"Hey, you two, cut that out!"
"Sorry, Mal," Adam said breathlessly, Taylor's lips on his neck. "It's Tay's fault," he managed as Taylor slid his hand up Adam's thigh.
"I don't care who's fault it is - I don't want anyone doing it in my car unless it's me!"
Taylor laughed against Adam's neck, letting his hand fall back down to his knee. "Don't worry about us. We won't do anything like that in your backseat."
"So, Adam, who's the lucky girl?"
Adam looked rather confused. "Lucky girl? What?"
"You've got a hickey."
Adam's hands flew up to his neck and he glanced over at Taylor, who stifled a laugh. "What? Jess, that's mean."
"I'm not lying. It's right-" Jessica leaned forward and poked his neck, "-there."
Taylor could faintly hear the phone in his room ringing. Groaning, he reached over and scooped up the phone. Catching a glance at the clock, he wondered who on earth would be calling at three in the morning. "Hello?"
"Taylor?" Adam's voice was weepy. "Steven's in the hospital."
"Adam, I-"
"Taylor, I need you. Now."
Taylor rubbed his eyes, slowly becoming aware of what Adam had said. "Where are you?" He listened as Adam gave directions to the hospital. "Yeah, okay. I'll be right there." Hanging the phone up, he fumbled with his discarded jeans and grabbed his key card before slipping out of the hotel room. Making sure his cell was on, he left the hotel and took a cab to the hospital. After several tries, he finally found the Walkin's family.
Mrs. Walkin looked up, her eyes red. "Taylor! What are you doing here?"
Taylor took a step forward, his eyes scanning the waiting room. There was no sign of Adam. "What happened? Is Steven okay?"
"Oh, Taylor, do your parents know you're here? Because you really shouldn't be."
"Why? What happened?"
"He...Steven was shot."
Taylor went numb. He didn't have to ask why - Steven was a Hanson bodyguard, so obviously he'd been protecting him and his brothers. "Is he okay?"
"I don't know." Mrs. Walkin broke down, tears streaming down her face.
"I'm so sorry..." Taylor backed up slowly.
"It's not your fault. Adam's in the bathroom, if you would like to see him." Mr. Walkin held his wife tightly.
Taylor practically ran from the waiting room and into the bathroom. "Adam? Are you in here?" Walking cautiously, he opened every stall door, one by one. He found Adam in the very last one, sitting on the floor. "Oh, Adam." Pulling him up easily, Taylor wrapped his arms around his best friend and let him cry into his shoulder.
Soon, Adam quieted down. He still clung to Taylor, though, as if he were afraid Taylor would disappear if he let go. "I'm so glad you're here."
"You know I'd always come." Kissing Adam lightly, he felt Adam pull him closer.
Adam held on to Taylor for dear life, kissing him as if for the first time. Adam's touch was like fire, his kisses desperate, demanding, pushing his hips into Taylor's. Taylor was a little surprised by his actions, but soon melted into the kisses. Neither was sure how long they stood there when Taylor's cell phone rang, jarring them.
A little dazed, Taylor answered it. "Hello?" He swallowed hard, Adam's lips on his neck, his hands sliding up Taylor's shirt.
"Taylor! Where are you?" Diana sounded frantic.
"Mom, I'm okay. I'm at the hospital. Steven's hurt."
"I know, sweetie. It's horrible, but you really shouldn't have left the hotel, especially without telling anyone."
"Mom, Adam is my best friend. He needed me. I'm not going to apologize for coming to him."
Feeling Taylor's muscles tense as he prepared for a fight, Adam stopped his persistant kissing and walked around Taylor, massaging his back.
"Taylor, I don't know what's gotten into you lately. Adam's your best friend, yes, but you just don't disappear like that. Your father and I have been worried sick about you, and so have Isaac and Zac. We count on you to be responsible, and you're letting us down."
"Whatever, Mom. Look, I've got to go." Abruptly, Taylor hung up. His cell rang almost as quickly. Ignoring it, he stuffed back in it's rightful place and turned to face Adam. "Come on, let's go check on your family."
Quickly checking their appreances in the mirror, they headed back to the waiting room.
"Mom?" Adam's voice was tentative, asking what he couldn't express with words. He sighed when she shook her head, then went to sit beside Taylor.
The boys hadn't been sitting there long when a very angry Walker showed up. He gave his condolenses to the family, and volunteered to take Adam back to the hotel so he could get some sleep. Adam protested weakly, wanting to stay at the hospital for his brother but also wanting to be with Taylor. Taylor, however, didn't give him much of a choice as he took his arm and dragged him to the car.
The silence in the car was stormy as Walker drove the boys back. Once there, Taylor gave Adam his key card so he could go to the room, then followed Walker to his room.
