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| Everybody Wants Fish, Chapter 9; Facing Fears | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Aug 18 2009, 04:54 PM (260 Views) | |
| b32guy | Aug 18 2009, 04:54 PM Post #1 |
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I love it long and wavy!
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Title: Everybody Wants Fish, Part 9 SubTitle: Facing Fears Author: StevenW Creation Date: 8.19.09 Rating: PG-13 Genre: M/M romance Warnings: Todd is offensive. Disclaimer: This author is in no way associated with "One Life To Live", ABC, or any actor. These fan fiction stories are not for profit. No copyright infringement is intended. Permission is granted to the rightful owners of this show and these characters to use all or any portion of this story as they see fit. No compensation is required, though a sly and clever nod or wink would be a thrill. Story Summary: Todd visits Kyle. Billy pleads with Jeremy. Oliver and Kyle reveal more to each other. Cris is bored. Layla, Hugh, and Shawn bond. Characters in this story, Oliver Fish, Kyle Lewis, Cristian Vega, Joey Buchanan, Billy Douglas, Jeremy Douglas, Todd Manning, Layla Williamson, Hugh Hughes, and Shawn Evans. Oh, and Cris’ TV. Author’s Note: none. ====== Angel Square Hotel, Kish Room 369, the morning after the robbery. Todd Manning knocks way too loudly on the door. “Lewis, you in there? It’s Todd Manning. We need to talk.” Inside Kyle Lewis has more than a few moments of panic. Because of his sister’s death, he has researched Todd’s history and is well aware that Todd can be volatile, vengeful, and unpredictable. He has actually been expecting Todd to show up one day, since Kyle was implicated in the kidnapping of his children. Still, Kyle has had a good day, and he doesn’t want that to evaporate, so he decides to face Todd, and accept whatever he plans to dish out. “Lewis! I know you’re there. I checked with Roxy. I’m not going to hurt you.” Kyle opens the door. “Look, I didn’t know what my wacko sister was doing. I just happened to show up at the wrong time.” Todd pushes past him, walks in, and assesses the place. To say he finds it humble would be an understatement. “Yeah, about that. I’m guessing you were going to try to blackmail me that night. You had information. Information is leverage. And leverage can be used to get money. Don’t bother denying it. I do my homework.” He walks close and pops Kyle in the head with his knuckle, but he is wearing a smile while he does it. Kyle flinches a bit and then shuts the door; best to keep this private. His reputation is bad enough already. “I WAS going to do that. I’m sorry! I’m willing to admit that mistake. But the Rebecca stuff is pure coincidence.” Kyle offers the most pitiful face he can muster. “I barely had a relationship with my sister.” “Relax, already. I believe you. Like I said, I do my homework.” He plops down on the red leatherette sofa. “This place looks like a dorm room. You got any beers?” “Look Todd, I’ve done my homework too. If you’re going to shove the knife in somewhere just do it all ready. My life is finally on a good track and it would be just like fate to send you along and screw it up again.” The comment registers but Todd seemingly ignores it. “Jack told me you were nice to him and Sam. He said you seemed more scared than he was.” Todd cocks his head to one side. “That kid, my kid, was in the midst of a major trauma, caused by your sister and her nut job boyfriend, and yet he remembers that. That means something to me.” Kyle proceeds cautiously. He slowly sits in an adjacent chair. “I did try to comfort them, but they were too scared. There just wasn’t much I could do. And, like I said, I didn’t have a clue what Rebecca and Powell were up to.” “I believe you. And the information you had would have been most welcome.” Todd laughs. “In fact, I would much prefer it coming from you, then from that nut case Powell Lord while I was strapped to a bed.” Kyle winces at the realization that his sister helped that nut case. “Look, I’m begging you here. I know you don’t really do forgiveness, but can you please try. I like my life now and I really don’t want a threat from you hanging over my head. So can’t we come to some sort of deal. Maybe you can punch me a few times and we’ll call it even.” Todd