"You cannot use that stupid weak-ass Pokeman," Nick laughed as Catlyn chose her little Wartortle to battle his Zapdos. "He's like 2 feet smaller," he pointed out.
"Oh shut the hell up," Catlyn grumbled. "I WILL beat you."
"Yeah, okay," he grinned shaking his head. They were playing Pokeman Stadium, and Catlyn was having a hard time keeping the score even. She'd only played Pokeman on her Gameboy, and he'd obviously been playing Stadium since it had came out.
"Dammit Nick," she complained as he took her Wartortle to 10 hitpoints of life.
"What?" he asked with an innocent smiled. That smile soon gave way to a frustrated frown as Wartortle's Toxic took him down to 10. "What the hell?" he asked annoyed. Trying to use his Sky Attack and failing, he grumbled even more as Catlyn had Wartortle dig underground, hiding from anymore attacks. Her next move involved her Pokeman surfacing and hitting Zapdos for the rest of his points.
"YES!!" she exclaimed.
"Dammit," Nick complained tossing his controller to the floor.
"Don't tell me you're a sore loser," she said in disbelief.
"No, I'm not," he said crossing his arms in front of him. "I just don't want to play anymore." He scooted up on the bed, leaning against the headboard.
Catlyn, who'd been sitting on the floor next to him, stood up and stretched. "Damn," she said looking at her watch. "It's later than I thought."
Nick looked over at the clock and chuckled. "Wonder if Kyndall thinks you got lost?"
Catlyn shrugged. "No clue. But, I guess I should go check on her."
"Yeah," Nick sighed. "I gotta call Crystal and find out if she's coming back," he said raising his brows.
Catlyn shook her head. "And people wonder why I don't get involved." Nick looked at her funny, but didn't comment. "I guess I'll talk to ya later," she said as she walked to the door.
"Yup," he nodded. "See ya." He watched her walk out the door, closing his eyes as it closed behind her. "Watch yourself Carter," he mumbled. "You're gonna get yourself in trouble."
"Wow," Kyndall said looking around the club in fascination. "This place totally blows away any other that I've been to."
AJ nodded, smiling at her excitement. "Excellent isn't it?" She nodded as she hooked her arm through his and they walked inside. He guided her to a table in the far back of the room. After making sure she was comfortable, he walked to the bar and ordered them some drinks. Returning a few minutes later with a bottle of beer and a margarita, he sat down across from Kyndall. "So," he said sliding her glass over to her.
"So what?" she asked looking over at him.
"Keoki?" he asked looking towards the dance floor. "Oh man, I hafta dance to this," he grinned taking her hand.
"Who?" Kyndall asked confused.
AJ smiled. "DJ Keoki is a SUPERSTAR techno DJ. Lives in Florida. Howie and I travel down to Miami sometimes to watch him spin. He's the badboy of techno."
"Oookay," Kyndall laughed as they made their way to the floor and began dancing.
"So, what do you think of Mr. Keoki?" AJ asked as the song ended and a new one began.
"He's all right," she shrugged.
"All right?!" he exclaimed. "He's like a GOD!"
Kyndall laughed. "Sure he is," she said patting AJ on the head.
"Don't toy with me woman," he warned.
"Whatever," Kyndall grinned. Looking around the club, she noticed the number of teenagers and smiled softly. "Ya know, it's a wonder you haven't been recognized." Her gaze settled on a couple of girls sitting by the bar watching them and whispering.
"Huh? Oh," he chuckled. "Not surprising really. Usually only happens when I'm with Howie or something. Guess they don't figure we'd be out and about on our own or something." As if on cue, the two girls made their way over to them, tapping AJ on the shoulder.
"Excuse me," the shorter one said.
"Huh?" AJ asked turning around to look at her. "Yeah?"
"You're AJ McLean, aren't you?"
"Of course he is," her friend hissed quietly.
"Uhh, yeah," AJ nodded, a tad amused by them. They stood there staring at him, their eyes all dreamy. "Something I can help you ladies with," he asked, looking from one to the other.
"Umm…we were wondering if we could…umm…get your autograph," the shorter one said softly.
AJ looked at Kyndall, who nodded smiling softly. "Sure," he said taking their pen and signing their napkins. He gave each of them a hug and kissed them both on the cheek, sending them on their giggling way. Shaking his head, he turned back to Kyndall. "I'm so sorry about that," he sighed.
"It's okay. You should just watch what you say," she winked.
"Oh, shut up," he said embarrassed.
"I'm just teasing you," she smiled.
"Dude, watch it!" AJ exclaimed as someone bumped into him.
"You ran into…HEY!" Howie grinned.
"What are you doing here?" AJ asked.
"Umm dancing," Howie replied.
"By yourself?" Kyndall asked.
Howie shrugged. "Didn't have anyone to come with. I tried calling you, but you were gone." Looking at AJ he smiled. "Apparently with him."
"Hmm…" AJ said.
"I'm gonna go sit," Kyndall said as she walked back towards the table.
"So how's it going?" Howie whispered as they followed.
AJ shrugged. "It's okay. Kind of awkward at times. We don't have a lot of experience at this friends thing."
Howie nodded. "Good thing to work on, though," he said patting AJ on the shoulder.
"What are you two whispering about?" Kyndall asked as they approached the table. "You look like two old ladies gossiping."
"Would it make you feel better if I told you we were discussing you?" Howie teased as he slid into the booth next to her, his arm resting on the seat behind her.
"Umm…no," she answered looking over at him. AJ watched them. He watched the ease with which they traded good-natured insults, the way they joked and laughed the closeness that they had. An invisible hand squeezed his heart as jealousy ate at him. He wished with every part of him that he could have that type of relationship with her. That she could relax and be completely herself with no reservations. But as much as he yearned for it, he also knew he'd never be satisfied with a simple friendship. "I'll…I'll be right back," he said, standing up quickly and walking to the bar.
