Disclaimer ----------
This story is fiction and completely in the mind of its author. The author makes no claims as to the sexuality or personality of any based-on-reality characters you may find here. It's fantasy, kids. Remember that.
Don't read this story if you're too young, or if it's illegal where you live. Frankly, you should consider finding a new place to live if it's illegal, cause it must be a damn boring place where you are now.
Enjoy!
And now...'Forever'...
Chapter 97
Someone shook me awake. From the looks of things around me, It hadn't been but a few minutes since I'd fallen asleep. The tears I'd shed were still damp on Kev's shoulder.
"Dylan," he said softly. He was the one shaking me. "The doctor is here. He wants to look you over, make sure you're ok."
"Okay," I sighed. "But I'm not leaving you. They'll have to do it here."
"That's fine, Dylan," Dr. Jacobson's voice came to me. "We can check you over right here." I turned to look at him.
"How often do you work, anyway? You always seem to be here," I said as I sat up on the side of Kevin's bed. The doctor chuckled at me.
"I do put in a lot of hours these days," he replied. "I like to keep people guessing."
"Well, I hope the pay's worth it," I said, trying to joke a little. My emotions were all over the place. The turmoil of the last twenty hours was just overloading my mind.
The doctor had me take off my shirt. There were a number of gasps from the people in the room. I looked down and realized why they were all shocked.
I looked like one giant bruise from about my belly button to my shoulders. I guess the gang boys had gotten in a few more punches than I'd realized. But, that would explain why I felt like someone'd driven a steamroller over top of me.
Dr. Jacobson checked me over pretty thoroughly. He said I'd be okay, although I'd probably be very sore for a while. The damage was limited to bruises this time, so there wasn't any need for anything else.
"You need to quit doing this and give your body a chance to heal, young man," he scolded me lightly, jokingly.
"Blame it on the rain, doc," I said, letting him know that it was just bizarre circumstances and nothing else.
He left soon after, advising me to take it easy and get some rest. I had no problem with that. Obviously, Kevin agreed as he patted the empty space next to him in his bed.
I didn't bother putting my shirt back on. If anyone had a problem with it, nobody spoke up. Kevin was shirtless at the moment, and I really wanted to feel his naked skin on mine. I needed the contact.
"Some birthday, huh?" I asked of no one in particular once I was settled in with Kevin.
"We'll make up for it, man," AJ threw out. "I'll come up with a killer party for ya." I smiled, as I had no doubt that he wouldn't do just that.
"D," Kev whispered, "are you ok? Really?"
"I'm not sure, Kev," I whispered back. "When those guys showed up, I got so scared. But, that one started talkin' about how he'd knifed you and...and...I just lost it. If AJ and Brian hadn't shown up when they did...Kevin, I would've beaten him to death."
"I was so angry with him for what he'd done to you. He'd almost taken you away from me. I've never felt such anger...such hatred towards anyone in my entire life. Frankly, it scared the hell outta me."
"Yeah," AJ spoke up, "but it probably saved your life, too. If you hadn't been on such an adrenaline high, you might not've held them off like you did."
"He's right, D," Kev said. "And the guys were there to prevent it from going too far. God was watching out for you."
"I wonder, Kev," I replied softly. "What if He was testing me...and it's a test I failed? I would've taken that kid's life without a second thought."
"Dylan," Brian spoke up, "you can't second-guess what's happened. If you play `what if' you're just gonna drive yourself crazy. If you're worried about God, then talk to Him. Figure out what's in your heart. Everything works out the way it's supposed to. Look at you and Kevin."
I smiled a little at that, giving Kev a squeeze. Brian was right. I couldn't second-guess these events. For whatever reason, things worked out as they worked out. And there was no good dwelling on them now.
"Ann?" I spoke up after a few moments.
"Yes, Dylan?" she asked.
"I'm sorry that I was such a jerk today," I apologized.
"It's ok, Dylan. I understand. Believe me, I understand." And
I knew that she did.
"Would you do me a favor, Ann?" I asked.
"What is it?"
"Call my mom and tell her...tell her we need to talk," I replied. There was silence in the room for a while.
"Sure, Dylan," she told me. I nodded slightly against Kevin before finally drifting back to my much-needed sleep.
