This is a sexually explicit story (at times) involving homosexuality. By continuing to read, you affirm under penalties of perjury that you are not a minor or in the company of a minor and are entitled to have access to this story.
The following is a fictious story with no real basis or credibility.It is solely for the enjoyment of the reader. It does not imply anything about the sexual preferences or lifestyle of Justin Timberlake or any other celebrity herein mentioned in this story.
Previously
Josh felt concern for this man, wanting to be his friend. Then Josh looked at his naked torso, seeing the beautiful man in front of him.
Before he could help himself he leaned in, kissing Paulo on the lips.
Paulo didn't resist, in fact he returned the action.
Then Josh felt him push back.
"I'm sorry, Josh. I can't do this. Please forgive me."
Paulo got up backing away from him.
"Your a wonderful man. Kind and caring. You deserve your soulmate. Don't risk that on someone as unimportant as me."
Paulo walked out, not looking back.
Josh sat there staring after him.
His tears fell, knowing he'd gone too far.
Paulo stood quietly in the hallway, banging his fists against his chest.
His thoughts echoeing off his empty heart.
This can't be happening, I can't let this happen.
I have to be here for Michael. My desires are secondary. My purpose is clear. Michael needs my guidance.
But why doesn't my heart believe that.
Why can't I find love also.
Paulo's tears ran down his tanned cheeks.
He cried alone in his private world.
Chapter 41
Justin woke up with the sunshine beaming down on his face.
With no blinds or curtains the window was bright and open.
He smiled looking down at Michael sleeping against his chest.
Justin felt at peace with himself.
Here was what it was all about.
He and Michael, together, alone and together.
He smiled, his heart filled with happiness.
Yesterday had been an eye opener for Justin.
Michael's two speeches had entered Justin's soul.
Michael had made him realize that Michael would never think low of him, never critize or admonish him.
Michael loved him as himself, the shy, bashful, insecure boy.
And Justin would always show that side of him to only him.
Michael was his true soulmate.
The love making last night had been intoxicating and passionate. A sense of togetherness about it.
And it had been exciting as hell.
Justin smirked at Michael's wild abandonment towards the end, as if his passion had gotten the best of him, he just seemed to want every inch of Justin's body, he devoured him with lust.
Justin's cock began to rise with the remembrance.
But this moment now wasn't about sex, this was about love.
His love for the man sleeping against him.
His thoughts turned to the week ahead.
They'd go out today picking out furniture and things for their new home.
Together, the two of them.
That made Justin happy, knowing it would be the two of them deciding together.
Their house would be filled with things they both loved.
And at the end of the week, with all Michael's hard work and Justin certain lack of, they'd have their friends in to judge it.
Justin hated leaving Michael to do most of the work, he had interviews, rehearsals and studio time to do.
Michael assured him he understood, he knew Justin's committment to his career.
Justin couldn't believe the sacrifices that Michael was willing to make for him.
Michael said it was called being in a relationship. He knew that Justin might have to make sacrifices too if Michael's book took off.
Michael stirred beside him, murmuring softly.
His hand moved down towards Justin's center, wrapping around his member.
Michael sighed, a small smile on his lips.
Justin felt alive, Michael's touch exciting him.
They lay like that, Justin smiling, Michael sleeping.
Shortly, Justin gently shook Michael, his eyes slowly opening.
"I love you, Jus."
Justin sighed.
"love ya more, sweetie."
They kissed tenderly, Michael stroking Justin's cock.
"What time is it, Jussy?"
That was a new one.
"It's almost nine. Time to rise and shine, Micky." Justin also trying a new nickname on for size.
Michael tensed beside him. He pulled back, away from Justin.
"Don't ever call me that, Justin. Don't ever."
Michael got up, naked, heading into the bathroom. Justin sat up quickly.
Michael slammed the bathroom door.
What had he said.The name Micky? Why had that set Michael off. Justin could feel Michael's hurt, his pain suddenly.
Justin got up walking to the closed door. He gently rapped on it.
"Come in, Jus."
