Date: Sat, 27 Dec 2008 21:34:44 -0800 (PST) From: Kirk Landers Subject: Luke- part 19 Copyright and Disclaimer: 1. This is a fictional story with fictional characters. 2. No one is to steal this story under any circumstances. 3. This story deals with relationships and not sex, so if you're looking for a story with a lot of sex in it, this isn't the story for you. Welcome back! Again, I hope everyone is doing well. Here's part 19, titled, "Something Familiar." `SOMETHING FAMILIAR' Luke and Derek were sitting with each other in the newspaper's conference room to go over some letters together for their joint New Years column. "What sort of letters do we want to respond to?" Luke asked. "Shane mentioned he wants us to write about love and being alone on the New Years," Derek replied. "I did find one letter that I really was drawn to and wanted to include if that's okay with you." "Absolutely," Luke replied. "This is mostly your column. Shane just wanted me to help you a little bit and find your voice for starting your advice column. What's the letter?" "Here it is," Derek said handing it to Luke. "Tell me what you think." Luke took the letter and read it over. As he was reading it he really felt drawn to it as well: `This holiday season is one I have been dreading the most for the past six months. My boyfriend of six years died back in June and I can't seem to let him go. I wake up everyday and hope to look on his side of the bed and find him asleep safe and sound, but my heart always breaks when I see that it's empty. I go through my morning routine and I remember things we used to do together; cook breakfast together, trade sections of the newspaper together as we drink our morning cup of coffee, kiss each other goodbye as we part ways to go to work. As the first couple months passed I felt like I was slowly moving on, at least I felt like I could breath again, but now as New Years is approaching the pain is palpable again. I'm dreading the moment when the clock strikes twelve and I don't have my boyfriend to share a kiss with. I don't know if there are any words you can say to help me, but I feel I need to ask someone for help. Sincerely, Heartbroken on New Years.' When Luke got done reading the letter he realized that he had tears in his eyes. It's a letter that touched close to home with him. He knows what this person is going through; he's been there when he lost Nick. "That's definitely a good letter to respond to." "It is, isn't it?" Derek asked. "I don't know why, but for some reason I feel like I can relate in some way. I've never gone through anything like that, but I feel like I have, if that makes sense." "You've never lost anyone really close to you?" Luke asked. "Honestly, I don't remember," Derek replied. "What do you mean?" Luke asked. "About eight years ago I got into a car accident. I've had permanent amnesia ever since," Derek replied. "So you suffered retrograde amnesia? That's horrible," Luke said. "Sorry about that. So you remember nothing?" "The doctors I worked with seem to think that writing was a big part of my life before because it was the only thing that I seemed to re-learn very quickly," Derek explained. "So for the past eight years I've worked hard to get a job at a newspaper like this." "You didn't have any family to help you try and get your memory back?" Luke asked. "No, unfortunately," Derek replied. "I don't think I have any family, at least none that wanted to see me. No one came to visit me while I was recovering at the hospital." "Interesting," Luke said. Later when Luke was at lunch Ford and Benji, he filled them in on the new advice columnist for the San Diego Bulletin. "What's retrograde amnesia?" Benji asked. "It's when you can't remember anything before the trauma that caused the amnesia," Luke replied. "It's pretty rare for it to be permanent, isn't it?" Ford asked. "Yeah, it must have been a bad accident," Luke replied. "Did Shane know about this when he hired him?" Ford asked. "Yeah, but apparently it isn't a big deal to him," Luke shrugged. "He said that it doesn't change the fact that he's a good writer. He wants Derek to use the amnesia as an angle in his writing, `A New Beginning' type of approach." "I guess that could be good for the paper," Ford said. "Yeah," Luke replied. "It's just strange." "Speaking of strange, have you heard anything from Michael?" Ford asked. "No," Luke replied. "He disconnected his phone." Luke turned to Benji, "Donovan hasn't heard anything?" "No," Benji replied. "He's been trying to get a hold of him as well." "I know you liked him, but I think you need to just let him go," Ford said. "He obviously has issues you can't help him with." "I'm just worried about him," Luke sighed. "I shouldn't have let him leave the other night." "He attacked you," Benji pointed out. "I know, but he needs help," Luke replied. "You can only do so much, if he's going