Yesterday's End

Yesterday's End Chapter 18

Yesterday's End-18

The following story is fictional and is intended for an adult audience with an open mind.

It is not meant to suggest anything about the sexuality of the celebrities included in this story.

This story is fiction, meaning not real.

It's all for fun and enjoyment.

If you are under age, or it is illegal in your country, or you don't like stories about gay sex, please stop reading this immediately.

Chapter 18

Lucas smiled, his eyes going to the vision of beauty that walked out of his bathroom.

Josh smiled at him, the man wearing a towel wrapped around his waist, his naked chest on full view.

Lucas himself lay on top of his large queen size bed, wearing only boxer shorts, his smooth toned body showing.

Josh smiled, Lucas' violet eyes meeting his.

"That shower hit the spot, the water was warm. Thanks for leaving me some." Josh smiled, Lucas smiling back, watching the man walk over to his suitcase which sat on a chair by the window.

When they'd returned to the hotel from Finn's home, Lucas had asked Josh to stay with him again for another night of joined togetherness, the man smiling and accepting graciously.

He'd carried his suitcase over from Justin's suite, the man then taking a shower after Lucas had showered.

Lucas had walked out of the bathroom in the same state of attire, Josh quietly watching the young man drop his towel by the dresser, a pair of white boxer briefs then covering his exposed tush and center, Josh trying not to ogle what was shown to him.

Lucas had smiled, winking at Josh.

"We're going to be together, Joshua. What I have I can honestly say may soon be yours. I might as well entice you a little." Lucas had said, a remaining mirthfulness still in his voice.

Josh had smiled, his blue eyes taking in every inch of the young man's stunning body.

"Enticing it is, my Luke. But I'll only deserve all of it when your love accepts that truth."
Lucas had smiled, Josh heading towards the bathroom for his shower.

Here now Josh was dressed the same, the man smiling towards Lucas, the young man trying to look at a book he had in his lap, his eyes glancing at Josh casually.

Josh smiled, the man's hand going to his towel, a pair of black boxers in his hand, Lucas' eyes lingered for a moment when Josh released the towel, the young man taking in the man's revealing nakedness.

Lucas turned away, Josh's vision of beauty burned into his mind, Josh smiling towards him as he pulled on his boxers.

"I cannot match the beauty before me, but I do hope I somehow have the beauty you long for, Luke."
Lucas smiled, his violet eyes meeting Josh's blue, the man walking towards the bed.

"You more than have that beauty, Joshua. You're damn near perfect!"

Josh laughed, Lucas smiling at him.

"Stoking the libido again?"

Lucas laughed, tossing the book he had in his hand onto the nightstand, the young man patting the bed sheet beside him.

Josh smiled, climbing into the bed, laying down beside Lucas, Lucas smiling at him.

"I'm totally comfortable with you now, Josh. As my earlier strip show showed."
Josh smiled, nodding his head.

"A show worthy of Carnegie Hall."

Lucas laughed, staring into the man's blue eyes.

Lucas moved forward, his lips meeting Josh's, the two kissing tenderly, Lucas breaking the kiss, Josh softly sighing.

"The performer of my soul. Encore!"

Lucas smiled, the young man moving against Josh, the man putting his arm around Lucas' bare back.

Lucas sighed, his head going against Josh's chest, feeling its smoothness and warmth.

"I'll sing and try to wow you forever, Joshua."

Josh smiled, leaning down and kissing Lucas' head.

"You're words were wrong, Josh."

Josh stared down at Lucas, the young man's head raising, their eyes meeting.

"You match and exceed my own looks. You're a handsome, beautiful, enticing man."

Josh smiled, Lucas leaning forward and kissing the man's soft lips, Josh lost in the kiss Lucas was giving him.

There was a little more flirtatious need in this kiss, Josh feeling Lucas' tongue pressing against his lips, Josh slowly opening them, Lucas' tongue licking across their softness, slinking a little into his mouth.

Josh sighed, Lucas moving back a little, his eyes opening, two pools of blue heaven staring at him.

"I trust you, Josh. I think we can move to the next level in our relationship."

Josh stared at the young man, his fingers going to the man's smooth cheek, feeling its softness.

"I trust you also, Lucas. Hell, you risked your life for me. If that's not genuine love and trust, I don't know what is."

Lucas softly smiled, Josh's fingers rubbing his cheek.

"But I want that next level to be on a more romantic plane, Lucas. I want to make that first night of our true physical love a moment of true magic for you. I have something in mind."

Lucas smiled, staring into the man's eyes.

"Something tells me I've fallen in love with a truly romantic man."
Josh smiled, the man's arms tightening around Lucas, the young man's head going to Josh's shoulder.

"That moment will be special, Lucas. Trust me on that. I want it to be a night that will wash away your past."
Lucas nodded, sighing against Josh's naked body.

