Take My Breath Away

By: Foxy Lady

It is amazing really how much your life can change so quickly. All he ever had wanted in his life was someone to love and his music. A year ago he thought he had found both, but he was wrong. He would never forget that night. He had just started his new gig playing piano in some fancy club. He would play song after song taking requests from the drunken patrons that listened on and left him tips.By the time eleven o'clock rolled around, his fingers were tired and his neck hurt from sitting in the same position for so long. Standing up, he runbbed his neck, and made his way over to the bar.

When he sat down at the bar, the bartender walked over and put a glass of water down. "You doing good tonight, kid."

"Thanks, Chris. I enjoy playing." Josh reached for his glass and took a sip.

"Well, the boss will be pleased. With the music, people stay. The longer they stay, the more the drink, and the more they drink, the more money he makes. That makes the boss happy." Chris finished wiping the bar in front of Josh, and walked away.

Josh finished his water, and was getting ready to go back to the piano when he heard a deep rich laugh from the other side of the bar. He looked towards the source of the sound, and noticed Chris talking to someone. His eyes drifted to the person, and his breath caught in his throat. The man was beautiful. He let his gaze travel from the short blonde tipped hair to the green button down shirt he was wearing. He heard the laugh again and smiled. When he looked back over at Chris, he saw him watching him and motioned towards the piano with his head. Josh sighed as he got up from the bar letting himself have one last look before returning to the piano.

Lance leaned against the bar letting out another low chuckle as Chris told him joke after joke. He didn't really remember the last time he had really laughed and it felt good. He took a sip of the drink Chris had placed in front of him. When he heard the piano start to play softly in the background, he turned his head to look across the room. "Joe finally hired someone to replace the last guy?"

"Yeah, he started tonight. He's pretty good." Chris walked away from Lance, and began to make another drink.

Lance watched the man playing piano quietly for a few moments until Chris returned to him with another drink. "He is good, Chris. What do you know about him?"

"His name is Josh. New in town. That's about it really." Chris looked at the younger man. "Where is Joe tonight?"

Lance sighed. "Don't know. He told me to not ask where he goes, so I don't."

Chris stopped wiping down the bar, and looked up. "Yeah, you know that is probably best, Lance. Listen, I gotta go, but I'll be back."

Lance nodded as he took a sip of his drink before turning back to the man playing piano. Lance watched as he finished one song. Before starting on the next, he turned towards the bar and caught Lance watching him. Lance lowered his gaze, but not before his eyes locked briefly with the other man's. Lance kept his eyes downcast until he turned back around to face the bar. As the music continued behind him, he let out a sad sigh. Why even bother looking. He nodded towards Chris, and left the bar.

At the end of the next song, Josh turned back towards the bar, and sighed when the man he had saw earlier was gone. He hoped to talk the man especially after he had caught him staring at him, but he guess that wasn't going to happen. He saw Chris made the motion for him to stop for the night, and got up from the piano. Maybe he would see the mystery man again another night.

Chapter 2

Night after night, Josh would sit at his piano hoping to catch a glimpse of the mystery man from his first night at the club, but he never showed. By the time Saturday night rolled around, he was starting to think that the man did not exist. Maybe he had been a figment of his imagination. He was tempted to ask Chris. The bartender would surely know the man. He had been talking to him that night, but Josh never gathered the courage to do it.

Just past eleven, Josh took his ritual break. After going into the kitchen for a quick snack, he made his way back to the bar, when he saw him. He was standing just like he had that first night. Leanig against the bar, laughing at something Chris had said. He stood in the shadows watching for a few minutes until Chris walked away to serve another customer. Josh continued to watch as the man turned to look towards him.

Josh didn't want to lose him again. This time, he would go up and talk to him. Josh made his way to the bar, and took the stool next to the man. He turned and was about to speak, when he saw the man wise from his chair if pulled.

"Hello, lover."

Josh looked up for the source of the spoken words, and immediately recognized the man that had hired him. Before the other man was able to respond, his lips were claimed in a brusing kiss. When he raised his head, he looked at Josh with a look that clearly said he is mine. Hands off. Josh lowered his gaze until the two men left the bar. Only then did he raise his eyes to find Chris leaning on the bar in front of him.

"Kid, you sure know how to pick them." Chris placed a glass of beer in front of Josh.

"What do you mean?" Josh took a sip of the drink, and waited for Chris's response.

