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
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.
Chapter 53
Everyone looked at Michael, all of them suddenly bursting into laughter.
Michael looked totally confused. He felt that he was the odd man out, everyone else was in on the joke.
"Nice to see you, Jake. We've met before."
Jake smiled widely, recognizing Justin.
"Yes we have, at the S.A.G. charity dinner, Justin."
Michael's confusion turned to shock.
"You know him, Justin? How's that possible?"
Justin smiled, realizing Michael's ignorance of who Jake was.
"Mikey, Jake here is an actor. He's on the top of the acting scene right now."
Michael looked at Jake in a new light, not realizing he was a celebrity.
"I'm sorry Jake, I didn't realize that you were a celebrity like Justin. Please forgive me."
Michael smiled at him, but not in a flaunting way.
Jake laughed. Justin's smile faded a bit.
"No, it's okay, really. It's refreshing to meet someone who isn't all worked up over meeting me. And it's nice to finally know your name, Michael."
Michael blushed, realizing he hadn't introduced himself.
"I'm sorry, my name is Michael Tavarro. It's a pleasure meeting you Jake."
Jake smiled, patting Michael on the shoulder.
"No problem, Michael. It's been a thrill running into you."
Michael laughed slapping Jake on the shoulder.
Justin was surprised at their sudden chumminess with each other.
Michael explained to everyone how he'd knocked Jake down.
The two men laughing at each other, smiling and patting each other.
He introduced him to everyone else standing in the hall. Steve's parents, Lonnie, and finally Paulo.
When Paulo shook his hand and looked into Jake's blue eyes he became lost, as did Jake when he looked into his green orbs.
They stared at each other, Michael watching.
Michael sensed a connection between the two men, he felt a new feeling entering Paulo's soul.
Michael smiled, not saying anything.
"Hello, Paulo. It's wonderful to meet you." Jake smiled at him, Paulo staring.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Gyllenhaal." Paulo stammered.
"Please call me Jake. " Jake said, his eyes never leaving Paulo's face.
"Okay, Jake." Paulo reluctantly let go of his hand.
Steve walked out of Vicky's room, walking up to Michael.
"Mikey, Vicky wants to see you."
Michael's face changed immediately, his sadness entering Justin's soul.
Justin put his arm around him, Michael looking into his eyes.
"She's been asking for you, Mico." He said, smiling at him.
Michael took a deep breath, looking at Steve.
"It's okay, Mikey. Don't be nervous, she's still your best friend. She still loves you, as we all do."
Michael teared up as Steve hugged him.
"We'll leave the two of you alone, if you want." Steve said.
"No,please, I need Justin to come with me, I need his strength." Justin smiled at him, wanting to kiss him, but public domain forbade it.
Jake stood apart from everyone, seeing Michael's sudden change in mood. He also picked up on Justin's caring manner with Michael, and Michael's request for Justin to be with him.
It wasn't hard for him to see that Michael and Justin were together, it showed on both of their faces, and in their touches.
Why are the special ones always taken, Jake thought.
Michael looked over at Jake, Jake smiling at him.
"Remember what I said, she's still your friend, that deep love won't change." Jake said as he smiled at him.
Michael smiled, Justin also looking at him. Justin walking Michael ahead of him.
Michael and Justin walked into the quiet room.
Michael walked up to the bed, Vicky laying still with her eyes closed.
Justin pulled up a chair for him quietly, Michael sitting down beside the bed.
He looked at her, seeing her color had improved, although her face was still bruised and blackened.
The tears threatened to fall, Justin putting his hand on Michael's shoulder, Michael feeling his love and strength.
Michael reached out slowly, gently taking Vicky's hand in his.
Vicky opened her eyes turning to look at him.
She smiled at him, staring into his golden moist eyes. Her eyes were tearing also.
"Mikey, you're okay. I didn't know where you were, they couldn't tell me where you went. I thought he'd got to you too."
She was crying openly now, Michael getting up and sitting on the bed, gently taking her in his arms.
"It's okay, Victoria. I'm okay, and you're safe. He'll never hurt you again, I promise."
Michael was sobbing, Justin putting his hand again on his shoulder.
The two friends held onto each other, Justin seeing their love strong and still intact. They'd both been there for each other when they'd needed each other the most, that would never change.
