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
Michael and Justin got up together, putting on shorts and t's.
They walked down hand in hand to the kitchen.
Just before they got there they heard someone crying.
When they walked into the kitchen they saw Josh standing at the kitchen table, Lance crying against the wall.
"You okay, buddy?" Justin asked putting his arm on Lance's shoulder.
Lance jerked away from Justin, screaming at him.
"Don't touch me, please don't touch me."
Justin and Josh were speechless.
Michael wasn't.
"Calm down Lance, we're not going to hurt you. It's us, your friends. Michael, Justy and Joshy." Michael said in a soothing voice.
Lance looked at all of them, seeing them for who they were.
His tears flowed again, his emotions crashing down.
He was in Justin's arms in a moment, Justin holding him tight.
Josh was crying himself, seeing Lance not needing him.
"What happened, Josh. I thought you said he was doing okay?" Justin asked, deep concern on his face.
"He was, he was actually smiling. And then I went and fucked it all up."
Michael sensed Josh's deep guilt.
"What happened Josh?" Michael said with quiet compassion.
Josh lifted his head, the tears rolling down his cheeks.
"I kissed him and I told him that I love him."
Chapter 44
Michael stood still, quietly looking at Josh, then Lance.
Justin still had Lance in his arms, his crying had settled down.
"You alright, Lance?" Michael asked with tenderness.
Lance looked up at him, nodding his head.
Josh still had tears running down his face, his eyes downcast.
He wouldn't look at Lance, he couldn't bear to see that hurtful look in his eyes again.
"Excuse me, I need to get cleaned up." He said, not looking at anyone.
Michael watched him leave, sighing to himself.
Justin looked at Michael, trying to understand what was going on.
"Justin, can you go and see that Josh is okay." Michael looked at Justin, Justin sensing his need to be alone with Lance.
"Yes, sure, Mico. You going to be okay, Lance?"
"Yes, Justy. I'm okay. Go look after Josh, he's upset, because of me."
Lance looked towards the door, looking to where Josh had left.
Justin got up slowly, walking by Michael. Michael put his hand on his shoulder, kissing his cheek.
"I think he needs you to talk to. Just listen, babe. Be a friend for him."
Justin smiled, kissing Michael back.
After Justin dissappeared out the doorway, Michael turned and smiled at Lance.
"How ya doing, buddy?"
"I'm terrified, Michael. I'm terrified that I've messed up my friendship with Josh."
Michael poured a glass of juice for himself and one for Lance.
He walked over to the table sitting down beside Lance, but giving him space.
He set the glass of juice down in front of him.
Lance wiped his eyes and picked up the glass, taking a drink.
"Why would you think that, Lance?"
"Because Josh wants something I can't give him, Michael. He said he loved me. How can he love me, I'm just a doormat. Is that all he wants, a doormat?"
Michael stared at Lance, Lance looking deep into his golden eyes.
"There's something else, isn't there, Lance?"
Lance looked down, not looking at Michael.
"I sense uncertainty and shame in you, Lance. Your ashamed of something you did. Tell me what you did, Lance."
Lance looked up then at Michael, seeing his concern and yes, his love in his golden eyes.
"I can't tell you, Michael. You'll hate me for it. You'll think I'm weak and foolish."
Michael put his hand on Lance's arm, looking into his eyes.
"I'm your friend, Lance. I would never think that of you. I only want to help you."
Lance trembled a little, and took a deep breath.
He told Michael what he'd done.
Justin knocked on the bedroom door.
"Come in, Michael." Josh said.
Justin walked into the room, seeing his friend sitting on the bed, sitting in only his boxers.
Josh looked up, surprise on his face.
"I thought for sure it would be Michael."
"Hey, I care about ya too, buddy."
Josh smiled kindly at Justin.
"I know, Just. I'm sorry."
"You okay, Joshy? You kinda left in a hurry." Justin sat down beside Josh.
"I thought he'd need me to love him, Jus. I thought he needed someone to care for him after what that bastard did to him. Instead I scared him. I came on to him and terrified him."
Justin put his hand on Josh's naked shoulder.
"Hey Josh, it's okay. Lance is going through a hell of a battle right now, he didn't expect that from you, that's why he reacted that way. He's been abused for so long that he can't see someone caring for him right now."
Josh looked up at Justin, Justin seeing hope in his eyes.
"You really think so, Jus?"
"Yes, Joshy. Lance is very volatile right now. His nerves are shot. Can you blame him? His self esteem is low, he's been hurt so much that he can't see his own worth. And if I know my Michael, he will show him his worth."
Josh smiled, Justin seemed so sure of himself.