"That is the boss' man. And nobody can even look at him. Lance is off limits. Unavailable. Got it?"

"Got it, Chris."

"Good. I won't even tell you what happened to the last guy that tried to hit on Lance."

Josh looked up with a look of worry. "What happened?"

"You took his place. I'll just say he ain't around no more. Joe made sure of that." Chris took the empty glass off the bar, and walked away.

Josh tok a quick look around the bar. At least, he now knew his name. Lance. He found Lance and Joe sitting at the back of the club in a dark booth. Joe was talking to someone, and Lance looked miserable. When Lance caught Josh looking at him, he looked quickly towards Joe and shook his head. Sighing, Josh stood up, and returned to his piano. As he began to play, he let his eyes drift to the back of the club once again to find Lance watching him as he played.

After that night, josh saw Lance in the club two or three nights a week. They never spoke because Joe had eyes everywhere. Chris would catch their looks, and would only shake his head. He liked Josh, and he knew Lance hated Joe, but Lance was Joe's. Joe would never let the younger man go.Chris knew that. Lance knew that. Chris only hoped Josh would realize that.

Chapter 3

Another night. The same thing. Josh sat at his piano hoping to catch of glimpse of Lance during the night. It was getting later, and he still hadn't appeared. He could see Joe sitting at his usual booth in the back. Every few minutes, he would glance down at his watch. With each passing moment, Josh could see the anger building in the man even from his place across the room.

Just past ten, Lance finally appeared. He ran into the club. The fear on his face was easily recognizable. He made his way to Joe's booth. Josh continued to play, but his eyes were focused on the scene across the club. Before Lance could sit down, Joe was up yanking on his arm and yelling at him. Josh tried to hear what was being said, but couldn't. What Josh did hear was the slap. He winced as Lance stumbled slightly from the heavy blow. Joe moved aside, and pushed Lance into the booth. Lance looked up briefly and caught Josh's worried gaze, but quickly lowered his eyes, so Joe wouldn't catch him.

The night got later, and Josh continued to play. Just past midnight, he saw Lance finally allowed to leave the booth. He had tried before, but Joe wasn't having it. He watched as Lance walked towards the restroom area of the club, but after he was out of Joe's sight line, he turned and walked towards the doors to the private balcony. Josh waited a few minutes, and when Lance did not return, he decided to take his break.

Josh knew it was risky approaching Lance especially tonight with Joe's temper, but he had to make sure he was okay. He made a quick glance towards the back booth, and saw Joe was also gone. He probably went up to the office to start work on the night's receipts. As he walked past the bar, he caught Chris watching him shaking his head, but he didn't stop Josh.

Josh pushed through the door and out onto the balcony. It didn't take him long to see Lance standing there. He stood there for a few moments as Lance leaned against the ledge. His head was lowered, and it looked like his eyes were closed. Josh knew he didn't have much time. Joe could come back down at any moment, so he quietly made his way towards Lance. "Hey," he whispered, when he reached him.

When he spoke, he saw Lance jump as he opened his eyes. He looked up, and once he saw it was Josh he breathed a shaky sigh of relief. That sense of relief did not last long, however, as he glanced towards the balcony door past Josh's shoulder.

Josh looked back as well, but quickly turned back. "Joe wasn't at the booth when I came out here. I think he was up..."

"In the office," Lance whispered.

Josh nodded. "Yeah. He usually counts up the nightly totals around now."

"I know," Lance said, as he turned back towards the ledge.

It was then that Josh noticed the bruise on his face left by the earlier slap. In that moment, he hated the man that had placed that bruise there. No one deserved to be hit, especially not Lance. Before he realized he was doing it, his hand reached out.

Before he was able to graze Lance's cheek with his fingertips, Lance moved away. "Don't."

Josh let his hand fall back down to his side, and sighed. "Sorry. I just wanted to make sure you were okay, Lance."

"I'm fine, Josh." Lance sighed, and turned towards Josh. "Thanks for coming out here though to ask."

"I had to come out here. I was worried about you." Josh took a step closer watching Lance carefully.

"I saw you watching. I know you were worried."

This time when Josh reached out his hand to touch Lance's cheek, Lance didn't move away. Josh let his hand touch Lance's cheek softly so not to put any pressure on the bruise there. "I've been wanting to talk to you since that first night."

At those words, Lance moved away from Josh. "Josh, don't fall for me. I'm his, and he plans to keep it that way. Loving me can be dangerous."

