Dear All,

You will see how this chapter will offer us much more insight on Aleksandr and his issues, about his way of thinking and his relationship with his close friends.

Not just that, more parts have been added and my usual readers will easily detect them I believe, making the right connection and realizing probably how much they were due and necessary.

Once more, I really hope you are enjoying this edited and updated version!

Let me know, please 😊

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Now, enjoy the chapter!

"Nothing burns like the cold. But only for a while. Then it gets inside you and starts to fill you up, and after a while you don't have the strength to fight it," by George R.R. Martin in 'A Game of Thrones'.

ALEKSANDR POV:

When I searched for him, Travis was gone, and I could no longer see him. Crap, did I really want to follow him and let my instinct get the best of me? I groaned out as I realized the reply was yes.

Suddenly, curiosity had the best of me, and I wanted to see if my thoughts were right, if really, he wanted to keep alone. I followed my instinct, even though, I didn't understand the reason behind that. Was it because of how Collins glared at him or because of the way he stirred my blood in these days? Arghh...this was endless, and it felt like a dog chasing and then biting his own tail. Plain stupid and pointless. The more I considered it the more irritation took over me even stronger than curiosity.

Why did I want to check where he went? Why did I want to see him and prove if my points were correct? Why was I curious about him?

I growled at myself. One thing that really dangerously annoyed was other people getting me involved in their lives, wanting something from me and saying just a bunch of phony words to get you at their sides. That's was revolting and...no. That was plainly and freaking enraging. Madly enraging. I have never stood fake display of feelings, affection or love, because they made me puke, causing my bile to rise to no end, my blood boiling and hissing in my ears so much I felt the physical need to punch something. And that was quite a change and transformation for me, as most of the times it really seemed I had icy liquid going through my veins instead of warm blood.

I slyly smiled thinking about that and at how this peculiar trait of mine kept people far from me and, almost nobody, aside suicidal jerks, dared to upset me or bother me. Sometimes I really felt like some icy liquid coursed in my veins instead of blood and I never minded nor thought of changing it. It saved me a lot of useless annoyance.

With that said, I wasn't any kind of idiot and mental jock who had the need to look down at people to inflate my ego. I couldn't stand their likes and, differently from what that piece of crap of Collins dared to say, I didn't walk around as if I owned the place, shoving people away – exception made for Collins who deserved that and much more, considered the way he behaved around and how he had looked at Travis – punching or terrorizing defenseless kids and barking at gay or whatever-else-they-were other students. Fuck. That wasn't me for sure and I'd rather shoot myself than turn out so rotten and low. I really couldn't stand the likes of Collins, they irked my skin, my blood and hitched my anger.

It appeared I cared about nothing and nobody, but it wasn't completely true. I did it in my own way. A few times, when happening in front of me, I had helped kids finding themselves in the same situations of that one a few days ago. Because I hadn't missed what happened with Travis and why he clashed with Collins, but I just kept for myself when I saw he could handle it. He gave me the impression of not really needing fists and much physical strength, because his cutting sarcasm and comments did enough damage. But it was true you never knew with a piece of junk like Collins. I had my very personal reasons for taking it so badly and it burned deep down thinking about it, even if I never admitted it loud or discussed about it with anyone. Not even with River.

Yeah, it was all very personal and I took it on Collins harder also because of that, aside the fact that he really was a complete, hopeless piece of crap. So many times he created issues, and there was something in him, something I believed being completely rotten down to his damn core.

However, true enough I had a short fuse, I couldn't deny it, which meant I was short-tempered, even though everyone thought I was made of ice. In the years, I learnt self-control, especially after witnessing with my own eyes what my brother went through and what he almost became if he hadn't been that lucky to find Nichole and have a father like we did. So, if my temper was wrongly triggered or dangerously bitten, I just vented it out during games or training; I knew for a fact how much I was feared out there, on the ice, my domain, and I loved it. In particular because I was the captain of my team and because it was how I was. Hockey trainings were another perfect occasion to cool my temper or going against useless people like Collins and his group of idiotic friends that walked around like they were some shitty kings, terrifying smaller kids.