"It makes me so mad when I think about what Reichen did to him. How could he hurt someone like Lance. Lance is so tender and gentle."
"You really do like him, don't you Josh?"
"I think I'm falling in love with him? Is that crazy. Did you fall in love that quickly? It's different with me and Lance. I've known him for a long time. I just never saw him for who he was, for the loving sweet guy I now see."
Justin smiled, hearing and feeling Josh's love for Lance.
"I think I fell in love with Michael the moment his golden eyes looked into mine. But then he's special beyond belief. I don't think I could love anyone more than I love him. He's my world, Joshy. And I think Lance could be your world too. You guys looks so right together."
Josh smiled, liking Justin's observation.
"I just hope he can see that."
"How about you get dressed and we'll go talk to Lance, as friends, okay?"
Josh hugged his friend, Justin kissing him on the cheek.
Josh jumped up grabbing his jeans and pulling of a t-shirt he'd stolen from Justin's closet.
"Hey, that's one of my favorites."
"I know, but I'll return it." Josh smiled.
Justin laughed.
"Make damn sure ya do, Joshy."
Michael sat still in his seat, staring at Lance.
"What did you say?"
Lance looked down again. tears forming in his eyes.
"I called him, Michael. I called Reichen. When Josh went to get you guys up, I called his cell phone."
Justin and Josh walked into the kitchen, Justin immediately picking up on something wrong. He felt Michael's trembling soul.
Justin stopped, halting Josh with his arm. Josh stared at Justin, not understanding what was wrong.
Michael got up out of his seat.
He picked up his empty glass of orange juice and hurled it against the wall. It shattered into pieces.
Justin and Josh stood stunned.
Lance looked shocked, he hadn't expected this reaction from Michael.
Michael slowly regained his composure, then turned his gaze again to Lance.
"Come with me, Lance."
Lance looked at him cautiously.
Michael walked out of the other doorway going into the hallway.
Lance slowly got up, walking after Michael.
Justin and Josh followed behind him, Josh whispering in Justin's ear.
"I've never seen Michael like that, did you see the look on his face."
"Yes, Josh. I did."
JUstin had never seen that look either, it looked like a look of deep dissappointment and deep anger.
What had Lance said to set Michael off like that?
Michael walked down the hallway into their office.
Everyone followed, Lance looking discouraged and lost.
On the wall to the right of Michael's desk was a large mirror. Michael had found it in the attic at his grandmother's home when he was a teenager. He'd finally been able to make his grandmother confess its ownership.
It had belonged to his mother.It had graced her bedroom wall when she was a teenager and then when she'd married.
Nana had brought it home after she'd closed up her daughter's final house, refusing to part with its sentimental value.
It was large, about four feet by three, with hummingbirds on the frame surrounding it.
Justin had found it with the desk when he unpacked it, sensing Michael's attachment to it, for it had hung in his bedroom.
He'd hung it on the wall beside the desk, not knowing if Michael would want it there.
Memories flooded his mind as he stood in front of it, his eyes tearing up.
He could sense his mother looking into this mirror, combing her hair so many nights when she had been young, young like him.
He knew what he needed to say and do, to make Lance see his own plight. Although he didn't want to do it, he knew it was his last hope.
Everyone stood still, watching Michael stare at his reflection. They all could see the tears in his eyes.
"Come here, Lance."
Lance looked at Justin and Josh, unsure what to do.
They both looked at their friend, seeing his uncertainty.
"Now, Lance." Michael said with sudden finality.
Lance took a gulp of air then walked up beside Michael, his head lowered.
"Look in this mirror, Lance. What do you see?"
Lance raised his head looking at his and Michael's reflection.
"I see you in tears. I see your hating me."
Michael turned and looked at him.
Josh and Justin sat down on the couch staring at the two men.
"I'm talking about you, Lance. What do you see when you look at yourself?"
Lance looked at his own reflection. He couldn't look long, it was too painful.
He lowered his head.
"Take your shirt off, Lance."
Lance head flew up, staring into Michael's golden eyes.
"No, Michael. Please don't ask me to do that."
"Do it, or I'll rip it off again."
Everyone saw the determination in Michael's eyes.
Josh's anger was beginning to simmer, he couldn't believe Michael was doing this again.
Lance pulled his shirt over his head.
His bruised and scarred chest was on display again.
"Turn and look in the mirror, Lance."
He stood still, Michael himself turning him to face the mirror.
"Look at yourself, Lance. Look at the real you."
Lance looked at his chest, seeing all the bruises, reliving the pain of each one. The two men had been brutal, brutal in their lust and control of him.
His tears flowed down his cheeks.
Josh and Justin were fighting tears, seeing Lance's face.
