Yesterday's End-45

The following story is fictional and is intended for an adult audience with an open mind.

It is not meant to suggest anything about the sexuality of the celebrities included in this story.

This story is fiction, meaning not real.

It's all for fun and enjoyment.

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Chapter 45

Lucas' eyes opened, two blue pools staring at him.

"Hello, my love." Josh said, Lucas softly smiling at him.

"Hey, Josh. How long have I been out? I seem to be having moments. I'm sorry."

Josh leaned forward, kissing his lover's forehead.

"You're weak, my love. You can't tax yourself like that. How you got the strength to climb out of this bed and then take on whatever that thing was, is beyond remarkable. You're not moving."

Lucas smiled again, hearing the love and caring authority in his lover's voice.

"Alright, nurse. I'll be a good patient." Lucas said, Josh smiling at him.

Lucas smiled, looking around the room.

The room was empty of people, Josh the only one in the room.

"I kicked out the masses. You need silence and peacefulness."

Lucas nodded, looking into Josh's blue pools of love.

"My Mom?"

"She's fine, Luke. A bit tired and confused. She doesn't even remember coming here to New York."

Lucas nodded, Josh's blue eyes staring at him.

"How did you know that thing. . .that apparition. . .was controlling your Mom?"

Lucas sighed, leaning back into the pillow.

"I'm not sure I can explain it, Josh. I just felt its presence. The moment my Mom walked into the room I felt it. Like a shade across my heart. And then I saw the glow. I knew it wasn't something good. And I knew it had my mother in its grasp. I had to face it, to draw it out." Lucas said, his hand going to the stone around his neck, Josh watching Lucas' hand touch it.

"The magic of the stone, Lucky?"

Lucas stared at Josh, the young man's head lowering.

"The magic of myself, Josh."

Josh felt Lucas' reluctance to face his eyes, Josh leaning forward and kissing Lucas' forehead.

"My magical, beautiful Lucas. I'm so lucky."

Lucas' raised his eyes, Josh smiling at him with love.

"I believe the stone is a conduit, Josh. It draws the evil of this world to show itself. This. . .this magic within me--whatever it is--feels it. I felt that thing before I even saw it."

Josh nodded, his hand rubbing Lucas' shoulder.

"The goodness within you felt the evil, Lucas. We're all thankful for that, your mother most of all."

Lucas nodded, Josh leaning forward and kissing his lips softly.

"I'll always want to protect those I love, Beamy." Lucas said, Josh smiling at him.

"We all know that, my love. It's nice to know we have your magical love surrounding us."

Lucas smiled, Josh smiling back.

"I have no control of it, Josh. And that scares me." Lucas said, lowering his eyes again.

The young man sighed, raising his head again.

"I can't fathom what you have inside you, Lucas. The enormity of it, the awing truth of it. But I know one thing, and that matters most to me."

"What's that, Josh?"

Josh smiled, leaning forward and kissing Lucas's cheek.

"That the heart of you is your love. I feel it in every nuance of everything you show me, Lucas. Your smile, your touch, your giving heart."

Lucas smiled, staring into Josh's blue eyes.

"You. . .you're not at all fazed by this?" Lucas said, Josh staring at him.

"I won't lie to you, Luke. It did surprise me, hell it surprised all of us. But it doesn't change anything in my soul about you, my love. You will always be special in my eyes. Magic or not, I love you."

Lucas teared up, Josh smiling at him.

"I love you, Josh. Thank you for accepting me for who I am."

Josh smiled, leaning forward and kissing Lucas' soft lips again.

"I love you, my Lucky. Our love is strong enough to weather anything. Your magic and your destiny."

Lucas smiled, Josh's smile widening.

"Right now we have to get you well. How about some food?"

Lucas nodded, Josh smiling at him, the man rising up from his seat on Lucas' bed.

"Finn's bringing you some good food, Lucky. I know what you need."

Lucas smiled, looking into Josh's blue eyes.

"We haven't talked about what's bothering you, my Josh."

Josh stared at Lucas, the young man's violet eyes staring up at him.

"Our love echoes on both sides, my Beamy. I think it's time you opened up about what happened to me."

Josh stared at Lucas, the young man patting the spot beside him where Josh had just sat.

The man sighed, sitting down again, Lucas' hand going in his, Josh staring at the hospital wristband on Lucas' hand.

"It's my fault, Lucas. Your lying here in this bed is my fault." Josh said, lowering his head.

"And why do you think that?"

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

"It was. . .it was Bryce, Lucas. Bryce was the one who shot you."

