Touched: Seventeen

[redkage]

Previous Installments:
Prologue Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16

Touched
Seventeen

The alarm clock buzzed loudly. Despite its purpose, Simon was already wide awake and made no motion to shut the annoying sound off. He had spent the entire night just staring at the ceiling, unable to sleep at all. Although his eyes were wide open, his mind was a complete blank. He barely noticed that night passed back and morning had arrived. He wasn’t even aware that his alarm clock had gone off. It wasn’t until his mom knocked on his door and told him to wake up that he snap out of his trance. With a heavy heart, he reached over and hit the snooze button, swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood up. As he walked into the bathroom, he ducked his head under the doorway and maneuvered his huge body sideways through because he was too wide.

Really not into it he grabbed his toothbrush just a bit too carelessly and snapped it in two. Giving a small growl, he took the half that remained carefully and attempted to put some toothpaste on, only to have the tube explode in his hand when he squeezed too hard, covering it with mint flavored goop. Simon dropped both the toothbrush and what was left of the tube into the sink and breathed as steadily as he could. He had to get into control. He had to stay calm. He had to-

Oh screw it.

He slammed his fist into the mirror, cracking its surface into a hundred pieces, several that even fell out and into the sink. He had held back just enough at the last possible moment to avoid punching the cabinet across the street. He considered hitting it again for a good measure, but decided not to. It seemed that he managed to have already got ten that burst of anger out of his system with just one blow. Now all that was left behind was a 7’5” muscle man that felt like shit.

It was going to happen any day now. In fact, it should have happened half a week ago, but somehow that little bastard managed to hang on despite the odds. Although Simon felt immeasurably sad, he was proud that his boyfriend was such a strong person. There had been times that he wanted to scream Logan’s name at the top of his lungs, and tell the world just how wonderful his love was. But it will soon end.

Simon dipped his finger into the toothpaste mess on his hand before he proceeded to clean his teeth without the use of his brush. He washed off the paste from his hand, wiped it on a towel and went to get ready for school. Although he wanted to wear the crisp white shirt and jeans he had bought to match Logan’s old black ones, they were now too small for his quickly growing physique. He doubted that anyone could have predicted that he would grow so big so fast in such a short amount of time, but the bond he shared with Logan would never stop, weaken nor slow, not until the last breath is drawn.

With a heavy heart, Simon put on the custom made shirt and jeans his parents had gotten him. Although they had added plenty of extra size when he was fitted for it just last week, it clung to him like a second skin. Each huge muscle was clearly visible, as if the shirt had been painted on. Last of all he put on his letterman jacket. He had altered it so that he would be able to wear it, but even so it still looked ridiculously on his huge frame. The sleeves had been cut off so that his arms could fit through. His chest was so big that closing the jacket was virtually impossible now. Also, the hem of the jacket was a good four inches above his waistline. It looked so stupid on him, and he wouldn’t have put it on if school tradition hadn’t dictated that he had to wear it on game day. Especially on the night of the championship match.

He did, however, took the Falhyn Kyn symbol from his old shirt and pinned it onto his jacket, right over where his heart was located. That way, he would have a part of Logan close to him.

Now done getting ready, Simon grabbed his backpack and exited his room. On his way out, he nearly forgot about Boomer sleeping outside his door until he almost stepped on the retriever. “Opps, sorry Boomer.” Simon apologized.

It’s alright Master. Boomer raised his gold furred head up to look at him. You did not sleep last night, did you?

“No.” Simon shook his head. “How did you know?”

Because you usually speak the name of your Logan in your sleep, and afterwards the scent of mating would come from the door. The dog stated bluntly.

A scarlet blush appeared on Simon’s face. Once again, he wished he rued the day he gained the power to understand animals. “D-do I really do that all the time?”

No. Boomer answered. Occasionally you would just snore.

I hate this power. Simon pressed hi hand against his forehead. I really, really hate this power. The power that he had stole from Logan.

All of a sudden Simon fell onto one knee and cry. He just couldn’t take it anymore. It was all too much for him. He had been on the top of the world: strong, handsome, star of the JV football team, but most importantly he had someone to share it all with. But now he was about to lose that special someone. He couldn’t imagine living without him. Without Logan.

