Date: Fri, 01 Dec 2000 20:11:45 -0600 From: Danni Bailey Subject: Decisions - Chapter 16 Disclaimer: If you are under the age of 18, don't read any further. If you are offended by stories containing homosexual themes, this probably isn't for you either. I have no personal knowledge of the sexual preferences of the individuals discussed in this story. It's fiction, pure and simple. Ok...this is probably my favorite chapter in the story. I had a LOT of help from Scor with this one. (I think he missed his calling) and I want to thank him for all his input. Hope you guys like it CHAPTER 16 The afternoon sun felt good on his face and the night's sleep had alleviated any signs of a headache. It had been days since he had woken up without one and he now realized what a simple pleasure it really was. Justin rolled over slowly and reached to put his arm around you and was disappointed to find you not in bed next to him. It was a rare occurrence. Even if you woke before him, you normally would do some reading until he woke up, laying your hand across him just to feel the beat of his heart and the rise and fall of his chest as he breathed. He had only been awake a few minutes, and had made not attempt to rise, when you returned from Johnny's room. "Hey, I missed you" he said is a disappointed voice. "Where were you?" "I just needed to run something by Johnny" you answered casually. "How long have you been awake?" "Not long...just a couple of minutes. It's amazing what a good night's sleep can do. I haven't felt this good in days" he said in an excited voice. "I'm gonna take a shower, want to join me?" he said with a devilish grin. "Actually, that sounds pretty good" you agreed. "How about you get the shower started and I'll grab us some clothes. And Justin....." "What?" he asked curiously. You couldn't resist. "From the look of things, you better make that a cold shower." He shook his head smiling. "Like it's my fault!" You jumped on him, pinning him on his back on the bed. "Well, it certainly isn't mine," you informed him as you started to tickle him. "Gary, no!" he pleaded while trying to escape your grasp. You tickled him even more knowing full well that he was pretending not to be enjoying the attention. The two of you wrestled on the bed for several minutes before you finally let him catch his breath. "So have you had enough?" you asked him. His chest was heaving a he struggle to breathe. "Ya, I guess so," he said as he lay back on the bed. "So, we got a couple of days off. Do you have anything special you want to do while we are in New York?" "As a matter of fact, I do "I've been meaning to talk to you about it." You laid down next to him on the bed and looked into his eyes. "I want you to go with me tomorrow to Staten Island. I think its time you met my mom and my little brother." His face immediately became serious and you could see the dread in his eyes. "I was afraid this was gonna come up while we were here. I'm really nervous about meeting your mom." I know," you said in a sympathetic tone. "I remember the first time I met your mom. I was really nervous too, but it worked out fine, and my mom needs to know. I'm planing on spending the rest of my life with you and I always told myself that when that special person came along, then it was time to tell her. Will you come with me?" "Of course I will. I just hope she likes me." You kissed him tenderly. "How could she not. You stole my heart on that first day. You'll steal hers too." You stood up and pulled him to his feet. "Now how about that shower?" You showered together leisurely then headed to Chris' room. Justin and JC had wanted to work on a new song, leaving you and Chris to fight it out on the video games. By 6:00, Chris was willing to admit defeat and was ready to grab a bite to eat. "Hey, how about we all head out and find a real New York pizza place. I've been craving pizza all day." Danni sat on his lap wrapping her arms around his neck. "Hhhmm, I thought it was me you were craving sweetie. Am I loosing my touch?" "Never, but a man needs his nourishment. So, what do you say? You guys up for that?" "Well, you guys have to count me and Justin out" you informed them. "Justin and I have a date." Justin looked at you in amazement. "A date? With who?" You smiled. You had caught him off guard and that had been your intention. This needed to be a surprise. "Not with anyone. Just you and me, you know, a date." "You're kidding, right?" he asked seriously. "I don't think I've even been on a real date. I mean, I've gone places with Britney, but that's different." Danni kissed his cheek. "Well, there's a first time for everything. You guys go and have a good time." "Yeah, enjoy!" JC added. "Just make sure you kids behave." "Not likely to happen" Chris replied. "From what I understand they don't even have to take Lonnie with them." Justin's eyes lit up. "Is that true? Is it just gonna be us?" "Yep," you answered him. "I talked to Johnny earlier and he said as long as we kept it low profile then he had no problem