Yesterday's End

Yesterday's End Chapter 7

Yesterday's End-7

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.

 Chapter 7

New York City

Finn's hand flicked the switch, the coffeemaker coming to life.
He leaned against the kitchen counter, stretching his arms over his head, his own body coming to life.

His fingers went to his hair-covered chest, scratching his left nipple.

Finn wore only a pair of Joe Boxer pyjama pants, his nude torso on full display.

He sighed, a soft smile coming to his face, remembering last night's party.

His eyes moved when he heard someone walking towards the kitchen, his blue eyes meeting Lucas' violet pools when the younger man came walking into the kitchen.

"Morning, Finny. You're up early."
Finn smiled, his eyes taking in Lucas' muscular form as the young man walked up to him.

Lucas wore a wifebeater and a pair of shorts, his usual attire around home.

Finn saw the necklace hanging around his throat, having never seen Lucas wearing much jewelery.

Lucas walked up to him, the older man opening his arms, the two hugging tightly.

"Morning, Lucky." he smiled, kissing the young man's cheek.

Lucas smiled, moving back, the two breaking their hug.

"Thanks for starting the coffee, bud."
"Should be ready in five." he smiled, Lucas sitting down on one of the stools in front of the kitchen's island.

"How are you this morning, Finny?"
"I'm good. Sky's still dead to the world." he said, Lucas smiling at him.

"Trish is too. I stopped by her door. She's snoring."
Finn laughed, Lucas smiling at him.

"Good. That means we can chill, bro."

Lucas smiled, taking in the hairy vision before him.

Finn's body was sculpted, its hairiness accentuating the beauty of his well-developed torso.

"Like what you see, stud?"

Lucas laughed, Finn's grin showing his love for him.

"Nah, too much hair. I'd choke on it."
Finn laughed now, the man walking to the island, sitting down beside Lucas, two friends together in happiness.

"Yeah, I'm sure you would. Sky's the only one who can handle it."
Lucas rolled his eyes, Finn chuckling.

"Besides, I'm sure there's someone else who'd love you to please him." Finn said, winking at Lucas.

Lucas looked confused, seeing a knowing smile on Finn's face.

"What. . .what are you talking about?"

Finn smiled, his arm going around Lucas, Lucas feeling the warmth of his naked torso against him.

"I'm talking about Chasez last night. He was practically worshipping you."

Lucas tensed up, Finn releasing his hold on him.

"Sorry, Luke. I didn't mean to make light of it."
"You. . .you saw it, too?"

Finn laughed, smiling at Lucas.

"Trish told you?"

Lucas nodded his head, Finn smiling at him.

"The man's into you, Lucas. How do you feel about that?"

"I. . .it can't be, Finny."
"All three of us saw the signs, Lucky. He's smitten with you. He was eyeing you all night. And he was following you around like a lost pup."

"He's. . .he's a celebrity, Finn. I'm. . .I'm nothing."

Finn's brow furrowed, Lucas staring at him.

"You are not nothing, Lucas. You are a handsome, giving, loving, caring young man. And you're my friend. I've watched you the last year, and I've seen you go through all your pain and struggles. And I've seen the young man of courage, love and worth that's here now. Josh Chasez would be the luckiest man in the world as far as I'm concerned."
Lucas blushed, Finn smiling at him.

"He's a star, Finn. I. . .I can't measure up to that."
"Yes you can, Luke. You're entering his world now. Your music will bring you to his same level. And you yourself are equal to him or any others of this world. Don't ever sell yourself short." Finn said, Lucas smiling at him.

"Thanks, bro." Lucas said, Finn smiling.

The two had always had a close relationship, its worth growing from the day they'd met when Trish had brought Finn and Skyler home one day from junior high.

"We are brothers, Luke. We'll always be here for each other." Finn said, the man hugging his younger friend, Lucas smiling widely.

"Need some relief, Finny? The shower's free!" Lucas said, licking his lips as the two broke their bond.

Finn laughed, his generous laugh filling the kitchen.

"Wet fun, sweet!"

Lucas laughed, Finn smiling at him.

"I think you need another kind of sausage, Finny. I'll make breakfast."

Finn laughed, the two hearing footsteps approaching the kitchen.

Trish and Skyler walked in, smiling at the two, Skyler rubbing her head.

"What's so funny, Finn?" Trish said, Skyler sitting down in Finn's lap, his loving arms encircling his girlfriend.

"Luke was offering to wash my back for me in the shower. The boy's smitten as usual. What can I say? My beauty rocks the world!"

Lucas laughed, rolling his eyes, smiling at his friend.

"So do the rocks in your head, Finny."

All four laughed, Lucas smiling as he began to make breakfast, the other three sitting and watching.

