M This is a sexually explicit story (at times) involving homosexuality. By continuing to read, you affirm under penalties of perjury that you are not a minor or in the company of a minor and are entitled to have access to this story.
The following is a fictitious story with no real basis or credibility. It is solely for the enjoyment of the reader. Its all just fun. It does not imply anything about the sexual preferences or lifestyle of Justin Timberlake or any other celebrity mentioned in the story.
Previously
Zach and Christina came running into the room, Nana and Jonathan right
behind them.
Justin pulled back looking at them.
He turned and looked at Michael, he could now see the tears in Justin's
eyes.
Everyone stood quietly letting Justin talk.
"That was Steve, Mico."
Michael tensed up. Something was wrong with Vicky.
"It's Vicky, isn't it? What's wrong, Jus. Please." Michael was getting
upset. Justin held him close.
"She didn't show up for Christmas Eve, Michael. They had no word from her.
Steve flew up to Chicago yesterday afternoon, to see what was wrong."
Justin didn't know how to tell Michael, but he had to.
"Steve found her, Michael, at the apartment. She'd been beaten up pretty
badly. She's in a coma in the hospital in Chicago. It doesn't look good,
Mico."
Nana was crying, Christina and Zach also emotional. Zach had his arm around
Nana.
Michael stood frozen.
No, this couldn't be true. No, not Vicky.
"What happened Justin, was it a mugging?" Christina asked.
Justin put his head down, the looked back up into Michael's eyes.
"No, it wasn't a mugging. Not by what Steve found in the apartment."
"What did he find, Jus?" Michael was close to breaking down.
"He found writing across the living room wall."
Everyone looked at Justin.
"It said: The Angel of Vengeance will have you Michael, you can't hide."
Michael fell onto the couch screaming Vicky's name.
Chapter 52
Justin held Michael, Michael crying into his chest.
Justin had never seen Michael so distraught. He was trembling with emotion.
"Oh, God, Jus. It's all my fault. He was after me and he hurt her. It's all my fault."
Michael started crying, shedding tears for his hurt friend.
Justin rubbed his back, trying to calm him down.
"It's not your fault, Mico. This guy is a sick bastard who has no regard for anyone. He just hurt her because he couldn't get to you. And he's not going to get to you or hurt anyone else that we care about. I promise you that."
Justin held him, everyone seeing Justin's command of the situation.
Michael pulled away from Justin, his emotions calming down a bit.
"I have to go, Jus. I have to go see her. Maybe I can help her. Maybe I can use my gifts to help her. I have to do that for her, she's my best friend."
Justin could see the anguish and hurt in Michael's wet eyes.
"I'll go with you, Mico. We'll go together. And Lonnie and Paulo as well. You're not leaving my sight, understand?"
Michael nodded, Nana sitting down beside him. She put her arm around him, Michael relaxing back, resting his head on her shoulder.
Justin got up quietly talking to Zach and Christina.
He picked up the phone calling Paulo and Lonnie.
After a few minutes, Justin sat down again with Michael.
He'd calmed down somewhat, Nana helping him deal with his emotions.
Michael leaned in against him, resting his head on his chest.
"It's going to be okay, Mico. She's going to be alright. She has to be."
Michael hoped Justin was right. He prayed he was right.
Paulo and his grandfather arrived shortly after, Paulo and Alberto both hugging Michael.
"I'm not leaving your side, Michael. Not till this bastard is found. Understand?" Paulo said, Michael seeing the determination in his green eyes.
"Thanks, Paulo. I need you, I really do."
Paulo smiled at him, for once feeling he could help Michael.
"I've arranged a private flight out to Chicago in about three hours. We should get ready." Paulo said."Lonnie's meeting us in Chicago. He's flying out from home in about an hour."
Lonnie had gone home for Christmas.
Justin got up, pulling Michael up with him.
Zach put his arm around him, walking him out of the room to go pack with help from Christina.
"I'll be by his side, Justin. I'm not letting him out of my sight." Paulo said.
Justin smiled at him.
Paulo opened his jacket, Justin looking at a gun holstered to his chest.
