one who had to make sure the family home was looked after, tended to. The one who suddenly had to make sure there was enough food in the cupboard.

Thankfully, his mother had left all her children with considerable insurance. And though he didn't have access to all of it, he had access to enough to take care of what he needed to. Still, if someone had asked him if he expected to be in the position he was just over a year ago, he would've said no way.

He didn't have Storm's support as an older brother anymore. He knew why. He knew it was probably too late to salvage what they once had. He had to stand on his own. For now at least though, for now he had Mike. Mike was the type of person who wouldn't judge him. The type of person you knew would always be there if you needed him. Already Dade felt infinitely better. Just having a pair of strong arms around him, holding him up, was enough to make him smile softly.

"Thank you." Dade sighed, contented, "Thank you."

"Hey, what are brothers for, right?" Mike smiled, kissing Dade's cheek and rubbing his back as they hugged, "You know I'll always be here, Dade. Even when you're the biggest ass in town."

"I'm doing my best to get rid of that title." Dade chuckled softly into Mike's neck, "Just don't move. Please. Not yet. Just a little longer."

"As long as you want, Dade." Mike whispered, "As long as you want."

* * * * * * *

"Storm?" Sarah called from outside the changing rooms.

I perked up in surprise when she stepped in. I gave her a smile and gave a little double take when Marcel and Lucas walked in after her. I couldn't help but grin. It was nice to remember that the whole gang was back together, if even for just a day.

"What is this? Come to perk me up for the finals? Congratulate me on a stunning victory over my arch nemesis?" I joked, hands on my bare hips, "Well?"

"Dude, we just umm." Lucas began to say, before Marcel continued.

"Well, what he's trying to say is." Marcel said, before he himself was interrupted.

"What they're both trying to say and lacking the balls to say is ... are you ok?" Sarah asked, giving me a onceover with her eyes before she rubbed my arms, "What happened with you and Dade? He was really upset."

"He was? I thought we were fine. We shook hands." I shrugged, turning back to pull out some of my gear from my bag, "We're great. He's not alright?"

"No." Sarah said, "Well, I mean ... he didn't say it was bad, but ... I don't know. Maybe he's just ..."

"It's ok, I get it." I said to her, "Well. Advise me. I thought we made a bit of peace there. I don't know if me talking to him will make things better or worse. So advise me, o wise one."

"I need to speak to my own advisers first." Sarah said before she turned to Marcel and Lucas, mock seriously, "What's the deal, Men?"

"Dude, hugs and kisses all the way." Lucas suggested, "Fuzzy wuzzy was a happy joy, needed by each girl and boy. Fuzzy wuzzy likes to say, don't be sad, go out and play. Fuzzy wuzz…"

"Is on crack, shut your mouth before I smack." I smirked, poking my tongue out at him.

"Dude, you're killing my totally righteous vibe here." Lucas gasped, mock offended, "Thou wouldst reject my plea? Reject the eternal wisdom of Fuzzy Wuzzy?"

"What the fuck is Fuzzy Wuzzy?" Marcel asked, hands upturned in bewilderment.

"You know, Fuzzy Wuzzy is like ... the good, Man. He's like ..." Lucas exclaimed, hand outstretched to the sky, "… the rosebud blooming inside your heart. He's the good feeling you get when someone tells you they love you."

I couldn't help but laugh at Lucas's proclamation. I'd forgotten how much fun he could be. I had no idea what he was on about, and I get the feeling he was just trying to blow shit outta his ass to lighten the moment. It was working.

"So in that case, what does Fuzzy Wuzzy advise?" Sarah chuckled, smiling at Lucas.

"Fuzzy Wuzzy says we should all go out to dinner after Storm's match, no matter whether he wins or loses. Fuzzy Wuzzy says we should all have a good time and revel in each other's totally awesome company. And Dudes? Fuzzy Wuzzy thinks Lucas is a great guy." Lucas nodded, smiling broadly.

"Fuzzy Wuzzy can kiss my ass." I laughed, "But ok. Dinner afterwards, win or lose. Deal?"

"Yo! Pack's back, Jack!" Lucas said, putting his hand in the middle of us, "Hands in! Let's go, Storm!"

"Oh, hey, I have some friends with me that I'm going to bring as well, ok? They're sweet, don't worry." I said as I put my hand in after Sarah and Marcel.