Trish smiled at her brother, her eyes meeting Skyler's, then Finn's.

"What were you two chatting about before we came in? The party?" Skyler said, Finn rubbing her shoulders.

"I was talking to Lucky about his new admirer." Finn said, Lucas looking towards him as he worked at the stove, lowering his head, focusing on the bacon and not his friends.

"So he now knows. Great." Skyler said, Finn kissing her neck.

"Would you like to talk about it, Lucky?" Trish said, Lucas' eyes meeting hers, Trish seeing the necklace around his neck.

"You three seem to have already discussed it." he said, avoiding their gazes.

Trish looked at her two friends, the woman rising from her seat, going to Lucas, her arm going around him.

"We just all clued in to it, and talked about it, Lucky. We weren't meddling. It's your life."
Lucas smiled a soft smile, Trish kissing his cheek.

"I know, Trish. I'm just still trying to understand it. I never saw any of what you three saw." he said, Skyler smiling at him.

"What's to understand? He's got the hots for you. You're so damn lucky. He's beautiful. I'd go after him." she said, Finn looking at her, Skyler kissing his lips.

"You still didn't answer my question earlier, Lucky. How does this make you feel?" Finn said, Lucas sighing, removing the bacon from the pan onto a platter, bringing it over to the island, where more food was already laid out.

Lucas sat down, Trish sitting at his side, the four beginning to fill their plates.

Lucas looked at the food, his plate remaining empty.

"He's. . .he's the first person that I've ever really felt gets me. We're so into music. He seems so genuinely friendly, and so in tune with what I've been trying to say with my music."
The other three smiled, hearing a new sound in Lucas' voice, one they hadn't heard in a long time.

"Sounds to me like you like him, Luke." Skyler said, smiling at him.

"I like his personality, his friendship. I'm just not sure if I want more than that." he said, his three friends watching him.
"He is a lot older than you, Lucky." Trish said, Lucas nodding.

"Age is just a number. It's what's in the heart that counts, and your connection." Finn said, his hand going to Lucas' shoulder, his friend smiling at him.

"You take what you need from that friendship, Lucas. Build on it and see where it goes. That's how love happens. It's the building of a joined friendship that you both work hard at to develop into something more. It's the forming of a bond of respect, friendship, hope and trust."
Skyler smiled, Lucas staring at Finn.

"Beautiful words, Finny." Trish said, Skyler kissing the man's lips.

"The construction worker of my heart." she said, Finn smiling and kissing her back.

Lucas and Trish smiled at the loving couple, Finn smiling at his girlfriend when they broke their kiss, then at Lucas.

"You go at your own pace, Lucky. Start with friendship and build it from there. Don't let his celebrity status rule your relationship. You're just as great as he seems to be."

Lucas nodded, his eyes still on his empty plate.

"Thanks, Finny. Thanks, guys. I want his friendship."
The three nodded, Trish looking at the pendant hanging around Lucas' neck.

Her hand went out, touching the red stone.

"That's a beautiful stone, Lucky. Where did you buy it? I've never seen you wearing it before." she said, Finn and Skyler looking at the stone as well, their eyes then meeting Lucas' violet pools.

Lucas' hand went around the stone, his eyes seemingly looking as if they enlarged a bit.

"It. . .it was a gift." he said, the three looking at each other.

"Nice gift. Who gave it to you, Lucky?" Trish said, Lucas' eyes meeting hers.

"I'm not sure. It came off the road."

All three stared at Lucas with surprise, Trish zoning in on Lucas' calm face.

"From the road? What do you mean, Lucky?"

"I woke up with it around my neck this morning. I dreamed about it last night. I think it followed me out of my dream."

All three stared at each other, Finn and Skyler staring at Trish.

They all knew of Lucas' dreams, and nightmares.

"What did you dream about? This stone was in your dream?"
Lucas nodded, calmly telling the three what he'd dreamed of last night, about the man and the appearance of the stone and his wetness when he'd awoken.

"That. . .that's amazing, Luke. It's. . .it's damn strange, too." Finn said, Lucas meeting his gaze.

"I'm not sure what it means, or what it's doing here with me. It just seems so strange."
"You didn't recognize the man?" Skyler said, Lucas shaking his head no.

"This. . .this is unbelievable, Lucky." Trish said, her blue eyes staring at the red stone hanging from Lucas' neck.

"I'm scared, Trish." Lucas suddenly said, his three friends looking at him.

"Scared of what, Lucky?" Trish said, Lucas' eyes lowering.

"I think I'm losing my mind." he softly said, Finn standing up, his arms going around his younger friend.

"You're not losing your mind, Luke. You're the sanest person we know. This is all just bad dreams, nightmares that have gotten you all confused. The stone wasn't a dream, it's hanging from your neck. You probably bought it and forgot that you put it on." he said, Lucas looking up at him.

