Chapter 2: Mind Games
Considering the amount of alcohol he consumed, and the troubled night of sleep he received because of Johns revelation, Rick woke up surprisingly early. It was 11:30 and luckily he did not have a hangover. His room was sizable, because he was the only child of the house not to have flown the coop. He had first choice, but surprisingly he did not pick the largest room.
In an amazing bit of forethought that people had come to expect of him, he had picked the room that was easiest to slip in and out of unnoticed. This aided him greatly in hiding his less than reputable activities.
His room was well lived, and well cluttered. Posters were strung on the walls, and he had a queen size bed because he was so tall. Still, the dominating feature of his room was his computer. It has taken him 2 solid years of working and saving before he could afford the setup he wanted, and it was quite a sight to behold. His work station looked exactly as you would expect from someone as knowledgeable and skilled with computers as Rick was; extremely cluttered with four large flat screen monitors all synch together, each displaying different information filled with data streams and command prompts. To anyone with less experience it would look extremely chaotic, but to Rick it was all built for maximum efficiency. His keyboard was custom made and unique. It was curved, and several of the keys were spaced in unusual ways. Again however, this was all part of Ricks modifications for efficiency, and clearly they were effective.
Rick sat in his chair, still thinking hard about what happened before.
That damned fool. He said to himself.
He awoke his computer from hibernation and began searching the internet for any information on metahumans who could control fire. His fingers moved in a blur of speed, and he slowly whittled away at the staggering amount of information he had acquired. It seemed that the most helpful information came from biographies of Heroes, who usually went into great detail about how their powers had manifested. There he read about experiments and testimony on how they were able to push themselves into acquiring new abilities such as fire shields, choking embers and even flight. He thought that this information would be invaluable to John as he trained to hone his skills.
Then an interesting idea entered his head.
************
It was 2:50, and John was just arriving at Ricks house. They were such old friends that he did not even need to knock and was always welcome just to walk in. Still, John always felt uncomfortable just barging in and knocked on the back door. He was greeted by Ricks mother who told him Rick was where he always was.
John walked down the hall way and saw that Ricks door was open a crack. He let himself in and saw Rick on his computer. He had his headphones on, and was no doubt listening to that god awful music he codes to. He was completely oblivious to the fact that John had entered his room, fixated on his task at hand. John was always wary of seeing Rick like this. His hands were moving faster than he could keep up, and he always noticed that he would never hit the back button; he was making no mistakes. God knows what he was doing now, and John just hoped it was nothing illegal.
Most people would be afraid of scaring someone who was in the state Rick was by trying to get their attention. The first time John saw Rick like this, he sat in silence for 20 minutes because he was afraid of scaring Rick right out of his chair. The fact is, he couldnt have been more wrong. It is very difficult to draw Rick out of this state. His mind was focused on one thing; every sense and thought process was devoted to solving his problem. Many would have considered him catatonic if it not for the whirling of his hands over his keyboard. John had long ago discovered the best way to awaken him from this state. He simply unplugged his keyboard. This sudden catastrophe immediately snapped Rick back to reality.
Ricked blinked several times, looked down, and examined his keyboard. He then looked up and noticed John standing next to him.
John, youre here? Is it 3 all ready? Said Rick, almost like he had just awoken from a deep sleep.
Yeah man, you remember right? Said John slightly annoyed.
Right. Said Rick, Ive searched just about as far and wide as I could and I found some records I think can be helpful for us. Their over there on my bed.
Rick pointed to a stack of paper no less than a foot thick, freshly printed and organized, on the corner of his bed.
I should have known. Irked John, Is there just a summary you can give me?
Rick gave John a nasty stare and with that John conceded.
All right all right, I get it. Ill read them tonight said a dismayed John.
A few seconds passed in silence.
So what do you think I am? Asked John, A blaster? Controller?
Blaster. said Rick, with a hint of fatigue in his voice.
I knew it! Said John excitedly, I always wanted to be a blaster.
***********
That was good thinking there bringing the fire extinguisher said John
Rick stomped out the last remaining embers of what used to be an old mattress, which was dumped in the field a few months beforehand.
That was a good shot though right? Cmon you know it was. Said John pridefully.
Its a shame I told you to hit the bush though. Said Rick smartly, with a smile on his face.