"Why, Lance? Why did you call him this morning? Why did you call that son of a bitch."
Josh and Justin looked stunned, they knew of who Michael was speaking.
Lance trembled, seeing Michael's eyes staring at him.
"I wanted to give him another chance. Maybe he could change?"
Michael grabbed hold of him, staring into his face. Lance could see the anger in his eyes.
"Change? You want him to change? He can't change, he won't. He owns you, Lance, in his eyes your just a piece of fucking meat. To be used and taken. Like he's done with you every day you loved him."
Lance was shaking, fearing Michael's words.
"It's me, it must be me, I made him do this, I made him hurt me."
Michael shook his head, pushing Lance away from him.
"Your not the cause of this Lance. He is, it's always been him. If you go back to him, you'll be dead, not him."
"Don't say that, Michael, please. I won't let him use me again, he said he'd love me again, he promised."
Michael looked at him, tears in his eyes.
"Your pathetic, Lance. If you honestly believe that, your beyond pathetic."
Lance looked stunned, he thought Michael was his friend.
"Please don't say that, Michael."
"Maybe you like to be abused, is that it Lance. Maybe you like to be used?"
"That's enough, Mikey." Josh stood up yelling at him.
"Sit down, Josh. Keep out of this." Michael's eyes daring him to step forward.
Josh didn't move, his anger in full view.
"Maybe I should use you like he does, Lance."
Michael grabbed hold of Lance, kissing him deeply, running his hands all over his body.
Lance fought back, fighting against Michael. Fighting against someone touching him. His memory flooded with so many men touching him.
He pulled back and punched Michael in the face.
Justin was on his feet in a moment, Josh and him moving towards them.
Michael staggered, but put up a wall of air to stop both of them.
They both looked at Michael's face, seeing the blood coming out of his nose.
"That's right, Lance. Hit me. Fight back. Fight back for your right to be yourself. Your you, Lance, he can't hurt you again, you won't let him."
Michael approached him again. Lance put his fists up.
"Don't come near me, Reichen. Don't you dare touch me again!!!"
Michael stopped.
Lance focused on his surrounding, seeing Michael standing in front of him, bleeding.
"Oh, god, Michael. I'm sorry." He started crying.
Michael took him in his arms, Lance sobbing against him.
"It's okay, Lance. You just reacted to being attacked. You thought I was him.I needed to show you that, to show you that you needed to fight back. That bastard hurt you deeply, Lance. There is no forgiveness for him. You can't go back to him. It's an unending cyle, Lance. He'll be nice for a while, then its right back to it again. I know, I lived it all with my father."
Justin tears formed, he now knew what Michael was showing Lance. That violence is inherent in an abuser. He can't change.
He was using his own tragic hurt to show Lance the finality of it all.
"My father was the same. Promises of love and compassion but always followed with hitting and torture. They can't change, Lance. They can't."
"He's always been like that, Michael. He'd be so nice then he'd hurt me all over again. I now know, your right. He can't change. But isn't there a small hope that I can change him?"
Michael let go of Lance.
"Guys, can you step out of the room for a moment."
Josh and Justin looked at Michael, not wanting to do that.
"It's okay, Josh. I'm not going to hurt him again."
Both men reluctantly walked out of the room, Josh the last to leave, looking tenderly at Lance.
Once the door was closed, Michael looked at Lance.
"I need to show you something. Something I saw, in my vision of you."
Lance looked at Michael, not sure of what he should do.
"Its okay, Lance. Trust me on this."
Michael walked closer to the mirror and placed his right hand against the surface. His other hand he put in Lance's hand.
The reflection in the mirror changed, and Lance saw a vision. What he saw terrified him, and almost made his legs give out. Then he saw something else, something to give him hope. His tears flowed freely now, his future possible.
Michael let go of the connection and helped Lance over to the couch.
They sat down, Lance crying deeply.
"I'm sorry, Lance. I'm sorry I had to show you that first part."
Lance wiped his tears from his wet eyes, looking at Michael. Michael handed him his shirt.
He pulled it over his head, then shyly smiled at Michael.
"Thank you, Michael. For what you just showed me."
Michael hugged him gently, careful of his bruises.
"What you saw is the future, but its a future that only leads down one path. It's a changeable future, Lance.It's up to you to chose another path to travel on, and I think you know what path that is."
"I do, Michael. I believe I know."
Michael smiled at him.
"Your still bleeding, Michael." Lance pulled a bunch of tissues out of the dispenser on the coffee table.
Michael blew his nose, wiping his eyes also.
"You pack a hell of a wallop, Bass. You ain't no fish."
Lance laughed, Michael liking his musical laugh.
"Your quite a friend, Michael."