to get help he needs to get it himself," Benji said. "I guess you're right," Luke replied. He then took a deep breath to change the subject, "So who else has news?" "I think Ford does," Benji pointed out. "This is the first time I've seen him since Christmas. He's been spending every night with Pacey." "Who's Pacey?" Luke asked. "He's a friend of Donovan's," Benji replied. "Him and Ford hit it off on Christmas." "And I'm just hearing about this now?" Luke asked. "There's nothing to tell," Ford replied. "We're just having sex." "Oh please," Benji retorted. "You like him, admit it." "I don't like him," Ford said. "He's arrogant, he's self-absorbed, and he's an ass." "An ass that you like," Benji said. "I don't," Ford said. Ford didn't want to like him, he told himself that he couldn't. He wouldn't allow himself to risk opening up to a possible relationship again, especially not with someone like Pacey. "I don't see what the big problem is," Benji said. "He's handsome, he's successful, he may be a little arrogant, but he has the goods to back it up." "You shouldn't fight this Ford," Luke added. "If you like him then what's the problem?" "I don't want to talk about it," Ford said. Before the guys could press it anymore, Benji's phone rang. "It's Don," Benji said happily reading the caller-ID, "Hey babe." Benji was only on the phone for a minute when he hung up and looked over to Luke. "Don just heard from Michael." Back at the San Diego Bulletin, Shane was buried in work. He wanted to grab lunch with the guys, but was on overload today. It's true what they say, the news never sleeps and around the holidays it's more awake than ever. While Shane loves his job, he sometimes wished there was an off button he can press so he didn't have to deal with the stresses of running a newspaper. His only relief that he could welcome was Jackson, who worked at the desk outside of his office. He usually left the door open so the two of them could often glance at one another and silently flirt with one another. Ever since Christmas, Shane had a renewed interest in his growing relationship with Patrick. Once he realized that there were no feelings left between him and Shane, he was able to fully concentrate on his feelings for Jackson, which he realized were genuine and real. He really cared for Jackson and everything about him. "You have a second?" Jackson asked poking his head into Shane's office. "Yeah, sure." Shane made a quick glance at his clothes to make sure he didn't look too disheveled. Jackson came in and closed the door. "I just wanted to give you this." He handed Shane his latest piece for the next day's paper. "And this." Jackson leaned in and kissed Shane gently on the lips. "Thank you. I needed both of those." This is one of the things that Shane liked about Jackson, he seemed to know when he was in most need of a little affection. "I was wondering what you were doing New Years Eve." Jackson gave a charming smile that Shane couldn't ignore. "We have the company party," Shane reminded him. "I know, but since we can't really be seen together there I was hoping we could do something else. Something more low-key," Jackson said. It was the only part of their budding relationship that neither one liked, if word got out that Shane was dating one of his staff writers it would jeopardize the integrity of the paper and him as the editor. Even though it was a burden, it was also an extremely sexy idea; it was `forbidden' it made the idea of them dating even hotter. "What did you have in mind?" "I was thinking dinner at my place," Jackson suggested. "We'll have our own private party with one another." "As tempting as that sounds I can't miss the company party," Shane sighed. "I'm the editor of the paper. I need to be there." "Can't you skip it?" Jackson asked hopeful. "Sorry," Shane replied. Truth is, Shane would love to be able to blow off the company party and spend it with Jackson. He fantasized about ringing in the New Year while he's inside of Jackson as they fuck all night long. But reality always kicked in and he remembered his obligations, he had to be at the party. "I'll tell you what, after midnight and after I give my toast to the staff I'll slip away and we can meet up at my place. We might not be able to kiss at midnight, but we can kiss every hour after that." "I guess that could work." Jackson agreed. It wasn't the quiet romantic evening he was hoping for, but it would do. He quickly gave Shane another kiss before getting back to his desk to work. Shane smiled as he watched Jackson walk out of the office before burying himself back into his work. Benji and Luke rushed over to Benji's place where Donovan was in the living room on his cell phone. He raised one finger letting them know he would be another minute on the phone. Luke waited impatiently wondering what Donovan knew about Michael and why he hadn't heard from him