Chapter 12

Pembroke, Wales

Josh's eyes were glued to Lucas' tired-looking face, the young man staring at the door in front of him.

He and his sister stood together, their friends standing behind them.

Trish had slept for most of the flight, Lucas having slept little, Josh at his side.

They'd arrived at the hospital in the early evening, having landed in Cardiff and then having driven to the small town of Pembroke, Finn driving the van.

A doctor had met them privately before they'd gone up to their father's room.

He'd explained their father's condition, Lucas' arms around his sister, Trish fighting her emotions.

Everyone had watched the two, concern etched on all their faces.

Justin had talked quietly after with the doctor, Josh telling Lucas that he and Justin were taking care of the medical expenses.

Lucas and Trish had looked at Justin, then Josh, both men softly smiling at them.

Here now they stood at their father's room door, everyone standing quietly behind them.

"He's in there, Luke. Our father's pained, hurt body is in there." Trish said, her voice filled with emotion.
Lucas kissed her cheek, Trish looking into his violet eyes.

She saw so much strength, love and calmness there.

"He's going to be okay, Patricia. We'll be here for him in all ways." he said, Trish nodding.

"We have to show him our love and strength, Trish. We have to be strong for him."

Trish nodded again, her hand going against the door, Lucas' eyes meeting Josh's.

"We'll be right outside, Lucas." he said, Lucas staring at him, the man smiling at him.

"I. . .I need you with me, Joshua.  We need all of you."
Josh's hand went to Lucas' shoulder, nodding, everyone else softly smiling at the two.

"We're all here for both of you, Lucky." Finn said, Lucas smiling at his friend.

Trish moved her hand forward, pushing against the door, walking with her brother into the room, their friends quietly following.

They all walked in, Trish's and Lucas' eyes drawn to the bed in the middle of the room.

It was surrounded by machines, monitors showing lights and soft beeping sounds echoing in the silence.

Trish sobbed, Lucas' arm tightening around her, guiding her slowly towards the bed.

Laying in the bed was a tall man of rugged masculine beauty, the man asleep.

Trish gently sat down on the bed's edge, staring at her father before her.

His arms lay outside the blankets, both wrapped with white bandages, their whole length covered, his fingers wrapped as well.

His face showed its handsomeness, blackness showing on his forehead and beside his right eye.

The skin looked bruised.

Lucas stood beside his sister, his violet eyes staring down at his sleeping father.

"Dad? It's Luke and Trish." he said, his voice soft in the silent room, everyone else standing back from the bed, Josh's eyes on the man asleep in the bed.

The man was handsome, Josh comparing him to Lucas.

He didn't see that great a resemblance, Josh sensing Lucas may have his mother's looks.

He saw the same bone structure on Trish's face, she her father's child.

Josh saw the man's head move, the man's eyes slowly opening, focusing on Trish's staring face.

"Tri. . .Trisha? You. . .you came?"

Trish had tears running down her cheeks, the young woman moving forward slowly, kissing her father's cheek, then looking into his blue eyes.

"Yes, Dad. I'm here, as is Luke. We're here for you, Dad." she said, Lucas rubbing her back, the young man leaning forward into his father's vision line.

"Hello, Dad. You're going to be okay."

Henderson Carver's blue eyes met his son's violet, staring at him, a soft look of pain showing across his face.

"I'm. . .I'm sorry, Lucas. I. . .I've lost her!" the man said, wetness showing in his eyes, pain as well.

"We haven't lost her, Dad. She's here with us, in our hearts. And she's close, I feel her." Lucas said, the young man leaning forward and kissing his father's bruised forehead.

"I've lost her. . .I. . .I couldn't find her!"

Trish was now crying, Lucas gently guiding her upwards into Skyler's waiting arms, the woman holding her crying friend against her chest, Finn's arms going around both of them, his eyes showing emotion as well.

Lucas sat down on the bed's edge, looking into his father's pain-filled face.

"You're going to be okay, Dad. You just need to rest, and heal." he said, Henderson staring at his son.

"I. . .I couldn't find her, Luke. She. . .she called me. . .worried. . .so alone! I came home as fast as I could. . .the house on fire. . .I heard her calling me inside. . .I. . .I couldn't find her!"
"She was inside, Dad?" Lucas softly said, his father's eyes meeting his.

"I. . .I heard her voice."

Lucas nodded, his fingers rubbing his father's cheek.

"She's alright, Dad. I truly believe that. She's safe, I'm sure of it." he said, his father's eyes tearing up.

"I'm sorry, Lucas. I. . .I let this go on too long. . .everyone's now at risk. I'm sorry. . .for not. . ."

Lucas rubbed his father's cheek, the man calming, staring into his son's violet eyes.

"Rest, Dad. You're going to get well, and we'll find her. She's safe, I sense that."

"You. . .you have to leave, Luke. There's. . .there's. . .danger. This wasn't. . ." the man said, Lucas continuing to rub his cheek, the man fighting to keep his eyes open.