After a few minutes of quiet crying, Michael gently laid Vicky down again.
She wiped her eyes, looking at him, Michael wiping his own on his sleeve.
"Steve told me what you did, Mikey. How you healed me, how you brought me back from the darkness. I love you so much for that. That you'd do that for me, means so much. I love you, Michael."
She was becoming emotional again, Michael trying to sooth her.
"Shhh, it's okay, Vicky. I couldn't do any less for you. You're my best friend, and I love you."
Michael and Vicky smiled at each other, Justin seeing their friendship was the same as ever, nothing had changed.
Then Michael's face changed, he lowered his head.
"I'm sorry, Vic. I'm sorry he did this to you. It's all my fault. He was after me and he hurt you because of me. Please find it in your heart to forgive me." Michael was wringing his hands together.
Vicky looked at Justin, seeing Justin's concern for Michael. Then she looked at Michael again.
"Michael, can you hand me that magazine on the nightstand." She said looking at him.
Michael looked confused, but picked up the magazine, giving it to her.
She quickly rolled the magazine up and promptly hit Michael across the head with it.
Michael looked at her stunned, as did Justin.
"There. Did that knock some sense into you? I've never heard such rubbish from you, Mikey. Listen to me, pencil dick. There's no way in hell you're to blame for this, understand? That bastard is the only one at fault here, and the quicker you realize that, the better. I, in no way, blame you and for christ's sake you shouldn't blame yourself. Got it? Or do I have to really smack you around?"
Michael smiled at her, seeing the truth and love in her eyes.
"Understood, bitch!" He smiled at her, tears flowing from his eyes.
She smiled back, Michael leaning down and kissing her cheek.
"Now, I'm tired, I need some sleep. When I've rested, we'll talk, okay Mikey?"
"Okay, Vicky. Go to sleep, we'll all be here when you wake up." Michael said, rubbing her shoulder, Vicky closing her eyes.
Michael looked up at Justin, putting his hand in his.
"She's going to be okay, Jus. She's going to be okay. And so am I." Michael smiled, getting up quietly.
Michael kissed Justin, their lips finding their love.
They quietly walked out of the room, everyone looking up at them in the hallway.
"She's sleeping again, she's going to be okay." Michael smiled at everyone.
Vicky's mom got up hugging Michael.
"That's thanks to you, Michael. To you and your special gifts." She said.
Everyone agreed, Jake remaining quiet, not knowing what they were referring to.
Paulo smiled at him, Jake smiling back.
"You were right, Jake. Nothing's changed between us. Thanks for showing me that." Michael said, smiling at him.
"No problem, Michael. Glad everything's going to be okay with her."
Michael pulled Jake into a hug, thanking him again. Then he pulled back, Jake smiling at him.
Michael smiled, Justin remaining quiet beside him.
Michael sensed Justin was uneasy about something, Michael not sure what was wrong.
"Maybe we should go to the apartment and relax for a while, Mico. " Justin said.
"No, Jus. I want to stay here, in case she wakes up again. " Michael said quietly.
"Okay, Mico. Let's get something to eat though, you haven't eaten all day." Justin staring at Jake.
"Alright, Jus. Jake are you leaving or would you like to stay for a while?" Michael asked, not seeing Justin's eyes.
"Sorry, Michael. I have to fly, maybe I'll stop in later or tomorrow to check up on you, if that's okay?" Jake smiled at him, and looked at Justin intently.
"Sure thing, Jake. And again, thanks." Michael walked up to him and hugged him again.
Jake was surprised at first , then hugged him back, not meeting Justin's gaze.
Justin just stood quietly, not saying anything.
"Pleasure meeting you all, talk to you later, Michael. See you again, Justin." Jake extending his hand, smiling at him.
"Take care, Jake." Justin said, shaking his hand with no expression on his face.
Michael knew something was wrong.
"I'll walk Jake back downstairs, Mikey." Paulo smiled at him.
"Sure thing, Paulo. Thanks. Meet you in the cafeteria after." Michael smiled back at him, winking.
Paulo blushed then started walking away, Jake walking beside him.
Justin, Lonnie, Steve and Michael all headed in the opposite direction to go to the cafeteria.
