Yesterday's End

Yesterday's End Chapter 43

Yesterday's End-43

The following story is fictional and is intended for an adult audience with an open mind.

It is not meant to suggest anything about the sexuality of the celebrities included in this story.

This story is fiction, meaning not real.

It's all for fun and enjoyment.

If you are under age, or it is illegal in your country, or you don't like stories about gay sex, please stop reading this immediately.

Author's Note:

I'd like to take this time to urge all of my fans to donate to Nifty.

Nifty provides an outlet for all of us writers and a showcase of enjoyment for all of you readers.

Let's keep this site active and contained.

Please donate to this exemplary site at the following link.

http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html

Chapter 43

Josh's eyes lit up, two violet pools staring at him from across the living room

The man had showered and then dressed, walking out of the bedroom to find his Lucky.

He found his loving smile, Lucas' violet pools staring at his lover.

"About time, Joshy! Your man's been halfway to crazy waiting for you!" Finn grinned, Skyler rolling her eyes beside him, the others smiling.

"Sorry, guys. Had to shower and change. Was all sweaty after running with my man." he smiled, walking up to his fiancé, Lucas smiling at him, seeing the satchel in Josh's right hand.

"I don't think you ran at all, guys. Josh has a deeply satisfied look on his face. Lucas had the same face when he greeted us." Drew said, Trish smiling at him.

"The same face you had this morning, babe?"

Drew smiled, blushing at his friends.

"You mean you two did the nasty all the time we were gone? Ewww!!" Finn said, cringing.

"No, Finny. We didn't imitate you."

Skyler laughed, Finn giving Lucas a salute, the man looking at his girlfriend, Skyler blushing at him.

"Sorry, sweetie." she said, Finn smiling at her.

Lucas smiled, Josh smiling at him as he sat down beside him, Lucas' arm going around him.

"They're jealous, babe. All the young ones are jealous of my older lover."

Finn and Drew gagged, Lucas and Josh both laughing.

"Speaking of old ones, where's Justin?" Finn grinned, Lucas smiling at him.

"Lance called about ten minutes ago, Josh. He said he was stopping by to pick up Justin." Lucas said, Josh nodding.

"How long before you have to be at the arena, babe?" Josh said, Lucas snuggling against him.

"Not till seven. Everything's mostly ready, just some minor sound checks, and some television interviews." Lucas said, Josh smiling and kissing his cheek.

"My man shining for the paparazzi."

"That I'll never get used to. I hope they like me. I'm just myself, they'll have to see that."

"We'll make you up, Lukey. A real man's boy, leather pants and all." Finn laughed, Lucas giving him a returned finger.

Josh laughed, Lucas looking at him.

"Sorry, babe. Don't change a thing. The real you shines brighter than any preconceived image."

"Got that right. I'll always be myself." Lucas smiled, kissing Josh's cheek.

"So when Justin and Lance arrive I'll tell everyone, Josh." Lucas said, Josh looking at him, nodding, setting the satchel down on the coffee table.

Their four friends looked at Josh, Finn smiling at him.

"Don't tell me your pregnant, Joshy?" he said, Skyler rolling her eyes again.

A pillow hit Finn directly in the face, Skyler laughing, Lucas smiling at her, he the thrower of the pillow.

"Ha. . .ha, Delaney. I'm magical but I'm not that magical." Lucas said, Trish laughing, Drew holding his in.

Josh smiled at Lucas, his man smiling back.

"Josh has some news, but we'll wait until Justin and Lance arrive." Lucas said, the young man getting up.

"I'll get a late lunch--or early dinner--ready. We'll eat before we leave." Lucas said, leaning down and kissing his man, Josh beaming.

"Hurry back, my love."

"Keep your thoughts on the future, babe." Lucas smiled, Josh smiling at him.

Everyone stared at the two, Lucas walking into the kitchen, Josh smiling after him, turning back, seeing four sets of eyes staring at him.

"The future, Josh?" Trish said, Josh looking at her quietly.

"So what gives? Lucas didn't say much when he came in here, just that he and you went running."

"Yes we did. And man, it was hard keeping up with him. I was practically exhausted when I got back. But please, don't tell him that."
Trish smiled, moving from Drew's arms, the young woman sitting down beside Josh.

"Lucas has always been energetic, Josh. Even more so than just the youthfulness of his age."
"I know, Trish. To be honest, sometimes it's hard to keep up with him."

Finn smiled, chuckling, Josh's blue eyes meeting his blue.

"He'll dump you if you can't keep hard."