with it." "So go change Justin," Chris urged. "I don't think Gary want to take you out in those sweat pants." Justin looked to you and you nodded. "Yeah, nothing fancy, but the sweat pants have to go. How about some casual pants and a sweater." "It's gonna get kinda cool tonight." After some quick good byes the two of you headed back to your room to change and within 45 minutes you were in the limo and headed for a location that you had yet to reveal to Justin. "So, when do I get to find out where we going?" he asked for about the 10th time. "When we get there, Justin," you answered again. "Remember, this is supposed to be a surprise." "I thought the date was the surprise, not where we were going." You scooted next to him and wrapped your arm around him. "Justin, the whole night is a surprise. Will you just relax and enjoy it." "Ok, no more questions. I promise. Whatever you have planned is fine with me!" You found it charming that an evening out alone could bring such excitement to Justin's life. He had seen more things and been more places than most people ever would, but a simple date had eluded him. You had every intention of making sure his first date was one that he would not forget. The limo pulled up in front of the Cinema Triplex. Justin immediately reviewed the marquee and then announced, "Gary, I know your gonna think this is dumb, but you know what I really want to see?" You chuckled. "Well, I hope so. Check your coat pocket." He reached in to the pocket of his black leather jacket and retrieved two tickets. A huge grin covered his face as he read: Cinema Triplex 7:00 pm show Erin Brockovich "You knew!" he said kissing you on the cheek. "Of, course I did. It's Julia!" You opened the door to the limo and took his hand. "Come on, the show starts in 10 minutes and I know you're gonna want some popcorn." You and Justin found some seats at the back of the theatre and then you left him there while you went to the concession stand for the obligatory movie snacks. You got back just as the previews were starting and Justin whispered. "Gary, I could have gotten those," he said referring to the tub of popcorn and 2 bottles of Evian water. "Remember what Johnny said," you reminded him as you put your arm around his shoulder. "low profile." He smiled, moved closer and rested his head on your shoulder. When the movie was over, you left as soon as they started running the credits, hoping to leave the theater undetected. It worked. You climbed into the limo unnoticed and Justin was relieved. "That was nice. No one even paid any attention to us." You agreed. "Yeah, it worked out great. So how about something to eat?" "Sure, I'm starving," he said. "The popcorn was just a tease." He was delighted that the night was not over. "Great, we have reservations for 9:30" You tapped on the glass dividing you from the driver. Immediately, the limo pulled away from the curb and headed into the Manhatten traffic. "Wow, you really had this all planned out didn't you?" Justin asked in amazement. "We don't get to do this very often," you explained. "I didn't want to take any chances." Within a few minutes the limo was stopping again in Chelsea in front of a favorite local restaurant, "Santino's". It was small and casual, but was known for its authentic food, including Italian, Greek and traditional American cuisine. You were surprised at the number of customers considering it was mid- week. A hostess greeted you as you entered the small lobby. "A table for two?" she asked politely. "Yes, but we have reservations," you informed her. "The last name is Martin." "Oh, of course Mr. Martin, we've been expecting you. Please, follow me." She led you back to a small room adjacent to the main dining room which was normally reserved for small company meetings, rehearsal dinners, and award banquets. Tonight, however, it was reserved for you and Justin only. The table for two was covered in a while linen tablecloth as a small votive candle flickered in the dimly lit room. Next to the table an ice bucket held an unopened bottle of champagne with beads of sweat covering the bottle's neck, insuring the contents were at the perfect serving temperature. Justin's eyes however, were focused on the table's centerpiece, and elegant crystal vase holding three roses. Two red and one white. He squeezed your hand tightly. "Thanks, Gary. It's perfect." "Glad you like it" you said softly as you reached across the table and took his hand in yours. "I reserved the room so we could just enjoy the meal and not have to worry about anything. Just you, me and a bottle of champagne." A young waitress entered the room startling Justin and he quickly pulled his hand away from yours, fearing that your she would realize that the two of you were a couple. You reached for his hand once again. "It's Ok Justin, I've taken care of things. I know the owner. No one is going to say anything. That's why I got this room, so we can do and say what we want, without any repercussions." The waitress was now uncorking the champagne and