himself. Benji gave Luke's shoulder a gentle squeeze to try and calm him down. "Sorry about that. I was getting off the phone with some lawyers," Donovan replied hanging up his phone. "Michael's had a relapse." "A relapse?" Luke asked. "Drugs?" "No," Donovan clarified. "It was a different kind of addiction. He wanted me to tell you that he's sorry." "Where is he?" Donovan took a deep breath before explaining. As it turned out, Michael had an addictive personality, while his recent relapse didn't involve drugs, he had in the past had trouble with substance abuse. He also had trouble with alcohol, but the one that caused his relapse this time was sex. When Michael got out of rehab a few years ago he moved away from his family in Minnesota and cut them out of his life from the shame that he felt from his past behaviors. He thought he could control himself, but when he met Luke, his old ways started to come back. After he attacked Luke on Christmas Eve he went to a seedy gay bar and hooked up with five different guys that night. The next day he was so disgusted by what he did that he bought a plane ticket home to Minnesota to go back to rehab and get back in touch with his family. Aside from quitting Luke, he also promptly resigned from his job with Donovan. "Why did you even hire someone with that many problems?" Benji asked Donovan. He wondered how someone could be trusted in a high level position. "He was good at his job," Donovan reasoned. "Whatever his personal issues were, they never seemed to interfere with his job. But he's doing the right thing by going back to Minnesota." He turned to Luke, "I know you liked him and he really liked you, but he just can't be with someone right now." "I see," Luke nodded. He didn't know how to feel. He couldn't help but feel jinxed when it came to dating. He thought about his past relationships, he had his ex-boyfriend, Wayne who killed Luke, he then dated Shane who ended up cheating on him and now he had Michael who ended up being an addict. He wondered if he had some sort of bad dating karma or maybe Luke was the only true relationship he's meant to have. After a moment of self-pitying, he decided to focus on Michael. "Will he be okay?" "He sounded okay," Donovan replied. "Just embarrassed. He feels really bad for what he did to you." "Is there any way I can get in touch with him?" Luke asked. "He doesn't want you to. He just told me to tell `sorry.'" "After he attacked Luke he doesn't even want to talk to him?" Benji asked. "He's humiliated," Donovan replied. "It's okay. I understand." Luke smiled sympathetically. "I just hope he gets the help he needs." Luke gave a grateful smile to Donovan for passing the information along and excused himself to go back to work. "You okay?" Benji asked concerned. "Fine," Luke said, doing his best to give a brave smile. "I'll see you guys later." Driving back to work, Luke couldn't help but feel a little bit of sympathy for himself. He wondered what was wrong with him and his choice in men. All the guys he falls for seem perfectly great, but always something happens that ruins it. As much as he loves Shane as a friend, a part of him will always be angry for cheating on him. He thought that being in his thirties he was done with all the dating drama, he thought that was for men in their twenties and that your thirties were for finding the person to settle down with. `Oh well, there goes another one,' Luke thought to himself as he pulled into his parking space at the San Diego Bulletin. Before getting out of the car he looked at himself in the rearview mirror and gave himself a smile. "Let's move on," He said to himself. "Next chapter." When Luke met up with Derek the two went back into the conference room to continue working on their joint New Years column. As they were working and picking out letters Derek noticed that Luke was a lot quieter than he was earlier in the day. "You okay?" "Me? Yeah. I'm fine," Luke nodded, although he was trying to convince himself more than Derek. "I know we don't know each other that well, but if you want to talk I'm a good listener," Derek offered. "Thanks," Luke smiled. "I don't know, maybe it's these letters or this time of year, but there are times when I really hate being single." "I know what you mean," Derek sighed. "Yeah? You're not seeing anyone?" Luke inquired. "Honestly, I haven't dated much since my accident," Derek replied. "It's kind of a tough thing to bring into a relationship." "How did someone who doesn't date much end up being an advice columnist?" Luke asked amused. "I know, it's weird, right?" Derek asked. "It was just a job I was always drawn to. It always felt right for me." "I understand. It's a good job," Luke replied. "You can help people a lot through the column." "You ever do an advice column?" Derek asked. "I was a columnist, but never did an advice column," Luke replied. "I knew