"I've got the permits, I have the authority to carry it." Paulo said with determination.
Seeing the gun made Justin uneasy.
"Is that necessary, Paulo?"
Alberto put his hand on Justin's shoulder. He looked into his golden eyes.
"We have to protect him, Justin. Michael has to be kept safe, for many reasons. You know that."
Justin nodded.
"He doesn't have to know about the gun, Jus. It would only upset him. It would be better if he were oblivious to it." Paulo said putting his hand on his shoulder.
"I think it would be best. He doesn't need any more worry on his mind." Justin said, sitting down in a chair, looking at the two men.
"Who can this guy be, it's not Paul, we know that for sure." Nana said trying to figure what was going on.
Alberto looked at her, Nana sensing his reluctance about something.
"What is it you're not telling us, Alberto?" She said.
"I think it may be someone that Fredrick has hired to kill Michael." Alberto said point blank at her.
Justin and her gaped looking at him.
"You really think that? That Fredrick is still after Michael? After all these years."
"He knows the prophecy. He knows what Michael means to our family. He won't stop until Michael is dead. I'm sorry I didn't tell you that before. I didn't want to upset Michael. It's because of my love for Ramone that my other son wants to destroy my family."
Alberto sad down putting his face in his hands.
Paulo looked down at him, knowing his grandfather's pain.
Nana sat down beside Alberto, putting her hand on his shoulder.
"My own son tried to take over control of the family from me. He tried to oust me from the duty given to me by faith. He was filled with greed, greed for the wealth of our family. We have huge resources of wealth. The greed of seeing that entered his soul. He was always different, never happy with what I gave him. And his jealousy over his brother's success only deepened his hatred for us."
Nana felt for Alberto, for his failure to keep his own family together.
"Ramone and Fredrick were so different from each other, so unalike. Fredrick was a moody, selfish, mean child. Ramone was a tender, loving, faithful child. I had every intention of having Ramone succeed me to the leadership of our family. His heart and soul was full of goodness and faith. Michael is so like his father, my special child."
Nana smiled at that, remembering the young man she'd only known for a short time. She and her late husband hadn't known him enough to judge him fairly, she now regretted that.
If he was like Michael, then Nana felt he must of been a loving man.
Not like the beast she'd seen a few years later. The man who'd hurt Michael so much.
"Fredrick was going to take the family by force, by planning my death. Ramone found out that treachery and tried to stop it. These crippled legs are a result of that attempt. Fredrick had hired someone to kill me. They laid a bomb in my home, if it hadn't been for my Ramone, I would of died that day. He sensed the bomb somehow and put himself between me and it. It killed him, and injured me."
Nana had tears in her eyes, seeing the sacrifice Ramone had made, for the love of his father.
"As sure as I am here, my son Fredrick killed his own brother. For greed and wealth, and for power. He wants to control the family, to use its power to rule the world. I've hunted him ever since. I can only hope one day to bring him to justice for his crimes against the family."
Nana put her arm around him, holding him, Alberto brushing away the tears.
"In a short time I will be no longer patriarch of the family. My own granddaughter is seeking the job for her husband, another man with greedy ambitions. I hope Michael's part in this will stop that. The family needs faith and goodness, not greed and dissolution."
"They will have it again, grandfather. If I have any say in it." Michael said standing at the door. He'd heard everything.
Alberto looked up, seeing his grandson looking at him.
Michael walked up to him, taking his hands in his.
"You have been the driving force in our family's faith, in our goodness. The next leader will carry your faith and goodness with him, have no doubt of that, grandfather."
Alberto smiled at him, tears falling, Michael leaning down and kissing his cheek.
"I've come to a decision, grandfather. My family, my friends, everyone I care about may be in harms way. I will not let anything happen to any of you. It's time I took charge of my destiny, of my family. I know now what I must do to achieve that goal."
Michael knelt down in front of him.
"Will you give me the faith and goodness I need to face the future?"
Alberto looked into his eyes, his golden eyes. He saw something there he hadn't seen before, a determination, and a pact. A pact to protect his family.
"I will give you everything I have, Michael."
