“What are you doing?” Keith hissed angrily at Evan. “Let him go this instant!” He added and then he pulled Lav closer to him. He was so angry that Evan was trying to take Lav away. It didn’t matter what Evan wants, what his reason could be, Keith wouldn’t let him have Lav.

“Stay out of this, this is between me and him.” Evan hissed angrily back as he pulled Lav again.

“Wow… lucky you…” Melanie said as she took another shot of her drink. She wasn’t even drunk yet, but she sure sounds like it. “No matter how entertaining this is to me…” She said suddenly. “…you’re both hurting Lav. So could you stop it already?” She asked seriously.

“I can’t let this continue.” Evan said. “Are you really out of your mind? You’ve been here for what, a month, and you’re already living with a random guy you just met.” Evan sounded very angry. Keith became furious. He didn’t like the way Evan was making him the villain, also, he didn’t like being called a random guy. He was not just a random guy; he is the man that Lav chose.

“Who I chose to date and to live with is none of your business.” Lav said coldly. “And Keith is not just a random guy, just so you know; we’re in love.” He said as he looked at Evan. Keith was really happy to hear Lav say that in public. He felt proud and more smitten.

Evan looked shocked, he almost let go of Lav. “Love? We just broke up and you’re saying that you’re already in love with someone else?” Evan sounded very shock.

“Why? Can’t I do that? When we’re still together, you were kissing someone else. Hell, you even introduced her as your lover to all of your friends. At least I have the decency to break it up with you before I started a new relationship.” Lav said as he tried to get away from Evan’s grip.

Keith moved closer. What he heard was enough. He stood up and took hold of Lav and Evan’s hand and then pulled them apart. He stood between Lav and Evan as glared at Evan with fiery eyes. “Get lost.” He hissed.

“Don’t get too confident about yourself.” Evan hissed back. “Do you think that Laverne really loves you?” He asked mockingly. “I wouldn’t count on it. Stop confusing him, stop using him in your games, and don’t you dare lay your hands on him.” Evan said.

“When you cheated on him, you already lost the right to worry about him in that way.” Keith said confidently. He wouldn’t lose to Evan.

“I would get you back.” Evan said as he looked at Lav, ignoring Keith. “I realized that I can’t lose you at all. I can’t take seeing you with someone else. I want you to myself, I want you back. I…” Keith knew what Evan was going to say next but he had enough. He won’t let anyone else say those words to Lab but him.

He held Evan by the collar and then glared at him. “Just get lost.” He hissed angrily and then pushed Evan away.

Evan looked angry. He was about to fight back when Lav suddenly stood up. He held Keith by the shoulder and then turned him around. And then to everyone’s surprised, he kissed Keith. “Is that enough of an answer for you?” He asked Evan seriously. Evan didn’t say anything else and just left.

“That’s a bold move.” Melanie said proudly. “We really are cousins.” She said and then drank a glass of beer. “But I don’t think Evan would give up that easily. I know him, he is really persistent, and he would never stop until he gets the result he wants. And the result that he wants right now is to get you back. You two better watch out.” She said.

Keith was still a little bit flustered. He wondered if what Lav did was the right thing. But his worries were wiped away when took his hand and held it tight. “Don’t worry.” Lav said in a confident tone. “Keith and I would never let anything get in our way. Even the impossible.” He said in a meaningful tone.

Those words made Keith smile. He felt the same way. There was no way he would let Lav go. “I’ll protect Lav, from anything and from anyone. I promise that.” Keith said and he held Lav’s hand tighter.

Melanie got pretty drunk that night, and after bringing her back in her room, Lav and Keith went into their own room and chatted. Keith was glad to see that Lav wasn’t as affected by Evan as before. “I wonder what gotten into Evan.” Lav said. “He seems fine about our break-up before. Well, it doesn’t matter anymore…”

“Are you worrying about him?” Keith asked in a gentle tone as both of them sat on the sofa together.

“Well, not exactly. I’m worried about what he might do.” Lav said.