The door was unlocked, Justin entering.
Michael was standing in front of the mirror, Justin saw tears in his eyes.
"Did I say something wrong, love?"
Michael looked at Justin, extending his hand out to him.
Justin took it immediately, Michael pulling him close. He rested his head on Justin chest, Justin wrapping his strong muscled arms around him.
"I'm sorry, Jus. It's just my father always called me that, it was his nickname for me. No one has called me that since. It took me by surprise, thats all."
Justin realized what that name must of brought up in Michael's mind.
"I didn't know, Michael. I'll never call you that, if it hurts you so much."
Michael smiled at him, knowing Justin's wanting to protect him.
"I've been thinking about him lately, Jus. About my father."
Justin didn't want him to think about that man, about what he'd done to Michael.
"I need to have closure with that part of my life."
"What do you mean, Michael?" Justin didn't like where this might be heading.
"I want to try and find him, Jus. I need to know what's happened to him. And if I have the courage, I want to meet him. To face these demons inside me. I can't close that part of myself until I've faced him. I need him to know I've forgiven him."
"You've forgiven him? How can you forgive someone who hurt you so much? That bastard deserves a lifetime of pain for what he's done to you."
Michael could see Justin's hatred and anger for his father. He knew it was justified, the man had hurt him deeply.
"No one know more that me what he's done, Jus. I don't know why he did it, maybe I can find out. But I need to forgive him to close it off, to heal that hurt finally. I don't even care if he still hates me, I want to be better than that, I want to forgive him so I can have peace. I know in my heart I can never love him, but I need to have closure."
Justin say Michael's deep conviction in this, his need to forgive him.
"Are you sure, Michael? I'd hate to think what that might do to you, he could be as much of a bastard as he was then. I don't want to see you get hurt again."
Michael could see Justin's concern for his well being, for his happiness.
Michael kissed him gently.
"Yes, Jus. I'm sure. But can I ask you to do something for me?"
"Anything, my love."
"Will you be with me, when I face him. I need your strength, your love. I want him to see that I have found love, that he didn't destroy me, that the real me survived."
Justin had tears in his eyes.
"I will be by your side, Mico. To show my love for you and to protect you. You never need to ask."
Michael smiled, seeing the man's deep love for him.
Michael kissed him deeply, Justin returning the kiss just at deeply.
They stood there, hugging each other in silence.
"I'm starved, lets hit Josh's for breakie and then we have some power shopping to do." Justin smiled back at him.
They quickly showered together.Then they got dressed, hopping into Justin's Jaguar convertible and headed to Josh's.
Josh woke up alone in his bed.
Had last night been a dream.
No it hadn't.
He'd kissed Paulo, a complete stranger, half naked in his bed.
How could he face him now.
How could he explain himself. The man had turned him down.
Josh got up quickly showering and putting fresh clothes on.
He walked across the hall knocking of Paulo's door lightly.
He took a deep breath and entered.
The room was empty.The bed made.
He walked down the hallway and caught a whiff of bacon and eggs. He walked downstairs quietly and found Paulo in the kitchen cooking breakfast.
Josh stood still watching the man move around, from the stove to the counter.
Josh was captivated by his mediterrenean good looks.
"You going to say good morning or are you just going to stare at me?" Paulo said, staring into Josh's eyes.
Those green emerald eyes looked into Josh's soul.
Josh lowered his head slightly, afraid to stare longer.
"Good morning, Paulo. Smells good but you didn't have to do this."
"Hey, I earn my keep, and I love to cook."
Josh smiled, walking into the kitchen and pouring a glass of orange juice from the pitcher, taking a drink.
"Wow, this is fresh squeezed!"
"Yes, I've been up for a while. Couldn't sleep." Paulo said, not looking into Josh's eyes.
They both sensed an uncomfortable awkwardness between them.
"Listen, Josh. About last night.I..."
"No please, Paulo. Let me explain."
"Josh, there's nothing to explain. You had a nightmare, and I comforted you. It got a little intense and something happened. I'm sorry if you thought I was wanting it. I didn't want to give you that impression. I'm sorry."