Michael closed his eyes, and laid his hand on Alberto's forehead. Alberto felt a warmth flood him, a feeling of deep love.
Michael opened his eyes and smiled.
He then moved next to his grandmother, still remaining on his knees.
"Will you give me the faith and goodness I need to face the future?" he asked her also, closing his eyes and putting his hand on her forehead.
"I will give you everything I have, Michael." She said, wondering what was going on as she felt the warmth flood through her.
He opened his eyes again, smiling.
Michael stood, then walked over to Paulo. Paulo looked at him, also questioning what was going on.
Michael knelt in front of him then, asking the same question when he put his hand on his forehead.
"Will you give me the faith and goodness I need to face the future?"
"I will give you everything I have, Michael." He said, feeling the same warmth.
Michael smiled getting up.
Uncle Silas, Zach and Christina had walked into the room while Michael was finishing with Nana. They'd watched him do the same devotion to Paulo.
Michael then walked up to them, kneeling in front of them.
They all knelt down, Michael giving the same devotion to them.
When they were done Michael rose again, walked up to Justin.
Justin could still see tears in his golden eyes, but he saw something new. It seemed as if Michael's eyes were mirrored with other eyes, as if his soul had joined with others.
"I require no pact with you, my love, our pact is bonded forever in our souls." He said taking his hand in his.
Michael turned and looked at everyone.
"I've asked you all that question to finalize the truth. The truth of your love for me and my love for you. I am bonded to all of you now. I needed to find some way to protect those I care about, to protect them from harm.
Adrian once taught me a devotion, a devotion of family love and a pact of that love. That is what I've done here today. Vicky's attack has made my resolve harden. I am going to protect all of you. I must. If they can't get me they may go after you to hurt me. And damned if I will let that happen again. I had to do what I just did with all of you knowing that you all are my family. I am now a part of you, I will be beside you and inside you. If any of you are in danger, I will sense it in a moment. And I now have the power to protect you and help you protect yourselves."
Everyone stared at Michael stunned.
"That warmth you felt a moment ago, was my love. I am part of all of you now. My faith and love are inside you to protect you. I will be with you, to communicate with you and to be there for you. For all of you."
Everyone walked up to him, realizing the depth of his love for them.
"No one hurts my family, no one." Michael said sobbing, tears running down his face.
They all hugged him as a group, Justin seeing the love they all had for his remarkable lover.
Michael regained control of his emotions, looking at Justin.
"Justin, I want to do the same for your family. I must, they need to be a part of me also. I need to protect them all, even the guys."
Justin had tears in his eyes, Michael loved them all, Michael wanted to protect them all.
"Of course, Mico. We'll stop at the other house on our way to the airport." Justin kissed his cheek, Michael hugging him.
"Well, we should go then, Michael." Paulo said going into the hall and picking up their suitcases.
Alberto walked up to Michael, kissing his cheek also.
"I am going home tomorrow, Michael. I won't see you again for a while. Please keep in touch, let me know how you are."
Michael hugged his grandfather, kissing his cheek.
"We will see each other soon enough, grandfather."
Alberto smiled, loving his grandson so much, finding his own faith again, his faith in love and family.
"I'm so glad I found you, Poppa. I feel my life is complete now. You're my grandfather and I love you."
Alberto hugged him tightly the tears flowing.
Michael parted from him, hugging his Nana, then Uncle Silas.
"We're going home tomorrow also You take care of yourself, Michael. And let us know how Vicky's doing. Tell her she's in all our prayers. We all love her." Nana was tearing now also, Michael kissing her and hugging her.
Zach and Christina hugged him then, Becky climbing into his arms.
"Love ya, Uncle Michael. " She said, Michael smiling and kissing her. He let her leap into Justin 's arms, knowing her love for him.
"I love ya, Uncle Justin. I'm going to miss you."
"I'm going to miss you, my little angel, you be good, okay?"
"I'll see you tomorrow night, Michael. I'll stop by and see if I can help with Vicky." Zach said.
Zach was a newly-appointed surgeon in the hospital Vicky was in.
