Here it is at last Part 44. Sorry for the delay. It's been too long between parts so straight (so to speak) to the story.
1: This Story = fiction (Pure bullshit, if you will)
2: NSYNC & Backstreet Boys gay = Nope (See answer 1 but here's hoping)
3: This story is describing real life = Nope, BS (See answer 1)
4: You are underage = Stop Reading at ONCE! I mean that!(I see you.)
5: Gay Sex = What do you think? This is an Erotic web site. I'm not THAT dumb! (I heard that!)
6: This list isn't funny = Stop reading it and go to the story!
Lance opened the bathroom door. His face fell. JC was standing at the sink with a towel around his waist shaving. Damn, he was too late. JC had finished his shower.
JC glanced over. "Morning, lover. Come to watch me shave?"
Lance thought, 'No, I wanted you to ravish me in the shower.'
Lance pointed half heartedly at the tub. "No, I just wanted to take my shower."
"It's free."
Lance took off his robe and hung it up. He turned on the water and tested the temperature.
"Enjoy yourself." JC paused. "I did."
Lance turned on the shower and stepped toward the tub.
"Oh, you better watch your step. I may have missed some cum."
Lance stopped with his foot in mid air. He wrinkled his nose in distaste. "JC, you didn't."
JC shrugged. "You know me and showers."
Lance put his foot down. "I'm going first from now on."
JC chuckled. "I'm kidding, Lance. I didn't indulge this morning."
Lance stepped into the shower.
"Not."
Lance stepped back out.
JC turned to Lance. "I am really kidding. The shower is perfectly clean for your sensitive self." He gave Lance's perfect butt a pat and kissed Lance's shoulder. "I know better than to leave you a dirty shower. I even washed every last hair down the drain."
Lance stepped into the shower very warily.
JC tried to keep from laughing as Lance gingerly negotiated the shower. JC raised his hand. "I swear on our love the shower is clean."
Lance relaxed. "Okay." He pulled the shower door closed.
Lance let the hot water wet him down. He stood there for a while just letting the water cascade over him. Then he grabbed the shampoo.
He worked up the lather pressing his fingers hard to his scalp like JC did. But it just wasn't the same. Lance rinsed off the shampoo missing the feel of JC's hand on his forehead keeping the soap from running into Lance's eyes.
Soon with his hair washed Lance reluctantly reached for the soap and began to lather himself up. It was supposed to be JC doing this. If he hadn't fallen back asleep it would have been. Lance closed his eyes and pretended it was JC's hands. No, this was no good. This was turning him on. Lance didn't want to start the day with blue balls. Well, JC sometimes did it alone. Lance had to admit that the soap on his skin did feel sexy. He lathered his crotch. It did feel good. Lance felt his cock twitch. He rubbed both his ass crack and his balls. This was feeling REALLY good.
Lance's guilt kicked in. He should stop this but his body overruled the objection. Then Lance remembered JC. He couldn't jack off with JC just on the other side of the shower door. Maybe JC had left.
Lance was debating so hard about how good it felt but still he should stop that when he heard the shower door open he jumped.
"Damn, JC, you startled me."
"And you surprised me. Jacking off in the shower with your lover so near," JC chided. "That is so unlike you."
Lance blushed. "I was just washing my privates."
JC grinned. "You keep washing them like that and your private will be at attention."
Lance pulled his hands away embarrassed. "It's just that. . .I got caught up. . . I didn't want to. . ."
"It's okay, Lance. I don't mind."
Lance pouted. "I was looking forward to showering together this morning. But I dozed off and now it is too late."
"I'm here now." JC dropped the towel from his waist. He stepped into the shower. "Since I'm done with my shower let me help you with yours."
Lance relaxed as JC rubbed the lather over Lance's body. JC washed Lance's back and arms then his legs and feet. He made a point of bypassing Lance's ass and crotch. JC would give them much needed attention later.
JC stood in back of Lance and worked the lather across Lance's chest.
As JC's hands brushed passed Lance's nipples Lance sighed. "This is the only way to have a shower. But aren't you forgetting a spot?"
JC smiled. Lance had noticed. JC's hand rubbed Lance's ass cheeks. "Is this better?"
"Mm, yes, JC."
JC used his other hand to concentrate on Lance's crotch."
"Better yet?"
"Much."
JC took Lance's hardening cock in his hand and stroked it.
JC pressed against Lance's back. "And now?"
"So good, JC. Get me ready for you."
JC kissed the back of Lance's neck. "Not this time," JC said between kisses.
"But JC. . ."
"Please, just this once." JC took Lance's hand. He moved it to Lance's cock. A touch on the shoulder told Lance to turn and face JC. There was a soft warm kiss. Then JC stood back.
"Please, Lance, jack off for me."
"JC?"
"Please. I have never seen you give yourself pleasure. The only time I have seen you jack off is when we are having sex. Please, Lance, let me see you cum from just you pleasuring yourself."
"But I need you, JC."
"I'm right here in front of you." JC moved in for another kiss. He leaned to Lance's ear. "It will make me so HOT!"
Lance saw the truth in JC's words. JC's cock was growing harder. Lance felt a little silly jacking off when his lover stood naked in front of him but he closed his fingers around the girth of his cock and started to stroke it. It did feel nice but he missed JC's touch.
"Don't just stroke it. Twist your hand as you move up and down the shaft."
Lance did as he was told. "Oh, my."
JC smiled. "Feels good, doesn't it?"
"I just never. . ."
"Oh, you did once. But after you got me you didn't need to remember the skills of jerking off. Remember, Lance. Pretend you're at John's. We have a break in rehearsal. You went to be alone and get yourself off."
"Because of what you were wearing you prick tease. You used to get me so horny."
"Show me, Lance. Show me how I used to turn you on before you had me."
Lance closed his eyes and let the memories flow. He was in John's bathroom. Lance wondered if JC jacked off over thoughts of him. JC was so energetic when he danced. Was JC so energetic at everything? Then Lance's mind remembered JC's gray tank top and when JC bent over!
"What are you thinking about?"
"Your sweat soaked shirt clinging to every muscle of your back and chest."
"And my tight pants."
"You have a hot ass, JC." Lance stroked his cock a little faster. At the memory Lance's body shuddered as a jolt of pleasure shot through him. "But I could only look at your ass back then."
"But you could imagine. Did you picture me naked?"
Lance leaned back and groaned. "Yes." Damn his hand was feeling so good. He had forgotten how much he used to enjoy jacking off thinking of JC's beautiful body.
"Anything you wanted to do to me?"
A wave of pleasure surged through Lance at the thought. "I wanted, oh god, JC, this feels so good. I wanted to so badly. . . Oh, damn, JC this is hot!"
"What did you want to do to me, lover?"
Lance panted. "I wanted to kiss you."
JC tried not to laugh. "Just that?"
"But you have such lovely lips." Lance stroked his cock faster. He twisted his hand over the mushroom head. "I wanted to feel your lips on mine so, oh, sweet Jesus!" Lance's face flushed.
JC was surprised at Lance's language. Then he saw it. Lance leaned back against the shower wall. His head tilted and his eyes closed. Lance was reliving the memory. JC was really seeing Lance's unbridled lust for him before they hooked up. JC's cock almost hurt it was so hard. No, not yet. He watched as Lance really got into jacking his cock for him.