"Sleep, Dad. I'm here, as is Patricia. Our love's here." he said softly, the man suddenly closing his eyes, Lucas moving back a bit.

His head turned, everyone staring at him.

"He'll sleep, that's what's best for him. That and our love." he said, rising up from the bed, looking at Trish, his sister staring at him, a look of shock on her face, the same look showing on everyone else's.

"Luke. . .the. . .the stone?!" she said, Luke's face showing confusion, his eyes drawn to what everyone was staring at.

The red stone around his neck was softly glowing, Lucas looking surprised.

His head raised, his eyes meeting Josh's, Josh's eyes widening a bit.

"Luke, your. . .your eyes are different." Josh said, staring at Lucas' violet eyes, the man's eyes now showing a soft redness to their violet hue.
Lucas looked surprised by Josh's words, his hand going to the stone, covering it.

His eyes darkened back to their original violet, all those surrounding him staring at him.

"What. . .what are you talking about?"

Josh was at his side, his arm going around him.

"It's alright, Luke. You just. . .your eyes. . .it must have been the lighting in here. But the stone was glowing." he said, his blue eyes going to the stone, Lucas releasing it, its redness the same as always.

Everyone looked surprised, their eyes meeting Lucas', the young man blushing, lowering his eyes, Josh tightening his hold on him, his blue eyes meeting everyone's.

"You're tired, Lucas. We should go to the hotel."
Lucas nodded, looking back at his sleeping father.

"Dad will sleep through the night. We need sleep, Trish." he said, Trish nodding at her brother.

"What was he talking about, Lucky? Danger?"

"We'll talk to him when he's more lucid, Trish. Right now he needs rest, as do we." Lance said, his arm going around the young woman, she softly smiling at him.

"I'm just glad he's sleeping, he looked in so much pain when he opened his eyes. But he looked different when he closed his eyes. He looked more peaceful." she said, her blue eyes meeting her brother's violet.

"Our love surrounds him. It will heal his pain." he said, Josh smiling at him.

"Let's go, Lucas. He'll sleep, as you shall."

Lucas smiled, a nurse walking into the room, the woman smiling at all of them.

"Mr. Carver needs his rest. You may stay, but only two at a time, I'm sorry." she said, Lucas looking at her.

"We're just leaving. Dad's asleep again." he said, the woman smiling at him.

"The best thing for him, young man. And I sense for you all as well. I heard you'd all flown in from America." she said, everyone smiling at her compassionate manner.

She looked around thirty-five, her blond hair done up in a bun, her attire white and crisp.

"Yes, a long flight." Justin said, the nurse smiling at him.

"This place seldom gets so many famous visitors, Mr. Timberlake. Welcome to all of you." she smiled, Justin smiling back at her, looking at her name tag.

"Thank you, Nurse Arlington."

She smiled, looking at everyone.

"It's just Edwina."

Everyone smiled at her, the woman smiling back, looking into Lucas' violet eyes.

"We're staying at the Balderson. You will contact us if anything happens?" Lucas said, the woman nodding.

"Yes, son. But nothing should. He'll sleep all night."
Lucas nodded, the young man putting his arm around Trish, guiding her out of the room, everyone following, saying goodbye to the nurse.

The nurse smiled after them, quietly closing the door.

She turned back to the bed, staring at the sleeping man.

She softly smiled, a brightness suddenly filling the room.

Henderson Carver slept in a monitored silence, the room now empty of anyone else.

Lucas pulled off his sweater, his smooth chest revealed, the young man stretching his tired limbs, sitting down on the queen size bed.

He was alone in his hotel bedroom, staring at the clock on the nightstand, reading nine-thirty.

They'd all gone to the hotel, gathering together once they were settled in their rooms downstairs for dinner, Josh forcing Lucas to eat, Skyler coaxing Trish to do the same.

Lucas and Trish were sharing a two-bedroom suite, Trish already sound asleep in her room.

Finn and Skyler had left after dinner, going to their own family homes to let everyone know what was going on.

They'd called their parents upon landing in Cardiff, their mothers sending their love to their friends.

Their three families had long been tight-knit, the four friends surrounded by their giving love.

Josh, Justin and Lance were in the room across the hall.

Lucas yawned, laying back on the bed, his body stretching out.

He stared up at the ceiling, lost in his thought.

I felt Dad's soul, I felt his pain.

What was that other feeling I felt soaring through me?

I felt it come from the stone.

Why did the stone glow?

Lucas' hand went to the stone laying on his chest, touching it.

Lucas felt a calmness cover his soul, the man's eyes closing.

A soft knock came to his bedroom's door, Lucas opening his eyes, the young man sitting up.

"Come in."

The door opened, Josh's head coming into view.

"Just wanted to make sure you were comfortable, Lucas. Why aren't you under the covers?" he smiled, the man staring at the half-nude man seated on the bed.