Josh's heart broke. Paulo wasn't interested in him.
"I'm sorry too, Paulo. I never would have done that, it wasn't my intention to do it. It just happened. I saw someone in my bed, someone who I thought wanted me and I reacted to that.Please forgive me for being so forward. I hope we can still be friends."
Paulo immediately hugged him.
"We will always be friends, Josh." Paulo hated to lie to him, to not tell him his true feelings, but he'd thought long and hard about it last night. And this seemed the only course.
"Thanks, I'd like that a lot." Josh said, his own feelings now being buried deep inside him.
The man wasn't attracted to him, Josh had failed again.
Paulo caught his unease, sensing Josh was not telling the truth.
They stood still, a sense of uncertain still between them.
Then they both looked up into each other's eyes.
"I'm sorry Paulo. I don't know why I did that last night. Forgive me."
Paulo looked hurt.
"We both did it, Josh. Don't blame just yourself."
Paulo knew this was wrong, that he couldn't get involved with this man, it wasn't in the cards.
"Look, Josh. I like you, a lot. But right now I can't get into a relationship. It's not you, never doubt that. Your sexy and beautiful. It's me, I can't love someone right now. I'm sorry."
Paulo stepped away from Josh, going back to the stove.
Josh sighed, realizing he'd gone to far. He'd pushed the man away from him, but he couldn't understand why.
Suddenly he heard his front door opening and Justin yelling.
"We're in the kitchen, Jus." Josh yelled back.
He sat down at the table not looking at Paulo.
Justin and Michael walked into the kitchen together, hand in hand, looking extremely happy.
Paulo smiled at both of them saying good morning.
Both replied back.
Michael picked up on some tension in the room.
Something was wrong.
He didn't say anything but he saw Josh looking several times at Paulo.
Justin sensed something was wrong with Josh also, he seemed overly quiet while they talked.
Michael and Justin looked at each other, seeing the same thing in each other's eyes.
Concern.
They all sat down to breakfast, eating quietly.
Justin opened up the silence by talking.
"Mikey and I are heading out after breakfast to do our furniture shopping."
"I'll go along and earn my wages.I'll drive you guys." Paulo smiled.
"Thanks, Paulo. Lonnie needs a day off." Justin smiled at him.
Justin picked up the phone and called Lonnie.
"How about it, Joshy. Want to tag along?" Michael asked him.
"Thanks, MikeY, but I have some recording to do. I'll be at the studio most of the day."
"Okay, buddy." Michael smiled at him, then looked at Justin.
Justin hung up telling them Lonnie was happy for a day off. He thanked Paulo for him. Paulo smiled back.
"Paulo, why don't we give these guys some space to talk about Josh's music. Why don't we go by the pool an relax. When their done we can take off."
Justin smiled, knowing Michael was giving him a chance to talk to Josh alone and Michael was going to talk to Paulo.
Paulo and Michael left them in the kitchen to talk.
Once they were gone, Justin poured both of them a cup of tea.
"So, buddy. What's going on. What's wrong between you and Paulo?"
Josh looked at his friend seeing his concern and caring.
"It's all my fault, Jus. I made the mistake of kissing him. Twice."
Justin looked shocked, but not surprised. He knew that Josh was lonely, and vunerable. And Paulo was an attractive man. Almost a taller version of Michael. And who could resist that.
"How did he react? He didn't hurt you?"
"No, Jus. Actually I think he liked it, but he said he couldn't get into a relationship right now. God, I thought he liked me. He was so caring and gentle last night. Justin, when am I going to find him, I'm so alone."
Josh began crying, his emotions overwhelming him. Justin hugged his friend close to him, holding him while he got himself under control.
"What happened last night, Joshy?"
Josh told him about the nightmare, what it entailed. Then about Paulo comforting him.
"How do you feel about him, Josh?"
"I like him a lot, he's kind and gentle. I have this feeling for him, I think it might be love, I'm just not sure."
Justin didn't know what to tell him.
