Warnings and disclaimers: See chapter 1
Neither Joe nor Claire spoke to Matt the following morning. Even Andy could sense something was wrong and was leery about approaching his brother. Claire gave Joe some money to cover Matt's expenses and a few final instructions. Matt felt like he was going off to prison or something and Joe was his warden. He gave Andy a brief smile and ruffled his hair and followed Joe downstairs and to the garage with his bags. From the conversation that went on around him, he understood that a friend was bringing Joe's bike for the race and that they'd meet up in Indianapolis.
Matt quietly got into the car for what was supposed to be a ten hour plus drive according to map quest. He knew it would feel like longer than that if Joe continued to give him the cold shoulder. It was only four in the morning, but Joe insisted on leaving early to make up for the day he'd lost because of yesterday's events. Matt wondered how Kristin and Jim were doing. He hoped that at some point he could call Kristin just to let her know where he was and find out if Jim's father had laid into him for what had taken place.
They made a brief stop at Dunkin Donuts. Joe got out of the car without even asking Matt what he wanted. Twenty minutes later Joe returned with four cups of coffee, a dozen donuts and an assortment of bagels toasted with butter and a few with cream cheese. He also purchased two thermoses and Matt sat quietly while Joe filled the tumblers with the additional coffees and placed them in the cup holders.
He handed Matt one of the remaining cups and told him to take whatever else he wanted from the bag. `Well at least he's talking to me,' Matt thought, even though his former lover's demeanor hadn't changed. They stopped next at a gas station and Joe filled the car up. He disappeared inside and emerged with another bag full of snack foods.
"We're not stopping for a while, so this will have to tide you over."
Matt looked around the car. They had enough food to have included Lloyd on the trip. Matt wasn't sure if Joe was trying to break the ice or just being practical and keeping them on the road for as long as he could. Matt stared out the window sipping his coffee and wondering how long he could take being cooped up in this car with his lover not speaking to him. He wanted to say something but he was afraid he'd come off whiny and whimpy. He wanted Joe to know he wasn't happy about the situation he was in either. He had every intention of letting Joe walk out of his life. He hated that the man beside him thought he'd orchestrated the whole thing just to be with him. He just needed to find the words to say, even if it meant being put out of the car.
He must have fallen asleep because when he opened his eyes, his coffee was gone and his face was pressed against the passenger side window. It took a while for Matt to realize that the car wasn't moving. His neck was stiff and when he finally straightened up and got his bearings, he saw Joe returning with even more food to the car.
He watched his brother slide in carefully to the driver's side.
"Why don't you go use the restroom and freshen up a bit. I got some burgers and fries."
Matt opened the passenger side door and shut it gently, looking back as he went.. He hurried to the men's room taking care of business and after washing his hands and splashing some cold water on his face. He had a horrible feeling that when he returned to the place where Joe was parked, he'd find the car gone. He hurried out past the maze of fast-food restaurants and weary travelers stumbling through the doors. He was relieved to find Joe leaning against the passenger side waiting for him.
He actually let out a sigh of relief and he assumed Joe must have seen it because the man was shaking his head and chuckling just a bit. Matt walked up to him and couldn't help himself. He threw his arms around Joe not caring who was watching, kissing his neck and whispering `I'm sorry" against it. It was when he felt Joe's arms come up around his waist and gently stroke his back that he knew things would be better.
"It's okay Mattie," and Matt sighed hearing his pet name again. "None of this is your fault. I thought ...I thought I was doing what was best for you."
Joe held him tighter and kissed the younger boy's hair. "Look, I've been thinking, this summer might be the chance for us to finally be alone together."
Matt looked up at him, eyes red and swollen with tears. "You mean that?"
"Yeah, I do. Whatever happened between you and that guy doesn't matter. I know it wouldn't have happened if I hadn't pushed you away. I'm so sorry Mattie."
Joe looked around realizing they were beginning to attract attention. "Let's get out of here; I have a surprise for you."
By twelve noon, they were pulling into the Holiday Inn on Erieside Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio. Matt's mouth dropped opened when they passed the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
"I thought you needed to be in Indianapolis?" Matt asked, not wanting Joe to sacrifice his practice time for him.
"I was planning to make this stop anyway. We'll get a room, visit the museum and spend the rest of the night alone together and this time, nothing will interrupt us."
Matt resisted the urge to kiss the man again. Instead he grabbed his bags and followed Joe in. There room ended up being one of the ones on the outer courtyard facing the parking which suited Joe just fine. He drove around to park closer and then gave Matt the bags while he hauled their food in. When he made it up the landing, Matt was leaning over the railing waiting for him. He grabbed some stuff from his hands and backed into the room like an excited puppy.
Joe kicked the door closed and before he even had the bags of remaining food down on the dresser, Matt was in his arms again, kissing him fiercely like he hadn't seen him in years. Joe managed to release the items and let them fall gently to the table. He lifted the boy up and carried him back towards one of the two full size beds. Joe slid Matt slowly down his body and pushed him back on the bed.
"I'm going to make it up to you Mattie." Joe knelt between his legs and kissed him through the denim.
Matt's feet were planted on the floor and he spread himself wider for his brother.
"Fresh start," Joe murmured, undoing his brother's fly. "New beginning," he added, extracting his prize."
They never made it the museum that night, instead Joe reclaimed his brother and for the first time beneath tangled sheets, they slept peacefully nestled together, without fear of having to leave each other by morning light. Joe's best efforts to free the boy landed him right back where he'd run from. Joe devised a new scheme before sleep hit; make this summer the best Mattie ever had.