"Perhaps. . .maybe, Finny." Lucas said, Finn hugging him to him.

"Let's relax today, Lucky. The day's ours to do with as we wish." he smiled, Lucas smiling at him.

"Thanks, Finny. So let's hit that shower then."
Finn laughed, Lucas blowing a kiss at him.

"I think I shall hit the showers. Come on, babe. Let's have some wet fun." he smiled, taking Skyler's hand in his, his girlfriend smiling at Lucas.

"I'll give you all the wet details later, sexy."
Lucas laughed, Trish smiling at him.

Her smile hid the worry forming in her mind.

Ridgehaven, Vermont

Grayson rubbed his eyes, the man staring at the files and paperwork strewn across the library's desk, the man having perused all of it.

He'd been up early, his mind's confusion giving him little sleep.

He'd climbed out of bed at four in the morning, going to the kitchen, making a coffee, then carrying all his files into Emerson's library.

Here he now sat, hours later, the man looking towards the clock on the desk.

The hour showed nine.

He sighed, scanning the opened files, his thoughts digesting all he'd read, and seen.

So much mystery.

So much confusion.

I still can't reason out what's missing.

Something's staring at me and I just can't see it.

Why would Lewis Saunders lie to me?

His faith in God seems to squash that.

True, he was Tristan's college friend, an ironclad friendship, but time erases such things.

Unless. . .?

Unless he's still remained his friend through the years.

Of course!
The godly reverend knows where Tristan is!
He's known all along!

Grayson' face flushed with determination, his eyes going to a set of photographs he'd set aside.

He picked them up again, perusing them, pulling one out of the bunch, setting the others down.

He stared at it, a group of friends showing.

He leaned back in his chair, the door of the library opening.

Emerson came walking in, Grayson smiling at him.

"Good morning, Gray. Mavis has breakfast ready. She's cooked up your favourites." the man said, Grayson smiling at him.

"Good morning, Em. I am famished, my friend. The hours have slipped by me this morning."
"That's a load of files, my friend. What have your been trying to find?" Emerson said, sitting down on the chair across the desk from his friend.

"I was just revisiting everything. I sense there's something I've missed, that we've all missed."
"Your tenacious mind never stops, old friend. I'm sure you will discover it. Your mind works best when fully fed, nourishment for it and your body. Come, my old friend. Horace will be well into the bounty."

Grayson smiled, rising from his seat, walking around the desk, Emerson smiling at him as he stood up.

Grayson clued in to something, his eyes widening a bit.

"Your cane, Em?"
"I need it not, my friend. My soul has lightened, my strength returns. I shall be robust in no time. For the end's truths are feeding my soul." he said, smiling at the lawyer.

Grayson nodded, staring at the refreshed man standing before him.

"So drop that photo and let's go feast on food and life." he smiled, Grayson smiling back.

Grayson sat the photo down on top of the others, the two men walking out of the room.

The photo lay in a beam of sunshine, a group of old friends sitting together in this same library.

Six smiling faces showed a youthful happiness, words written across the photo's bottom white edge.

                                    "The Pompous Darlings"

                     Tricky, Lewd, Vivacious, Frenchie, Puck and Beauty

                                        Father's Lair, 1991

New York City

Josh smiled, staring at Justin, the man laying on a couch in the living room of his condo, Jessica snuggled in the corner, Justin's feet in her lap.

"That was the best, Joshy! Your breakfast burritos are fantastic! I'd forgotten your love for cooking." he sighed, Josh smiling at him.

"My way of thanking you two for letting me crash here this week while I do promos for the show." he smiled, Justin smiling at him.

"Our casa, su casa!" Jessica said, Josh smiling at her.

"Thanks, guys."
Justin and Jessica both smiled, Jessica looking at Josh.

"Justin's been wanting you to come visit us, Josh. We haven't seen you in ages."
"The show's keeping my time, as well as my other projects."
"Same here, Joshy. But we need to take the time to bond." Justin smiled, Josh smiling at him.

"You'll be sick of me by the end of the week." he said, Jessica laughing.

"Well, love. I've got meetings with Warner this afternoon. What are you two going to occupy your time with?" Jessica said, Justin sitting up and snuggling against her.

"On a Sunday, Jess? I thought we'd have the day to ourselves?" he said, Jessica kissing his lips.

"Their execs are in town only today. Contract negotiations for my next movie." Jessica said, looking at Josh, Josh nodding.

"We'll find something to do." Josh smiled, Justin smiling at his friend, coyly winking, Josh averting his gaze.

"Don't get him too hyper, Josh. I want my man to cuddle with me tonight." she said, Justin smiling at her, kissing her lips now, hugging her, his eyes staring at Josh.

