Me and Joey

This story is completely fictional, and in no way is meant to say anything about the sexuality of the members of Nsync. All characters in this story are fictional, except for the members of Nsync. If you are not at least 18 years old, or are offended by homosexuality, then DO NOT read this story. Thank you.

Me and Joey Chapter 9

The time that we had shared with Justin and JC, had been wonderful. I had so much fun those three days. We had only planned to stay a couple days, but we were having so much fun that no one wanted to go home. However, all good things must come to an end. Joey and I had dropped the guys off at their house, and managed to make it back to ours. We dropped our luggage at the door and sat on the couch for a few.

"Wow, that was a lot of fun. We'll have to do it again sometime, when we have longer to stay." I said, smiling at Joey.

"Yeah, it was fun wasn't it?" He asked, smiling back at me.

"The most fun I've had in a while, except for touring with you guys." I answered, placing a kiss on his cheek.

"I'm glad, on both counts." He said, pulling me into his arms.

"Joey?" I said, quietly.

"What, Sweetie." He answered.

"When are we going to your parents?" I asked, not looking at him.

"Tomorrow, I guess. I'm gonna call them later today, and make sure that they will be there. They travel a bit more these days." He said, with a hint of worry in his voice. I wondered if they didn't know about Joey and me being together, because of the traveling. Oh well, all would be answered before long.

"Honey, you know you don't have to do this right now. Why don't you take some time and think it through before we go over there." I said, trying to ease his mind. I knew he must have been thinking about his parents reaction to the news that he was planning to share with them.

"What?" He asked, not hearing a word that I had said.

"Joey, are you sure that you want to do this right now?" I asked him.

"Yeah, why, do you think it's a mistake?" He asked, looking me in the eye.

"Well, you're obviously worried about how they're going to react." I said, sliding behind him, and wrapping my arms around his waist.

"I'm not worried. What makes you think, I'm worried?" He asked, leaning back to look at me.

"Oh I don't know. Maybe it's the fact that you haven't heard a thing I've been saying to you in the last five minutes." I said, squeezing him a bit. I heard him sigh as he relaxed against me.

"I'm sorry, Sweetie. I guess I am a little worried, especially about my dad." He said, as he rubbed my hands.

"It's understandable, Honey. This is a big decision. It's also one that you don't have to make right now." I said, almost whispering in his ear.

"I know. I just don't want to keep this from them anymore." He said, leaning his head against my shoulder.

"Honey, if this is what you want, then I'm right beside you every step of the way." I said, kissing his temple.

"I love you so much." He said, almost inaudible.

"I love you too, Sweetheart." I said, tightening my hold on him. "Don't worry, it will be alright."

"I sure hope so." He answered.

Joey and I spent the rest of the day doing some things around the house. We had been gone for a while, so it was time for some house cleaning. I took care of that while he did some work on the yard. I had put the last load of laundry in the washer, deciding to head for the grocery store while they were in the cleaning process. I went outside to find Joey tinkering with the lawn mower.

"Honey, I'm going to the grocery, do you want anything?" I asked.

"You want me to go with you?" He asked, looking up from his work.

"No, that's okay. You look kind of busy." I answered.

"Not really, I just have something jammed in here." He said, smiling at me.

"Well, while you're getting un-jammed, I'm going to the store. Do you want anything special?" I asked again.

"Well, maybe some mint chocolate chip ice cream if they have some." He said, causing me to smile again.

"I should have known." I said, as he stood and kissed me. "Eww, you're all sweaty."

"Sorry Sweetie." He said, grinning as he pulled me into a hug.

"It's okay sweat can be fun, if you go about it the right way." I said, grinning mischievously at him.

"Oh really? Exactly, what way did you have in mind?" He asked, still holding me.

"If you're a good boy, you might just find out tonight." I said, pulling away from him.

"How much fun could it be, if I have to be good?" He asked.

"Well, instead of being good, maybe you should concentrate on being better." I said, giving him an evil grin. He started to smile, as it dawned on him what I was saying.

"I think I can handle that." He said, giving me one last kiss before I left.

I decided to make one of our favorite dishes for dinner, lasagna. I love lasagna, and so does Joey. I just hoped I could make it well enough for him.