someone who was an advice columnist, though. He was actually someone really close to me." "Oh yeah?" Derek asked. "Best friend?" "Boyfriend." "Oh, interesting. I didn't even realize you were gay," Derek said. "I get that a lot," Luke laughed. "I am too," Derek replied. He then added jokingly, "At least I have been since my accident." "Well I figured," Luke joked. "Jerk," Derek laughed. "So what do you have planned for New Years Eve?" Luke asked. "Oh big plans," Derek replied. "I'm going to get into bed by eleven and watch the ball drop on TV." "You crazy animal," Luke joked. "You should come to the office party." "I don't know," Derek replied. "I'm new and don't know many people." "You know me," Luke said. "You know Shane, he'll be there. It'll be fun. Besides, you'll be doing me a big favor." "How's that?" Derek asked. "I don't want to be alone at midnight," Luke replied. "It would be nice to have some company." "Well, if it would make you feel better," Derek agreed. "Sure." "Great," Luke smiled. He wasn't particularly trying to hit on Derek in any way, but he was hoping to make a new friend. "So a guy who doesn't want to spend New Years Eve alone is giving advice to people on how to cope with spending New Years Eve alone?" Derek asked. "If you haven't noticed, I'm a bit fucked up," Luke replied. "I'm sensing that." Ford sighed as he sat down at his desk to do some work. He had piles of pieces that needed to be checked and edited before being sent to print. Ford realized however, that he couldn't really complain because he chose to neglect his work in favor of spending time with Pacey. He couldn't describe it, but there was a certain magnetism that Pacey had, through his arrogance there was a charm that he couldn't ignore. Was this really someone he wanted to pursue something with? Every day there comes a moment when Ford thinks about how much he changed in the past seven years. He went from being such a romantic and an optimist to being someone he hardly recognized when he looked at himself in the mirror. There was always a voice inside of him screaming to be true to himself and not keep his guard so high. Hooking up with random men wasn't him and he knew it, but he also knew that the risk of opening up to a relationship again could open him up to being hurt again. The betrayal he suffered with Patrick was too much for him. It was a part of a relationship that they don't really prepare you for when you're an idealist and think that love is just how it is on the movie and TV screen. So Ford decided that it was easier to feel nothing than to risk feeling that pain all over again. Even though Ford still felt strongly about keeping his shield up, he found himself wondering if maybe Pacey is someone worth risking it for. "Ford, we're having a problem." His boss, Lyle, said walking into his office. "Lyle, can it wait? I have tons of work to do," Ford replied. "Actually it can't," Lyle said. "Circulation has been dropping fast." "Cause of the recession?" Ford asked. "Yes." "So what does that mean?" Ford asked. "It means that we're going to have to make some cutbacks," Lyle replied. "Okay," Ford said, he then began to panic, "Wait a second, are you firing me?" "No," Lyle replied quickly. "But we are cutting back on your section of the paper." "Lyle, stop beating around the bush and just tell me," Ford said. "We're going to make your section weekly instead of daily," Lyle answered. "I see," Ford said. "I'm sorry, but until the economy picks up we can't afford it," Lyle replied. Ford nodded understandingly. He wasn't sure if he was happy or upset about it. He was wondering if maybe this was a good thing. With only having to worry about a weekly section he could focus on his other career goals. Maybe he can take more steps closer to his dream of being the next Craig Claiborne. He followed the famous food-writer/critic/editor's career in hopes of being like him. He wanted to be a chef that threw lavish parties for celebrities and A-list clients and was celebrated for his food. He remembered looking through archived columns of Claiborne's and reading his review of the infamous `$4000 Meal' and wanting to experience something as lavish as that. After Lyle left Ford's office, he received a phone call from Pacey. "What?" Ford asked answering the phone. "I told you I would be busy today." "You thinking about me?" Pacey asked in his charming, yet arrogant way. "You wish," Ford retorted with a smile, "I'm working." "Well when you get off of work why don't you come back to the hotel? I'll have dinner waiting," Pacey replied. "Can't," Ford replied. "I haven't been to my place since Christmas." "What do you need to go to your place for?" Pacey asked. "Clothes? I can have my driver run out and pick you up some new ones." "What makes you think you can win me over with clothes and gifts?" Ford asked. "Because it works with every other guy I've