Justin made no attempt to move his hand. "I take it you gentlemen, would like a glass of champagne before dinner. May I pour the first glass and then I'll get you a couple of menus. "That would be great," Justin said. "A glass of champagne is sounding really nice about now." She filled two glasses and set them on the table. "Enjoy, gentlemen. My name is Tanya and I'll be your waitress tonight. I'll be right back with your menus and please let me know if there is anything you need anything." "Thank you, Tanya," you said politely. "I think were fine for now." She left the two of you alone to enjoy your champagne and you could not help but notice the clammy feel of Justin's hand in yours. "Justin, relax! Why are you so nervous?" "I'm not sure," he managed to say in a confused voice. "I'm just not used to being able to show you affection in public." You scooted your chair back. "Come here for a minute." He was somewhat reluctant but he stood and you pulled him into your lap. "Maybe this will help." You slowly moved your head closer to his and kissed him gently on the lips. He wrapped his arms around you and returned your kiss, his tongue parting your lips, exploring your mouth and savoring the intimacy. He kissed you passionately for several moments before pulling away with a smile on his face. "Yeah, I think that helped," he said in a somewhat embarrassed tone. He got up from your lap and returned to his seat as Tanya returned with the menus. Justin opted for linguini with marinara sauce and you ordered the vegetarian lasagna. Both were house specialties and rightfully so. They were prepared with homemade sauces and pastas, and both you and Justin thoroughly enjoyed the meal. It had been a relaxing time for the two of you with just casual conversation as you held hands across the table. I was close to 11:00 when you finished dinner and drank the last of the champagne. The limo had picked you up and you were heading north on the Avenue of the Americas. "Gary, that was excellent!" Justin said patting his stomach lightly. "I'm stuffed," then quietly added, "Thanks so much for tonight." "Don't thank me just yet," you said with a devilish grin. "We still have another stop" "You're kidding, right?" he asked "No, unless you'd rather go back to the hotel." "Hell no!" he said quickly. "I'm having a great time." Minutes later you had pulled up in front of one of New York's most visited landmarks. "What are we doing here?" Justin asked excitedly. "It's part of the surprise" you answered. "And has anyone ever told you that you ask to many questions?" He stuck out his lower lip providing you with one of the more pitiful faces you had ever seen. All you could do was laugh. "Ok, I take it back," you conceded. "Just wait by the entrance, and I'll be right there." As Justin headed toward the door, you quickly filled the limo driver in on the rest of the plan then made your way through the revolving doors to join Justin near the elevator. "I can't believe that as many times as I have been to New York that I have never been in the Empire State Building" Justin remarked. "I'm kinda surprised how old it is." "Well, it was built in the 40's and was state of art at the time. It still has one of the most breathtaking views you'll ever see. It's clear tonight, so the view will be worth the trip. As the elevator doors opened the crisp New York air hit you immediately. Before you was the gift shop which was in the center of the building. Outside was the observation deck that completely encircled the gift shop and allowed visitors a 360-degree view of the city and its neighboring boroughs. You spent several minutes pointing out all the landmarks to Justin and he listened intently to every word. You could see almost everything tonight, the Brooklyn Bridge, the World Trade Center with its twin towers and even the Statue of Liberty, which appeared to be Justin's favorite. He stood behind you with his arms wrapped around your waist and his head resting on your shoulder. The two of you stood in silence for several minutes, simply taking in the view of the magnificent Manhattan skyline. "Justin, if you'd like to reach in my pocket, there something in there for you," you said almost in a whisper. Justin immediately reached deep into your pants pocket and retrieved a small, baby blue velvet box with a neatly tied ribbon keeping it securely closed. "What's this?" he asked with confused grin on his face. "It's something that you can always keep with you, no matter where you are and what you're doing, and you'll remember how much you mean to me." He opened the box to find white gold ring with a small ridge, a flat surface and then another ridge. On the surface of the ring was Kanji writing. He looked up to you his eyes filling with tears. "It means You Are the Music of My Heart" you told him. He said nothing, but stared at the ring while running his trembling fingers over the writing. You gently took the box from him and removed the ring from the cushioned slot that was supporting it. "Here" you