I made it to the market, and picked up the things that I needed. Once that was done, I headed back home, thinking about the events that were yet to come. I sure hoped Joey knew what he was doing, coming out to his parents. I knew how much his parents meant to him, especially, his dad. Joe Fatone Sr. had been his musical inspiration. You see, his dad was a member of a group of singers, called The Orions. Joey had grown up listening to their music, and being taught little things by his dad, that would later prove to be very useful. He loved his parents, dearly. Just the thought of things not going so well, nearly tore out my heart.

When I got home, Joey was still out doing some things in the yard. It would appear that he was able to fix, whatever the problem had been. I waved to him as I carried the bags inside to start dinner. This would be the first real dinner that we had had together in quite a while, and I wanted it to be perfect.

I had everything started, when Joey made his way into the kitchen. He had been working pretty hard out there, and it was evident by the sweat drenched clothing he had clinging to his body.

"Hey Sweetie, need any help?" He asked, as he examined a few things here and there.

"Nah, I'm okay. Why don't you go ahead and take a shower Mr. Sweat." I said, smiling at him.

"I thought you liked it when I get all hot and sweaty." He said, with a grin, as he pulled me to him.

"I do, but not in the kitchen. I prefer a more private setting for that." I said, giving him a quick kiss. "Besides, no offense Sweetheart, but you could 'really' use a shower."

"Are you saying I stink?" He questioned, in mock hurt.

"Yep, that would be what I'm saying." I said, pulling away from him.

"Okay, okay, I get the picture." He said, laughing as he started for the bathroom.

I had managed to get everything finished, before he reappeared. Things did look nice even if I did say so myself. I hadn't made a huge meal, just lasagna, rolls, buttered corn, and a nice salad. I had dimmed the lights, allowing only a glowing shimmer, brought about by the lit candle that I had placed into a center piece on the table. I had made the center piece myself.. I was hoping everything would be to Joey's approval.

"Wow," Joey said, causing me to look in his direction. "This is beautiful."

"You really think so, Sweetie?" I asked.

"Yes, I do. You shouldn't have gone to so much trouble." He said, touching the flowers on the center piece.

"Well, I wanted tonight to be special." I said, smiling at him.

"Any time that I spend with you is special." He said, taking my hand and giving it a kiss.

"Aww, that was so sweet. Thank you." I said, stroking his arm.

"Don't thank me. Everything just seems so much more important to me, since you've come into my life. Maybe, I should be thanking you." He said, pulling me to him.

"I'm just glad to be here, Sweetie." I said, kissing him once more.

"Me too," he said, as he released me.

"Why don't you sit down over there, while I get us something to drink." I said, nodding towards the table.

"Whatever you say." He answered.

I went into the kitchen to get some wine that I had chilling. I smiled to myself, thinking of the way that Joey had reacted to my dinner plans. Just being around him made me smile. Thinking about him brightened my day. He was the last thing on my mind at night, and the first thing on my mind in the morning. I was absolutely, head over heels in love with this man. I must admit, it felt really good.

Joey and I had a wonderful evening of food, wine, and music. We laughed, we talked, we enjoyed each other, the way a couple should enjoy each other. The dinner had been very successful, and I was very grateful.

Joey decided to clean up the kitchen for me, since I had done the cooking. Taking that moment for myself, I made my way into the living room, and relaxed on the sofa. I thought a lot about what was going to happen the next day, when we went to see Joey's parents. They had a place in Florida, as well as New York, and it turned out that they were going to be in town tomorrow. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but I had a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach. I sure hoped he knew what he was doing. I was so caught up in my thoughts, that I didn't even notice that Joey had joined me.

"Joey! You scared me to death. I didn't know you were there." I said, putting my hand over my heart.

"I kind of got that feeling, when you didn't answer my question." He said.

"What?" I asked, still being in thought, and not really paying attention.

"Honey? Is something wrong?" He asked, kneeling down beside me, and taking my hand.

"Not really Sweetie. I just have some things on my mind, that's all." I answered, with a smile.

"You're worried about tomorrow aren't you?" He asked, causing my smile to fade.

"Yeah, I guess I am." I stated. "Are you sure about this? What if they hate me? What if they......?" I started, not finishing my thought.