They found the cafeteria, Michael and Justin sitting down while Lonnie and Steve went up to get some food for them.
"Okay, Jus. What's wrong?" Michael said quietly.
Justin lowered his head, not looking at Michael.
"I'm okay, Mico. There's nothing wrong. Just drop it."
"Excuse me. Like hell I'll drop it. Something's bothering you. And I want to know what it is."
Justin could see his determined look. Michael's eyes were boring into him.
"I don't like what's going on. I don't like it one bit." Michael could feel Justin getting upset.
"What are you talking about, Jus?"
Justin looked up at him, Michael seeing a tear in his eye.
"I saw the way you were laughing with him, the way you two were talking and kidding around. He wants you Mico. I see it in his eyes. And I thought I saw something in your's. Do you want him too?"
Michael was floored. Justin was jealous. He was jealous of Jake and he was questioning Michael's love for him.
Michael just stared at him, his world going out of focus.
Michael got up as Lonnie and Steve came back to the table with their food.
"Suddenly I'm not hungry anymore, Lonnie." Michael said turning to go.
"Michael, wait." Justin said getting up, realizing he'd said the wrong thing to Michael.
Michael turned and looked at him, they all saw the hurt in his eyes.
"How could you ask me that, Jus? How could you? I'm going back to Vicky." He turned quickly, walking out of the room.
Justin sat down again, the other two men staring at him.
What had happened? Justin thought.
How could I ask him that? How could I hurt him like that?
"You okay, Justin? What did you say to Michael?" Lonnie asked, sitting down beside him.
Justin looked up into his eyes, Lonnie seeing the tears.
"I think I just fucked up everything, Lon." Justin said, falling into his arms, crying.
Lonnie looked at Steve, holding onto Justin at the same time. Steve just shrugged his shoulders.
"Want to talk about it, Jus?" Steve said putting his hand on his shoulder.
Justin let go of Lonnie and quietly told them what had happened.
Lonnie and Steve stared at him, not believing what Justin had accused Michael of.
"Justin, how could you think that of Michael. Sure, we all saw the friendship between Jake and him, but to think that Michael has those feelings for him, it's just ridiculous." Steve said, looking at his friend.
"Justin, Michael loves you, and only you. All you have to do is look at his face and see him looking at you." Lonnie said, looking straight at him.
"I don't know why I said it, I don't know why I hurt him like that, he must hate me now." Justin said, tears flowing again.
"Justin, its been a long hard day, you and him are both upset and on edge because of Vicky and this attacker. You just weren't thinking straight. I think you should get your ass up off that chair and go upstairs and talk to your man. He needs to hear you tell him you love him. Right now!" Lonnie said, getting up, folding his arms and staring at him.
Justin stood up, looking at his friends.
"You're right, Lonnie. I need to ask him to forgive me. I love him so much, I need him so much and I trust him completely."
"Don't tell us something we already know. He needs to hear you say that, not us." Steve said pushing Justin out of the room just as Paulo walked in.
Michael sat quietly in the waiting room with Vicky's parents. They were quiet, sensing something had upset Michael.
He sat quietly, his mind on Justin.
Why had he said that. I don't feel for Jake like that. Justin knows I love only him. There could never be anyone but him. He is my life, my love, my everything.
Maybe he doesn't love me enough, or maybe he doesn't trust me enough.
Maybe its just me.
Oh god, is it happening all over again? Am I going to lose him.
Am I incapable of having someone love me.
Michael's old doubts were creeping into his mind. Those old doubts of worthlessness, of self loathing.
Michael was questioning his own values again.
Justin was on the elevator when he felt it. He felt Michael's doubts. They entered his mind and soul.
He felt Michael's self loathing, his self denial. That he felt he wasn't worthy of Justin's love.
His pain of maybe losing him.
Justin started crying, everyone looking at him.
"What's wrong, Jus?" Paulo asked putting his arm around him.
"It's Michael, I've hurt him so much."
Lonnie put his hand on his shoulder.
"Remember, Jus. Love conquers all."
Justin raised his head smiling.Those special words again.
The door opened and Justin ran down the corridor to the waiting room.
Michael leaned down, putting his face in his hands. After a few moments he heard someone entering the small room, and Vicky's parents standing up and leaving.
He felt someone sit down beside him.