Before Josh could say a word, Lance walked away, and back into the club. Lowering his head, he leaned against the ledge. It was too late for him. He had already fallen. As Josh made his way back inside, he didn't notice the young man standing in the shadows by the door.

Chapter 4

Josh made his way back to the piano and sat down. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Joe had returned to his booth. Lance was still out of sight. He saw one of Joe's men make his way to table, but thought nothing of it as he began to play.

"Boss, we got to talk."

Joe made a motion with his hand. "Sit, Justin."

Justin sat in the chair provided and lowered his head. He didn't want to tell Joe what he had seen, but he knew if he didn't and Joe found out later, he would be in trouble. "I need to talk to you about Lance." Joe sat silent waiting for Justin to continue. Justin took a deep breath. "I saw Lance outside... talking with someone." Justin closed his eyes. When he opened them, he could see the rage clearly on Joe's face.

"Who?"

Justin looked over his shoulder at Josh. Joe looked also, and stood up. "I want him gone. Now!" Justin nodded and stood up. "Give him a week's pay, and make it clear he leaves immediately."

"Got it, boss." Justin left the booth, and walked over to Josh. When he reached the piano, Josh looked up, but continued to play. Justin reached down and stopped Josh. "Your services are no longer needed. The boss requests you leave immediately."

Josh looked confused. "What? Why?"

"You know why. Now don't be difficult. He's giving you a week's pay. Just go, man."

Josh nodded his head. He knew these were not the type of people you messed with. He stood up from the piano just as Lance walked by on his way back to the booth. Josh looked over at Joe, and could tell Lance was walking into a bad place just by the look on Joe's face.

"Just go. He'll make it worse for him if you stay."

Josh nodded taking one last glance before he let Justin lead him away.

Lance sat down next to Joe with a small smile on his face. He didn't even see the explosion coming. The smile was wiped off his face quickly with a loud slap.

"What the fuck were you doing?" Joe grabbed onto Lance's arm and turned him. "Justin saw you. He told me you were talking with the piano man."

Lance closed his eyes, and let out a shaky breath. "Joe, we only talked for a minute. We both ended up on the balcony. Nothing happened."

"It better not have. You're mine, Lance. I took you off the streets when you had nothing. I gave you a place to stay, the clothes on your back, the food you eat. Without me, you are NOTHING. I am never going to let you go. Is that clear?"

Lance stared at Joe silently. The fear clear in his eyes. When he didn't answer, Joe shook him violently. "I got it, Joe."

Joe nodded. "Good, Lance. I wouldn't want to have to do what I had to do to the last man that tried to take you from me." He let go of Lance's arm as Justin returned to the booth. "Justin, take him to my office. I'll be up in a little bit."

"Yes, boss." Justin moved so that Lance could get out of the booth which he did slowly. Justin took him by the elbow and led him away. Moving his head closer to Lance's he whispered, "Joe fired him."

Lance kept his eyes forward, but gave a small nod. "I know."

When they reached the office, Justin let him in and left. Lance sat on the couch for a moment, and then stood up. Walking over to the filing cabinet he opened it. Pulling out a file, he remembered the information in it quickly, and put it back just as Joe walked in.

Joe shook his head. "Lance, why do you do things you know you shouldn't? You know my temper. You know I will have to punish you for your behavior."

Lance heard the lock of the door click, and as Joe walked towards him he closed his eyes.

Chapter 5

Josh sat on his balcony. Actually it was no more than a fire escape, but it was big enough for him to sit comfortably. He looked down at the cigarette he held between his fingers. He quit smoking months ago, but tonight on the way home he had bought a pack. He flicked the cigarette to the ground below, and leaned against the wall. His thoughts had been of Lance all night. He hadn't wanted to leave the club. He had seen Joe's face, and knew Lance was in for it. Why didn't he stay and help Lance? Pull him away, and run out of the club. It had been what he had wanted to do. Why didn't he?

He hit the wall with his fist as he muttered, "Damn." He knew the reason why he hadn't stayed. Joe was the big leagues. He was one of those people you didn't go up against unless you wanted to end up six feet under. Letting his eyes close, he let out a sad sigh. If only this was another time and place, maybe he and Lance could have been something.

Feeling a few rain drops hit his face he stood up and made his way back inside his small apartment. Playing piano didn't pay much, and now he had to go find something new. He looked around the small one room that made up his apartment, and sighed again. He could almost picture he and Lance here together. He wondered how Lance was before Joe. Had he been the frightened man he had seen all these weeks, or had he been different? He wondered if Lance laughed and smiled happily or had he always looked so sad.