"Oh, JC, I wanted just to have my arms around you. I just wanted to kiss and to hug. I had no experience I didn't know any bet. . . better. . . Damn, this feels SO good." Lance said in that deep bass rumble that JC loved.
Lance's body twisted and turned. The memories and the shear pleasure of jacking himself off flooded through him. Lance was so caught up in the memory he almost forgot JC was there watching him even if he could hear his voice.
His fingers slid down the hard shaft. Lance turned his hand so his fingers raked across his balls. He gasped. The hand went up the shaft rubbing his sensitive flesh.
"Oh, Josh, I want you so!" Lance whimpered.
"Keep jacking, Lance." JC was so turned on watching Lance standing there with water cascading over his beautiful body happily pulling on his dick.
Lance could see himself in the mirror in John's bathroom. The memory of JC's dancing had made him so horny. If only JC was there. Lance remembered the ache he had to just hold JC in his arms.
"Oh, Josh! I wish you were. . ." Lance began to whimper louder. "I want to cum so bad. I want to cum for you."
It was time to enter the memory. JC stepped forward. "Lance, I'm here."
Lance's eyes snapped open. It was like JC had stepped into John's bathroom and caught Lance jacking off. Lance was so caught up in the memory he blushed. JC was there in the bathroom with him at long last!
He took Lance into his arms and kissed him.
In Lance's present state it seemed like they were touching and kissing for the very first time. Lance's whole body shuddered. He pulled away from the kiss.
"Oh, god!" Lance's voice shook. "Josh, I love you so, oh!" It pinched off into a groan.
Lance's body convulsed as the climax ripped through him. JC was afraid to kiss Lance because their heads might smack together. He rubbed a hand across Lance's chest. Lance body jerked forward.
Lance kept stroking. This was beyond what he remembered. But JC had never been there before. It was like a dream come true back then. Lance leaned back to the wall with a thud.
"Oh, Josh, oh Josh." Lance gasped.
The climax was waning. JC leaned in with a kiss. "That was so hot, Lance. I never knew I had that affect on you."
Lance wrapped his arms around JC. "It was never like that. To have you actually there, I mean here."
"You knew you loved me even back then."
"Oh, yes, Josh." Lance looked up. "You haven't cum yet."
JC smiled. "Turn around. I want to cum on your perfect ass."
Lance gave JC a quick peck and turned around.
"Bend a little lower."
Lance did. What he felt next sent Lance through the ceiling.
"Oh, my! Yes, Josh, Yes!!!"
JC pushed his cock into Lance's eager ass. Lance pushed back forcing the hard cock deep into him. Lance's head snapped back.
"Damn, I LOVE you inside me!"
JC felt the thrill go through him at the bass rumble in Lance's voice.
JC's voice came close to Lance's ear. "Do you think I didn't know what you come into the bathroom for this morning?" JC thrust deep into Lance.
"Oh, Josh, do me good! I want you SO bad!"
"Then hang on tight." JC began to slam into Lance.
Lance reached for the only close hand hold, the water handle.
"Yes, fuck me!" Lance's body shook. He rocked forward and back matching JC's hip's motion. Between the pleasure coursing through him and JC`s thrusts into him Lance found it hard to maintain his balance. He clutched at the water handle to steady himself.
Suddenly the water grew hot.
"Ow!"
"Sorry."
He turned the tap. Cold water poured down.
"Lance!"
Lance smacked the shower button. The shower stopped but JC didn't. Lance arched his back as JC gave it to him good. JC's cock sank into him again and again and Lance loved it! Too bad for straight men. They never knew what is was like to be so connected with their lovers to feel them inside you.
"Yes, JC! I'm all yours. Fuck that butt."
JC slightly slowed his thrusting. He pulled Lance up to him. They kissed.
When they parted JC said, "No, not just a butt, Lance. This is for all of you."
"Don't stop, Josh. Please don't stop."
"Not until we pop."
Lance felt JC's hand on his cock. The stroking added to the joys surging through his body. What Lance had once thought he had been too late for was happening. JC was ravishing him in the shower. A thought hit.
"JC, there's no water."
JC began to kiss Lance's shoulders and back. "I don't care. You are more important than the water."
Lance stood up for a kiss. "Thank you, Josh." The kiss was interrupted by a gasp from Lance. "Oh, Josh. You make me feel so good."
JC's cock thrust deep and sent a blast of joy through Lance. Lance leaned down again. He felt the ache in his balls. Time to finish this.
"I love your cock deep inside of me. Give it to me, Josh!"
JC leaned down to take Lance into his arms. "You are so good, Lance, so good."
"Was it worth the wait?"
JC chuckled. "It always is. You always make me feel so. . . so. . ."
JC's breath was becoming rapid. His groans grew louder and shorter.
"Damn, Lance, I think I'm getting close."
Lance knew how much JC loved the shower. He looked at the water handle. It usually point just there. He turned it to the position. Lance was sidetracked as JC's cock hit a spot that flooded Lance with pleasure. Lance took a breath, hoped for the best and pulled the shower button.
Wonderful warm water rained down on them. Lance couldn't see but he felt the thrill surge through JC as the water hit him. JC's thrusts were long and hard. Then Lance felt JC's body tremble.
"Oh, god, Lance, yes! I'm going to cum!"
This time Lance pressed his hands against the tile wall. Gratefully they didn't slip.
Suddenly JC's thrusts stopped with one last hard thrust into Lance. Lance could feel JC's body shudder and tremble. JC's cock throbbed in Lance's ass as JC came.
JC's cries which had been loud at first slowly quieted. JC's hand returned to stroking Lance's cock. JC's voice was at Lance's ear.
"Thank you, lover. Now your turn."
It didn't take long. Lance was so turned on and in need of JC after a few moments Lance's body tensed. He took JC's wrist and set the tempo of the stroking. Then Lance gave a deep bass sigh. Cum erupted from his cock. JC watched as spurt after spurt shot across the shower. Then Lance fell back against JC. They kissed out of breath but feeling so wonderful.
Lance felt JC's warm body against his back. "Thank you, JC." He managed between breathes. "That's what I really needed." A touch on his shoulder and Lance turned to face JC.
JC smiled. "I know. With the crisis over and Peter back with Justin I knew you'd be in love mode big time this morning."
"Then why didn't you wait for me to join you in the shower."
"I did. I was turning into a prune waiting. Then I just had to get out of the shower. I was getting too tempted." JC mimed jerking off.
Lance rolled his eyes.
JC pulled Lance to him. "And I wanted to save everything for you."
Lance smiled. "You are forgiven."
They kissed then climbed out of the shower.
As they toweled off Lance asked his question. "JC, why did you have me jack off?"
"Because you look so sexy that way."
Lance smirked. "Too pat of an answer. Try again."
"We always get off on each other. I wanted just to concentrate on you and I wanted you to concentrate on you."
"Okay, better but it still isn't the truth."
"How do you know?" JC teased. "Can you read minds now?"
"No, but I can see motives. Justin almost lost Peter and the next morning you want to watch me have sex without you." Lance looked JC in the eye. "Like Justin would have been reduced to if it hadn't been for Hugh."
JC pulled a towel around his waist. "Lance you are a worrier. Can't I just get off seeing my lover get off by himself?"
Lance tilted his head. "Well, I suppose. But it is so much better with you." Lance paused. "You're sure it had nothing to do with seeing if I could have a sex life if something happened to you?"
JC handed Lance his robe. "Nothing is going to happen to me. We live out our lives together, remember?" JC raised a finger and shook it. "The Great Peter has spoken."