Lucas nodded, staring at Josh.

"I know that, Josh. You already told me you saw him."

Josh stared at Lucas, Lucas squeezing his hand.

"I don't know why he did it, Lucas. Why he now feels so much hatred for me that he tried to kill me. I'm. . .I'm sorry you got hurt because of my hurting him."

Lucas' hand moved, going to Josh's shoulder.

"I want you to stop thinking like that, Josh. You are in no way responsible for the actions of another man's insecurities or delusional reasoning. You loved the man, and only ever showed him love. He has to accept responsibility for that relationship's end. You were nothing but your loving self."

"I. . .I don't love him anymore, Lucas. He. . .he's nothing when compared to you."

"I know, Josh. I know you love me. I am not threatened by him, or what you once had. As I've always told you, the past is the past. Yours and mine. We have a chance now for a greater love. Our love. Shed the doubts, the worries and the fear."

"But. . .but what if he tries again?" Josh said, Lucas seeing the tears in Josh's blue eyes.

Lucas opened his arms wide, Josh moving, the man going against his lover's chest, Lucas' arms going around him.

"I will not live my life in fear, Josh. Wondering about him or his delusions. Life is as it is."
"I. . .I don't want him to hurt you again, Lucas. Or even worse."

"Do you believe in my love and my magic, Josh?"

Josh raised his head, staring into Lucas' violet pools.

"Yes, Lucky. I feel your love and believe in it. And I've seen your magic."
"Then have faith in my keeping you safe, and myself as well. As well as everyone around us. I've accepted it, Josh. And I've felt the trueness of the magic. I can now focus even greater on my surroundings. I'm more in tune to everything around me."

Josh stared into Lucas' violet eyes again.

"You knew, didn't you?"

Lucas nodded, staring at Josh.

"Yes, Josh. I felt his presence in the shadows. I only had a moment to react."

"And you reacted by risking your life for me?"

Lucas stared at Josh, the young man sighing.

"I'll always risk my life for you. But that night it wasn't you I was protecting."

Josh looked confused, the man sitting up and staring down at Lucas.

"What. . .what do you mean, Lucas?"

Lucas took Josh's hands in his, Josh staring at him.

"Before I sensed the desperation in that man's presence, I felt something else, Josh."

Josh looked confused.

"Bryce wasn't aiming for you that night, my Joshua. His soul still seeks only your love. He would never hurt you."
"What. . .what. . .that can't be, Lucas? Who else would he want to hurt? You, because you're with me?"

"No, Josh. I wasn't his target either."

Josh stared at Lucas, still showing confusion, Lucas squeezing his hands.

"It was Justin, Josh. Bryce was waiting there to kill him."

Josh stared at Lucas with shock, the young man sighing again.

"That can't be, Luke! Bryce doesn't hate Justin that much!"

"Yes he does, Josh. For it was Justin who showed his hand to you, it was Justin who revealed his lies."

"Yes, Justin and Joey both did that. But it was me that hurt him. . .that kicked him out. That was my own decision."
"I know it was, Josh. But Bryce never lost his love for you. He never blamed you for the break up. And I know you know that."

Josh's eyes met Lucas', the young man staring at him.

"He blames Justin for the break up, Josh. Enough to want to hurt him.  And he still loves you."

Josh looked shocked, Lucas staring at him.

"I don't love him, Lucas. It's you that I want, that I need."
Lucas smiled at Josh, their eyes locked together.

"I know, Josh. But at that time you'd met him again I had my doubts. But your love increased, it grew for both of us. I know now that I am yours forever. And you're mine."
Josh teared up, Lucas releasing his hands, opening his arms again, Josh returning to his embrace.

"I'm sorry, Lucas. I never meant to give you doubts. It shocked me that day, his appearance. I was over him, his coming back just shocked me. I never doubted that you'd be my choice. I couldn't go back to him, ever. Not after losing his trust."

"I know, Josh. One can't love without trust and openness. You just opened the last hidden part of your soul. I have you now forever."
Josh teared up, Lucas' lips meeting his, Josh lost in the love he felt flowing through him, the man's strong arms pulling him close.

Josh felt a lot of passion, love and ownership in that kiss, the man lost in Lucas' love.

They parted, Josh's eyes opening, staring into two violet pools of total, deep love.

"Lucas. . .your eyes! They. . .they're glowing again!"

The young man smiled, sitting up.

"They glow with health and happiness, my angel."

Josh sat up, staring at Lucas.

"I feel great, Josh. I want to leave here today."

