Rival Powers, Vying Worlds

On to the story.

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Caleb watched as Reid and Tyler almost lazily beat Aaron and his boys in game after game of pool. And Caleb knew that they weren't using their powers. He had known for close to a year now that Reid was good... really good and he didn't have to use his powers to win.

Since he had ascended, Caleb had easily felt when someone used and there was never any power involved in the pool games. Reid had ascended two months ago, receiving power that could rival Caleb's own, and he knew that Reid was determined to fight the pull. Every time Caleb felt Reid struggle against the seduction, Caleb felt more and more understanding creep into him.

The Garwin line was powerful and since they held so much power, the members of the Garwin line had to fight it all the more harder. Caleb had come to respect him for his control and restraint, two things that Caleb had thought would never be associated with the blonde.

Neither of the other two had had any trouble with their ascensions. Tyler had actually ascended last night and seemed to be almost more comfortable in his own skin, gaining a subtle confidence that had attracted flocks of girls to his and Reid's dorm, much to the blonde's dismay.

Pogue hadn't looked or acted any different than normal, just seemed to be stronger, physically. Caleb shuddered. Strength wasn’t the only thing that Pogue seemed to have gained from his ascension. Pogue had almost squeezed Tyler to death last night when he had hugged him. That and his reflexes had improved, making his bike his most dangerous pastime because of Pogue's tendency to push his limits.

Caleb cast a glance at his best friend. He had actually proposed to Kate right before he had ascended, almost succeeding in making Kate cry when she had to watch him yell out when the power jetted into his body. She had clung to him desperately, whispering, "Yes, yes, yes..." over and over.

Caleb just stood there grinning, happy for his friend and girlfriend.

Tyler was there, laughter vibrant in his eyes, even as Sarah glanced between Tyler, Kate, and Pogue, confused and worried all at once.

Reid just stood next to Caleb, his arms crossed, muttering things like "showoff" and "...probably couldn't ask without her sympathy". Caleb could only grin at the Reid's comments and let the blonde lean weakly against him. The Garwin heir had ascended two weeks before and was still weak, his body still recovering from the boost of power and the flu he had gotten from being out in the freezing rain.

The four of them were closer than ever, especially since Pogue and Tyler didn't have to act as the road blocks between him and Reid.

Sara hadn't minded Caleb's constant doting on the sick blonde; in fact, she seemed to encourage it whole heartedly. She and Caleb broke up only a few months after Caleb's birthday, realizing that while there may have been an attraction between them, they weren't what the other was looking for in a relationship. She seemed to see something that Caleb didn't and knew it. She had yet to stop being mysterious and cryptic.

In fact, every time she and Tyler were around each other, they'd both just smirk knowingly at him. And whenever Caleb had tried to wring it out of them they'd just grin wider and walk away laughing. It irritated the Danvers heir to no end. Especially since she and Tyler had gotten closer and even try as he might to be mad at them,

Caleb still felt himself genuinely happy for the two.

Caleb snapped his gaze away from where it had been resting when Reid had spotted him looking. Seconds later, Caleb couldn't stop his eyes from wandering back across the room, quickly taking in the image of Reid stretching across the table to take a shot, his shirt sliding up to reveal pale skin pulled tight over taut abs and sharp hips.

Caleb knew that Reid knew he was watching. Hell... Caleb knew that Reid knew that Caleb knew that Reid knew, but judging by the cocky smirk cast in his direction, the blonde didn't mind the fact that Caleb's watching was borderline staring.

Caleb tuned back into the conversation when the rest of the table laughed and judging by the eyes resting on him, he knew the joke at been at his expense. Pogue just gave another laugh and clapped Caleb on the back. Caleb tried not to wince at the skeletal jarring he received from the friendly gesture. Pogue extended his hand out to Kate with the offer of a dance. Kate declined, smiling. Caleb watched, highly amused when his friend actually pouted at his fiancé.

"Pogue, we can't, not 'til later." Kate giggled, also amused by her fiancés’ show. Pogue looked highly affronted at being refused before plopping somewhat gracefully into his chair.

“And why not?” Kate and Sarah looked at each other before bursting into giggles.

"We've already reserved the first dance for someone else." Sarah cut in. Pogue just looked befuddled.

"Who?"

"Me."
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