Boomer gave a soft whine as he stood up licked Simon’s face. Master, I am here for you. Please, don’t cry.

Simon sobbed as he wrapped his arms around Boomer. “Thank you, boy. I really appreciate it. I’ll be okay, just give me a few more minutes.

Boomer gave another whine and licked Simon’s cheek once again.

Later that day Simon sighed deeply as he climbed up the school stairs. Another day, another eight hours wasted sitting in some stuffy classrooms learning things he already knew when he could be by Logan’s bedside. He wanted nothing more then to blow off both school and football to be with Logan, but Logan adamantly ordered him to go to class like normal. Despite what he wanted, Simon couldn’t help but do what his little guy tells him to do.

Once inside, he probably had taken ten steps before he spotted Sophie, Howard and Jamal talking to each other. Like Simon, Jamal was also wearing his jacket to show school spirit. The three of them seemed to be arguing about something, As Simon moved in closer, he listened in to what they were saying.

“-deserves to know!” Sophie told Jamal.

“I agree with Sophie on this.” Howard nodded. “We have to tell him. It’s the right thing to do.”

“But if you tell him, his concentration will be all shot and we’ll lose the game!” Jamal told her back. “And with those damn conditions, he’ll probably jump off a bride or something. We can’t tell Simon.”

“Can’t tell me what?” Simon spoke up, and watched as all three of them jump.

“Simon!” Jamal said nervously. “We were, er, just talking about, er, stuff. You know.”

Simon ignored him and looked straight at Sophie and Howard. “What is it that I need to know?”

The two of them looked at each other briefly and exchanged a worried glance.

“It’s going to happen tonight.” Howard said finally.

Those words felt like a bucket of ice water as it struck Simon. “What?”

“Logan’s condition has been deteriorating ever since last night.” Sophie looked down. “The doctors have determined he will probably pass away sometime today.”

Simon stared at them, trying to see if they were kidding, that this was all some sort of sick joke. But when none of them would look him in the eye, the truth dawned on him. Logan was going to die…tonight.

“I gotta go to him.” Simon dropped his backpack. “I gotta be there for him.” He started to turn around, but all three of them grabbed him to stop him from going. He could easily have shaken them off, but doing so might’ve thrown them into the lockers pretty hard.

“Let me go!” Simon ordered them.

“There’s something you need to know first before you go.” Jamal told him. “And it’s about Logan.”

There couldn’t have been any better words to get Simon’s full and undivided attention. The big football jock turned around and faced them. “What is it? Come on and tell me already!” He said, eager to know.

“Logan said…” Sophie paused, and looked at Jamal and Howard. “He said…”

“What did he say?” Simon demanded.

“He said that he doesn’t want to see you unless you walk through his door carrying the championship trophy.” Howard spoke up.

“…Are you fucking kidding me?”

“That’s what he said.” Howard continued on. “He said that unless you have that trophy, he’ll refuse to see you.”

His hand balled into fists. “Bullshit.” Simon said through clenched teeth. “He’s dying for Christ’s sake! Trophy or no trophy, I’m going to go to that hospital to be there for his last moments before he passes away!”

“He also said that if you blow off the game and force your way into his hospital room without the trophy, he’ll hate you for the rest of what’s left of his life and never forgive you.” Sophie finished.

And just like that Simon froze up. The thought of Logan hating him once again suddenly terrified him. Just remembering Logan’s scornful looks were enough to make his knees grew weak and he felt sick in the stomach. And this wouldn’t be pretend hate either. This time it sounded like Logan would really hate him if he didn’t do as he was told. He couldn’t just bear to think that Logan’s last moments would be in anger towards him.

“Alright.” Simon finally spoke. His head was hung down in utter defeat, and his shoulders were completely slacked. “I’ll…I’ll play. For Logan.”

After one hard look Sophie sighed deeply. “Why are all men such idiots?”

* * *

“No, absolutely not.” Logan shook his head slowly at his family. “I won’t let you do this.”

“You don’t have much of a choice in the matter, little brother.” Riley said as he crossed his arms over his barrel chest.

