This story contains homosexual themes. If you are offended by such topics or you are not of legal age to read such stories, please read no further. All the characters in the story are fictitious, any resemblance to actual individuals are purely coincidental. Comments are welcome at ghostwriter@si.rr.com
Chapter 10
Jerric's total lack of concentration at practice had only infuriated Coach Jackson further and he had no intention of waiting until 7:00 pm to express his feelings to Jerric, but first he needed to finish up with the other players.
"Okay gentlemen, the final cuts will be made after tomorrow's practice and I'll have the results posted in the locker room by 5:00 pm. I want to thank all of you for your efforts this week and I wish we had room on the squad for all of you. The reality is we have almost a full team with the returning players and the freshmen that have already been given scholarships, so one slot is all we have left. This is a very competitive squad, so you should be proud of yourselves for making it this far. I'll see all of you back here tomorrow at 9:00 am."
The players were making their way to the showers and Jerric was anxious to get back to the dorm. Practice had dragged on and his thoughts were on Hunter and not the 'triangle offense' that Coach Jackson insisted on running.
"Jerric, I need to see you in my office. Now!" Coach Jackson boomed.
"I thought we were meeting tonight?' Jerric asked, frustrated that he might be delayed.
"Now Jerric!"
He was hot, sweaty and tired. Most of all he was not in the mood for a lecture, but Jerric said nothing and sauntered into the coach's office letting his body language do all the talking.
"Jerric I'm at a loss" the coach began. "What the hell is up with you? You've always been a bit of a free spirit, but you're behavior this past week is inexcusable. You came to practice exhausted after what I'm sure was one of you many escapades, you've been very disrespectful to me and today you're not only late, but once you get here you're head isn't even in the game. You're the best college player in America, and this team, not to mention the school, is depending on you. I give you more leeway than any of the other guys because of what you can do, but dammit Jerric everyone has their breaking point, and I'm there."
Jerric's cocky attitude vanished. "I'm really sorry coach. I know I haven't given 100% this past few week."
"100%?" Coach Jackson yelled. "You haven't given me 50%. You've got these guys trying out who are busting their butts to make this team and you think because you're a fucking 'All-American' that you don't have to put forth any effort. What kind of example are you setting for them?"
Coach Jackson had hit a sore point. "Don't you dare throw being an All-American in my face. I worked my ass off for that. You can attack me personally all you want. I know I'm no angel, but don't you ever question how hard I worked last year. I earned that! You need to remember something, I wasn't required to be here this week. I'm here because I wanted to be here. I may not have been at the top of my game this week, but I'm still the best fucking ballplayer on this team."
Coach Jackson was pleased with himself. The fire was back in Jerric Donovan.
"And another thing" Jerric continued. "If you want a god damn role model on the court, fine, I'll be your man, but my personal life is mine. Neither you nor this University is gonna make me something I'm not. Who I date is my business."
Coach Jackson nodded in agreement. "Look Jerric, I'm hard on you because I know what you are capable of. Unless your personal life is effecting your performance on the court I have no intention of interfering."
"Thank you" Jerric said sincerely
"Why don't you get some rest and I'll see you in the morning. I don't think we have anything else to discuss."
Jerric was relieved. He had survived basically unscathed. "Good, I'm kinda in a hurry to check up on Hunter. He was still feeling pretty bad when I left for practice."
The coach immediately picked up something in Jerric's voice. "You and Hunter have become pretty close haven't you?"
"Yeah we have. He's a great kid, and he's gonna be a great addition to the team."
Coach Jackson raised an eyebrow. "You're assuming he's gonna make the team. What makes you so sure?"
"Because I know what you look for in a player; strong basketball skills, brains and determination. He's the only one left that has all three."
"Interesting theory."
Jerric winked at his coach smiling widely. "Oh, it's not a theory...its fact."
Chapter 11
Hunter was sitting at the desk, buried in work when Jerric got back to the dorm.
"Hey, you're supposed to be resting. The books can wait."
Hunter smiled, happy that Hunter was home. "Not this one. It's the playbook. I only have one more chance to impress Coach Jackson and I don't want to blow it."
Jerric gave Hunter a gentle hug as he closed the playbook. "You know that thing better than I do. You have nothing to worry about."
He wanted nothing more but to let his hug linger, but he knew to take things slowly with Hunter.
"Hey, I've got good news. I don't have to talk to Coach Jackson tonight, so maybe we can rent a movie and just relax tonight.
Hunter was surprised. After Jerric's outburst at practice earlier today he figured Coach Jackson had plenty to say.