The two had been working for just over four hours, trying to see what John could and could not do. Through their trials, they knew that he had no trouble summoning fire at will, but aiming was proving to be more difficult than they both thought.
Rick picked up the data he had procured before and began searching for a passage that caught his eye earlier.
Hmmm sighed Rick, Ah-ha! Ive found it.
What? asked John
Well said Rick, I was able to get a copy of Flame-Runners autobiography. You know, that hero from Paragon City who cracked that big Circle of Thorns murder case about 15 years ago. Most of it deals with his career as a hero, but chapter 2 was all about how he gained his power.
John nodded. Go on.
It says here began Rick, That he had a lot of problems with accuracy as well.
How did he solve them asked John.
Well he said fighting outdoors was always harder than fighting indoors, because the wind would always push his shots. said Rick.
Theres no wind today though. said John slightly depressed.
Well also, he said that you have to take thermodynamics into account too. Tell me, are you aiming right at the target? asked Rick.
Well, yeah. Answered John.
Rick began, Remember that heat will rise, so naturally your bolts will always go higher than your aiming point. Try aiming lower. Go for that wooden pallet
Right. Said a determined John.
John squared his shoulders and looked hard at the pallet. His eyes erupted into flame, and a spike of fire manifested in his right hand.
Remember, aim low spoke Rick.
John concentrated for a few more seconds and then threw the flame as hard as he could.
*********
Youre getting better; you actually hit the target. Mocked Rick
Yeah yeah, it only took an hour said John weakly.
I think youve finally found your mark though, I believe you can hit just about anything now. Said Rick.
So long as its not moving. muttered John.
Take it slow man, you got to crawl before you can walk. Replied Rick
With daylight fading, the two friends decided to call it an evening.
Ill see you at school I guess, you still wont tell me how you plan to test Sara? asked John
Na, it would ruin the surprise.said Rick, Just be patient, you will see soon enough.
Fine, have it your way. Said John.
As the two began to walk their separate ways, Rick heard the unmistakable sound of John lighting up. He turned around just in time to see the bush he was aiming for earlier erupt into flame. John smiled at Rick. Rick, not amused, shook he head and turned back home. John grinned even more and headed back himself.
***********
It was Monday. Rick hated Mondays. He willed himself out of bed and checked his e-mail before getting dressed for school. The sun had already been out for quite some time before Rick was on his way. He arrived 10 minutes before classes, and found John sitting at his desk.
Good morning sunshine. Said John mockingly.
Whats so good about it? mumbled Rick.
Well today is the day we figure out if Sara is a telepath or not replied John
I guess so. Said Rick.
**********
Rick did not have a class with Sara until after lunch. After eating with John and reminding him not to tell or show anyone his powers, he headed off to class. He thought in his head what might happen.
Probably nothing. He thought, pondering about the absurdity that he was about to engage in. Shes not a telepath at all, were both just paranoid, but god help me if she is.
He walked into his classroom. There were about 20 desks lined up in 4 rows of 5. His desk was 2 rows away from Saras. She was already in the class when he arrived.He had known Sara for quite some time, but he always felt he did not really know much about her. Sara was short, no more than 53. She was wearing a black t-shirt with blue-jeans, her long blond hair reaching almost down the whole length of her back. She had many friends, but everyone seemed to keep their distance from her. Many could not understand how she could know so much about the daily drama of who liked who, and who said something to someone. She was not the most popular girl in school by any means, but Rick always thought she could have pulled off being a cheerleader or the likes. She was, after all, quite beautiful, but never seemed to have a boyfriend which only added to his suspension. She looked around the room, and her deep blue eyes met his. He looked away nervously and pulled out his homework. She giggled to herself and turned back around.
God damnit He thought to himself, this is absurd.
****
He decided to wait until the end of class before he would try it. As the class bell rang and everyone got up to leave, Rick made sure he was right behind Sara. After they exited the room, Rick lightly tapped Sara on the shoulder. She turned around gracefully and looked him right in the eye.
Their eyes locked for about 10 seconds. Not a single word was spoken between them. Suddenly Sara turned bright red and slapped Rick across the face with all of her might.
PIG! she yelled.
She seemed just as surprised as he was. Then all of the color drained out of her face. After a few seconds she spoke.
You
tricked me didnt you? she said slowly.
She did not wait for a reply. With everyone in the hall watching she did an about face, and quickly walked away.
Rick was speechless.