Then he heard someone crying. He slowly looked up.
Justin was sitting beside him, tears flowing down his cheeks.
Michael looked into his eyes and saw the lost look in his eyes. He was lost without Michael's love.
Michael pulled him into his arms, Justin sobbing, no words needing to be spoke. They were spoken with their souls.
Michael held him, feeling his love for him, feeling his own love fill Justin again.
What had happened was insignificant against this flow of love.
Everything in the world was washed away by it, it flowed throughout eternity.
They held each other until Justin pulled away and looked again into Michael' s golden eyes.
"Mico, I don't know why I said those things. I love you so much, I trust you completely. Please forgive me, I need your love so much."
Michael felt Justin's deep love in those words, but he needed Justin to understand what had happened.
"Justin, why did you feel threatened? I didn't feel that way towards him. You are the man in my life, the only one. There will never be another. I love you completely. No one can ever change my mind about that."
"I don't know, Mico. I saw you with him and the way he was smiling and looking at you, I thought he might take you from me. I felt so alone, so forgotten."
Michael pulled him against him again.
"Jus, I will talk to men, to attractive men like Jake. But that's it. The only man that will and can excite me is you, love. I am always with you, you'll never be alone. Believe me, I can never forget you."
Justin smiled, Michael sensing all his insecurity at the front of his mind.
"Okay, Jus. Out with them, tell me them all. I feel your insecurities, I need to know what they are."
Justin leaned against him, telling Michael all of them.
Michael listened, Justin baring his soul open to Michael.
There were so many.
He was insecure about his talent fading, about his wealth drying up. About his looks fading. About Michael turning to other men. He was afraid Michael would want someone smarter, more bookish, not a silly pop star.
Justin was afraid of Michael leaving him, by force or by his own will. Both of those terrified him. He was afraid of Michael dying and leaving him alone, or Michael walking out on him.
Michael listened to it all, hugging Justin to him tightly.
He'd felt all these insecurities in Justin before, in other forms and other situations. Nothing he'd felt deterred him from loving Justin.
Michael kissed Justin lightly on the lips, Justin calming down immediately.
"Justin, I've known for a while about your insecurities. It's nice to know you're human, that you're just like me. I have insecurities also. You know and have seen most of them. What this means is that we need each other, we love each other enough to hold onto our love, to fight for it. It hurt me to think that you were jealous, that you didn't trust me enough. I started feeling my old doubts, my doubts about myself."
Justin kissed him back.
"I know, Michael. I felt them in my soul. I felt your doubts, and that terrified me. I felt that I'd failed you. I'd promised to love you, and I doubted that love."
Michael pulled him close.
"I don't ever want to feel those doubts again, Jus. I don't ever want to lose your love, or lose my faith in that love."
Justin hugged Michael to him now, Michael resting his head on his chest.
"I'll never make you feel like that again, I'll never do that to you again. I promise."
Michael rubbed Justin's chest, feeling the warmth of his skin against him.
"I love you, Jus. No one else has my pure love, it's yours alone."
Justin teared up, kissing the top of Michael's head.
"I can't believe you've forgiven me, for me being so jealous."
Michael smiled, thinking about something.
He raised his head looking into Justin's beautiful eyes.
"I want to promise you something, Jus. The next time you have those feelings, I want you to whisper something in my ear."
"What, Michael?"
"Whisper the words: love conquers all. It will be the signal for me to pull you away from everyone and for me to seduce you. To show you that I love you, only you."
Justin beamed, feeling the depth of Michael's love. How could he have ever doubted it.
"God, Michael. You would do that for me?" Justin smiled.
"For my love, anything."
He leaned in, whispering in Michael's ear.
"Love conquers all."
Michael smiled, his hands going into Justin's lap. Justin moaned as Michael nibbled on his ear. Michael could feel Justin's desire hardening in his pants, Michael rubbing against it. Michael tongue licked Justin's lips, Justin pulling him to him. They kissed a heated kiss of passion, not realizing where they were, forgetting themselves completely.
"Ahem." came a loud laughing sound.
Justin looked up at a smiling group of friends.
Michael looked at Paulo, Lonnie, Steve and now Zach all staring at them with laughing smiles on their faces.
"Hey, this isn't a peep show, we don't charge admission." He said, Justin laughing.