I enjoyed being feared by them and there were no doubts they did, for a few of them had personally experienced what it meant to clash against me, and they haven't forgotten it yet, avoiding to cross my way or eye me in the wrong way. I was ready to bet they never will and with that thought in mind, another devilish smile crossed my face, for then wiping it away as I walked further, reaching the library and hesitating a moment in front of its door. Did I really want to see what he was doing and to find out whether he was there or not?

I opened the door and stepped inside. At the end, curiosity won the battle against my irritation, even though I didn't have in mind to interact with him, but just confirm my idea.

It was probably better to keep away from Travis and just watch his back from far aside, to avoid having him walking into some mess or problem. He gave me the idea of being someone that easily attracted troubles, even if he didn't want them or mean it. Monday wasn't the first time he saved a younger student from a possible beating or bullying in general. Yeah, that didn't go unnoticed. I had seen him pushing the guy away, with nonchalance, as I had registered what happened a few weeks ago, when another similar episode took place. Therefore, after that specific Monday, it was clear that he couldn't walk by and ignore certain situations, which suggested the most likely reason explaining why he preferred to keep a low profile and alone.

I always appreciated an honest and brave side in a person and I was surprised in finding myself admitting I appreciated and possibly liked the side of a guy who represented a total stranger to me. I shook my head and silently chuckled.

Sure, Travis wanted to keep alone and act like some shadow, but too bad many students had their eyes on him. Girls eyed him as if he were some piece of cake to slowly eat and enjoy, because he sure had quite the looks. Yet, in my opinion, he wouldn't be like a slice of cake. No. I would compare him to a burning and mind screwing shot of vodka. Mind screwing...that was an interesting adjective placed beside Travis and it very much suited him.

What attracted my attention and probably stirred my rather irrational curiosity was the fact he never looked once for help. He got into a mess and clearly wanted to solve it by himself. There was no fear in his face and eyes while facing Collins, but when he thought Derek and I were about to join the asshole, something flashed in his eyes, something very close to dread and nausea. I didn't like it and that made me even more pissed at Collins. Had something happened in the past?

I groaned at realizing how that guy was messing with my mind, but I couldn't help it, for something else tickled my impossible to explain interest and that was the fact he didn't fear me. At least, not like everyone else in school, exception made for my friends, who knew better, and my teammates, who I was aware highly respected me. But I was lucky in terms of friends, because they were the best ones anyone could ever ask for. Seriously. I believed that love comes and goes, but friendship lasts forever. As my family. I sighed. Part of my family. And part of my friends, for I had lost one. Something agitated in me and I repressed it away.

I took a few steps in the library and searched around the place, until I spotted him sitting at a table, his white bleached head impossible to miss. He was listening to some music and reading a book, having his back against me, so he couldn't see me, and it was better in that way. I inwardly chuckled when I saw the skull on the back of his t-shirt, which clung quite tight on him, clearly exposing the perfectly shaped line of his shoulder, of his arms and his muscles in general. He was lean in a very fit and somehow muscular way, yet not bulky nor skinny; on the contrary, you could see his body was used to constant training and I wondered what that was. He placed a hand around the back of his neck, and I realized only then he had black nail polish, which I hadn't notice before. I chuckled silently again. Did he really think he would pass by unnoticed? Most of the students in our school had rather plain and standard looks.

I wondered what he was reading and what music he was listening to, for I noticed his fingers tapping the back of his neck as following the rhythm of it, while he kept reading quite engrossed, twice chuckling at whatever was on those pages; and thus, I took a step in his direction, then another one, suddenly feeling the need to talk to him normally or at least, approaching him in a less cold way, see what he was enjoying, until I halted on the spot and groaned silently. This was getting ridiculous and out of hand. This wasn't who I really was.

What was about Travis that enthralled me so much? Was it the fact he talked back to me challenging with deep black eyes, shining of controlled temper, or the way he walked around slightly swinging his hips, elegant, confident...fascinating in an irrational and unfathomable manner? His walking reminded me slightly of Nichole, my brother's girlfriend, and I pondered whether he also practiced the same activity or not. I remained a few more moments discreetly observing him, studying the lines of his back, the silver-whiteness of his bleached head, the sinuous curve of his neck, the way he had one leg crossed over the other, the tip of his foot also tapping at the rhythm of whatever played in his ears.