"I'm sorry, Josh, I don't know what advise to give. It's a problem, for sure. All I can say is hang in there, if he's the one, you'll know. Trust Michael on this, he's always been right. Don't jump into anything thats not meant to be. I think you'll know when you've found him. If its Paulo, then that's great. He's a nice guy. But if it's someone else, then he'll always be your friend, right?"
Josh smiled at him.
"Thanks, Justy. Thats good advice. I'll take it as it comes, if its him then great. But god, I wish I knew soon, I'm so lonely. Last night with him felt so good. It wasn't about sex, it was something more."
Justin smiled, knowing that feeling all too well, he felt it every moment he was with Michael.
"Come on, let's go join Michael and Paulo." Justin got up, Josh smiling at him and following.
Michael and Paulo sat by the pool looking into the clear blue water.
"So, Paulo. What's going on? I sensed tension between you and Josh."
Paulo looked into Michael's golden eyes seeing only concern.
"We had a dissagreement of sorts."
"About what?" Michael was being determined.
"He wants to have a relationship with me, I told him no."
"Your not gay?"
Paulo looked at him quietly.
"No,I'm gay. But I can't start a relationship with him. I'm not interested."
"You don't like him. I hope you were gentle in letting him know."
"No, I like him, I like him a lot. It's just I don't want a relationship right now. I've just started a new job, and I need to be focused and ready for that."
Michael looked at him, as if he were weighing his words.
"Josh is a great guy, Paulo. Don't lose his friendship because your not ready to need his love."
Paulo looked at Michael. He had thought that Michael would tell him he was crazy to let a guy like Josh go.
Why didn't he pressure him to give it a chance? To give Josh a chance?
Then it dawned on Paulo.
"Thanks, Michael."
"For what?"
"For letting me down gently."
Michael looked at him quietly.
"I'm not his soulmate, am I?"
Michael looked out across the water.
"I'm sorry, Paulo. No, your not."
Paulo lowered his head closing his eyes.
"I think your a remarkable, attractive young man. You will make someone very happy, Paulo. It's just not meant to be Josh.
I hate having to tell you that. but Josh is destined to love another. You can't change that. That's why I had to tell you, to save you the pain of loving him, only to lose him. I know what thats like.
I wouldn't want you to feel that loss.
But don't lose his friendship, don't lose him in your life."
Paulo looked up into his golden eyes again, seeing that deep light of love, it forever burned there.
"Thanks, Michael. For being honest with me and for being more than a boss."
Michael smiled.
"You won't think that when I ask you to clean the toilet with a toothbrush."
Paulo laughed, his loud laugh carrying across the water.
Josh and Justin smiled walking out the patio doors seeing the two men sitting at the pool's edge.
"What's so funny?" Justin asked, sitting in Michael's lap.
"Your boyfriend was telling me how much of a slave driver he's going to be."
Michael laughed now, Justin smiling.
"It's a personal joke, sweetie. I'll let you know later."
Justin nodded, seeing Michael smiling meant everything was okay with Paulo.
"So, ready to shop till you drop." Michael asked.
"Damn straight, babe."
"Okay, we have to drive by your place though, Jus, and pick up Jason."
"Jason?" Justin asked.
"You know, babe. Jason Warner, my goth friend from Chicago."
Justin looked at him strange then comprehension dawned on his face.
His smile lit up larger than the sun.
"Awesome, I love Jason."
Josh looked at them strange, as did Paulo.
"Who the hell is Jason? When did he get here, and why haven't I met him?" Josh asked.
"Come by, Josh and I'll intro you." Michael smiled at Justin. Justin was grinning like a little kid.
"Sure, its on my way to the studio anyway."
Justin was smiling still, he was eager to leave and to fool his friend.
"I'll go with Josh, Michael. We need to talk." Paulo said.
Josh looked at him nervously.
"Okay, guys.Meet you at the house."
Justin and Michael left, Justin putting the petal to the floor to get there before them.
Michael told Justin everything he'd told Paulo.