shakes his head. “I don’t really do physical violence. Not my thing. But, and I’m being totally serious here, you have nothing to fear from me. I know you weren’t in cahoots with your sister. And I also know you’ve had it rough.” He leans forward and smiles broadly now, “and I also know you’re crazy in love with a certain Officer Oliver Fish. Handsome man. Good catch.” “Oh God!” Kyle sighs, certain now, that Todd is going to be a permanent thorn in his side. “Look, let’s leave Oliver out of this. He shouldn’t have to pay for any of this. I’ll leave town if you want, even if I have to do it without Oliver. Just please leave him alone.” Todd rolls his eyes upward and spreads his arms wide. “Oh, young love. Ain’t it grand. I know how you feel. I’m currently in love with Tea Delgado, a fabulously sexy and marvelously clever lawyer. And easy on the eyes too.” He flashes Kyle a look. “Well, my eyes, obviously, not yours. And my ex-wife, I’ve got her on the hook too. And Marty, well, there is no joy there but, she still can’t get over me.” Kyle grows impatient. “Todd, I don’t like games. Can’t we cut to the chase?” “See, I knew you were going to go there. And the answer is, yes we can. As I see it, you and I have several things in common.” This surprises Kyle, “we do?” “Yes, we do. What are they, you ask? I’ll tell you. Number one, we both have crazy sisters. Well, I still have mine and she’s not crazy at the moment, but, well, you know what I mean.” Kyle can’t restraint himself. “Well, from what I’ve read about you, you’re not exactly a picture of sanity yourself.” “Exactly, and that’s the second thing. We both put it right out there. We’re blunt, direct, to the point. I like that in a man.” Todd laughs. “Not that I like men. Nope, not for me. Been there, done that, unwillingly of course, so that might make a difference. Probably does. In fact, I’m sure of it. Rape is not about sex. That much, I have finally learned.” Todd gives what appears to be a genuinely remorseful sigh. Kyle is horrified; convinced now that Todd is even crazier than he expected, “Are you talking about what your step-father did to you as a kid? Because if you’re comparing that to what Ollie and I have, that is just insulting.” “No! No! That’s not what I meant. I apologize!” Todd stands and starts pacing around the ‘dorm room.’ “My step-father was sick, really sick. As was my bio-father. In fact, it would be quite a contest to see which of them was sicker. No wonder Vickie and I are so screwed up. And that brings me to my third point.” He sits again, this time on the coffee table directly in front of Kyle. “We both had rough childhoods. I know about Ruth and Ralph. They are hardly decent folk, despite their religious exterior. I hate hypocrisy. Do you? I bet you do.” When there is silence, Kyle realizes the ball is in his court. “Is this going somewhere?” “Yes!” Todd yelps. “I’m glad you asked. I’ve decided I want a little brother, and you Kyle Lewis are the lucky man. Welcome to the family.” He leans in and pats both Kyle’s shoulders, bouncing him around significantly in the process. “Of course, we are on the black sheep side, but hey, there is comfort in numbers.” “Are you serious? You want us to be ‘brothers?’ You can’t just do that?” “Why not? Who says? You and I don’t really play by the rules anyway. Why can’t you be my little brother if I say so?” “You’re a forty plus year-old man.” “So? I’m also rich. How much would you charge to be my little brother?” “Probably more than you have. I’m quite sure you’re a major pain.” Todd laughs. “I just like you more and more. How about this, I know you have school debt and need money. What say I wipe out your debt and give you say fifty grand, then will you be my little brother?” Kyle just isn’t sure if Todd is sincere, let alone sane. “Just for the sake of arguing, what would the job entail?” “Just beers and bullshit sessions and guy stuff. You know some of those man-dates like in that movie, I Love You, Man. That was a hilarious movie. Women, I’ve got. Falling at my feet, as I told you. But I’ve got no guy friends. So I’ve decided I want one and that one is you.” “This may be the craziest thing I’ve ever heard. You make me sound like I’m on the shelf at one of those big box stores.” “I don’t want a long drawn out get-to-know-you process. What’s the point? Let’s just