"What if they what?" He asked, squeezing my hand.

"Never mind." I said, looking away from him.

"Honey, talk to me." He said, taking my chin in his hand, and turning my head to face him.

"What if they break us up, Joey?" I asked, my eyes glistening with unfallen tears.

"Oh Sweetie, that's not going to happen." He said, caressing my cheek with his hand.

"What if it does?" I asked, staring into his eyes.

"Billy listen. I love my parents, but I also love you with all my heart. I'm not going to let anything, or anyone come between us, okay?" He asked, gazing into my eyes.

"Okay," I answered.

"You sure?" He asked, making sure I was okay.

"Positive Sweetheart, I trust you." I said, causing him to smile.

"What say you and I go upstairs, and put some of this nervous tension to some good use?" He said, giving me an evil little smile.

"Just what did you have in mind Mr. Fatone?" I asked, returning his smile.

"There's only one way to find out, baby." He whispered, leaning into my ear.

"Really? I might enjoy finding out." I said, placing my hand behind his head.

"You just might at that." He said, as he brought his lips to mine.

He stood, reaching for my hand at the same time. I placed mine into his, as he helped me stand. I found myself becoming lost as I stared into his beautiful eyes. I could see my own reflection, as he drew closer to me. Our lips touched again, igniting the flames of passion, that had been crying out for release. I let myself give in to the desires of my heart, and my flesh. Joey took me in his arms and carried me to the bedroom, kissing my lips, face, and neck on the way. As we entered the bedroom he gently laid me down never removing his lips from mine. The next thing I knew, we were in the middle of a passionate love making session. Joey had gotten me so hot, that I could hardly stand it anymore. My body ached as I felt him thrusting himself into me harder and harder. The sensation that he was causing, almost drove me to the brink of explosion. He was hitting all the right places with each and every motion. I felt myself meeting his thrust with a new found vengeance. I could hear the sounds of our flesh colliding, and Joey's moans of pleasure. Before long I felt my orgasm beginning to erupt. I couldn't believe it. My cock hadn't even been touched during our love making. Joey had managed to get me off just by making love to me. I felt my body tense as I shot volley after volley of cum onto my chest and stomach.

"AAAHHHH!" I screamed, as Joey continued to pump me full of his hard meat. It didn't take long, until he had reached the point of no return.

"Oh God baby! I can't hold back anymore! Ohhhhhhhhh!" He yelled, as he unloaded inside me. I felt his body shake, as if he were experiencing some internal earthquake. He collapsed on top of me, his breathing strong and heavy. I wrapped my legs around his, and held him tightly. I wanted that feeling to last for a while longer. All the tension, that I had in my body seemed to drain out of me. I lay there stroking Joey's wet hair, as my body tingled. I could feel the sweat from our bodies mingling with the juices, that I had just released. In all my life, I had never experienced anything that made me feel as whole, as what had just happened.

Joey and I showered together, with a little more post game activity, and then made our way back to the bedroom. After putting some fresh sheets on the bed, we climbed in, immediately finding ourselves in each others arms. I don't know exactly what was going on that night, but I just couldn't seem to get enough of Joey. I wanted to be close to him, to touch him, to hold him, to hear his voice, to feel him breathing. I wanted to see his face, watch him smile, hear him laugh. It was as if I couldn't go on from that moment without experiencing those things. We talked for a while before the weakness of our bodies over-rode our need for each other.

"I love you Billy." Joey said, as he held me against him.

"I love you too, Sweetheart." I replied, as we closed our eyes in sleep.

The day had finally arrived. Yep, this was the moment of truth. To be honest, I was as nervous, as a virgin at a prison football game. I knew I had to have all circuits in working order, no room for error. I went over everything in my mind, all the possible things that could happen, and all the things that I could do to make it right.

Joey and I left for his parents house, around 10am that morning. I wanted to be strong for him, but deep inside, I was a jumble of nerves. I prayed to God, that everything would turn out fine. Still, there was that little feeling in the pit of my stomach. I was hoping against hope, that it was just the nervousness talking, and not some kind of omen, to back out of the trip.

We arrived at the Fatone's at around 10:45am and pulled into the drive. Joey and I sat there staring at his parents house for a short moment, before he broke the silence.