"This is so nice, so intimate. I love this."
Josh smiled, nodding his head.

"But we need sleep, my Lucas. I think we should climb under the covers."
Lucas smiled, sighing again.

"Come on, we'll be together again in moments."
Lucas smiled, the two men moving, pulling the covers down, then back over them, Lucas returning to Josh's arms, Josh reaching up and clicking the light off.

The room was bathed in soft moonlight, Lucas' head returning to his Josh's smooth chest.

The two lay in silence, Lucas sensing Josh was thinking on something.

"Sleep doesn't come when you've a troubled mind, my love." he said, Josh sighing, kissing Lucas' forehead.

"What happened today, Lucas? After I walked into that hospital room and saw you healed I sensed something more in you. I've felt it all day. It's as if you're focusing all of yourself on something new."

Lucas sighed, kissing Josh's smooth chest.

"In a sense I am, Joshua. I've learned something about myself. No one showed me but I've reasoned it out. I think the magic of this stone--of my true self--is guiding me."
"You mean it's showing you things?"
Lucas moved, sitting up in the bed, Josh staring at his darkened image in the moonlight, Lucas' head turning to him.

"In a way, yes. Today I saw love flowing, Josh. Real love. I saw it as a pattern of colours, each singular in its own intensity and truth."

Josh looked genuinely surprised, Lucas staring at his moonlit covered face.

"You saw love, Lucas?"
Josh saw Lucas' head nod, the young man returning to Josh's warm embrace, Josh remaining quiet.

"I saw a soft white light go around Andrew and Trish. I ascertained it as the light of purity and beginning love. They're both innocent in the newness of their love."
Josh nodded, a little surprised by that.

"You mean. . .Trish or Andrew. . .they haven't. . .?"

"No, Josh. I've known Trish all my life. Her values mirror my own in many ways."
Josh smiled, kissing Lucas' head again.

"And I'm seeing Drew's light. His values mirror ours as well. I know now he'd never hurt her unintentionally."

Josh nodded, Lucas feeling the warmth of his smooth body against his own.

"And anything else?"

"I saw the joined love of my parents, and Finn and Sky, and their parents as well."

Josh nodded, focusing on those that remained.

"And what about myself? And Lance and Justin?" Josh said softly.

Lucas was silent for a moment, Josh remaining silent.

"I saw a green light around Lance, Josh."
"What does green mean?"
"Loneliness, Josh. Lance is so lonely. But his light was reaching out for someone, for a hope against the loneliness."

"I know Lance has been through a few tumultuous relationships, but I didn't sense he was that lonely. That's sad, Lucas."

"I don't think it's a sad loneliness, Josh. Lance is a together guy. Giving, loving, beautiful. He'll find his own happiness soon I think."
Josh nodded, Lucas snuggling more into him.

"And Justin?"

Lucas raised his head, leaning it against Josh's shoulder again.

"Justin's light was blue and revealing."
"What does blue mean?"

"It means--I believe--indecision, need and want."
"Was he joined with anyone?"

Lucas' eyes met Josh's blue pools in the semi-darkness.

"It was flowing from you and to me, Josh."

"Lucas. . .I. . .I haven't. . ."

Lucas' lips met Josh's, Josh feeling the young man's love.

Their lips parted, Lucas' face only inches from Josh's.

"I said it was his light, Josh. I think our Justin is still holding love for you and seeking it from me. His light was intense."

"I've talked to him, as have you, Luke. I. . .I can't go down that path again. . .I. . .I need a truer love. I. . .I need you."

Lucas smiled, kissing Josh's lips again, Josh feeling his calm love.

"Your true light was violet, Josh. Once the blue light returned to Justin.  I know your greater feelings are for me."

Josh smiled, Lucas returning to his chest.

"His light was intense because it's a needful and confused love. I think Justin Timberlake is a very lonely man."

Josh nodded, his arms tightening around Lucas.

"Justin has always been needful, Lucas. And he's never liked being alone. He also gives his love easily. I think someday that's going to hurt him as well."

"It already has, Josh."
Josh stared down at Lucas, the young man raising his head.

"I saw red blotches exploding in his light, Josh. He's had moments of pain, marks of hurt. Someone's hurt him recently."

Josh's brow furrowed, Lucas staring at him.

"Who. . .what do you mean, Luke?"

Lucas sighed, looking down at Josh again, Josh holding him close again.

"Behind that famous bravado and smiling face lays a man with a hurting soul, Joshua. We both love him, and we'll both be his friends. All we can do is wait for that hurting man to come out. And then we'll have to decide the paths we'll have to follow."

Josh stared at the young man he held, his eyes then going to the window, the moon having risen high in the night sky.

Lucas leaned forward, turning Josh's face to his, staring at him.

"I saw the blue light surrounding you, Josh. I know you still have deep feelings for Justin. But I trust you."