Lance put his hand on JC's crotch and sighed contentedly. "It sure did. It really made my day."
"That's my peter for you." JC kissed Lance's forehead. "Do you mean it made your whole day?"
"Yep."
"Then I don't need to get dressed."
"Yes, you do. We have guests coming."
"Damn, I'd love to spend one whole day together when we don't have to get dressed."
"Put that on the honeymoon agenda."
"Good idea."
"Now scoot, I need to get ready."
"After what we just did now you need privacy?"
"Do you want me to get distracted by your hot body while holding a sharp razor to my throat?"
"I'll be in the bedroom." JC left.
JC pulled on his pants. He looked up to see Lance leaning on the door jam with his arms crossed.
"What?"
Lance's chuckle had an edge to it. "You little bastard."
JC grew alarmed. "What?"
"It was guilt plain and simple. You set me up."
"What are you talking about?"
"My little solo session in the shower. You feel guilty when you indulge yourself because I don't. So you got me to do it solo so you could feel less guilty. You probably want me to make a habit of it."
"Not a habit per say."
"JC, I only like having sex with you."
"Not sex, Lance, its just getting off."
"And the difference is?"
"Sex is when you want to share your love with another person and to give them pleasure. Getting off is when you just get horny and need quick relief."
"I see." Lance didn't sound pleased.
"Don't you ever just get turned on and need to get off?"
"Not since we got together. I save it to be with you."
"It didn't seem like it this morning."
"Okay, it only started that way."
JC's chin dropped. "You mean you wouldn't have, ah, finished it?"
"No," Lance said firmly. His voice softened. "I like to get off with you. The other way may feel good but just seems so hollow now."
JC went to Lance and took him into his arms. "That is the sweetest thing you've ever said. You'd go about with blue balls for me?"
"Been there. Done that."
JC pulled Lance to him. "Then you are so much stronger willed than I am."
Lance looked up at the ceiling, "Oh, I don't know. You haven't been solo in the shower for awhile now."
JC raised an eye brow. "How do you know?"
Lance smiled. "You think I can't tell when you've got off? The signs are there for hours afterwards."
JC chuckled. "Well, I have tried to restrain myself since you caught me at it."
"You're just more hot blooded than I am." Lance gave JC a kiss. "I don't really mind." Lance glanced at the clock. "It's getting late and I'd better get dressed."
"You ready?"
Justin finished tying his shoe. "I am now." He stood up.
Peter went to the door.
Justin seemed to hesitate for a moment. "Peter, do you like living here?"
"Sure I do. Why?"
Justin shrugged. "I was just wondering. There might be a better place for you to stay."
"Where is that?"
Justin grinned, "My place."
Peter looked warningly at Justin. "Justin, you know it is too soon yet. This is just a knee jerk response to the crisis. You think if I lived with you this Kirk thing would never have happened."
"You're sure that's the reason?" Justin was surprised by the answer.
"No, I'm not." Peter crossed to Justin. "But are you sure about this?"
"Don't you want to live with me?"
"What do you think?" Peter put his arms around Justin. "I keep thinking about the idea of having sex when ever we want to." Peter sighed happily then he frowned, "and your parents walking in on us."
"I've devised a code. We'll raise a flag if we're going at it."
"So much for the spur of the moment sex, "Excuse me a minute will I run up the 'do not disturb' flag". Very romantic."
"I can withdraw the offer." Justin teased.
"I'll think about it."
Justin smirked at Peter.
"Okay, seriously." Peter kissed Justin's nose. "I just think it is a little early yet. Come on, let's have breakfast."
"Well, look at that. They stopped to have breakfast." JC teased. "I thought we wouldn't see you two until mid-afternoon at least."
"I need to stoke the furnace." Justin added.
Peter bumped shoulders with Justin. "So Justin can keep stoking mine."
"Against doctor's orders," Lance wagged his finger at Peter.
Justin turned Peter to face Lance. "But look at how rosy Peter's cheeks are."
"Okay, let's see, turn around and drop 'em."
"Stop it, JC." Lance walked to Peter, threw his arms around Peter and gave him a quick kiss.
Peter was surprised. "Good morning to you, too, Lance."
He gripped Peter's shoulders. "It's just nice having you back. You really scared us, you know."
"You were scared?" Peter said. "Imagine coming home and finding your house was gone. If I hadn't been on the Astral Plain I would have needed to change my underwear."
Lance wrinkled his nose. "Nice topic." He pointed to the table. "Breakfast?"
"Sorry, Lance." Peter said apologetically. They sat at the table.
JC looked up. "I'll be surprised if Justin will let you project ever again."
Justin grinned. "Oh, I have no objections if he lets me go with. Connecting with Peter was fantastic but that rejoining your body afterwards is a real rush."
Peter glared at Lance. "A fact Lance completely left out when he described it to me that first night. You just said you had 'gooed' on yourselves."
Lance pouted slightly. "But remember your frame of mind that night. We'd already seen you burst into tears in front of us. I thought the less said about sex the better. Besides I didn't know if it was normal or not. It was our first time."
Peter patted Lance's hand. "I understand."
"Now I know why you guys like to project." Justin began. "You can get a mind blowing orgasm and not lose a night's sleep."
Peter pretended to be hurt. "Is that all it meant to you?"
Justin shrugged. "Of course, it has always been about the sex," he teased.
"Oh-oh." JC and Lance pushed their chairs way back from the table.
Justin looked up puzzled. "What?"
"We're just getting out of range." They covered their heads.
Peter looked very calm. "Justin?" He gestured.
Justin clutched his chest and groaned. He fell forward onto the table.
Peter took a bite of toast. "Just sex, huh? Well, now you're screwed."
"Oh, yuck!" Justin lifted his head. A piece of toast was stuck to his cheek. He pulled it off. "I forgot I just put jelly on this."
JC and Lance started laughing.
Peter still looked stern. "Looks like you made your toast and slept in it too."
JC shook his head. "You're really stretching on that one."
Justin frowned. "I was joking, Peter. I swear. I didn't mean it."
Peter chuckled. "I know that. Here let me get that jelly." He leaned toward Justin and extended his tongue.
Lance threw Justin a napkin. "No tonguing at the breakfast table."
"Why, Lance?" JC asked grinning. He punched at the air. "After that last crack don't you want to see Peter lick Justin?"
Lance groaned. "It is too early for this."
"Okay, Lance no more jokes."
"Thank you, Peter."
"For awhile," JC added.
Peter jumped in before Lance could say anything. "Do you know where Hugh's staying? I'd like to see him."
"He said he'll be over later. He had something important to do first thing this morning."
The first thing Kirk saw as he was escorting into the room was Kevin. But his hope faded as he saw the lawyer seated at the table. There was another man standing away from them with his back to them.
Kevin didn't seemed upset so Kirk tried the question. "How is Peter?"
Kevin replied with an edge to his voice. "He's fine, now. No thanks to you."
"I told you not to move him."
Kevin grew angry at Kirk's smug tone. "But you didn't tell us why. If we knew what was happening we won't have moved him. You are still to blame for this." Kevin pointed at Kirk. "You should be relieved Peter survived. That's one less charge you will be facing."
"You're charging me for a prank?" Kirk seemed dumbstruck.
"That's why we are here," The lawyer placed a piece of paper on the table. "If you agree to our terms we'll settle this out of court."