"You okay?" He asked, squeezing my hand.

"Are you?" I asked, not really answering him.

"That's not an answer." He said, raising his eye brows.

"Okay, okay, I'm a little nervous." I said, looking in his direction briefly, before returning my gaze to the house.

"To be honest, Sweetie, so am I." He said, mirroring my previous actions.

We slowly started making our exit from Joey's car. In a matter of seconds, the front door of the house opened, and there they were. My heart was beating so hard I felt as if it would explode inside me. I knew I had to pull myself together for Joey's sake, as well as my own.

"There's my boy." I heard Mr. Fatone say, as we approached the couple.

"Hey dad." Joey said, as he hugged his father.

"Oh, let me look at you." Mrs. Fatone said, holding Joey at arm's length before giving him a hug as well.

"How's it going Mom." Joey said, letting a little bit of New York slip into his voice, as he returned the hug.

"And who is this fine young man?" Mr. Fatone asked.

"Mom, Dad this is Billy Prescott. Billy these are my parents Phyllis and Joe Sr." Joey said, as he threw an arm around my neck. That brought an interesting look from his mother, that I'm sure Joey didn't catch.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Fatone.

"It's good to meet you too Billy, and please no Mr. and Mrs. stuff. I'm Joe and that's Phyllis, okay?" Joe Sr. said, shaking my hand.

"Thank you Sir, I mean Joe." I said, shaking his hand firmly.

"Welcome to our home." Phyllis said, pulling me into a hug, which totally caught me off guard.

"Thanks Phyllis, I appreciate you having me." I said, returning the hug.

"Let's get you boys inside, so I can find out what's been going on in your life." Joe Sr. said to his son.

We went inside, and for the next hour or so, sat around talking and getting to know each other better. Well, at least that's what I was doing. Joey looked so happy to see his parents again. I found myself smiling fondly at him, until his mom got my attention.

"So, you're the young man that had the accident. Is that right?" She asked.

"Yes ma'am." I said, smiling at her.

"That must have been a horrible thing to go through, losing you memory and all." She said, in her motherly tone.

"Yes it was. But, it did allow me to meet Superman over there." I said, nodding in Joey's general direction.

"Well, I wouldn't call me Superman." Joey said, smiling at me.

"How are you doing now, Billy?" Joe Sr. asked, leaning forward a bit.

"I'm doing much better, thank you. I have regained most of my memory. There are still some things missing here and there, but the doctor says that I should get all that back over time." I answered, stealing a small glance at Joey.

"Good, glad to hear it." He said, with a huge grin. I could see where Joey got his.

Things had been going pretty good thus far. I had met Joey's parents, and they hadn't kicked me out of the house yet. Then came the moment I had been dreading.

"Um dad, could we go somewhere. I have something I want to talk to you about." Joey said, causing a serious expression to come to his father's face.

"Sure son, would you like to join us Billy?" He asked, in my direction.

"No, that's okay you guys go ahead. I'll stay here and keep Phyllis company." I answered, giving Joey a hopeful smile.

Joey and his dad decided to go out in the back yard, to discuss whatever it was that Joey had on his mind. I knew all too well what Joey had on his mind, and I was hoping it went well.

"So, Billy, tell me more about yourself." Phyllis said, gathering my attention once again.

"Well, there's really not that much to tell. I'm a 33 year old musician, originally from Kentucky, and now I live here in Florida." I said, with a slight shrug.

"I see. And, how long have you been dating my son?" She asked, causing a train wreck of emotions to hit me at once.

"Um wha.. excuse me?" I asked, trying to process what I had just heard.

"I said, how long have you been dating my son?" She repeated.

"Uh Phyllis I...." I started, before she interrupted me.

"Billy, it's okay. I've known for quite some time. I must admit though, I am a little concerned about your age difference." She said, sitting back and crossing her legs.

"I don't...." I started, being interrupted again.

"Look, you seem like a nice man, and I like you, I really do. The thing is, you're 10 years older than him. What could you possibly have in common?" She asked, kicking into protective mother mode.

"Would it help to know, that I tried to talk him out of this?" I asked, finally able to put a sentence together.

"What do you mean?" She asked, with confusion on her face.