"I love you, Lucas."
Lucas smiled, moving his head again, their lips meeting.

"I know, Josh. I love you as well."

Josh smiled, Lucas' violet eyes sinking into his soul.

"What happens forward happens, Joshua. You and I will walk that path together."
Josh smiled, the young man laying back against his chest, closing his eyes.

"Good night, my Josh."
"Good night, my Luke."

Lucas smiled, settling down in the bed.

Josh stared down at him, his fingers stroking Lucas' soft curly hair.

What's going on, Lucas?
Justin was hurt?

Who would ever hurt him?

I'll make that person pay for doing that.

He's. . .he's my friend. . .and I. . .I love him.

Josh stared down at Lucas.

I. . .I still love him.

Oh God, Justin!
I love Lucas so much!

Why can't you let me be happy?

Why do you have to keep walking across my heart?

Get out of my soul!

Josh felt Lucas' arms tightening around him.

"Go to sleep, my love. Let your mind and life sort themselves out."

Josh stared downwards, two violet eyes looking up at him.

"I do love you, Lucas."

Lucas smiled, the man moving backwards, pulling Josh now against him, his strong arms drawing the man to his chest.

Josh's head went against its warmth and smoothness, the man lost in a love suddenly overpowering him.

"Sleep, my Joshua. My love is the sedative of life."

Josh closed his eyes, sighing, Lucas holding him close.

Within minutes Josh was asleep, his warm breath blowing on Lucas' right nipple.

Lucas remained silent, staring down at the beautiful man asleep against him.

I hope that you want to be mine, Joshua.

I could live with your love forever.

But why do I feel something else?

Why do I feel a shadow watching me?

Why do I feel so much more love?

Lucas' violet eyes stared at the man, their hue taking in a reflecting light surrounding the sleeping man.

It pulsed a soft violet, its hue changing continually.

Lucas saw the changing blue, the young man sighing.

Your heart and soul reveals its conflicting truth, Joshua.

Both are given to Justin and myself.

Do I have the strength to win that battle?

I do want you, Josh.

I need your love.

Lucas' violet eyes looked out into the night, the moon's glow brightening.

But his light. . .it was. . .so intense!

I felt it fill my soul.

What does it all mean?

Am I. . .are you. . .is life changing for me?

For us?

Lucas stared back down at the sleeping man against him, his fingers gently caressing his smooth cheek.

I love you, Josh.

I love you so much.

But I feel the path changing.

Lucas sighed, closing his eyes, a quietness crossing his face.

He fell into sleep, his mind sensing a revealing path of shadows.

"Lucas knows, Justin. I saw it on his face."
Justin stared at Lance with surprise, his friend staring back at him.

"Lance. . .I. . .I don't know what you're talking about."
Lance's hands went to Justin's shoulders, the man staring at him, a nervousness showing on his face.

"Don't lie to me, Justin. I've always known when you're lying. Your eyes give you away."

Justin tried not to look at Lance, the man staring at him.

"Look me in the eyes and tell me the truth, Jus."

Justin's blue eyes slowly moved, staring into Lance's green, their emerald intensity showing only love.

Justin lowered his head, the man moving to the bed, sitting down on it again.

"Yes, Lance. I've fallen in love with Lucas!"
Lance stared at Justin for a few moments, then moved, sitting down beside his friend.

"Do Josh and Lucas know that, Justin?"

Justin raised his eyes, staring at him.

"Josh senses something, as does Lucas. Both have talked to me, they've both told me that they want to love each other. That they both hope to find the love they need in only each other."

Lance nodded, staring at Justin.

"But you're not listening, are you? You're still hoping that that young man will turn to you to find that love."

Justin's blue eyes stared into Lance's green, Lance seeing the truth embedded there.

"And what about Jessica, Justin? Where does she lay in all your needs?"

Justin lowered his head again, Lance staring at him.

"I. . .I can't hurt her anymore, Lance. I've. . .I've fallen out of love with her. I have to tell her the truth."

Lance nodded, his hand going to Justin's shoulder.

"And what is that truth, Justin?"
Justin raised his head again, staring at his friend.

"That you've fallen in love with someone whom your best friend now loves? That that object of your desires loves your best friend back? That you've lost the chance to have that man to love? Can't you see that what you want is something that you can't have, Justin? Are you willing to hurt your friend to grasp at a hope for something that can't be?"

Justin's blue eyes teared up, the man moving against Lance, the man putting his arms around Justin's robed body, Lance still only in his boxer briefs.

"Oh, Lance! How can I destroy these feelings I have embedded in my soul? I love that man so much!"

"Why do you love him, Jus? What made him capture your soul? I've felt the young man's deep giving love, it is wonderful. But his true love, he's showing that to Josh. I've seen that truth, also. You can't lay claim to a love he gives to someone else. And I know you love our Josh deeply. Perhaps more than you've ever let on."
Justin's body moved back from Lance, his friend's green eyes filled with compassionate love.