Everyone burst into laughter, Josh blushing, Trish kissing his cheek.

"Ignore the testosterone beast over there. I know what you mean, Josh. But in no way does Lucas think of you as old. I see easily in his eyes his total love for you. Your age weighs nowhere in his thoughts."

"I know, Trish. He loves me for myself."
Trish smiled, Josh looking at her.

"He's changing my life, Trish. I've never felt this way about someone."

Everyone smiled, looking at Josh.

"So when are you going to make him legit?" Finn said, Josh smiling at him.

"I have a few ideas. I haven't decided quite yet. But my love is his alone. And soon we'll be united forever."

Trish nodded, smiling at Josh.

"So why today does he seem so happy?"
Josh smiled, looking towards the kitchen doorway.

"I'll let him tell you. I'm still digesting it all myself." Josh said, his blue eyes looking towards the satchel briefly.

Everyone smiled, Finn rising from his seat.

"Let's play darts till the guys come. A buck a point, Joshy?" Finn said, Josh laughing and rising from his seat.

"I'll go get my Amex, pro boy."

Everyone laughed, Finn's arm going around him.

"We could play strip darts? But then we'd all see Lukey's hickeys on your ass."

Josh stared at Finn, the man grinning.

"There's only seven, right near the center."

Finn looked surprised, Josh laughing, the others joining him.

"Good one, Joshy! You'll fit in nicely!" Finn laughed, Josh smiling at him.

"I'm sure you're tight."

Skyler lost it, Finn blushing.

Everyone laughed, heading towards the games room.

Lucas opened the door, smiling at the two men standing in the hallway.

"Come on in guys. The gang's playing darts in the games room." he smiled, Justin and Lance walking into the condo, both men hugging Lucas, the young man smiling at both, his violet pools meeting Justin's blue.

"I'm doing some last minute cooking, you guys go ahead and join them."

"Finn beating Josh as usual?" Lance smiled, Lucas smiling at him.

"Last time I checked the two were tied at darts. My man's nothing if not tenacious."

"Got that right. Joshy never likes to lose."

Lucas laughed, the three walking into the living room.

"You head back, Lancy. I'll keep Lucas company in the kitchen." Justin smiled, Lance smiling at him, his eyes meeting Lucas', the man heading towards the games room on the other side of the living room.

Justin smiled at Lucas, the young man smiling back.

The two walked into the kitchen, Justin sitting down at the kitchen table, Lucas checking some things cooking on the stove.

"Almost ready. I hope you brought your appetite with you?" Lucas smiled at Justin, the man smiling back.

"I'm famished, Luke. Haven't eaten since breakfast."

Lucas smiled towards Justin, their eyes meeting.

"I hope Sheridan's at least a good cook."

Justin's eyes widened a bit, Lucas smiling at him.

"I. . .I made him breakfast." Justin said, Lucas nodding his head.

"How. . .how did you know he stayed at my place last night?"

Lucas smiled, turning down the stove dials to simmer, the young man walking over to the table and sitting down beside Justin.

"I love all those who now are my friends. You're one of them. And with that love comes a connection of bonded love. I felt your feelings when I looked in your eyes, Jus."

Justin looked surprised, his eyes meeting Lucas'.

"You don't have to say anything, Jus. I see the love in your eyes."

"It. . .it was so different, Lucas. He was. . .he was so attentive, so giving, so genuinely beautiful. It wasn't like anything I've ever felt before. Does that sound strange?"

Lucas stared at Justin, his face calm and thoughtful.

"No, Justin. Love--or the beginnings of it--always feels unbelievable  You deserve to find that special someone. I and Josh both want to see you happy."

Justin smiled, leaning forward and kissing Lucas' cheek.

"I am happy, Luke. Sheridan makes me happy."

"Yes, I see the smile on your face and in your eyes."
Justin beamed, Lucas smiling at him.

"I'm sure I feel the same way Josh feels, making love to a man like you."

Lucas smiled, seeing the genuine happiness in Justin's blue eyes.

"Never compare your own feelings to others', Jus. Love is its own self."

Justin nodded, Lucas quietly staring at him.

"As I said earlier Jus, you're my friend. I hope you feel your mine?"

Justin smiled, nodding his head.

"I love you, Luke. Your love for my Josh locks our friendship solid. And your own acceptance of my misguided love makes you even more of a friend."

Lucas smiled, seeing the love in Justin's eyes for him.

"Then, as that giving, loving friend, can I give you some advice?"

Justin nodded, looking into Lucas' violet eyes.