“I refuse.” Logan told them. He wanted to yell at them for what they were suggesting, but he no longer had the energy. “And besides, what did the Kin-Lam Vuran say about this? They’ve been trying to prevent this from happening for seven years.”

“They’ve already approved.” Logan’s Dad told him. “There is a special ritual that would involve only the Falhyn Kyn’s family members, which is us.”

“We haven’t been a very good family to you for the past few years.” Mrs. Warden said softly. “This is just our way of making things up to you.”

“You don’t have to do this.” Logan argued. “I’m the one who threw away days like water. Why do you have to do the same?”

“Because we know that you won’t be able to last until Simon comes back without our life force.” Riley stated. “So until your boyfriend gets here, we’re glad to give you some of our time.”

“And besides, despite what you think we’ll be only losing a few hours.” Howard reassured his son.

Logan looked at all of them, his face a complete mask.

“And Eve?”

“What?” Julia’s asked, puzzled.

“If you guys let Eve perform the ritual, then I’d rather die here and now.” Logan told them flatly, his tone was 100% serious.

Riley simply stepped up and patted his little brother on the head. “Don’t worry; I won’t let anything bad happen to her.”

“Thank you Riley.” Logan lowered his head.

“Hey, she’s my lil sis too, you know.” Riley smiled. “I know I haven’t been the best older brother…to either of you. But, I’m going to do my best to be the same great brother you were to her.”

Logan smiled up at Riley. “Thanks. Oh, and can you do me one more favor, please?”

* * *

“He’s asking for my dog?” Simon frowned. He had been about to board the bus that would take them to their last football game when Riley suddenly appeared, demanding to see Simon and talk to him privately for a ‘life or death’ matter. The coach, unable to stand up against the request of two star quarterbacks, allowed them ten minutes to get it over with before they hit the road. The two of them ran into the closest private area they could fine, and Riley quickly told him Logan’s request.

“It’s for Eve.” Riley told him. “He wants him to be there to comfort her when he passes on.”

Simon covered his eyes to hide his emotion. Even on his deathbed, he was looking out for others. “Okay, fine, you can take Boomer.”

“Are…are you going to be okay?” Riley asked sincerely.

“No, I’m not going to be okay!” Simon snapped at him. “Shit, why is he so…God. I should be there! Not at some stupid football game!”

“I can understand how you’re feeling, dude.” Riley laid a hand on Simon’s massive deltoid. “But, he’s doing this because he loves you too much.”

“What do you mean he loves me too much?” Simon looked up…er, down at him. He had outgrown Riley by several inches a long time ago, so the senior only came up to his shoulder now. He remembered when he used to want to dwarf Riley completely, but now he didn’t care at all. It was funny how people could change.

“The only reason Logan is making you do this is because he knows how much you love football.” Riley explained. “He knows that if you blow this off, you’re going to regret letting everybody down.”

“I’m going to regret missing his final moments even more!” Simon retorted. “Fuck, doesn’t he realize that my love for football doesn’t compare shit with my love for him?”

“I think he does.” Riley replied. “But, think of it this way; Logan has always dreamed of becoming a pro football player, but that’ll never happen. Instead, he’s placed his hopes on you, the one who’s gained his strength and power. If you win this game and walk through that hospital door carrying the trophy, I’d have no doubt in my mind that he’ll pass on with a happy heart. If you really want to be called my bro’s boyfriend, you had better live up to that expectation, alright?”

“A-alright.” Simon said, suddenly humbled by Riley’s words.

“Okay.” Riley nodded. “Now, I’m going to your place to get Boomer, and then head back to the hospital.” Riley began to leave, but as he passed Simon, he reached out and patted him on the back. “We’ll be waiting for you, so please, win quickly.”

Simon just stood there silently as Riley left. Slowly, he raised his hand up until it was leveled with his face. Logan’s dreams were now in his hands. For his dying wish, he was going to work his hardest to make that dream a reality starting with this one game.

Far off Simon could hear the coach call out his name. It was time to leave. Determined, Simon headed for the bus to win the championship match.

* * *

Eve hugged her knees close to her body as she sat on the floor in the waiting room. Next to her, Boomer was lying down on his belly, his canine face looking as mournful as she felt. Logan wouldn’t let her come in to see him. She didn’t know why, but when she tried to push her way into his room, Riley grabbed and carried her away and placed her in this room. She kicked, screamed, cried and begged, but no one would let her go see Logan.