The three chatted for a while, Josh relaxing and watching the two interact.

He saw Justin's love for the young woman, and he also saw Justin's quiet reflective looks towards him.

"So did you enjoy yourself last night, Josh?" Jessica said, Josh smiling at her.

"Yes I did, Jessica. I was surprised. Meeting that young group gave me something to focus on." he said, Justin looking towards him.

"Aren't they marvellous?! So down to earth, and normal. And very attractive. That Lucas and Finn will be idolized by millions of young teenagers." Jessica smiled, Justin smiling at her.

"Can I pick 'em, or what?" he grinned, Jessica laughing.

"Yes, sweetie. You sure can."

Josh smiled, his thoughts on one young man he'd met last night.

"Yes, they seem to be well-focused, disciplined and determined. I'd like to swing by and watch their recording tomorrow, Jus."

"They are focused. I think Lucas has a big say in that. He's one determined young man." Jessica said, meeting Justin's gaze.

"Sure, Josh. You're welcome to watch. Everyone seems to be focusing on their talent. They truly are amazing. I think you'll be greatly surprised." Justin said, Josh nodding, staring directly at him.

"Thanks, Jus."
"A little hidden lust there, Joshy? The man is exceptionally beautiful." Jessica said, Josh blushing a bit, not looking towards her, Justin lightly tapping Jessica's leg, she looking at him then at Josh.

"I'm sorry, Josh. Didn't mean to meddle." she said, Josh looking towards her.

"It's alright, Jessica." he said, Jessica looking at him.

"No it's not, Josh. We've all been tiptoeing around you for quite a while. I think it's time you found someone to make you happy. I know you had an awful time with Bryce, but life needs to go on." she said, Justin remaining quiet, a look of soft anger showing in his eyes, Josh picking up on it.

"It's alright, Jus. She's right. But it's really hard for me to let go of the mistrust. I. . .I can't. . .I'm scared to open up to someone and take their trust at full worth. I just need to find myself before I can find someone else." Josh said, Jessica moving, patting his knee.

"We understand, Josh. But I saw you last night with Lucas. He seems genuine, a really nice guy. And you seemed to like him."
"He's also fifteen years my junior, Jess. I think I need someone a little more mature." Josh said, Justin smiling at his friend.

"Nonsense. The heart holds no clock. Age is but a less than tangible nuisance. Love conquers the heart, not the body."

Josh smiled, nodding at Jessica, Justin having heard enough.

"Let's leave Josh to his own wishes, Jess. It's his life. He'll know when he's ready to meet that someone special."
Josh smiled, looking at his friend.

"You two relax. I'll bail so you can have some alone time. It's a nice spring day, I think I'll go for a walk." he said, Justin and Jessica both nodding, Josh rising up and heading down to his room to get his jacket.

Jessica watched him go, then snuggled up against Justin.

"I'm sorry if I did anything to upset him, Jus. I just think he's brooded enough. He's a great guy, it's time he gave that greatness to someone. It's time he went on with his life."
Justin nodded, Jessica snuggling against his chest, Justin holding her.

Josh came back into the living room, wearing a jacket now, the man waving goodbye to his friends, Justin lightly waving as Josh left the condo, closing the front door.

"I think Lucas may be just what Josh needs, sweetie." Jessica said, Justin nodding, his eyes on the closed front door.

Justin closed his eyes, his mind on what he didn't want his friend to have.

"Get going, Lucky." Trish said, Lucas smiling at his sister.

"I'll be just an hour or so. I want to set up a regular routine again." Lucas said, Trish smiling and nodding.

Lucas smiled back, his foot on the top of the coffee table, the man tying his running shoe.

He wore a sleeveless muscle shirt and Adidas shorts, Trish handing him his cell phone, Lucas tucking it into the pouch in his shorts.

"It'll be a slow jog, I'm a bit rusty. It's been two weeks since I upset my regiment. Today I'll get back on track."
"You men and your regiments." Skyler said, she and Finn snuggled together on a couch, Finn smiling up towards Lucas.

"Run twice as fast and count me for half." he said, Lucas laughing.

"You know you could run right beside me."
"Nah, where's the fun in that? Besides, I'd leave you behind. I'm happier here lifting Skyler. She's an excellent workout."
Trish and Lucas both began to laugh, Skyler softly blushing, but smiling.

"He's getting old. He can't go half as long. And are you calling me fat?" she said, staring at her boyfriend, Finn blushing.

"No. . .no sweetie."
Lucas began to laugh, Finn staring at him.

"I think he can't take our workouts as much as he used to. I've fallen in love with an old man." Skyler grinned, Trish now laughing.

"That's it! Game's on!" Fin said, leaping up from the couch, Skyler screaming with laughter as Finn picked her up, throwing her over his shoulder.