been with," Pacey replied. "Well, brace yourself, I'm not like most guys," Ford replied. "I'm going to work and then I'm going to go home. If you want to see me, you can come to my place." "What is it going to take to win you over?" Pacey asked. "To tell you the truth, I don't really know," Ford said. "But if you want to try and figure it out, be my guest. Bye." Ford hung up the phone and went back to his work. He knew he was a challenge, and he wondered if Pacey would be up for dealing with him. Benji and Donovan kissed each other tenderly as Donovan ran his hand along Benji's naked body in bed. "You're amazing." "You're pretty great yourself," Benji smiled. While he was now a monogamous man, he still hadn't lost his sexual appetite. "So I have to go back to New York the day after New Years," Donovan sighed. "I know. I've been trying not to think about it," Benji replied. "The time you've been here has been amazing." "It has," Donovan agreed, "It's tough long distance, huh?" "It is," Benji replied. "I was hoping that maybe you would decide to move here." "I'd love to, but most of my work is back east," Donovan replied. "I know," Benji sighed. "Just wishful thinking I guess." Benji sometimes felt that it would be easier to be the way he used to be, live a life of dating with no-strings-attached. As much as he loved being with Donovan, it hurt being apart from him. It was that ache that kept him from going into relationships when he was younger. He remembered how surprised he was when he first began to really like Donovan. It was unexpected for him. He was young and having already opened one successful store in Manhattan was in the process of opening up another store in Soho. He had met Donovan a few times during business meetings, but never thought anything could possibly start up between the two. But then, on the night before the store's big opening, Donovan took Benji out for a drink and a week later he found himself on a first date with him. It was a whirlwind romance and two months into their relationship they were living together. Benji still sometimes finds himself surprised that out of all his friends, he was the one who had the storybook romance, but he wasn't complaining, he loved it. It only recently began to get difficult with the two of them being on opposite coasts. He never realized he could love someone as much as he loves Donovan. "So what did you want to do for New Years Eve?" Donovan asked. "Shane invited us to his work's party, but I was hoping we can just spend a quiet evening together," Benji said. "Is that okay?" "It sounds perfect," Donovan replied. "We have to enjoy these quiet moments as much as we can." "I know," Benji replied, knowing they only had a couple more nights together. Luke and Derek finally finished their column. It was perfect. The letters they wrote to one another answered the questions that many sent in to the newspaper about spending the holiday alone. `Dear Derek, It's that time of the year. The day where everyone scrambles to find someone to kiss as the clock strikes midnight. But what about those who don't have someone to kiss? What about the ones who are alone and will be standing by themselves among a sea of lovers who are embracing each other and wishing each other a `Happy New Year?' Sincerely, Luke Dear Luke, Who says that you need to be in a couple in order to ring in the New Year with someone? I believe that you can have a great time spending the evening with a friend. As long as you have friends by your side, you're never truly alone. While you may not be in a relationship this New Years, there's always next year, maybe the upcoming year will be the year when you meet the right person for you. Instead of dreading ringing in the New Year, look at it as an opportunity for new beginnings and to meet new people. Who knows? You may meet the love of your life. Dear Luke, I have recently moved here and am starting life alone. While I am excited about what this new path in my life will bring me, I find that I am a little lonely. I used to spend the holiday with some friends, but have no one here. What do you suggest for someone who's truly alone? Dear Derek, First off, welcome! You're going to love it here. Secondly, I understand the transition of moving to a new place where you know no one. I've done it myself. It's not an easy thing to do, but it's one that can be really exciting. There are many ways to make new friends, whether it be through work or by going out on the town. But for New Years I suggest to attend your work's office party. It's the best way to mingle and get to know your colleagues. Who knows? Maybe one of them will end up being your new best friend. Luke' After they wrote the letters to each other, they proceeded to answer a few other letters that readers sent in. They wanted to give the message of hope in the column, and that you don't have to be