"Thanks, Zach. See you tomorrow." Michael hugged him again, Justin and him walking out the door.
They drove away to the waves of Michael's family.
The stopped at Justin's other home, talking to his family. Michael administering the same pact of devotion with his family. They all felt for Michael's pain and his sense of being responsible for what had happened to Vicky. He left them amid hugs and kisses, promising to return shortly.
They drove to the airport, Paulo and Justin talking, Michael remaining silent.
They arrived, pulling up to a private hangar.
They walked inside, two men taking all their luggage from the car.
Inside the hangar stood a white sleek jet.
"Wow, Paulo. This is the top of the line. Who's is this"?" Justin asked.
"It's the family's. We use it when we need to be somewhere quick."
Justin looked at him puzzled. This was an expensive aircraft. Michael's family had to be extremely well off to have this kind of transportation.
"The family is well provided for, Justin. We have three of these." Paulo smiled as they walked into the plane.
Michael sat down in a lush seat, not really impacted by his surroundings. Justin sat down beside him, Paulo relaxing in a chair opposite them.
Within ten minutes they'd taxied out onto a runway and were airborne.
Paulo got them all drinks, Michael just sitting his down, not touching it.
His mind was on other things.
His thoughts were on Vicky.
He'd failed her.
She hadn't been protected and she'd been hurt.
He should have sensed something was wrong when he hadn't heard from her yesterday. He'd been so busy with everything that had happened that he'd put her out of his mind.
And this had been the result. She'd been alone and defenseless against a monster.
Who was this man? What was he wanting from him? Was Fredrick behind this, as Poppa said?
Michael thought about that, not believing it. No, he sensed someone else. His dream entered his mind, and crept across his conscience.
Justin picked up on Michael's silence and on his feelings.
"You okay, babe?" He asked hugging him.
"I've failed her, Jus. I failed Vicky. I should have sensed her, I should have heard from her over Christmas. I was so busy I forgot my friend."
Michael fell against Justin, crying. Justin hugged him close, Paulo struggling with his own emotions.
"Michael, it's okay. You mustn't blame yourself. The only one to blame is this beast who did this to her."
"But I should have realized he was looking for me. He'd gone there before to talk to her, remember? Vicky told us he's come to the door looking for me."
Justin remembered Vicky's phone call about the man claiming to be Jimmy from Michael's high school days.
"He came back hoping I was back, and knowing Vicky, she probably confronted him about lying to her. And then he hurt her. Oh God, Jus. It's my fault."
Justin held him, soothing his tortured soul. Justin got Michael to lay down in his lap, stroking his black hair After a while Michael drifted off to sleep.
Paulo looked at Justin, Justin looking back.
"We'll find him, Justin. Our people are scouring the records and investigating everything. We'll find out who he is and stop him. I'll be beside him, I'll protect him."
Justin smiled knowing Paulo's deep devotion to his Michael.
The mood was somber, Justin needed to talk about something to get his mind off everything.
"Have you heard from Josh?" Justin asked nonchalantly.
"Yes he called just before I came to your place." Paulo said.
"I told him what's happened, he said he'd call you later. Lance and he are coming home tomorrow. Josh sounded so happy, I think things are going well between them."
Justin smiled, he'd felt the same when talking to them that morning.
"I'm sorry that it didn't work out between you two, Paulo." Justin said with sincerity.
Paulo smiled.
"It did work out, Justin. I got a hell of a great friend in Josh. He's happy and that's what matters most to me. And I'll always have his friendship."
Justin smiled, feeling Paulo's happiness.
"Your just as remarkable as your cousin, Paulo."
Paulo was honored to be compared to Michael.
"Thanks, Justin. That's a sincere compliment."
Justin and Paulo chatted amongst themselves, talking about their lives, getting to know each other better.
They talked for over an hour, Justin learning all about his life in Spain.
"You'd love it there, its so beautiful and special. It's part of Michael's past." Paulo said with love in his eyes.
"I want Michael to see it someday, to see the beauty of his father's childhood home." Paulo had a tear in his eye.
Justin looked down at Michael sleeping.