And then I left because this was worrying me and leaving me very uneasy. I sure felt attached to my friends and my family, but never to complete strangers, and I was not going to change it. It was better to stay in that way and I knew nothing about him. I repressed another very pissed-off growl and walked away, because it was really starting to get on my bad side. Not understanding why, I wanted to know about a complete stranger was ticking me off way too much.

Heading out of the library I felt someone grabbing my arm, so a sudden urge to push away that person with all my force made my blood boil and took almost the best of me, for I hated people not close to me randomly touching me, however I managed to suppress it. Strangers or persons in general touching me without my permission or taking too much liberty was a sure ticket for a punch or a harsh dismiss, for I physically couldn't stand persons invading my own space and thinking they could act as if knowing me well, as if having the right to do so. Only a few never bothered me and it actually was normal for me, and they belonged to my family or they were my dear and closest friends, who in fact were the only friends I had.

So, before being totally rude and behaving like a complete jerk, I took a deep breath and told myself to disengage myself from this annoyance quickly, to avoid wasting time.

"Alex, love, I was looking for you," a girl said with apparently sweet voice, looping her arm around mine and my eyes immediately went to that point, trying my best not to let my temper out.

That was Erin, one of my ex-girlfriends who obviously didn't understand the meaning of over well enough; essentially, she didn't want to understanding it, making me regret having thought she was a nice and sweet girl at first and thus, having gone out and slept with her. It had been one of my biggest mistakes and I'd never reprimand myself enough for that. She had talked about our sleeping together to others in school and bragged about it for days, in the only intent to make other girls jealous, for some others had tried to ask me out. I have no idea how I controlled myself not to slap her mouth shut. The bullshit she spewed out was out of mind. OK, got it, a few comments could be fine, a joke would be acceptable, but she stepped over those line much, much more, making up things that never happened.

I hated that with all my soul and heart, and I told her to keep quiet about that, shutting the fuck up, which she did for a while, and then she couldn't hold it. It was such a private thing that really irked me in the wrong way, opening my eyes about her. I gave her a second chance, after speaking to her, and it seemed fine for a while, but it lasted not more than a couple of weeks and things went worse and worse, not to mention how she began to talk bad about River, somehow being jealous of him, how once she spoke to him once slightly drunk. Who the hell she thought she was for badmouthing my best friend, to call him names? She knew shit about me and about him, and she had to keep her mouth completely shut. Jealous of him because of our friendship? She must have been freaking kidding me and once, as she spurted out really bad words against him, my palms itched for her face, but I refrained from that because it would been just bad and nothing would have changed with her. Only breaking up was the solution and I did it.

Shit, I really wasted precious weeks with her, and I sure had sex with the wrong person.

Yes, I had some one-night stands or very quick, mostly physical relations, but I ended them in no time, and I wasn't very proud of it, having understood it wasn't what I wanted or felt fine for me. Dating was a gigantic pain in the ass, and it involved too much I had no patience nor will for. Too much revealing of myself, too much getting involved in people's life and such, too much patience and time, too many discussions and useless questions. Erin had been all this and much worse, completely draining my will in further dating, which explained why I said those words to Dima. But what was the point? My friend was very different and never took anything really seriously, so maybe it was fine for him, as long as he was frank with the girl he dated.

"Alex sweetie, how are you? I was trying to call you the other day, but you didn't reply," she continued, after having let go of my arm. But she still kept too close and I went to move, but grabbed my arm once more, this time showing her true colors, clutching it with both hands as if feeling she owned me, and she still was in relationship with me.

What was wrong with people? Alright, she wasn't a proper and complete stranger in the literal meaning of the word, since I dated her for a while, but that didn't give her the right to come out of the blue and touch me with such intimacy, calling me in ways that made me feel like going to the rink and knock some opponents out. Fuck, no, this was really wrong, so I shrugged her hands off again and gave her such a cold stare that should have set her on her way far from me.

"What do you want?" I asked with hard and displeased voice, realizing it was pointless to act politely with her. The ruder and colder the better.

"Ouch, so cold and harsh, but you know I love it," she said trying to flirt, winking and once more, moving her hands on me, this time lower to reach the front pockets of my jeans. I was about to snap big time.