Josh looked shocked, Lucas leaning in and kissing him deeply again, Josh feeling his lover's happiness.

"What's gotten into you, Lucas?"

"At the moment not you, my love. But why give Finn a free show? The man's already hard." Lucas said, lightly laughing.

Josh looked towards the room's doorway, Finn standing at the door, Skyler and Trish standing behind him, all three wearing grins.

"I'd say get a room, but you already have one, horndogs!" he laughed, Lucas smiling at his friend, seeing the bag in his hand, and its brand logo.

"Well, I am the king of my Beamy's heart, so I do deserve some Burger King! I hope you got fries, Finny?"

Everyone laughed, Josh smiling at Lucas, his cheeks red and blushing.

Lucas smiled, kissing his lover's cheek.

"Onward we go, my Beamy. I want to sleep with you tonight at home."
Josh nodded, the man rising from the bed, Lucas' three bandmates smiling and walking up to the bed.

"I'll go find Dr. Miller, Lucky." Josh said, leaning down and kissing Lucas on the lips.

The three singers looked at Josh, the man smiling at them.

"My Lucky's on the mend. We're going home." Josh said, looking at Lucas, the young man smiling widely.

"Well give me those burgers, Finny! I could eat three!" Lucas grinned, Finn smiling at him and opening the paper bag he had in his hand.

Finn, Trish and Skyler traded looks, awe showing on all their faces.

Josh smiled, the man walking out of the room in search of Lucas' doctor.

Vivian's blue pools met Lucas', the young man smiling, walking into his condo, Josh at his side, and his bandmates behind him.

Lucas' violet pools were locked on his mother's, the woman seated on a couch in the living room, everyone surrounding her standing up and staring at Lucas, the smile on his face widening their own.

"You made it in fast time. We're totally floored, son. You look so healthy!" Henderson said, Lucas smiling as his father walked up to him, the young man gently hugged by his father, Lucas feeling his kiss on his cheek.

"You amaze all of us, son." Henderson said, Lucas seeing the soft tears in his blue eyes.

"I amaze myself, Dad. Hello, everyone." Lucas smiled, everyone walking up to him, the young man gently hugged by everyone.

Justin and Lance both hugged him, Lucas smiling at both, Josh staring at Justin.

"Your walking in here is a miracle, Luke! And a wonderful surprise." Lance smiled, kissing Lucas' cheek.

"I sometimes surprise myself, Lance. And I always like to surprise others." he said, Lance laughing.

Lucas' eyes met Grayson's, the man walking up to him, his hand going to Lucas' shoulder.

"I don't register quite as much surprise, Lucas. For I know your family traits. You all live for surprises."

Lucas smiled, the man smiling at him.

"It is good to see you here, Lucas. After this morning's surprises." the lawyer said, Lucas' eyes going to his mother again.

Vivian stood up from her seat, Lucas walking over to her, everyone remaining silent.

"How are you, Mom?" he said, his arms going around her gently, the woman smiling at him.

"I am surrounded by your love, my son. That will always lift the fog clouding my mind."
Lucas smiled, kissing her cheek, the woman smiling at him.

"I'm sorry, Lucas. I'm sorry I let that happen." she said, tears showing in her blue eyes, Lucas gently guiding her back to her seat, the young man sitting down beside her.

"You couldn't stop the intrusion, Mom. I should have foreseen that. I'm sorry for not realizing the truth." he said, everyone staring at him.

"The truth, Lucas?" Grayson said, Lucas' eyes meeting his.

"Yes, Grayson. The truth of what I may have to endure."

"Endure, Lucky?" Josh said, the man sitting down beside Lucas, the young man smiling at him.

"My life is a path of destiny, everyone. And with that destiny comes danger and responsibility."

"You're saying this attack on your mother was directed at you?" Grayson said, Lucas nodding.

"Yes, Grayson. I don't know the whole truth of my destiny, but I do know that there are others that don't want that destiny to become real. And in saying that, there may be danger ahead for me. Real danger. A danger I am not going to stand for." Lucas said, the young man standing up, everyone staring at him, Josh rising as well.

"What do you mean, my love?" Josh said, Lucas' hand going to the stone hanging around his neck.

Everyone saw the calmness and determination in Lucas' violet pools.

"I mean that I won't stand for any of you being hurt. I think it's time I took charge of my destiny. And it's time I charge all of you with my love."

Lucas' hand went to the stone around his neck, the young man's eyes glowing.

Everyone felt a rush of air move against them, Finn actually falling back onto the couch, the force knocking him down.