"We'll be busy for an hour as well." he grinned, carrying his laughing girlfriend down the hall, Trish laughing as she sat down in an overstuffed chair, a book in her hand.

"Have fun, Lucky. But not as much fun as they'll have."
Lucas laughed, the young man walking out of the condo, a sunny day ahead of him.

Lucas felt the burn, his calves tensing from their workout.

He'd increased his pace, his heart pumping with its renewing vitality.

He felt the normalcy of the run he was pushing himself with, his body taking in the workout at its usual pace.

Lucas smiled, jogging through a small park he'd found about ten minutes from his condo.

The day was fresh, late April giving over to a warming nature.

He'd found himself mostly alone, a few people walking through the park, everyone keeping to themselves.

He felt the warmth of the sun, his body showing a soft sheen of sweat, Lucas picking up the pace a bit.

He smiled, running through the park, circling it a couple of times as well, running at a steady pace.

He'd just finished exiting the park for the second time when he turned and headed down a more crowded street.

He jogged down the sidewalk, passing a couple of people, seeing the light ahead changing from yellow to red.

He didn't want to stop his pace, Lucas deciding to turn right at the corner and head back towards the park.

He's just made the corner, about to turn it when someone walked out right in front of him.

Lucas had no chance to stop from running head on into the person who'd just walked out of a coffee shop, Lucas glimpsing a coffee cup in the man's hand.

The man had just turned, heading in the same direction as Lucas, Lucas colliding with him from behind, Lucas falling forward, the man falling ahead as well, his coffee flying out of his hand.

The two fell to the ground, Lucas landing on top of the man, the man groaning as he hit the pavement.

Lucas regained his bearings, rising up from laying on top of the man.

"I'm so sorry! I didn't see you till it was too late. Are you alright?" Lucas said, now on his knees beside the man, having climbed off his back, Lucas' face showing deep concern.

The man slowly rose to his knees and hands, turning his head, Lucas staring into his face.

"Luke?"

"Oh my God, Josh!" Lucas said, staring with surprise at the man he'd met last night.

"Did you catch the plates on that truck that hit me?" Josh said, moaning softly.

"Oh, Josh! I'm so sorry! It was me. I was jogging down the street and you walked right out in front of me! Here, let me help you up." Lucas said, his arm going around the man, Josh letting Lucas help him to his feet.

Josh winced when he was on his feet again, Lucas giving him a once over look, scanning the man.

Josh's pants were ripped on both knees, Lucas seeing a little blood.

"You've scraped your knees, Josh. Here, let's get to that bench." Lucas said, pointing towards a bench a few feet away.

A couple of people had taken in the accident, they now moving again, seeing the two were okay.

Josh began to walk, a soft gasp coming from him, Lucas seeing him limping a bit.

"My ankle feels on fire." Josh said, Lucas wrapping his arm around his waist, gently guiding Josh to the bench.

Josh sat down, Lucas staring at him.

"Let me look at that foot, Josh." he said, Josh nodding as Lucas gently took Josh's foot in his hand raising his leg.

"Ouch!" Josh said as Lucas felt the man's ankle and shin.

"You might have a sprain, Josh. I don't think it's broken or you'd be in a lot more pain when I moved it. I can call an ambulance if you think it's worse."

"No, Luke. It's probably just a sprain, like you said."
Luke nodded, looking at Josh's torn jeans, seeing the blood had increased.

"We need to get those knees disinfected and bandaged. Just some scrapes, but you need to be treated. Where were you coming from and heading to?"
"I'm staying at Justin's. It's about fifteen minutes or so that way." he said, pointing toward Lucas's right.

"My place is only five. How about I walk you there, and I'll treat your injuries? We can call Justin and see if he can come over and pick you up then."
Josh nodded, seeing the concern on Lucas' face.

"I'm so sorry. . ." he began to say, Josh's finger going to Lucas' lips, the young man stopping.

"No apologies necessary. I'm as much to blame as you. I should have been looking as well."
Lucas softly smiled, Josh liking that look on his face better.

"Thanks, Josh." Lucas said, knowing the man was trying to allay his concerns.

Josh smiled, Lucas offering him his hand, Josh taking it, standing up again.

Lucas' arm went around Josh's waist, Josh smiling at his closeness.

Lucas guided him forward, the two walking down the street.

"There, that's taken care of." Lucas said, smiling at Josh.
The two were in the washroom at Lucas' condo.

Lucas had guided Josh into the condo, Trish's face covered in a surprised smile until she saw Josh limping.

The two had guided him into the bathroom, Lucas quietly guiding Trish back out, she coming back with the First-Aid kit, leaving Lucas to help Josh with his injuries, he having to remove his pants.
Lucas didn't think she needed to see Josh in that position, half-naked.