"You and Josh were lovers once, weren't you?"

Justin stared at Lance with surprise, his friend softly smiling at him.

"That look shows the truth. I've always known there was something deep and ironclad in your close friendship with him. And I happened to see that love one night by mistake, long ago."

"You. . .you saw us. . .?"

"Yes, Justin. One night when we were in San Diego on a concert tour. I walked into Josh's suite looking for a book he'd borrowed. The bathroom door was open and you both hadn't heard me calling for Josh. The two of you were in the shower, and Josh was filling you with his love under the water."
Justin nodded, Lance smiling at him.

"It was a beautiful sight. One I've carried in my mind for years. There was so much love shown in it. I know the two of you eventually separated from that love. Whatever happened between you didn't change your love for each other. You're still friends."
"I was young, Lance. I wanted more than I thought Josh could give me. I walked a path of self-discovery. It's led me to this moment."
Lance nodded, rubbing Justin's shoulder.

"I'm glad he was your first, Justin. Josh is a giving, loving man. Do you still love him?"
Justin looked at Lance, Lance smiling at him.

"Yes, Lance. I still love him. And now I've fallen in love with his Lucas. What am I going to do?" Justin said, tears showing again in his eyes.

"They love each other, Jus. I see it easily growing in their eyes. I don't think you have any right to interfere with them. They've both found the love they need in each other."
Justin nodded, lowering his eyes again.

"It's. . .it's not fair, Lance. I introduced them, I destroyed my own heart myself."
Lance nodded, his arm going around Justin.

"Life isn't always fair, Justin. I think you need to look at the bigger picture. Josh and Lucas are falling in love with each other. That's going to happen. You can't in any way change that path. To do so would hurt one of them or both of them. I don't think you'd ever risk doing that. I see that you genuinely love both."
"So what am I supposed to do, Lance? Just ignore the feelings building in me? Deny what my heart wants?"

"What your heart wants it cannot have. Would you be truly happy if you gained that love at the expense of crushing Josh's soul?"
Justin looked out the window, the moon hanging high in the sky.

"No, Lance. I'd never hurt Josh's soul. It's already been through so much."
"Yes Jus, it has. And so has Lucas'. They've both weathered a path of hurt and pain. I think they've found in each other a way of finding happiness. The happiness of their love for each other."

"Josh does seem really happy. Like his old self." Justin said softly, Lance smiling at him.

"He is, Justin. And Lucas is the one who'd make that lost man come out again. I'm truly amazed at what Lucas has given Josh."

Justin nodded, looking into Lance's green eyes.

"What do I do, Lance?"

Lance smiled at Justin, seeing the old Justin showing as well.

The lost young man who needed others to guide him.

"You be their friend, you give them both your unchanged love. The friendship they'll love and need throughout their lives. Just as I've always needed it."
Justin nodded, his head going against Lance's chest, Lance holding him.

"I love them both so much, Lance. Why can't I. . .what if I. . .my love and body, why can't I give it to both of them?"

"You can give it, but not in the way you want, Justin. It isn't sex they're looking for from you. It the love of friendship."
Justin nodded, his head laying against Lance's smooth chest.

"I need someone, Lance. I need someone to love me. Like Josh loves Lucas."

"Jessica wasn't that person, Jus?"
"No, Lance. I've finally realized that. I think. . .I think it's a man I need."

Lance held the man in his arms, lightly rubbing his head.

"Then you need to be honest with Jessica, Justin."
"I know, Lance. And I need to be honest with myself."

Lance nodded, looking out into the darkness.

"When will I find that real person, Lance? That one who can love me for me? Totally for me?"

"I don't know, Justin. All I know is that you're a man with a giving heart, with a loving soul. You'll find him."

Justin sat up erect, Lance staring at him.

"I thought it was Lucas, Lance. I feel in my heart it's him."
Lance rubbed his shoulder, staring at him.

"It's not, Justin. Lucas loves Josh now."

Justin nodded, lowering his head.

"I guess. . .I guess I can't be loved by anyone. Maybe Adam was right. Maybe it's the sex I hunger for most. Maybe that's all I'll ever deserve."

Lance's brow furrowed, his arm going around his friend again.

"No, Justin. That's not true. There's more to you than just a hot ass to take."

Justin turned, staring into Lance's green eyes.

"How can you be so sure, Lance?"
Lance smiled softly at Justin, leaning forward and kissing his cheek.

"Because I've known you since you were a teenager, Justin. I've seen the real you. And that man's worthy of more than just being used."

Justin nodded, sighing.

"I. . .I won't interfere between Josh and Lucas, Lance. You have my word on that."

Lance nodded, pulling Justin against him, the man hugging him tight.

"But when do I find my love, Lance? When?" he softly sobbed, Lance holding him.