“I already told you not to worry. I won’t let him touch you.” Keith was confident. He would protect Lav no matter what. Keith was wondering about something. He wanted to know what exactly Lav was planning to get back at Cara. He just wanted to help as much as he could. “What exactly are you planning to do with Cara?”

“Well, it’s not final yet. But I’m hoping that she’ll get in the finals with me and then my plan would be all set.” Lav said with a meaningful grin. “Let’s not talk about them anymore.”

“Then, what do you want to talk about?” Keith asked as he took Lav’s hand and held it.

“After the contest, I’m planning on going back home. You would come with me, right?” Lav sounded very hesitant.

Keith was very happy, but tried to contain his happiness. “We promised to be always at each others’ side. I intend to keep that promise.” Keith said. He was pleasantly surprised when Lav’s head landed on his shoulder.

“Wow…” Lav said in a musing tone. “This is very comfortable.” He added then wrapped his arms around Keith’s chest. Keith wondered if Lav could feel and hear the fast and hard beating of his heart.

Keith moved his arms and wrapped it around Lav. It was indeed very comfortable. He could get used to that lovely feeling. The two of them stayed like that as they talk, before sleep finally visited Lav.

The morning came and everything seemed perfect. Lav was busy practicing and Keith was enjoying listening to the sweet melody of the violin. Everything was bliss until the doorbell rang. And to both of their surprise, Evan was outside Lav’s hotel room.

“What the heck is he doing here?” Keith sounded very pissed. It was so frustrating to Keith that Evan came in the morning. There was no way Keith could protect Lav from that man in his current ghostly state.

“What do you want now? I’m busy.” Lav said coldly.

“Where is that man?” Evan asked in a stern tone.

“I’m right here.” Keith said mockingly as he walked around Evan. How he wanted to punch Evan at that moment.

“That man’s name is Keith, and he is not here.” Lav answered in a strong tone. “Could you just please leave me alone?” Keith felt good that Lav was on his side. It was clear to him that Evan couldn’t sway Lav anymore.

“You can’t let that man stay here in your room. You barely even know him.” Evan protested. “Do you know how dangerous what you’re doing is? He is a stranger, Laverne, you don’t know what he might do to you.”

“I knew you, but I never expected you to cheat on me.” Laverne replied slyly. “I know Keith enough and I know that he would never hurt me.” Lav said and Keith’s heart fluttered. “Evan, you have no right to barge into my life anymore. I can date and love whoever I want, and I couldn’t care less about your relationship as well. So just leave and go back to that witch.” Lav tried to close the door but Evan just forced it open.

Evan entered the room even if Lav was protesting. “Be thankful that I couldn’t touch you right now.” Keith said angrily on Evan’s ear. He was really irritated at how forceful Evan was.

“Get out! Now!” Lav shouted.

“I’m going to wait for that guy and then I’ll make him leave you alone.” Evan said stubbornly.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Lav sounded pretty pissed off.

“I’m worried about you.” Evan said. “Every time I think that you are staying in one room with another a guy, my mind goes crazy.” He continued.

Lav sighed. Keith was worried about that reaction. “Hey, don’t tell me you’re going to believe him.” Keith protested at Lav. “He is just saying that to get into your mind.”

“Wow! You’re worried about me?” Lav said sarcastically. “Like hell, I would believe that! When we were together and you were cheating on me, did you worry about what I would feel then? No, you worried what might happen to your career. You’ve never worried about me, so don’t come here to tell me that you are worried because I am sleeping with another man. I am happy with him, and it doesn’t concern you anymore.”

“I know why you’re doing this, and you win. I want you back.” Keith knew what Evan was trying to imply. He was saying that Lav was only with him to make Evan jealous and get him back. But Keith trust Lav, he knew that their feelings are mutual, he could feel it every time they are together.

“How very absurdly confident you are.” Lav said. “I’m not with him to make you jealous. And if you are, it’s none of my concern. I really love Keith. Please, leave now.” Keith’s heart skipped a beat when he heard what Lav said.