She'd smiled at both, then winked at Lucas, leaving the two alone.

Josh had taken off his shoes, then his pants, Lucas' eyes scanning his muscular legs for a moment, then guiding the man to the tub's edge, Josh sitting down on it.

Lucas had washed both knees, careful of Josh's sore foot.

He'd treated both knees with disinfectant, then applied bandages, the cuts and scrapes small and superficial.

He'd put a tension bandage on Josh's foot, wrapping it up.

"I don't think it's a bad sprain, a little bruising, but it's not showing too much. You'll just have to walk gingerly on it for a couple of days."
Josh smiled down at Lucas, the young man smiling up at him.

"You didn't have to knock me down to meet me again, Luke. I had full intentions of being at the studio tomorrow. But this is nice."
Lucas softly blushed, Josh smiling at him.

Lucas stood up, cleaning up around Josh, closing the kit.

"Stay right there. I have some sweatpants that should fit you. Your jeans are toast, I'm afraid."
Josh nodded, Lucas quickly moving out of the bathroom, returning a few minutes later.

Josh smiled, standing up as Lucas handed him a pair of black Adidas sweatpants.

"My favourite brand." he said, Lucas smiling at him.

"Mine, too."

"Something else we have in common." Josh said, smiling widely, Lucas lost in the beauty of his perfect teeth and smile.

"We seem to be in sync."

Josh laughed, Lucas blushing at the pun.

"Sorry."

"Nah, it's okay. It's not the first time I've heard that. And besides, you are right."
Lucas smiled, Josh lost in his beautiful smile.

Josh pulled the sweatpants on over his legs, and then up to his waist, Lucas watching the man's boxer-brief-clad center disappear under them, Josh smiling at him.

"The bandage seems to be working well, I can walk better." Josh said, moving his foot.

"Great. Here, let me walk with you to the living room. Lean on my shoulder."

Josh nodded, Lucas guiding him out of the bathroom, Josh slowly walking down the hall with him to the living room.

Skyler, Finn and Trish all stood up when the two men walked into the living room, Skyler moving cushions onto one of the couches, Finn moving an ottoman towards it.

Josh sat down in their offered seat, Finn pushing the ottoman under Josh's raised foot.

"Comfy, Josh?" Lucas said, Josh smiling at him.

"I'm good, Luke."

"Anything we can get you?" Finn said, Josh smiling at him.

"A coffee would be nice. My last one became airborne. I think it's still flying out there somewhere."
Lucas blushed, Josh smiling at him.

"Again. . .I'm. . .I'm so sorry, Josh."
"Chill, Luke. I've already accepted your apology. We're square."

Trish smiled when she saw the relief-filled smile cross her brother's face.

"It's nice to see you again, Josh." Trish said, Josh smiling at her.

"Nice see your four as well, this time thanks to your brother. I thought I'd be watching your singing, not enjoying your hospitality."

All four smiled, Lucas sitting down beside Josh, Finn walking into the kitchen, returning with a cup of coffee for Josh.

Josh thanked him, taking a sip, smiling at Lucas.

"Thanks for knocking me down, Lucas. I'd have missed this! This coffee's superb!"

The four laughed, Lucas smiling at him.

"It's my own secret blend. I always make it for my friends." he said, Finn smiling at him.

"You're a man of many talents, Lucas Carver. Singer, songwriter, coffeemaker and hired assassin."

Finn burst into laughter, Trish and Skyler joining him, Lucas blushing deeply.

"Something tells me I'm never going to live this down. I'll have to add it to the list."

Josh laughed, his hand going to Lucas' shoulder, Lucas staring into his blue eyes.

"Just having some fun, Luke." he smiled, Lucas smiling back, Trish smiling as she watched the two smiling at each other.

This is going to be too easy. She thought, looking at Finn and Skyler, both smiling at her.

"You'll have to make it up to Josh, Lucky." Trish said, Lucas looking towards his sister.

"Lucky?" Josh said, intrigued by the nickname, Lucas smiling at him.

"Trish has always thought of me as her lucky charm. She and my bandmates alone call me that."
Josh nodded, smiling.

"Lucky in all ways." he said, Lucas smiling back.

"I'd like to think so, but truth be known I'm just me."

Josh smiled, looking at Lucas' bandmates.

"I think all four of you have a lot of luck. Just look at where you are."
All four smiled, Finn and Skyler sitting down across from Lucas and Josh.

"We owe Lucas his talent for getting us this far. His songs are amazing." Finn said, Lucas smiling at his friend.

"I can't wait to hear them." Josh said, Lucas blushing towards him.

"You're a talented musician, Josh. I'm afraid you'll hear with your ears. Please be honest, I expect that." Lucas said, Josh nodding.