Love it. Sure, because that wasn't complete bullshit, I sarcastically thought, suddenly remembering what Travis had commented about being rough as hot and it sounded completely different coming from him, definitely not triggering me in the wrong way. He really meant it. The complete opposite, if I had to be honest, while this coming from Erin, her words and fake attitude really annoyed me. She had no idea what love meant, and she just blurted it out like you greet people, not to mention she had no idea about any rough or harsh side of me in bed. Quite the contrary, I had to frankly admit.

I took her hand and pushed it away once more, this time glaring at her much more annoyed and signaling my patience had passed the limit for some time already. She was really pretty and her body had quite an attractive and nicely shape figure, for she really cared about that and did her best to show off, which I didn't mind in people, but she was clingy and phony to unbelievable levels, not to mention she thought she could control my life. She bored me like hell after a couple of months, especially after getting to see her real personality. Breaking up with her made me only feel relieved about that.

"What is it that you want, Erin? Why did you call me knowing I will not reply to your calls or messages? Just say it now, because I don't have the whole day."

Her confidence was wavering, as she nervously touched her caramel brown hair. You asked for that, I thought, as my eyes kept assessing her with very irritated expression, wanting for her to get out of my sight and let me be.

"Karl is having a crazy party this weekend and I wanted you to come with me. I miss you so much, Alex. We could have some fun together and we could talk about our relationship...we should give it another try; I really think so."

Argh, I felt like throwing up and slapping some sense in her at the same time, so I really had to get out of there.

"Did you forget I broke it off with you months ago and that I told you already many times I am not interested in getting back together? It is over and stop with this already. You're wasting your time and mostly, you're wasting my time. Is this clear enough?" I had been very harsh on purpose, maybe too much some might point out, but I wasn't feeling the least guilty and I couldn't give a flying fuck about what others thought about me.

"But..." she began, and I stopped her at once before she continued spewing out more nonsense.

"Erin, I told you already and you know how things like this piss me off." I never intended to threaten a girl, but this one wouldn't hear anything else. "Do not bother me again. It is over and I will never get back with you. Now, bye."

She just stood there in complete shock and bewilderment, her eyes slightly narrowed as obviously she didn't get what she wanted. I bet it was the first time someone refused her something, and definitely the first time she received a sound no from a guy, for I was aware they liked her in school and for all I cared, they could ask her out and see for themselves how she really was. Let's see what they'd think after that.

I walked away fast and fuming, people someone reading my mood and avoiding me or getting out of my way in no time, until I joined my friends at the cafeteria and sat down with them, for then remembering I had to get food.

"Where have you been, dude?" Derek inquired as he forked something from his plate.

"I got sidetracked."

"Oh, a girl I bet." That was Hayden and you could bet good money that two things only were in his mind: girls and hockey, similarly to Dima, even if he was more serious than my other friend and really looking for a meaningful relationship. He was a rather simple and easygoing guy and it was pleasant to be around him, because he was quiet in his way and somehow became accustomed in reading my mood and choosing to discuss over hockey when the need called for it. "Who was the chick?"

"Just Erin trying to annoy me more than necessary," I grunted out, searching for River. Where was he?

"And she succeeded in that, judging by your face," the bastard snickered as he pushed some fries in his mouth. I think we all ate a lot, having an appetite that could rival the one of a bear emerging from hibernation – which could be also used to describe my mood many times – but the point was that none of us could rival Dima, my Russian best friend who really ate like a huge pig, and not seeing him around for lunch made me understand why he wasn't around, and possibly why River was not there. "Am I right or not? You looked so pissed that people are keeping miles away from you," Dee kept joking and I rolled my eyes at him, as he knew me very well, something I found was almost eerie from time to time. However, River was the one that knew me better and also that bastard used to see through me pretty well, being a friend who I always valued and loved. I pushed that thought away, because whenever it surfaced in my mind, too many emotions stirred in me.

"Where are River and Dima?" I asked him, as I decided what to get to eat.

"The usual, buddy," Hayden replied, "Dima said something stupid out of the blue, while he wasn't paying attention but reading whatever he was reading on the phone and River is trying to smooth things out, as the professor was really pissed." He chuckled and shrugged his broad shoulders. His very good trait was that, even though he didn't exactly pay much attention in class and didn't have high grades, at least he had the decency of staying quiet. Dima in that department was completely hopeless.