Justin squeezed his hand, knowing how hard it must of been for Michael to tell Paulo the truth.
Josh drove his jeep to Justin's, Paulo sitting beside him.
"You okay, Josh?"
"Yes, Paulo. I'm alright."
"I talked to Michael, Josh. He didn't want to. but he told me the truth. He wanted me to be spared the pain."
"The pain? I'd never hurt you."
"The pain of losing you."
Josh looked at him confused.
"I asked Michael to be honest with me. The man is remarkable in his openess. "
Josh still didn't understand.
"I'm not your soulmate, Josh. Michael told me the truth."
Josh's head went down, Paulo could see tears beginning.
"Pull over Josh."
Josh pulled over to the curb.
"Your not okay, are you?"
"I thought it was you, Paulo. I thought you were him. Your so kind and gentle, and beautiful. I hoped it was you. When am I going to find him. When?"
Paulo put his arm around him, holding him.
"Josh, your an incredible man, a giving, loving, nurturing soul. Your soulmate will be the luckiest man in the world. And you'll find him, Michael guaranteed it."
Josh smiled at him.
"But I like you Josh. I'm still your friend. I would never come between you and your happiness. Understand?"
Josh understood what Paulo was saying.
He hugged him back.
"Lets go and meet Michael's friend." Paulo gave him a big smile.
Josh drove the rest of the way talking to Paulo in a new light. Talking as friends.
When they arrived Michael was waiting at the front door.
"Justin is taking a shower, Jason will be right here shortly, he's having a cigarette around the corner of the house."
Josh and Paulo got out of the jeep, both leaning against the doors, waiting.
"Everything okay, guys?"
They both looked at each other and smiled.
"Everything is super duper, Michael." Paulo smiled.
Josh got up hugging Michael.
"Thanks for being a good friend, Michael. For telling Paulo the truth. For sparing him the pain of lost love. And for stopping me from making a fool of myself."
"No one makes a fool of themselves when it comes to love. You have a lot of love inside you, Joshy. He's going to be very happy with your endless love."
Josh beamed, his smile genuine.
"No chance of a name, huh?"
Michael laughed.
"Nice try."
Josh smiled.
"Ahem."
Everyone turned looking at a black clothed goth kid standing a few feet away from them.
His shoulders were hunched over.
"Hey, Michael. Who are these losers." He said in a rough voice.
Michael held in a smirk.
"These are my friends, Jason. This is Josh and Paulo."
"They faggots like your pussy boyfriend, Justin?"
Both men furrowed their brows, not liking this guy's attitude.
"Now just a god damn minute.Who the hell do you think you are, asshole."
Josh's anger was about to be unleashed.
The goth kid sauntered up to him staring into his eyes.
"I'm Michael's bitch."
The kid turned around pulling Michael into his arms, kissing him deeply.
Josh and Paulo stood there stunned.
When they pulled apart Michael was laughing hard.
The kid stood still looking at the two men.
"Anyone else up for some tongue action?" He said.
Michael was on his knees laughing.
Paulo and Josh were shocked into silence.
"How about you, Joshy?"
Josh caught the voice and gasped.
"Justin?"
Justin was beside Michael laughing.
Both men looked at them like they were crazy.
Michael stood up, helping Justin up.
"Guys, meet my friend, Jason Warner. AKA Justin Timberlake."
BOth men looked at Justin marvelling at his outfit.
"Man, Justy. You had me completely fooled." JOsh said, looking at him amazed.
"I'm shocked you didn't pick up on it, Lonnie had told you about it in Chicago. didn't he?" Michael said.
"No, he never did. He meant to, but we forgot about it." Justin laughed.
"Man, Justin I didn't recognize you and you were two feet away from me."
"Thank my man here, this is all his work. I walked around the malls in Chicago with no one recognizing me." Justin was practically beaming.
"Michael, kudos. Thats impressive work, you even had me fooled." Paulo said smiling.
Everyone laughed at Justin's new found disguise.
"Okay guys, its after eleven, lets hit those stores if you want to fill a house." Paulo said.