Chapter 98
"Do you want me there?" Kev asked, breaking me out of my reverie. I turned to look at him from where I was standing by the window.
"Pardon?" I asked, not sure what he was asking. I'd been zoning a little.
"I was wondering if you wanted me to stay with you when you talk to your mom," he told me. I thought about it for a moment before I shook my head.
"No," I said. "I think we need to work some stuff out ourselves."
"I understand," he replied. "You know I'm always here if you need it, right?" I walked over and sat next to him, taking his hand in mine.
"Of course, Kev," I said softly.
I leaned down and touched my lips to his. I felt him put his free hand up behind my head, holding our mouths together. It'd been almost three weeks now since we'd been together. It was starting to wear on both of us, judging by the passion in that small kiss.
"Sorry to interrupt," Ann said, breaking Kev and I apart. "Dylan, your mother's outside." I nodded briefly before turning back to Kevin.
"I love you," I said.
"I love you, too," he replied. "I'll be here when you're done talking." I smiled in thanks before walking out the door.
"Hi, Mom," I said softly when our eyes met.
"Hello, Dylan," she replied, her voice, too, quiet. "Thanks for seeing me again." I didn't reply with words, just nodded.
"Let's go outside, ok?" I asked.
"That sounds fine," she said.
We made our way out onto the roof. We were in the same observation area where Kev and I'd walked the day before. We wandered over to a spot near the railing and looked out over the city.
"Why'd you come, Mom?" I asked, not beating around the bush at all.
"A lot of reasons, I guess," she replied. She stopped a moment, seeming to gather her thoughts.
"Dylan," she began, "about three weeks ago, I...I found a...a growth on my...when I was...that is, during a...a breast exam." I jerked my head over to look at her, but she wasn't looking at me. "It turned out to be nothing, just a minor infection, but during that week when I was waiting for some test results, I had a lot of time to think." She turned to look at me.
"All I could think about was your grandmother, and how the cancer took her so suddenly. I was so afraid that I had cancer, too."
She stopped again, just staring at me. I stared back, not betraying any emotion on my face. It was up to her to keep this going. I wasn't prepared to open to her, yet.
"During that week, I realized what a fool I'd been. I thought about all the mistakes that I made...that WE made, your father and I." She stopped to take a breath.
"I can't say I understand your...your being...gay," she said, obviously trying not to stumble on the words. "But, the fact is that you are, and you're my son, and it's not right of me to hold it against you like I have."
"You're a decent, caring young man," she continued. "And you're a son that anyone would be lucky to have. And I'm sorry that it took me so long to figure that out. And I'm sorry...I'm sorry that I never stood up for you with your father, never made him see you for what you really are...a good man...a good son."
We stared at one another for a while. I searched her eyes. She seemed so sincere, so honest. But, I was so scared of letting her in again. She said she'd accepted me, even if she couldn't understand me. Would that be true when she was confronted with the reality of my life, of my relationship with Kevin?
"Dylan," she interrupted my thoughts. "I know I might not have the right to ask your forgiveness, but I'm asking anyway. Please, give me a chance. Give US a chance."
"Mom," I began, then paused. "What you're asking...I don't know. So much has happened. I want to believe you, I want to let you back into my life. But...," I trailed off.
"Are you sure you're ready for this?" I asked her. "This isn't just some abstract thing here. I'm really, truly gay. Not only that, but I'm deeply in love with another man. We're planning on getting married. Are you sure you've considered this?"
"Dylan, yes. I have," she said, her voice firm. "Like I said, I may not understand it, but I'm willing to try."
"And what about...what about the Church? You had some pretty strong feelings about the fact the Catholics condemn me for this," I pointed out. She sighed and looked away for a moment.
"I had a long talk with Father Thomas. He was part of what made me realize how wrong I'd been. He told me it was my job to be loving and supportive of you, even if I couldn't understand everything about this. He said it's a gray area, one many Catholics have a tough time dealing with. But, he said that, above all, we are a family, and we should be there for each other."
We stopped talking, then. I turned and stared out over the city. The pollution level was high today, so I couldn't really see very far. But, I wasn't really looking anyway. It was just a place to stare as I was thinking.
"I can't forgive you, Mom," I said, finally. She sighed. I turned to her. "Not yet. But, I am willing to give you the chance to prove yourself...to give US a chance like you asked."