Josh's eyes took in the young man's smooth chest, its sinewy detail etched with muscular beauty.

Lucas crossed his arms across his chest, softly blushing.

"I was just laying here thinking about my father."
Josh nodded, walking into the room, walking over to Lucas and sitting down beside him.

"He'll be alright, Lucas. He'll overcome the pain and hurt." Josh said, Lucas softly smiling at him.

"I. . .I didn't want you to see me like this, Joshua. I'm nothing compared to your stunning beauty." Lucas said, looking down at his naked chest.

"You look pretty amazing to me, Lucas. Your body's as amazing as I pictured it would be. And Justin can look, but I can't?"

Lucas looked at Josh, the man smiling at him.

"Justin told me about your first meeting with him. Talk about offering the goods early."
Lucas blushed, Josh laughing, the young man then smiling.

"I was so surprised by his appearance." Lucas said, Josh nodding.

"I don't think he minded." Josh said, Lucas looking into his blue eyes.

"That was an accident, Josh. For you. . .for you I want my body to mean more than need."

Josh smiled, Lucas smiling back, his arms going down, Josh's eyes scanning over his smooth muscular torso.

"I do want you to want me, Josh. I do hope I can measure up to what you want in a man's physical beauty?"

Josh smiled, leaning in, their lips meeting, a kiss shared.

He smiled as he backed up, Lucas staring into his blue eyes.

"You more than measure up, Lucas. You surpass."

Lucas smiled, the young man lowering his head, Josh's arm gently going around him, Lucas leaning into his body.

"Right now physical love isn't necessary, Luke. Your emotional love is all I need. And I'm here for you as you need me."

Lucas teared up, his head going against Josh's chest, Josh wrapping his arms around him.

"I'm so tired. It took a lot out of me, I think."

"What took a lot out of you, Luke?"

The young man remained silent, Josh feeling a tired calmness surrounding the man's soul.

"You need to crawl into this bed, Lucas. Sleep is what you need most."
Lucas nodded, his head laying against Josh's heart, his fingers going to the silver medallion hanging around Josh's neck from a leather strap, Lucas playing with it.

"His name's Joshua."

Josh looked confused; Lucas' eyes raising, staring into his blueness.

"The man at the falls is named Joshua. I met him again last night when I feel asleep at the condo in your arms."
"He's named the same as me?"
"I think he may be a manifestation of your love. I may have created him to surround me, like your love."
Josh smiled, nodding.

"Perhaps, Lucas. The mind does some spectacular and strange things."
Lucas nodded, snuggling against Josh's body again, Josh smiling at his closeness.

"Josh. . .will you. . ."

Josh remained silent, sensing Lucas was building up his courage.

"I feel scared, Josh. Will you. . .will you stay here tonight with me?"

Josh's arms tightened around the young man, Lucas feeling his warm embrace.

"Of course, Lucas. My friendship is here for you."
Lucas smiled, Josh breaking their tight embrace.

"Now get those pants off, I'll just run over to my room and let Lance and Justin know I'm staying here."

Lucas nodded, the young man standing up, Josh standing up as well.

Lucas smiled, his hands going to his waist, Josh averting his eyes, Lucas smiling at him.

"I love your chivalry, Joshua. But you can look."

Josh's blue pools turned back, staring into Lucas' violet waters.

Lucas smiled, pulling off his pants, Josh's eyes scanning over his revealing form.

The young man was stunning.

A well-formed muscular torso, ridged abs, hairy well-muscled legs, the man wearing only a pair of black boxer-briefs.

Josh smiled, pulling back the blankets, Lucas throwing his sweater and pants--as well as his socks--on the chair by the window, then climbing into the bed, Josh's eyes briefly flashing over his well-formed butt and the large package showing in his tight black briefs.

The young man moved onto his back, Josh's eyes scanning his smooth form as he pulled up the blankets, smiling at Lucas.

"Be right back, my Lucas."
Lucas smiled, moving onto his side, resting his head in his hand, smiling at Josh.

"Hurry back, my Joshua."
Josh smiled, walking out of the room.

Lucas sighed, leaning back into the pillows, awaiting Josh's return.

I felt it, Joshua from the falls.

I felt what you spoke of.

The magic within myself, the stone's energy the conduit.

His love I need, as do I hers.

I'm going to find her, I just have to concentrate on her love.

And the love coming back to hold me will echo through my soul.

The young man sighed, the door of the bedroom opening again, Josh smiling at him as he walked back into the room.

"Justin and Lance were sound asleep, Justin snoring loudly. I left him a note on the nightstand." Josh said, Lucas smiling at him.

Josh smiled back, walking up to the bed.

His fingers went to his buttoned shirt, Lucas' violet eyes turning away from him, Josh's smile increasing.

"Our souls mirror in their chivalry. You can look as well, Luke."
Lucas smiled at Josh's soft voice calling him that name, his eyes turning back to Josh's appearing beauty.