"He's out there, Justin. I truly believe that."
Justin lightly sobbed against Lance's chest, the man holding him.

"Right now you need sleep, Justin. How about you climb into this bed and sleep?"

Justin lifted his head, staring into Lance's green eyes.

"Stay with me, Lance? I. . .I need your friendship tonight."
Lance smiled, nodding.

He gently stood Justin up, Lance pulling back the covers of the bed, Justin's hands going to his robe, pulling it open, Lance's green eyes moving away.

Justin's naked body was on full display, the man walking over to the dresser, Lance's green eyes following his perfectly smooth butt, its firmness moving with muscled beauty.

Justin pulled out a pair of boxers, slipping them on, returning to Lance, the man smiling at him.

Justin climbed into the bed, moving to its left, Lance leaning down and clicking off the nightstand's lamp, the room bathed in semi darkness.

Lance climbed into the bed, pulling the covers over himself and Justin.

They lay beside each other, Justin suddenly moving, Lance feeling him go against his chest, Lance's arms going around him.

"Thank you, Lance. Thank you for not hating me for my feelings."
"You're a man of giving love, Justin. That love right now is confused. It will zone in on the right person."

Justin remained silent for a moment, his head raising, Lance staring into his blue eyes in the darkened room.

"Lance, I love you too. You're one of my best friends. I'm really starting to see that."
Lance smiled, Justin staring at him, lowering his eyes a little.

"Lance. . .if you want. . .if you want me. . .I'll. . .you can. . ."

Lance stared at Justin, lifting his chin.

"Justin, you're a beautiful man. To make love to you would be I'm sure a beautiful thing. But I would never use you, Justin. And I think it's time you realized that you don't have to submit to anyone. There's a beauty in you that someone will earn with love, not control. Understand me?"

Justin smiled, leaning forward and kissing Lance on the lips, Lance feeling a deep friendship in that kiss.

Justin pulled back, his head going to Lance's chest again.

"You're such a good friend, Lance. And you just missed out on heaven!"
Lance chuckled, lightly slapping Justin's clothed butt.

"Sorry, I'm not into wayward angels."

Justin laughed, snuggling into Lance's body, Lance smiling and tightening his hold on him.

"Close your eyes, Justy."
Justin smiled, closing his eyes.

"Night, Lance. Love ya."
"Night, Justin. Love ya back."
Justin smiled, settling down, Lance holding him as he felt the man slowly slip into slumber, his breathing relaxing.

Within a few minutes Justin was sound asleep, a soft snore filling the quietness in the room.

Lance stared down at his friend's sleeping face, his fingers gently brushing against his smooth blemish-free cheek.

I do love you, Justin.

Your love and beauty would be intense, and beautiful.

But it's not what I need, what I want.

I think the mirror's getting crowded with our reflecting love.

Lucas is staring at the reflection of all of our love for him.

I love him also, Jus.

Josh has robbed us both of his love and beauty.

God he's so lucky!
Why couldn't it have been me?

Why couldn't Lucas love me!?

Lance teared up, looking towards the window, the moon high and beaming.

He closed his eyes, the loneliness of his soul smothering his heart.*

New York City, New York

Lucas dropped the bags, sighing as he slipped the card into the door's slot.

"Home sweet home, Lucky!" Finn said, smiling behind him, his arms filled with bags as well.

Skyler and Trish were smiling at both men, Drew and Josh standing behind them, bags in their hands as well.

Lucas smiled back at everyone.

"Why do women always come back with more than they left with?"
Skyler slapped Lucas' shoulder with a smile, Lucas smiling back, opening the condo's front door.

"We like to shop, so there!" Trish said, sticking her tongue out, Lucas laughing.

He picked up his bags again, everyone walking into the place, Trish killing the shrilling alarm by the door.

All the bags were dropped by the front entrance, everyone walking into the condo's living room, Lucas plopping down on a couch, Josh as his side in moments, their hands entwining.

It was late Friday, the group having returned to New York City.

It had been an emotional departure, Lucas hugged by his parents, his friends locked in embraces by their families as well.

"We'll see you soon, Mom and Dad." he'd said to Vivian and Henderson, both tearing up.

"We'll get everything settled here, Trish and Lucas." Henderson said, their parents hugging and kissing both of their kids.

"Insurance agencies and such. A lot of paperwork for the house. Sean and Mavis are going to have to put up with us for a while." Henderson said, his son and daughter smiling at Finn's parents.

"And once that's settled you're both coming to New York." Lucas said, both nodding at him.

"Yes, son. Thank you for the offer." Vivian said, Lucas smiling at his mother.

Trish and Lucas had both insisted that their parents were coming to New York, Lucas wanting them close to him, what with the last few weeks of drama.

"We'll be alright, son. That man's dead. That should curtail whoever's behind this for a while." Henderson said, Lucas nodding.

The news of the one-eyed man's death had greeted everyone the morning after Lucas' release from the hospital.