"Looks more like a freak show to me." Zach beamed, Michael laughing, getting up and hugging his friend.
"Looks like everything's as it should be." Zach smiled, Michael sensing that the others had told him what was going on.
"Everything's perfect, right Jus?" Michael said, Justin getting up.
"It's beyond perfect, babe." He said putting his arm around Michael's waist.
Everyone seemed to relax at that sign of Justin's love.
"How's Vicky, Zach? Have you seen her?" Michael asked, Zach seeing his concern.
"I looked over everything, Michael. She's doing really well, all her internal injuries have healed. She only has minor cuts, bruises and a few broken bones. She's exhausted but she'll completely recover."
Michael let out a breath of relief.
"I checked all her previous x-rays and tests. She's seemed to have had a miraculous recover. There had been a lot of extensive injuries, life threatening injuries." Zach looked at him.
Michael lowered his head, not wanting to talk about this.
"You did good, Mikey. Real good." Zach smiled at him, rubbing his shoulder.
"I did what I had to do, what I had to do for my sister." Michael said, not looking at anyone.
Steve went up to him, hugging him tightly.
"I don't know how I'll ever repay you for what you've done, Michael. For what you've done for Vicky and our family."
Michael didn't say anything, he was lost in his own happiness.
Michael knelt down in front of Steve.
"Will you give me the faith and goodness I need to face the future?"
Everyone smiled, Justin whispering in Steve's ear.
Steve knelt down beside Michael.
"I will give you everything I have, Michael."
Michael closed his eyes placing his hand on Steve's forehead.
"Welcome to my family, Steve." Michael smiled.
Steve teared up hugging Michael.
They got up smiling.
"Let's go see our sister, Mikey." Steve smiled, walking with Michael out of the room, Justin following with everyone else.
Joshua Chasez stood at his front door, unlocking it and walking into his home. He shut off the alarm keypad, turning and looking behind him.
Lance was walking up the steps, his arms full of suitcases, struggling to make it to the door.
Josh laughed to himself, dropping his two bags and rushing to Lance.
"Geez, Lancy. You could have left some for me." He smiled.
Lance blushed, letting Josh take a couple.
"I thought I'd save you a trip."
There was Lance's kind heart showing through. Josh smiled at him, the two walking into Josh's home.
They set everything down, Josh guiding Lance into the kitchen.
Lance sat down on one of the stools at the counter, Josh pouring them both a glass of orange juice.
"God, it's good to be home at last." Josh smiled.
"What, my mom's cooking wasn't good enough?" Lance smiled at him.
"No, I didn't mean that, I just meant it's good to be in my own home. Alone with you, sweetie."
Josh leaned forward kissing Lance on the lips. Lance responded back, their lips opening to explore each other's mouth.
Lance pulled away looking into Josh's blue eyes.
"That was wonderful, Josh. That felt so good."
Josh smiled, running his fingers along Lance's arm.
"You doing okay, sweetie?"
Lance looked at Josh, seeing his love shining through. He'd been totally surprised at how open Josh was with his feelings for him. He showed them to him freely.
"I'm doing great. I'm happy also that I'm alone here with you, Joshy."
Josh smiled, knowing Lance was becoming comfortable with him. The last four days had been eye_opening. For both of them.
It had all begun the night they'd returned to Lance's childhood home.
Diane had watched Josh all the way home, on the flight and at dinner. She'd seen his caring touch with Lance, his deep concern for his happiness.
Michael had been right, Josh cared deeply for her son.
And Josh was careful with Lance's feelings, it showed in how he backed off when Lance felt uncomfortable.
She asked Josh to help her with the dishes, Lance going into the living room with his father.
Jim had been very loving with their son, holding him and letting him cry out his feelings. The son and father shared a special bond.
"Thanks for helping me, Josh." She said smiling at him.
"No problem, Diane. It's a pleasure."
"So, tell me about you and Lance." Diane looked at him, Josh seeing her forwardness shining through.
"I love him, Diane. I know you'll think that's strange, after what's happened to him, but that makes me love him more." Josh said, a tear in his eye.
"Are you sure it's not sympathy, you're feeling. Your best friend has been hurt, you feel for his pain."
Josh looked at her, smiling.
