Feedback: lilliluthor@yahoo.com Pairings: Matthew Lawrence/Jim (an original character), Andy Lawrence/David Gallagher Tom Welling/Michael Rosenbaum Joseph Lawrence/Kyle Howard Rating: PG-13 Warnings: Incest Implied
Disclaimer: This story is strictly fantasy. I do not make insinuations about the celebrities' sex lives, personal lives or sexual preferences. These are expressions of my imagination, and as such, reader and author alike acknowledge that the stories are one hundred percent fiction. Moreover, this story was not written for the purpose of ridicule or malice, but as a reflection of the tastes and preferences of the author.
The Matthew Chronicles - Part 4 - Things Fall Apart
Matt stood in a secluded corner of the overcrowded space where the WB's yearend party was being held. It was an elegant restaurant in the heart of Vancouver. Joe, Jim, Andy and David were supposed to meet him there, but were nowhere to be found. He felt out of place among all the celebrities. He tried to remain inconspicuous while he stood nursing his drink. A voice from behind startled him.
"You're Matt Lawrence, aren't you."
Matt turned around to find a tall brunette with clear emerald eyes looking down at him. A brilliant smile beamed at him, and Matt's heart skipped a beat when he realized it was the star of Smallville talking to him. The slightly older man extended his hand and Matt reciprocated.
"I'm Tom. Tom Wellling", he smiled.
Matt stared into the emerald depths speechless. The man was more beautiful in person than he was on TV. Matt shook his head, realizing that he was gawking at the Adonis before him.
"Matt. Matt Lawrence", he squeaked, trying to find his voice.
"You alone?" Tom inquired, still hypnotizing Matt with his engaging smile.
"Um yes... I mean no...my brother's are supposed to ... but there not." Matt stopped himself before he babbled on further. Tom laughed and Matt realized that he was still holding his hand.
"Come, I'll introduce you to some people." Tom through his arm around the shoulder of the smaller man and guided him through the crowd.
Jim had just entered the crowded restaurant when he saw Matt and Tom engaged in a conversation. The tall brunette held Matt's hand captive in his large hand and Matt was staring into his eyes as if captivated by them. Jim felt a pang of jealousy pierce his heart as he watched the scene from across the room. The 6'2" blonde had prided himself in caring for his body. But over the last couple of months his schedule had been hectic. He was managing twenty some odd new clients, most of them here at the party tonight. Breakfast meetings and luncheons had caused him to pack on some pounds. And while Matt still found time to work out every morning, Jim's schedule didn't permit it. Now staring across the room at the well toned body of Tom, and seeing the look in his lover's eyes, he began to feel insecure about his relationship with Matt.
'I don't deserve him', he thought to himself. 'Why would he want me?'
"Penny for you thoughts", a familiar voice spoke next to him.
Jim turned around to see his old friend and brother of his lover standing next to him.
"Joe. How long have you been here?"
"Long enough to see you casting daggers at Tom Welling", Joe teased.
The blonde felt his face flush; embarrassed that he had been so obvious. Joe grabbed him by the arm.
"C'mon, let's introduce ourselves", Joe said, dragging Jim behind him.
"Hey Mattie", Joe yelled out over the crowd, waving wildly. The two men pressed their way through the crowd until they were on either side of the other two.
"Tom, this is my brother Joe and my agent Jim", Matt offered.
"Hi, nice to meet you", Tom extended his hand to Joe and then Jim. Jim gave him a lukewarm handshake and turned to Matt.
"How long have you been here?" he asked, trying to hide the irritation in his voice.
Before Matt could answer, a very drunk Michael Rosenbaum stumbled into the group. He instantly placed his arm around Tom's waist and held on.
"What are you guy's talking about?" he slurred.
Jim took the opportunity to stand closer to Matt. Although he never publicly put their relationship on display for the sake of Matt's career, it was well known who was sleeping with whom. And in the room they were in, at least half the men there were gay, even the married ones. Jim knew Tom was no exception. Before the conversation could continue Andy and David showed up. They joined the group standing very close to each other and whispering in each other's ear.
"They're so cute", Mike blurted out. Tom dragged him away for some coffee.
"Jim, what are you doing here? Protecting your franchise."
The booming voice belonged to Chad Russell, a portly former partner of Jim's. The ruddy face, balding man looked from Jim, to Matt and back again.
"A few of my clients have contracts with Warner Brother's so I thought I'd stop in and spend some time with them", Jim said curtly.
"Clients huh", the other man remarked. The note of cynicism in his voice did not go unnoticed by the young men who stood with their agent. Looking Matt up and down he added, "Well, I have to hand it to you, you certainly have an eye for ... talent."
Jim was about to explode when Mike, who had apparently gotten away from Tom, came stumbling back to into the group.
"Let's get out of here. I know a good club we can go to."
"I'm sure you do", Chad taunted.
"Who the fu..."
"Mike, someone wants to meet you." Tom stepped between Mike and the rotund man. With Tom was a young brunette, which Matt recognized as Gregory Smith from Everwood.
"Hi Mr. Rosenbaum", Gregory gushed. "I love you on Smallville and Pool Hall Junkies is my favorite movie."
"Thanks", Mike beamed. Tom rolled his eyes. He knew how much Mike loved attention.
Chad Russell stood virtually ignored by the young group. He hated Jim his former partner for having the foresight to acquire young unknown talent and turning them into household names. And all without benefit of the casting couch. He took the hint and wandered away, occasionally glancing over at the young and attractive group of men that surrounded Jim.
"So Mike, where did you want to go?" Joe asked.
"The Odyssey on Howe St. They have a great Drag show tonight. It should be fun."
Tom was slightly embarrassed at how open Mike was being, but when the others readily agreed, he felt more at ease.
"Let me hit the head", Matt said and headed for the men's room. He was unaware he was being followed by Jim's nemesis, Chad.
Jim wanted to go home. He was still bothered by the sight of Tom and Matt getting acquainted earlier. He wanted to make love to Matt and reassure himself that all was well, but he didn't want to spoil Matt's evening so he went along.
Matt stood at the urinal relieving himself when a man took the stall next to him.
"Some night huh?"
Matt didn't look at the man but nodded. He quickly finished up and went to wash his hands. The man followed him to the basins.
"So, how long have you known Jim?"
Matt looked at the man through the mirror and instantly recognized him as the man who had interrupted them earlier.
"A little over a year." Matt dried his hands and turned to go when the older man blocked his path.
"A young talent like yours needs special attention", the man said, reaching out to stroke Matt's cheek and leering at him.
Matt tried to step to the side and pass Chad, but the older man wouldn't let him.
"Look, I don't want any trouble. Now get out of my way."
Chad grabbed Matt by the arms, pulling him closer. He was about to taste that tempting mouth when the door flung open.
"Matt, we're waiting for you. Is there a problem?" Tom stepped between Matt and Chad. The portly man made a hasty exit. Tom could see that Matt was visibly shaken. He pulled him into his arms. "Was he hassling you?"
Matt buried his face in the taller man's chest and tried hard to compose himself. Just then the door swung open again. Jim stood in the doorway startled and angered by what he saw.
"What's going on?" He demanded.
" Nothing, I wasn't feeling well", Matt lied.
Tom played along. He wasn't sure why Matt didn't tell Jim what happened. He figured he must be embarrassed.
"Let's go, before Mike leaves without us", Tom offered.
Jim followed them out to the lobby where the others were waiting. Mike had arranged for a limousine to carry the ever-expanding group. Kyle Howard, Joe's costar, had joined them. He eyed Tom and Matt warily. He was determined not to let his lover out of his sight for the rest of the night.