“I understand.” Evan said, defeated. “But I would not give up. See you later.” Evan left. Keith was really frustrated, he was so angry at Evan that he just wanted to hit him, but he couldn’t even touch him in that ghostly state.

“What the hell is wrong with him?” Keith was so irritated.

“I hope that you’re not too worried. It’s not like my feelings for him would come back.” Lav explained in a worried tone. “I already woke up. You’re the one for me now, so don’t be jealous or angry and don’t get worried. I would never come back to Evan because I already have you.”

Keith could clearly see the sincerity of Lav’s every word through his eyes. Lav’s eyes were like magnifying glasses that only made his words clearer, those eyes are a mirror that clearly reflects what he truly feels. “I know that. I can see that in your eyes.” Keith said and smiled reassuringly.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Finally, the day of the contest arrived. It was a whole day event. The final 5 would be picked in the morning and would have to perform again in the evening for the finals. Laverne didn’t expect the event to be that huge. The judges ranged from a big-time talent agency director to the dean of a top-performing arts school. The cash prize was of a substantial amount, but the contestants were more interested of being scouted by the judges.

Laverne on the other hand was only interested in keeping his promise with Thomas Green; to show everyone the real beauty of classical music.

“Are you nervous?” Melanie asked when they were at the backstage. “You look good, and you’ll be fine, so don’t worry.” She said as she fixed Laverne’s tie. “Well, I can’t blame you if you’re nervous…”

“I’m not nervous, so stop saying that I am.” Laverne said quite impatiently. “You keep on repeating, nervous, nervous… it’s irritating, you know.” Laverne complained, he wasn’t nervous, but excited to step on the stage.

“You look really great in that suit.” Keith said to him with a big smile. Knowing that Keith was there watching and supporting him was all the confidence boost that Laverne ever needed. “I’m going to stay by your side the whole time, okay.” Keith said.

“Where is Keith anyway? Isn’t he going to support you here?” Melanie asked.

Laverne looked at Keith and then saw him chuckling. “He’s working, but he’ll be able to watch the finals.” It wasn’t a far-fetched lie, considering Keith looked to be at that age.

“Well, that’s what you get for dating someone older.” Melanie said and then started fixing Laverne’s hair instead.

“Oh stop that. My hair is fine already. You just fixed it a while ago.” Laverne complained. Melanie was acting totally like his mother, so proud, and more excited than he was. Sometimes she acts more like an aunt than a cousin.

“I just want to make sure that everything is perfect.” She said.

“You are perfect for me, every time.” Keith said. Laverne tried his best not to show his embarrassment. And just like that, the competition finally began.

There were many performers and the theater was filled with supporters and audiences alike. The atmosphere at the backstage was very competitive and tensed. There were many who sang that Laverne was starting to doubt is he was in the right competition. There were some who danced, and those who played musical instruments played a more modern piece.

The performer before Laverne was no other than Cara. She sang a ballad, and even though Laverne didn’t want to admit it, she was quite pretty good. He was watching behind the curtain and saw that everyone was enjoying Cara’s performance and when her performance was over, the theater was filled with the noise of everyone clapping and cheering.

When the surprised Cara saw him, she just snapped her head and then walked away.

Finally, it was Laverne’s turn, and everyone fell silent. “Don’t mind them, just play comfortably. You’re great, you’re really talented, so there’s nothing to worry about. You just have to show them what you’re really capable of.” Keith added.

Laverne lifted his head and showed his face to the whole theater for the first time. Then slowly, he lifted his violin and started playing.

The music from his violin echoed in the whole theater and there was no other noise that could be heard at all. Laverne played with his heart and his music pierced right through the listeners’ heart. His innocent and angelic face awed the audience and it was the reason for their initial stunned silence, and it was also the reason that they couldn’t tear their eyes away from him.

His music was wonderfully ethereal, each note he played was like strings that pulled the listeners' emotions and moved their heart deeply.

Laverne was enjoying that moment. He forgot everyone in the theater but Keith. He only thought of Keith and he imagined that no one else was there but the two of them. Even with a huge audience, Laverne was playing for Keith and only for Keith.