He made his way towards his bed, and lay down. Not bothering to undress. Kicking off his shoes, he pulled the blankets over him letting sleep overcome him. In his slumber, he allowed his dreams take him where he couldn't go while he was awake. To a place where he and Lance were together, happy and in love. Where everything was good, and Lance was not the way he was now. He allowed himself to do the things he could only do with Lance in this dream world. To touch, to taste, and to feel. To kiss those soft lips as Lance moaned beneath him.

Josh woke up suddenly when a loud crash of thunder sounded above close enough to shake the walls of tiny apartment. His dreams fading to the back of his mind as he made his way back over to the window overlooking the fire escape. He watched as the rain fell down in sheets. As a streak of lightning crossed the sky, he closed his eyes and counted. It was an old trick his father had taught him when there was a bad storm. Before he could reach three, there was a loud crash of thunder. Shivering, he made his was back to his bed, and grabbed his blanket. Wrapping it around himself, he went back once again to the window. There would be no sleep for him tonight.

He wondered where Lance was this very moment. Was he asleep in his own bed with Joe? He knew that Joe had done something to Lance. He could kill the man for making Lance what he was. Josh watched as the rain continued to fall. When the storm began to let up, he went back to his bed. As he began to close his eyes, there was a loud pounding on his door.

"What the hell?" He got back out of bed taking his blanket with him. "Who is it?" When there was no answer, he asked again, but there was still no response. He wished there was peek hole in his door. Damn, cheap apartment. He reached out to open the door, but stopped himself. What if it was one of Joe's men here to beat him up for even daring to talk to Lance. He let his hand drop. "It's 3am in the freaking morning, and I am not opening this door til you tell me who you are, so you better talk."

"Josh, open up. It's Lance."

At the sound of Lance's soft whisper, Josh felt his heart fall. Was he still dreaming? Was he in fact asleep in his bed right now? Shaking his head, he lifted his hand again, and opened the door gasping at the site before him.

Chapter 6

Josh opened the door to find Lance leaning against the wall opposite his door. Water was dripping off him from the storm outside. His head was lowered, but when Josh opened the door he looked up. That is what caused the gasp to fall from Josh's lips. He wasn't prepared for the sight before him. The bruise along Lance's cheek was visible even in the dim light of the hallway.The cut on his bottom lip still bled.

Josh stood in shocked silence for a moment. He kept wondering if he was in fact still in his bed asleep dreaming that Lance was here, but he knew this was no dream. He knew that just from Lance's appearance. Finally, he reached out and motioned for Lance to come inside, but Lance did not move closer.

Lance looked as if he were frozen. Josh stepped out into the hallway, and moved in front of Lance. Lance looked up and sighed. "I shoudn't have come here."

"I'm glad you came here, Lance." Josh leaned against the wall next to Lance taking his hand.

"My coming here will only cause you trouble." Lance looked down at the hand that held his. "I didn't know where else to go, Josh."

"Well, you came here." Josh motioned towards his apartment. "You want to come inside?"

Lance glanced over, and nodded his head slowly. "I guess we should."

Josh walked into his small apartment turning back towards the hallway. Lance still stood where he had left him. He smiled and motioned him in. "Lance, come in here. I'll get you some dry clothes."

Lance finally moved away from the wall at those words. He walked inside the small one room and stood in the doorway watching Josh as he rummaged through a dresser drawer. Josh finally pulled out a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt. Josh walked over to Lance, and handed him the clothes. "Thanks, Josh."

"Go change in there. I'll wait for you out here."

Lance nodded as he walked over to the bathroom. Josh put some water on to boil. He wanted to know what had happened to make Lance show up on his door step, but he didn't want to ask. He hoped Lance would tell him. When Lance came back out the bathroom drying his hair with a towel, he smiled at Josh briefly. "I feel better. Thanks."

"Stop thanking me. I want to help you." Josh paused as he looked down at the floor. "I didn't want to leave the club tonight. He made me leave, Lance."

"I know that. It is the way he is, but I left him, Josh," Lance whispered. "I can't let him hurt me anymore. I can't let him control me anymore. I know that is not what love is like. It can't be."