"Seriously, he needs to get a grip on his idiocy," I said. "I'll get something to eat, you want more?" Derek eyed his about-to-be-empty plate and got up.

"I'll join you, Alex, I have training today, and I need more fuel in my engine." He smiled at me and then looked around, and I guessed for whom he was looking. "I was hoping Travis would join us, but again he's not here, I checked before and I have no clue where he spends his lunches." I was glad he changed the topic of Erin, well aware I despised discussing that insignificant matter made of long caramel brown hair and a pretty face with terrible and very spoilt attitudes. But of course, he had to bring up another one, as if he had sensed something in me. I wondered what River would say.

"He said he wouldn't had," I replied quickly, to make him understand to drop it for now.

"Who is Travis?" Hayden asked and Derek was about to answer, but I anticipated him to conclude the discussion.

"Nobody. Be right back with something to eat," I said, and Dee followed me, eyeing me in a way I knew taunting comments were about to follow.

"Nobody? For real, dude?" My eyes quickly ranked his face, seeing there his typical chilled smile and quite a light in his stare, ready to tease me. "You exchanged words to him this morning and noticed his jeans, which by the way, I could say many others noticed and appreciated."

"Get to the point, Derek," I said, and he rested an arm over my shoulders, our faces almost at the same level as I was barely taller than him.

"He got your attention and that's no little, my friend," he explained, and I shook my head. "Oh well, whatever, be your usual glacial and rather obstinate beast," he joked, and I snorted, going to finally get food. Dima might be eating like a colossal pig, but I also usually had voracious appetite, which could be explained by the many trainings I had every week. When we were done, we walked back to the table seeing Dima there fuming for having missed part of the break and already eyeing what was left for him to wolf down. He greeted me quickly and without extra delays, jogged to get something to eat, all of us smiling at seeing him frustrated by the lack of food.

We sat at the table and I noticed River still wasn't around, so I imagined he must have met some guy or whatever. All in all, I believed that him and Dima detained the records in terms of dates and...nah, scratch that. Dima owned the record, but the issue was how they turned out, considered how he easily switched names or forgot the correct time, making the girl wait for two hours or worse. River was successful, but simply dumped everyone at the speed of light.

"Oh sweet, more fries," Hayden cheered as he eyed Derek's plate, immediately going to steal some.

"Hey dude, get your own fries," he protested not really annoyed.

"Nah, I don't want to ruin my rather healthy diet. Dad gave me some tips about this, and I can see my abs being more prominent," he said, patting his abs satisfied. Right, he cared about his body and knew that he couldn't eat everything he wanted without putting on extra weight he didn't wish for, so he tried to keep a relatively clean diet. He very much envied our Russian bear and me, who could eat as much as we wished and still keep defined muscles. I guess it was all about metabolism.

"Somehow, I bet Travis would have the same reaction, what do you think, Alex?" Derek obviously asked and I punched his arm playfully, more or less. "I swear, you're such a brute sometimes," he taunted, massaging his shoulder, even if I knew he had felt pretty much nothing. "A rough one, hmm, and Travis might like that."

"Again, who is this Travis?" I think Hayden actually had two classes with him, considered what I heard from River, immediately noticing that new guy in school and saying he admired his very attractive body, the way he acted in class and the fact he seemed very smart. However, Travis wasn't his type and somehow, I had a feeling it was mutual, for he gave me the idea of liking another type of guy. I groaned out annoyed at myself for concentrating my thoughts on him so much and my friends looked at me with questioning eyes, so I shook my head.

"You are coming to practice later, right?" I asked to Hayden, as hockey was the best way to distract him and veer his mind completely elsewhere.

"You bet, buddy. I had to stay on the bench for two weeks because of my wrist and now I'm all edgy to play."

I laughed, completely understanding how he felt, because he was just like me. When once I broke my elbow and not trained for about a month, I was going crazy and my mood wasn't very good. Another time I sprained two fingers but still played, not caring about the pain. I understood Hayden very well. We both loved ice-hockey and we loved to skate on the ice at insane speed, swinging the sticks chasing the puck, crushing against opponents and beat them. At hearing our comments, Derek snorted, for he wasn't into hockey. He loved and played basketball, being damn great and talented at that.