"I've tried my best not to let myself fall in love with him. However, you're his mother. You know how hard a task that could be to accomplish." I said, causing her to smile.

"He is a charmer, yes." She replied.

"Phyllis, Joey is the last person in the world that I ever thought I would have as a boyfriend. I was concerned about our age difference too. I couldn't help thinking that Joey could do better. That he would be throwing away his chance at happiness if he stayed with me. I gave him every excuse I could think of, to make him change his mind. I wanted him to make sure that this was what he wanted. The fact of the matter is this, I love your son with all my heart. There is absolutely nothing that I wouldn't do to make him happy." I said, finishing my argument.

"I know." She said, once again taking me by surprise.

"What?" I asked, my shock apparent.

"I know that you love him, Billy. I've been watching you all night. The way you look at him, the way you smile at him. I can tell that you love him. I can also tell that he feels the same way about you." She said, placing her hand on mine.

"Does this mean I get to live?" I asked, causing her to laugh.

"If Joey's happy, then I'm happy. Besides, I think you're a good man. I'm glad Joey found someone like you." She said, bringing a new found ease to the conversation.

"How do you think Joe is going to take all of this?" I asked, the nervousness suddenly returning to my voice.

I didn't have to wait long for my answer as the back door flew open. There was Joe Sr. staring at me, with an angered expression on his face. He didn't say anything, but turned and went upstairs. I could hear Joey calling his Father. His voice caused my heart to break.

"I'll talk to my husband, you go make sure Joey is alright." She said, as we both stood.

I went out back, to find Joey sitting alone on a bench, his body shaking from his sobbing.

"Sweetheart? What happened?" I asked, as I got closer.

"Billy! Oh God Billy!" He cried, as he latched onto me.

"Oh Joey." I said, as I held him tightly stroking his hair.

"He...he.. hate's me." He said, through his sobs.

"Oh Sweetie, he doesn't hate you." I said. "Just give him some time, he'll come around.

"He s..said, he w..wouldn't have a fag for a son. Oh God Billy, what am I gonna do?" He asked, gripping me tighter.

"Oh Honey, I am so sorry." I answered, kissing the top of his head.

"Now he'll tell mom, and I'll lose them both." He said, his voice muffled by my chest.

"She already knows, Joey." I said, causing him to flinch.

"What?" He asked, almost in disbelief.

"I said, she already knows, Sweetie. She's totally okay with it, in fact I think she likes me." I said, trying to lighten the heaviness of the situation.

"Really?" He said, pulling back to look into my eyes.

"Really Sweetie." She's upstairs talking to your dad right now.

"She's really not mad?" He asked, not sure whether to believe me.

"No Honey, she's not. She said, if you were happy, then she was happy. She even said that she thought I was a good man." I said, with a smile.

"Well, at least one of them still wants me to be their son." He said, wiping the tears from his cheek.

"Joey, listen to me. Honey, you have just dropped a huge bomb on your dad. Give him some time to think, to process, and let him make up his mind then, okay?" I asked, taking his face in my hands.

"Okay, maybe you're right. Could we just go home now?" He asked, giving me a pleading look.

"Sure Sweetie, whatever you want." I said, pulling him up into a hug.

"I love you." He said, holding me tight.

"I love you too, Sweetie. Listen we're going to get through this thing. I'll be right beside you every step of the way." I said, as someone else made their presence known.

"And so will I." Phyllis said, smiling at us.

"Mom?" Joey said, as the tears started again.

"It's okay baby." She said, as she hugged her son. "Give me some time with your father. He'll come around honey. He loves you too much."

"It sure didn't sound like he does." Joey said, the tears flowing.

"He's confused Joey. Give it some time." She said, trying to assure him.

"Okay," he said, releasing her.

"Now, you let this handsome boyfriend of yours, take you home so you can get some rest." She said, causing Joey to smile.

She walked us to the front door, with her arm around her son. At least, Joey took some comfort in the fact that his mother was on his side.

"I'll call you in a few days, okay?" She said, examining her son's face.

"Okay mom." He said, giving her a hug and a kiss. "I love you."

"I love you too baby. Now, don't worry." She said, kissing her son.

"Good-bye Phyllis." I said, as she pulled me into a hug.