"Call me Mikey, Lancy. All my friends do."
Lance teared up, hugging Michael.
"Is that mirror a magical mirror, Mikey?"
"No, Lance."
Michael got up and walked back to the mirror. He ran his hands tenderly along it's edge.
"This mirror belonged to my mother, Lance. To my mom, whom I failed. I failed to love her enough. To show her my love, to do as she wanted of me. She wanted me to love my father. I couldn't, not after what he'd done to me for so long. It cost me her love, her love that I've lived without all my life. You have a mother, Lance. A mother who at this very moment is flying here to be beside you, to love you and care for you. I envy you so much, so much that it hurts."
Michael's tears were flowing now, his deep pain trying to break free.
Justin walked into the room ,sensing Michael's pain.
What he saw touched his heart.
Michael was in Lance's arms, Lance rubbing his back, humming to him.
Justin walked up to them, Lance lifting his head, smiling at Justin.
"He needs you, Jus."
Justin took Michael in his arms, Michael laying his head on his chest.
"I'm sorry babe, I thought I was strong enough to handle all this."
"That's okay, Mico. I'm here now, I'm here to love you."
Justin walked him over to the couch, pulling him down with him.
Josh stood still , looking at the two lovers.
He turned and looked at Lance.
"Thank you, Josh."
"For what, Lance?"
"For wanting to love me. I'm sorry I reacted the way I did."
"You have nothing to apologize for, Lance. It was all my fault, I shouldn't of thrust myself upon you like that. It's just, I saw you in so much pain, I only wanted you to know someone loves you."
Lance hugged Josh, Josh hugging him gently back.
"I know you love me Josh, and I know you feel its a greater love you want. I can't accept that kind of love right now, my pain is too fresh. I don't want to hurt you, and I don't want to be hurt. I hope you can understand that."
Josh patted his shoulder.
"I understand, Lance. But I want you to know that I will be here for you, in any way or need. You understand?"
Lance smiled at him, a deep loving smile.
Michael and Justin watched them both.
"I should get cleaned up, my mom should be here shortly." Lance said.
JOsh let him go, Lance looking at Justin and Michael.
"Thanks, Mikey."
"No prob, bro."
"I'll go take a shower, be back shortly."
Lance walked out of the room.
Josh turned and looked at Michael.
Michael lowered his head, not wanting to meet Josh's gaze.
"What did you do, Michael?"
Michael got up and looked into the mirror again.
"I showed him a vision, Josh."
JOsh walked up beside him.
"A vision of what?"
Michael turned and looked at his friend.
"I showed him his future with Reichen. I showed him his own tortured death at Reichen's hands."
Josh grabbed hold of Michael, Michael sinking into his arms, crying. Justin got up hugging both men.
"Oh, Michael, that must of been so hard to do." Justin said quietly.
"I had to show him, I had to make him see where that destructive path ended. And then I showed him his true path."
Josh smiled, knowing now how much Michael had helped Lance.
And Josh believed Michael had helped him somehow also.
"I think I love Lance, Michael. I think I'm falling in love with him. Is he my soulmate?"
Michael brpke the hug, walking to the door.
"I showed him the path to your heart, Josh."
Michael walked out, closing the door.
Josh fell into Justin's arms, crying.
"He's my soulmate, Justy, I've finally found him."
Justin held his friend, feeling joy in Josh's revelation.
Lance stood under the shower, feeling the hot water cleanse his soul. He felt free, for once in a long time he felt free. He went over in his mind the things Michael had shown him.
His being beaten badly again by Reichen, his fighting him, and the struggle ending in Reichen beating him to death.
That sent a shiver down his spine. And he grabbed onto his soul. Not many people get a chance at changing their future. Michael had shown him another future. A future with Josh.
Josh. His best friend.
Josh who he'd always known had a kind heart and a loving soul.
And Josh had told him he loved him, he'd even kissed him.
Could it be true, was this his destiny?
He'd actually felt Josh's feelings when Josh had hugged him. He'd felt his love.
Did Josh really love him? Could Lance hope for a new love, a love to fill his soul.
He turned the water off, drying his nude body.
He walked out into the bedroom, looking into the dresser mirror.
He looked now at his body in a new way. He saw a victim. A victim of a crime. Reichen had hurt him deeply. And it wasn't his fault. Michael showed him it wasn't his fault.
He smiled, for once he smiled at his own reflection.
He picked out a shirt from Justin's closet, and a pair of cargo pants. Justin wouldn't mind, they were both around the same size.
They borrowed each other's clothes for years.
Lance heard a knock on the door, biding them enter.
Josh walked in, smiling at him.
"Feel better, Lancy."
"Yes, much. The shower did wonders."