"Of course, Luke. I'm always honest."

Lucas smiled at him, Josh's cell went off, the man smiling and pulling it out of his pocket.

"Hello, Josh here." he said, talking into it.

"Hey, Justin. No, I haven't gotten lost. I've had a little accident. No, I'm okay. I've got a nursing angel looking after me." Josh said, smiling at Lucas, the young man blushing.

"Fate landed me in the lap of a surprising angel." he smiled, Trish smiling at her brother's blushing face.

"No, I'm really okay, Jus. I'm at Orion's headquarters. Luke's helping me out. As are his friends."

All four smiled, Josh smiling back.

"Yes, that's right. Fine, see you in a bit." he said, hanging up.

"Justin's on his way over. He seemed worried, but I'm okay." Josh said, smiling at Lucas.

"No thanks to me." Lucas said, not meeting Josh's gaze, Josh's hand squeezing Lucas' knee.

"You may have been the cause, but you were also my salvation."
Lucas softly smiled, Josh's blue eyes filled with friendship.

"Let me at least make it up to you." Lucas said.

"Okay, Luke. How about you treat me to dinner one night this week?"
"Sure, Josh. It's the least I can do. What do you say guys?" Lucas said, looking at his friends.

"I think Josh was suggesting you alone, Lucky." Trish said, Lucas looking surprised by her words.

Josh's hand went to Lucas' shoulder again, Lucas turning and looking at him.

"I did mean just you and me, Luke."
Lucas softly blushed again, their eyes meeting.

"Oh, sorry. Okay, Josh."
Josh smiled, their eyes meeting again.

"How about tomorrow night, after your first big first day of recording? I know you'll be anxious to hear my opinion." Josh said, Lucas nodding, looking at his friends, all three nodding back.

"Tomorrow it is. You'll have to pick a place, I'm totally lost around here."

Josh laughed, smiling at Lucas.

"I know a nice place. We'll iron out the details tomorrow. How about you four regale me with some of your background? I'd love to know all about you. Justin will be here shortly."

The four smiled, Trish beginning the tale of Orion's creation.

Justin knocked on the condo door, the door opening, Finn smiling at him.

"Hey, Justin. Come on in." he smiled, Justin smiling back, Finn hugging him when the man walked into the condo, Justin surprised, but hugging him back, Finn smiling at him when they broke it.

"Wanted to thank you for last night, Justin. We had a blast!"
"No problem, Finn. Glad you had fun." Justin said, as he walked into the living room with Finn, his eyes going to Josh, Justin seeing his friend's foot up on an ottoman.

His eyes met Lucas'.

"You okay, Joshy?" he said, walking over to the couch, sitting down on Josh's other side, Josh smiling at him.

"I'm fine, Jus. Just a lightly sprained ankle. Luke and I collided on the street. I think the man's had football training."

Lucas blushed, Finn laughing, Skyler and Trish chuckling.

"He'll tackle you if he can't get his way." Finn grinned, Lucas blushing more.

Justin looked confused, Josh explaining to him what had happened.

"That's so uncanny that the two of you would run into each other like that. Talk about fate." Trish said, smiling at Josh and Luke.

"It's not so bad. It's turned into a nice day." Josh said, Lucas smiling at him.

"I'm glad you're okay, Joshy." Justin said, the man smiling at him.

"Takes more than a young monkey to knock me down for good." Josh said, Lucas blushing again, Josh laughing.

Justin smiled at both, his eyes watching both.

"We should get going, Josh. I hate to arrive then run, but we've got a dinner date with Jessica." Justin said, Lucas smiling at him.

"No problem, Jus. We'll see you tomorrow at the studio early then." Lucas smiled, Justin smiling at him.

"Yep, your first day in the spotlight." he said, the four bandmates smiling.

"I'll see you there also." Josh smiled at all four, his eyes lingering on Lucas the longest.

"And don't forget my dinner of forgiveness." Lucas smiled, Josh laughing.

"More like a dinner of friendship." Josh said, Justin staring at his friend, then Lucas.

Josh got up, Lucas watching him and standing as well.

"Foot feels okay, Dr. Lucas." he smiled, Lucas grinning.

"Awesome. See you both tomorrow." Lucas said, hugging both men, both smiling at him.

Everyone hugged them goodbye, Josh and Justin leaving.

Josh glanced at Justin, the man driving his SUV through the late afternoon traffic, heading back to his condo.

"I'm glad you're okay, Josh."

"Thanks, Jus. Just some minor scratches and a bruised foot, I'll recover."

Justin nodded, focusing on the road, his mind on his own thoughts.

"So what's going on, Joshy? You're going to dinner with Lucas?"

Josh smiled, Justin's blue eyes meeting his.