Why wouldn’t they let her see him? He was her brother! If he was going to die, she wanted to see him one last time. But instead, she was told to wait quietly until Logan passed away.

Just then the door to the waiting room opened, and Riley walked in. Immediately she turned her gaze elsewhere, refusing to even look at him. Even when Riley knelt down next to her and held out his cell phone, she refused to acknowledge his presence.

“Here Eve.” Riley said gently. “Logan wants to speak with you.”

Surprised, Eve stared at him for a moment before snatching the cell phone out of his hand. “Logan?” She spoke eagerly into it.

“Hey Eve.” Logan’s voice came out.

“Logan!” Eve held the phone tightly. “Logan, no one’s letting me to come in to see you! Whenever I try, Riley would pull me away.”

“I told Riley to do that.”

“What? Why?” Eve asked.

“I…I don’t want you to see me like this, all small and weak.” Logan told her.

“I don’t care about that!” Eve cried. “I care about you! So please, just let me see you this last time...please…”

Riley stood there, watching as Eve tried to reason with her brother. He could only imagine how Logan felt as he was struggling to make a decision about what to do. The death of a family member was traumatic enough for a little six year old girl, and Logan was trying to spare her as much pain as possible. Even though he had promised his brother that he would be as good of a brother to Eve as Logan had been, Riley knew there was just no way could he ever compare.

“Alright.” Logan finally answered her. “Hand the phone to Riley so I can tell him.”

Eve shoved the phone into Riley’s hand and was immediately racing out the door, with Boomer at her heels. Riley sighed as he watched her go and raised the cell to his ear.

“Are you sure?” He asked.

“I’m not, but I can’t really say no to her can I?” Logan replied.

A low, hollow chuckle emitted from Riley’s throat. “You’re too good for this world, have I ever told you that?”

“Twice, I think.” Logan replied thoughtfully.

* * *

“What the hell are you doing out there!?” The coach yelled at the team. “Come on, pull yourself together already, you bunch of maggots!”

Simon growled under his breath. The team was playing horribly, and they were behind Bayville High by 35 points. For some reason, his football buddies couldn’t concentrate and moved sluggishly, made mistakes and practically gave their opponents the football served on a silver platter.

If only I could play at full strength, I can win this game by myself easy. Simon thought. Frustrated, he glanced down at the bracelet strapped onto his wrist. Just before the game, Jamal had taken Simon aside and told Simon that he had to slip it on.

“It’s a limiter.” Jamal explained as he handed it to Simon. “It’ll reduce your strength to that of a more normal person.”

“Why do I have to wear this thing?” Simon asked as he held up the metal circlet. He needed more strength, not less.

“It’s because you’re out of control.” Jamal explained. “Just this week you ripped off five doors and broke a ton of things. With Logan on his deathbed right now, you’ve gotten even more reckless.”

“What’s your point?” He said hotly.

“You can hurt people, even kill them.” Jamal told him. “You’re so strong that a tackle from you is like getting hit by a comet. For the safety of the other players, you gotta wear this.”

“And if I refuse?” Simon asked defiantly.

“If you don’t, then the game gets cancelled, and you won’t be able to bring Logan the trophy.” Jamal told him flatly. “The Kin-Lam council already everything ready to delay this game for another time.”

That got him. Defeated, Simon slipped on the bracelet. As soon as it was on, the bracelet suddenly tightened until it fitted around his wrist perfectly. He didn’t feel any different, but when he went over and lifted a vending machine up with some difficulty, he could immediately tell that he was greatly weakened.

After remembering that little scene, Simon shot an angry glance towards Jamal. If he hadn’t made him wear this damn thing, they would have been way ahead already. He began to mutter choice swear words under his breath, directed at several other people who had messed things up. He was so frustrated that he didn’t realize that the huddle was over until most of them were already positioning themselves onto the field.

Shit, he had been so focused on his anger that he didn’t listen to what play the coach had told them to use! It was too late to ask someone for what play they were using, so Simon got into position and hoped for the best.