They'd learned of his apparent heart attack, discussions voiced on that news.

"I still say it's too much of a coincidence, Lucas." Finn had said, Lucas nodding.

"My sentiments exactly, Finny. That's why I want Mom and Dad close to me. I still sense some underlying danger. I don't think this is all over yet." Lucas had said at breakfast that morning, everyone nodding at him.

"I'll keep them safe, Luke." Sean had said, Lucas smiling at him.

"I know you will, Papa Sean. And Trish and I want you two to visit soon as well."

"Sure thing, Luke. Thanks for the invite. I think Mamma Mavis will be thrilled by New York. She's always loved gaudiness!"

Sean laughed, Mavis slapping his head.

"Hence my being with you, my gaudy bauble!"

Everyone laughed, the two smiling at each other.

And so the group had departed in the airport, heading for home.

Here now they were back in their condo in New York, everyone relaxing from the long flight.

Finn had ordered pizzas, the fridge bare of food.

It was now after eight, the pizza boxes laying mostly empty on the coffee table.

"So what's on the agenda for the weekend, guys?" Finn said, snuggling on a large chair with Skyler.

"Well Justin said we had the weekend to relax, then back to the studios on Monday morning for the final cuts." Trish said, snuggled on a couch with Drew, the two entwined together, Lucas smiling at them.

Justin and Lance had hugged them goodbye downstairs, having dropped them all off, Justin heading back to his place, Lance heading home as well.

Josh had opted to stay with Lucas for the evening, Justin nodding.

"He'll stay here tonight, Jus. You can drop by in the morning for breakfast. You too, Lance." Lucas had said, smiling at his friend seated in the back of the taxi with Lance.

Justin had nodded, Lance smiling at everyone.

"Sweet! More of Luke's fantastic pancakes!"

Lucas had laughed, Justin and Lance driving away.

"Cool, two days off to relax with no drama." Finn smiled, looking towards Lucas.

"Sorry, bud."
"It's okay, Finny. I'm glad we're getting back to normal myself."
Finn smiled at him, Josh smiling at both.

"I'm a bit tired, guys. I think I'll call it a night." Lucas said, stretching, Josh smiling beside him.

"Me too, Lucky." he said, Finn and Trish smiling at each other.

"What?" Josh said, looking at both of them, Skyler smiling at him.

"We think that's perfect, Josh." she said, Lucas looking at her.

"What's perfect?" Lucas asked, looking at Josh, Trish laughing.

The young woman rose up, sitting down on Lucas' left side, Josh on his right.

"We think it's perfect that Josh now calls you Lucky."
Josh softly blushed, Trish smiling and leaning over Lucas, kissing Josh's cheek.

"I first started calling Lucas that name when he was ten years old. I always thought of him as my good luck charm. My lucky little brother. And he truly has been lucky, for all of us."
Lucas smiled, Trish kissing his cheek.

"But now he's a young man, with a blossoming love entering his heart. I think he's the lucky one now. For he now has you, Josh. So we think only you should call him that now. For he's now your lucky charm."

Josh smiled widely, kissing Lucas' cheek.

"Well, he is magically delicious!"

Everyone laughed, Lucas softly blushing towards Josh, Josh giving his cheek another kiss.

"But, I am the lucky guy, Patricia. I'm the luckiest guy in the world."

Everyone smiled, Lucas standing up.

"I'll think I'll hit the hay before Finn starts bawling."

Everyone laughed, Finn's the loudest, Josh laughing and standing up, his hand going in Lucas'.

"No loudness back there! I don't want to hear any screaming!" Finn laughed, Lucas looking back at him as the two men walked down the hallway.

"No worries, Finny.  Skyler's usually the one screaming for more, Shorty!!"

Everyone laughed, Finn's mouth hanging open, the two men disappearing down the hall among their own laughter, neither seeing Finn's one-finger salute.

Lucas smiled, the young man opening his violet eyes, two blue pools meeting his.

"Morning, my Lucky."
Lucas smiled, Josh's lips meeting his.

They broke the long tender kiss, Josh smiling.

"I've been wanting to do that for over an hour. You sleep so deeply."
Lucas smiled, his eyes scanning Josh's smooth chest, the man laying beside him, their bodies close.

"Ah, so my Joshy has been scanning me for an hour. Did he cop a feel?"

Josh blushed, Lucas lightly laughing.

"You can touch me, Josh. I know you want to."
"No, Lucas. Not while you're asleep. I'd. . .I'd feel that I was intruding."
Lucas smiled, the young man moving, pushing Josh backwards, the younger man now on top of him.

"I'm awake now. I think I'll touch every inch of you."
Josh looked surprised, Lucas beginning to laugh rather loudly.

Josh smiled, hearing the happiness in Lucas' beautiful voice.

He also felt a hardness against his own center.