dive right in. I’ve already researched you and decided you’ll do just fine.” “So you just want to drink beer and what, play golf while we chat about women? I’m not sure I’m the best choice for that.” “I’m not really a golf kind of guy. Now skeet shooting. I could do that. I love watching those clay discs explode. Now, if the golf balls exploded when they dropped in the holes, then I might play. But as it is, it’s super boring.” “That would be kind of hard on the greens, wouldn’t it?” Todd slaps his thighs. “Quick wit. I love it. And don’t worry about the women talk. We can talk men to. I’m a modern man. Confident in my sexuality.” “Are you for real, or is this your form of Todd-torture?” “I’m for real. Look, if you’ve researched me than you know I do everything on a grand scale. Now, I’ve got my checkbook, do you have that beer?” Kyle studies Todd and finally decides the enemy you know is better than the enemy you don’t. “What the hell!” He gets up and heads toward the fridge. “But Todd, I’m on the straight and narrow now and I plan to stay there. I won’t be used in any of your wacked out revenge schemes.” “Super!” Todd says, as he starts writing the check. “That will be your job. Keep me on the straight and narrow too. I stray off it all the time and…” He pauses reflectively for a few moments. “Like you, I think I’d like not to. At least, that’s what I’m thinking today.” By the fridge, Kyle rolls his eyes. He is certain he is going to earn every penny of Todd’s money. Llanview Hospital, Cris’ Room Cris lies in bed channel surfing. He is bored silly. Joey’s Bedroom, Llanfair Billy Douglas wakes to find his son Jeremy working at the computer nearby. “Son.” Jeremy rushes to his Dad’s side. “Dad, you’re awake. Are you okay? What do you need?” Billy reaches up and squeezes his son’s arm gently. “I need you to stop worry so much.” “Too bad Dad. Not going to happen. In fact, I was just reading on the internet that pureed asparagus taken twice a day shows amazing results in curing cancer.” “Jeremy, you can’t believe everything you read on the internet.” “No Dad, this sounds legit. I’ll print it out so you can see it and then I’ll go down and ask Louise if we have any. We should start right away.” Billy’s inclination is to argue, but he can’t, doing something means too much to his son. “It can’t hurt. Let’s give it a shot.” “That’s the spirit.” “But son, I need to talk to you about afterwards. I know you don’t want to, but we need to. Can you come back over here?” “But Dad, I should go get the asparagus.” He starts toward the door. “Jeremy please, that can wait a few minutes. I need to tell you some things. Please.” The son doesn’t want to, but he yields to the father. Billy begins opening his heart. “Look, I know you want to be strong and invincible, but son, there will come a time when you won’t be able to be. I need you to promise me that when that time comes, you’ll walk into Joey’s arms. They will have the strength you need.” “Dad, I’m not a kid. I like Joey already. I get that he is fine upstanding human being. And I’ve got no problem with him being my new parent. So why are you constantly pushing him on me?” “Several reasons. One is because I know you both. Joey will want to comfort you and Julya, but he’ll be afraid when it comes to you. He won’t want to make you feel like a kid. He’ll offer his support many times but at some point you’re going to have to accept it. He’ll never force it on you. You’ll have to walk into those arms. Do you understand?” “That is all fatalistic psychobabble. Why do we have to talk about this?” “Because it is still my job to see that you and your sister are taken care of. No matter how unpleasant that reality is.” Jeremy releases a long slow sigh. “So what is the other reason?” “Your sister. She won’t have any problem looking for arms to comfort her. Women are generally more comfortable seeking emotional support. And, truth be told, Rick and I kind of spoiled your sister. In hindsight we lavished her with love and affection. Some of that should have gone to you.” “What are you talking about? I’ve never felt starved for affection. You and Rick were the best Dads ever.” Through sheer will the boy man stops the tears from forming. “I’m glad to hear that, but we did. We were afraid. We allowed deeply engrained yet stupid definitions of masculinity to