"He wanted to make up for what happened, even though it's not his fault. I couldn't say no to him."
Justin remained silent, his thoughts his own.

What's going on here?
Josh is going out with him?

This wasn't supposed to happen.

I saw the looks they were giving each other.

This can't be happening.

I have to stop this.

"Do you really want to do that, Josh? He might take more meaning into it than what you're doing."

"Meaning what, Jus? It's not a date, we're only going to eat." Josh said, staring out the window, Justin seeing a lost look in Josh's eyes.

"I think there's something you need to know, Josh."
Josh's eyes met Justin's, Justin sighing.

"Lucas' last relationship was a physically abusive one. His boyfriend almost beat him to death. That happened over a year ago."

Josh looked stunned, Justin watching him.

"Lucas is still recovering from that. Trish told me he's locked himself away in his soul. He's not looking for any kind of relationship with someone. I'm sorry, Josh."

Josh's head lowered a bit, the man looking out the window at nothing.

"That's. . .that's so tragic, Jus. He didn't say anything about it."
"It hurts him to talk about it, Joshy. He's a very private guy. It took me a while to work it out of him."
"I. . .I didn't know, Jus."
"I know, Joshy. I just don't think you should make advances toward him. It's best if you just remain a friend."
Josh looked at Justin.

"I. . .I thought that maybe. . ."

"Maybe what, Josh?"

"Never mind. You're right, Jus. All we can be is friends."

Justin nodded, smiling at his friend.

"He'll welcome that friendship. I've had it for years."
Josh smiled at Justin, Justin's hand going on Josh's knee.

"I'll give you a rubdown when we get home, Josh. You'll forget your leg pain."
Josh sighed, staring out the window.

But what about the pain in my heart, Jus?

Your needful, flirtatious horniness won't cure that.

I thought that maybe Lucas could.

Josh sighed again, still staring out the window, Justin remaining silent, watching his friend, a soft smile coming to his face.

London, England

Reverend Lewis Saunders closed the ledgers he was perusing, rubbing his eyes in the darkened office.

He'd been working through the books, his mind not really on the accounting figures.

He sighed, leaning back in his chair, his thoughts on something else.

He'd received a phone call from Grayson Wainwright earlier that evening, the man sounding a little put off.

The minister hadn't liked deceiving the man, his thoughts going to the man's friendship in his youth.

But the reasoning had been worth the deception.

He looked towards the telephone, strumming his fingers across his chin, then taking a deep breath.

He picked up the receiver, entering a memorized number on the base, leaning back again in his chair.

The phone rang twice, then answered.

"It's Lewis. The wolf is on the prowl again. He's coming again to England. He won't take no for an answer. Are you sure this is best?"

A voice answered him, Lewis feeling the love and calmness in the voice.

"I'm a man of God, my friend. Deception isn't the answer against his word. Shouldn't this be played out to its end?"

The voice talked, Lewis quietly listening.

"Alright, I understand. You have a courageous heart, my old friend. And Grayson's is even more tenacious. I don't know if I can curb his needs. Or old Emerson's. I know he's behind all of it. Yes, I understand. Goodnight."

The minister hung up the phone, a sudden noise coming from the church.

He rose up, quietly walking out of his office, walking into the church's main area.

He saw a man seated in the front pew in front of the altar, his head bowed.

"The church is closed, my son. I can see you for guidance in the morning." the reverend said, the man remaining in his seat.

Lewis walked up to him, standing in front of the rather large man.

"Bless me Father, for I have sinned."
Lewis looked confused, staring at the man.

"I am not a priest, my son. St. Benedict's is down the street two blocks."

The man's head slowly raised, Lewis staring into one intense, glaring eye.

The other one was covered by a black leather patch.

"God's truth can be drawn out of any soul. As can its deception. I need your secrets, clergyman." he said, the large man standing up, towering over the minister.

Lewis backed up, the altar behind him stopping his progress.

"Where are they, Reverend? It's time they perished for good." the man said, his speed shocking Lewis, the man's hand going to the minister's throat.

Lewis struggled, the man picking up a pewter cross that lay upon the altar's table, raising it above his head.

"God's dead, fool. And I'm going to make you see that."
Lewis screamed, the cross coming downwards.

End of Chapter 7

And so perhaps deception is answered by pain.

Who was Lewis talking to before he was attacked?

Who was the photograph of, that Grayson left on the desk?

Six people with perhaps a connecting past.

Seems Justin is bent on not letting Josh and Lucas connect.

His own desires may be risking his friendship with Josh and with Lucas.

What do my fans think?
Will Lucas connect with Josh or with Justin?

Let me know your thoughts or suggestions.

I'm all ears.

Hugs, Angel.

email: music-fan-1@hotmail.com