Josh smiled, removing his shirt, Lucas taking in the smooth vision of his naked torso.

Josh's chest was blemish-free, tight and muscular, two small nipples risen in the coolness of the room's temperature.

His abs were tight and flawless, Lucas' eyes scanning every inch of the man's beauty.

Josh smiled, turning and removing his pants, pulling them off over his hairy muscular legs, Lucas' eyes drawn to the perfect ass before him, the fabric of Josh's tight navy blue boxer briefs showing off its bubbly cheeks.

Lucas sighed, Josh smiling as he looked back towards him.

"Like the Hills of Chasez?"

Lucas laughed a light laugh, their eyes meeting.

"You're such a flirt, Josh."

Josh smiled, standing erect, Lucas' eyes scanning every inch of the man's beautiful smooth body.

His eyes took in the fullness of the brief-covered center of the man, Lucas' eyes then meeting his.

Josh smiled again, placing his clothing on top of Lucas' on the chair, walking back to the bed, Lucas moving a bit as Josh climbed under the covers, the man laying down beside Lucas.

"Enough room, Joshua?"

"Lots, Lucas. Thanks."

Lucas smiled, the two men laying beside each other, Josh moving and reaching for the lamp on the nightstand, the room suddenly swallowed in darkness.

The two lay in silence, their eyes adjusting to the gloomy darkness.

Josh remained silent, his thoughts on the man beside him, a soft smile coming to his face.

"Goodnight, Lucas. Sleep well."

The silence was palpable, Josh sensing Lucas may have fallen asleep, the dark silence then broken by his soft emotional voice.

"Hold me, Joshua. Please." he softly sobbed, Josh moving his arms, the body beside him moving against him, Josh's arms encircling a darkened vision of warm beauty.

Lucas head went to Josh's bare chest, his heat warming Lucas' soul.

Josh's arms tightened around him, Lucas feeling the surrounding love in the darkness.

"I've. . .I've done what I have to do. And tomorrow I'll find her! I love them so much!" Lucas said, crying in the darkness, Josh moving the man closer to him, his lips moving in the darkness, meeting with Lucas' warm forehead.

"Close your eyes, my Lucas. I'm here, my love's here."

Lucas closed his eyes, the warmth of the man who held him washing his mind away into an overcoming slumber.

Josh held Lucas, feeling the young man falling asleep in his arms.

He smiled, feeling the warmth of the man in his arms.

I'm here, Lucas.

And I do really love you.

Josh smiled, his eyes closing, two men falling asleep wrapped in love.

Josh's eyes opened, his head moving, two pools of violet beauty staring into his.

"Morning, Joshua." Lucas softly said, Josh smiling at him.

"Good morning, Lucas. Did you sleep well?" he said, his eyes moving to the naked torso showing beside him, Lucas on his side, propped up against the pillows.

"Yes, very well, thanks. I slept right through. It's now just after seven." he said, his eyes scanning Josh's naked torso.

Lucas had been awake for over half an hour, the young man quietly laying in silence, looking at the man sleeping beside him.

Josh smiled, gently rising up against the pillows, Lucas moving back a bit, the two men smiling at each other.

"That's great, Lucas. You should feel more refreshed." he smiled, taking in the beauty of the young man laying beside him.

He saw no blushing in Lucas' face, realizing the young man was now totally comfortable with his showing nakedness around him.

"I think it was you, Joshua. Your surrounding love made me sleep unencumbered."

Josh smiled, Lucas moving towards him, their lips meeting, Josh feeling the thanks in that touching kiss.

Josh sighed, opening his eyes when Lucas moved back, the man remaining against him.

"I could get used to waking up to a kiss like that." he said, Lucas staring at him, their eyes locked.

Lucas' arms moved, the man pulling Josh forward on top of him, Josh surprised by the young man's move.

Josh felt the muscular frame underneath him, his body now laying on top of Lucas, the man's face only inches from Josh's.

Josh felt the muscled hardness of the beautiful man laying below him, their bodies meshed together.

Josh also felt the hardness laying in Lucas' center, it meshing against Josh's own morning need.

Josh's body trembled with electrifying shock, the man lost in the intimacy of their bonded closeness.

"Do you want me, Josh?" Lucas softly said, Josh's eyes meeting Lucas', seeing the uncertainty there in those violet pools, and the underlying fear.

"Yes, Lucas. I want you. I've never wanted anyone more than I want you." he said, his own words surprising him.

Josh felt Lucas' body trembling under him, the man's eyes showing a glistening confusion.

"I. . .I will give in to you, Josh. I'm here for you to use. But. . .but please don't. . ." Lucas emotionally said, Josh's blue eyes meeting his violet.

Josh moved, Lucas trembling.

Josh moved but not forward, the man moved away from Lucas, sitting up in the bed.