Josh smiled at him.
"So, your heading back home with your mom."
"Probably, I have no where else to go."
"And you need your family around you, bud."
"God, Josh. How do I explain this to her, how do I tell my mom I fucked up. That I made a big mistake."
"You tell her the truth, Lance. Tell her that he used you, that he hurt you and all you tried to do was love him. Your not at fault here, he is. It's as simple as that."
Lance smiled at him, seeing Josh's faith in him. He also felt Josh's love and friendship.
That made Lance smile. Josh cared about him, he'd always be his friend.
And Lance thought it could possibly turn into something more, if he could get the courage to love again.
"Thanks, Joshy. I'll do that."
Josh smiled back at him.
"Let's go find Mikey and Justy."
Justin walked into the kitchen, looking for Michael.
He found him cleaning up the dishes from breakfast.
Michael looked up at Justin when he entered, returning to his work.
Justin put his arms around Michael, kissing his neck.
"I love you , Mico." He said tenderly.
"I love you more, Jus."
"Your a remarkable man, you know that. For what you did for him in there, I know how much that must of hurt you. To show him how much it hurt to see someone hurt someone, time after time. To know they wouldn't change. Telling him about your father to make him see the truth."
Michael nodded his head, not speaking.
"What's wrong, Mico?"
"It was just a little emotional for me, thats all. And thank you for being there for me."
Justin leaned in kissing him deeply.
"I wouldn't be anywhere else."
Michael finished cleaning up, Justin helping him.
They returned to the living room, sitting down on the couch.
Josh and Lance walked into the room, Michael smiling at both of them.
Lance looked a lot better, more refreshed and alert. He'd changed into some clothes that Justin recognized as his own.
Michael picked up on that also.
"God, Justin, does everyone have to wear your clothes? I'm soon not going to be able to tell you guys apart." Michael smiling.
"We'll just have to drop our drawers so you can tell us apart." Josh smirked.
"That won't help, your all probably the same as Justin, xlarge." Michael shot back at him.
Josh and Lance started laughing, Justin beaming with a large grin on his face. His lover was the best!
The phone rang, Justin getting up to answer it.
Josh and Lance sat down on the other couch, Michael picking up on the comfortable way they sat together.
It was a start. They were close again.
Justin hung up the phone, looking at Lance, then sitting down again.
"That was Lonnie, Lance. Your mom is on her way from the airport with him. They should be here in about five minutes."
Lance's face fell, his emotions setting in.
"God, I thought I had a little more time, this is going to be so hard."
Josh put his arm around Lance's shoulder, Lance tensing up a bit, then relaxing.
"It's going to be okay, Lance. Your mom loves you. You know that?" Josh said.
"I know, but I feel like I have let her down. She wasn't too happy with Reichen, she didn't think he was good enough. Now she'll tell me so."
Michael looked on as Josh tried to comfort Lance, Lance's tears flowing again.
"Lance, I think I know something that will help you." Michael said, kissing Justin on the cheek, then getting up.
He walked over to the piano, sitting down.
Lance looked surprised, not knowing that Michael played.
What happened next shocked him more.
Michael began to sing, his angelic voice filling the small room.
Lance had never heard anything so beautiful.
He didn't know the song, but the words went to his heart.
Life Goes On like a carousel,
Life goes on a never-ending tale
Of love reborn, from the cradle warm
A web is spun for every mother's son
Life goes on like a spinning wheel
Life goes on never standing still
The gods decide how blessed am I
The days to come for every mother's son
All three men were in tears, hearing the words that Michael sang.
The song being sung with such emotion and feeling.
None of them heard the car pull up, or the people entering the home.
And these footprints in the sand maybe nothing grand
But if we leave a mark in somebody's heart, what more can I say
Than I was a king for a day
Once the web is spun, for every mother's son
Life goes on like a tapestry
Life goes on each thread a part of me
That master plan of who I am
A day will come for every mother's son
And these footprints in the sand maybe nothing grand
But if we leave a mark in somebody's heart, what more can I say
Than I was a king for a day
Once the web is spun, for every mother's son
A thorn a winter rose, some highs and then some lows
That's the way it's spun, for every mother's son
Every mother's son
Lance looked up while Michael sang, seeing his mother standing in the doorway, her face covered in tears.
Lance got up running to her, she wrapping her arms around him, holding onto her child.
Lance was sobbing, no words coming from him.
"It's okay, Lancy. It's okay, baby. Mom's here, I'm here now."
She held him close, both of them feeling each other's love.
Michael stopped playing, tears flowing from his golden eyes.
Seeing Lance with his mother, brought sorrow to his heart, he felt his own loss.