******
Wait wait wait, you did WHAT? yelled John into his cell phone.
Well, when she turned around and I knew I had her attention, I thought of me and her
well
you know. Replied Rick.
Why that of all things? replied John quickly.
I needed it to be something very shocking, something that she could not hide her reaction if she heard it like it came from my mouth. Said Rick casually.
Judging by the handprint I heard about on your face, I say you were successful. Said John jokingly.
What was even more disturbing was after she slapped me, I though in my head Gotcha. Apparently she picked that up too. She ran away before I could say anything else. Said Rick
Damn, so she really is a telepath said John
Maybe, or maybe she as some sort of magic, or gadget or any other number of things. I wont know for sure until I talk to her again. Said Rick.
Sounds like you have a bit of a crush there Rick. Mocked John.
Shaddup John Rick slowly answered.
Ill let you know more when it comes to me yeah? said Rick.
Allright man, sounds good. Replied John
Oh and one more thing, Its a safe bet she knows about you John, so I would not tell anyone about her powers either. Said Rick.
Always thinking ahead I see answer John, clearly meaning to say You are right as usual."
"Maybe if this hole hero things works out I can finally work up the nerve to ask her out. You know Ive had a thing for her for a while. Said John.
She probably knows already, but I would ask her anyways. You know how girls like to play with your head. Said Rick.
No pun intended. Said Rick, catching himself.
Well see I guess. Said John, Ill catch your tomorrow man.
Alright, later. Replied Rick.
Rick hung up his cell phone. He sat in silence in deep thought for a few moments then began typing on his computer. He began searching for ways to block telepathy, and found several interesting articles. He did not know what to expect out of Sara and wanted to know how to best protect himself.
He looked up for a moment, and turned his head side to side to make sure the coast was clear. His parents were both asleep, so he decided that he had earned a smoke. He reached under his desk and pulled out a pack of cigarettes. He pulled one out of the box, put it to his lips and lit it. He took a deep draw and slowly exhaled.
He held the cigarette in-between his fingers and contemplated how much he hated lying to his friend. He noticed he began to feel heavy and extremely tired. Slowly the room turned darker, until he was in pitch blackness. Suddenly he heard a female voice call his name sounding hollow and distant, and instantly was standing in an empty field. The sky was twilight, and a figure with a white aura was standing in front of him. She said his name again, but this time it was clear and he could tell who was speaking to him.
Sara? he asked half curious, half petrified.
I bet you thought that was pretty funny today, huh? she asked angrily, but still appearing angelic.
It was not my intention to be funny, it was my intention to find the truth. Rick replied.
You could have just asked me you know. Said Sara, with an annoyed tone.
You could have lied replied Rick, Im sorry if I embarrassed you, and even sorrier if you feel I violated you. That is not what I think about when I speak to you.
I know. said Sara in a calmer voice, Im sorry for hitting you.
Naa replied Rick, I had it coming, but that is your last freeby.
Sara chuckled gingerly and cracked a small smile.
So I guess you know about John too? said Rick.
Yeah, I saw his dream. Scary stuff, real scary. Im worried about him now, what he might become. Said Sara.
Become what? asked Rick.
In good time Rick. Was all she replied.
Speaking of which, we have just about run out of time Rick, I just wanted to be sure of your intentions, and now I know. Sara said.
Youve read my thoughts? Asked Rick.
Only the important bits. She said with a smile.
Before you go, I think we should meet tomorrow, and discus
well things. Said Rick.
She paused for a few moments.
Meet me after school at the park with John. I know what you wish to talk about. She said briskly.
Until then. Rick said with a smile, And again, Im sorry if I offended you.
She began to turn around but then paused for a moment and looked at Rick with a question in her eyes.
Yeehaw? she said sarcastically with a smile.
This made Rick blush brightly.
Suddenly the heavy feeling came over Rick again, and soon he was surrounded by blackness. He felt a sharp pain between his fingers and almost shook himself out of his chair. It took him a moment for him to get his bearings and soon he realized he was back in his room. He looked at his hand and saw that the cigarette had burned all the way to the filter and scarred his fingers. He had not moved the whole time.
Damn he thought to himself, what have I got myself into.