Needless to say, he screwed it up. Not only did he not know what to do, but the entire team seemed to be disorganized and confused, allowing Bayville’s players to run them over and over. It got so bad that the coach called a time-out in order to recover.

“Simon!” Jamal went up to his friend. “Simon, and think I know what’s wrong.”

“Don’t talk to me.” Simon brushed him off and headed for the Gatorade.

“No wait, Simon!” Jamal moved in front of Simon and stopped him. “Listen Simon, I did what I was told to do because I didn’t want you to become a murderer. Remember when you broke Logan’s arms by accident two weeks ago? Well here you’re tackling these guys on purpose, so just imagine the damage you’d do to them.”

Simon looked away. Jamal was right, he knew that, but he was so wound up he just needed to vent his frustrations on someone.

Jamal, seeing his words were having an effect, continued on. “Listen, I know you want to get to Logan as fast as you can. You’re not the only one who wants to be there when Logan passes on, alright? He’s my friend too! I’m playing as hard as I can so that we can get to that hospital as soon as possible.”

Simon hung his head guiltily. “I…I know Jamal. I’m sorry.”

Jamal seemed to relax, but only a little bit. “Okay, now that you’ve calmed down, I think I’ve figured out why the team is so out of whacked.”

“And why is that?” Simon frowned.

“It’s because of you.” Once again Simon’s temper began to flare up, but Jamal held up his hand. “Wait, let me finish. Right now you’re probably feeling angry, confused, restless, impatient and depressed, right?”

“And?” Simon said curtly.

“I’m feeling the same way too.” Jamal palmed his chest. “And so is the rest of the team. Ever since you got on the bus, I’ve been on an emotional rollercoaster, and I couldn’t figure out why until just now.”

“Me?”

“It’s a new power.” Jamal explained quickly. “It projects your emotions into the people surrounding you. If you feel like crap, so does everybody else.”

“Then why isn’t it affecting the other team?” Simon waved towards the Bayville side.

“It’s probably because you haven’t been around them long enough. Since we all rode in the same bus together, we were more exposed.”

“Great.” Simon threw his hands into the air. “Of all the time to get this power, it just HAD to be now. What are we going to do?”

“You gotta calm down.” Jamal advised him. “If you don’t it’ll affect the guys, and we’ll lose the game.”

“But no pressure.” Simon muttered.

Jamal clasped him on the shoulder pad. “Listen, I’m gonna call for some help, so all we gotta do is hang on until halftime until she gets here.”

“She?” An eyebrow rose.

“She.” Jamal nodded.

* * *

“Breathe in…” Sophie instructed. “Hold…..hold….and…release.”

Simon exhaled. He and Sophie were sitting cross legged in a janitor’s office to get away from other people and as much noise as possible in order to meditate. The breathing technique, combined with Sophie’s calming power lifted the bulk of Simon’s emotional chaos and calmed him down considerably.

After a few more breaths, Howard knocked on the door to signal them that they needed to finish up. Pushing himself up, Simon took Sophie’s hand. “Thanks Sophie. I don’t know what I would’ve done if you hadn’t come.”

“If it’s to help my friends, I’ll do anything I can.” Sophie smiled as she opened the door. “Now, I think your friends are waiting for you in the locker room for some sort of pep talk.”

“Gotcha. I’ll see you out on the field.” Simon waved as he jogged his way back to the visitor’s locker room. When he entered, he found everyone huddled together looking serious. The moment Simon entered the locker, every eye turned to look at him.

“What?” Simon tilted his head.

“Why didn’t you tell us your boyfriend was in the hospital, man?” Someone asked.

“Who told you…” Simon trailed off when his eyes landed on a certain individual. “Jamal.”

“Hey, they deserved to know.” Jamal said defensively.

“And you should have told us!”

“We’re your buddies.”

“If it weren’t for you, we wouldn’t be here!”

“If we’d known, we would’ve put 200% into our game man.”

“Now we just gotta win this for ya.”

“Bayville High doesn’t stand a chance!”

Simon looked at them all, touched. “You guys…I…I don’t know what to say.”

Jamal reached out and patted Simon on the shoulder. “You don’t have to. Just let your playing do all the talking.”