"No, Lucas. This isn't right. I want you, never doubt that in your mind. You are. . .you're so breathtakingly beautiful. But I want it to mean more than just need, than just sex. You're emotionally exhausted, and your mind's filled with worry and pain. I can't make love to you at a time like this. I want you to want me, Lucas. I want you to love me, it has to be with love. I'm sorry."

Lucas teared up, the young man sitting up, Josh's eyes meeting his.

He saw a new look in Lucas' eyes.

"You. . .you don't know how much what you just said means to me, Joshua. That you. . .that you don't want to. . .you want it to mean more."

Josh softly smiled, their eyes meeting.

Lucas leaned forward, their lips meeting in a kiss, a tenderness and no desire in its need.

Lucas moved back, their eyes meeting again.

"Thank you, Josh. Thank you for wanting more."

Josh smiled, his eyes scanning Lucas' beautiful body.

"I. . .I don't think I could take much more. You're damn fine!"
Lucas laughed, smiling a soft smile at Josh, his eyes scanning his revealed beauty.

"Speaking of damn fine! Woof!"

Josh laughed, their eyes meeting.

The two smiled at each other, Josh seeing a new look in Lucas' eyes.

A calmness and a determined beauty.

"Josh. . .I. . ."
Josh stared at him, Lucas' violet pools meeting his again.

"I love you, Joshua."

Josh smiled, his inner soul shocked by the beauty of the words Lucas had just spoken.

Josh felt his pained soul suddenly focus, as if life was breathing into it for the first time.

Lucas stared at him, seeing a beautiful look cross Josh's face.

"Lucas. . .I. . ."

Lucas lowered his eyes, moving to climb out of the bed, Josh's hand going around his arm, stopping him.

Lucas turned, looking into Josh's two blue pools of deep love.

"Oh God, Lucas! I love you so much!"
Lucas' face changed into just as beautiful a look, Josh moving forward, their lips meeting in a more ardent kiss, this one filled with love, hope and beauty.

The two broke the kiss finally, their eyes opening into a new vision of love.

"Wow!" Josh said, Lucas repeating the same word.

Lucas saw Josh's face change, wetness showing in his blue eyes.

"Oh, Lucas. Please love me. . .please love me and please don't. . ."

Lucas pulled him into his arms, holding him tightly.

"I promise, Josh. I will love you, and I won't hurt you."
"I. . .I promise the same, Lucas. I love you and I'll never hurt you."
The two men smiled, hugging each other, their near nakedness forgotten, their love their only happiness.

After a few moments, Josh pulled back.

"I need to feed my man, and you need to go see your father. He needs your love, too."
Lucas nodded, staring towards the window.

"He's going to be okay, Josh. I've seen to that."

Josh stared at Lucas, the young man smiling at him.

"You hit the shower first, Josh. You can use my bathroom. I'll wake everyone." he said, climbing out of bed, Josh following his nakedness, Lucas picking up his clothes and smiling at him.

"Meet you in the living room, my Josh."

Josh smiled, Lucas walking out of the bedroom, heading for the other bathroom.

Everyone got off the elevator, Justin walking up to the nurses station, seeing a nurse staring at him with mild shock on her face.

"Mr. Timberlake. And Mr. Carver's children. You're. . .you're early." she said, Lucas smiling at her.

"Yes, we wanted to check on Dad." Trish said, Skyler's arm around her, the others smiling at the nurse.

Finn and Skyler had returned to the hotel, meeting everyone for breakfast.

Finn had informed Lucas that his parents expected him and Trish for supper that evening, their love showing.

"The doctor's. . .he's. . .he'll be here momentarily." The nurse said, looking flustered, everyone looking at each other.

"What's. . .what's going on?" Trish said, Josh looking at Lucas.

"Just a moment please." she said, Lucas looking at her.

She wasn't the same nurse as last night, Lucas sensing a shift change.

His eyes moved from her, seeing another white-clad form walking towards them.

He smiled, seeing his father's doctor.

"Good morning, everyone. You're. . .you're early risers." he softly smiled, Justin smiling at him.

"We had a good breakfast and now my friends are here to see their father. Is everything okay, doctor?" Justin said, his eyes moving to Lucas.

"Well. . .it's. . .it's unheard of. I can't explain it." the doctor said, everyone looking at him with confusion.

Trish stared at him, Lucas seeing that she was getting emotional.

"My father? Is he alright? What's going on?"

The doctor looked at her, then at Lucas, everyone seeing the concern and confusion on the man's face.

"I've. . .I've never seen anything like this happen. I don't know how it happened. . ." He said, his face showing shock now.

Trish moved, rushing down the hallway, Lucas staring at the doctor, then moving with his friends, all of them following Trish.

Trish pushed open her father's room door, rushing into it, Skyler and Finn right behind her, everyone stopping in shock.

The bed in the room's center was empty.

They all walked into the room, surrounding it.

"Dad? Oh God. . .he's. . .he's gone! He's gone like Mom!" Trish sobbed, Lucas now at her side, his arm around her.