"Dylan," she said, her face lighting up in a smile. "You're sure?"
"Yeah, I'm sure. Kevin and Ann were right. Not having you in my life has been hard. I want my mother back again." We both smiled for a moment before I turned serious again.
"But," I said, my voice firm. "This is it. I can't do it again if...if you walk away."
"I understand, Dylan," she said. I could hear the conviction in her voice. "I won't walk away again."
I tentatively opened my arms, reaching out to her. She looked at me a moment before stepping in for a hug. I wrapped my arms around her and held on, enjoying the fact that I had all of my original family, the important part, anyway, back to join my new one.
Chapter 99
"Kevin, honey-bear?" I said in my most syrupy voice.
"Yes, Dylan, sweetie-kins?" Kev replied, laying on the sweetness in his soft, sexy way.
"Could you please put some lotion on my back, sugar-lips?" I asked, looking over and batting my eyes at him. He chuckled at my overdone flirting and just nodded.
I settled back on my stomach on the deck. Kev straddled my back and began to slowly rub the sun lotion into my warm skin. There was magic in his hands as he massaged my back.
It was September. Kevin had been released from the hospital a week ago after FAR too long in his room. He was starting to drive everyone crazy towards the end. Even Ann had eventually given up and flown back to Kentucky, telling me she'd be glad to have me in the family, but that she wasn't so sure about HIM anymore.
The doctor had finally given him his release, stressing that his abdominal muscles still needed time to heal from the stabbing and subsequent surgery. But, it'd been nearly two months since the attack, now, and he was coming along nicely.
So, he and I had decided to take that vacation he'd talked about before. Brian and the rest of the guys had stayed in LA to work more on the album. They'd decided to do everything they could do until Kev was back in action. Nick and Brian were even talking about doing a duet for the new record. I was interested in hearing what they might come up with.
The feel of my man's hands squeezing my shoulders brought me back to the present. We were on a boat, floating somewhere in the Caribbean. I wasn't really sure where exactly we were, which was the general idea behind the escape, I guess.
Kevin's managers had arranged this little getaway for us. There were only two other people on board. Jamal Warner and his wife Ilea ran a charter service out of the Miami area. The managers had worked out an arrangement with them to take us on a private sail around the Caribbean. And it had been paradise from the moment we got on board.
"Kev," I sighed.
"Yeah, D?"
"Can we just stay here forever?" I pleaded softly, only half joking. I felt him shift his body, lying down so his chest met my back and his mouth was against my ear.
"Mmmmmm, that would be nice, wouldn't it?" he whispered, his breath tickling the sensitive skin just behind my ear.
"Oh, I think it'd just be heaven. You, me, the ocean, and someone else to steer the boat," I said, a small smile on my face. My comment drew a chuckle from him.
"Well, Jamal and Ilea would probably rather we didn't force them to stay out here forever, love," he spoke softly. "Besides, what would all the fans think of you whisking me away for the rest of our lives?" I let out an exaggerated sigh.
"I suppose you're right," I said. "But it's sure nice to dream."
"Yeah, sure is," he replied.
We lay there, not moving. Kev's legs were still straddling mine, which put his crotch basically at my butt and his chest against my back. And, judging by the feel of things, the close position was having the same effect on him as it was on me.
Kev and I hadn't made love since he'd gotten out. He'd tried to initiate it a few times, but I was so nervous about hurting him that I'd held back. He'd been frustrated, but he was good about letting me say no.
"Hey, Ilea, grab my camera, honey! I've got a great shot for the `Enquirer' out here!" Jamal yelled to his wife.
Kev and I both chuckled. Jamal had been threatening to start taking pictures since the time he'd caught us necking on deck the first night out. We both knew we could trust him not to take any advantage. He was just a trustworthy person.
I turned over to look at him, Kevin still resting on my back. I had to admit he was a striking man. The hot Caribbean sun was shining down on his shirtless form, the rays glistening off of the tiny beads of sweat that were sprinkled across his dark skin. If I didn't already have the perfect man joined at my hip, I would've considered Jamal a man worth pursuing.
"Jamal, man, admit it. You're just jealous cause I'm so cute and you can't have me," I joked with him. He just chuckled back, shaking his head as his wife climbed up to join us.