Justin got up, sitting down beside him, putting his arm around him. He felt Michael's pain.
"Ya did good, Mico. Ya did good."
Michael smiled, the tears still flowing.
Josh smiled at him, his eyes full of tears also. He got up and stood beside Justin and Michael, all three looking on the tender moment.
After an eternity, Lance and his mother parted, she wiping his tears from his cheeks.
Michael stood up.
"I think you need some privacy, Lance. We'll go into the kitchen. Come on guys."
Justin and Josh followed Michael, Dianne Bass hugging both men, but not saying anything to Michael. Michael just smiled and walked out of the room.
They all greeted Lonnie and Paulo in the hallway.
Everyone went into the kitchen, relaxing around the table.
Josh filled Lonnie and Paulo in on what had happened that morning, Michael's helping Lance deal with his problems, and Josh's own realization.
Paulo looked quietly at Josh.
Josh didn't know how this would affect their friendship.
"So, you now know that Lance is your soulmate. I'm happy for you, Josh." Paulo said, Josh hearing his sincerity and happiness.
Josh hugged him.
"Thanks, Paulo. Thanks for being a good friend. Now I just have to get Lance to see it."
Josh smiled at Michael, picking up on his mood.
Michael seemed deep in thought.
Michael sat quietly not saying much.
Justin knew why.
He put his hand in Michael's, Michael looking up into his blue eyes.
"That song was beautiful, Michael. You know just what to sing to make someone see the meaning of happiness." Justin said.
"Yeah, Mikey." Everyone agreed with Justin.
"And your voice is totally awesome. You should record it." Paulo smiled at him.
"A music career isn't in the cards for me, Paulo. I have my writing and I believe something else is destined for me."
Paulo looked at Michael seeing him looking at him, as if he was deep in thought.
"God has set paths we all must walk, Mikey." Paulo smiled at him.
Michael smiled back, but Paulo sensed something bothering Michael.
"What do you think is your destiny, Mikey?" Josh asked, he also picking up on something, he could see a different look in Justin's eyes.
Michael smiled, squeezing Justin's hand.
"I'm destined to be a friend to all you guys. Someone's got to look after you hardluck cases."
Everyone smiled, but they all thought something was bothering Michael.
"So, Justin, tomorrow is Christmas Eve, shouldn't we be putting up a tree?"
"Actually, Mico, I have one being delivered tomorrow."
"I hope its not one of those pine ones, I love a beautiful spruce." Michael smiled.
"It's a surprise." Justin kissed his lips, Josh smiling at them.
"I take it Chasez is in on it?" Michael winked at Josh.
"My best bud helped me out." Justin smiled at Josh.
"Hey, don't get me involved." Josh put his hands up.
"So, Justin. Your dad's coming tonight, Michael was telling me." Lonnie smiled at him.
Justin's smile faltered a bit. Michael squeezed his hand again.
"Justin's a bit nervous, he's telling his dad and family tonight about us."
Josh smiled at his friend, showing his support.
"I can't see them not loving Michael, who couldn't." Josh said.
"It's me I'm worried about. I don't know how my dad's going to react to having a gay son. If it's like my mom, I don't know if I could go throught that again." Justin lowered his head, tears threatening to fall.
Michael kissed his cheek.
"We'll go through it together, that's how you'll get through it. I'll be by your side all the way, my love."
Justin turned looking into Michael's golden eyes. He kissed him again, everyone smiling.
they chatted for a while, about christmas and stuff.
Lance and his mom walked into the kitchen together, everyone seeing the smile on Lance's face.
Josh smiled widely at Lance, Lance smiling back.
Diane Bass walked right up to Michael, hugging him close.
She started crying, her emotions overcoming her. Everyone looked at the two, Michael looking shocked.
"I can't thank you enough, Michael. What you did for my son, what you did for my baby. It's beyond the bonds of friendship, its divine intervention. Lance is right, you really are his guardian angel."
Michael looked at Lance, Lance blushed.
"I let that remark slip, sorry."
Michael waved Lance over, Diane broke away from him looking at her son.
"I'm not a guardian angel, Mrs. Bass. I'm a friend helping a new friend. I look out for my family, and Lance is part of my family now."
Lance and Diane had tears in their eyes, Lance hugging Michael now.
"Thank you for showing me the truth, Mikey."
Michael smiled at Lance, seeing his happiness at his mother's love still intact.
"Yes, Michael. Thank you." Diane said, smiling at her son.
Looking at the two of them together made Michael think of his own mother again, tears immediately coming to his eyes. Justin picked up on it right away. He got up to move beside him.
"Excuse me everyone, I'll be right back."
Michael walked out of the room not saying anything else.