Lucas' eyes softened, the young man looking around, Finn staring up at him.

"What. . .what the hell was that?"

Lucas staggered a bit, Josh's arms going around him, the man himself recovered from the force that hit him.

"Are you okay, Lucky? What was that?" he softly said, Lucas sighing.

"That was my love's breath, everyone. I'm sorry, I should have warned you. I didn't really expect that sudden influx of the magic. But I had to kiss all of you."

Finn stared at Lucas, the man rising from his seat.

"You kissed us?"

"Yes, in a way, Finn. Sorry for the choice of words. And I now apologize for the intrusion."
"The intrusion, Luke?" Drew said, the man's arms around Trish.

"I guess the easiest way to explain it is, that I intruded into all of your spaces. My magic entered all of you. You can't feel it, but it is there."

Everyone looked surprised, staring at the young man, Lucas' eyes lowering.

Grayson stared at the young man in shock, Lucas' violet pools staring back.

"Yours was the hardest to enter, Grayson. My grandfather's own love and magic seals you apart from the rest."

Grayson nodded, his face showing a look of soft wonder.

"I felt it, Lucas."

"I'm sure you would, Grayson. For magic already lays within your heart."

The lawyer stared at Lucas, everyone staring at Grayson, Lucas smiling around at everyone.

"My grandfather's heritage is lined with magic. I finally realized that. I come for a surprising family." Lucas said, the lawyer nodding at him.

"Yes, Lucas. There is a long heritage of mysticism, spirituality and magic surrounding your grandfather, as well as your father."

"I know, Grayson. Joshua at the pool laid clues towards that."
Grayson nodded, staring at Lucas, Carl staring at both men.

Lucas looked around at everyone.

"I am on the path, everyone. The magic of my heritage, the truth of my soul, and the destiny of myself begins. I just gave all of you my protective love. You are all now protected with my magic and my love. No one will ever enter any of you, be it with permission or without." Lucas said, looking towards his mother, Vivian standing up and walking up to her son.

"No red magic or evil's touch will hurt any of you. No one hurts those I love." Lucas said, the young man staggering a little, Vivian's arm going around her son.

"You need to rest, Lucas. Let me guide you to your bedroom." she said, Lucas staring at her.

"No one will ever hurt you again, Mom. I'll destroy all and everyone to keep you all safe." he said, his voice laced with emotion, everyone seeing tears in the young man's eyes.

Vivian kissed his cheek, the woman gently guiding Lucas towards the hallway, her eyes glancing at Grayson, then Josh.

Everyone stood in silence, watching the two disappear down the hallway, their eyes going to Josh.

"Meet the new and improved Lucas. He's surprising me as well. His love is even greater and his courage is as well." Josh said, Trish walking up to him, the man smiling at her.

"He. . .he gave us magic?"

Josh nodded, looking around at everyone.

"You all wear the same looks that Dr. Miller wore when he examined Lucas before he released him. His wounds are gone again. Lucas said he bathed in the healing waters of his love. And he told me that he would heal all of your worries. And to do that he would give all of you his love. I think he just did that."
"I. . .I didn't feel anything other than that blast of air." Carl said, everyone looking at him.

"I feel more." Finn said, Josh smiling at him.

"What do you feel, Finn?" Josh said, the young man smiling at him.

"I feel my friend's love deeper in my heart. It's as if he's watching over me." Finn said, Skyler nodding as well.

"It's as if the love I feel for him has doubled." she said, Trish smiling at her.

"My heart's filled with his love and mine for him. But I sense what you sense, Finny. I feel Lucas' arms of love wrapped around me." she said, Drew nodding in agreement.

"Wow! The man's feeling us all up." Finn said, Josh bursting into laughter.

"A weird analogy, but close." Grayson said, the Welshman looking at the lawyer.

"Meaning?" Finn said with a smile.

"Meaning that that young man continues to surprise me. He just gave all of you, in a sense, an invisible bodyguard. He surrounds all of us. We are all protected by his magic. If anyone--or anything--attacks you, his magic will alert him and he will direct all of himself towards you. I haven't ever heard of the spell being used. But I have heard of its existence." the lawyer said, Henderson staring at him.

"Spell? Are you saying my son's a witch?"

The lawyer laughed, smiling around at everyone.

"No, Henderson. Witches are fantasy, in most cases. What I'm saying is that your adoptive son has a magic greater than any I've ever heard of. I have seen many things and heard of many mystical things, but I've never seen anything like that which I've witnessed lately. The young man's healed himself twice. And he's given his magic to all of us. The boy's nothing if not extraordinary!"