dictate how affectionate we were with you. In other words we held back so you would be strong and brave and, I suppose, macho.” “But I am those things. Isn’t that good?” “You’ll have to decide that. All I’m telling you is that after I’m gone…” Jeremy throws up his arms. “Dad, I don’t want to hear that.” Billy catches his son’s hand and holds it tight. “After I’m gone you won’t be tough enough. No one will. No one ever is. I wasn’t when Rick died. Nor when my Mom died.” “Dad, you were so brave, when Pops died. Why do you say that?” “Because it is the truth. You are going to hurt like you’ve never hurt before. But, and this is the important part, you won’t be alone. Joey will be there for you. But you will have to accept his help, which in this case will need to be physical affection.” Billy sees his son squirm. “I hammer this point home because Joey is new to your life and we haven’t had much time to form the bonds that will be needed. You can’t let your pride get in the way. Do you understand?” “I get it Dad. Turn to Joey. Let Joey hug me. Let Joey hold me. I get it.” “I know it sounds silly. But it is unbelievably important. You need to do it for yourself and your sister.” Now that, the son doesn’t get. “Why do I need to do it for Julya?” “Because young women can get into more trouble than young men when they look for comfort in the wrong arms. You have to show her that Joey has the right arms.” “Huh?” “I hate to be this blunt, but the wrong arms could lead to sex before she is ready and sex for a young woman can always lead to an unplanned pregnancy and an unplanned pregnancy can seriously change an entire life.” “So you want me to do this so Julya doesn’t get pregnant? Dad, I think you’ve been spending too much time thinking.” Billy nods. “Like I said, it is my job. And you know I take this particular job very seriously. And so does Joey, otherwise, I wouldn’t have picked him.” “Dad, Joey is going to be responsible for me for four years tops. I hardly see the same commitment you have.” “See, I knew you didn’t get it. You are so wrong. Joey will be your parent for the rest of your life. And Julya’s. And his family will be your family. It won’t end just because you turn eighteen. Joey just doesn’t work that way.” “You sound awfully sure of that.” “That is because I am. And I’ll tell you a little secret, Joey needs you and Julya too. He wants to be your father.” “He does?” Jeremy has trouble believing this. “Yes! Now don’t tell him I told you this, but he feels like a failure at life. He doesn’t have kids, no lasting relationship, and he is not proud of either of his careers. He needs you and your sister. You are going to complete him.” “Dad, it sounds like you are hooking us up with a loser.” Billy laughs. “It does sound that way. But you and I both know Joey is no loser.” “True. I’d have to agree.” “So you’ll do it. You promise. You’ll let Joey comfort you and make sure Julya does too.” The young lad wiggles his chin while he ponders the matter. “I guess so. I mean, we can’t go having Julya getting pregnant just because I won’t let Joey hug me.” Billy laughs harder, which causes some pain that he tries, but fails, to hide. “You know I’m very proud of you. And Pops would be too. And I hate that you have to deal with this.” “Dad, just shut up and hold me. If I’m going to do this, I might as well get some practice in.” “That’s the spirit.” Billy says joyously. Jeremy climbs into bed beside his father and snuggles close. “It isn’t so bad.” “No, it’s not. It’s quite nice, in fact.” After some time, Jeremy shocks Billy with a question out of the blue. “Dad, is Joey gay?” Billy laughs again. “I was wondering when you would notice that.” “Hey, I’m a chip off the old block.” “Yes you are. And don’t ever forget it. And the answer is… Joey!” Just then Joey walks in. Jeremy sees an opportunity and takes it. “Joey, I need a hug from my new dad.” He runs and hugs Joey tight, spinning the surprised new-father around as he does so he can give his dad a wink. “Oh, I feel much better. Now, off to get the asparagus. Bet you thought I forgot. Not a chance.” The suddenly chipper youth runs out of the room. Billy’s broad smile gets Joey’s attention. “What was that about? Is he suddenly bi-polar?” “No, he just wants to know if you’re gay.” Joey scrunches his face. “Huh?” Llanview Hospital, Cris’ Room