"No, it isn't, Lance. Love can be great. If it is with the right two people." He paused as he took the water off the stovetop. "Can I ask you something?" Josh sat down on the floor in front of his bed. Lance nodded as he sat down next to him. "Why'd you stay with him?"

Lance was silent for a few minutes. sighing, he leaned back against the bed. "Joe was there for me when no one else was. He helped me out of a tight spot, and I felt like I owed him at first. Then when I tried to leave I couldn't."

"Did you want to leave him?"

Once again Lance was silent. When he spoke, it was barely a whisper. "I tried to, Josh. It's hard to leave him. You just don't leave Joe." Lance looked down at his hands.

"You did tonight, Lance. You left him. You're here with me now."

Lance looked up smiling. "Yeah, I am. I like being here with you."

Josh put his arm around Lance's shoulders. "I like having you here, but what about ...?"

Lance leaned his head on Josh's shoulder. "Joe will not let me go, Josh. He will come after me, and what he did tonight to me will be nothing compared to what he will do when he finds me."

Josh reached for Lance's hand. "Lance, you're going to be okay. I'm here with you now, and I will not let anyone hurt you ever again."

Lance looked up confused. "Why though? I mean you barely know me, but you take me in. Give me your clothes. You don't have to do any of it."

Josh smiled. "Call it love. The first night I saw you, I fell, and I fell hard. Now that you're here, I am not going to let you go unless you want me to."

Lance shook his head. "I came here cause I knew there was something about you, and I wanted to find out what, but Joe will find us here."

"Not if we aren't here for him to find." Josh stood up, and walked over to closet. He reached in and pulled out a bag. "I have no job to keep me here. Joe took care of that. So let's run away. Joe can't find us if we are gone."

Lance stood up and walked over to Josh. He wrapped his arms around Josh's waist from behind. Leaning his head on Josh's back, he whispered, "I'm sorry."

Josh turned in his arms and took his chin in his hand. "Stop saying that. I want to be with you. I want to run away with you, so stop apologizing." Josh pressed his lips to Lance's softly before leaving Lance's embrace.

He packed quickly as Lance watched on. As day began to break, the two men left the apartment. Lance hoped that wherever they went Joe would not find them.

Chapter 7

Josh didn't know where he and Lance were headed. They had just gotten in his small two door and started driving west. No plans. No map to guide them. Just each other. At first, Lance had been quiet and to himself, but by the second day of their trip he began to talk and laugh just a little. By the end of the third day, a smile never left Lance's face. Josh could tell that Lance was happier. Things were by no means all the way healed for Lance. Josh doubted that they never would be.

That night they drove until they both were tired. Lance was asleep leaning his head against the window when Josh saw a motel up ahead. He pulled in, and stopped the car. Not bothering to wake up Lance, he went into the lobby and got them a room. When he came out, he found Lance standing next ot the car half asleep. "I got us a room. I figured it would be okay this far away."

Lance nodded his head slowly still out of it. They had been sleeping in the car the last two nights trying to get as far away from Joe as possible. Josh wonder if Lance would ever think they were far enough. Josh walked over and grabbed Lance walking him over to the room he had rented them for the night. He opened the room and turned on the light. Sighing, he walked Lance over to the bed and watched as he immediately laid down.

Josh looked towards the bathroom and decided to take a shower. When he came out, he looked towards the bed while towel drying his hair, but didn't see Lance where he had left him. He put the towel around his shoulders, and looked towards the window to find Lance peeking out from the side of the drape into the night. "Lance, get some rest. We'll be fine here."

Lance let the drape fall as he sighed. He walked towards the bed and lay down with his legs hanging off. "Josh, you just don't know Joe like I do. He can find us. It doesn't matter how far we go. Sooner or later, he WILL find us."

Josh sat on the edge of the bed next to Lance silent for a few moments. "I'm sorry, Lance. You don't deserve to live this kind of life. You deserve so much more. I wish I had met you before you met Joe."

"Me, too."

Josh leaned back on his elbows and looked over at Lance. "I'm happy we met though. It doesn't matter how we met or where. It just matters that you're here with me now."

Lance sat up leaning on one elbow. "Yeah, it is nice being with you. It is certainly different than it was with Joe." He looked down and picked nervously at the blanket. Sighing, he looked up. He stared at Josh for a second before his hand reached out and touched the pendent Josh wore around his neck. "I never noticed this before. What is it?"

Josh looked down briefly at Lance's hand before answering. "It is my for my birth sign. I wear it all the time, but it is mostly hidden by my shirts."