"God, I hope Vicky will be okay. For her sake and for Mico's."
"She'll be fine, Justin. Michael will be able to help her with his gifts." Paulo smiled at him.
Justin didn't like that idea, he was concerned for Michael's health, after what had happened with Jonathan.
Justin knew the toll healing took on Michael. He'd seen it first hand.
"I don't want Michael risking his own health so much, you saw the affect it had on him after Jonathan."
Paulo put his hand on Justin's knee.
"Do you honestly think Michael wouldn't try, Justin. He'd do anything to help someone he loves."
Justin knew Paulo was right, but it didn't help his feelings inside. Michael was his world, and seeing him in pain tortured Justin's soul.
"I have to do what I have to, Jus." Michael said opening his eyes and looking up at him.
Justin didn't say anything, Michael sat up. He pulled Justin to him, Justin resting his head on Michael's chest.
"I know of your worry for me, Jus. I feel your concern. But I've changed inside. Jonathan's accident showed me my boundless limits. What I am now capable of. I now know how to harness this gift of healing differently, to minimize the effect on myself. I won't be in danger like before, I promise you."
Justin looked up into Michael's golden eyes, seeing the determination in them. Michael had changed. Since he'd connected with everyone through that devotion, it was as if he'd become whole.
"What's going on, Michael? I see a new light in your soul."
Michael looked at him, kissing him deeply.
"I have a reason to fight now, Jus. To fight for my love and family. I'm not alone anymore. I have all my family that loves me. I have the determination to face anything and anyone. No one is going to hurt me ever again, or my family. My family, all of them, have healed me."
Justin and Paulo had tears flowing down his cheeks.
Michael kissed him, their love flowing through each other, Justin feeling the newness of Michael's healed soul.
Justin laid his head down on his chest again, closing his eyes, trying to stifle a yawn.
"Go to sleep, Jus. Lay down on my lap." Justin laid down, Michael laying his arm across his chest.
"You get some rest too, Paulo. It's going to be a long day." Michael said smiling at him.
Paulo curled up in the chair he was in, closing his eyes.
Michael sat there looking out the window at the white clouds.
He closed his eyes, concentrating on his family.
He felt his soul search out them, one at a time, in a heartbeat.
He found Nana making food in his kitchen, Uncle Silas and Alberto talking quietly at the kitchen table. He found Zach and Christina playing with Becky in his living room. They all were safe.
He found Justin's family at his home, everyone safe. He picked up on some deep troubled feelings from Jonathan.
Michael didn't want to read his mind, that wasn't what this was for.
Michael quietly pulled out his cell phone, dialing a number.
"Hello." Randall said .
"Hi, Dad. It's Michael."
"Michael, how are you doing? You're not in Chicago yet, are you?"
"No, Dad, I'm still on the plane. Justin and Paulo are sleeping. Could I talk to Jonathan for a moment please. I forgot to tell him something about his guitar."
Michael didn't want to worry Randall or upset him.
"Sure, Michael. Hang on a moment."
Michael waited a few moments, looking down at Justin sleeping in his lap.
"Hi, Mikey. What's up?" Jonathan's voice coming over the phone.
"I was going to ask you the same thing, Jonnie? What's wrong?"
"Nothing, why?" Jonathan felt an unease.
"Come on, buddy. I'm connected with you now, I can feel you're troubled. Talk to me Jonnie." Michael said, letting him know his feelings for him.
Jonathan sat down on his bed, tears in his eyes. He was glad he was alone.
"I'm scared, Mikey. Scared for you and Justin. All this talk about someone after you. I just got a new brother and I'm scared I'm going to lose him."
Michael was touched by Jonathan's caring for him so deeply.
"I'm going to be okay, and so is Justin, Jonnie. Don't you worry about us. I know it's hard, but I'm safe and so is Justin. We have Paulo and Lonnie with us, no one's going to mess with us. Besides, I'll whoop their ass."
Jonnie managed a laugh, knowing Michael was trying to make him relax.
"So you could really feel my concern about you?"
"Yes, Jonnie, part of me is inside you. I'll always be able to feel when you're scared or blue. I'll always be there for you."