"I'll take all you can offer, but I am older buddy."

Lucas smiled, and chuckled.

"I know, but this isn't advice with experience."

Justin smiled, quietly looking at Lucas.

"I know the man you are, Justin. Behind the image, behind the bravado, there's a man with a giving, loving heart. Last night was a new experience for you. I'm not sure how giving Sheridan was, but I do see the happiness on your face."

"He was unbelievable, Lucas."

"I'm sure he was, Jus. He seems like a man of giving talents."

Justin smiled, then softly blushed.

"He. . .he is that."

Lucas smiled, patting Justin's hand.

"What I wanted to tell you was that I think you need to take it slow. You need to build a level of trust, truthfulness and love. I applaud you in your already patient stance with Sheridan. You didn't just jump into bed with him right off the bat. That shows you are looking for more than just sex."

"He understood my needs, Luke."
"Did you tell him about your past?"

"Yes, I told him everything, Luke. He didn't turn away from me or use me, Lucas. Last night he gave into my needs."

Lucas nodded.

"A selfless man. I'm sure he made you feel wonderful."

"I. . .I gave into him, Lucas. It felt so different. It didn't feel like sex. It felt. . ."

"It felt real?"

Justin smiled, nodding his head.

"Yeah, Luke. It felt totally real, like it was a part of me."

Lucas nodded.

"Is something wrong, Luke?"

Lucas stared at Justin.

"No, Jus. Just being honest."

Justin stared at Lucas, seeing the young man's thoughtful look.

"You. . .you don't like Sheridan, Luke?"

"You know me and my thoughts, Jus. It just takes me a while to warm to someone."
Justin stared at Lucas.

"He's a great guy, Lucas. You'll warm to him easily. You just need to spend more time with him."

"Yes, perhaps that's it. Look how long it took me to warm to you."
Justin laughed, smiling at his friend.

"You caved into me that first day in the kitchen in your flat in London. All I had to do was wiggle my ass."

Lucas laughed.

"Hey, I was the one almost naked. You fell in love with me on the doorstep."

Justin laughed again, patting his friend's hand.

"Yep, I did. And now you're one of my best friends. Physical beauty can't hold a candle to a soul's beauty."

Lucas smiled.

"No it can't, Justin. I'm glad you can see that."

The man smiled, standing up.

"I see your soul's beauty now, Lucas. That's why we're true friends."

Lucas nodded, smiling at Justin.

"I should go see the guys. Unless you need help?" Justin said, Lucas smiling and standing up.

"No, I'm good. Go say hi to my Josh. He's been looking for you all day."

Justin smiled, nodding and walking out of the room.

Lucas stared after him.

I am glad you can see past the physical beauty, Justin.

For a greater love awaits you out there.

And Sheridan's love will show its true colors.

I only hope I'm around to see your true happiness.

Lucas sighed, the man's hand going up to his chest, his fingers wrapping around the stone hanging there.

Lucas closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them slowly.

For your happiness I'll risk even my life.

I love you, Justin.

Lucas sighed again, going to the stove, his thoughts on the vision he'd just seen in his mind.

Josh smiled as two arms wrapped around his waist, lips going to his neck.

"You have to be careful, Jus. Lucky's sneaking around."

A hand slapped his ass, the man smiling and turning around, staring into two violet pools.

"Is that so?"

Josh smiled, kissing Lucas on the lips.

Justin was laughing, the man standing with Finn, the two throwing darts.

"I've got long arms but they're not that long, Joshy." Justin laughed, Josh smiling at him, his eyes meeting Lucas' again.

Everyone was relaxing, enjoying the dart games, drinking beverages.

"How goes the cooking, wench?" Finn grinned, Lucas smiling at him.

"It's all ready. But it looks like the pig's climbed off the spit." Lucas said, Josh laughing.

"Ha. . .ha, wench. Do you serve the master with that mouth?" Finn grinned.

"Oh, I serve him well." Lucas smiled, licking his lips, Josh beaming.

"Please! I haven't eaten yet!" Finn gagged, everyone laughing.

Josh looked towards Justin, Lucas smiling at his lover.

"Before dinner begins, I think we should have some music." Lucas said, everyone smiling at him.

"We're doing a concert tonight, Lukey. I didn't know we had to sing for our supper." Finn laughed, Lucas smiling at him, the young man's arms going around his lover, Josh smiling at him.

"You'd starve, pig boy."