Cris lies in bed channel surfing. He is bored silly. Angel Square Hotel, Room 369, the Kish home Oliver arrives home. “Hey babe! I’m ready for bed.” Kyle greets his partner with a kiss. “I would be flattered, but I’m pretty sure you don’t mean to bump uglies. More along the lines of a warm snuggly?” Ollie smiles brilliantly, “You know me well.” Kyle leads him to the bedroom. “So how is our third wheel?” Oliver laughs a bit. “He is fine. But I did something bad.” “You? I find that hard to believe.” Kyle teases. He then proceeds to seat his partner on the bed’s edge, squats down, and starts working on his shoes. “But okay, I’ll bite, what did you do?” “We were talking about his fascination with us and …” “You!” Kyle interrupts. “He is only fascinated with you.” “Kyle that is not true. He likes you too. He told me so.” “Yeah, he likes me.” Kyle finishes with the feet, stands, and starts working on Oliver’s shirt. “But he is only fascinated with you. Let’s call a spade a spade.” Oliver rocks his head back and forth. “Okay.” “So,” Kyle prods, “what bad thing did you do?” “Oh that.” Ollie smiles vacantly. “When I left I gave him my best kiss.” The shirt comes off and the belt is next. He pushes his partner flat. “Testing him huh? Let me guess. He kissed you back. I told you he was a Clomo.” “No, he didn’t kiss me back, but he definitely enjoyed the kiss.” “Butt up.” Kyle demands, Oliver complies, and the pants are soon corner-bound. “Again.” And then the officer is nude. “So we still don’t know for sure.” “No. He says he likes the relationships. I’m thinking he really is a man comfortable in his own skin.” Kyle slaps the exposed butt. “Come on, under the covers.” Ollie complies again and then watches as his partner strips down and slides in beside him. He pulls the shorter man close, real close. “It is you I love. Don’t forget that.” Kyle replies sincerely, “I know. For some reason I’m not worried about Cris. And I know he likes me because of the way he teases me. Besides, I have a new boyfriend myself.” Ollie laughs; certain that that was a joke. “Todd Manning came to see me. I’m now officially his little brother and we’re supposed to start going on man-dates.” Ollie’s eyes grow as wide as saucers. He twists around to better face Kyle. “Are you kidding me?” “Sadly no. I thought he had come over to beat the crap out of me, but no, it was even worse. He is fascinated with me, sort of like Cris is with you, only mine is not sexual. He made that very clear.” Oliver still can’t believe it. “You are serious? Kyle, the man is bad news.” “And possibly the craziest person I’ve ever met, including my sister. The man definitely has something wrong with his amygdala.” Kyle sees the confusion on Oliver’s face. “That’s a structure in the brain that basically regulates inappropriate speech and actions. And Todd’s is definitely on the fritz.” “Kyle, I’m still not sure about this. I don’t think I want you hanging with Todd in any sort of way.” “Well it gets better. He’s paying me. It’s a job. There is a check for $150,000 on the desk.” Oliver bolts upright. “Now I know you’re pulling my leg.” Kyle sits up slowly. “Honey, if I was pulling anything of yours you’d know it.” “This isn’t funny.” “No, it isn’t. But there is no way out of it, so I agreed and took the money. And I’m cashing that puppy too. If I have to put up with Todd then I’m getting something out of it. And before you assume, he offered the money way upfront. I didn’t ask for it.” “Kyle, I wasn’t going to assume that.” “Ollie, don’t lie to me. You were to. I would have.” Oliver silently acknowledges that yes, he did go there. He feels somewhat guilty but moves on. “But Todd. He pushes all sorts of boundaries. You’ll have to be very careful.” Kyle laughs as he falls back on the bed. “My job, as little bro Manning is to keep him on the straight and narrow. That is why I’m taking the money. You just know I’m going to earn it.” Oliver snuggles down into Kyle’s arms. “I still don’t like it.” “I don’t like it either. But I could see no way out of it. I’ll be careful.” Kyle kisses the forehead he loves so much. “You have his seal of approval, by the way.” Ollie laughs, “Ooh! I feel so much better.” Kyle manipulates the lips he loves closer to his own. He kisses at and around them. “I know a way to really make you feel better.” “Yes, you do.” Ollie