Kirk eyed the paper with caution. "Terms?"
"You'll have to pay a fine and do some community service time with the clear understanding that you will stay way from my client in the future."
"Stay away from Kevin?" Kirk looked up. "But Kevin. . ."
"I said it was over, Kirk. It is."
Kirk threw up his hands. "Forget it. I didn't do anything but move a person from his bed. You can't prove anything else." Kirk leaned on the table. "What judge is going to believe in Astral Projection? You have no case."
"What about breaking and entering?" The lawyer countered.
"I used a key."
Kevin glared back. "A copy you kept secret from me."
The lawyer continued. "Then there's trespassing."
Kirk looked questioning at Kevin. "It was once my home."
Kevin pressed the point. "That was in the past, Kirk. You weren't wanted there."
"Oh, and don't forget stalking. You've been hanging out in the neighborhood at night. We have witnesses."
The lawyer put a pen on the piece of paper and pushed both across the table to Kirk. Kirk turned away defiantly. The lawyer played his trump card. "There is still a question of assault. No one saw what you did to Peter and he was unconscious when he was found AND he did spend a day in a coma. I'm sure the judge will believe that you did nothing but 'move' Peter out of his bed."
Kirk slightly panicked look went back to smug. "It's bound to come out that Kevin and I were lovers."
"So what? I've arranged a private hearing." The lawyer gently replied. "We could even go for libel now."
Kirk slapped the table. "But it is true! We were lovers."
The lawyer tapped the paper with the pen.
Kirk looked imploringly at Kevin.
"Kirk, I'm offering you an olive branch here." Kevin pointed to the paper. "If you sign that there will be no jail time and nothing on your record."
"But without you, Kevin. . ."
"Don't force me to get a restraining order." Kevin stepped closer. "It's over, Kirk. It's time to move on. I have."
"But, Kevin. . ."
"All you every wanted from me is what I could do for you. But when you left and I didn't take you back you dreamed up this whole romance story. It never was there, Kirk, not at the end at least." Kevin took the pen and held it out to Kirk. "Sign."
Kirk stared blankly at the pen.
"You stormed out on me when I kidded that I was going to do you. In jail you may not have that option."
Kirk looked up a bit pale. He reached for the pen. His name was soon scrolled on the paper. Kirk threw the pen down. He turned away.
The lawyer took up the paper. "Fine. I'll just process this and you will be free to go." The lawyer looked back at Kevin.
Kevin nodded at the man behind them. "We'll wait here."
The lawyer left the room.
"I really did love you, Kevin."
"In your dreams," Kevin snapped. "You treated me like shit. Sex was only about you. You had no regard for me and my feelings."
"You're wrong."
"Enough of this." The other man said. "It is time." He turned to face them.
Kevin watched Kirk's reaction. He was cocky and smug with the lawyer but Kirk visibly paled at the sight of this man.
"Kevin, who is this person?"
The man approached Kirk. "You have behaved very badly. And you have abused your gifts."
"What gifts? I don't have any gifts. Kevin, keep him away from me."
Kevin didn't move. "Hugh?"
Hugh waved Kevin off. He kept his attention on Kirk. "There is nothing to be frightened of. I will not harm you." Hugh raised his hand.
"Stay away, I`ll call for the guard."
Again Hugh gestured. "Relax, you'll be just fine."
Kirk stood still. He began to sway.
"Kevin, the chair."
Kevin moved the chair to where Kirk was. Kirk dropped into it.
Hugh lowered his hand. "Now, we will make sure you will cause no harm to anyone in the future."
Kirk snapped around. "What harm have I caused? It was just a prank. They moved the body!"
Hugh looked calmly at Kirk. "But Peter should have never been put in that position in the first place. What you did was wrong and you know it."
"But it was just the one time."
"You forget about Kevin here. You projected to him to see if he still loved you."
"So?" Kirk replied. "That's allowed."
"But you connected with him and your feelings became known to Kevin."
"That's not my fault."
"But you knew the affect on Kevin. You relished in it. If you couldn't have Kevin at least he would be miserable without you."
Kirk bowed his head.
Kevin looked surprised. "You mean he knew what he was doing to me? He knew of the depression? He knew how far I almost went?"
Kirk looked up. "I never would have allowed you to go that far. I swear."
"He is telling the truth. He would step in at the last moment and hope you would take him back again."
Kevin looked away in disgust.
Hugh leaned close to Kirk. "Now as a custodian for the powers we share I also have the obligation to protect them from any ill use. I am now forced to act." Hugh stared at Kirk.
"Keep away from me. Keep. . ." Kirk went rigid and just stared off.
He must have been put in a trance. Kevin grew nervous. "Hugh, what are you going to do?"
"Nothing that will harm him but he must be kept from causing such mayhem in the future." He turned to Kirk. "Now we will join minds."
Kirk began to twist and turn in the chair. He seemed to be struggling against something.
"You cannot fight this." Hugh placed his hand on Kirk's forehead. "Enough!"
Kirk stopped thrashing about. He went very still.
After a bit Hugh stood up. "There all done." He glanced at Kevin. "Oh, yes, one more thing." He turned back and touched Kirk's forehead one more time. After a moment, "Do you understand?"
Kirk nodded.
Hugh stood up. "Well, that's done then."
"What did you do?"
"I just made it impossible for Kirk to ever project again."
"How?"
Hugh smiled. "I'll explain later."
"What was that last bit?"
"Oh, that?" Hugh grinned. "You were quite right about Kirk. He was so angry that you didn't take him back that he became obsessed with getting you back. But how could you take him back when he knew that you were glad he was gone? He wanted to get you back so bad that soon he had convinced himself that there was love between you." Hugh smiled. "I sort of cleared that up in his mind."
The lawyer came into the room with a police officer.
"Are you through with him? He's free to go."
Kirk just sat in the chair.
Hugh leaned down. "Kirk, it's over. You can go."
Kirk shook his head and looked up. "It's about time." He stood up. He glanced at the officer in the room before turning to Kevin. He smirked at Kevin. "How about a goodbye kiss, Kev?"
Kevin didn't move.
"Not even a goodbye handshake?"
Kevin just stood there. "Goodbye, Kirk."
Kirk looked smug. "Goodbye, lover," he stressed the last word. "I will really miss fucking the beautiful butt of yours."
The lawyer started to protest but Kevin waved him back. Kevin decided to let Kirk have one last go at humiliating him.
Kirk watched for the policeman's response. "And you're still the best cocksucker I ever had."
"Really?" Kevin finally said. "Imagine how much better I would have been if there had been feelings between us."
Kirk's smug expression vanished.
"Why I might have even enjoyed what I was doing then."
The lawyer nodded toward the door. "Go, Kevin. You're through here."
Kevin nodded. He and Hugh headed for the door.
"You're nothing, Kevin," Kirk shouted, "Just a queer with money. I don't know why I wasted my time on a fag like you! And the sex wasn't all that great!"
Kevin stopped. "You call what we did sex? I got more pleasure from throwing up." Kevin left the room.
Hugh stopped at the door and smiled at the lawyer and the officer. "He's all yours."
The door closed.
Kirk slapped his hands together. "Well, come on. I signed your paper. Let me out of this dump."
The lawyer frowned. "I don't know about that now."
"Kevin dropped the charges." Kirk protested.
"Kevin has nothing to do with this. The things you just said. I don't think management is going to like that."