When his performance was over, the judges gave him a standing ovation and the crowd started cheering and clapping even louder than they did for Cara. “See, I told you that you are great.” Keith said proudly as he clapped.

“It’s all because of you, because you are by my side.” Laverne replied honestly. He wouldn’t be able to play that beautifully if Keith was not there, by his side, supporting him.

When he returned to the backstage, everyone was staring at him. No, they were glaring. Laverne could feel their competitiveness through those heavy stares. “It looks like everyone recognizes your talent. They're watching you closely…” Keith said proudly.

Cara then walked closer to them. “What are you doing here?” She asked in an irritated tone.

“I’m here to compete.” Laverne answered. “Calm down. Even if you’re threatened, don’t show it too much.”

“Why would I even feel threatened? Because of you? Why, what are you planning to do now? This isn’t a place for people like you.” She said bitterly.

“Ohh… If only she isn’t a woman, I would already…” Keith sounded very pissed.

“Even if I’m planning something, I wouldn’t tell you what it is. And even if you know, it’s not like you can stop me.” Laverne grinned when he saw a hint of fear in Cara’s eyes. “You better be careful.” He said mockingly. He wanted Cara to panic, to get really scared enough to mess her own performance, but that wasn’t his real plan. “Ahhh… that’s right. I met your three friends before. Could you apologize to them for me, my friend kind of beaten them up.” Laverne said in a serious and meaningful tone.

Cara was obviously shocked. Laverne could tell that she was panicking at that moment. The rapid movement of her eyes and the trembling of her hands clearly showed her nervousness. “I have no idea what you are talking about.” She said in a shaky voice before turning back and walking away.

“With the way she acted, she’s like admitting her guilt.” Keith said. “She must be really afraid that you know that she was the one behind that assault.” Keith said seriously with a hint of anger in his voice. “I can’t forgive her for what she did to you.”

“I understand, neither can I.” Laverne really loathed that woman. He couldn’t understand how she could be that conniving. Sure, he made her lose her reputation on campus, but she deserved it after openly stealing Evan. “I feel partly responsible for all this mess. If only I moved on from Evan sooner, then I wouldn’t be that angry at her, and I wouldn’t have messed up her reputation.”

“What?” Keith complained. “You are not responsible at all, not even one bit. That woman is simply vile and evil. Like you said before, she is a witch, a very evil witch.”

“That was great!” Melanie greeted Laverne when he finished changing clothes. “And I got really good footage too. Did you know how many sexy hot guys performed here today?” She sounded very excited. “But don’t worry, I got good footage of you too. Do you want to see?”

“No thanks, I have a feeling I would get to see it over and over again at home.” Laverne said tiredly. He knew his mother would not leave him after that, she would act so proud to the point of going overboard.

“You’ll win for sure! No one else stands a chance!” Melanie said proudly and loudly.

“Hey, could you not shout that here?” They were still at the backstage and Laverne was really embarrassed. The other performers would surely be offended.

“She’s only saying the truth.” Keith said proudly. Laverne wanted to tell him off as well, but he couldn’t do it in front of Melanie and all those people, he would look really crazy.

“What? It’s alright, at least they wouldn’t expect anything. I’m just sparing them the pain of expectation and disappointment. You see, I’m only saving them the trouble.” She said smugly.

The winners of the first round were announced and as expected, Laverne got in the finals, and as he hoped, Cara also did. With that result, Laverne’s plan would finally be set into motion. He only had to make sure to win the whole competition for everything to work.

They had a meal in a near restaurant after that. They visited Thomas Green and the old man was clearly so happy at his performance. After that, they rested at a nearby cafe. The finals would start a few hours after the sun falls. Laverne was excited and nervous at the same time.

He left Melanie to go to the restroom, but Keith followed him. He was about to return when he was obstructed by two men. He recognized them as fellow contestants from that morning. They were a dance tandem and were in the finals as well.

“What do you want?” Laverne asked as he saw some apprehension in their eyes. They were certainly very suspicious and Laverne knew instantly that they were up to no good at all.