"You never take it off?" Lance asked as he let his hand fall back down to the bedspread.

Josh shook his head. "I am not going to take it off until I give it to someone."

"Oh." Lance fell silent. he wanted to ask who Josh would give the necklace to, but he didn't at the same time. He lay back on the bed looking up at the ceiling. "Who are you going to give it to?"

Josh moved so that he leaning over Lance. "I am going to give this to the person I love. That will be the day this will come off my neck." Josh moved his head lower and touched his lips to Lance's. He hadn't kissed Lance since that brief kiss in his apartment. He hadn't want to push Lance into something new before he was ready, but tonight it just seemed like the right thing to do. He raised his head and licked his lips still tasting Lance there. He looked down at Lance who had closed his eyes.

Suddenly Josh sit up. Looking down at his hands, he sighed. He knew he wanted Lance. He was pretty sure that Lance wanted him, but he wasn't sure if Lance was ready for that. He had just left a very bad relationship. He reached up and started to play with his pendant. He jumped when he felt Lance wrap his arms around his waist. "Lance, I..."

Lance reached up and turned Josh's head so that he could face him. "It's okay, Josh. I'm okay."

Shaking his head, Josh stood up. Grabbing a t-shirt, he walked over to the room door. Opening it, he left the room without a word to Lance.

Chapter 8

Josh don't know why he left Lance alone in the room. Before he realized what he was doing, he was out standing by his car leaning against the hood. He looked back towards the room and sighed. What the hell was he doing? He stood up, and began to walk towards the room, but stopped himself. He leaned back down, and ran his hands through his curls. He saw the drape move to the side, and he knew Lance was watching him.

After a few moments, the drape fell and Josh sighed. Standing up, he walked back to the room and went inside. He leaned against the door, and watched Lance sitting on the bed across the room. "Lance, I don't know what we are doing here."

Lance moved so that he was facing Josh sitting cross legged on the bed. "What do you mean?"

Josh moved to the bed and sat down. "I mean us. Here. Running away from some guy who can very likely kill one or both of us if he finds us. "

"I still don't follow you here, Josh. I know what we are doing. I know what Joe will do when he finds us, but I don't get what you mean about us."

Josh moved closer. "Okay. I'll put it this way. Is there an us? Or is this something else?"

Lance began to pick at the bedspread beneath his fingertips. "Oh."

Josh sighed. "Listen, I'm going to be honest here with you. I want there to be an us. I didn't run away with you here because I just wanted to be your friend. From that first night at the club when I heard you laugh, I wanted you. Time just helped build on that, but then I could see you with Joe, and I figured I never would have the chance. Now we're here, and I don't know what to do. I'm lost." Josh stopped speaking taking a deep breath. He reached up and played with the necklace around his neck. He felt Lance take his hand, and he looked up.

"One day, I want you to give me this necklace." Lance moved closer and kissed Josh gently. When he moved back slightly, he could see the shock plainly on Josh's face. "I am not going to break, Josh. I left Joe for a reason that night. I wanted to be with you." He paused as he moved to sit next to Josh. "Damn, Josh. That first night when I heard you at the club I liked you, but what could I do? Then that night on the balcony. I thought you knew by now."

Josh smiled as he reached out and pulled Lance closer. "Well, now I know. That is what is important." He reached up and touched Lance's cheek. He watched as Lance closed his eyes. Josh moved in slowly. Not wanting to disturb the perfect picture in front of him. When his lips touched Lance's, Lance let out a small moan. Josh smiled as he pressed his lips against Lance's again. He let his tongue lick against Lance's lips. He felt Lance's hands make their way up his arms and around his neck as he opened his mouth to his tongue.

As they continued to kiss, Josh let his hands move up and down Lance's back. When Lance pushed him back onto the bed, Josh let out a surprised gasp. Lance raised his head and looked down at Josh with a small grin. Lance tickled his fingers down Josh's sides, and let them make their way under Josh's t-shirt. He lifted it slowly never letting his eyes move away from Josh's. He continued to lift until Josh reached down and pulled it over his still damp hair.

After throwing it to the side, he reached up and began to unbutton Lance's shirt. When all the buttons were undone, he pushed Lance's shirt off his shoulders and threw it to the floor with his. He pulled Lance down until he lay on him. Josh was about to open his mouth to speak, but Lance silenced him with a kiss. As they continued to kiss, Josh moved them so that he was laying next to Lance.