"It's more than that. When I'm with him, yes, I want to protect him, keep him safe, but I also feel I want to know everything about him. I want to talk with him and learn his deepest hopes and dreams. And I feel lost when he's not here with me."
Josh looked towards the living room, Diane smiling.
"You know it seems so strange to me. I've know him for years, been with him for long periods of time, and now when I look at him, it's as if I'm seeing a new person. A beautiful, sexy man who makes my heart fill with happiness."
Diane hugged Josh to him.
"Sounds like true love to me. It sounds like you're exactly what Lance has been missing in his life, Josh. And you've found my son to love. And he really needs your love. Welcome to the family, Joshy."
Josh teared up, hugging Diane.
Nothing more was needed to be said. Diane had accepted Josh's love for her son. She only hoped Lance could see it also.
They spent a quiet Christmas Eve together, Lance relaxing with his family, their acceptance of his pain calming his soul.
They'd gone to bed early, well wishes exchanged among everyone. Lance and Josh were tired from the long flight.
Diane had told Lance that Josh would have to stay in his room, the spare room was full of old boxes that his dad had brought down from the attic to sort through.
Lance was okay with it, Josh offering to take the couch first.
"No, Josh, I have a sleeping bag, you can crash on the floor in my room."
And so the two men settled down to spending the night in his room.
Lance took a quick shower, walking out of the bathroom in his boxers and a tank top. Josh stared at his slim form. Lance had slimmed down, his body slender and sleek. Josh thought it was too thin, sensing Lance's lack of food throughout his ordeal. He'd fix that quick.
Josh walked into the bathroom, hopping into the shower. He soaped up, thinking of the beautiful man in the next room. Josh felt his body stirring to his thoughts of Lance. Of his slim body. What he wouldn't give to have it against him. Josh saw his erection lengthening, and so he hit the cold water. He jumped back. This wasn't the time for these thoughts. Lance wasn't ready for that.
He walked out of the bathroom in just his boxer briefs, Lance laying under the covers on the bed.
Lance looked at Josh when he walked out, watching him put his clothes neatly on a chair.
Lance admired the slim, compact, muscular man that was Josh. His body was a coppery brown, tanned and muscular. Smooth and firm.
Lance felt a desire building in him, a lost sensation. He hadn't felt it for a while. He sensed what it was.
Lust. He felt lust towards his friend. Towards this beautiful man standing not six feet away from him.
Lance gasped.
Josh turned hearing the sound.
Lance stared at Josh's smooth muscular chest, his two small nipples standing up, the coolness of the room making them harden. He also saw the large package in Josh's boxer briefs.
Lance lowered his eyes sensing what he wanted to happen in his mind.
He leapt out of the bed, pulling Josh's near naked body against him, his hands attaching to those two hardened nipples. His lips found Josh's, his passion evident in how his tongue fought with Josh's. Lance sank to his knees pulling down Josh's briefs, staring at a nine inch cock, large and engorged.
Lance swallowed it, tasting Josh's fluid, as it leaked into his mouth. Lance sucked for his life, for the juice inside that would fulfill him.
Josh exploded in his mouth, Lance's own cock exploding onto Josh's leg.
"You okay, Lance?" Josh asked, standing beside the bed looking at Lance laying there.
Lance looked up at Josh staring at him, his mind coming back to reality.
"Yes, sorry, felt a cold draft. Good night, Josh."
Lance rolled over not looking at him.
It had been his imagination, his making love to Josh had just been a hopeful dream.
Josh settled down in the sleeping bag.
"Merry Christmas, Lancy."
"Merry Christmas, Josh."
Josh awoke during the night to sounds of someone crying. He knew it had to be Lance. He got out of his sleeping bag, standing up.
He looked down on the bed, seeing Lance trembling under the covers.
Josh sat down gently on the bed, Lance sensing someone there.
"Josh?" Lance said, his voice full of emotion.
"Yes, it's me, Lance."
"Hold me, Josh." Lance trembled.
Josh was under the covers in a heartbeat, pulling Lance to him, enfolding him in his arms.
Lance laid his head on Josh's chest, feeling the softness and heat of his bare skin.
"Is everything alright, Lance?" He said, remaining still.
"I just feel so alone, so empty. It's Christmas, and I feel so alone."