Kirk looked a little worried. "Management?"
"I work for the Backstreet Boy's management. I think you could be considered a threat to Kevin's public image. You obviously delighted in outing Kevin to the officer here."
The officer nodded. "He could have some hidden violent tendencies."
"It was just a joke. I was just pulling Kevin's chain." Kirk was beginning to really worry. "You are going to let me out, right?"
The lawyer smiled pointing to the chair. "We'll talk. We'll see."
Kirk started to get a little angry. "You have no right. I signed your damn paper." Thinking better of it he calmed down. Kirk smiled. "I called Kevin that all the time. You know a little friendly insult between gay men."
The two men just looked at Kirk.
"Damn it, guys, I only called him a fag and a queer. What's the big deal?"
The officer glanced at the lawyer. The lawyer nodded. The officer looked at Kirk.
"When you call Kevin names like that you insult all gay people. And since you're trying to get out of here," The officer pointed between himself and the lawyer. "I am sure we're the last two people you'd want to insult, right?"
Kirk gaped at the two men. "But you're a cop and a lawyer. You can't be gay."
They smiled and nodded at Kirk.
Then he slumped into the chair and held his head. "Oh, shit!"
"Come on in, Kevin." JC stood aside. "I thought Hugh was with you."
Kevin looked around. "He was right behind me."
Hugh was nowhere in sight.
JC shrugged. "That's okay, he'll turn up."
"But where did he go?"
"Anywhere he wants," answered Lance as JC closed the door.
"But who would disappear between the car and the front door?"
JC, Justin, Peter and Lance looked at each other then answered all at once. "Hugh."
JC almost chuckled at Kevin's puzzled expression. "He probably just went around back."
"But what about the patrolling security guards?"
Peter smiled. "He won't disturb them."
"What?"
"Nothing, Kevin." JC gestured. "Please, sit down. Lance, would you. . ."
Lance stood up. "I'll go check for Hugh." He went into the sunroom.
Kevin shook his head. "That is so eerie."
Justin grinned. "Give it time, Kevin. You and Howie will soon be finishing each other's sentences, too."
"Or not even having to say anything. You just know what the other is thinking." JC added.
Suddenly there came a yell "Bansai!" followed by a splash.
"I think we've found Hugh."
Lance poked his head around the corner. "You have to come and see this."
They all scurried to the sunroom's windows.
Hugh was swimming in the pool enjoying himself immensely. But as he climbed out of the pool they stared. He was wearing an old fashioned red striped one piece bathing suits with the shirt and trunks combined. Hugh did another cannonball into the pool.
Peter chuckled. "It suits him."
"He is never short of surprises." Justin added.
Hugh soon spotted them through the window and climbed out of the pool. He grabbed a towel he had placed on a chair. Hugh waved for them to join him.
They left the house and gathered around Hugh.
"I do hope you don't mind me using your pool. After this morning I desperately needed something to refresh me. Water can really refresh the mind as well as the body."
"Tell me about it," Peter said.
"You are quite welcome to it." JC said. "I see you found the towels. But I'm quite surprised you wore your own swimsuit."
"Oh, I figured I get the chance sometime today." Hugh looked down at himself. "I know it's a bit Victorian but I like it. Besides it's better than sunscreen."
Peter shook his head. "Being how open you are about the body and things, I though you'd be swimming in the nude."
Hugh frowned. "Oh, no, no, no. Not with all the eyes watching JC and Lance. Being open about sex is one thing but one still must have discretion."
Kevin was still puzzled. "They let us in the gate but how did you avoid the attention of the patrolling security guards?"
Hugh put his hand on his chest looking slightly shocked. "Do I look like an intruder?"
At that moment one of the guards walked passed. Hugh gave him a wave. The guard gave him a little nod then walked off.
Lance chuckled. "Anybody can see your no threat to anybody."
"Not this morning," Kevin added.
Peter looked shocked. "What do you mean?"
Hugh waved his hands. "Now just wait. I'll go and change then I will explain everything."
As they entered the living room the doorbell rang. JC went to the door.
Peter felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to find Kevin looking very serious.
"I am so sorry about what happened."
"Kevin, I told you before, it wasn't your fault."
"But it happened under my roof and by my Ex. Plus if we hadn't moved your body. . ."
"You were worried about me. You did what another person would have done."
Kevin pulled Peter into a hug. "I'm just glad it worked out all right." Kevin's voice cracked. "It is so good to have you back. I was so scared."
"Thanks, Kevin."
"Can we get some of that?"
Chris and Joey came into the room. Chris approached Peter.
"You want to hug a gay man, Chris? You might catch it you know." Peter joked.
"I'll chance it." Chris took Peter into his arms. "I love you, bro."
"I love you, too."
Chris stood back and smirked.
Peter added. "In a totally platonic non-sexual masculine non-threatening gay to straight 'we're just buddies' type of way," Peter slugged Chris's shoulder. "Bro."
Chris nodded. "Good." He turned away and rubbed his shoulder. "Ow."
Peter then found himself in Joey's embrace. "You had us worried there for a while." Joey stepped back. "Don't ever put us through that again."
"As much as I can help it, Joey."
"Since everyone is doing it." JC was next to hug Peter. "I'm glad you are all right."
Lance took JC's place. "Me, too. You're important to us."
Justin grinned. "And to me." Peter suddenly found himself being dipped. Justin gave Peter an exuberant kiss. After a bit Justin pulled Peter to his feet again. Peter's face was red and he was slightly light headed.
Chris nudged Joey. "We have to remember that move."
Hugh walked in drying his hair with a towel. "Looks like I am just in time." He put the towel on his shoulder and spread out his arms. "Can I have one of those?"
Peter opened his arms. "Of course, Hugh."
They embraced. But when Hugh stepped back Peter was crying.
"I owe you my life, Hugh. How can I thank you?"
Hugh waved his hand. "Oh, pish-tush, everyone helped especially Justin."
"With your guidance. I mean, you being here in Orlando just when you were needed."
"You invited me."
"But. . ."
Hugh smiled. "Okay, it's time to talk. Sit, sit, sit." They sat down. "Is everybody here?"
"Yep." Lance answered.
Hugh sat on a chair and dropped the towel to the floor. Lance's glance fell on the towel lying crumpled on the floor. Hugh seemed to sense it. He picked the towel up and folding it, laid it over the arm of the chair. He smoothed out the towel then winked at Lance.
"First, me being here was just a coincidence."
"Bull," Justin snapped. "You knew this might happen. When Peter and I visited you at the stadium you told me we would always be there for each other and that I would learn to project."
Hugh raised an eyebrow.
Justin met Hugh's gaze. "I remembered that the other day."
Chris nudged Joey. "He must have a photographic memory like me."
"Yeah," Joey snorted, "in your case one that needs developing."
Justin pointed at Hugh. "You knew."
Hugh shook his head. "I cannot tell the future."
Peter smirked. "You can't 'tell' the future but you can hint about it. I thought I saw something negative in your aura when I suggested visiting us in Orlando."
Hugh still shook his head. "My, my, you have such wild imaginations."
They all just looked at him.
"Does it really matter how or why I came here? I was here when you needed me. Isn't that enough?" Hugh broke into his smile.
Peter sighed. "Okay, in this case we take your attitude about sex and use discretion."
Chris crossed his arms. "You mean he's not going to tell us."
Hugh nodded at Chris. "He's a bright one."