alone. After they turned the column into Shane the two of them went out for a drink to celebrate. "Congratulations on your first column at the San Diego Bulletin!" Luke said raising his glass to Derek. "Thank you," Derek smiled. "You were a big help. I really appreciate it." "It was my pleasure," Luke smiled. "I had fun." "So the office party tomorrow, we going as colleagues? Friends?" Derek asked. "Definitely friends," Luke replied. "Awesome," Derek smiled. "So do you mind if I ask you about your accident?" Luke asked. "No, go ahead," Derek replied. "You remember nothing before the accident?" Luke asked, still in shock. "Not really," Derek replied. "I get these little flashes of things that I think are memories, but it's always vague. It's like trying to make out a foggy image." "What sort of memories?" Luke asked. "Little things," Derek replied. "Running is one thing. I think I was always a runner. Even now I run every morning. Then I sort of remember hanging out with a couple people, but am never really sure who they are. They must not be in my life anymore since they didn't come to visit me after my accident." "Like family or friends?" Luke asked. "I think so," Derek replied. "I think they were friends, but I'm not sure. Like I said, it's vague." "That must be horrible," Luke said. "Nothing I can do about it," Derek shrugged. "I chose to look at it as a way of starting over. Maybe I wasn't such a great person before the accident, it's my chance to be a good person. So I live my life with that attitude. I refuse to go to sleep upset or angry about anything. I just start fresh every day." "That's nice," Luke smiled. "Good attitude to have. So are you happy to be here?" "I am," Derek replied. "Things are definitely looking up." The two both shared a flirtatious smile with one another. They both began to feel excited about spending New Years Eve with each other. The next evening at the New Years Eve party for the newspaper, the staff was gathered in the office pouring champagne and eating appetizers with each other and the dates they brought. Shane made sure to keep a comfortable distance from Jackson so no one would catch on, but every now and then the two would steal a glance with one another and smile affectionately. Luke and Derek both stayed close to each other, keeping one another company as they observed all the couples in the room. "Those two have been married for thirteen years," Luke said pointing to Sammy, the sports writer and his wife. "And those two?" Derek asked gesturing to a couple on the opposite side of the room where Shane and Jackson were talking to each other. Even though they were keeping a few feet between them, it didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that there was something going on between them. "Oh, uh, you're not supposed to know anything about them," Luke said getting up from his chair. "Excuse me." Luke went over to Shane and Jackson, "You two might want to take it down a notch. Derek just asked me if you two were a couple." "Is it that obvious?" Shane asked worried and taking a couple steps back from Jackson. "Just a bit," Luke warned. "Just giving you a heads up." "Thanks Luke," Shane said gratefully. "It's nice to see you Luke," Jackson said trying his best to be friendly to Luke. "Yeah, you too," Luke replied coolly. He may have forgiven Shane, but he still had no intention of being friendly to Jackson. He was one of the reasons the two broke-up. "I just wanted to help you out Shane. I'll see you later." "How's Derek doing? Is he enjoying himself?" Shane asked. "Yeah. We're keeping each other company," Luke replied. "You figure out who he reminds you of yet?" Shane asked. "Not yet," Luke replied. "I'm working on it." Luke gave Shane a hug and headed back to Derek. "He hates me," Jackson said to Shane. "He doesn't hate you," Shane replied. "Well, maybe he does, but he has good reason." "I know," Jackson sighed. "Think he'll ever forgive me?" "No promises," Shane sighed. "Now go talk to some other people so others don't suspect we're a couple." "Okay, but if you can, try to give me a little kiss at midnight," Jackson whispered as he walked away to mingle with some other co-workers. Shane smiled, he felt that the new year was going to be a good one. Over at Ford's place, he had a free day to catch up on some housework. After work yesterday he went home and wasn't surprised that Pacey didn't show up. He figured that Pacey was a man who liked things done on his turf and wouldn't budge for others. Ford didn't feel too badly about it though, it gave him a night to catch up on his sleep and relax. Ford got dressed in a nice pair of slacks and a dark green button-up shirt and was about to head over to his own work New Years party, but was surprised when he opened his front door and saw Pacey's limo waiting out front. Ford shook his head with a smile as he approached the tinted