“Run, Lav, they’re up to something.” Keith warned.

Laverne tried to simply walk away, but one of the men pinned him on the wall while the other took his right hand. “Don’t worry, this would hurt only a bit, but it’s alright, it won’t leave any permanent damages. Too bad you wouldn’t be able to perform at the finals, though.” The man holding his hand said as he twisted it.

It was very painful. If that continues then he wouldn’t be able to play his violin anymore. The man kept on twisting and twisting until Laverne reached his limit. He tried to shout but the other man covered his mouth.

“Lav!” Keith shouted in agony.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Keith couldn’t believe that it was happening again. He couldn’t do anything to save Lav. The sun was still up and Keith knew that there was nothing he could do. It broke his heart when Lav shouted in pain, but the fact that he couldn’t do anything hurt even more.

Lav’s eyes suddenly changed. He looked fierce and angry. He kicked both men on the shin and when they staggered in pain, Lav followed it by another kick on the groin.

“Don’t worry, you could still dance tonight. Even if I can’t play the violin, I doubt you would win. You can dance your way to hell, bastards.” Lav said angrily before walking out.

“How did you manage to beat them? They were bigger…” Keith mused. He was still worried about Lav’s hand, but he was very curious.

“When I heard you shout, I know that you must be blaming yourself. When I knew that, something inside me just snapped. I thought that I couldn’t always make you worry.” Keith felt flattered. “That and most definitely an adrenaline rush.”

“What about your hand? Can you still play for the finals?” He was worried that Lav might not able to play anymore. He wanted Lav to win so badly.

“It’s not badly hurt, but I don’t think I can play for weeks.” Keith became very worried and it clearly showed in his face. He wanted to touch Lav’s hand and comfort him, but the sun was still up, and he couldn’t do anything. “Don’t worry, as I said I would still win. I could always sing, you know.” Lav sounded very confident.

“Sing? You would sing?” Keith never heard Lav sing before. He wondered what Lav’s singing voice was like. Keith didn’t know what to expect, but Lav looked so confident about that. Even so, Keith was still curiously worried about the competition.

“Yes, I would sing. I think it would work well, plus I would beat Cara in her own game. Why, don’t you trust me? I’m pretty good, you know.” Lav had a confident smile.

“And pretty confident too. Well, if you’re that confident, then I have no choice but to trust in you. You have my support no matter what.” Keith said reassuringly. “But your hand still needs to be taken care of.” Keith was still worried.

“I understand, I’ll make Melanie bring me to a clinic. The sun is setting, you could meet us there, after you transform. I can’t wait for my congratulatory kiss.” Lav said happily.

“What? Kiss…?” Keith blushed embarrassedly. It was the first time he heard Lav speak that forwardly about such thing to him. Sure, Keith was surprised, but at the same time, he was pretty happy. He was glad that Lav was initiating.

“Yes.” Lav replied shortly with a smitten smile.

The night came and Keith waited outside the clinic as planned. He was really worried about Lav’s hand. He didn’t want Lav’s injury to last long. He loved hearing Lav play and he knew that Lav loves playing the violin as well.

Keith’s feelings were lifted up when Lav and Melanie walked out of the clinic. He approached them instantly. “How did it go?” He asked very worriedly. Lav’s hand was bandaged.

“Good, finally you’re here.” Melanie said. She looked relieved and yet a bit worried. Keith started to worry as well.

“I came as soon as I heard from Lav what happened.” He told Melanie and rushed over to LAv’s side. “How is your hand?”

“It would take a few weeks to heal. But enough of that, you promised me something.” Lav said with a meaningful smile. “I want it now.” He walked closer to Keith and then tiptoed. They kissed for a short while before Lav moved back. “There, I feel much better.” He said with a smile, while his face was blushing.

“Ahh… really, this is not the time for that.” Melanie complained. “What are you going to do about the contest?” She sounded worried as well.

“I’m going to sing.” Lav said proudly.

“Ohhh… this would be fun…” Melanie said with a bright smile.