Josh hugged him tightly, rubbing his hand down his back, Lance feeling a soothing warmth flood through him.
"You're not alone, sweetie. I'm here, your Josh is here. I'll be with you all through the holidays. You'll be with family also."
"But I don't have someone to love me, to want me."
Josh looked down at his friend, seeing his emotions open to him.
"I love you Lance. I need you and God, I want you."
Lance looked up at Josh, staring into his blue eyes which shimmered in the moonlight coming into the bedroom window.
Within a heartbeat Lance was kissing Josh. Josh let him control the intensity, feeling Lance's emotions. And he also felt Lance's desire.
Lance moved slowly, moving on top of Josh, Josh feeling his hardness rubbing against his hip.
Lance felt Josh's growing erection rubbing against his stomach.
Lance knew that Josh wanted him.
Lance pulled away from Josh, standing up beside the bed.
He pulled off his clothes, standing now nude in front of him.
Josh looked into his eyes, seeing them full of tears.
"You want me Josh, then take me, like every one else has."
Lance lay back down on his stomach, his ass facing Josh.
Josh was weeping, seeing Lance's pain exposed to him.
Josh went to him, pulling him into his arms again, Lance crying.
"Use me Josh, if that's what you want. But please don't hurt me, please. I'd die if you hurt me."
Josh held him, crying openly.
"No, Lance, this isn't what I want. I don't want you like this. I want you to love me, it's not sex I need, it's you I need. It's your love."
Lance looked shocked. Josh was baring his soul to him, he hadn't gone for him like everyone else had. Lance had offered him his body and Josh had turned it down.
Lance looked into Josh's moist blue eyes, seeing only loneliness and heartache looking back at him.
Josh was as lost as Lance was, Lance could feel it.
He wrapped his arms around Josh, Josh weeping against his naked chest.
"Oh, Josh. Thank you, thank you for not using me, for wanting me, just me."
Josh looked up at him, Lance leaning in.
Their second kiss was totally different. No hidden expectations, just tender love.
Both men felt their hearts filling with something new. Maybe it was love, maybe it was the beginnings of love.
They broke apart, both smiling at each other.
Josh leaned down over the bed, picking up Lance's clothes, offering them to him. He got up meaning to go back to his sleeping bag. Lance grabbed his hand.
"Stay with me, Josh. Just sleep with me close."
Josh smiled getting into the bed again, both men slipping under the covers.
They lay beside each other, both thinking about what had happened.
"Lance, I need to tell you something."
"Yes, Josh?" Lance was waiting for something bad.
"I love you Lance. I love you with all my heart. I know you can't love me completely right now, but all I need is you to need me, to want me to make you happy."
Lance turned looking at Josh, seeing his tears, then cuddling up against him again.
"I do need you, Josh. And I love you too. I feel you entering my soul, entering my heart. I think you're what I've always wanted and needed to make my life complete. I just need time to work out all the sex stuff, you know. I want to have that with you, I've even dreamed about it. You're beautiful, you're sexy and I've never met anyone like you. Please let me take the time to really know you, to trust you and to love you."
Josh was crying again, Lance laying his head on his chest again.
"God, Lance. You don't know what that means for me to hear you say that." Josh looked down at him, kissing the top of his blond head.
"I love you, Lance."
"I love you, Josh. Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas, sweetie."
And so the last two days had been days filled with a quiet happiness. The two men had learned more about each other, spending quiet times just sitting and talking. Diane had noticed the changes in Lance, the new way he'd looked at Josh. She smiled knowing her plan had worked.
Josh had stumbled upon it by accident, going into the spare room by accident. Seeing it clean and tidy. No boxes.
He'd approached Diane on it, she blushed.
It had been her intention all along to let them be together, in the same room and in the same heart.
Josh looked at Lance, now sitting in Josh's living room after supper, the two alone in his big house.
Lance was reading Michael's first novel, it had been a Christmas gift he'd given him.
Michael had written him a small note, telling Lance to read page 312.
Josh had sat beside him Christmas morning as Lance had read the paragraph out loud to his parents and Josh.
"The man sat looking down between his shaking legs at the wet ground. His love was gone. It had been ripped out of his soul, taken from him by pain and torture. His life felt empty and his soul felt numb, beaten down by the ignorance and savage desires of the man he'd thought loved him.