“Here, here!”

“Let’s go kick some Bayville butt!”

“Alright everyone, let’s win this for our biggest fan Logan!”

“For Logan!” Everyone chorused.

Simon couldn’t help but smile broadly as he watched everyone get pumped up and in such high spirits spirits. If only Logan could see how many people cared about him, or maybe he already knew. They continued on like this for a few more minutes until they were called to come back out.

“Alright, it’s time for us to go out there and make our comeback!”

“Again! For Logan!”

“For Logan!” Simon cried with everyone as he yanked on his helmet and went through the double doors towards the field.

* * *

Simon crouched into position, ready to receive the ball. Before him were his teammates. In front of them was the enemy, raring to knock them down. And far behind them was the goal line, where victory awaited.

They had made a killer comeback, playing harder then ever. Never before has there been such dramatic play by play, everyone putting their all into winning. Now, they were just one touchdown away from wining that trophy.

Simon concentrated on the ball, and only the ball. The roar of the crowd was distant. It was just him, the ball, and everything that was standing in his way.

“Hut, Hike!”

The ball flew straight into his arms, and immediately Simon started moving. Almost immediately someone broke through the defensive line, but Simon nimbly stepped around him and rushed onwards. His feet pounded into the grass as he propelled himself forward towards the goal. Out of nowhere two big burly football players came, charging forward to knock him down. Instead of backing away, Simon went straight for them. He knew that the power of these two men were nothing compared to his. He could feel Logan’s strength flowing through his veins, fueling his muscles, pushing him forward like a locomotive.

BAM! Simon ran right through the two players, knocking them aside like they were nothing. He was 20 yards away from the goal! 10! 5!

TOUCHDOWN!

All of a sudden the world seemed to consist of brightly colored confetti as it rained down around Simon. Simon’s teammates rushed over and hoisted him up upon their shoulders as they cheered in victory. They had won! They had won the championship!

“Simon, we gotta go!” Howard’s voice cut through the noise, and Simon remembered the reason why he played.

“Logan! I need the trophy to take to Logan!” Almost as soon as Simon had said that, the golden trophy was in his hands.

“Don’t worry, we’ll handle things here.” One of his teammates told him.

“You go on and show your boyfriend your trophy!”

“Now, here’s something from us for you to give him!” All of a sudden the entire team came close for a big group hug, with Simon in the middle. As soon as they let go, they pushed Simon away, telling him to hurry up.

“Thanks you guys!” Simon waved the trophy at them as he, Jamal, Sophie and Howard hurried away. “I’ll never forget this!”

* * *

“Where is he?” Riley said impatiently as he checked his watch for the hundredth time. “He should have been here by now.”

“He’ll be here.” Logan told him. “I can feel it. He’s coming in here right about…now.”

At that exact moment Simon ran into the room, breathless. He was still wearing his complete football gear, though he had taken off his helmet. He was covered from head to toe in grass stains, dried mud and sweat. In one hand he was carrying a large, gold trophy.

“Did I make it?” Simon gasped. “Did I make it?”

“Just barely.” Howard told him, holding his wife close. Julia was resting her head against her husband’s shoulder, tears falling silent from her eyes. “He only has a few minutes left.”

Simon visibly blanched. Despite all of his efforts to get there as fast as humanly possible, he only had a few short minutes left. Slowly, he walked up to Logan’s bedside.

In Simon’s mind, Logan had always been a lively person, always so energetic and full of spunk. However, the person in front of him looked hollowed out, quiet and peaceful. He was just too thin and pale, so frail and sickly.

But, when Simon gazed upon that face, he still recognized those loving green eyes.

“I brought you something.” Simon said as he placed the trophy on the bed-stand next to Logan’s head.

“For me? You shouldn’t have.” Logan smiled weakly.

Despite the seriousness of the event at hand, Simon couldn’t help but laugh shortly. “We won it just for you Logan. Everyone worked together and played their hardest so that you can see it before you pass on.”

“You don’t know how happy I am to hear that, Simon.” Logan replied. “Ah, and here is the last of everyone.”

Simon turned his head and saw Sophie, Howard and Jamal arrive. They each nodded respectively towards Mr. and Mrs. Warden before turning their attention towards Logan.

