Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ Bloodwraith ❯ Grave ( Chapter 18 )

Jade watched a sales clerk walk by then glanced at Jett. Jett gazed at a pair of leather pants for a moment then looked at another pair. He wished he could read the sizes. The size was a number but he wasn't sure whether or not this country was on the metric system.

 

“Damn she was cute,” Jade commented then glanced at his watch. “I hope Aidan's there by the time we get back. I don't want to stand around waiting for him. Too bad Shea isn't into some of this stuff. She'd look really sexy in some of these clothes.”

 

“You really don't seem to belong with the others,” Jett commented and Jade glanced at him.

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“I don't know. You just don't seem to fit into all the chaos. You seem low-key.”

 

“You serious? I'm a little chaotic myself. You haven't seen it yet. So have you decided on what you're gonna get?”

 

“I think I've found something but how am I going to pay for it?”

 

“I'll take care of it. I think I might just be able to afford the price. I've got a couple bucks on me after all.”

 

“Thanks. Is it more expensive to purchase things over here?”

 

“I don't know. You'd better ask Aidan about that. He lived in your country after all. The most I've been there is about three days and that was on tour. I don't remember much about the places we visited.”

 

“Do you really think it will all come together?”

 

“The band? Yeah. It'll all come together just fine. Especially with Kei doing all the preliminary work. Aidan's going to have his ass royally kicked into shape soon. Kei cares for him but that doesn't mean he's going to make things easy on him because of that. Kei has a lot of time invested in us and he's not going to let it go to waste. He's going to get results no matter what.”

 

“Isn't it odd working under a manager that's...?”

 

“Queer? It bugged the hell out of me at first but he's not really all that bad. He knows what he's doing and he's got an awful lot of connections. He could be working anywhere in the world if he wanted to but he likes Verada.”

 

“So is he originally from another country as well?” Jett inquired.

 

“I don't know. He knows the language but he does say a few phrases in a peculiar way. I just thought it was because he came from a different province than I did,” Jade replied.

 

“What is this place known for? I never really heard of it until a few days ago.”

 

“Well Verada is known for us. Actually it's known for manufactured goods. There's quite a few factories down in the southern part of the country. It's the warmest place, after all. So, what are you getting? It's getting late,” Jade said and Jett picked up a pair of vinyl pants.

 

“These look like my size,” he commented as he tried to read the label.

 

“What about a shirt? Find something that accentuates your build. Gina would like that. It's too bad I've got to keep an eye on you. I think the two of you could really set the night on fire.”

 

“Does she do this sort of thing a lot?”

 

“No. She's a good girl. Also, her father is extremely important in this town so she's got to keep up appearances. Are you going to try those on?”

 

“Yeah. I'll be right back.”

 

Jade shook his head as Jett walked away. He had a lot to learn about Verada. So many things that seemed second nature to Jade, Jett was not aware of. It got on his nerves, the constant explaining of terms, but he knew it couldn't be helped. Jett had, after all, literally been thrown into their laps. He hoped that Jett's writing was as good as Kei made it out to be. Of course, Jade noted as he watched a girl make her way to the fitting room, Kei would never lay his money down on anything but a sure thing. He sighed as he leaned up against the wall and checked his phone. Shea was going to throw a fit if he was late for dinner but it didn't look like it could be avoided. He placed the phone up to his ear as he watched another girl walk past him. There were certainly a lot of cute girls there today.

 

“Well everything fits so we can leave,” Jett said and Jade glanced at him.

 

“All right. Hopefully Aidan will be home by the time we get back,” Jade commented as he pulled out his wallet.

 

“Can't you call him and see?”

 

“I'm already doing that. Nikki should be bored with him by now. He can stand Aidan longer than the rest of us but even he has his limits.”

 

“But I thought...”

 

“He does but he still has his breaking point. Hey Aidan. I just wanted to see if you were home. Did you get the key made? I'm taking him out tonight and I don't know when I'll get him back. Hey I don't know if Kei told you this but Brett's family took care of his memorial service. Kei made the funeral despite all the chaos so you might want to ask him if, you know, want to visit his final resting place.”

 

“He didn't go to the funeral?” Jett inquired as Jade signed the receipt.

 

“How could he go? He was in your country,” Jade replied as Jett took the bag.

 

“That's right. I forgot about that.”

 

“Well I guess it's time to take you back to him. Now that you're roommates you've got to allow for time to get to know each other better. You're going to have to learn where the limits are. Shea's going to mad if I'm not home for dinner. It's the only way she's sure I'm not sleeping around. Hey, I wasn't being serious.”

 

“I didn't think you were.”

 

Meanwhile, Aidan sat on his couch staring at his phone. Did he want to ask Kei about Brett's grave? He knew he should visit the grave but he wasn't sure if he was ready. Even though he was not as disturbed as he had been the day of the incident, he had still not completely come to terms with the loss. Aidan sighed as he dialed Kei's number. He supposed there was no harm in calling. After all, Kei didn't have to answer. He listened to Kei's phone ring then paused when he heard Kei answer. An answer was not what he was looking for.