Everyone looked concerned, their eyes focused on the two siblings.

Another sound drew all their eyes to another door, remembering it was the door to a bathroom.

All their eyes widened with shock, staring at the opening door.

There, standing in the bathroom doorway was Henderson Carver, the man standing erect, a wide smile on his face.

The bandages were removed from his arms, a soft redness showing on both arms and his legs, the man wearing only a hospital gown.

"Morning, everyone. Did you bring me some food, Lucky?" he smiled, Trish screaming, the young woman rushing into her father's opening arms.

Everyone stood in total shock, Trish sobbing in her father's embracing arms, the man smiling at his son.

"Dad. . .oh  Dad! You're okay!" Trish sobbed, Henderson rubbing her back gently, his face showing a soft pain, Skyler moving now.

She gently pulled Trish back from her father, the woman smiling at him.

"I think your Dad needs air, Trish. It's. . .it's so awesome to see you, Poppa Carver." she said, Henderson smiling at the young woman.

"Nice to see your smiling face, Sky. Where's that obedient dog of yours?"

Finn laughed, the shock gone from his face now, Henderson smiling towards him, Trish still staring up at her father.

"I'm alright, Trish. God's given me life again." he said, his hand going to her tear-filled face.

"Dad. . .it's a. . .it's a miracle!" she said, Henderson smiling at her, the man staggering a little bit, Lucas at his father's side, his arm going around him.

"I'm okay, son. Just a little tired, and sore, but the burns have started healing. The doctor seemed totally shocked at their progress. I guess I'm a fast healer." he smiled, Lucas guiding him back to his bed, helping him climb back in, everyone scanning his red arms and his red legs.

"You. . .you had severe burns, sir." Lance said, Henderson looking at the man, his eyes scanning the other two strangers in the room, focusing on Justin.

"Justin Timberlake? My God, that's Justin Timberlake, son! And Lance Bass and J.C. Chasez! Didn't you use to worship them?" Henderson said, staring at the men, Lucas softly smiling.

"Yes, Dad. Justin's our friend, as are Lance and Joshua." Lucas said, the young man introducing all three to his father, Henderson smiling at all three as they softly shook his hand.

Lucas smiled at Josh when he introduced him, Henderson shaking his hand, his eyes going to Lucas.

"My son's gone Hollywood."
Lucas laughed, smiling at his friends.

Henderson's blue eyes met his son's, Lucas averting his gaze.

"It's nice to see you looking better, Dad." he said, covering his father's chest with the blankets, Henderson's hand going into his.

Their eyes met, Henderson staring into his son's violet eyes.

"It was you, wasn't it son?"

Lucas lowered his head, everyone staring at him.

"Your love, I. . .I felt it so strongly last night when your fingers touched my cheek. I felt the pain lessening. You. . .you healed me?"

Lucas rose up from his seat on the edge of his father's bed, his hand going to the stone around his neck, everyone following it.

"The doctor says that eighty percent of the burned skin has healed. I'm going to be okay. It was you, wasn't it, Lucky?" his father said, Lucas' eyes scanning everyone's, lastly stopping on Josh's blue pools.

He saw the same look of surprised shock on all their faces.

He lowered his eyes again, his soft voice filling the room.

"You were in pain, Dad. I felt it when I touched your cheek. I knew my love for you could easily destroy that pain. I guess. . .I guess I sent that love on a mission of mercy. For I felt it leave my soul." he said, not looking at anyone.

His father's hand went out, enclosing on his, Lucas raising his eyes, then looking down at him.

"I have always felt your love, my son. Last night it felt a thousand times more beautiful."

Lucas smiled, sitting back down on the bed's edge, his father moving and hugging him, Lucas patting his back.

"I love you, Dad. I'll always give you that love."
Everyone in the room remained silent, Trish's hand going to her brother's shoulder, Lucas looking up at her.

"I love you, Lucky. Thank you for this."
Lucas smiled, standing up, hugging his sister, Josh looking at both of them.

His eyes met Lucas', the young man's head lowering for a moment.

"Excuse me, everyone." he said, quietly walking out of the room, Josh's eyes meeting Trish's.

"Excuse me, everyone. I need to see that he's okay." Josh said, walking out of the room as well.

Henderson's eyes followed the man, a soft smile showing on his face.

Josh's eyes scanned the hall, seeing Lucas sitting down on a bench at the end of it.

Josh walked down the hall, stopping in front of him, then sitting down beside him.

The two sat beside each other, Lucas looking down at the floor.

"Want to talk about it, Lucas?"
"What's to talk about, Joshua? I. . .I healed my father. I don't know how I did it, I just know I did it. And that, perhaps, makes me a freak." Lucas said, Josh looking at him.

Josh looked around, then smiled, leaning in and kissing Lucas' cheek.

"My special little freak. How I love you."

Lucas raised his head, Josh staring into his teary violet eyes.