Josh hugged them all, including Paulo, who he hugged a little extra hard.
Michael smiled.
"I'll pop in when I can, okay guys."
"Later, Joshy." Justin and Michael said together laughing.
Justin and Michael hopped into the back seat of Justin's SUV, Paulo driving.
"So, Michael. Are you going to tell us who Josh's soulmate is. I think we should know." Paulo asked.
"I'm sorry, Paulo, if I tell anyone it might change the events leading up to their loving each other."
"YOu know exactly when that moment will be, Michael?" Justin was surprised by this.
Michael turned his head looking out the window.
"Yes, Jus. I know exactly how and when. And I know I have a part in it. As do you."
Justin kissed him on the cheek.
"My man of mystery."
Michael smiled at Justin. Justin didn't see the pain in that smile, Michael wouldn't allow him to see.
Michael knew how it would all happen and it all came down to him.
He kissed Justin again, dying to have his lips on him. Justin responded in kind.
They snuggle together, Paulo smiling from the front seat.
They spent all day wandering through furniture stores and malls, picking out a new living room outfit, dining room outfit and five bedroom outfits. All told there were over one hundred different items. It was all being delivered over the next three days.
Michael was mesmerized by Justin's good taste. It was almost identical to his own. They had very few dissagreements with anything. By six oclock everything was purchased, except for minor small things. Justin would let Michael decide on them.
Justin wasn't too happy when Michael paid for everything, but he understood his reasoning after Michael explained it to him.
It would look pretty suspicious if a goth kid produced a credit card with Justin Timberlake's name on it.
The gig would be up quick and the anomynity they had would be gone.
Paulo laughed at the two of them all day, enjoying themselves immensely shopping.
He could see plain as day that they were in love. And a lot of other people picked up on it too.
By six o'clock they were pretty tired. They stopped at a secluded chinese restaurant for supper, finishing at about seven thirty.
Paulo dropped them back off at Justin's big house.
They spent a quiet evening just relaxing by themselves. They slept there that night, due to the fact that they needed breakfast in the morning and Justin had to be up early for interviews.
They made slow love to each other before falling asleep in each other's arms.
The next morning saw them parting for the day, Justin to his interviews, Michael and Paulo to his new home to await deliveries.
All the big furniture was delivered that morning, Michael and Paulo spending all day arranging things to Michael's liking, hoping Justin was going to be pleased.
Michael went out shopping for groceries and smaller items. Paulo by his side, taking his job seriously.
Justin pulled in about seven o'clock that evening.
When he walked around the car he met Paulo coming out the front door.
"Hey, Paulo, how's everything gone? Is Michael happy."
Paulo smiled clapping him on the shoulder.
"Your home, he's bound to be happy now. See ya later, Justin."
"Night, Paulo."
Justin walked through the front door and was amazed at what he saw.
Michael was standing there all dressed up in a black suit, with two glasses of wine in his hands.
"Welcome home, honey."
Justin smiled walking up to him kissing him on the lips.
"Thanks sweetie. How was your day?"
"Oh, you know, same old, same old. Flirted with the milkman, had sex with the paperboy. banged the gardener. You know, typical day."
Justin laughed, loudly.
"Care to take a tour of our furnished home."
Justin hooked his arm in Michael's, Michael handing him a glass of white wine.
They walked into the living room.
Justin was amazed at the transformation.
There were two leather couches, two black wingback chairs, on on either side of the fireplace.
A large fifty inch tv was on one wall as well as stereo, dvd and other electronics.
In one area a large black piano sat, Justin walking over to it.
"Surprise, baby. I bought it this morning for you, I wanted to surprise you. We can't have a house without a piano in it."
Justin teared up, kissing him deeply.
"Thanks baby, but its for both of us, I want to hear you use it too."
Michael smiled, nodding his head.
They walked into the dining room, seeing the large table, with ample seating for twelve.
"For our private entertaining."
Justin smiled, thinking of all the dinners and parties they'd have.
Then Michael pulled him upstairs to the bedrooms. He showed him the guest rooms first, each one differently decorated.