Everyone laughed as Finn saluted Lucas, the gang walking back into the living room, everyone sitting down on the couches, Lucas smiling, the young man walking up to the grand piano in the corner in front of the windows, setting his drink down on the piano's top.

"If you'll all indulge me, I'd like you all to open your hearts and ears to some new music I've created." Lucas smiled, Josh smiling at him, the man sitting on the armrest of the couch beside Justin and Lance, his two friends smiling at Lucas.

"Cool, Luke. New music. You didn't tell me you were working on something new." Finn said, seated with Skyler, the two snuggled together.

"That's because it's not new, Finn." Lucas said, everyone looking at him with confusion.

Lucas smiled, walking over from the piano, standing beside his man, Josh taking his hand in his.

"For all of my life, music has been the cornerstone of my soul. Life's paths and adventures created the music that we now sing together. You only have to look at No One Can Claim My Heart to see that."

Everyone nodded, his three bandmates looking at him with love.

"All my life, music fed my soul, and now I believe something else did as well." he said, looking into Josh's blue eyes.

"What was that, Luke?" Drew said, seated with Trish.

"Destiny, Andrew. The destiny of true love's path." Lucas said, Josh smiling at him.

"What do you mean, Luke? Are you saying you were always meant to meet Josh?" Finn said, Lucas smiling at him.

"In a way, yes, Finn."

Finn looked surprised, Justin staring at Lucas.

"Why do you think that, Luke?"

Josh stood up, his arm going around his man.

"Because my soulmate poured his heart into the gift he was given. And today part of it finds its true path."

Everyone looked confused, Lucas smiling and picking up the satchel that still lay on the coffee table where Josh had left it.

He smiled at Josh, his lover's eyes filled with love.

"Over the last few years I wrote a few songs that I've never shown anyone. There was a valid reason for that."

"What reason, Luke? Did you think they wouldn't be good enough?" Finn said, Lucas smiling at him, Finn seeing Lucas wasn't hurt by Finn's words.

"No, Finnegan. They're good enough, in fact quite good."

"Enough for a second album, Luke?" Justin smiled, Lucas smiling at him.

"No, Jus. I'm working on those songs as we speak."

Everyone looked confused, Finn staring at the satchel.

"If they're not for Orion's next album then what are they?" he said, Lucas smiling and opening the satchel, glancing through it, pulling out a couple of pages.

"I said that music fed my soul, and that something else did as well."

"What, Luke?" Trish said, a look of intrigue showing on her face.

"Love, Trish. The love of destiny. I wrote the songs contained within this satchel with love, or perhaps the hope of love. The love I now have." Lucas said, his violet eyes meeting Josh's blue.

"I wrote these songs for my Josh."

Everyone looked surprised, Justin's eyes wide with awe.

"For. . .for Joshy?"

"Yes, Justin. Lucas says he wrote these songs for me. My love wants me to sing again."

Justin smiled, his eyes watching Lucas staring at Josh.

The man stood up, walking up to his friend.

"Well it's about damn time!" Justin smiled, Josh looking at him with surprise, Justin's hand going to Josh's shoulder.

"You've been missing music far too long, Josh. I've always seen the look in your eyes. I guess Lucas saw it as well."

Lucas smiled, looking at Justin.

"My Josh's voice always moved my soul, Justin."
"It did mine too, Luke. I always told you that you shouldn't have stopped, Josh."

Lance smiled, the man rising from his seat as well, walking up to his two friends.

"Justin is right, Josh. Music has always been the fire in your heart." Lance said, Josh nodding his head, his blue eyes meeting Lucas' violet pools.

"The songs Lucas has written, they're. . .they're. . ."
"There yours, Josh. Always and forever they were meant to be yours. You can arrange them, change them or better them in any way you desire. They were written with love, my love. And the hopes and dreams of my soul. I truly believe that Finn hit it on the head. You and I were always meant to be together. These songs are the joining of our past hopes, our present love and our future happiness."

Josh was in tears, the man staring at his lover.

"Lucas. . .you've. . .the songs. . ."

"They're yours, Joshua. I give them to you with my love and my happiness."

Josh pulled his man into his arms, hugging him close, Lucas smiling at Justin and Lance.

"Before we all cry, why don't you play this one." Lucas said, Josh releasing him, the man handing Josh the two sheets of music he'd pulled out of the satchel.

Josh smiled at Lucas, the man wiping his eyes, staring at the music sheets in his hand.

Lucas smiled at him, Josh walking towards the piano with the music in his hand.

Justin smiled at Lucas, Lance sitting down again, Justin and Lucas joining him on the couch.