Justin frowned, feeling Michael's hurt.
Everyone looked at Michael leaving, wondering what was wrong.
"Did I do something wrong, Justin?" Diane asked, concern of her face.
"No, it's not you, Diane. It's Michael's past again. Seeing you and Lance together went to his heart.With everything that's happening, he's missing his mom. He told me this morning that he finds christmas a very emotional time."
Everyone frowned knowing Michael's inner pain.
"What happened to his mother?" Diane asked.
"She died, mom. When Michael was seven." Lance said, his tears flowing again.
Diane hugged her son tightly, seeing the sadness in all their eyes.
"Sit down, Diane. The guys will tell you all about it. Let her know everything, Josh. I'm going to go see that he's okay."
Josh nodded his head putting his hand on his shoulder.
Justin smiled at him, walking out of the room.
Diane sat down at the table, Josh starting the story.
Justin found Michael in his office, sitting at his desk, his mom's picture in his hand, staring at the mirror on the wall.
Justin stood behind him, rubbing his shoulders.
"That mirror was her's when she was young, Jus. I could always imagine her combing her hair in front of it, looking at her beautiful face."
Justin now knew the value to Michael of this mirror, why it had hung in his bedroom.
"You miss her a lot don't you, Mico."
"Everyday of my life, Jus. I'm sorry for envying you and the guys so much, you've had your mothers' support all your lives. I'd just like to know what that feels like, to have your mother's love constant in your life."
Justin hugged him tight, feeling his loss.
Michael's tears were falling down his cheeks.
"I'm sorry, I can't change my loss, It's just wishful thinking. I'm glad I have you now, at least I'm not alone at Christmas."
Justin kissed him, feeling Michael's happiness at that fact.
"And I'm going to make it the best Christmas you've ever had."
"I'm sure you will my love, I'm sure you will."
"I'm anxious to make love under the tree." Justin smirked.
"Wow, for sure, lets do it under the christmas tree. But you can be on top, you can deal with the branches scratching against your ass."
Justin laughed, Michael using humor to clear away the sadness.
"Let's go back to our friends." Michael smiled putting the photo back in it's treasured spot.
They walked back down the hallway into the kitchen together.
Diane got up from the table, both men could see that she'd been crying.
She walked up to them both kissing each on the cheek.
"I just wanted to say to you both, congratulations. I'm so happy you both found your true soulmate."
Both men smiled, glad she wasn't getting too emotional.
She had been told by Josh about Michael's difficulty dealing with being the center of attention and with his past.
"Michael, my family and myself want you to know that your always welcome in our home. Your courage and strength throughout your life are a sign of a loving, caring and spiritual person. I'd be honored to call you my adopted son, just like all the other NSYNC boys."
Michael smiled at her through his tearing eyes, hugging her again.
"Welcome to our extended family, Michael." She said, her own eyes teary.
"Thank you, Mrs. Bass."
"None of that, call me Diane."
"Thank you, Diane."
She smiled, Lance smiling also.
"Geez, Mikey. You trying to pick up an older chick?" Joey said smiling from the doorway, Kelly and Brianna beside him.
"Joseph!!! Let me see that angel." Diane smiling, walking up to take Brianna in her arms.
Michael shook his head laughing at Joey.
Diane kissed Joey and Kelly while Brianna laughed in her arms.
"Looks like we got us a crowd now." Justin smiling, his arms wrapped around Michael.
Joey walked up to Lance hugging him gently.
"How are you, Lancy?"
"Doing okay, Joe. Mom and I are going home in a couple of hours. I'm spending Christmas with my family."
Josh looked down a bit, then looked back up into Lance's eyes.
"Lance, if its okay with you, would you like me to spend Christmas with you?"
"What about your family, Josh?" Joe asked.
"My mom and dad are gone on a cruise. I was just going to spend it here with Justin. I thought maybe Lance would enjoy someone to talk to."
Lance smiled at Josh widely.
"I'd love it, if it's okay with Justin and Michael?"
"Of course, Lancy. I think Josh wants to spend some time with you, you have a lot to talk about."
Both men blushed a little, looking shyly into each other's eyes.
Joey picked up on it, wondering what was going on, but didn't say anything.
"I have a bunch of gifts for you guys, help me carry them in Justin." Joey said.
"Sure thing, bud."
Justin left with Joey.
"I'll make some more coffee and tea, Mikey." Lonnie offered heading to the stove.
They all sat around chatting and laughing.
Joey and Justin brought in bags of gifts, Michael arching an eyebrow.
"Hey, its a Fatone thing." Joey smiled.
"It's a Timberlake thing also." Michael smirked.
Justin beamed.