Chris beamed. "That's why Mom calls me sun."
Joey elbowed Chris. "Now I KNOW Hugh has no special powers."
Hugh looked at Joey with a glint in his eye. "Well, being straight, Joey, you will never find out, will you?"
They started laughing.
"Hey, can we get back to the topic?" Joey turned to Chris. "You know I am starting to resent being the minority in this house."
"It's just a joke, Joey. Lighten up."
"You should talk, Chris."
"No," JC interrupted, "Hugh should talk. So if you two would zip it."
Chris looked down at his crotch. "It is zipped."
Lance looked pained. "Go on, Hugh, please!"
Hugh chuckled. "You guys are so good together. Anyway, maybe I did detect a teeny little black cloud in Peter and Justin's future. And just maybe that made me decide to take Peter's invitation and vacation in Orlando just to be on the safe side, of course."
"Oh, of course."
No one believed a word of it.
"I didn't have the address so I inquired at the studio."
"And you saw and followed John, yes, you told us that." Joey put in.
Justin leaned forward. "Skip trying to make it all plausible and get to what happened."
Kevin spoke up. "Then let me start. Everyone is up to speed on the break-up and the cause of my depression?"
They all nodded.
"Hugh?"
Hugh waved his hand. "I've been informed. Go on."
"Well, Kirk was staking out the house at night to see who the next boyfriend would be."
"But Kirk didn't do anything while you were dating Dave." Lance said.
"That's because it wasn't a physical relationship."
Joey gaped. "Kirk could tell if you were having sex or not?"
Chris explained. "When you're projecting it is very easy to tell."
Joey looked nervous. "Really?"
Hugh chuckled. "Don't worry about being spied upon, Joey. We can't even enter a room if the people in it want privacy. Then there is the glow of the auras. That can be seen from quite a ways off. So, Kevin, I take it that there was sex involved that night."
Kevin was a little embarrassed. "Yes." A thought hit him. "You mean Kirk knew I was having sex that night and he thought it was with Peter?"
"Yes."
"But how did he know Peter was there? He didn't drive."
Peter remembered. "When Nick left I opened the gate for him. Kirk must have been waiting and seen me."
Lance finished it. "And he watched you go back into the house. It seemed to add up. He then entered the house and pulled Peter from his bed."
"Why didn't Peter wake up?"
"Joey," Chris said with a 'duh' to his voice. "He was out projecting. That's where the trouble came in."
"Okay, I know that but how did Kirk know that?"
No one said anything.
"Because Kirk was projecting at the time," Hugh answered. "He was probably checking the house and he saw Peter go. That's why he developed the plan he did. He knew Peter was vulnerable and acted on his chance."
Justin shook his head. "But I didn't feel Peter's presence at all that night. How could he be out projecting?"
Peter put his hand on Justin's knee. "You might hate me for this but you are not the only person I project to."
"I knew it! It was Kevin wasn't it?"
"Justin," Peter chuckled. "He was in the same house."
Justin fell silent. He looked up. "Then who?"
"My parents. I wanted to see how they were doing."
"This is immaterial. Back to the story." Hugh said. "Kirk then let himself into Kevin's house and so disturbed Peter's body that the connecting cord was broken. Peter was separated from his body. He then moved Peter's body just enough to hopefully scare Peter away from having anything to do with Kevin. He didn`t mean any real harm."
Kevin clasped his hands. "But we called the paramedics. They took Peter's body away. He couldn't find it."
"I did in time," Peter added, "With everyone's help."
"But what about Kirk?" Joey asked. "He caused all of this. How can we press charges on Astral Projection?"
"Oh, don't worry about him. He agreed to pay a fine and put in some community work." Kevin replied. "Plus I think Hugh here sorted him out."
They all turned to Hugh.
"I said I would explain." Hugh sat up. "I sort of blocked his memories. Kirk will not remember how to project so he should be no longer a danger."
"You're sure?" asked Joey.
Hugh looked a little sad. He sighed. "I also placed a negative post hypnotic suggestion in his mind. If he does learn to project again he will feel a certain dread about it. He will think that it is unsafe and possible a danger to him. Exactly what happened to Peter, sauce for the gander you could say. That should stop him from attempting projection ever again."
Peter saw the hurt in Hugh's face. He moved close to put his hand on Hugh's. "That couldn't have been easy for you."
Hugh patted Peter's hand. "It had to be done. Kirk was abusing his abilities."
Kevin shifted in his chair. "I watched you with Kirk but I saw nothing. No `you are getting sleepy' or a swinging watch or the like."
Hugh chuckled. "That's just showmanship. Those with the ability can hypnotize people with no gestures at all. It all happens with the mind." Hugh looked from person to person. "Any questions?"
"Yes," Peter said. "Justin said something about Kirk causing my dream."
"Dream?" Lance sneered. "It was a nightmare. Don't you remember?"
Peter replied. "I'd rather not."
"It's true," Hugh said. "Kirk did cause your dream."
Peter looked confused. "But it was about Justin not Kevin."
"Kirk just put the idea of your lover abandoning you. You filled in the rest about Justin and your fear of heights."
JC looked thoughtful. "So Kirk suspected Peter might be Kevin's new lover?"
Hugh nodded. "He had been seen around Kevin enough."
Peter was trying to make sense of this. "How did Kirk get me to dream? If Kirk projected into my room and connected with me you'd think I would have felt him."
"That's why he didn't even enter the house."
Peter gaped at Hugh. "Then how?"
"Never under estimate the power of the will. Kirk was so desperate to keep you from Kevin his thoughts were very strong. He placed the dream idea into your mind from some distance away by pure concentration."
Lance slapped Peter's knee. "And since the dream didn't come from you it didn't make any sense, although it did almost break you two up."
Peter raised his hand. "Justin, I have learned my lesson. I promise to believe in you more than my dreams."
Justin grinned. "Good."
Hugh again glanced from person to person. "Any more questions?"
Joey cocked his head at Chris.
Chris shook his head. "No jokes, this is serious."
After a time no one said anything.
"Justin?"
Justin shook his head.
Peter then saw the darkening of Justin's aura. He was troubled but he didn't want to say anything.
Hugh smiled. "Justin, what is bothering you?"
Justin gripped at his knees. "It's personal."
"And you haven't told your friends personal things before?"
"It would reflect on Peter."
Peter placed his hand on Justin's. "I don't mind. Please, Justin. You're in pain."
Justin sat for a moment thinking then he looked up at Peter. "When I finally projected and I was trying to catch up to you why didn't you stop? You knew you loved me. Why did you run away from me?"
Peter looked down. "I don't know, Justin. I don't remember much of what happened."
"And that is as it should be." Hugh said simply. "Justin, you see this from only your earthbound point of view. Peter wasn`t running away from you. He was trying to save you. "
"How would running away when I was trying to save him save me?"
"Where was Peter going?"
"To the other side, I don't know where, just it would mean his death."
Hugh sat back. "And because of his love for you he didn't want you to follow him."
"But I wasn't following him. I was trying to save him."
"Peter didn't know that. He went faster so you couldn't catch up. He wanted you to live, Justin, that's all."
Justin looked at Peter. "You did?"
Peter shrugged. "I don't remember clearly. But wouldn't that be what any one of us would do? Wouldn't we want our loved ones to live on after we're gone?"
"Excuse me, Hugh," Lance wanted to change the subject. "What did you mean by Peter not remembering as 'as it should be'?"