The last one was decorated in dark pine with a mediterreanean look to it.
"Paulo's taken dibs on this room. He says its his when he stays here when your not here." Michael said.
Justin laughed, it suited Paulo. It was also right next to their bedroom.
"As long as he's not here when we're both here, he'd hear the bed squeaking next door."
Michael laughed loudly, slapping Justin on the butt.
They walked into their bedroom, and Justin was stunned.
The room was painted in light blue, all the walls.
The bed was a king size bed, with a dark blue comforter on it, and lots of pillows.
A large overstuffed loveseat sat on the left side of the bed in front of the fireplace.
"For cuddling, on cold nights." Michael said, kissing his cheek.
"Its beautiful, Mico. I love the colors. You knew blue was my favorite. But what about you, you'll have to look at it all the time."
"I will only be looking at you in this room Justin, your the most important thing in this room."
Justin hugged him tightly, kissing him deeply.
They both felt this might lead to more intimacy, but Michael pulled back.
"Dinner is ready downstairs, lover. We can have dessert after."
Justin purred, breaking the hug.
They went downstairs to the kitchen.
Michael had the kitchen table all set up with candles and a red tablecloth.
This table would be used by them the most, just the two of them.
They sat down to a feast of culinary delights, Michael cooked all Justin's favorites.
They sat after dinner close together on the love seat looking into the roaring fire.
After necking for a while they ended up in bed together, falling asleep against each other.
And so the week flew by, different deliveries being made all week, Justin dissappearing for different reasons.
Michael never once questioned his work or his meetings.
He knew the life of a pop star.
But every evening would find them together, in each other's arms. Their love strong and sure.
All week Justin had picked up on Michael mood changing.
He'd become quieter sometimes.
Justin couldn't figure out what was wrong.
Thursday night rolled by and they were sitting together in the jaccuzzi, relaxing before bed.
"Is something bothering you, Mico? I've sensed a sadness in you."
Michael smiled at him, kissing his cheek.
"I can't hide anything from you, can I."
Justin smiled as Michael laid his head on his chest.
"I'm happy here with you Justin, don't ever doubt that. It's just with the holidays coming this weekend, I guess I'm feeling a bit lonely. Your family is all going to be here, but mine isn't . I'm talking about Nana, Uncle Silas, and Vicky and Zach. I really miss them, I guess."
Justin hugged him close.
"They were all the family I've ever had. And now their on the other side of the country. I guess I'm just kinda homesick."
Justin kissed him gently.
He looked up at him, kissing him back.
"But don't worry about me, I'm here with the best Christmas gift I could ever ask for, You."
Justin smiled widely.
"And tomorrow all our friends are coming for dinner. To see our new home."
"Yeehah, sweetie!!"
Michael smiled and laid his head back down.
"Michael, I'm sorry your family can't be here for christmas. I wish I could give you that, but they have their own lives too."
Michael kissed Justin's wet right nipple, sending a shock down Justin's spine.
"I know love, I know. Promise me you'll always be with me at Christmas. I don't think I could get through it without my man beside me."
"I promise, love."
Michael started sucking on Justin's nipple now, a prelude to a session of powerful lovemaking.
Friday dawned to a bright sunny day.
A perfect day for a party.
Michael spent all day cooking and baking, wanting everything to be perfect.
Paulo was his gopher, hitting the grocery store four times for different things.
Justin had only one interview at ten thirty, so he was home by one o'clock.
He helped Michael all afternoon.
The time finally rolled around, and people started arriving at six thirty.
Josh was the first to arrive.
Then Joey and his wife Kelly. He introduced her to Michael. He liked her right off the bat. And he loved Joey's little daughter, Brianna.
Lonnie arrived after them, hugging Michael like a long lost brother.
Michael showed them all around the house.
Chris arrived a little late, tackling Justin in the front doorway.
He wrestled with him for a while, until Joey tackled him, giving him a noogie.
Justin got up introducing Chris to Michael.