Well this is my first attempt at story telling, so do tell me what you think. Criticism is more than welcome. If people like it enough, many many more chapters to come. Without further delay, I present my story "Light and Flame"
---------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 1: Confessions and Confidence
The night had been surprising cool, considering the heat from that summers day. It was a half moon out that night, which in the cloudless sky provided more than enough light to see. A small campfire provided a little more luminescence and two boys in their late teens sat in chairs watching a dying fire smolder over its last flames.
They enjoyed this spot, partially because the trees made them difficult to see even with a small fire going, but mostly because it gave them a spot in walking distance from their house to drink in peace without being disturbed by local authorities. A running joke between the two old friends was that the police had enough on their hands with the Skulls, and they did not want to be responsible for dragging resources away to bust a couple of drunken [censored] teens.
They were drinking that night to be sure. It was a Friday, and neither of them had to work the next day. The area around the campfire was littered with beer cans, and the larger of the two was finishing off the last of a bottle of Jack Daniels.
Youre gonna pay for that in the morning you do know that right? said the smaller one.
Ha, Ill be fine. Besides, I havent had a good hangover in a while. replied the larger one.
Youre a damn fool Rick, the smaller one said with a smile.
Whatever John, youre the one drinking with me. What does that make you? Rick said with a smirk.
Jackass. replied John.
Rick was taller than John by several inches. He had blond hair with blue eyes, and a very dark tan from practice in the sun. He was a lineman on the local football team, and was built like one. He was very strong, the result of years of lifting weights. He was by no means fat; he just had a very large frame. Surprisingly however, most people knew him for his skills with computers. He is a very proficient programmer, even at the age of 17; enough so that he had already had several job offers come his way. He turned them down for the desire to go to college. Known only to a few of his closest friends was the fact the he was also a notorious hacker. His exploits are well known on the internet community and some even have made coverage on international news networks. He constantly accesses restricted files, usually pertaining to the criminal group known as the Council. He has an unnatural fascination with this criminal organization, and a hatred of them to match.
John was notably shorter than Rick, with brown hair and brown eyes. He had a much more athletic build that Rick. He was also on the football team, and played as a safety. Many considered him easily the best in the district. He was good tempered, and never had any problems with anyone. This does not mean he could not handle himself; he has won every fight he had ever been in except for one with Rick, which to this day he claims he was just playing around. Rick has noticed lately that John had been acting distant, almost like he is in shock about something.
With the last remark from John, Rick rose out of his char and walked casually to his bag and pulled out a cigar. John eyed him as he walked back and sat in his chair, amazed that he was not stumbling with the sheer amount of alcohol he drank. He picked up the Jack Daniels, and gestured towards John to take the bottle. John declined and Rick proceeded to drink the last of it. He then pulled out a matchbook and lit the cigar, drawing deeply to assure it stayed lit. John stared uneasily at the flame.
I thought you quit smoking? said John with a bit of sarcasm in his voice.
I did, well cigarettes at least. I only like the cigars when Ive been drinking. replied Rick.
No worries man, no one likes a quitter anyways. Said John being a [censored], But I have to ask, why did you start in the first place.
Youve seen me when Im working, how blank I go. Sometimes I needed a little jolt to bring me back to reality. said Rick tiredly.
I would hardly call what you do working. You know one day youre going to get caught. Hell with all the crimes youve committed on the web, I wouldnt be surprised if Statesman himself would come do your door and arrest you. John said arrogantly.
What I do is not a crime, well at least not to me. Besides you forget about all the programs Ive sent to the Phalanx. Without my help, that two-bit hacker from the Rogue Islands would have had their entire defense system shut down. Rick replied.
Too bad they think you were the one who tried to hack them in the first place. Besides you have hacked them before. You stole all those classified reports on the Council. Said John angrily. Thats high treason; they hang you for that!
They will never catch me. They are too arrogant, too high and mighty. Besides you know those damned Council are pushing into this town. Ive seen several of them in the streets trying to recruit. By god I even saw a flyer or two at school last year. They have an agenda, and they need to be stopped. Ive alerted Freedom Corps of this through anonymous e-mail, but they say that they are too small to be considered a threat, and no action can be taken while the Skulls still have the vastly superior numbers. Rick said in a fury. As long as their numbers continue to grow, they will eventually take over this town. Then we would be in real trouble. The Skulls are dangerous to be sure but the Council, they are dangerous and well organized with a clear plan. That makes them more hazardous than anything Ive seen so far.
John stared at his best friend for several seconds before answering.