Justin smiled at his friend, seeing Josh sit down at the piano, placing the music sheets on the music holder, Josh smiling towards everyone.

"I think the title's perfect, Lucky."

Lucas smiled, Josh's blue sparkling eyes staring at him.

"I'm a little rusty, but here goes. This song is called Forever Mine."

Everyone smiled, Josh staring at the sheet music, his fingers going to the keys.

Justin's eyes widened as he became lost in the music coming from the piano, Josh's voice filling the room.

Justin and Lance listened in silence, Josh's familiar voice as crisp and beautiful as always.

Josh smiled, his eyes locked on Lucas' violet pools.

I walked through the past, to find the way.

I walked through emotions, to find the day.

I now stand in your shadow, in the warmth of your soul.

Our hearts have changed, we now have control.

You walk now beside me, our hearts as one.

I walk with your friendship, our trust now begun.

I swear you were always there, behind the clouded sun.

My heart now feels your warmth, we beat as one.

Forever mine, that's what you are.

Forever mine, my shining star.

Caught in your beauty,

Caught in your love.

I'm standing in heaven,

With my angel's love.

If fear is an emotion, if fear is a mistake.

What can ever now happen, our love will overtake.

I smile as I walk forward, onto the path of our future.

We live as we love, we both can now nurture.

The road leads on, through the paths and the song.

But our hearts are as one, that shall never be undone.

We live with our love, as two of one love.

I'm ready as you are, our love shines as one star.

Forever mine, that's what you are.

Forever mine, my shining star.

Caught in your beauty,

Caught in your love.

I'm standing in heaven,

With my angel's love.

You are. . .my angel of love.

Everyone was on their feet, Lucas the last to rise, everyone clapping and cheering.

Josh smiled at everyone, his eyes staring at Lucas.

Lucas smiled back, Justin walking up to his friend, his arm going around him.

"My God, Joshy! That was amazing! The tempo, your voice! It matched perfectly!" Justin said, Josh smiling at his friend.

"I'm out of tone, Justy."

"No way, Josh! You were spot on! It was like the last ten years never existed! Your voice is the same if not better!" Lance said, Josh smiling at his friend, hearing the truth in his voice.

Everyone gathered around the piano, Lucas smiling at his Josh shining in their friend's eyes.

"It felt so natural, so like it always did." Josh said, the man smiling at his best friend, Justin patting his shoulder.

"You have Lucas to thank for that. That song so complimented your voice. . .and the words, so a part of both of you." Justin said, everyone's eyes going to Lucas, the young man smiling at his Josh.

"What did you think, Lucky?" Josh said, Lucas smiling at him, the young man sitting down on the piano bench beside his man.

"I think you shone like another star in the heavens, Joshua. Your voice I've always loved."

Josh smiled, Lucas' arm going around him.

"It was your music, Lucky."
"It's your music now, Josh. It was made for your voice. We all saw that."
Josh beamed, Justin smiling at his best friend, his blue eyes staring at Lucas.

"Josh is right, Luke. That music was amazing."

"Wait till you see the other songs. My Josh is going to amaze everyone."

Josh smiled widely, staring at his man.

"Thank you, Lucas."
"No, thank you, Josh. For giving all of us the beauty of your voice."

"My voice laced with your love."

"Wait till you taste my chicken."

Everyone laughed, Lucas kissing Josh's cheek.

"Show them the others, Josh. I'll set the table. I think Justin would like to see Friends On The Town."

Josh smiled, remembering the duet song Lucas had shown him.

"Friends On The Town?" Justin said, Josh smiling widely.

Lucas smiled, standing up again, Josh smiling up at him.

"Show him, Beamy." he said, the young man walking into the kitchen, everyone's eyes following him.

"That man's beyond amazing." Lance said, Josh smiling at his friend.

"He's mine, Lance. And I'm going to be amazed all my life."
Everyone smiled, Josh smiling at Justin.

"You have to see this other song, Justy! It's going to blow you away, and what I think it needs is you."
Justin looked surprised, Josh rising from the piano bench, heading towards the satchel laying on the coffee table.

Lucas smiled, walking backstage, the young man covered in sweat.

His three bandmates followed him, all three filled with euphoria and happiness.

Their second show was another sell-out, the arena a frenzied room of complete happiness.

Their show had ended, the applause almost deafening, the four reluctantly leaving the throes of adulation.

The four were smiling widely, Trish rushing into Andrew's opening arms, the two kissing and hugging, Lucas smiling, his blue eyes meeting Josh's and Justin's blue.