"You take care of him, you hear me?" She said, in a whisper.

"Don't worry, I will." I said, smiling at her.

I put Joey in the car, and we drove off towards home. He was quiet most of the way, just staring out the window. The one thing that Joey feared most had just happened. His father had turned his back on him. I only hoped it was a temporary thing. I couldn't help feeling a twinge of guilt. After all, if Joey and I were not together, he wouldn't be going through this pain right now. All I could do now, was hope for the best.

I took Joey home, and we both got into a nice hot shower. I washed him taking extra time to massage his aching body as I went along. I could feel the tension in his muscles, as they relaxed under my working hands. I managed to get him into bed, and just held him in my arms. I lay on my back, as Joey snuggled up to my chest. I held him there stroking his back. It didn't take long before he drifted off, leaving me there, staring at the ceiling.

The next morning, I awoke at around 9 am. I reached over to touch Joey, only to find him missing. I looked around the room, but he wasn't there, only a note on the night stand.

Billy

I've gone out to do some thinking. I don't know when I'll be back. Don't worry. I just need to be by myself for a while. I love you very much, Sweetie.

Joey

I read and re-read the note to myself. Where could he have gone? I knew he had a lot on his mind, and I really didn't want him to be alone. I started to get out of bed, when the phone rang, startling me a bit.

"Hello," I answered.

"Hey Billy, how goes it man?" Lance said, from the other end.

"Things could definitely be better, Scoop." I said, the worry showing in my voice.

"Uh oh, what's wrong? Did you and Joey have a fight?" He asked.

"No, no, nothing like that. Well, at least it wasn't with me." I said, leaving Lance to wonder.

"I'm not following." He said.

"Joey and I went to see his parents yesterday. He decided to tell them he was gay, and that he and I are together." I said, matter of factly.

"Oh my God." Lance said, almost in shock. "What happened?"

"Well, Phyllis, took it much better than I ever dreamed she would. Joe Sr. on the other hand, did just the opposite." I said, filling him in on the events of the day before.

"Oh no, what did he do?" He asked, worry creeping into his voice.

"Basically, he told Joey that he would not have a fag for a son, and walked away from him." I said, thinking of how Joey looked in his parents back yard that evening.

"How is he doing?" He asked.

"Well, he was pretty upset last night. Oh God, Lance, when it happened, he cried, and held onto me, as if he were afraid to let go. It really scared me." I said, closing my eyes at the thought.

"How is he this morning?" He asked, in concern for his friend.

"I don't know. He was gone when I woke up this morning. He left me a note saying that he needed to be by himself for a while to think about some things." I replied.

"Did he say when he'd be back?" He asked.

"No, he said he didn't know when he'd be back." I answered.

"Oh man, I don't like the sound of this." He stated.

"Do you have any idea where he might have gone?" I asked, trying to figure out what to do.

"Not really, with Joey it's hard to say." He answered.

"Wait, I think I might know where he is. I gotta go Lance." I said, hurriedly.

"What? Wait, where are you going?" He asked, in confusion.

"I'll call you later, and let you know what's going on, okay? Would you call the other guys, and let them know what happened?" I asked, grabbing my keys.

"Well, yeah, but." He said, as I interrupted.

"Good, I'll have my cell with me if you hear from him before I find him. Call me if you need me, bye." I said, ending my part of the conversation.

"Okay, bye." He said, as I hung up the phone.

I got into my jeep and headed to the only place that I could think of that Joey might have gone. I drove on, thinking of all the events that the past few days had brought. I was hoping against hope that Joey's dad would come to his senses, before it was too late. I knew that I never wanted to see that kind of pain on Joey's face again, ever. God, what was I going to do if I couldn't find him?

I pulled into the area I was looking for, and sure enough there was Joey's car. I got out of the jeep, and started walking slowly down the beach, heading for the rocks that he and I had ended up on, during our first date. I smiled to myself, as he came into my view. He didn't look in my direction, and didn't acknowledged my presence. I climbed onto the rocks, and made my way to him. I didn't say anything. I just slid in behind him wrapping my arms around his waist.

"How did you know I'd be here?" He asked, finally breaking the silence.

"I didn't. I just took a chance." I said, placing my chin on his shoulder. "Are you okay?"