"Lance, Peter had what could be called a near death experience. First, what was happening to him I don't think the human mind can comprehend. Second, people should concentrate on life not death. This is just my guess but there are reasons why Peter doesn't remember what happened to him."
"Or where he was going," added Chris.
Hugh gave a quick glare at Chris but continued. "Some things we were just not meant to learn."
Lance nodded.
Hugh smiled. "At least not yet. Which reminds me, Peter, look at me please."
Peter turned at Hugh. "What?"
Hugh leaned forward gazing intently and Peter froze. Hugh placed his hand on Peter's forehead. "Now."
Peter saw the room blur then he heard Hugh's voice. "It's time to teach you something important for the future." He could feel Hugh prodding about in his mind.
"Ow!"
"That didn't physically hurt just mentally."
"Ouch, Hugh, stop that!"
"No, you stop me."
The pain came again.
"Concentrate on preventing the pain."
Peter concentrated on the area Hugh was probing. The next time the pain came it was less.
"Good," Hugh replied. "Add more resistance."
As Peter concentrated Hugh's voice faded.
Peter was then startled by Hugh's voice at normal volume again. "There, you did it."
"Did what?"
"You closed your mental defenses. You have been very susceptible to negative emotions."
"Negative feelings have always bothered me very easily."
"But you were also susceptible to attack."
"Attack? Mentally?"
"Sure. Just as there are positive energies out there, there are negative ones as well. You were so open you let them all in. Now you can detect and ward off the negative ones."
"I thought I could."
"Oh, you felt if someone was giving off negative vibes but you always want to think the best of people so you stop there. Now you will sense if the vibes are aimed at you."
"Me?"
"Like someone drugging your drink?"
"I could have sensed that?"
"Not then but you can now. Oh, and not just you. If you, lets say, deeply loved a person that would help you sense negative thoughts toward them, too."
"You mean I can help protect Justin?"
"Both of you are now sensitive to such negative thoughts especially now that Justin has learned to project. I think your future has just got a little brighter."
Hugh came into focus in front of Peter.
They sat there watching Peter and Hugh just staring at each other. Suddenly Peter moved. He swept Hugh into a hug and a kiss.
"Thank you so much, Hugh. I owe you so much."
Hugh chuckled as he sat back. "Save it for, Justin."
"Good idea." Peter leaned over for a kiss. Justin saw the tears in Peter's eyes.
"What just happened?" Justin asked.
"Hugh just raised a protective mental barrier I never knew I had."
"And that means?" Justin asked.
Hugh explained. "Some of the bad things that have happened to you could be prevented in the future."
Peter gave a small smile. "I had a mental gate open and I didn't even know it. I let all kind of things through. I told you I should have sensed that my drink was drugged."
Justin turned to Hugh. "Peter could have prevented that?"
"Maybe he could have sensed it but as it was Peter wasn't even trying. Now he is attuned to negative thoughts. It shouldn't happen in the future."
"I should hope not." Lance snapped.
JC sat back. "Thanks, Hugh."
Hugh smiled. "No problem. I'm glad to clear things up." Hugh looked at his watch. "I hate to explain and run but I should be going."
"So soon?" Peter asked.
"Well, I am on vacation. Not that this hasn't been fun."
"Yeah, right," Chris sneered.
Hugh stood up. "I mean talking like this, Chris."
Peter stood up and gave Hugh a hug. "Will I see you again before you leave?"
"I have three weeks vacation and this is just the first week. I'll be around for a while. I hope to see lots of each other."
They walked Hugh to the door. "You're spending your whole vacation in Orlando?"
"There's a lot to see here isn't there?"
Lance grinned. "You bet."
Peter stopped. "Really? As long as I have been living here I haven't seen that much."
"Well, we have been busy." Lance stressed.
"Okay, Lance, how about we show these two around a bit? I think we should be seen in public again."
"And me?" Justin put in.
"Of course, Peter wouldn't go without you."
"Oh, I don't know," Peter teased.
Justin gave Peter a friendly push. "Well, I do. I'm going, too."
"You missed Gay Day at Walt Disney World." Chris put in.
"Every day is Gay Day, Chris. You just don't know it." Hugh got to the door and stopped. "That's right, Kevin drove. I'll need a cab."
"Nonsense," Kevin said. "I'll drive you back to your hotel."
"You don't have to, Kevin. I'm fine with a taxi."
"No," Kevin pushed passed them to Hugh. Kevin gave a quick glance at Peter. "I owe you one."
Hugh caught the glance and smiled. He pulled a card from his pocket. "Here's my hotel, room number and phone number. Call me and we'll make plans."
JC took the card. "It's a deal."
Lance looked puzzled. "You have your hotel room and phone number printed on a card?"
Hugh smiled. "I have terrible handwriting."
"But cards?"
Hugh broke into a large grin. "I plan to see lots of Orlando and visa-versa."
Chris moved close to Hugh. "If you meet any nice straight girls. . ."
"I'll send them your way." Hugh handed Chris another card.
Chris's jaw dropped. He pointed to the card. "This is my, our phone number."
"Of course," Hugh said. "I mean it. You and Joey deserve it."
Chris beamed. "Thanks."
"Poor straight guys that you are."
Joey moved forward. "We don't need any help from. . ."
Chris slapped his hand over Joey's mouth. "We do appreciate the effort."
"I'm sure if I do find a few deserving women you can squeeze them into your heavy dating schedule?"
"No problem."
Hugh started out the door with Kevin. "Until later then."
"Bye."
The door closed.
Joey pulled Chris's hand from his mouth. "Chris!" He growled angrily.
"What?"
Joey grinned. "Good job!" They high-fived.
"John didn't say why he's stopping by?"
JC shook his head. "No, there was something he wanted to tell us but since we were all here he said he'd drop by."
"I hope its good news." Lance said.
"It will be," Justin added. He elbowed Peter who had been sitting quietly. "Right?"
Peter glanced up, "Yeah, right."
"Okay, what are you so deep in thought about?"
"Everything just makes sense now."
Chris rolled his eyes. "Don't even go there, Peter."
Joey turned to Chris. "You don't mean?"
Chris nodded.
"Peter, I thought you were all over this." Joey snapped.
Peter protested, "But Hugh confirmed it. I was a jinx. Everything bad that happened was because of me."
Chris reached for a pillow. "It's time to knock some sense into you." He threw the pillow. Peter dodged it. He grinned.
"I said "was", Chris. That is all in the past."
"I hope so," Chris said, "Because blaming yourself for that Titanic thing was going way overboard. You asked for some ice for your drink and got more than you wanted. Anyone could have made that mistake." Chris laughed.
Joey held out his hand. Peter tossed Joey the pillow. "Thanks." Joey smacked Chris with it. "Chris has been attracting negative thoughts for years and he still doesn't learn."
Chris smirked. "It is just physical criticism brought on by jealousy of my great wit."
"You're a great twit?" Justin quipped.
Chris opened his mouth and the doorbell rang.
Lance jumped up. "Saved by the bell."
Lance soon ushered John into the room.
"Okay, I'll make this quick. Since you're all here it will save a few phone calls. First, JC and Lance, I phoned our Children's charity and at the next board meeting they will consider adding that Harvey Milk school and institutions that deal with young people with HIV and AIDS to their list of charities. Second, visiting that Galaxy place is fine by me. Just take the necessary security with you.