 

“Oh hey Kei. I didn't think you'd be available. No, nothing's wrong. I-I just wanted to ask you something. About Brett, where is...where is he now? I see. No that was it. I'll see you,” Aidan said and switched off his phone. He stared at the key that lay on the table then stood up. Should he stay and wait for Jett to return? No, he decided as he picked up the key. He had to go to the grave. He had to pay his overdue respects. It was the least he could do.

 

Aidan walked over to the hall closet and took out a trench coat. He would leave the key with security. Jade would have sense enough to check there. It was true he was a playboy but he did have redeeming qualities. Shea obviously had more interest in him than his track record. He placed his phone and keys into his pocket and switched off the light.

 

Aidan thought about the conversation he and Nikki had at Ty's place as he waited for the elevator to reach his floor. Why did Nikki want to know about his home? He had never asked before so why was he asking now? Why did Nikki want to dig into his past? Aidan lowered his head as he stepped into the elevator. Even he didn't want to think about his past and how he had been betrayed. He pressed the button for the ground floor then stared at his hands.

 

“I can't help what I am,” Aidan said to himself. “I just wish you could have been more understanding. Trying to get a ride into town in the middle of winter was a nightmare. I can't believe I walked so far either. My anger was the only thing that fueled me that day. I couldn't feel anything else, not even the snow that fell into my coat. I guess that's why Nikki picked me up. I must have looked really pathetic back then.”

 

Aidan wiped his eyes as the elevator doors opened then placed his hands into his pockets. That was not a memory he had ever wanted to visit again. He walked up to the security desk and presented the spare house key.

 

“My roommate will be coming back shortly and I've got to run out for something. Will you give this to him when he gets in?” Aidan inquired and the security guard took the key.

 

“What's his name?” the guard inquired.

 

“Jett. I don't know the last name, though. Jade will be with him. You know Jade. You've seen him before. Thank you.”

 

Aidan turned and headed over to the stairs. He knew he could take the elevator but he felt like stretching his legs. Also, the noise of his feet on the steps might help drown his thoughts out. He heard his phone ringing from inside his coat but he didn't answer it. He didn't feel like taking to anyone. He especially didn't want to talk to Nikki. He knew that Nikki should be home having dinner with Skye by now and he didn't care what Nikki did but still...

 

He reached the bottom of the stairs and opened the door. He blinked his eyes a few times to get used to the increase in darkness then searched around for his car. He soon found it and took his keys out of his pocket.

 

“I hope I can remember which side of the street to drive on,” Aidan commented as he got into his car. “I need to get it washed. Sitting idle for a year hasn't done it any good.”

 

He started the engine and sighed as he thought about the memories that were linked with this car. It had been one of the first things he had purchased after their first hit song. It had been a model Nikki had been considering on purchasing but...Aidan shook his head as he brought his car out into the driveway. He didn't want to think about Nikki. He stared at the street in front of him and frowned. Which side of the road? Did he have any problems adjusting to driving when he had lived in the States?

 

Aidan confidently drove onto the left side of the road then checked his speed. How could he have forgotten his first day of driving over there? He had gotten a stack of traffic violations that day and he had almost been arrested for drunk driving because of it but thankfully, he had an understanding patrolman and a thick accent, according to the officer. He had always been puzzled by that statement though. He had never considered himself to have an accent. He had a certain dialect because of his home region but he didn't have an accent. At least not one he was aware of. His phone rang again and Aidan reached into his pocket and switched the power off. Mobile phones were such a nuisance at times.

 

“I don't have to answer if I don't want to,” Aidan commented as he drove onto the highway. “Brett I'm sorry for taking so long in paying my respect to you. I was childish for running. I haven't done anyone any good, have I? I guess my father was right for calling me a demon child and I guess he was right for kicking me out of the house when he found out...what I was. All my life I've just been a burden to others. You got killed because of your involvement with me Brett and there's nothing I can do to bring you back. I'm so sorry.”

 

Aidan quickly blinked his eyes to stop from crying. He did not need these emotions right now. He watched a car drive past him then raised his speed. He now felt comfortable enough to drive faster. He just couldn't speed or else he would miss the turnoff for Dawn Chapel.

 

Brett had mentioned the chapel once or twice in conversation and, if he remembered correctly, they had driven past it a few times on their way to a certain private beach. Well, it wasn't exactly private but it wasn't the run of the mill public beach. It was a nude beach in the summer and a perfect fishing spot in the winter. Aidan smiled as he thought about the times they had at the beach. He loved being able to lie on the sand watch all the guys walk past him. It was one of the few times he could gaze at stranger's entire body without making him feel uncomfortable. There was a downside to the beach though, Aidan noted as he glanced at the billboards that lined the edge of the highway. The downside was that the women that frequented those beached always flocked to him. It also got on Brett's nerves and one time, Aidan noted as he signaled for an exit, Brett had passionately grabbed him and after saying a few harsh words to the women, deliberately stroked Aidan's crotch. Aidan smiled at the memory as he pulled into the chapel's parking lot. He had never seen such a group of dejected women before. Brett definitely had added insult to injury by making that gesture. Women certainly could be entertaining at times. Aidan switched took his keys out of the ignition then glanced at his watch.

