DISCLAIMER: The following story is completely FICTIONAL is does not imply anything concerning the private life of Paul walker or Josh Hartnett. I don't know them and I don't know anything about their lives. This story is only meant as fiction and does in no way describe real occurrences, situations or facts. All other persons mentioned in this story are fictional. Any resemblance to an existing person, company or business is totally coincidental.
Author's note: Just want to stress again that this story is complete fiction. In this chapter there's some talk about their families and childhood. That's all made up ok. I have no idea what their real lives look like so please keep that in mind. For the rest: Enjoy chapter 7 and please let me know what you think ok?
Paul & Josh: chapter 7
Both guys stepped on the balcony. They stood against the railing absorbing the excellent view over the city. Josh put his arm around Paul and pulled him closer to him. "I love you" He softly whispered to Paul. Paul got choked up as he heard this. He put his hand on Josh's shoulder and said "I love you to".
... ...
The rest of the morning passed quite uneventful. Eventually both guys got ready to go to the studio. Today the scenes they had been working on for most of the week would be shot. Both guys knew these shots would require their best acting since this was one of the scenes that would make or break this movie. If they didn't put on a believable performance the movie would definitely suffer. During their drive to the studio nothing much was said as both guys were trying to concentrate on the job ahead.
When they arrived at the movie studio it had begun to rain a little bit. It seemed like a thin fog of raindrops was slowly falling from the heavens. They grabbed their gear out of the trunk and went inside. The shooting itself went surprisingly well. The director had scheduled the entire afternoon for the shooting of this scene since everybody expected it to take an immense long time. But after what had happened between both guys last night they had absolutely no problem acting as if they were in love. It only took two takes to get the scene perfect. The entire crew was impressed with both guys acting skills. A lot of people congratulated the boys on their great performance. They smiled a bit uneasy cause they both realized there had been little to no acting involved. Since the scene was canned way more early then anyone would have anticipated the director decided to call it a day already. The scene was filmed and it would take too long to prepare for another scene. Instead he asked both guys if they could hang around just a bit longer to shoot some interviews for `the making of' of the movie.
While the rest of the crew was breaking down the equipment for the day both guys went to get changed. After they had done so they relaxed a bit in the cafeteria, enjoying a cup of coffee. They talked a while about the filming and other stuff until they were interrupted by the director entering the room.
"Hey guys, ready?" He asked.
"Yeah we are" Paul answered, "So what's going to happen? Just some interviews then?"
"That's it." The director responded, "Shouldn't take too long."
They made their way to the parking lot behind the studio. The director wanted to shoot the interviews outside cause he liked the way the sunlight reflected on the parked cars. He also thought filming outside would make the interviews look more spontaneous. Both guys were asked quite a few questions on how they were experiencing the filming, what they thought about their characters, how they enjoyed working together,...
Josh was busy answering a question about how he related to his character, when all of a sudden in mid sentence he stopped. He remained silent for a few seconds. The expression on his face had suddenly darkened and the look in his eyes was one of intensity and anger. He quickly regained his composure and continued the interview. Nobody had noticed something was wrong. While Josh continued the interview on `automatic pilot', he concentrated on something else. While answering the question he suddenly got an uneasy feeling in his stomach. The hairs on his arms were standing right up and a cold chill ran down his spine. He had the distinct feeling something was wrong. Like there was something bad to happen any minute. He had felt this before last night but the feeling was stronger. Something was definitely wrong but he couldn't decipher what it was. He kept his guard up nevertheless.
About fifteen minutes later the interview was completed, ending a day of filming. Both guys made their way back inside to get their stuff and head on off.
"Let's get out of here!" Paul spoke..."It was weird...but during the interview I head the feeling like someone was watching us or something...it was really strange."
"You felt that too' huh?" Josh asked. The look on his face had intensified again.
"You too? How weird is that?" Paul answered "We're way too paranoid!" He laughed.
"I guess we are" Josh laughed along. He didn't want to give away he thought this was way more serious then it seemed.
After they both got their stuff they headed for the car. Paul sat behind the wheel, but didn't start the car.
"What's wrong?" Josh asked.
"Well...Where to?" Paul answered with a question of his own.
"I guess you could drop me of at my hotel...we could hook up later in the afternoon.
Paul was trying to say something but it was obvious he was struggling to find the right words.
"Come on Paul...Just spit it out...what's on your mind?" Josh asked with a reassuring smile on his face.
"Well...I was thinking..." Paul hesitated a moment , "Maybe...you could stay at my place for the rest of the filming."
Josh was a bit shocked at Paul's suggestion. He wasn't expecting this so he needed a few moments before he could respond.
"You want me to stay at your place?" He asked, just to make sure he had heard Paul right.
"Yeah" Paul answered. He was nervous because he wasn't sure how Josh would react.
"Are you sure?..." Josh asked, "I mean...We've only known each other for two weeks...you don't think it's a bit soon."
"No, I don't actually...I love you, you know that...and if we're only going to see each-other a few hours a day I know I'm going to be counting the hours down when I'm not with you." Paul said.
Josh was moved by Paul's words. Still he needed some time to think before making a decision.