Jonnie smiled.
"How come I can't feel you? Are you able to read my mind?" Jonnie got worried about that.
"No, Jonnie. I can't read your mind. I wouldn't want to if I could. That's your private thoughts. I would never intrude on them. All I can do is feel your feelings, know when you're troubled. Like right now. You can't feel me because you don't have the gifts. Understand?"
"Yes, Mikey. That's so cool. I understand what your saying."
"So buddy, relax. Don't worry about your brothers, we're fine. We'll be back home soon. And until then, I'll be with you in spirit."
Jonnie smiled, feeling Michael's calming presence inside him.
"Okay, Mikey. Sorry for feeling like this. I'm trying to be an adult."
"Jon, I'd be more hurt if you didn't feel like this, you're my bro."
Jonathan smiled, his smile wide and beaming.
"Thanks, Mikey. Love ya."
"Love ya, bud. Be home soon."
Michael closed off the phone, Justin opening his eyes, looking up at him.
"Your a special guy, Mico." He said, putting his hand up on Michael's cheek.
"How much of that did you hear?"
"All of it. Thanks for taking care of my brother, Mico. Thanks for loving him."
"It's not hard to, he's so like you."
Michael leaned down, Justin leaning up. Their lips met, the kiss tender.
Justin sat up looking over at Paulo, Michael snuggling against Justin.
"What do you really think about Paulo, Justin?" Michael asked him.
"I think he's a really nice guy. He's got a lot of deep feelings for you, Michael. I think he'd risk his life to protect you, or any of us." Justin looked at the man sleeping across from them.
"Your right, Justin. I know he'll find someone special soon. He has a lot of love to give. And he's got a lot of happiness in his future."
Justin looked at him, raising an eyebrow.
"Another vision, Michael?"
Michael smiled at him quietly, Justin not pushing the issue.
"How are you doing, Mico?"
"I'm doing okay, but I'll be better when I see Vicky. When I know she'll be okay." A tear was in Michael's eye.
"She's going to be okay, Michael. I trust you to heal her, to make her well."
Michael smiled at his lover, seeing Justin's faith in him.
"You have a lot of secrets inside you, Michael. I'm not going to force you to tell me everything, I just want you to tell me what's important, don't keep me in the dark, Michael. I'm here to love you, to help you and to be with you."
Michael looked at Justin, seeing the love in his eyes.
"When we're sure Vicky's okay and we're back home, Justin, I will sit down with you and tell you all that I know. I'll never keep anything from you, my love."
Justin looked into his eyes, seeing his truth.
"Is it anything I should be scared of?"
Michael took his hand in his, looking into his eyes.
"It's destiny, Jus. You can't change what will happen. All I want you to do is love me."
Justin looked deeply into his eyes.
"I will always love you, Mico. Always."
Michael, Justin and Paulo walked off the elevator, getting off on the fourth floor of the hospital.
Paulo walked up to the reception desk enquiring quietly to a nurse.
They were directed down to the end of the corridor.
They walked into a small waiting room, Steve looking up at them.
He jumped up, Justin pulling him into a tight hug, Steve immediately beginning to cry.
Michael hugged Vicky's mother, who'd risen from her chair. Vicky's father rubbed his wife's back while Michael shook his hand.
"How is she?" Michael asked, fighting his tears.
"She's in rough shape, Michael." Steve said breaking apart from Justin. "We just came out here for a while to relax. She hasn't woken up yet. There was a lot of internal bleeding and broken bones. That bastard really hurt her, Michael."
Michael grabbed Steve hugging him while he cried.
"It's ok, Steve. I'm here now, I'll help her."
Vicky's mom Stella looked up at Michael.
"What do you mean, Michael?"
Steve and his father were also looking at him confused.
Michael quietly explained to all of them what he could do. They sat down stunned and looking at him.
Justin verified all that Michael said, the three people looking at Michael in awe.
"I want to see her Steve, now."
Steve nodded, walking with Michael out of the room. They walked down the hall to the room at the end of the corridor.
Everyone else followed, no one saying a word.