 

“I forgot to change the time,” Aidan commented as he got out of the car. “Let's see if it says five and I add about twelve hours...”

 

A camera flash greeted his eyes and Aidan folded his arms. Was this more of Kei's doing? Was he out there somewhere waiting for him? Why couldn't Aidan do anything in peace? Why did everything he did have to be watched? He was human, just like anyone else.

 

“Go play with that somewhere else,” a woman said and a young child scampered off with a disposable camera in her hands. “I'm terribly sorry. We just had a bit of a celebration in the chapel. Can I help you with anything?”

 

“No. I just wanted to visit someone,” Aidan replied and the woman glanced over at the graveyard.

 

“I see. Let me get the Father.”

 

“I'd rather just go on my own. Excuse me.”

 

Aidan turned and walked towards the graveyard. It was getting dark and he wanted to find Brett's headstone before it got too dark to read. He glanced at the headstones as he walked down the path then sighed. Nothing yet. Where the hell was he? Aidan glanced up when he heard the roar of the ocean and made his way to the back of the cemetery. Brett had some fond memories of the ocean. Surely his parents were aware of that. Brett had never told Aidan about the memories but every time they left the city to go to the ocean, Brett would get a look of nostalgia on his face. In one way or another the sea meant a lot to him.

 

“There you are,” Aidan whispered as he fell to his knees in front of a grave adorned with flowers. “This never should have happened to you. You had a family that cared for you regardless of who you were. You had talent and...and you meant so much to me. You cared for me just like Nikki did. You almost replaced the emptiness in my heart I had when Nikki left. You were so much like him. You...”

 

He gazed up into the sky as he thought about what he had just said. Had that been the only reason their relationship had been so passionate? But Brett looked nothing like Nikki so why had he seen a connection?

 

“Ironic, isn't it?” Kei asked and Aidan looked behind him in shock.

 

“What the hell are you doing here?!” he demanded and Kei shrugged his shoulders.

 

“Don't use such language around a church. I was just passing by and I saw your car. Jade called me when he couldn't get a hold of you. He was a little worried.”

 

“How the hell could you see my car from the highway? You were not passing by. You were waiting here for me.”

 

“I wanted to see your reaction. I know you're still unstable and I didn't want you running out on me.”

 

“Kei, how did your family react when they found out?”

 

“About my love for beautiful men? I got the normal reaction and terrible guilt trips. I also got damned to hell by my grandfather. Why suddenly ask something like that?”

 

“It's nothing. How was his funeral? Brett's I mean.”

 

“I know. It was fine. There was a big turnout thanks to the media and my contacts. Look, can we talk about this in the parking lot? I'm not a fan of graveyards. Call me crazy but I guess I've seen one too many horror films.”

 

“All right. I've got to remember to bring some flowers the next time I come.”

 

“It looks like he's got plenty. How did the day with Nikki go?” Kei asked as he tried not to step on any of the graves.

 

“Fine. I guess it could have gone worse. He made me talk to Skye,” Aidan replied and Kei looked interested.

 

“Really? So what did he have to say? Did he know about Nikki's actions?”

 

“Yeah he knew and he wasn't bothered by it. In fact he wants me to take care of Nikki even if it means sleeping with him while we're on the road.”

 

“That's an unexpected thing for a lover to say.”

 

“Yeah I know. I don't like how either of them are handling it.”

 

“Did you really think Brett was just another Nikki?”

 

“Oh. You heard that,” Aidan said as Kei folded his arms.

 

“It was hard not to. I guess I can understand your motive for running a bit better now,” Kei said as he placed a hand on Aidan's shoulder.

 

“I sorta...owe my life to Nikki.”

 

“Really? I'd love to hear that story. You've kept an awful lot of things to yourself. You don't have to do that you know.”

 

“I'd better go on home. When are we going to start rehearsing again?”

 

“You can start right away. I'm sure your voice isn't like what it used to be.”

 

“It's not. I'll see you, Kei.”

 

“Keep your phone on. I want to be able to contact you when I need to.”

 

“All right.”

 

Kei frowned as he watched Aidan get into the car. Something was definitely gnawing at Aidan and he had to find out what. He leaned against the back of his car for a moment then reached into his pocket for his phone.

 

“Thanks for the use of the hall, Father,” Kei said as a priest approached him. He held out a couple of bills and the priest gratefully took them.

 

“You're welcome. It would be nice to see you at services sometime. The only time I see you is when you've got business. Religion need not be a stranger to you,” the priest said and Kei smiled.

 

“Well you're a little out of the way for me and things are going to be picking up really soon.”

 

“You could come by for a short visit when you're available.”

 

“I'll do my best,” Kei replied then turned his attention to his phone. He searched through his contacts until he found Nikki's number and pressed the “dial” button. “Hey Nikki. You sound a little out of breath. I won't ask what you've been doing although I know who you were doing it with. I was with Aidan at the cemetery and he said something quite peculiar to me. I'd like you to tell me about something if you've got the time. All right. This is what I want to know...”