"I don't know...I don't want to impose or anything" Josh said
Paul couldn't help but laugh a bit. "You're not imposing. I invited you, remember?"
"But what if people start asking questions?...What do I say?" He asked.
"Just make something up." Paul answered, "Tell them it's more convenient, tell them it's easier if we drive to work together, tell them we're gay lovers they won't believe you anyway...You're an actor right? Make something up!"
Josh thought about this for a while before he said: " Ok then...If you're sure... It does sound good, spending every day with you."
Paul smiled as he heard Josh's words. He started the car and drove of. They went to the hotel Josh was staying to pick up his stuff. After that they drove straight to Paul's apartment. Nothing much was said during the ride. Paul needed to concentrate on the road and Josh was lost in thought. It had been the second time today he had felt uneasy, watched, threatened. He tried his best to find out what was wrong and how it was possible he was feeling this again. He remembered the last time he felt like this and he knew it wasn't possible. His thoughts took him further and further away from reality. There was no car, no road, no Paul...just the vast endless plains of his mind...nothing, but a soft voice in the back of his mind.
...
"...You know what would be great? If you could just escape the world. Just step out of society. Never to have to deal with other people again. No name, no address, no responsibilities. That's what I want...and I think I know how to make it happen..."
...
"We're here!"
Josh was pulled out of his thoughts by Paul's little announcement. He had been gone longer then he was aware of cause they were parked in front of the block housing Paul's apartment.
"Are you all right?" Paul asked.
"I am...why?" Josh answered.
"You seemed a bit lost there for a while." Paul spoke. He paused for a moment "having second thoughts?" He asked.
"No! It's not that" Josh reassured him. He really didn't want Paul to think he wasn't completely happy with moving in to his apartment, because the truth was he couldn't be more happy. "I'm just a bit tired I guess...don't worry about it."
A couple of minutes later they entered the apartment. After Josh had unpacked his suitcases both guys sat down for a moment. They didn't say much but they both enjoyed each- others company. Josh had his arm around Paul's shoulders and leaned a bit against him. It were those quit moments both guys enjoyed most. No fuzz, no fanfare,...Just the two of them, together.
It was Josh who finally spoke: "Hey man...I just want to say thank you again for letting me stay here. I really appreciate it!" With that he pulled Paul a bit closer and kissed him. The kiss lasted for a considerable long time. When they finally broke apart Paul could only smile and say: "You're welcome."
"There's something I need to ask you though." Paul continued.
"Shoot" Josh smiled and he pointed his index finger at Paul as if it were a gun. "Paul laughed a bit but it was obvious his question was serious. Josh realized it to and said: "Whatever you want to ask, go ahead. I'm listening."
"Well...I just wanted to know if you would mind if I told my folks about us?" Paul asked.
"That's it?" Josh smiled. He was relieved cause he had expected something a bit more serious. "I don't have a problem with that. You didn't even have to ask, but thanks you did."
"I thought it was best to check with you first...I don't know how you feel about other people knowing." Paul said.
"I really don't want anyone to know we're together, or that I'm gay for that matter. But your parents are an exception...you obviously trust them, so I do to."
Paul smiled at Josh's comment. Both guys moved closer to each other as they remained comfortably in the couch. In the background Kenny Chesney's voice coming out of the stereo only added to the calm and relaxed atmosphere. Paul noticed Josh had become a bit more quit and curiously looked at him. Josh seemed a bit more somber then before.
"Something wrong?" Paul asked.
"No not really" Josh sighed, "I was just thinking...It must be so reassuring to have your parents accept you being gay...I was just wondering if I'll ever have that with my parents."
"I'm sure you will" Paul tried to comfort Josh. "I'm sure they'll accept it when you decide to tell them." He put his hand on Josh's shoulder just to make sure Josh knew he was behind him.
"I don't know..." Josh sighed, "I see you and your folks are real close...I don't have that with my parents. Don't get me wrong I love them and all, but we never had the kind of relationship where we'd talk about things and such. I mean,...I spent half my childhood with my aunt in Australia. We always led our own lives you know."
"You worry to much." Paul replied, "We'll cross that bridge when we get there. But if they love you, and I'm sure they do, they wont reject you."
"I wish I could have your confidence." Josh spoke, "They've always been really conservative and all...I don't know". He sighed as he leaned against Paul. It was nice to feel Paul's body against his own. He felt safe knowing that Paul would be there, no matter what happened.
"I don't know about you...but I'm getting kind of hungry" Paul said after they had remained silent for a few minutes.
"Always thinking with your stomach, eyh?" Josh laughed, "but I don't blame you...could go for a bite myself to be honest."
"So what do you want to do then..." Paul asked "Prepare something ourselves, order something or go out for dinner?"
"Let's go somewhere" Josh replied "the evening is still young, let's take advantage of that."
"Ok, so what sort of place were you thinking of?" Paul asked.
"I don't know, I'm kind of in the mood for something Asian" Josh replied.
"Cool...I know just the place" Paul said, "But there's one condition..."
"What?" Josh asked with a curious look on his face.