"Chris this is a good friend of mine, Michael Tavarro. Mikey, this is Chris Kirkpatrick."
Michael extended his hand to shake his, Chris pulling him into a hug.
"Any friend of Curly's is good with me."
Michael smiled liking the guy immediately.
Chris had kind of become the recluse, not really keeping in close contact with the others, it didn't mean he didn't love them less, he was just busy with other projects including a new band and a tv series.
Lance and Reichen were the last to arrive.
They came to the door at about ten after seven. Justin answered it.
Lance hugged Justin immediately, missing his old friend so much. Justin was surprised at the tightness of his hug, it almost felt like desperation.
Reichen smiled at him shaking his hand.
"God, its so nice to see you, Justy." Lance said smiling.
Justin smiled back. "Its great to see you too, Lancy."
They kidded around with each other, laughing and talking. Justin pulled then to the living room, walking in towards Michael who was talking to Kelly by the fireplace.
"Mikey, I want you to meet Lance, and Reichen."
Michael turned staring into Lance's deep green eyes.
"Hi, Lance. I'm Michael Tavarro. A friend of Justin's."
Lance reached out his hand and shook Michael's.
Michael's soul imploded. The pain was excrusciating. He felt so much sorrow and remorse and something else. Something that terrified him.
He stood there stunned.
"Nice to meet you Michael. Justin mentioned you briefly, your a writer, aren't you?"
Michael focused back to his eyes.
"Yes, a novelist. Justin and I met in Chicago."
No one picked up on Michael's distress, on his horror at what he'd briefly seen.
Reichen came up next, putting his hand out. Michael reluctantly shook it.
What he felt from his was even more troubling.
"I'm Reichen, Lance's boyfriend. I must say Michael, your a handsome man." Reichen smiled at him.
"Thank you, Reichen. Thats a nice thing to say." Michael's fake smile plastered on.
"Well if everyone's here, I think its time everyone knew why your all here."Justin said smiling.He waved Michael over to him.
Michael smiled at him, walking over to him,Lance watching the two men.
"Well most of you know, but a couple of you don't so it's time you did."
Michael looked into Justin's nervous eyes. They instantly calmed.
"Lance, Chris. I have something to tell you."
Both men got up walking up to him.
"I'm gay, Lance. I'm just like you."
Lance looked stunned. Chris looked laid back.
Chris hugged him first.
"I knew it. Fatone, you owe me twenty bucks."
Justin looked shocked. Joey was laughing, pulling out his wallet.
Lance just stood there, not saying anything.
"And I want you to know Michael and I are a couple. We are deeply in love with each other."
That broke Lance's silence.
He hugged Justin to him, crying.
"That's wonderful, Justy. I'm so happy for you, I'm happy you can be yourself."
Justin smiled, hugging Lance back.
Then Lance turned and looked at Michael.
"Welcome to the family, Michael. I'm sure you must be special for Justin to love you."
Michael smiled at him with a tear in his eye.
Lance hugged him, Michael gently hugging him, not touching his back.
Chris was next to hug Michael, expressing the same sentiments.
Justin was ecstatic. All his friends still loved him.
Reichen came up next hugging Justin.
Michael caught his prolonged hug, as if he was feeling Justin up.
"Welcome to the team, Justin." He laughed, but Michael could see the lust in his eyes. The lust for his man.
Then before Michael could do anything Reichen was hugging him. Michael could feel his hands on his ass, he was actually kneading one cheek.
"Welcome to the group, Michael. I'm sure we will be real good friends."
Michael wanted to punch the man in the face.
But he did nothing.
He stepped back a bit while everyone chatted, Justin putting his hand in his, smiling at him.
Michael smiled back, trying to bury his feelings deep inside.
Trying to not let Justin feel what he'd felt.
For if Justin did, he'd beat the crap out of Reichen.
And he'd stop Lance.
Stop him for what he was going to do.
Lance was going to kill Reichen.
End of Chapter 41
Wow, what do you think of that last revelation?
And how about Josh and Paulo? Are things over between them?
Keep reading, dear readers.
Angel.