windows. "What are you doing here?" Ford asked knocking on the window. Pacey rolled the window down and handed Ford a rose. "Well I'm here." "You actually came to my place?" Ford asked. "Apparently," Pacey replied. "So in return I expect to spend the evening with you." "I was going to go to my work's New Years party," Ford said. "That was before I came," Pacey said. "Now what are your plans?" "Do you have a better offer?" Ford asked. "And no, I won't go back to your hotel. I've been there enough." "Fine," Pacey said. "We stay here at your place. You can cook me something. Let's see how good of a cook you really are." "Is that a challenge?" Ford asked. "Well you said that you were a challenge and I'm more than up for it. Are you?" Pacey asked with his mischievous grin. Ford shook his head in amusement. He never met anyone quite like Pacey before, and he hated how intrigued he was by him. "Fine. Come on in." Pacey got out of his limo and the two of them went inside of Ford's place and spent the evening together. Over at Benji's place, Donovan finished cooking a meal for the two of them to share next to the fireplace in the living room while drinking champagne and watching the countdown in Time Square in New York City. "I miss it there," Benji sighed seeing the energy of Manhattan on television. "There's nothing like it." "You can always move back," Donovan said. "I know, but I need to concentrate on my west coast stores," Benji replied. "Maybe in a couple years I can go back." "A couple years?" Donovan asked. "That long, huh?" "You knew I had to be here for a while," Benji said. "My west coast stores aren't doing as well as my east coast ones." "I've told you that you should just close the west coast stores and focus on the ones you have on the eat coast," Donovan said. "It would make your store more of a destination store for tourists." "I can't close my store here," Benji said. "It was my first store. It has to stay open." "But what about us?" Donovan asked. "If you stay here in California for while, it can hurt us." "Hurt us as a business or hurt us as a couple?" Benji wondered. "As a couple," Donovan said. "I wasn't able to get to you right away when you were attacked. You know how much that killed me?" "I know," Benji said. "But it's what we have to deal with right now." "How long can we deal with it?" Donovan asked. "What are you saying?" Benji asked. "Is this an ultimatum? Are you telling me that I'll eventually have to choose between you and staying here?" "I'm saying I love you and I want to be with you," Donovan replied. "I want to be with you too," Benji replied. "No," Donovan replied quickly. He then took a moment to think about his next statement. After a couple beats, he finally realized what it was he wanted to say. "I want to be with you forever. I want you to marry me." "Wait, are you proposing to me?" Benji asked. Donovan smiled nervously, "I think so. Benji, marry me." Benji looked at Donovan in shock, he didn't know how to respond. Over at Shane and Luke's office party, Shane was giving his speech to his staff. "I just want to thank everyone for doing a great job this past year and always making me proud to be the editor of the best newspaper in San Diego," Shane smiled raising his glass of champagne, "The countdown is about to begin so I'll wrap this up. I want us to go into the New Year and make the San Diego Bulletin better than ever! I believe in all of you and I believe I have the best staff of writers and reporters out there. Happy New Year!" Everyone applauded Shane and drank their champagne and began to get ready for the countdown. "Here it goes," Luke said to Derek as the countdown began, everyone began to couple off with one another. "Ten, nine, eight, seven, six..." Luke looked across the room and saw Shane and Jackson sneak off into a private corner in the room to steal a kiss with one another. Derek and Luke found themselves the only ones at the party without a person to kiss. They both looked at one another and shrugged. "Five, four, three, two, one!" "Happy New Year," Luke smiled. "You too," Derek replied. As everyone at the party gave their dates kisses, the two shrugged and gave each other a light kiss on the cheek. As they slowly moved away from one another they locked eyes with each other. In that moment when they were only an inch or two away from each other, Luke once again got that weird feeling that he knew Derek from somewhere, that familiar feeling came rushing to him. He couldn't figure it out, but he was determined to find out. ************************************************************************** To Be Continued... Thanks to everyone for reading. The next chapter will be the finale chapter for this set. I'll be taking another month break and come back for the third set of chapters. With any comments, questions, or feedback please e-mail me at ilj4ever44@yahoo.com. Thanks!