"So you're saying we're protected by an invisible magic?" Justin said, looking towards Josh, the man staring at him.

"Yes, Justin. A silent, invisible magic. None of you need fear anything. Lucas' protective love protects all of you."

Justin looked surprised, Lance smiling.

"Couldn't have asked for a better surprise. The man's love is unending." he said, Josh smiling at his friend.

"He's my Lucky, Lance. His total love is even more beautiful." Josh said, looking down the hallway.

"I have my Lucky back. I'll love him forever."
Trish smiled, kissing Josh's cheek.

"We all know that, Joshy." she said, Josh smiling, looking down the hallway again.

Lucas' violet pools stared into his mother's blue eyes, the young man laying on his bed, his head against several pillows, his mother seated at his side.

"Close your eyes, Lucas. Rest is what you need."

"I can rest, Mom. Now that I know you're okay."
She smiled, nodding, leaning forward and kissing his forehead.

"I'm sorry if I worried you. You worried me as well. When I heard. . .you were shot. . ."

Lucas smiled at her, squeezing her hand which lay in his.

"How did it happen, Mom?"

"I don't know, Lucas. I was at home. Grayson had called. Henderson had sat me down and told me about the shooting. I felt my heart implode. I thought you were. . ."
"I'm alright, Mom."
She nodded, staring at him, seeing his unchanged beauty and love.

"I went upstairs to pack, going into the bedroom. I sat down and stared at pictures of you and Trish. You remember the ones on my windowsill?"

Lucas nodded, remembering his mother's cherished mementos.

"I suddenly felt lightheaded. I lay down on the bed. That's the last thing I remember until waking up on your hospital room's floor." she said, Lucas nodding.

"Did anything happen in the days before that? Did you receive anything, or see anyone hanging around?"
The woman thought for a few moments, looking at Lucas.

"Nothing unusual, other than my students' present."

"Students' present? What did they give you?"
Vivian stared at Lucas.

"They gave me a brooch. The semester has ended and they gave me a gift, all of them graduating. I was so proud of all of them."
"Do you have it, Mom?"

"Yes, Lucas. It's at the hotel. I left it there when I changed clothes and came over here."

Lucas stared at her, his eyes closing for a moment.

"A conduit." he said, his eyes slowly opening.

"You mean. . .?"
"Whatever that thing was it was in the brooch, Mom."

"But that's impossible, Lucas! It was an artifact. An Egyptian cameo. Very old and expensive. I was so surprised by their giving generosity."

"They were giving and generous, Mom. But they were clueless to what they were giving you. I'm sure that someone led them to its discovery."
"Are you saying. . .?"
"It was all set up, Mom. Someone orchestrated it all."

"Emerson! If this is another of his games. . .!"

"No, Mom. It's not him."
"How can you be certain? You don't know the man!"

"No, Mom. I don't. But I am going to."
Vivian stared at her son.

"I don't want you falling under that man's influence, Lucas. I'm scared for you." she said, Lucas' arm going around her, the woman laying down beside him.

"I'll be alright, Mom. No one will ever influence me again. And no one will ever hurt me. I learn from my mistakes." he said, Vivian staring at him.

"Josh's love has healed my soul, Mom. With it and with my own happiness I'm going to be fine. And whatever lays out there on that path of destiny I can face it with my soul healed."

Vivian teared up, Lucas smiling at her.

"I'm tired, Mom. I think I'll close my eyes." he said, doing just that, Vivian staring at him.

Oh God, Lucas.

What follows you?

Or who?

What was that monster I felt within my soul?

How did you have the strength to destroy it?

"I have the strength of all of them, Mom. And I have my own strong life. I am life." Lucas said, Vivian's eyes moving, staring into his violet pools, the young man's eyes open again.

The door of the bedroom opened, Josh's head peeking into the room.

"I thought you'd be asleep, Lucky." he smiled, Vivian looking towards him, her blue eyes going to her son's face, seeing the happiness showing there.

"My Mom's about to tuck me in. I was waiting for the milk and cookies."

Vivian smiled, sitting up, then standing.

"Like old times, Lucky." she smiled, Lucas smiling at her.

"I'll warm the milk. And I saw a box of Oreos in the kitchen." she smiled, Lucas smiling widely, Josh walking into the room.

Vivian hugged him, kissing his cheek.

"Your man needs your love, Joshua." she smiled, Josh beaming.

"No roughhousing, you two." she smiled, Josh blushing, the woman chuckling, walking out of the room.