"Dude, Fuzzy Wuzzy says all are welcome." Lucas said sagely, nodding his head, "Unless you're fucking them. Then, you know, totally not welcome."

At first I thought he was serious, but he gave me his sheepish grin that told me he wasn't. I couldn't help leaning over to give him a little peck on the lips. Nothing icky, just a friendly peck.

"You're still a dork, Dude boy." I smile, "Thanks."

"Dude, sweet!" Lucas grinned before the four of us all chanted together, "Hoorah, hoorah, hoorah!"

* * * * * * *

"You decided to stay, Dude?" Lucas asked in surprise when he saw Dade was still sitting with Mike.

He seemed happier. His head was still on Mike's shoulder and it was obvious he was enjoying the company of him. Lucas was glad everyone seemed to be getting along. Everyone seemed to be on the same page. He actually felt a lot of good, a lot of love coming out of their reunion. Even his times with Storm hadn't been as awkward as he imagined they would be. He had a feeling if they spoke alone they might be awkward, but for now, things were great.

"Lucas, just a little word of advice." Marcel said as they reached the upper deck again in preparation to watch the big fight.

"What, Dude?"

"Please. No more Fuzzy Wuzzy." Marcel gasped, pleading as he clutched Lucas's arms, "No more!"

"Dude, why so harsh?"

"Dude, why so ... hey ... this is suddenly very familiar." Marcel smirked at Lucas.

"Good thing you stopped before the most blatantly obvious and terrible lie part, hmm?" Lucas said, patting Marcel's shoulder.

"Right, yes. Terrible. Obvious lie. Of course. There is no way at all that you could ever be stupid." Marcel said, shaking his head, "Forgive me, Lucas."

"Forgiven." Lucas nodded, "Let's all just sit and be cool now that you've seen the error of your ways, ok, Dude?"

"Definitely." Marcel grinned, putting his arm around Lucas's shoulder, "You know, I think I like you more now than I did when we were in Merlow, Lucas."

"I think I like me now more than when we were in Merlow, Dude." Lucas chuckled.

"Hey, Lovebirds, quiet up. It's almost time." Mike said as Sarah sat down beside him.

"Oh man, I can't believe this is actually happening!" Sarah said before she winced, grabbing her chest subtly enough so that only Mike noticed the gesture.

The two shared a glance of silent understanding before Sarah shook her head just slightly. Mike sighed, nodding in relief. Nothing else was said. Nothing else needed to be said.

"Storm's in the finals, Storm's in the finals!" Lucas shouted with glee, clapping his hands and cheering as he and Marcel moved to the railings, "This is going to be so uber, Dudes!"

"I feel like a little schoolgirl." Marcel grinned, a rush of butterflies filling him, "I didn't think I'd be this excited. I mean, wow, this really is pretty cool."

"Fuck yeah. That's our Storm." Dade said proudly, standing to his feet and moving over by Marcel and Lucas to look over the railings, "This is where he's meant to be. It was always meant to be him here, not me."

"Because you suck?" Lucas asked cheekily.

"I'll suck you in the face soon." Dade grinned, feeling much better.

Dade moved in between Lucas and Marcel, putting an arm around the shoulder of each. He smiled at each before he joined their gaze down on the center mat. It was almost time to call out the fighters. Almost time to see Storm see the fulfillment of one of his lifelong dreams. Win or lose, he made it. No one could take that from him.

"You ok, my love?" Mike asked Sarah softly as she nestled against him.

She wrapped her arms around him from the side and smiled contently, "I haven't felt this ok for a long time, my love. I'm just fine. I'm just fine."

Mike smiled at her before the pair turned their attention down toward the center mat. Together, they'd come to watch Storm thanks to the covert plan by Marcel to reunite everyone. If it wasn't for him and the resources he had, it would not have been possible. Mike was grateful to have such a good friend, even though he was much more than that. He was family. They were all family. He hoped today would be proof of that.

Most of all, he hoped that no matter what happened now. No matter if Storm won or lost, he would feel accomplished. He'd set out to do something fantastic and never waivered from it. He'd achieved what most would not have believed him capable of. And he'd done it alone. For this, Mike could not help but commend him. For himself, he was just glad they were all together. It had simply been far too long.


On to Chapter 5.08d
"Resolutions and Conclusions"

Back to Chapter 5.06b
"The Bitter Taste of Being"

Chapter Index

Storm Front is © 1998-2011 by SF Writer (Tyrel "Rock" Wolf)
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