Josh finally raised his head as he let his fingers run through Lance's hair. "I must be dreaming."

Lance shook his head. "No dream. I'm here." He raised his hand, and let it brush aside the curls that fell onto Josh's face. "I'll still be here when you wake up, too."

Josh nodded slowly. "Good." He let out a small yawn as he lay his head next to Lance's on the bed. "I'm sleepy."

"Then go to sleep. We have tomorrow," Lance whispered. He turned towards the man next to him and saw he was already asleep. Lance moved closer wrapping his arms around Josh's waist as he lowered his head to his chest. He fell asleep safe and happy.

The next morning Josh opened his eyes slowly. He could feel Lance still next to him. He looked over and smiled at him still asleep. He reached out and let his hand travel down Lance's back.

"Aww, how sweet."

Josh looked behind him and let out a gasp.

Chapter 9

Josh sat up quickly reaching down with a hand to shake Lance's shoulder. He kept his eyes locked on the man sitting next to the bed. When Lance did not respond to his shaking, he spoke, "Lance, wake up."

Mumbling something, Lance reached up and ran his hand through his hair. He opened his eyes and yawned before turning to look up at JC smiling. The smile fell from his face when he followed Josh's gaze and saw Joe sitting there.

"Hello, lover. Miss me?"

Lance sat up in bed not wanting to move away from Josh, but as soon as he was up Joe made a motion with his hand, and Lance was pulled off the bed. He looked behind him to find Justin. Justin handed him his shirt, and Lance put it on leaving it unbuttoned.

Josh turned to look at Lance, and couldn't catch his gaze cause Lance had lowered his head. Justin made small movement with his head towards Joe, and Josh turned back around. He wanted to shudder at the way that Joe was looking at him, but he stayed still. He would not show him any fear. Joe would use that. He noticed his shirt lying on the bed next to him, and put it on quickly.

"So you thought you could run from me, Lance?" Joe stood up and walked around the bed. He ran a finger across Lance's cheek and down to his chin lifting it. The fear was plain in his eyes, but he did not respond.

Josh moved off the bed, and stood next to the chair Joe had just been sitting in. He watched as Joe stood in front of Lance silently. Suddenly, he motioned to Justin, and Justin began to pull Lance towards the room door. It was then that Lance finally spoke. "Joe, don't. I'll go back with you. Just don't hurt him."

Justin finally was able to drag Lance out of the motel room. It was just Joe and Josh. The two men eyed each other from across the room. "I knew you would be trouble, Chasez."

"Yeah, I get that a lot." Josh watched as Joe moved closer. He stopped right in front of Josh.

"You thought you could take what was mine, Chasez. Lance is mine. Always will be. Not very smart of you to take someone else's property."

"He isn't property. He's a person. You don't own him, Joe."

"That is where you are wong. He is mine. You made a mistake. Should have sticked to playing the piano cause now you will pay."

Josh looked down. He knew what would happen. He knew it that night he took Lance from his apartment. He was just hoping it wouldn't be so soon. He didn't even feel the first blow from Joe's fist coming. Before he knew it, he was on the floor holding his jaw. He looked up, and watched as Joe walked away. He listened as Joe called for Justin before leaving the room with one final look.

Josh scrambled so by the time Justin walked into the room, he was leaning against the wall. Justin closed the door, and walked over to Josh. Josh glanced at his hand and saw the gun. He swallowed as Justin stopped in front of him. He lowered his head, and closed his eyes saying a silent prayer.

"Josh, man, open your eyes."

Josh looked up and stared at Justin.

"You know why Joe sent me in here, right?"

Josh nodded his head.

"Well, I am not going to do it. I can't." Josh looked at Justin confused, but didn't speak. "Listen closely cause I don't have much time. I have known Lance for awhile. It is my fault Joe found him. We were friends long before Joe." Justin stopped and looked at the gun in his hand lifting it. "I loved him long before Joe came and fucked everything up. Now I see you, and know you can make him happy, but not with Joe around." He opened the barrel and pulled out a bullet throwing it at Josh. "It's too late for me. I'm in to this fucking thing too deep, but he can get out someday. Maybe that day you two can be happy."

Justin turned to leave the room, but Josh reached out stopping him. Justin turned and knelt down. "Give this to him if that day ever comes." He took off his necklace and placed it in Justin's hand. "He'll know what it means."

Justin nodded. "I would lay low for awhile." He turned and walked out the door without a second look.