Josh smiled after her, the man walking over to the bed, laying down beside his lover, Lucas smiling, Josh's body going against him.

"How did she know you like it rough?" Lucas said, Josh laughing.

"She meant that you're healing, my love. I have to be gentle."

Lucas smiled, his body moving, his head going against Josh's clothed chest, the man sighing.

"Right back in my favourite place." Lucas said, snuggling against Josh.

Josh teared up, Lucas' lips kissing his open neck.

"I'm alright, Beamy. We're back in our center of love. Tomorrow I'll be one hundred percent. And then the love returns. I'm going to love you for days."
Josh smiled, leaning forward and kissing Lucas' forehead.

"I love you, Lucas."

Lucas smiled, Josh waiting for his response.

The silence was long, Josh staring downward, Lucas sound asleep against him.

Josh smiled, a tear falling down his cheek.

Thank God you're alright, my love.

I prayed for your return to my arms.

I'm going to love you forever.

Thank you, God.

Thank you for giving me my life back.

Josh felt Lucas' arms tighten around him, Josh smiling.

He lay in silence, his love returned to his soul.

Lucas opened his eyes, a beam of sunshine staring down on him.

He covered his eyes, looking around him.

He lay in bed, the blankets covering him, Lucas realizing he was naked.

He sat up, staring around the bedroom.

Josh was nowhere in sight, the man feeling the coolness of the room.

I guess I was more tired than I thought?

My Josh undressed me and I didn't even feel it.

Lucas stretched, climbing out of bed, wrapping his nude body in his robe, the young man walking across the floor, heading for the washroom in his bedroom.

He tried the door, finding it locked.

He yawned, stretching his arms behind his back, leaning against the doorway.

After a few minutes, the door opened, Justin's smiling face greeting Lucas'.

"Good morning, Lukey!" Justin said, Lucas smiling at him.

"Morning, Jus? What are you doing in my bathroom?"

"The other three are full. Trish and Skyler are taking showers and Finn took a book in with him, so he'll be forever."

Lucas nodded, smiling at Justin.

"I hadn't realized I'd slept right through last night."

"Yeah, Josh said you were exhausted." Justin smiled, Lucas smiling back at him.

"Where is the love of my life?" he said, Justin staring at him.

"Would you believe right here?"

Lucas laughed, Justin smiling.

"You wish! Where's your man?"

"He's here actually, Lucas. He's in the kitchen."

Lucas nodded, smiling at Justin.

"Great. I'd like to talk to him again."
Justin beamed, kissing Lucas' cheek.

"He wants to know you as well, Luke. Please give him the benefit of the doubt."

"I will, Jus. I'll just pop into the shower. Tell Josh I'll be out shortly." Lucas said, Justin smiling at him.

"Need someone to wash your back?"

Lucas laughed, slapping Justin's shoulder.

"Thanks, but I know you wouldn't stop there."
Justin laughed, kissing Lucas' cheek again.

"No, that's a fact. I'll let Joshy know. He's cooking you breakfast."

Lucas smiled, Justin walking towards the door.

"Did you at least spray?"

Justin laughed, blowing him a kiss.

"Revel in the essence of my beautiful scent!" he laughed, walking out of the bedroom, Lucas smiling after him.

Lucas took a quick shower, the man feeling the warmth of the warm water.

He towelled off, quickly dressing into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, the young man running his fingers through his black hair in front of the dresser mirror.

He walked out of the room, walking down towards the kitchen.

He stopped at the door, hearing voices.

He took a deep breath, letting it out, walking into the room.

The first eyes he saw were two pools of blue love.

Josh's arms went around him, the man kissing him deeply.

"Good morning, my angel. Feeling better?"

"I feel loved, my pet. That's always a great way to start the day."

"Well, what's not to love?" Josh said, Lucas smiling.

"Nothing that I can see. Will you marry me?"

Josh smiled, their morning ritual observed.

"Yes, I will. But no kids please. Justin's already a handful!" he said, Lucas laughing, looking towards the now rather large table, everyone smiling at him.

"That he is." Lucas said, smiling at Justin, the young man's violet eyes then meeting Sheridan's blue, the man seated beside Justin.

The man stood up, Lucas smiling at everyone, walking over to the table, Sheridan smiling at him.

"Hello, Lucas. It's great to see you walking around and looking great. Justin told me about your ordeal. You're an extremely fortunate man."
"That I am, Sheridan. For I have love to heal me." Lucas smiled, his violet eyes staring at Sheridan.

The man nodded, looking at Justin.