said holding the ring toward the light so he could see it. "There is an inscription." "It says My Destiny...the One and Only. Then GDM143 JRT" Justin could say nothing as words eluded him at the moment. "Can I put this on your finger?" you asked as you wiped a tear from his cheek. He nodded and offered you his left hand. "You really love me, don't you?" "Was there any doubt, Justin?" you questioned. "No, I mean you really love me," he said humbly. "The Justin that no one else sees. The one that's insecure. The one that's a grouch in the morning. The one that gets pissed off when things don't go his way. You love that one, don't you." You slipped the ring onto his ring finger. "Yes, I do. Now and always." You held him tightly in your arms as his emotions engulfed him. Until that moment you had not realized the intensity of your relationship. You had found your soulmate. You spent another few minutes enjoying the view for one last time before boarding the elevator and returning to the still bustling New York street. The limo was waiting just as you had planned and you stopped Justin as he was reaching for the door. "Before you open that door, I should tell you there is one more surprise," you warned him. He was overwhelmed. "Gary, this night has been incredible! I don't know if I can take another surprise." "Sure you can, just open the door." Justin opened the door cautiously and peered inside. Curled up on the black leather seat of the limo was a small puppy. As soon as it saw Justin it raced toward him, begging to be picked up. Attached to his collar was a small baby blue bow holding a handwritten note, which Justin immediately read. I BELIEVE IN YOU! "I believe in you too, Gary!" he proclaimed as he cradled the tiny puppy in his arms. "Does he look familiar?" you questioned. Justin's eyes lit up "Don't tell me this is the same little pug from the photo shoot." "Well, you're half right," you informed him. "It's the same puppy, but I found out when I picked him up that he's not a pug. He's a Shar Pei. It's a Chinese breed. Do you like him?" The puppy was busy licking Justin's face as he tried to answer. "I love him Gary! What's his name? And how did you get him here?" "He doesn't have a name yet, that's up to you. And I picked him up this morning while you were sleeping. Chris and Danni kept him in their hotel room and while we were taking the in view, the driver went back to the hotel and got him. Justin scooted closer to you cuddling the small puppy in his arms and gently scratching behind his ear. The puppy had settle down immediately and was enjoying the attention of his new owner. "This has honestly been the best night of my life. Thank you so much, Gary." You put your arm around him and held him close. "I'm glad you liked it, Justin. You deserved tonight and so much more." You were both silent for a moment, mesmerized by the innocence of the now sleeping puppy. "I guess you better start thinking about a name for him," you suggested. "I already thought of one" he informed you. "Atlas!" You had a look of confusion on your face. "Atlas? Where did that come from?" A wide grin covered his face. "Atlas supports the world and you support my world." He looked lovingly into your eyes. "It just seems to fit." The doorman at the hotel gave Justin a disapproving stare as he entered that hotel lobby with Atlas. Justin never noticed but hurried toward the elevator. "Come on, Gary" he said excitedly "I can't wait to show they guys!" "Justin, it's almost 1:00 am," you reminded him. "I don't know how thrilled the guys are gonna be if you wake them up." "They'll get over it. I'm not waiting until the morning." Then he said adding to his argument, "We have to get Atlas' stuff from Chris and Danni anyway and you know Joey and Lance are probably still awake, so that just leaves JC and he won't mind." As the elevator door opened on the 21st floor, Justin handed Atlas over to you. You had to admit, he was an adorable puppy, you just hoped he behaved half as well. "Hold him for just a second" Justin said grinning as he jogged down the length of the hotel corridor. When he reached the other end, he got down on his knees and called for Atlas. As soon as he heard Justin's voice, Atlas squirmed to escape your hold on him. You let him go, and he raced to the other end of the hall right into Justin's open arms. Justin made no attempt to be quiet as he played with Atlas in the hall and within seconds Lonnie opened the door to his room. "What the hell is going on out here?" he boomed not seeing Justin at the end of the hall. "Look, Lonnie! Gary got him for me," Justin said as he continued to play with Atlas. Lonnie shot you a glance that was easily understood. "Just what we need," he grumbled, "another damn dog." Justin understood Lonnie's concerns. "It's ok Lonnie, he's really smart. He won't be any trouble at all." Lonnie shook his head unconvinced. "That's what Chris told me about that oversized rat of his. Busta has been a pain in the ass since day one, and now this thing." Justin had