"I don't know. What am I going to do without him, Billy?" He asked, as the tears started to fall.

"It's okay Sweetie. Listen, you know your dad loves you. This was just a big surprise for him that's all. He'll come around." I said, in my best reassuring voice.

"What if he doesn't?" He said, staring out at the ocean.

"He will." I said, tightening my hold on him.

"You don't know that." He said, turning his head to face me.

"And you don't know that he won't." I said, smiling at him. "Joey, how long did it take for you to come to grips with being gay?" I asked.

"A long time, why?" He asked, his face mirroring his confusion.

"Well, don't you think it might take some time for your dad to deal with it too?" I asked, causing his mind to wander for a moment.

"Do you really think he'll come around?" He asked, a shimmer of hope in his voice.

"Joey, from what I saw, your dad loves you too much to turn his back on you." I said, doing my best to be what he needed at the moment.

"I sure hope you're right." He said, leaning into me.

"Just give it time, Sweetie. You'll see." I said, trying to convince myself as well.

We sat there for a while longer, neither of us saying anything. I stared out at the ocean, as the waves crashed against the shore. I hated seeing Joey hurt like that. Only time would tell, if I had been right about his dad. I was hoping that lady luck would smile on me, just this once.

"Lance called this morning." I said, bringing us out of our silent thoughts.

"And?" He said, in a questioning tone.

"And, I told him what happened. I asked him to tell the guys, so you wouldn't have to deal with all that, when you see them." I said, not sure if I should have told the others just yet.

"Thanks Sweetie. I really wasn't looking forward to telling them." He said, stroking my arms.

"Well, we are a family. I felt like they should know what's happening." I said, kissing his neck.

"Yeah, they should. It's not like they wouldn't know something's wrong when I see them, anyway." He said, in a knowing way.

"True," I said, leaning my head against his.

"Ya know what? I think we should go ahead and have that party for the guys." He said, out of the blue.

"Party? Are you sure you want to do that right now, Sweetie?" I asked, in disbelief.

"Yeah, it might be just what I need to get my mind off things." He said. "Besides, there's something that I want to do, and I think a party would be a great way to kick things off." He said, his spirit brightening a bit.

"And just what is it that you want to do?" I asked, becoming suddenly uneasy.

"You'll see." He said, with a slight grin.

"Joey? You're not going to do something crazy are you?" I asked, with concern.

"Me? Something crazy? Now why would you think that?" He said, in complete sarcasm.

"Okay Sweetie." I said, shaking my head. "If you want a party, then let's have a party."

"Thank you." He said, snuggling against me once again.

"And when are we having this festive get together?" I asked, making mental notes.

"How about, next Saturday." He said, checking my expression.

"Okay, that gives us a little over a week. Can we do it?" I asked, checking for approval.

"We can, if we start now." He said, pulling away from me.

"I guess this means we're leaving?" I said, looking up at him.

"Guess so," he said, reaching for my hand. "Thanks for coming to find me, and for what you said. It means a lot to me."

"You're welcome Sweetheart. I just wanted to make sure that you were alright." I said, taking him into my arms.

"And that's why I love you so much." He said, as he leaned in for a kiss.

"Really? I thought it was my killer good looks." I said, making him smile.

"Well, that too, but most of all for what's in here." He said, laying his hand on my chest.

"That part belongs to you too, Sweetie." I said, in all seriousness.

Having things momentarily sidetracked, Joey and I headed home to plan a party. I was glad to, at least, see him smile. It was the first real one that I had seen since before the big blow up, at his parents. Somehow things had to work themselves out. They just had to. I knew if they didn't, the effect it would have on Joey, would not be a healthy one.

To Be Continued................

Well, that's it for now. This is my first time writing so let me know what you guys/gals think so far. Send mail to starstories34@yahoo.com Special thanks to DLS, author of Brian and Me for inspiring me to do this, thanks for all your help D. I appreciate it. To Matt, author of Search and Rescue just for being you my friend. To my (((Angel))) you know who you are, thanks for the encouragement. To RandyM, author of Maverick, your kind words mean a lot..Thanks Mr. President.....LOL. To all my friends in the chat room, MUCH LUV TO YA! GOODNIGHT!