Josh breathed a sigh of relief looking down at the bullet in his hand. Hearing the start of a car, he looked up. Lance was gone.

Chapter 10

The night that Lance had left his life had been more than six months ago. He had followed Justin's suggestion and laid low. He looked down at the bullet in his hand. A little reminder of what he had lost. He wondered what had happened to Lance that night. Where was Lance now? Was he still with Joe? Was he still sitting at that back booth next to Joe fearing that a wrong look or move would bring down Joe's wrath on him?

He glanced around his new place of employment. Another club. Another gig playing piano. He remembered that first night all those months ago when he had first seen Lance. Love at first sight had never been something he had believed in, but with Lance that is what it had been. Maybe Justin would be right someday. Maybe he and Lance had a chance.He stood up from the piano, and walked over to the bar.

The bartender smiled as he placed a glass in front of Josh. "Hey, man. Nice set."

"Thanks." He took a sip of water. He glanced at the counter behind the bar something catching his eye. "Is that today's paper?"

The bartender glanced behind him and lifted it. "No. It's from last week actually."

Josh nodded. "Can I see it?"

The bartender shrugged his shoulders, and placed the paper in front of Josh. Josh looked down, and let a small gasp escape. He began to read the story on the front page. The headline was huge, and no one could miss it. 'Reputed mobster arrested.' The story went on to tell about how Joe Fatone Jr. had been arrested for tax evasion and other like crimes .He looked at the picture of Joe being shoved into the police car. Lance nowhere in sight. Nowhere in the article was he mentioned. He picked up the paper, and carried it back to the piano with him.

As he sat down to play, he let his mind drift. He wondered where Lance was. He wondered if he was safe. He wondered if Justin was looking out for him. He was pretty sure he was. He wondered if Justin had told Lance about him being alive. If he had given him the necklace? He stopped playing, as his hand reached up to his neck. Even after all these months, he felt weird without his pendant.

Shaking his head, he got up from the piano. He motioned to the bartender that he was taking a break, and he walked towards the back of the club. He reached the doors that led to the balcony and sighed remembering another night on another balcony. The night that had changed everything. He pushed open the balcony doors, and walked out. He took a deep breath before walking over to lean on the ledge.

Josh sighed as he heard the balcony doors open behind him. He wanted to turn around and tell whoever it was to go away. Leave him alone. Leave him with his memories. He listened with his eyes closed as the person walked over to the ledge.

So much for privacy. He swore if he opened his eyes and found a couple making out, he would scream. He kept expecting to hear someone say something, make a noice, or just do something. But there was nothing. He reached up and scratched the back of his neck suddenly nervous. What if Joe had found out he was alive? He let his fingers trail under the collar of his shirt as he pulled it away from his body.

Suddenly, he heard footsteps. He expected them to walk away and back inside the club, but instead they moved closer. When they stopped right next to him, he opened his eyes.The first thing he saw was a man's hand holding his pendant. It swung in front of his face, and he reached up and grabbed it.

He placed it around his neck, and glanced up. Seeing Lance he smiled. "I just saw the paper tonight."

"Let's not talk about Joe," Lance said as he leaned against the ledge. "Justin told me what he did the night Joe was arrested. He had gotten me new identification, and told me to run while I had the chance. I hated leaving him behind, but I had no choice. Then he gave me that, and I knew I had to go."

"You said you wanted this necklace someday. I just wish I had been the one to give it to you." He reached up and fingered the pendant lightly. "Someday I will give it to you again."

Lance looked over at Josh. "Yeah?"

Josh smiled. This man was different from the man he had known all those months ago. Something had changed. He moved closer, and kissed Lance softly. He leaned his head against Lance's as he sighed. "I have missed you so much, Lance. There hasn't been a moment in the last six months where I haven't thought of you."

"That day when I thought Justin had.... I died too. I thought you were gone. I changed with Joe. Didn't let him treat me so badly. Fought back a little. Then Justin told me you weren't dead..."

"I was worried about what he would do to you."

"He would never hurt me enough to kill me, Josh. I think he loved me a little too much to let me go, but now he has no choice. He is in jail, and most likely will be for a long time."

Josh wrapped his arms around Lance's waist, as he pulled him closer. "So where do we go from here?"

Lance laughed. "Anywhere you want." He turned towards Josh and kissed him letting his hand graze his cheek. "We've got tomorrow, remember?"

The End

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