"Hell its a Chasez, Bass and Kirkpatrick thing too." Diane laughed.
"I actually have Chris's gifts and my own at my place, I should run over and grab them before I leave, I need to pack too." Josh said, getting up.
"I'll go with you, Josh." Paulo said.
"What about Lance's things. Their still at the hotel."
Lance frowned.
"As per Michael's instructions last night,I already stopped at the hotel and picked up Lance's stuff this morning." Lonnie said.
Lance sighed, relieved actually that he wouldn't have to go there and face Reichen.
"Thanks, Michael." Lance smiled at him.
"I knew you wouldn't want to go there, so I took care of it."
Diane smiled at him. This young man was remarkable.
"Well guys, Unfortunately we have an early flight, we gotta get going." Joey said, beginning to hug everyone.
"You take care, Joe. And merry Christmas." Michael said, smiling as he hugged him.
"You too, bud. Don't give Justin too much sex, if he gives you the same old thing, trade him in."
"Nah, I don't think they make anything bigger."
Justin beamed brightly, Joey and Josh laughing their heads off.
Joey, Kelly and Brianna left after many hugs and farewell kisses.
Josh and Paulo ran over to Josh's to pick up his gifts and pack.
Everyone sat in the living room relaxing while Michael got lunch ready.
Diane walked into the kitchen, Michael not letting her help.
"Your a guest in our home, please sit down and relax." Michael smiled at her.
She sat down on one of the stools at the counter.
"Justin is very lucky to have you, Michael. Your a hidden treasure, is what you are."
Michael smiled at her.
"Josh told me all about your life, Michael. I'm so sorry."
"It's okay, Diane. Don't apologize for something you had no say in. I've survived, that's what's important."
She smiled at him, marveling his upbeat zest for life.
"You've met Justin's mom?"
"Yes, Justin came out to her. It didn't go well at first, but we've weathered the storm. She'd come around to our relationship. She's a very nice lady, once you get past her dominance."
Diane laughed, agreeing with him.
"That's great, Michael. I'm happy for Justin. His mom is important to him."
"I know." Michael said, lowering his head.
She smiled at him,realizing who he was thinking about.
"You would make any mother proud, Michael. If she were alive she'd be proud of you, and love you too."
Michael smiled at her.
"Thank you, that means a lot to me."
"Can I ask you something, Michael?"
"Certainly, Diane. I hope I can answer your question."
"Is Josh in love with my son."
Michael stopped, looking at her.
"It's that obvious, is it?"
She smiled.
"Yes, you only have to look at where his eyes go. They always lead to my son."
Michael smiled.
"I shouldn't speak for Josh, but I will say he cares for Lance deeply."
"I'm happy about that. But I hope he realized that Lance may not be ready for that yet."
"He does, Diane. He does understand that. And he's willing to wait."
She smiled at him.
"I guess I should have a talk with him when we get home.
"Yes, and listen to him too. Josh is a caring, loving man. He wouldn't do anything to hurt your son."
"Your very perceptive about people."
"Call it a gift."
"Another special gift."
"One of many." Michael blushed.
Josh walked into the room, followed by Paulo, both men carrying bags of gifts.
"YOur right Diane, it is a Chasez thing also."
She laughed.
Josh slapped Michael lightly, smirking at him.
"Most of its for Justin, but I got you a few things, Michael."
"Thanks, Josh. You didn't have to."
"Like hell, I didn't. Sorry, Diane."
Diane smiled at Josh.
Michael called everyone in, lunch was ready.
When everyone was seated, Michael asked Lance to say grace.
Lance was surprised but bowed his head.
"Dear lord, your children sit here before you, loving as always. We want your to bless our company and all our friends, keep us close to your heart. God bless us this delicious meal that Michael has prepared for us. And bless Michael himself,lord. Bless this angel who's graced us with his love and tenderness. I owe him so much, as do all we here. Keep us all safe and happy, god. Amen."
"Amen." Everyone said, except Michael, who was crying quietly.
Justin put his hand on top of his, squeezing it gently.
Michael looked up, smiling at everyone.
"Amen." He said.
"Now dig in, its going to get cold."
Everyone smiled and began filling their plates.
Justin quietly watched Michael, seeing him watching everyone, making sure they got a taste of everything.
Justin's thoughts were on his lover, the sweet man in his gaze.
I love you, Mico. Tomorrow begins Christmas, and I'm going to make it one you'll never forget.
End of Chapter 44
Sorry it took me a little longer to write this one.
I wanted to get this just right.
What's Justin's surprise for Michael?
Does it involve having fun under the christmas tree?
Only I know, and I'm not telling.
You'll just have to read on, my friends.
Thanks for the input, keep it coming.
Angel.