"Perfect again, Luke. You four were amazing out there. It felt totally fresh, totally different. Kudos on keeping it fresh!" Justin said, Lucas high-fiving him, Josh smiling at his man.

People were milling about, their love having to be curtailed, Josh longing to hold his man in his arms.

Lucas smiled at him, winking at him.

"Spot on, Luke. Perfect as always." Josh said, lightly hugging his lover.

"I'll be saying that to you one day soon, Joshy."
Josh smiled, Lucas' faith in Josh's future shown in those words.

"I hope I won't be as sweaty. Man, you're driving me wild." Josh softly said, leaning into Lucas' body, the man's aroma intoxicating.

"Yeah, those groupies out there were damn near drooling." he smiled, Justin laughing.

"Yeah, you had a gay harem front and center." Finn laughed, Lucas smiling at him.

"A college frat house, I believe. All of them looked pretty straight." he smiled, Josh smiling at him.

"Yeah, especially the blond hunk who took off his shirt, Luke. I think his chest writing said it all." Finn laughed, everyone looking at him with intrigue, Lucas softly blushing.

"Chest writing?" Justin said, Finn laughing

"Yeah, the dude had words written across his naked chest. I think the exact words were 'I want you, Luke! Bend me like Beckham!', followed by a phone number."

"Yeah, and the other guy had his shirt off with 'My name's Beckham. Can I bend you, Luke?' plastered across his chest." Trish laughed, others joining her, Lucas blushing more.

"Lukey almost lost his place in the song when the guy's hand went down his friend's pants." Skyler laughed, Lucas blushing more.

"It. . .it just surprised me. They looked young and straight." he said, Justin smiling at him.

"They'll follow you everywhere, Luke. Get used to it. You're a good-looking man, and you'll attract them all, sane and insane."
Lucas smiled, his violet eyes looking at Josh, the man showing a soft look on his face.

"Yeah, I know Justin. Just look at the groupie I already have."

Josh looked at Lucas, his man smiling at him.

"The car's ready, guys. How about a late supper?" Josh said, Lucas staring at him quietly, the man wiping the sweat from his face.

"Awesome, Joshy. I'm famished. Let's hit the showers guys. Then Josh is buying us food!" Finn said, Josh laughing.

"Me and my big mouth." Josh said, everyone smiling at him.

They all headed backstage, two security guards in front of them, one behind.

Josh smiled, his eyes taking in the vision walking out of the shower stall in Lucas' dressing room.

All four bandmates had separate private shower rooms.

Josh's eyes took in Lucas' nakedness, the man handing Lucas a towel, Lucas smiling at him.

"You know you could have come in with me." Lucas winked, Josh smiling, leaning against the wall, folding his arms and smiling at his lover.

"The walls are paper thin, Lucky. We would have been the encore show."

Lucas laughed, smiling at his man.

Josh sighed, his eyes following Lucas' movements as the young man towelled off his smooth body.

Lucas smiled, staring into Josh's blue eyes.

"Out with it, my love. I saw the look on your face out there after the show ended."

Josh looked at Lucas, the man wrapping the towel around his waist.

Lucas moved, sitting down on the one sofa in the compact room.

He patted the spot beside him, Josh sighing again, walking over to him and sitting down beside him.

"People will look at me, Josh. And yes, they'll make advances towards me. I hope you're okay with that. I'm sure you had a lot of people flaunting themselves at you guys. You especially, you being so beautiful and sexy."

Josh smiled, hearing the love in Lucas' words.

"I don't like people treating you like a piece of meat, Lucky."

"I was surprised by it as well, Beamy. But I looked the other way. Anyone who has to flaunt themselves like that doesn't think highly of themselves."

Josh smiled, hearing the honesty and conviction in Lucas' voice.

"I love you, Lucas. Anyone who comes on to you like that will have me to answer to. I won't let anyone treat you like that."

Lucas smiled, kissing Josh's cheek.

"My hero."

Josh smiled, looking into Lucas' violet eyes.

"I felt your soft jealousy, Josh."

Josh lowered his eyes, Lucas sighing himself.

"Listen to me, my love."

Josh's eyes raised, staring into Lucas' loving eyes.

"No one who flaunts themselves like that will ever have a chance with me. Adam Levine showed you that. There is only one person in this world who I want to flaunt his goods at me. And that's you my love."

Josh smiled, Lucas smiling back at him.

"Want a free show?"
Lucas smiled, kissing Josh on the lips softly.