"No worries, my old man. I won't deflower you so quickly."
Josh laughed, Lucas laughing more.

"Is that a pencil in your pocket or are you carrying a concealed weapon?"

Lucas stopped laughing, staring at Josh.

Josh saw the redness filling his cheeks, Josh laughing now.

"It's okay, Lucky. I know and feel it's bigger than a pencil."

Lucas stared at him, then both men burst into laughter, Lucas slowly moving off Josh.

"Sorry, Josh. I. . .I wake up excited."
Josh smiled, moving his body against Lucas', Lucas feeling a rising need in Josh also.

"I'm not that old, my young buck. I, too, feel the friskiness of morning happiness."
Lucas smiled, Josh leaning down, kissing him softly.

"I love the enticement, my Lucky. But the moment will be here soon."

Lucas smiled, his fingers rubbing Josh's cheek.

"I love when you call me that. I'll have to think up a pet name for you."
Josh smiled, batting his eyelids.

"Am I your pet now?"

Lucas laughed, smiling at him.

"No, Josh. You're my man."

Josh smiled, Lucas smiling back.

"Okay, let's get up. I promised everyone a big breakfast. I have to run out to the store first thing, though. The fridge is bare."
"I'll go with you, Lucky." Josh said, standing up, Lucas' eyes going to the tent showing in Josh's boxers.

Josh smiled, extending his hand.

Lucas smiled back, rising up, Josh seeing the same camping equipment on Lucas.

"Looks like our poles could withstand any wind storm." Josh smirked, Lucas smiling at him.

"Yeah, it would take a lot to blow them down."
Josh burst into laughter again, Lucas joining him.

The two smiled at each other, Lucas pulling him close again.

"Good morning, my Josh."
Josh smiled, Lucas kissing him again.

"Good morning, my Lucky."
"I need to feed my man. You shower, I'll get things organized."

Josh smiled, Lucas kissing his lips again, the young man grapping his shorts and t-shirt.

Josh smiled at him, Lucas walking out of the bedroom as he pulled on his clothes.

An hour and a half later Josh sat in the kitchen watching Lucas working at the stove.

The young man was humming, Josh smiling towards him.

They'd run out to the store, having returned about half an hour ago, Lucas starting to cook immediately.

The kitchen had filled with fragrant aromas, Josh's stomach growling, Lucas smiling towards him.

"Tame that beast, sexy. I'll feed you soon enough."
Josh grinned, their eyes meeting.

The kitchen door swung open, two men walking into the room.

"Speaking of beasts, here come the other two young bucks." Lucas smiled, Finn and Andrew smiling at him, Finn stretching, his body covered in only lounge pants, his hairy muscled chest on display.

Drew wore a wifebeater and a pair of flannel shorts.

Josh's eyes took in Finn's sculpted body, the young man smiling at him.

"Sorry, bud. This hairy beast has his own prey."

Josh softly blushed, Lucas and Finn both laughing, Drew smiling at them, sitting down beside Josh.

"You've got a blusher there, Luke! I'm going to have so much fun!"

Josh laughed, Lucas smiling at him with love.

"No worries, Finny. I'll teach my Joshy how to shock you."

Finn laughed, Josh winking at Lucas.

The man stood up, walking up to Finn, the younger man staring at him with a raised eyebrow.

"You may have captured your favourite prey, but I'm a meal unto myself. There's a lot of meat on my bone."

Lucas burst into laughter, Finn now blushing.

"Too much info, sweetie! Finn's picturing it in his mind!" Lucas laughed, Drew laughing at the table as well.

Josh laughed, Finn smiling some.

"You gay boys are crazy!"

Josh and Lucas laughed, Lucas handing Finn two cups of coffee.

"Sit down, Finny. Drew needs his coffee fix. That couch I'm sure was lumpy, even though it's new."

Drew smiled, nodding, stretching in his chair, Finn handing him one of the cups as he sat down at the table.

"It was fine, Luke. I was tired and I went out like a light."

Lucas nodded, smiling and pulling off the last pan filled with bacon, placing it all on a platter, putting the platter in the microwave above the counter.

"We'll eat once the ladies have exited their boudoirs." Lucas smiled, Finn smiling at him.

"Sky's up, she's in the shower. I heard nothing from Trashy's room." Finn said, Lucas smiling at Drew, as he and Josh sat down at the table joining their friends.

"Trish sleeps soundly and late, Drew. Just a word of warning." Lucas smiled, Drew nodding at him.

"She needs the sleep, Luke. It makes her more beautiful."

Finn made a gagging noise, Josh smirking, Lucas shaking his head.

"Ignore Mr, Romance here, Andrew. I know you think my sister's a vision of beauty. It shows easily in your eyes."
"She is beautiful, Luke. I've never met anyone so beautiful, inside and out."
The three other men smiled, Drew staring at his coffee cup.