a way with Lonnie. He might complain, but if Justin wanted it, Lonnie always managed to see that he got it. He knew it, and Justin knew it, but Lonnie never gave in without complaining. It was just part of the game. "So how big is he gonna get?" he asked as he gently scratched the puppy's head. "I'm not taking care of some 100 pound mutt while you guys are out on the town. And is he gonna grow into this skin? He looks like my 90 year old grandmother. He is just one ugly puppy." "No, he's not, Lonnie!" Justin argued. "He's cute as hell. He's supposed to have wrinkles, he's a Shar Pei." Your voices in the hall had obviously aroused the others, as within a few minutes the entire group was in the hall admiring the new addition. "Aaahh, he's really cute, Justin," Lance announced. "Now I want a puppy," "No more dogs! Two is already twice as many as we need, " Lonnie bellowed. "You guys have turned us into a traveling zoo." The guys paid no attention, knowing full well Lonnie loved Busta and would love Atlas as well. "So Justin, where did you get him?" JC inquired. "He was part of my surprise tonight. Gary got him for me." Proudly he held out his left hand allowing everyone to see the ring you had put on his finger only hours ago "He gave me this too!" "Damn, that's one fine ring!" Joey noted. "What does the kanji writing say?" A huge smile came over Justin's face and he stared at you while he answered. "It means You are the Music of my Heart. On the inside it says My Destiny, the One and Only." "Gary, that's beautiful" Danni said sincerely. As everyone was admiring the ring, Chris managed to whisper in your ear. "Thanks buddy, your making me look bad. It hard to compete with someone as romantic as you." "Sorry, Chris" you answered apologetically. "I can't help it. He means everything to me." "Well, Danni means everything to me," he said softly. He turned his back to shield the view from rest of the group. He opened a black velvet box. "That's why I got her this." The box held a beautiful emerald cut solitaire diamond ring. "I'm gonna ask Danni to marry me," he said proudly. "I just don't know when, but it's has to be soon. My nerves are getting the best of me." "There's no time like the present," you reminded him. Chris looked at the hallway scene and realized you were right. Before him was the women he loved and his best friends in the entire world. He knew when bought the ring that his friends would be present when he popped the question. They were family. He could have it no other way. "Hey guys, could you hold it down a minute," Chris asked politely. "I have something kinda important to say." The guys looked at Chris, fully prepared to hear one of his smart ass comments, then noticed the serious look on his face. Surprisingly, everyone was quiet. "I've done some thinking lately about the upcoming tour," he said in a serious tone. "I don't think its fair to you guys that I bring my girlfriend on tour with us." You could see the shock on everyone's face. Not only was Chris going to break Danni's heart, but the guys truly loved her and enjoyed her traveling with them. She was always there for them. She was their big sister and Chris was taking her away from them. Chris got down on one knee in front of Danni and opened the small velvet box. "So, instead of taking my girlfriend, I'm hoping I can take my wife. Danni, will you marry me?" It was obvious she was overcome with emotion. She said nothing, but reached for Chris and held him tightly, with tears of joy streaming down her cheeks. Chris too was caught up in the moment and for the first time since you had known him you could see tears forming in the corner of his soft brown eyes. "I love you baby," he whispered. "Does this mean your answer is yes?" She still did not speak but nodded her head in agreement. Chris pulled away slowly and removed the ring from its box. "Ok, then" he said as he took her trembling hand in his, "let's make it official." He slid the ring on her finger and a huge smile covered his face. "That's it! We're engaged!" The hall erupted in shouts of excitement and you were glad no one else occupied the floor. While it was Chris and Danni that were engaged, it was a moment to celebrate by the entire group. You had never seen Danni happier. She still had not said word but stared intently at the ring Chris had now placed on her finger. She looked up and your eyes met. "Can you believe it, Gary?" she whispered. "I'm getting married!" "Yeah, I believe it," you said as you took her in your arms. "You mean the world to Chris. You're perfect for each other and I know the two of you will be very happy." You leaned over and kissed her still damp cheek. "Congratulations, sweetheart." "Hey, no kissing my future wife." Chris joked. "That's what Justin's for." "You'll get no complaints from me," Justin added. "He can kiss me anytime he wants to. "I'd think twice about it, Gary" Joey quipped. "He's been kissing that puppy all night. I'm not sure I'd be kissing him at all." JC quickly added, "Is there gonna