He lifted his wet soaked head up to the heavens, crying to God to save him or end his life. The unbearable pain of loneliness and despair had brought him to the brink.
And through the dark, rolling clouds he thought he'd seen a flash of light, a moment of eternal sunshine.
A beam of light broke through the clouds, its warmth touching his wet face.
And in the darkness of the gloomy meadow, the young man saw another beam of light fall from the heavens and shine on a man walking toward him.
He recognized who it was, his friend, the one who'd stood by him, through the good times and the bad, through the love and through the pain.
He looked up and saw what he hadn't expected to see, to see true love, shining in the eyes of his closest friend.
He stood up, running towards the man, the man quickening his pace.
The two united in the center of the meadow, their arms wrapping around each other, their lips together in the first of many passionate kisses.
Daniel had found his soulmate, and it was his dearest friend."
Both men had known the hidden meaning behind Michael's words, the meaning for them.
They looked at each other that morning, kissing deeply in front of his smiling parents.
Michael's vision had been right.
In their lonely hearts they knew they'd each found their soulmate.
A solitary man sat looking around in the hospital garden, looking at everyone.
He'd been here earlier, watching him. Watching the devil's spawn. He'd talked to another good looking man, the two of them leaving together.
The other man had been very good looking, to the point of distraction.
It seemed that Michael attracted the hottest looking men. Justin, this new man, and his hot bodyguard.
Yes, Michael was a magnet for attractive men. Most whores are.
Jackson looked around smirking.
His cell phone went off quietly, on vibrator only.
He opened it up, placing it against his ear.
"Yes?" He said quietly.
"How goes it, my angel." The deep voice said.
Jackson smiled.
"Lord, it goes extremely well. He's back. He's returned for his punishment."
The man on the phone smiled, Jackson sensing his happiness.
"Excellent, my chosen one. Very good. You are close to your goal, my son."
Jackson smiled widely, his heart filling with pride.
"Thank you, father. Thank you for believing in me."
"I have the utmost faith in my chosen angels, my vessels of God."
Jackson felt loved, this man his only faithful friend.
"I am sending Victor, my son. You will need him to conclude our plan."
Jackson's mood dimmed. He hated Victor. He felt the man was a useless creature, although he was very good at torture.
"Don't worry, my son. He will help you achieve your goal of faith. And when he's done his part you can dispose of him as you see fit."
Jackson smiled.
He felt his father's mood change quickly.
"Michael must suffer, son. He must suffer through to his soul. I want him to feel the pain of life, the pain of hope, and I want you to destroy him. Body and soul. And then you must bring me his heart."
Jackson almost drooled at the anticipation of that. Of holding Michael Tavarro's heart in his hand.
"Yes father, it is my mission in life. My vengeance will be merciless."
The man smiled, feeling the joy in Jackson's soul.
"Good, my son. Good. Then you will start with the first part of the plan."
"Already done, father. She put up a fight, but her pain was delicious."
The man smiled to himself. Things were going exactly according to plan.
"Wonderful. And now comes the second part. The part that will break his heart."
Jackson smiled.
"He's here with him, father, I saw them come into the hospital together. Tell me what you wish, my father."
"Victor is there in the morning. When he is with you, you must complete the next step."
Jackson beamed with a new zest in his heart.
"It shall be done, my father. I shall see it done. He won't know what's coming."
The man smiled, his own heart filling with happiness.
"Do not fail me son. I want to read of it in the newspapers."
"I will not fail, father."
"God be with you, my son."
The phone went dead.
Jackson looked around staring at everyone.
He located a new file in his cell phone.
They didn't know, no one knew. They didn't know what tragic event would befall this city.
What tomorrow would bring.
When he found the file, he smiled a wide grin, relishing in the anticipation of putting the plan inside into motion.
Walking behind him, one would see the five words in the name of the file:
"The Death Of Justin Timberlake.
End of Chapter 53
A solemn end to a eerie exchange.
Who is Jackson?
Who was he talking to?
Can Michael protect Justin from their evil plan?
So many unanswered questions.
The next chapter shall finally deal with Michael's choice.
Let's hope he has the faith to do the right thing.
Keep the faith, Angel.