Josh sighed, putting his arm around him.

"I'm sorry, Lucas. I didn't mean to make fun of the turmoil going on in your soul."
"How did this happen, Josh? I felt it last night. His pain and the love I knew could heal him. I did it easily. I knew I had to do it."
"Of course you had to do it, Luke. He's your father, and you love him. That makes me very happy." Josh said, smiling at him.

"Happy, Josh?"

Josh smiled, nodding, looking into Lucas' confused, beautiful violet eyes.

"I'm just thinking of the years ahead. If you do something like that for your father, I may become the healthiest man on earth. For I'll have all your giving, healing love."
Lucas smiled, touched by Josh's honest words.

"You wish! What makes you think I'd want to touch your horny body?"

Josh laughed, the two smiling at each other.

"Thanks, Josh. Thanks for not hating me. For not thinking this all so strange?"

"It is strange, there's no getting around that, Luke. But I'm beginning to believe that I've fallen in love with a very special man. I'm going to come to love all your strangeness."
Lucas smiled, Josh lightly kissing him on the lips.

"Nothing will change my love for you, Lucas. This only enhances my love for you."

Lucas smiled, the young man standing up, Josh joining him.

"I guess I should go back and tell everyone what happened. I think they need to see the real me, too."
"We all see the real you, Lucas. And we all love you."
Lucas smiled, the two walking back to his father's room.

Lucas smiled at everyone, everyone smiling back at him.

He sat on the chair beside his father's bed, the young man having told all of them what had happened to him last night.

The gift that he'd given his father, and the dream he'd had the night before, of meeting the man called Joshua again.

All eyes had gone to Josh's quiet face, the man having sat quietly beside Lucas.

"Vitas Tactus and Ortus Animus. That's Latin, Luke." Henderson said, everyone looking at him.

"My Latin's a bit rusty, but I think they mean Life's Touch and the Rising Soul." he said, Lucas looking surprised by their meaning.

Henderson smiled at his son, patting his hand which lay on his bed beside him.

"You showed the Life's Touch last night, my son. The life of your love entered me and healed my pain. I think you've been blessed with a wonderful gift, perhaps from God."

Lucas nodded, raising his hands and staring at them.

"But this is. . .that's impossible." he said, Josh looking at him.

"No it's not, son. There are stranger things in this world, son. Things that can't be explained. I've seen my fair share in my life, perhaps your mother's seen more. She's a special lady in her own right." he said, smiling at his son.

Lucas nodded, smiling at his father, seeing only his love showing.

"You're gifted, Luke. I've always known you're special." Trish said, Lucas smiling at his sister.

Lucas' eyes went to Josh, the man smiling at him, Lucas smiling back at him.

Henderson took in this exchange, the man smiling at his son, their eyes meeting.

"So, my son's in love again?"

Lucas looked shocked, Finn grinning at him, he and Skyler sitting on a couch by the window.

"Oh yeah, Poppa Carver. He's got it bad!" Finn said.

Everyone laughed, Lucas blushing, glancing at Josh, Josh smiling at him.

Josh stood up, looking at Lucas' father.

"I've fallen in love with your son, Mr. Carver. He and I are planning on making that love work."
Henderson nodded, seeing the determination in the man's blue eyes.

"I see, Mr. Chasez. And what does my son think of you?"

Lucas smiled, patting his father's hand, their eyes meeting.

"I think he's the most giving, loving man I've ever met. He's not Jake, Dad. His love will never hurt me."
Henderson nodded, smiling at his son, seeing the love in his violet eyes.

"I'll always be your father, Luke. And I see that perhaps Mr. Chasez has a special gift also. For I see he's perhaps healed your soul."
Lucas smiled widely, his eyes meeting Josh's, the man smiling at Lucas, then at his father.

"I'll always try to make him happy. And it's just Josh, sir."
Henderson nodded, smiling at the man.

"And I'm Henderson, Josh. You and I are going to have a long talk, once I get out of this place." he smiled, Josh nodding, returning to his seat beside Lucas, Lucas' hand going in his.

Lucas smiled at him, his eyes turning back to his father, his face showing a serious look.

"What happened, Dad? What happened to our home, and Mom?"

Henderson sighed, leaning back into his pillows, lowering his eyes.

"Something was wrong with your mother the last couple of days, son. She said she felt an impending doom. She told me that perhaps we'd run out of time. I've always listened to her, perhaps I should have listened more. I let her walk into that doom."
Lucas's hand went to his father's arm, the man's head raising, their eyes meeting.

"Doom, Dad? What do you mean?"

Henderson sighed, staring into his son's violet eyes.

"Our house didn't burn down accidentally, Luke. Someone burned it down deliberately, as a trap for her, and I was stupid enough to be the one to walk into it."

Lucas looked shocked, as did everyone else in the room.

Henderson looked around the room, meeting his daughter's confused gaze.