You are right of course, but how do you intend to stop them? said John
John and Rick had been best friends since elementary school. They were best friends in every sense of the phrase. Rick had even saved Johns life once when he pushed him out of the way of a speeding car. They had grown up together, and trusted each other completely. They were more like brothers really, and each tried to keep the other out of trouble. Yet John had one secret that he kept from Rick that he kept from everyone. He decided that he would tell this secret to one of the people he trusted most in his life, and he valued his advise as much as his own fathers.
Well, Said Rick after a long pause with a small smile on his face, Im still thinking of that.
Several seconds passed in silence. John finally decided to speak his peace about his predicament.
How long have we been friends Rick? John asked.
Hmm, going on 9 years now I think. Why? Replied Rick after a brief pause, and with a slightly puzzled look.
Can I ask you something Rick, rather, can I tell you something? It is something that I have been wrestling with for a long time. Ive given it as much thought as a can but I still dont know what to make of it. Said John nervously.
After a brief pause he continued.
To tell you the truth, Im actually terrified. Im terrified of the situation Im in now. I feel like Im in a hole, and I have no way to escape.
A visible shudder shook John. Rick, who in the beginning though John was playing one of his usual tricks on him, quickly realized that John was being absolutely serious and immediately noticed the tension in his eyes and face. He had not seen John this visibly shaken in the entire course of their friendship, not even when he was almost hit by a car full of Skulls speeding away from a drive-by shooting.
Several seconds passed, and Ricks faced contorted a little bit. He suddenly wish he was not quite as inebriated as his was now. His mind pondered what problem could be troubling his friend when his face suddenly had a surprised and slightly angered look on it.
Oh god Rick said in a tone that was both tired and annoyed. Youre not a Homosexual are you? Rick said quietly. Damnit why do they always come out to me!
John gave him a puzzled look, which surprised Rick.
Not that there is anything wrong with that, youre my best friend, and you will still be my best friend even if you are gay Rick quickly blurted out, quickly trying to repair any possible damage his last statement might have caused his friendship.
John shook his head and rolled his eyes in disbelief at the stupidity of his friend.
Rick you [censored] Im not Homosexual! Yelled John
Its ok man, really, your still my best friend said Rick in a calm tone.
Im not gay! yelled John again.
After a few seconds, Rick slouched over his chair and looked at John. A quick glanced showed the he was not amused. Rick settled down, puffing his cigar furiously.
All right all right, well if thats not it, than what is the problem? Said Rick, quite seriously.
A few seconds passed and John gathered himself. He took a deep breath, and searched for the words he was going to use.
About a month ago, John started, I was working in the shop up at school. Well you know we use the blowtorches a lot up there to make trailers for the agg class.
Yeah. Rick said while nodding.
John continued, Well I was working with a Torch one day and I was cutting a piece of metal. I wasnt paying attention and accidently grabbed a piece of red hot steel with my bare hand.
Ssssyowch Said Rick with a puckered face.
Yeah I know. Said John, I thought I was screwed for sure, but when I let go and looked at my hand, there was no injury or pain. Hell I did not even feel the heat.
Sounds like you got lucky Said Rick. You sure the metal was red hot?
Im sure Replied John
There was another brief pause.
John continued, The next week, I had been thinking about what occurred. I decided to test to see if it would happen again. So I boiled some water, and stuck my pinky into the scalding water.
What happened? Rick said carefully after a brief pause.
Nothing, not a damn thing. No swelling, no pain, and no sensation of heat.
He paused.
So next I tried to see how long I could hold an ice cube. I could feel the extreme cold and had to let it go after a while. Im pretty sure it only works with fire. Replied John
Rick looked troubled, and then finally spoke.
Show me he said, gesturing with his head to the fire coals and taking a big puff from his cigar.
Without hesitation, John stood up and placed his palm flat on the fire coals, looking Rick right into the eyes.
What are you doing! exclaimed Rick, pulling his hand out of the fire. I was joking! Immediately he examined Johns hand for injury, and was astonished to not find a single mark of the coals extreme heat.
What the hell? Rick said in amazement.