Logan looked at each and every one of them in turn, as if he were studying their faces. “I guess this is where I start saying my goodbyes.” He said finally.

Everyone moved in close so they could hear Logan’s last words.

“Mom, Dad, the last sixteen years with you guys had been wonderful.” Logan started. “Even after all of the pain I caused for the both of you, you both still loved me with all your heart. I couldn’t ask for better parents.”

Mrs. Warden sobbed as Mr. Warden held onto her tighter.

“Riley, I know we had our problems with one another, but I always knew that deep down we were still brothers.”

“Even after I picked on you?” Riley croaked.

“Even after you picked on me.” Logan confirmed. “That’s what older brothers do, isn’t it? Even so, I love you all the same.”

“I-I love you too, bro.”

Next, Logan turned towards Eve. Her face was red and tears were streaming down her eyes. Right next to her Boomer sat, whining sadly. “Eve...I’m touched that you looked up to me, even though I wasn’t much of a person. You have your life ahead of you, and lots of choices to make. Even though I’ll be gone, I’ll always be with you in your heart.”

“O-okay.” Eve sniffed.

“And now you two.” Logan faced Howard and Sophie. “What can I say? You two have been there for me during my darkest times, despite what others tell you. I couldn’t ask for more loyal friends. Thank you both.”

“I always knew you were a great person.” Sophie sobbed.

“You were our best friend as well, Logan.” Howard dashed the tears out of his eyes.

“And Jamal.” Logan went on to the black teenager. “I know we haven’t known each other for very long, but I already think of you as a dear friend. Now listen carefully: if you check inside the instruction book of my King of Brawlers III game, you’ll find a sheet of paper will all of the secret moves and combos I’ve found written down. Use it to learn how to play right, alright?”

“You got it.” Jamal nodded gloomily.

“And finally, there’s you Simon.” Logan looked over at the big guy. His a weak hand, he reached out towards his love. Automatically Simon held Logan’s tiny, frail hand in his. “There’s not much I could say but this: I love you. You’ve made my life complete. Even though we our time was short, it was the happiest time of my life.”

“It was the happiest of mine as well.” Simon’s voice was strained as he struggled to keep together.

“Before I go, I want to ask one more thing.” Logan told them. “I want everyone to say goodbye with a smile on their face. That’s how I want to go.”

“Alright.” Harold nodded. “If that’s how you wish, that that’s how it’ll be.” Looking around at everyone, he nodded at each before turning towards Logan.

“Goodbye son.”

“Goodbye, my sweet Logan”

“Goodbye, little bro.”

“G-goodbye Logan…”

“Goodbye Logan…”

“…Goodbye Logan.”

“B-bye, Logan.”

“G-good...good…” Simon closed his eyes. The words were lodged in his throat. He could feel the hot tears fall down his cheeks and his body tremble. I can’t do it. I can’t do it. He thought.

“Simon?”

He opened his eyes and looked down. Logan was staring up at him, his gentle face waiting, pleading. “Please? For me?”

Slowly, Simon let out a long breath as he gathered up his courage and willpower into his heart as he smiled down at his love.

“I love you now, and forever. Goodbye Logan.”

Logan let out a deep breath as his eyes shut. Simon watched as his tiny shrunken chest rose and fell, rose and fell…and fell. The heart monitor stopped beeping and became a flatline. The hand Simon held became limp and lifeless.

Logan was dead.

[redkage]

The end of a year, the end of a life

[JockStudBoy]

WOW, All I can say is thank you.

This is, perhaps, one of best and most touching stories I have ever read here. It has contained elements that both entertained and enchanted myself and many others here.

I sincerely appreciate all of your hard work in creating this story, it's characters and the world we are priviledged to share with you.

[rextorres]

Thank you, Redkage, for writing and posting such a great story on this forum. Truly, you've left us with a piece of work, which has raised the bar among all other stories that have ever been posted on this site. This was one of the few stories that I have copied and saved as a Word document so that I could read over and over again. I can't read it ONCE. This is truly a masterpiece, and I'd suggest you consider getting it edited and published.

Kudos on a job well done and congratulations on finishing the story.