"Know the feeling, Luke." he said, smiling down at Justin, the man beaming.

Lucas smiled at him, Josh's hand going in his.

"I made all your favourites, Lucky."

Lucas smiled his Josh smile, Josh beaming more than Justin.

"Awesome, babe. I could eat a horse." he smiled, Finn chuckling at the table.

"Later, Lukey! And you better wear a saddle." Finn said.

Lucas laughed, Josh smiling at his lover's healed happiness.

"You look very well, son." Henderson said, Lucas smiling at his father.

"I feel great, Dad. The whole night's rest has regenerated me. Sorry I left all of you last night." Lucas said, sitting down at the table, Josh placing a glass of orange juice in front of him, kissing his cheek.

"Thanks, babe."

Josh smiled, Trish helping him set out all his food, which was abundant and aromatic.

"Your healing ability is amazing, Lucas. You were shot in the chest." Sheridan said, the young man smiling at him.

"I come from hearty stock, Sheridan. Grayson says I have a robust family. By the way, where is he?" Lucas said, Henderson smiling at his son.

"He said he'd come for coffee later, Lucas. He said he had some things to do."

Lucas nodded, looking towards his lover, Josh filling platters on the counter.

"A feast for your beast, Joshy." Finn smirked, Lucas smiling at his friend.

"I'm starving, Finny. I'll need energy to listen to you screech all afternoon at rehearsals."

Everyone laughed, Justin smiling at him.

"I've postponed the next two shows, Luke. You need some recovery time. You'll start in New Jersey on Friday if you're up to it." Justin said, smiling at him.

"Aw, Jus. You didn't have to do that. Our fans were looking forward to seeing us." Lucas said, Finn smiling at his friend.

"They'll see us, Lukey. Justin's rescheduled the two dates to the end of the tour. No one's going to miss a thing."

"Thanks, Steve."

Justin laughed, Finn looking confused.

"An Aerosmith song, Finny. I Don't Want To Miss A Thing."

Finn smiled, nodding.

"I don't have Tyler's lips, Lukey. And I have a better voice."
Lucas laughed, Josh sitting down beside him, smiling at him.

"Dig in, my love. I made you blueberry waffles."

Lucas smiled, kissing his man's cheek.

"I'm gaining a regular Julia Child."

Josh smiled, everyone helping themselves to the meal before them.

Lucas' eyes went around the table, Josh filling his plate, the young man smiling at everyone, his eyes meeting his mother's.

Vivian smiled at her son, Lucas' eyes moving to the brooch she wore on her left breast.

"Is that the brooch you spoke of, Mom?" Lucas said, Vivian's eyes meeting his.

"Yes, Lucas. I brought it for you to look at." she said, Sheridan's eyes going to her blue.

His blue eyes looked at the brooch, his eyes widening a bit, Lucas' eyes looking towards him.

"You're a antiques collector, Sheridan. Can you pinpoint its origins?" Lucas said, the man's blue eyes meeting his.

"May I see it, madam?" the man said, Vivian smiling at him, removing the brooch.

"What's with the jewellery, Luke?" Trish said, smiling at her brother.

"My mother's students gave it to her as a parting gift." he said, Sheridan taking the brooch from Vivian's hand, the man suddenly gasping, dropping the brooch to the table.

Lucas' eyes zoned in on the man.

"Are you alright, Sher?" Justin said, picking up the brooch.

"Yes, sorry. I stabbed myself on the pin, Jus. I'm all thumbs today." the man said, staring at the brooch in Justin's hand.

Justin smiled, handing the brooch to Sheridan.

"You hold onto it, Jus. I can see it easily in your beautiful hand."
Justin beamed, the man staring at the brooch.

Lucas' violet eyes were staring at him, the young man focusing on the brooch as well.

He saw the redness of its glow, the glow lost to everyone else.

"I'd set that down if I were you, Jus." the young man said, Justin's blue eyes meeting Lucas', the man setting the brooch down.

"Everything okay, my love?" Josh said at his side, the young man standing up.

Lucas walked around the table, Justin and Josh's blue eyes on him.

"Where would you say this brooch is from, Sheridan?" Lucas said, his voice calm and intriguing as he walked up to Justin and the man, standing between them, the brooch laying on the table between the two men.

The man's eyes raised, staring into Lucas' calm violet pools.

"I can't be totally sure, but the inlay and stones--as well as the design--suggest Egypt or perhaps Saudi Arabia."

"The motif is Egyptian, the cat's body and onyx eyes." Vivian said, the collector staring at her.