be room for all three of you in that bed? Cuz if it comes down to you or that puppy it looks like it's gonna be a tough pick." "Very funny you guys," Justin remarked. "Like there's really a choice." "And who said anything about Atlas sleeping on the bed?" you reminded them quickly. "He's got his own bed." Panic covered Justin's face. "Gary, we can't make him sleep on the floor tonight. It's his first night. You know he's gonna be lonely." "Justin, he's a dog, " you reminded him. He was using his charms now. If anyone could use their eyes to their advantage, it was Justin. "Please Gary, just for tonight?" "Oh shit," Chris exclaimed. "I see trouble in paradise over this one." Justin brought Atlas over and held him up so that you were staring directly him. "Now tell me how could you say no to this adorable face, Gary. You know he'd be happier on the bed." "It's not his face I have trouble saying no to. It's yours! He can sleep on the bed, but he stays at the foot. He's not sleeping with us or he goes on the floor. Do we have a deal?" A huge grin encompassed his face. "Deal" Danni wrapped her arms around Chris. "Guys, it's almost 2:00 am, how about we call it a night? I think we could all use some sleep." Joey burst out laughing "As if any of you lovebirds are gonna get any sleep. I think we all know better than that." You looked at Justin and his smile indicated he concurred with Joey. Sleep was not on his mind, but then it never was. You quickly gathered Atlas's things from Chris and Danni and headed down the hall and into your room. Once inside Justin filled Atlas's food and water bowls then sat on the edge of the bed watching you as you began to undress. "Do have any idea how bad I want you right now?" he asked softly. You smiled, "Hhhmm, I'm not sure. Why don't you so show me." Justin walked slowly towards you without saying a word. He stopped in front of you and ran his hands across your chest. You had unbuttoned your shirt, but had yet to remove it and while staring directly into your eyes, Justin slid it off your shoulders and it floated to the floor. His hands continued to caress your chest as he brought his lips slowly to yours. You could feel the heat of his body before your skin touched, and the electricity between the two escalated. As your lips finally met you could hear his soft moans. His tongue reached deep into you mouth and you could feel your body's reaction to his touch. You backed him slowly to the bed and laid him on his back, your lips never leaving his. Slowly you unbuttoned his shirt and moved you mouth from his soft lips and began to tease his hardened nipples. His hands were occupied with unzipping your pants and when they had accomplished that task, they began to slowly and gently stroke your already rock hard dick. You loved the magic of his caress, but tonight was his night. You gently removed his hand "Justin, not tonight," you whispered. "I just want you to lay back and relax. I want to make you feel good." He smiled, "You always do, Gary" You stood and slowly removed your pants and then helped Justin remove his. You lay next to him and while you mouth worked on fondling his nipples your hand stroked him gently. He moaned softly as his hands tightly grasped the sheets. You had been with him long enough to know exactly what excited him the most and tonight you had planned on doing exactly that. Your tongue slowly moved from his nipples and you kissed your way down to his well- defined stomach and abs. He worked exceedingly hard to keep his body in shape and the results were evident. Your tongue could feel each ripple of his six pack. You knew what Justin really wanted and you had teased him long enough. Your mouth moved lower until your tongue was tickling the base of his cock and he called your name as he closed his eyes tightly and savored the moment. As you took him fully into your mouth, he arched his back, breathed deeply and ran his fingers through your damp hair. Within moments his body exploded and his hot fluid filled your mouth. His body convulsed and his hand grabbed your arm tightly. Moments later, his body went limp and he gasped for breath. "Oh, my God, Gary!" he managed to say. "That was incredible. I don't think I can move." You caressed his cheek gently. "You don't have to Justin. That's the whole point." You got up and grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and wet a washcloth before returning to Justin's side. He was right. He hadn't moved. You wiped the sweat from his face and he lazily opened his sleepy eyes. "Thank you, Gary" he whispered. "For everything." You finished wiping off the rest of his body and pulled the sheet up over the two of you. As you leaned over to turn off the light you noticed two huge brown eyes staring up at you from the floor. A smile came over your face as you lifted Atlas up and placed him at the foot of your bed. Another set of eyes to deal with! As if Justin's were not enough, now these. TBC I'd love to hear some feedback. Please contact me as dannibailey@hotmail.com