If Jamal was striking, there was nothing to describe Ilea. Her rich, thick dark hair was currently tied back in some elaborate scheme that probably would've taken me a year to learn. And even I had to admit that she had a devastating figure, one that was currently shown to it's best by the bikini she had on. The contrast between the white fabric and her dark skin was...stunning.
"Dylan," she spoke up, "you flirtin' with my man again? I tol' you, honey, it just ain't worth your time. Especially when you got that hot bundle o' love layin' all over you like that."
"Yeah, D," Kev broke in, "you should be happy with what you have."
"Oh, I am, baby," I said softly to him. "You have no idea." I lifted my hips just slightly, enough to push myself into him a little. He chuckled and settled tighter around me.
"Well, boys," Jamal said, "we're at our anchorage for the day. We're gonna stay here the rest of the afternoon and tonight, so feel free to do some swimming or whatever."
"Thanks, Jamal," Kev replied. "I could use a chance to cool off."
That drew a chuckle from everyone there. I don't think it was any big secret as to why Kev needed to cool off. It was a small boat, and Jamal and Ilea had to know that nothing had happened between Kev and I since we'd boarded.
I felt Kev's weight shift off of me. Two seconds later, I heard a splash, giving notice that Kevin had, indeed, decided to take a swim. I turned to look at our hosts, only to find that Jamal was already walking to the back of the boat.
"Dylan, can I ask you a question?" Ilea asked after studying me for a few minutes. Her voice was soft and smooth.
"Sure, Ilea, what is it?" I replied.
"Well, it's kind of personal, and I don't want you to be offended, but," she paused before moving on, "why haven't you and Kevin made love since you came on board? Is it because Jamal and I might hear you?"
I blushed at the question and looked away from her. I hadn't expected her to notice those details, although I should have. In the few days we'd known her, Ilea had shown a very keen eye for detail along with an exceptional intelligence. If anyone would have noticed our abstinence, it would've been her.
"No," I replied. "Not really. I mean, it'd be kind of embarrassing knowing that you two actually COULD hear us, but that's not really why we haven't...haven't made love."
"Then what is it, honey?" she asked. "It's obvious that boy's in some serious desire for you."
"I just...," I trailed off, gathering my thoughts. "I'm just afraid of hurting him. You know what happened, why we're here and not working. I just don't wanna do anything that'll jeopardize his recovery, that'll slow down his getting back into the studio. He's so anxious to get back to it."
"Dylan," she replied, "I don't know you all that well. We've only known each other a few days. But, I do know that Kevin's a strong man, and you love each other very much. That's obvious just by how comfortable you are together."
I stopped to consider what she'd said. I'd never really paid much attention, but she was right. Kev and I were totally at ease here. We never held back on displays of affection, and we never had any nerves when they were around. I guess that maybe the two of us were getting used to being affectionate in public. I got a strange little thrill out of that. I tuned back in to what Ilea was saying.
"...shouldn't worry so much about hurting him. I doubt that you could hurt him just by making love. He needs it. And so do you, honey," she paused, a smirk lifting one corner of her mouth. "Besides, the exercise would probably do him some good."
I turned to stare at her a moment. Her dark brown eyes just gazed back, somehow knowing exactly what I was thinking. I wondered where she'd come across this gift of insight she seemed to have.
"Ilea?" I asked.
"Yes, Dylan?"
"Do you think that you and Jamal could arrange to stay below deck tonight?" A smile lit up her face.
"Yes, I think that can be arranged. Once we have dinner, I'll make sure he's occupied down below."
"Thanks, Ilea. I owe ya," I replied.
"Mmmmmm, this is nice," Kev said softly as he leaned back into me.
"Sure is, love," I replied, kissing lightly behind his ear.
We were on deck, watching the sun set over the far distant horizon. I was leaning back against one of the cabin walls, Kevin was leaning back against me. We had wrapped a light blanket around ourselves to keep in our body heat and keep out the chill night air.
"I don't think I've ever felt so content, D," he whispered. "The two of us here, alone together, enjoying the sunset. There's no one around to bother us, nothing that can disturb us."
"It's as close to perfection as it gets, Kev," I replied, nuzzling his neck a little before looking up at the darkening sky.
As promised, Ilea had coaxed Jamal into going downstairs right after an early dinner. She'd even turned on some soft music, although I wasn't sure if it was for our benefit or theirs.