"Honestly guys, what's so great about hockey? Shit, you are just a bunch of madmen that beat each other up with a stick, pushing one another against the barrier, sometimes even punching each other like cavemen."

"That's one of the things you perfectly know I enjoy," I replied smirking at him, and he massaged his forehead.

"It was a stupid question, when it comes to you, obviously," he retorted back smiling and winking.

"And what's so great about freaking bouncing a ball around?" Hayden suddenly countered, nobody could touch his beloved hockey, for he worshipped it. As he basically worshipped my dad and once my brother, when he used to play and give us tips on how to perfect some techniques. And I had to add, my friend very much respected and admired me, being the captain and the best scorer of our team, something he had repeated countless times.

"We dribble the ball, douche."

"Whatever, dork."

I just chuckled and enjoyed it while eating something, because there was no need to worry: they were best buddies and simply enjoyed getting on each other's nerves when it came to sport. How mature was that? That was why whenever they started with that, I stepped aside and let them have it, especially if Dima joined. Then, it would be pure kindergarten, and right on cue, he arrived with food, already stuffing his mouth while he walked, and sat beside Hayden, immediately immersing himself in their discussion, giving his priceless comments.

"What the hell, man, c'mon, we're cooler," he blabbed out and I rolled my eyes for he had spoken with full mouth. "I get many dates also because of that, aside because of the obvious," he said grinning widely in the usual way, flexing a bicep. I stared at him a moment, seeing someone else also sitting beside him, a far less wide smile on his lips, being more reserved and possibly scowling at the idiocy of his own twin brother. But he wasn't there, no, he had become a piece of crap and I never understood why, if anything happened, because when we confronted him, we just argued more and more.

I shoved the thought away and, in that moment, an arm went around my shoulders and from the scent of the cologne wrapping around me, I knew it was River. I immediately smiled at my friend, for then changing expression as I noticed a new guy beside him, feeling irked by the presence of someone I did not know. Was he maybe his new toy? I wondered for a moment what River would do if he found Travis his type, and I realized he would flirt with him right away, even if he wasn't his type, which annoyingly enough, made me see the idea didn't sit well with me.

And that upset me to no fuck.

"Playing again the kindergarten games, guys?" My friend commented as he looked at both Hayden and Dee still going on with their useless argument.

"Looks like," I said, sparing another rather distant glare to the person at his side, "who's the kid?" I asked jerking my chin in his direction, my tone of voice very eloquent about my mood, and it had the obvious effect of making the guy pale down. Was I that scary? I guess and I liked that, so he would know to keep his due distance from me.

"Don't scare out my friend, Sasha, would you please?"

"I didn't say anything," I answered in defense.

Were they all a bunch of wusses? I ranked the guy up and down another time, seeing him growing more nervous and I just couldn't believe River would date or even just sleep with someone like him. No fucking way. He had much better taste than that, way more sophisticated and demanding. A few times I joked they would need to create a man according to his wishes and needs to properly satisfy him and as well deserve him.

"He is Martin and he is definitely not what you think. He just needs a couple of advices and I offered my precious help," he explained, smiling in a very seductive way. If anyone would see River, they would think the same and it didn't need to be gay to admit it or see it. In a way, he reminded me of Travis, both very much aware of their looks and not one bit shy about it, not lacking in confidence. They both had that air around them that would draw anyone's attention, no matter what.

Shit.

Travis. Again. I was again thinking about him. River eyed me with an expression only I could interpret, possibly sensing my change in mood, and I just shook my head. There was nothing to talk about. Nothing at all. I gave the guy another glance and decided not to press for further questions, as I sure didn't want the kid to faint right there and his business were only his own. I had no interest in his bullshit or whatever the hell he needed advice with.

"I knew you had better taste," I whispered in River's ear, only for him to hear it.

"You know me well," he whispered back while sitting beside me, smirking like a cat enjoying some playtime. I chuckled at that.