Thats not all. John said and then paused, About 2 weeks ago I was having a terrible nightmare. I mean god-awful. I was running from something made of fire; it was chasing me down. I was being hunted, and it was quickly gaining ground. I was running as fast as I could, but it caught me. I remember its fiery embrace, feeling the burning all around my body. I woke up screaming in agony, but it was still like I was in the dream. Fire was all over my body; my bed was burning and my smoke alarm went off. At the time I didnt know what the hell happened. That morning I was thinking about the dream, about the feeling I had when the demon grabbed me. I closed my eyes and remembered that intense burning sensation. I opened my eyes, and saw myself in the mirror.
He paused; collecting himself visibly shook by the memory.
Well, what happened? said Rick nervously, eagerly awaiting an answer.
John looked at him for a few more seconds, assuring himself that this was the right thing do to. He held out his right hand, closed his eyes and thought of the dream again. Sparks began to collect in his fingertips, soon turning white hot. Instantly a bright orange flame appeared hovering a few inches above the palm of his hands.
He opened his eyes and looked at his friend, flame manifesting from his eyes.
Rick now understood why his friend had been so scared. He was first to break the silence.
Christ almighty John, youre a metahuman. Said Rick, astonished by what he was witnessing.
Neither of them said a word for quite some time. Both were trying to rationalize what they were seeing. The orange flame in Johns hands danced in anticipation. Rick thought carefully about that he would say next.
It is a gift John, a kingly gift. No. A godly gift. Does this mean you a mutant?
I guess it does Replied John, his eyes still burning a bright orange.
What do you plan on doing? Freedom corps? Staying local, maybe even joining the Trailblazers?
I dont know Rick. said John angrily, Thats why Im asking you what to do.
Rick sat in silence, trying to think of the best advice he could give his friend. He decided to tell John what he would do in the same situation.
You turn 18 in 9 months right man?
John nodded.
You were always 5 months older than me and you know it Said John
You should join Freedom Corps. Get licensed, go out and do some good. said Rick slowly.
You think I can cut it as a Hero? You think I could survive out there? I can barley manifest the flame as it is, and you want me to go kill some Skulls? John said annoyed.
You asked for my advice and Ive given it to you. Youre gifted beyond anything I can imagine. You have potential to do some real good, even become a great hero. Freedom Corps and train you, make you stronger. What else would you do, become a villain? spoke Rick in a zen-like way.
I could, couldnt I? said John dazed, wading in thought.
Rick stood up and backhanded John across the face, burning his hand on the flames coming from Johns eyes.
Dont even think about that nonsense. If you ever became a villain I would beat the stupid out of you, yelled Rick, angered almost beyond words.
Well what do I do in the meantime then? asked a stunned John.
Train. You seem to be able to conjure the flame easily. You need to try to learn to control it, make it obey your will. Said Rick. Can you change the shape of the flame at all?
John nodded . He closed his eyes and concentrated. The flame in his palm dance and flickered, suddenly taking the shape of a sword.
Wicked. said Rick.
John smiled, and soon dismissed the flame in his hand. He sat back in his chair, relieved that he had a friend to count on.
One question though. Said Rick.
Shoot. Said John.
Does anyone else know? asked Rick.
John sat silently for a few moments.
I think Sara knows. Said John, I dont know how she does, but I get the feeling she knows Im hiding something.
It is odd, said Rick, Ive never been able to keep a secret from that girl, and she can always tell when Im lying.
I know, its almost like she can read your mind said John quickly.
They both stared at each other.
You dont think said Rick.
She couldnt possibly be. Said John
I dont know John, five minutes ago I did not know you could make a sword of fire appear from thin air. replied Rick.
Well what are you suggesting? said John
I think I have a plan to tell. I just hope she isnt a telepath, otherwise it could get ugly said Rick with a grin across his face.
What did you have in mind? asked John
Oh youll see. Said Rick, If I turn up a corpse you will know. said Rick.
John smiled. It was the first time he had done so the entire night.
Well damn, its 4:30. I better sneak back home before the folks catch me drunk. Said Rick.
Yeah, Im tired as hell replied John.
Tomorrow, meet me at my house around 3. Said Rick.
What for? Replied John.
Your training. Ill help you as much as I can said Rick
The two of them collected cans and stashed them in the usual spot, doused the fire and packed up their chairs. They always intended to leave their spot like they found it. Before parting for the night, John had one last thing to say.
Rick? John said
Yeah. he replied.
Thanks man. It means a lot to me. Replied John.
Rick smiled and nodded. The two friends did their ritual hi-fiving that they had done since middle school and parted ways for the night.