"Your shows are never free, Joshua. They usually cost me hours of ecstasy."

Josh beamed, Lucas smiling at him.

"I love you, Josh. Now and forever. Don't worry about the millions of idolizing fans who want me. You have me."

Josh smiled, looking at Lucas.

"Millions? I thought it was two guys?"

Lucas blushed, then laughed, Josh joining him.

"On that note, I should get dressed. My man's treating all of us to supper, remember?"
Josh smiled, nodding.

"Word of warning, I'm famished. I hunger for sustenance then love."

"Sweet! I'll stuff you both ways."

Lucas smiled, standing up, releasing the towel, Josh seeing his man's love on display.

"Later I want to see what's written on your chest."

Josh laughed, blowing his man a kiss, Lucas turning and pulling some new clothes off a few hangers.

Josh's eyes were glued to Lucas' smooth muscular butt, the young man pulling on a pair of briefs, smiling at Josh.

The briefs soon disappeared under a pair of black jeans, Lucas zipping them up with a wink.

A knock came to the room's door, Lucas bidding enter, Josh smiling at him.

Drew popped his head into the room, smiling at both men.

"Hey, Luke and Josh. You're almost ready, Luke?"

"Yes, Drew. Everyone else ready?"

Drew smiled, nodding.

"Yes, Trish is and Finn and Skyler are almost. There's someone here to see you, Luke. Justin just let them through security. I assumed it was okay."
"Who's here, Drew?" Josh asked, Drew looking at him.

"Grayson Wainwright and his associate, Josh."
Josh's eyes met Lucas', the young man grabbing a black silk shirt off the rack.

"I'll be out in a moment, Drew. Make sure they're looked after."
Drew nodded, closing the door.

Josh's eyes met Lucas' again.

"You just talked to him this morning, Luke. He's here in New York already?" Josh said, Lucas looking at him.

"I felt a sense of protective love in my grandfather's voice, Josh. I'm certain he's sent Grayson up here to stay close to me. The time comes soon for my voyage back into my family's past. My grandfather worries about me."
Josh nodded, Lucas smiling.

"It's nice to have family that wants to protect me."
Josh smiled, his arm going around Lucas.

"Everyone loves you, Lucas. Those of known love and of unknown."

Lucas nodded, smiling.

"I told Grayson to remain quiet about Sheridan. I don't want Justin to know."

Josh nodded, looking at Lucas.

"I talked to Justin this afternoon, Josh. He's in deep with Sheridan's supposed love."
Josh nodded, Lucas kissing his cheek again.

"I don't want him hurt, Lucas. If Sheridan's not on the level I won't let him hurt Justin."
"I know, Josh. I'll talk with Grayson and we'll see what we can find out."
Josh nodded, Lucas smiling at him.

"Let's go have supper, Beamy."
Josh smiled, kissing Lucas' cheek.

"I've got an inch thick steak waiting for you, babe."

"Joshy, it's bigger than that."

Josh laughed, Lucas smiling at him, the two walking out of the room.

Lucas smiled, shaking Grayson's hand, the lawyer smiling at him, Carl Wilson standing at his side.

"A pleasure seeing you again, Lucas. Albeit in a rather jocular setting. I heard your music. I'm more of an aficionado of classical music. But  Carl seemed to enjoy it." Grayson said, Carl smiling at Lucas.

"A wonderful concert, Lucas." the young man said, Lucas smiling at him.

"We've just started touring. You've just come on our last night here in New York. We leave tomorrow for our nationwide tour." Lucas smiled, Grayson nodding.

"Then opportunity knocked. Your grandfather wanted me to come and meet with you, Lucas."
"I figured as much, Grayson. You didn't seem travel-bound this morning."
The lawyer smiled, nodding his head.

"Your grandfather's wishes are always met, Lucas. I also had some other tasks here as well. But his request was foremost on my mind."
Lucas nodded, everyone looking at the lawyer.

"We're about to head out for dinner, Grayson. Would you like to join us?" Lucas said, Josh looking at his lover.

"A most gracious invitation, Lucas. Carl and I graciously accept."

Lucas smiled, looking at Josh.

"The limo's ready, Lucky."

"Then let's get to it." Lucas said, smiling.

"You can come with us, Grayson." Drew smiled, the lawyer smiling at the younger lawyer.

"Very good, Andrew. I'd like to hear about Lucas' judicial run-in in Los Angeles."
Drew looked surprised, Lucas smiling.

"You are a crafty individual, Grayson. I assume there's no part of my life that isn't under your radar?"
The older lawyer smiled.