"Please, everyone, please be quiet. I need to do this without interference." Michael looked at Justin.
Justin followed with him, their hands together.
They all quietly walked into the private room.
Michael saw Vicky laying on the bed, tubes and machines all around her. He gasped at seeing her fragile body, her face bruised and unrecognizable.
Justin squeezed his hand, Michael feeling his strength.
Justin was in tears, seeing her condition. Paulo stood quietly outside the door, not allowing any intrusion.
Vicky's parents sat down in empty chairs.
Steve went up to the bed, quietly talking to his sister.
"Vicky, sweetie, Mikey's here. He's come to see you, Vic. Your best friend wants to help you." Steve was fighting his emotions, Justin quickly putting his arm around him.
"She's so innocent, why would anyone do this to her. To my sweet little sister." Steve broke down, Justin holding him tight. He sat him down in a chair beside the bed.
Michael walked up to the bed, sitting down on the edge, taking Vicky's hand in his.
"Hey, Victoria. It's me, Mikey. I'm back. I came back and I'm sorry. I'm sorry I wasn't here to protect you. I'm sorry I let him do this to you. It's all my fault. But I promise you, no one will ever hurt you again. I'm here, I'll make you better, sweetie. "
Michael laid his hands gently on her chest and her head.
He took a silent look around the room, meeting the eyes of each person. They all saw the determination and the love in his eyes for Vicky.
He looked at Justin, Justin seeing his love. Justin nodded.
Michael closed his eyes, bringing forth his gifts. He focused on Vicky's injuries, sensing out each one, feeling each one slowly and individually. He then concentrated on the pain, locking it all into a small ball, a ball of condensed pain. This was a new sensation for Michael, the pain centralized and under control. She had a lot of injuries, some more critical than others, Michael concentrating on the critical ones. When he'd felt he'd done enough healing for now, not wanting to risk more to himself, he pulled the pain slowly out of her, returning control to her.
He disconnected from her, knocking himself back onto the floor. Everyone saw the pain in his eyes, the depth of it.
Justin was beside him in a flash, Michael staggering to his feet with Justin's help.
He walked shakingly over to the bed, looking down at Vicky.
She started mumbling a bit, opening her eyes slowly.
"Mikey, is that you. Where am I?"
Michael started crying, Steve and his parents around her bed looking at her, touching her.
"Mom, dad, Stevie. What happened? Why's Mikey here?"
Justin held Michael, who cried into his shoulder.
"It's okay, Vicky. It's okay now. Everything's okay." Her mother said, gently rubbing her shoulder. Her father went out of the room to get a doctor.
Michael and Justin walked out of the room, Michael sitting down in a chair provided by Paulo.
"You okay, Mico? You're sure you're okay?"
Michael smiled up at Justin, watching a doctor and nurse go into Vicky's room.
"Yes, Jus. I'm okay, just tired. There's no more pain, it's gone."
Justin sat down beside him, holding his hand.
Paulo looked at him, concern on his face also.
They quietly waited while the doctor was in with Vicky.
Steve finally came out, running up to them.
"She's okay, all her internal bleeding has stopped, the doctor can't believe how good she's dong. It's a miracle. And it's all because of you, Michael."
Steve hugged Michael, Michael tensing up.
He pushed Steve away from him, everyone seeing the tears in his eyes.
"Yes, Steve. It's all because of me. It's because of me that she's lying here to begin with. It's all my fault. That bastard was after me, he hurt her because of me."
Michael walked away from them and began running down the hall, disappearing into an elevator.
Justin and Paulo stood looking after him, Justin's eyes full of tears.
Steve stood stunned looking at his friend.
"What's he talking about, Jus?" Steve asked, Justin lowering his head.
Steve put his hand on his shoulder, Justin looking up at Steve.
"I'll tell you all of it, Steve. I'll tell you everything."
Justin looked down the hallway, knowing Michael needed time alone to deal with his pain.
Michael walked outside on the hospital grounds, the cold Chicago air blowing his hair around. He walked down through the hospital corridors not going anywhere in particular.
His mind was on other things.