River was possibly the friend that knew me the best, that knew and understood me the most, and I could say without doubts it was mutual. We have known each other since...I don't even remember, just like with Derek and Dima, I guess since when we were small brats. One of the aspects about our friendship that I treasured deeply was the fact I could trust them with everything, even my life. Derek was blunt and direct, always optimistic and cheerful, the typical person who would always see the glass half-full. If you had a shitty day, you could count on his joyful mood, being sure he would make it better very quickly.

On the other hand, River was less direct, much more reserved and studying people carefully, thinking well before speaking, as he first preferred to understand the whole situation, to avoid uttering useless or stupid words. Also, he never really liked to reveal much about himself and everyone else always said he was rather close or mysterious. I think I had the privilege of understanding him quite well and of having him trusting me completely, for he had often come to me to talk about pretty much anything. River had a keen instinct and was far more sensitive than Derek or my other friends. But man, he could be a complete madman sometimes and he was such a flirt that the mere thought had me smiling.

No, I was not being accurate. River was not a mere and simple flirt, but much more in the sense he completely fascinated people without much effort and without exposing almost anything of himself. Dee had no problems with that, for he wasn't much reserved, just like Dima.

Derek was a flirt, yes, but that was mostly related to his outgoing and friendly attitudes, to his liking to meet new and interesting people, like Travis apparently. And very straightforward. But he would stop there, just a bit of innocent flirting. While River no. He liked to be desired and admired, he liked to use his looks to his advantage, and he could really wrap people around his fingers with his ways and words; his flirting was different and often left the person completely dumbstruck, something I had directly witnessed many, many times. I never questioned him on that, because he knew how to handle it correctly, for he was very smart and considerate, so to avoid troubles and he definitely wasn't a crude asshole. No. None of my friends were.

"Dima, I heard you almost got detention, is that right?" I asked, seeing him eating faster than usual and River winked at me, as he spoke to the guy named Martin who still looked paler than he should have.

"Got lunch detention, can you believe it?" River replied for him, as Dima was about to talk with full mouth and Derek stopped him, while I laughed quite a lot at hearing that, our Russian bear grinning and shrugging his shoulders, already used to that. Seriously, this was priceless. That was so Dmitri like. He probably fell asleep and blabbed some stupid joke to the professor, never once filtering what he said, never once thinking before actually giving air to his mouth.

"Did you make another comment about Mr. Gilbert's daughter?" I asked and Hayden chuckled, patting his back.

"Not this time, Alex," my friend replied shaking with laughter and Dima swallowed another bite of food, for then talking.

"Nah, buddy. I just freaked out because I was reading something on my phone interesting and anyway, I didn't understand his explanations about that freaking useless subject and I just blurted out loud how useless and damn boring was that crap." We all burst out laughing, especially at seeing his comic face and at the way he gestured, fork in one hand, chips in another ready to be devoured. He had a screw way loose in his mind and we all loved him because of that. "C'mon guys, cut me some slack. That was a legit comment and reaction! You know he's one the most boring professors ever anyway."

"He begged to have lunch detention instead of after school detention, saying he didn't want to miss practice," River explained, the guy finally having left our table and rid us of his unwelcome presence, while he leaned his head on my shoulder and I let him, for I never minded it. His presence was sort of soothing and I knew he needed and liked a bit of physical contact.

"You helped in that, isn't that so?" I asked him and he just smiled, meaning he had been the one convincing the professor, for we all knew Dima lacked that skill. He would have made it probably worse.

"Fuck man, you think I can miss training? Coach Garrison would never shut up and you'd kick my ass till the end of the month if I'd miss a session for something so stupid." He wasn't very wrong in saying that, even though I was used to it already.

"What was the extra condition?" Dee inquired, knowing he hadn't won it so easily and we all saw him rolling his eyes, for then hearing him swearing quietly in Russian.

"I have to write some stupid report and River, you'll help me, right?"

"Why should I help you? Enlighten me, please," he teased him, and I just sat there enjoying the scene, River still resting his head on my shoulder.

"Because it's not like I can ask To...I mean, err, I cannot ask anyone else, because Sasha would kick my ass saying I need to start thinking more before talking, Dee would say the same and sorry Hayden, but you also suck at this." He had tried to somehow cover it, but we all had felt his hesitation, the way his voice for a moment changed as he was about to mention the name of his brother, or how we all used to call him, Tolya. Yeah, because Dima often relied on him when it came to school, for he was very smart.