The cool light of the stars shone down on us. I'd never in my life seen so many stars as I'd seen here. Even out on the empty plains of my home, there'd never been so many. With the majority of the lights on the boat turned out, there was nothing to pollute the natural beauty of the stars I loved.
"I love you, D, you know that?" Kev said. I smiled to myself and gave him another kiss on his neck.
"Yeah, Kev, I do know that. And I love you, too. More than I can find words to express," I whispered against his skin. I felt him shudder a little in my arms.
"Are you cold, love?" I asked him.
"No, sweetie," he replied. "Your breath on my neck tickled a little is all."
"What, this?" I asked, then blew a light breeze across the back of his neck and behind his ear. He shuddered again.
"Yeah, like that," he said. I could hear the smile in his voice, although I couldn't see it on his lips.
We sat in silence for a while, both lost in our own thoughts. I was content to just hold him there, to feel his warm skin against mine, to feel his chest rise and fall under my hands as he breathed. He seemed content for the same.
"Kevin," I said his name. I could tell I startled him slightly by the way he tensed for a moment.
"Yeah, Dylan?" he asked.
"Look at me," I said. "Please?"
Kevin shifted in my arms, turning to the side and resting his back against my raised leg. His eyes shifted to mine. The sparkle of the light from the stars reflecting in his eyes was stunning. I stared at him a moment, savoring the beauty I saw in his face.
"What is it, D?" he asked, a trace of concern creeping into his soft voice.
I lifted my hand and cupped his cheek. I stroked it lightly, using my thumb to caress his face and stroke his lips. My heart nearly stopped beating at the sight he made before me.
"Kevin," I whispered, "you are the most beautiful person I've ever known." I paused, but he seemed to sense I had more to say as he remained quiet.
"I don't mean in the physical sense, although you are a gorgeous man. I mean here," I slid my hand down and rested it on his chest above his heart. "You are so kind and generous and loving. Every time I look at you, I feel a little shudder and wonder `why me?'." I stopped and stared at him again before continuing.
"You've filled my life in places that I never knew were empty to start with. You've made me feel things I never knew were possible to feel. And I just...I just wanted to say...," I trailed off, staring at him.
"How would you feel about...about setting a date for our wedding?" I asked softly. Kevin just gazed back at me a moment before answering.
"Are you sure this is what you want, D?" he asked.
"Well," I said, a joking note in my voice, "if you'd rather not..." He lightly slapped my chest, interrupting my joke.
"Don't be a smartass, buddy," he said, his voice holding a not- so-serious threat. His expression softened before he continued.
"Sweetie, you know I'm ready to set a date if you are. I've been ready for months, almost since the day I proposed to you, but I didn't want to press you."
"And, I appreciate that, Kevy," I replied, giving him a light squeeze. "But, it's time now. I can't imagine not being with you forever. You're all I've ever wanted."
His only response was to lean in and gently touch his lips to mine. We stayed that way for an eternity...or just a moment. Neither of us moved to deepen the kiss. Neither of us pulled away. Finally, I eased back from his sweet lips.
"Kevin Richardson," I began softly, gazing into the emerald depths of his eyes, "will you do me the honor of marrying me?"
Kev returned my stare before leaning in and kissing me once again.
"Yes, Dylan," he replied, pausing a moment. "I would be happy to marry you."
To be continued...
Author's Notes --------------
Well, kids, it's over. I penciled the final chapter yesterday. Grand total: 125. It's pretty much 124, since 125 is just a one-page wrap-up type thing. But, 125 sounds a lot better, don't ya think?
The reason I'm telling you that I'm done is for deniability later on. Those of you who follow both 'Escape' and 'Forever' may find some...similarities in the endings. It is totally coincidental, I assure you. Great minds think alike, I guess.
I split up the remains of the story into the sections I'm going to post starting tonight. Not counting the post you're reading, there are nine remaining sections covering the rest of the 125 chapters. Some are short, some are long. There's the occasional cliff hanger, or, as I like to call it, the moment for reflection. I'll try to post one a day for the next nine days to round everything out.
In the interest of my own time, I probably won't be putting any more author's notes on the posts until the final section. That'll make it easier to get everything out for you.
L8r, DJ