Vicky. She was going to be okay. No thanks to him. He'd hurt her, it was his fault.
She'd only been a innocent victim, a victim of the pain associated with Michael. The pain of his life.
Michael looked around at everyone, searching for him.
I know you're out there, you bastard, I know you're watching me.
It's me you want, not my family. Come after me. Hurt me, not them.
Michael's anger was flowing, his anger at himself for putting his friends in harm's way.
He wasn't watching where he was going and collided with someone. The person fell flat on their ass, Michael instantly coming out of his daze.
"Oh, God. I'm so sorry. Are you okay?" He asked looking down at the young man.
"Yes, I'm okay I think. Sorry, I wasn't watching where I was going.
The man looked up at Michael, Michael staring into two deep blue eyes attached to a stunningly rugged face. It was a clean masculine face with just enough stubble to give it a rugged sexy look.
Those eyes looked like two diamonds, flawless and piercing.
The man smiled at him while Michael helped him back onto his feet.
"It's my fault actually, I was in a daze not watching where I was going." Michael smiled back at him.
"Guess we're both klutzes." The man smiled back at him.
"Yes, I guess we are." Michael said, still staring at him.
"You okay, buddy?" The man said, concern on his face.
Michael sat down, not looking at him.
The man sat down beside him, looking quietly at him.
"You're in a hospital, so my guess is you're visiting someone sick." The man said, Michael looking at him.
"Yes, my best friend."
"I hope its not too serious." The man said staring at him.
"It was, but she's doing better, no thanks to me." Michael lowered his head.
"Why would you say that? It's not your fault she's sick."
Michael looked at him, seeing his concern.
"Yes it is. She was beaten up by a man who wanted to hurt me." Michael said, not knowing why he'd tell a stranger that.
The man looked at him, not saying anything more.
Michael got up, meaning to leave.
"Please sit down again. I'm not judging you, I only want to know what's wrong."
Michael sat down again, and began to tell the man what had happened. He sat there for twenty minutes just letting it all out. Telling him all about Vicky and what had happened. And his own tragic story. The man sat listening , feeling for Michael's pain.
"That's a remarkable story. But I think you've forgotten one thing." The man said.
"What have I forgotten?" Michael asked, wanting to know.
"You've forgotten Vicky's love for you. She'd never blame you for this, she is your best friend. She'll always love you. I can't believe you're sitting down here when you should be up there holding her in your arms, telling her you love her."
Michael looked at the man, seeing the truth in his blue eyes.
"Thank you, I did forget that. I've been a complete fool."
The man smiled at him, his face becoming more breathtaking.
"So what are we waiting for, let's go." The man said standing up.
Michael got up and began to leave, the man following him.
Michael stopped turning to look at him.
"If you don't mind, I'd like to meet her, and I'd like to make sure you are going to be okay."
Michael smiled at him, continuing to walk.
They chatted and walked back into the hospital.
They got on an elevator, standing with other people.
The man looked at Michael, who was looking ahead, sizing him up.
God, this man is beyond gorgeous. He's breathtaking.
Michael turned, the man smiling at him.
They both got off on the fourth floor. Michael pulled the man aside, looking at him.
"I have a close friend, he's here today with me. He's someone famous. I hope you don't get nervous around celebrities?"
"No, I'm cool with that." The man continuing to smile.
Michael smiled back, beginning to walk down the corridor. He saw everyone waiting outside Vicky's room.
"Hey everyone, sorry I just up and left. I needed some time to think."
Everyone smiled at him, then looking at the other man beside him. They all looked in shock.
Justin couldn't believe it.
"I'd like everyone to meet someone I met downstairs. He let me talk everything out, he was a really good listener. Everyone this is.....Oh, sorry I didn't ask you your name."
The young man smiled, looking at everyone.
Everyone in unison, said Jake Gyllenhaal.
End of Chapter 52
Surprise, surprise!!
A new addition to our growing circle.
What's Jake's interest in Michael? Is he attracted to him?
How will Justin react to this new man in Michael's life.
Lots more to come.
Thanks to Mike, props for proofing me.
My grammar's a biatch.
Hugs, Angel.