"I'll take you there but,...You'll have to agree dinner is on me." Paul said as a subtle smile appeared on his face.
"No, you don't have to pay for dinner. I can..." Josh was interrupted before he could finish his sentence.
"No arguments, that's the deal, take it or leave it." Paul laughed.
"Ok" josh sighed, "but the next one is on me."
With that they gathered their stuff and headed for the car. After about an half hour drive they pulled over on a parking lot behind a Chinese restaurant. From the looks of it, it was a real nice place. Maybe a little too nice. They both made their way out of the car and headed for the entrance.
"So is this another of your `tourists won't find it' places" Josh asked laughingly.
"No, it isn't" Paul answered in between two laughs. "But you won't find your average Joe here. This is about the best restaurant in town."
"You're kidding?" Josh asked a bit confused.
"No I'm not" Paul answered, still smiling. It was obvious Josh had expected a quick bite somewhere and he was obviously surprised. "Come on, you'll see"
They made their way inside. Paul hadn't exaggerated, the restaurant looked like it came right out a movie. The place was beautifully lit by subtly placed orange and yellow lights. There were many tropical plants contrasting with the Mahoney furniture. In the middle of the restaurant there was a large artificial pond in which several large koy-fish swam. Normally it would be impossible to get into the place without making reservations weeks in advance. But as it always is, it pays to have connections. Paul had known the manager of the restaurant for a long time and he knew there were always a couple of tables left vacant in case some affiliates dropped by at the last minute. Since both guys were still in their early twenties you couldn't call it `the old men's network' , but it was pretty much the same thing. After being greeted heartily by the manager they were shown to a table in a private corner, away from the crowed but not completely separated from it. Both guys wanted a bit of privacy but they didn't want to shut themselves completely out of society. After they had ordered they both took some time to absorb the magical atmosphere of the restaurant. They enjoyed their drinks while they talked about everything that came to mind. It was obvious to anyone who would have watched them that they were having a great time. They talked, joked, laughed...simply enjoyed their night out. Paul couldn't help but notice Josh was at his cutest when he flashed his bright smile. He couldn't quite figure it out but there seemed to be something so intriguing about Josh. He looked so strong and confident and yet there was something so vulnerable in his looks and appearance. Maybe it was that contradiction that made him look so mysterious, intriguing and so damn cute.
"What are you looking at?" Josh smiled. He had noticed Paul was staring at him, lost in thought.
"uhm nothing..." Paul smiled, "I was just trying to remember the last time I saw something so beautiful."
Josh didn't know quite how to react to Paul's compliment but he appreciated it nevertheless. It where little things like that, that showed him Paul really cared about him. Not that he ever doubted that but he liked the warm feeling whenever Paul would make him feel loved or cared for.
Before they got their food they were interrupted by the manager.
"Excuse me Mr. Hartnett?" The manager said.
"Yes?" Josh turned and to see what the manager wanted.
"I'm sorry to bother you sir..." The manager said but before he could finish his scentence Josh said:
"That's all right, how can I help you?"
"Well, In the back of the restaurant we have a wall with pictures of celebrities that have visited our restaurant, and I wanted to ask you, if it's not too much trouble, if you could please sign this picture so we can put it on the wall.". He was holding a picture of Josh in his hands.
"Sure, no problem" Josh answered as he took the picture that was handed to him. "It will be my pleasure." He said as he signed the picture and wrote some compliments about the restaurant along with it.
The manager thanked him as he got the picture back. He was about to walk away when Josh asked him to wait.
"Is there something wrong?" The manager asked, fearing he might have imposed a little too much.
"No, no, everything is fine." Josh assured him. "I just wanted to ask you something if that's all right?"
"That's fine sir" The manager answered "How can I help you?"
"Well...I was just thinking" Josh said, "I'm guessing Paul's picture is on that wall as well."
"It is sir" The manager confirmed.
"Well...I just wanted to ask you if you could put that picture next to Paul's" Josh asked, he smiled while he said it.
"Off course sir." The manager smiled.
"Oh and one more thing..." Josh continued, " `Sir' stayed home, please call me Josh"
"Off course si...ehm...Josh" The manager laughed. He was quite surprised at how polite and mannered Paul was. You can be sure, he had seen other celebrities that wouldn't know the meaning of the word `polite' if their lives depended on it.
"What was that all about?" Paul asked after the manager had left their table.
"Just thought it might be cool if the next time we come here our pictures would remind us of tonight." Josh smiled.
Paul couldn't help but laugh, but he had to admit he liked the idea as well. Five minutes later their diner was served. Both guys enjoyed their meal very much. From time to time they would glance over at each other with looks that undeniably showed their love for each-other. After they had finished eating, had some coffee and desert they decided it was time to go home. Paul paid for the both of them and left a real generous tip on the table. During the drive home they talked about the good time they had and other stuff. About an half hour later they entered the apartment. They hadn't even entered as the phone began to ring.
Paul walked to the ringing phone and answered...
-- to be continued --
well that's it for this installment, keep an eye out for chapter 8 which should be up soon. Let me know what you think: beer4myhorses@hotmail.com. Till next time folks