confirms with kisses of his own. “And I have found a spurt of energy.” “You know they say you shouldn’t waste energy.” “Then let the conserving begin!” Llanview Hospital, Cris’ Room Cris lies in bed channel surfing. He is bored silly. Layla’s Apartment Shawn has finished moving in and the three of them are sitting around the table eating Chinese take-out. “I should have seen it coming. Greg has no respect for boundaries. If Rachel hadn’t been the girl I was interested in, then he probably wouldn’t have given her a second thought.” “That really sucks.” Hugh says. “I don’t have a brother, but I wouldn’t want one like that.” Layla is still pondering the situation. “But did you talk to Rachel about this? She might have chosen you.” “There was no point. I could see the spark in her eyes. She was interested. She never had that spark for me.” He pushes the food away. “My brother and I look nothing alike. He is a handsome trim man. Me, not so much.” Layla grabs his arm, “Hey, I think you’re beautiful. Rachel is a fool if she didn’t see that.” “I could help you exercise.” Hugh offers. Shawn doesn’t like the tone of the conversation. It’s much too personal. “Nah, I’ll figure it out. I think I’ll go for a walk.” “Why don’t we all go?” Hugh suggests. “Besides that cute little dog needs to be walked.” Shawn looks at them both. “That’s true!” Layla answers Shawn lumbers up. “Okay then. No more doom and gloom. Time to stride with pride. Let’s move out.” Hugh jumps up. “That’s the spirit. I like it.” Layla gets up too, only more slowly. She is aware she has just been struck by cupid’s arrow. Llanview Hospital, Cris’ Room Cris lies in bed channel surfing. He is bored silly. Fate finally smiles on him as he recognizes a passerby. “Joey! Joey Buchanan!” In the hall Joey and Jeremy stop, backup a few steps and enter the room. Joey studies the battered face. “Cris? Is that you?” “It is.” He points to his face. “Robbery last night at Capricorn.” Both Joey and Jeremy flinch. They can feel the pain. Cris advances the conversation. He has been bored too long. “So are you back in town? Who is this?” “Cristian Vega, this is my son, Jeremy Douglas. Jeremy, this is an old friend.” Cris widens his black and blue browns. “Douglas? I know that name.” Joey is quick to explain. He wisely sees this is an opportunity to make a point with Jeremy and jumps on it. “Billy. Billy Douglas. Jeremy is his son, so he is technically my step-son, but I think of him as mine. We also have a daughter, Julya.” Cris is stunned. He turns off the television. This is much more interesting than Wolf Blitzer. “You’re married to Billy Douglas?” Joey holds up his left hand while placing his right arm around his new son. “Happily!” |
| appleridge | Aug 18 2009, 06:36 PM Post #2 |
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I Loved This. Thanks!!! |
| loveinabeerbottle | Aug 18 2009, 09:33 PM Post #3 |
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this was good. I was unsure at first about the todd/kyle freindship but now I can't wait to see where it is headed! I loved it! |
| CodeBlazeKish | Aug 19 2009, 07:28 AM Post #4 |
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Great Chapter Steve! |
| b32guy | Aug 19 2009, 05:05 PM Post #5 |
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I love it long and wavy!
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Thanks folks! Glad you liked it. |
| Nukester | Aug 30 2009, 04:20 PM Post #6 |
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I loved the development.
You had me from Llanview! Speaking of having me, appleridge?! :wow: What is that farmer carrying under your post? Is that a sack of [soap-sads]? You know Nukester prefers humor over drama. Great work Stephen. Now I can read chapter 10, about which I've heard so much good stuff. Nukester (looking for hunky farmers without sad-sacks) OH! I nearly forgot to add, if Kyle takes "the job" for $150,000 or any other amount, it's taxable income. I deman the IRS be informed. Nukester has to report his tricks ... I mean TIPS!! Edited by Nukester, Aug 30 2009, 04:29 PM.
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| devillies | Sep 2 2009, 11:18 PM Post #7 |
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another lovely chapter |
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6:50 PM Jul 10