"My employer expects my total devotion to his inquiries."

Lucas nodded, Josh smiling at him.

"I feel my grandfather's love, Grayson."

The older man smiled.

"We all feel it, Lucas."

Lucas smiled, the security guards coming up to the group again.

"Let's go, everyone." Lucas said, everyone following him and Josh out of the backstage area.

Lucas smiled, climbing out of the limousine, extending his hand into the car, pulling Josh out with him.

Josh smiled, the two looking at each other with happiness.

Another limo pulled up behind theirs, Lucas and Josh waiting for the car doors to open.

Finn and Skyler climbed out, Drew and Trish following.

Justin and Lance climbed out of Josh's limo, Josh smiling at his friends.

"My restaurant. How creative, Joshy!" Justin laughed, Josh smiling at him.

"I figured I'd at least get a discount, as I have to feed this brood."

Everyone laughed, Justin smirking.

"Sorry, I don't even give my employees discounts."

Lucas laughed, Grayson and Carl smiling at him, the two having been the last to climb out of the second limo.

"Prepare yourself for southern hospitality, Grayson." Justin smiled, the lawyer smiling at him.

"My palette can accommodate any cuisine, Justin. I relish a challenge."

Justin smiled, the lawyer smiling back.

Justin and Lance had voiced their curiosity in Josh's limo to Lucas, the lawyer's presence intriguing.

"He's here on my grandfather's request, Justin. I talked to my grandfather this morning." Lucas had said, his friends surprised by Lucas' words.

Lucas had quietly explained the morning's events, Justin smiling at him.

"Your grandfather sounds nice, Lucas. If you feel his love then he's not the man your mother says he is." Lance had said.
"I know, Lance. For whatever reason my mother's view of him doesn't match what I feel. And therein lies the mystery. A mystery I'll soon solve." Lucas had said, Josh's hand laced in his, the two seated together, their closeness sought and relished after the night apart.

It was after eleven when the two limos had pulled up in front of Justin's restaurant.

Here now they stood together, about to go into the restaurant for a late dinner.

"I hope we're not too late, Jus?" Lucas said, Justin smiling.

"I am the owner, Luke. Ownership has its advantages. I called ahead and told my chef to stay late, just in case."

"Thanks, Jus." Josh said, Justin smiling at him, the group walking towards the entrance.

"I know your mind, Joshy. Comfort, familiarity and safety." Justin said, Lucas stopping and staring at him.

"Familiarity." Lucas said, his eyes staring at Grayson.

Grayson smiled at Lucas, the young man's face showing a soft look of surprise.

"Oh, no!" he said, Josh looking at his lover.

"What is it, Lucky?"
Lucas' eyes turned to Josh, another voice filling the quiet darkness.

"Lucas Carver?"

Lucas turned, staring into a darkened corner of the restaurant's front entrance.

The silence was suddenly filled with a loud bang.

Lucas gasped, the young man propelled backwards, hitting Justin and Lance, both men stumbling, Lucas falling to the ground.

Trish screamed, a dark shadow bursting out of the darkness, running straight into Drew, the young man knocked off his feet, the now revealed man rushing down the street.

Josh's blue eyes were on his lover, Josh at his side in a flash, kneeling to the ground, taking Lucas into his arms.

The man's violet eyes were clouded, staring into Josh's blue pools.

"Why. . .why didn't he just. . ." he gasped, Josh's blue eyes staring after the man now vanished.

Josh had seen the man's face as he'd leapt out of the darkness, the gun in his hand falling to the ground, the man's blue eyes staring at Josh.

"Stay still, Lucky! You. . .you're going to be okay! You. . .you're here babe. Stay with me!" Josh said, his voice edging with emotion.

Everyone was surrounding the two men, Lance's phone going to his ear, calling for help, his green eyes filled with tears.

Josh sat on the cobblestones holding his man in his arms, his eyes filling with tears, his mind filling with the truth.

Why, Bryce?

Why?

Josh felt his world cracking, his hopes and dreams fading as his lover closed his violet eyes.

End of Chapter 43

Oh no!

Our Lucas has been shot!

Will he live?

It seems that Josh saw the assailant.

Could it really be his forgotten former lover, Bryce?
Was the man that desperate for Josh's return?

Has jealousy reared its ugly head?

Will Lucas survive?

Well, I'm anxious to hear your thoughts and hopes.

Drop me a line.

Sorry for the lateness this week, busy weekend.

Hugs, Angel.

email: music-fan-1@hotmail.com