"She thinks the same of you, Andrew. I see it easily in her eyes as well."

"She does? Really?" he softly said, Lucas' hand going to his shoulder.

"Yes, Andrew. I've never seen my sister so in love. She really loves you."

Drew smiled, his face radiating a soft happiness, it then suddenly softening more.

"We haven't. . .I haven't. . ."

Lucas smiled, nodding.

"I know, Andrew. That in time will come. Love can turn into a physical beauty at its own pace. My sister's love will more than make up for the wait. As I'm sure yours will too, Andrew."
Drew smiled, nodding.

"It's just Drew, Luke. You're all my friends."
Josh and Finn smiled, Finn's eyes meeting Lucas'.

"Yes, Finny. They're taking it slow. Not everyone's a horny pubescent stud like you."
Josh and Drew laughed, Finn grinning.

"No, I am one of a kind, that's for sure." he grinned.

"Heaven knows what kind!"

All four sets of male eyes went to the kitchen doorway, Trish and Skyler standing in the doorway in t-shirts and jeans.

Skyler had spoken, Finn smiling at her.

"I'm the kind you can't get enough of, sugar sweetie!" he smiled, Skyler sitting down in his lap, their lips meeting.

Trish smiled, Drew standing up and offering her his chair, their lips meeting as well in a softer, more tender kiss.

Lucas smiled, the condo's front door buzzer going off.

"The gang's now all here. That'll be Justin and Lance." Lucas smiled, the young man standing up and heading out of the room.

Lucas smiled as he opened the door, Justin and Lance smiling at him, Justin's hand in Jessica's, the woman releasing it, pulling Lucas into a tight, but gentle hug.

"Are you okay, sugar?" she said, Lucas softly smiling at her.

"I'm good, Jessica. Nice to see you again."

The woman smiled, looking towards Justin, the man softly smiling at Lucas.

"Justin told me everything. I came home early yesterday. He was so happy to see me." she said, Justin's arm going around her.

Lucas nodded, smiling at the couple, Lance gently hugging Lucas.

"I'm starving, Luke. Lead the way!" he smiled, Lucas smiling at him.

"This way, Lance. We have to keep our green-eyed angel happy."

Lance laughed and smiled, his eyes meeting Justin's.

"Best way is through my stomach, Luke."
"Then I'll succeed easily. The kitchen's well stocked."

All four laughed, Lucas letting them into his home.

The four walked into the kitchen, everyone saying hello, the three new arrivals smiling and hugging everyone.

Jessica was introduced to Drew, the young woman smiling at him.

"He's a looker, Trish. Are all the Welsh men so beautiful?"

Drew laughed, smiling at the actress.

"I'm actually Scottish, Miss Biel." he smiled, Jessica smiling back.

"It's just Jessica, Andrew." she smiled.

"It's just Drew, Jessica." he replied back, Trish smiling at him, their hands joining.

"Okay, enough of the batting eyes, I'm starving!" Finn said, Lance agreeing with him, the two holding forks in their hands.

"Men and their stomachs!" Skyler smiled, Jessica laughing.

"Everyone sit down, I've got breakfast all ready." Lucas smiled, Josh standing up and helping his boyfriend set out all the food from the microwave and oven.

Everyone sat down, Lucas saying a short grace, everyone beginning to eat.

The front buzzer went off again, Josh smiling at Lucas, patting his shoulder.

"I'll get it, Luke. Are you expecting anyone else?"
"No, everyone's here." Lucas smiled, Josh nodding, wiping his lips with a napkin, rising and walking towards the door.

"It might be a courier from the studio. I asked the producer to send by the finished tracks. I'm sure you want to review them, Luke." Justin said, smiling at him, Lucas smiling back.

"For sure, Jus. I'm dying to hear the finished product." Lucas smiled, everyone smiling at him, his three bandmates showing eagerness in their faces as well.

Josh smiled back at Lucas, walking out of the room, heading to the front door, smiling as he opened it, his face suddenly registering a surprised look.

"Hello, Josh. Where is he?"

Josh stared at the man standing in the doorway, a fixed determined look on the man's rugged, masculine face.

"Where's. . .where's who? What are you doing here? I thought you were in L.A?"

Josh stared into two brown intense eyes.

"I'll kill him, Josh! I'll find him myself!"

Joey Fatone didn't say another word, walking past his shocked friend, heading for the kitchen.

End of Chapter 18

And our forgotten friend, Joseph Fatone walks onto the stage of this story.

Seems the man is on a determined mission.

Is Luke the target in his sights?
And what's got Joey so miffed?

A chapter of returning normalcy, our gang settling into their musical lives again.

But who am I to leave anything calm and relaxed?

Onward we go, the path widens.

And it may change a little.

I want to at this time, wish everyone a happy and safe New Year.

Best wishes for the upcoming year.

Hugs, Angel.

email: music-fan-1@hotmail.com