Simon was "touched" by Logan, but you left us ALL "touched" by your wonderful story. It's just impossible to read this without finishing the last chapter and have no tears in your eyes. Truly, I've been "touched" by this story, I've been "touched" by your characters, especially by Logan.

I wish you a great and prosperous 2008 and I hope you consider perhaps publishing this story and maybe even writing something new, for you have definately shown that you got the talent for it.

Thank you for leaving us all "touched" by your story!

[chocomus]

I cried.
But I haven't lost hope yet. If i'm not wrong, there is still the epiloge, so there is still a chance. So till I read "The End" I'm not gonna give up.
LoganxSimon forever!

[sierraca]

(Sob) You've created characters that really touched my heart. This is how many such stories must end: heartbreak; but life will go on. Thanks for a wonderful story.

It'd be great if you'd treat us to an epilogue, just to "tidy things up" (storylines about the rest of the characters and how they have dealt with Logan's passing.) Just a wish.

[tagsnola]

When I was in the navy, we had a term for such as this, "Bravo Zulu!" It means "well done."
- TagsNOLA

[MuTheta9]

You bastard! I didn't even cry when my father died, but here I sit, balling my eyes out. Well writen. It touched me deeply.

They say, "...Only the good die young." If that's the case, then Logan was the greatest.

[bulknola]

I was so hoping when I read about the special ritual in the middle of this chapter that it would be the loophole to keep Logan alive. I'm still holding out some hope for an epilogue or something. Maybe Simon can speak with the dead? The end was just so final.

This story was a great tragedy (in the literary sense) and I really enjoyed reading it. Great job!

[Excelsior]

I'm gonna have to drink a lot of booze tonight to alleviate this sadness.

Please please PLEASE Give us an epilogue!!!!!

[TheMM]

Damnit Redkage. I haven't cried since my grandmother died back in 2000. So here I am, the goofball of this place, practically sobbing.

I can't even remember what I was going to type now.

[Jaypat]

...and now Simon will hate himself for the rest of his life.

Seriosuly great story. I am very happy you kept your original ending. Every once in a while it's a breath of fresh air to have a story that doesn't end happily. I won't say it didn't end heroically, because Logan was very heroic at the end. And that can be just as satisfying as a happy ending.

I do feel sorry for Simon, though. If I read the character correctly, he's about to go on a major self destructive binge. I hope he finds a new reason to live and fast.

Of course, you could always alleviate these fears by giving us an epilog... No presure, though.

[tagsnola]

... Logan's sacrifice, giving up *everything* to save his life will have been for nothing. Simon has sometimes proven to be impulsive. But, even if he lacks Logan's deep wisdom, he's so intelligent it's scary. He'll surely realize that, now that he's been endowed with Logan's awesome gifts, he has an obligation to use them for good as he knows very well Logan would have. (He and Riley have already stood up to the line against the bullies in their high school!) Hopefully, among the "gifts" Logan has left to Simon will be a measure of his rawboned courage. And Simon is not without a support network. They would "circle the wagons" around him just as they did for the championship game. And now with his new power, Simon would drag down those around him, not just himself. There is no way Simon would allow that to happen. From the start, Simon has always had a spirit of kindness and generosity as strong as Logan's. This all started with Simon bringing Logan a very special birthday present. A gift he knew Logan would cherish. I believe as his grief heals, it will mellow into a deeper sensitivity and empathy for the weaknesses and pain of others. And as phenomenally powerful as Simon has become, is that really such a bad thing? No one can say Simon's lot is easy, but considering what Logan has endured to save his life, I cannot imagine that Simon would fail to live up to the sacrifice of the love of his life.
- TagsNOLA

Originally Posted by Jaypat

...and now Simon will hate himself for the rest of his life.

Seriosuly great story. I am very happy you kept your original ending. Every once in a while it's a breath of fresh air to have a story that doesn't end happily. I won't say it didn't end heroically, because Logan was very heroic at the end. And that can be just as satisfying as a happy ending.

I do feel sorry for Simon, though. If I read the character correctly, he's about to go on a major self destructive binge. I hope he finds a new reason to live and fast.

Of course, you could always alleviate these fears by giving us an epilog... No presure, though.