On that note you will be pleased to hear that I have reduced the security guards around your homes. There will be just one guard on duty only during the evening hours. In a few days I think I can eliminate them totally." John looked sternly from person to person. "But until I say different I want you to take a bodyguard with you whenever you go out in public."
Chris raised his hand.
"No, Chris, I still haven't hired female bodyguards yet."
Chris dropped his hand. "Damn."
"Anything else?"
"Since everyone is here," JC began. "I just want you to know the plans for the wedding are moving forward. Once we talk to our mothers we are going to set the date."
John beamed. "That's wonderful."
Chris bounced in his chair. "When are we going to be fitted? I look lovely in powder blue."
"About that," JC looked at the floor then looked up. "This is not going to be the usual wedding ceremony."
Joey rolled his eyes. "Well, duh."
JC looked at Lance. Lance leaned forward.
"Therefore we are not going to have the usual wedding party."
"No party?!" Chris snapped. He crossed his arms. "Forget it, I'm not going then."
"To be a groom's man," Lance added. "But we want you all to do something in the ceremony. You are so special to us but JC and I just felt like there are so many family and friends and so few parts to play if we do it the regular way."
"Plus you want the spotlight to yourselves." Chris sneered.
"It is only fitting." Joey elbowed Chris. "Come on, Chris, you`ve been in weddings before. Do you really want to stand there in a tux so formal and restricted?"
"What else is there?"
"Well, if we have our way," Lance started. "We want our wedding to be part ritual and part celebration. You can play a part in that."
Chris slumped back in his seat. "I knew it. We're going to be the ushers." He waved a finger in the air. "Whoopee!"
JC sat forward. "Chris, you are important to us. We want that reflected in the service. You standing there rigid and solemn is not like you. We want you to do something that reflects who you are."
Chris sat up. "You mean that?"
"This is the most important day of our lives. We want to share it with our family and friends. But we want you to be apart of it as you are."
"I could do a monologue."
"Not quite that far, Chris."
Joey nudged Chris. "It's their day after all."
"So what do you have in mind?"
Lance and JC exchanged glances. "We're not really sure yet. And we have to run it passed our mothers. We just wanted you to know what part you are not and are playing in it."
John stepped in. "I think it will be wonderful." John sighed. "Well, I must be going. I just wanted to update you on the latest. He turned for the door then stopped. John walked back to Peter. He put his hands on Peter's shoulders. "It is good having you back again."
"Thanks." Peter glanced at Justin. "It's good to be back."
John spun on his heel and left.
Joey nudged Chris. "Come on, we'd better get home. We've been putting it off long enough."
Chris got to his feet with slumped shoulders. "Do we have to?"
"We promised ourselves at least once every two weeks. Especially now if Hugh is sending women our way."
"Okay, but I hate this."
"It is a necessary evil."
They made their way to the door and left.
"Evil?" asked Peter.
"House cleaning." JC replied.
Justin chuckled. "When the day old pizza gets confused with the week old stuff they clean house."
Peter shook his head. "And I though I was bad."
Justin stood up and took Peter into his arms. "I'd better be running along, too." He gave Peter a kiss. "I'm not sure if I'll have time to stop by tonight."
"We'll come and get you." Lance said.
"For what?" Justin asked.
Lance grinned. "We're going to another gay bar tonight."
"But John said. . ."
"Not that way," Lance smirked.
Justin nodded. "Oh."
JC smiled. "It will your first real time out projecting. If you want to that is."
Justin shrugged. "Sure." Justin was very curious about a gay bar.
Peter took Justin's hand. "Just be in bed about 10:30 or so and I'll collect you."
"Okay." There was a parting kiss. "Bye, love."
"Take care, Justin."
The door closed.
Lance was busy downstairs when JC took Peter aside.
Peter started before JC could.
"How come you did tell me you were considering visiting Galaxy? Brian will be beside himself."
"We wanted it to be a surprise."
"I'm sure it will be."
JC looked serious. "Peter, I want to tell you what you missed while you were, ah, away. I think you really deserve to know and I know Justin probably won't tell you."
"If Justin won't tell me then I don't want to know."
JC pressed on. "But you should know. We saw two very singular occurrences during the crisis."
Peter looked at JC. "Because of what happened to me or what might have happened to me?"
"Both." JC said.
Peter though for a moment. "Okay, you can tell me."
"First, while we were at the hospital Britney showed up."
"Really?"
"We were doubly shocked when we found out Justin had called her and asked her to come."
"He did?" Peter thought for a moment. Then he nodded his head. "Good for him. They have been friends for a long time."
"Longer than the guys, well, except me. We know that. But at the sight of her, Justin rushed into her arms."
"They've made up?"
"More than that," JC said. "This is where the second extraordinary thing happened." He paused. "In front of all of us much to our own disbelief, Justin broke down."
Peter looked surprised.
"He wasn't just crying, Peter. He was sobbing. Justin was that scared of losing you."
Peter turned away. He brought his hands up to his face. "Justin cried?"
"Sobbed, Peter," JC corrected. "You mean that much to him." JC touched Peter's shoulder.
Peter turned and JC wrapped his arms around him.
Peter leaned his head on JC. "I never knew I put him through such anguish."
JC rubbed Peter`s back. "It wasn't your fault."
Peter suddenly looked up. "I owe him, JC. He deserves some kind of reward for going through this."
JC smiled. "What more does he need? He has you."
"Then I have to show him."
JC nodded. "You can have the house to yourself any night. You still haven't had that romantic dinner yet."
Peter wiped his eyes. "And we will but you don't have to give up the house."
"But where will you go? A hotel?"
Peter pulled away. "No, Justin would suspect something. I have a better idea. I'll do it right under his very nose."
"What?"
"That would leave you and Lance alone here for your own evening for two."
"Great, but where are you going to do this?"
"Justin's place."
"But how?"
"We will take Hugh around Orlando. While we are gone the place can be decorated with neither of our partners being the wiser."
"But who's going to do all that while we're gone."
"The answer is apparent, JC."
JC looked confused.
"Actually, it's not apparent, it's a parent."
"Be real, Peter."
"I am. I'm going to talk to Justin's mother. I think she will jump at the chance. She can set up the house while we're out. Now if you're game, talk to your mothers. I am sure they are chopping at the bit for you to try out some of the caterers and maybe the decorators? That way you don't have to cook a thing. You can prepare for the wedding and have a hot romantic night at the same time."
"Peter," JC frowned.
`What? Another of my crazy ideas?"
JC grinned. "It is a wonderful idea. I owe Lance one after that dance of his, well, yours."
"But this time we'll be in separate homes. Do you like?"
JC nodded. "I like, big time."
Peter nudged JC. "Race you to the phone."
Peter rushed off.
JC didn't move. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his cell phone.
JC yelled off. "I beat you!"
JC chuckled. "Peter, you do have great ideas now you just have to keep up with new technology." He started dialing.
Peter stuck his head around the corner. "JC, I'll leave the actual act up to Lance but fuck you!"
"Back attacha!"
Peter grinned. "Thanks."
Peter hurried away. He was excited. He had a romantic evening with Justin to plan.
End part 44.
Okay, now is the time you can let me have it. Send your criticism or pats on the back to pete1211@aol.com. I know, not much between Justin and Peter. Well, I am trying to seesaw between them. Mustn't play favorites and I must keep you readers happy. (And ain't that exhausting, Dearie!)
Time to start on the next part. Until next time.