And the four us, River, Dee, Dima and me all looked at each other for a very quick moment, the same question and emotions hanging on our heads. Hayden moved his eyes on us, maybe guessing what our friend was about to say, aware of what happened, but decided to busy himself with the phone, getting it was something not easy. River had stiffened and Derek...had his ways to cope with things.

"Well, yes, you should think before opening your mouth to say whatever bullshit comes to your mind," I said to break the moment and get us back to the usual mood, but River had tensed. I think he really missed him still, while Dima had shaken his head, the following moment back to his usual broad grin, easier for him to push everything behind his back somehow.

"Oh crap, I must go now, because he just gave me some time to eat something," he grunted out, stuffing his mouth even more and taking some snacks with him. "So, later guys." He jogged out and River sighed out as we noticed Dima stopping when a girl talked to him, obviously giving her attention and behaving in his usual way.

He was going to need much more than writing a simple report, judging by the way he smiled at the girl, for I had no doubts he had already forgotten about having to get his ass back in class.

School was over, which meant I could finally go to our school hockey rink and skate to my heart content.

While speeding on the ice, swinging the hockey stick to control and slide the puck, my mind and body were filled with adrenaline and my thoughts only concentrated on how to score, to pass or to avoid whoever came against me, or in fact, how to get whoever dared to come against me out of my way.

My blades slit the cold surface, feeling the air through my mask, and I made a quick pass to River, not having to check if he was ready. I knew he was, because even in hockey we had an amazing connection, which made us an unbeatable pair when at our best. He slid the puck at an incredible speed, right and left, right and left, playing with the stick to confuse the opponents, usually getting our teammates with that way too easily. My friend always amazed me with his speed and incredible control, with his playful wits and unexpected diversions. He suddenly stopped and darted towards me, now a couple of feet ahead of him, we crossed path and exchanged a pass. We both laugh when our teammates couldn't keep up with us. I made another light speed pass, feeling the adrenaline burning in my veins and fusing with the ice usually coating them.

River and I were awesome together and playing with him, and with my friends in general, always proved an exciting experience, for we could push our limits, trying more and more. He easily scored to Jace, our second goalie, who unfortunately wasn't as good and instinctive as Hayden; well, he needed some more time to learn and train. However, my friend was the best and the coach was afraid to miss him in our next match. But we no longer needed to worry, for our best goalie was back.

And I couldn't help the evil grin crossing my face. I was edgy to play against the team we were scheduled to meet on our coming match, because saying they deserved a good lesson was the dumbest statement of the year.

Also, in the past days too much annoyance and anger built up in me, meaning I had to give more than simply my best on the ice: I had to completely let out the beast pacing restlessly inside of me and cool my temper down. This training was already serving the purpose and I knew I would stay in the rink way longer today, for then beating my mood down with a session of weightlifting.

Author's chit-chat:

What are your thoughts, feelings, ideas, comments and reactions with this enriched chapter?

It was all under Aleksandr POV and I chose that on purpose, seeing it necessary and letting us understand him more and more.

You noticed the extra parts of him referring to Anatoly, right? What are your thoughts on that? I think also that I had to better explain the character of Erin, his ex-girlfriend, and not just leave her as very superficial and too sided character. It's best to understand why Aleksandr hates dating so much and why he despises her. We will see more of her, no worries.

Also please, let's not be too banal and say that all the girls in the MxM or BxB stories are made up as gigantic bad persons and slayed...no. This is very wrong, at least in my stories. I have good and bad characters on every side. She happen just to be a kind of person I have met in my life and that I am sure you did, too. She is not nice and very much spoilt. But as you can see, we have John Collins, too, another very bad person. I am saying this because I have read it somewhere in a comment written on a story of mine and I was shocked at reading it. Why should I want to put women down?? I am a woman myself and I would never do it with anyone in general. Thank you for your understanding and for bearing with my little rant ^^

Alright dear all, wait for CH.5 and stay tuned as usual.

Lots of Love, Magic, Hugs & Meows,
-TheWitchAndTheCat-