"Yes, Madam. But Egyptian designs have been copied for eons in that area. It is after all a gigantic tourist trap."
Everyone nodded, smiling at the man.

"It is genuine though, correct? I mean it's ancient."

The man stared at Lucas, the man's question rather pointed.

"No way to be totally sure without testing. But it does look genuine to my trained eyes." the man said, showing a look of knowledgeable experience.

"It is genuine. And don't touch it again, Justin." Lucas said, everyone's eyes going to the young man's violet pools.

"What's wrong with it, Luke?" Justin said, hearing the seriousness in Lucas' voice.

"I was correct, Mom." Lucas said, his eyes meeting her blue.

"The brooch, Lucas? It. . .it was in there?" she said, everyone's eyes zoning in on the brooch laying on the table.

"Yes, Mom. The Shade was in the brooch. A residue of its existence still lays upon it. Its taint lingers." he said, Justin backing away from the brooch, Sheridan's eyes staring at Lucas.

"What are you talking about, Lucas?" he said, his eyes going to the brooch.

"I'm talking about evil, Sheridan. Evil entrenched as a trap." the young man said, his hand going towards the brooch.

"Don't touch it, Lucas!" Josh said, Lucas' eyes meeting his.

"I'm safe from any touch, Josh." Lucas said, the man picking up the brooch.

The moment he touched it, the brooch softly glowed red, everyone's eyes widening in shock.

"No worries, everyone. The taint is minimal and it's not threatening." Lucas said, his eyes softly glowing, Sheridan's eyes widening in surprise.

The redness around the brooch instantly disappeared, Lucas' eyes returning to their original violet.

The young man raised the brooch, looking it over.

He turned it over, studying it.

His keen eyes saw a small mark on its back, Lucas' eyes zoning in on it.

"It is genuine, Sheridan. I'd say late Fourth Dynasty."

Sheridan looked surprised, staring into Lucas' violet pools.

"You need to read up on your Egyptian history, Sheridan. It bears the mark of Khafra."

Vivian's eyes widened in surprise, Lucas smiling at her.

"I've always been an Egyptology buff as my mother knows."

"You mean it's over two thousand years old? That. . .that would make it a museum piece." Sheridan said, staring at the brooch.

"Yes it would, and that intrigues me. Who could get their hands on such an artefact?" Lucas said, the man still looking at the brooch.

"That piece is invaluable, Lucas. You need to inform the museum." the man said, Lucas staring at the brooch in his hand.

"I will do no such thing, Sheridan."
"Why not, Lucas?" Henderson said, Lucas's violet pools meeting his father's.

"For I will not let anyone near this danger." Lucas said, his hand closing over the brooch.

Lucas' eyes glowed again, Sheridan's widening.

Lucas closed his eyes, then opened them again, their violet hue returned again.

He opened his hand, the brooch gone.

Sheridan stood up in shock, staring at the empty hand.

"What. . .what have you done with it?!" he stuttered, Lucas' eyes meeting his.

"It's lost to the world again. And its evil is gone." Lucas said, lowering his hand.

Lucas looked around at everyone.

"Please, everyone. Finish breakfast." he said, walking back around the table, sitting down beside Josh.

"Lucas? That. . .where did you. . .?"

"Evil fades into the past, my love. And none of you need worry about it."

Everyone stared at Lucas, the young man smiling.

"I think I've just clued into something. I have some reading to do later. It's time I delved into my past. I'm going to go into my ancestors' past." Lucas smiled, Josh staring at him.

"The journal, Lucky?"
Lucas smiled, nodding his head, Sheridan's blue eyes staring at him.

"Sorry for the mystery, everyone. Trust in my keeping you all safe. The evil is gone. And no more booby-trap antiques will show themselves." Lucas said, smiling at Josh.

"Pass those waffles, my love." he smiled, Josh smiling at him, handing him the platter.

Everyone continued to look at Lucas, the young man filling his plate.

Lucas's eyes moved only once, staring at Sheridan.

The young man then smiled, his thoughts his own, Lucas diving into Josh's warm waffles.

End of Chapter 45

And so our Lucas is healed again.

And evil has tried to stab at him.

Trust in him to protect all of them as he now wants to do.

Where did that brooch come from?

Who moved it into Vivian's hands?

It seems that magic follows Lucas, and it thrives in his family.

Read on everyone, the path continues.

And soon Lucas walks into his father's old home.

Emerson awaits, and also does mystery and drama.

Hugs, Angel

email: music-fan-1@hotmail.com