"Your mother must have clued in to it or perhaps someone else stopped her. She disappeared out of necessity. She's hiding from them. And I think I know who she's with."

"You know where she is, Dad?" Trish said, Lucas staring at his father.

"Not exactly where, Trish. I just sense she's safe, and in hiding."
"We're here now, Dad. We'll keep her safe." Trish said, Henderson seeing the worry on his daughter's face.

"She's hiding. . .she's hiding to keep you safe. If she were here she'd draw all of us into danger. In her mind, it's safer for her to stay away. Her love for all of us is sacrificing her own happiness."

Lucas moved, pulling his father gently against him, Henderson's arms going around his son.

"I feel her love, Dad. And I feel her soul."
Henderson nodded, looking into his son's violet eyes.

"I knew you would, son."
Lucas slowly released his hold on his father, Henderson's blue eyes staring at him.

"We've known since you were a child that there's a specialness surrounding you, Lucas. That you were more than just a loving child, now a loving man."
Lucas stared at his father.

"You've known?"

The man nodded, looking towards his sister.

"Yes, Lucas. Your mother knew from the moment she looked into your violet eyes that you would one day be the most loving child, the most giving soul. And that you'd have the magic of your family's heritage."

"My heritage?" Lucas said, staring at his father.

Henderson nodded at his son.

"I'm sorry, Lucas. I should have told you a long time ago, we should have told you. But your mother always wanted to protect you. Her love was--and still is--real."

Lucas stood up, staring down at his father.

"Told me what, Dad?" he said, Josh staring at Lucas, his eyes going between the two, seeing a look of deep concern and worry on Lucas' father's face.

"I love you, Lucas. I've loved you from the first moment I held you in my arms. And your mother loved you even more. We never cared about the truth, about the reality of who you are."

"Who I am?"

Henderson nodded, his blue eyes staring up at Lucas.

"We raised you in love as we were asked to do."
"Asked to do? Asked. . .asked by whom?" the young man said, Henderson's eyes now filled with tears, and a hidden fear.

"By your mother, Lucas."

Lucas looked confused, Josh's eyes locked on him.

"You're not making sense, Dad. What are you saying?" Lucas said, the young man sitting down at his father's side again, taking his hand in his.

Henderson began to cry, Lucas' arm going around his back.

Henderson raised his head, looking at Trish, then turning and staring into Lucas' violet eyes.

"In our hearts, and in our souls, you are--and will always be--our son, Lucas. We have always loved you."
Henderson saw a dawning reality cross his son's face, Lucas' eyes focusing on him.

"You. . .you're not my father?" he softly said, Henderson staring at him.

"No, Lucas. I'm not your father."
Trish gasped, staring at her brother and her father.

Henderson's eyes met hers, seeing the shock on her face.

He turned to his son, seeing the crushing shock on his face.

"Vivian and I took you in to hide you from the danger surrounding your real parents."

"My. . .my real parents?"

Henderson nodded, his eyes meeting Josh's, the man staring at his son with concerned love.

"We aren't your real parents, Lucas. They left you into our loving care when you were one week old."

Lucas trembled, Trish staring at him with concerned love.

"Luke. . .Lucky. . .you're not my brother?" she said, Lucas' now tearing eyes meeting hers.

He stood up, backing away from his father and sister, Josh's arm going around him, Josh feeling the young man's body tense.

"Please don't touch me, Josh."
Josh released his hold, staring at him with concern.

Lucas' violet, tear-filled eyes met his.

"How can you love someone who's not real, Josh? I'm not myself anymore, I. . .I never was." Lucas said, the young man moving, walking through his surrounding friends, walking out of the room, slamming the door behind him.

Henderson stared after him, pain showing in his eyes, his daughter now by his side, her arms around him.

"Dad. . .it. . .it can't be true?"
"I'm sorry, Patricia. It. . .it is. My son's. . .my son's not my own." he said, the man beginning to cry again, everyone staring at him with compassion.

Josh's eyes met Justin's, Justin seeing the concern and love deeply embedded in his friend's eyes.

Josh moved, walking out of the room, going after the man he now loved.

Lance's eyes met Justin's, the man silently walking out of the room in search of his friends.

End of Chapter 12

Did anyone see that coming?

Lucas' parents aren't his real parents.

I hope I surprised you, but I'm certain some had thoughts of that reality.

Who has Lucas' now known adoptive mother?

How will this new truth affect Lucas and his relationship with his adoptive parents and Trish?
And his relationship with Josh?

Who are Lucas' real parents, and who burned down their home?

Questions, questions.

I love to keep people guessing.

Only way to find the answers is to keep reading.

Up next, love shows its way.

A shout out to my editor, Mike!

He survived Hurricane Sandy  untouched and undamaged.

He lives on Staten Island.

I--and I'm sure you--wish that he and his family are okay.

Love ya, bud!

Hugs, Angel.

email: music-fan-1@hotmail.com