"He just canceled the meeting?"
"Oh hell no! I just screwed up so bad at practice thinking about you that he decided to talk to me right after afterwards. Boy was he pissed."
Hunter could feel his face blush. "You were thinking about me?"
"Only all day, just like I have for the past week."
Hunter was speechless. All of this was new to him and the uneasiness showed on his face. Jerric was quick to pick up on it and tried to steer the conversation towards a direction that Hunter would be more comfortable with.
"So, what do you think about my idea? I can run down to the store and pick up a movie and some popcorn. We can just lounge around and be lazy tonight.
"Sounds great, but don't feel like you have to stay here because of me, I'll be fine. I feel 100% better."
Jerric leaned over and kissed Hunter quickly on the cheek. "I'm staying here because I want to." Then he smiled shyly. "What do you think about 'Head Over Heels'?
"Freddie Prinze, right? A romantic comedy?"
Jerric nervously bit his lower lip, wondering if his choice was too obvious. "Yeah, I heard it's really good."
"Sounds perfect."
Chapter 12
What Hunter thought would be a very awkward situation never materialized. As he lay there, curled in Jerric's arms, he had never felt more comfortable in his life. He tired to concentrate on the movie but the touch of Jerric's body next to his and the scent of his cologne were more than a little distracting. And did he have to be shirtless? Hunter had always been attracted to men; that was not new to him, but what he was feeling for Jerric was different. Never before had the same kinds of thoughts ran through his head like were present now. Thoughts of Jerric holding him, caressing him, and yes, making love to him.
"So, did you like it?" Jerric asked softly while running his hand gently across Hunter's chest.
"Yeah, I really did, but then again Freddie was in it, so that makes it hard not to like."
He got up from Jerric's embrace and threw out the popcorn bag and empty coke cans sitting on the ledge next to the bed. As he did he noticed the time on the alarm clock.
"Wow, it's later than I thought. I guess we should get some sleep. I'm sure Coach Jackson is gonna make this last day of camp a day to remember."
"Oh yeah, he likes to end it with a bang. It kinda gets us ready for hell week"
"Hell week?" Hunter asked, almost afraid to know what it meant.
"The first week of actual team practice. It's awful, but it's really what makes the team so strong. Jackson is a big believer in conditioning. He thinks that there are lot of teams out there with players that are as technically good as us, but he's convinced that there is no team out there that can outplay us physically."
So his theory is 'survival of the fittest' Hunter noted.
"Jerric, if I make the team, am I gonna have any time to study?"
"First of all, it's when you make the team" Jerric reminded him, "and secondly we'll have to make time. Both of us."
Hunter pulled back the covers to his bed and removed his shirt, leaving him in a pair of loose fitting sweatpants.
"What are you doing?" Jerric asked.
"I'm going to bed. Remember, we just talked about how bad tomorrow was gonna be."
"Yeah, yeah, I know that part, but what I meant was why are you sleeping there?"
"Because this is my bed, where I always sleep."
Jerric was disappointed. "I was kinda hoping you'd sleep with me tonight."
He realized how that must have sounded to Hunter and tried to explain.
"Umm, I don't mean 'do anything', I just wanted to sleep with you next to me. I swear, as much as I'd liked to, I won't try anything. Scouts honor."
"Were you ever a Boy's Scout?"
"Not exactly"
Hunter chuckled. "I kinda figured that, and thanks for the offer, but I don't think so. Not tonight anyway."
He leaned over and kissed Jerric's cheek. "Good-night".
Chapter 13
Coach Jackson had acted as predicted. The practice was the most intense since the camp had started. Hunter was dead tired, but overall he was pleased with his performance. He had run the offense with virtually no flaws, shot over 95% at the free throw line and the adrenaline pumping through his body had kept him quick on his feet. Now it was nothing more than a waiting game. It would be 2 hours before the coach posted the final cuts. Two long hours.
"How about we go to the cafeteria and grab something cold to drink?" Jerric suggested.
"Jerric I can't stand this waiting" Hunter confessed. "I want to get it over with. If I didn't make the team, I wish the coach would have just told me."
"Look, I know its killing you, but there is nothing we can do now, other than find a way to take your mind off it for a bit." Jerric smiled a devilish grin. "I have an idea. You interested?"
Hunter knew exactly what Jerric was thinking. "You don't give up, do you?"
"Never" Jerric admitted. "So?"
"So I think one day your persistence is gonna pay off, but for now, how about we get that cold drink you were talking about."
"A cold shower is more like it" Jerric mumbled under his breath.