Twenty minutes later, Taylor slammed into the room, glowering.
Adam looked up, startled. "Taylor?"
"I am so pissed off."
"I know." Adam stood and walked cautiously towards Taylor. "Just try and calm down, though, okay?"
Suddenly, Taylor grabbed Adam, kissing him hard and tugging at the hem of his shirt. He broke away. "Touch me," he said, almost growling.
"Tay, no."
"If you don't touch me, I think I'll go insane. Please, Adam." He guided Adam's hands towards the button on his jeans. "I need this."
"Taylor, listen to yourself." Adam gently pulled his hands away and brushed Taylor's hair from his face, knowing how Taylor felt. He had felt the same way at the hospital. "You're just upset. That's all. I'm not going to do anything you're going to regret later. Do you understand?"
Taylor swallowed hard, tears welling in his eyes. "I just can't take it sometimes, you know? I want something to make it better."
"Taylor-" Adam felt a little lost, as if maybe they weren't even talking about the same thing.
Taylor shook his head and cut him off. "Never mind, just forget it. Let's go to sleep, okay?"
Adam watched as he went around the room, turning off lights. "Yeah, okay," he said slowly, climbing onto the bed. Taylor slid in beside him, immediately curling up to Adam. Adam could feel Taylor trembling slightly. Something was very wrong, and Adam knew it was up to him to find out what.
Adam followed Taylor, trying not to stare at his cute, little ass. He was concentrating so hard on not staring at it that, when the small line stopped moving, he bumped into him. Taylor turned, grinning, and raised one eyebrow, causing a slight blush to creep up Adam's cheeks.
"Where do we wanna sit?"
"In the front row."
"Zac!" Isaac looked annoyed. "Every time! Every time we come here, you want to sit in the front row! And what's the answer every time?"
"Maybe next time?" Zac asked hopefully.
Taylor and Adam snickered while Isaac rolled his eyes.
"Fine, let's sit..." He looked around thoughtfully.
"In the back," Adam blurted.
Taylor's grin grew wider.
"No, how about somewhere in the middle."
Zac sighed and gave up hope on sitting in the front row. He led his brothers and Adam to a row almost smack dab in the middle. He walked to a seat towards the middle of the row and plopped down, Isaac falling into place on one side, Taylor and Adam on the other.
The boys talked, joking and kidding about different things and fighting over the armrests, until the lights dimmed and the previews started playing. Soon, the movie started, and everyone fell silent, save for a few whispers about the movie.
Taylor was only slightly interested in the movie when it began, and soon he wasn't even paying attention anymore. Glancing around, he saw that his brothers and Adam seemed to be completely into it. He stifled a sigh and absently started drumming his fingers on the armrest. Adam put his hand over Taylor's, giving him a look and silencing his "music." Once again, Taylor stifled a sigh. Then an idea came into his head.
Slowly, he let his hand drop off the armrest and ran the tips of his fingers lightly over Adam's thigh. He smiled when he felt Adam jump slightly. He let his fingertips rest on his knee for a moment before sliding his whole hand onto Adam's leg. He squeezed gently and ran his hand down his thigh.
Adam squirmed beneath his touch, obviously uncomfortable but only making Taylor more interested in his game.
Taylor got an evil gleam in his eye, grinning. "Hey, do you guys wanna play the alphabet game? Adam knows where his father keeps his whiskey."
Isaac glanced at Zac nervously. "I don't think that's such a good idea, Tay..."
"Oh, come on, don't be a party pooper!" Zac jumped up. "Where are the shot glasses?"
Adam told Zac where they were, and then he and Taylor went and got the whiskey. When they returned to Adam's room, Zac already had the shot glasses set up.
"Okay, what's the order?" Taylor asked, sitting by Adam.
"Ike, Zac, me, you."
"Okay. Go Ike!"
"Albertane," he said, grinning. They counted it, although they really shouldn't have.
"Boston."
"Um..." Adam bit his lip.
"Oh, that's too bad!" Taylor poured a shot and Adam threw it back. "Denver."
Isaac shrugged, and took a shot.
"Fort Lawerence?" Zac guessed.
The boys exchanged looks and shrugged. "Good enough," Isaac said, waving his hand.
"Okay...George town."
"Um, no. Another shot for Adam!" Zac crowed happily as Taylor filled the glass.
"Harkansaw?"
Adam laughed. "That's the forth time someone's missed one! Lucky Taylor!" He clapped him hands and lined up the shot glasses, filling all of them. "Chug, chug, chug!"
Isaac and Zac took up the chant and Taylor took a deep breath and downed all four shots. He made a face and set down the last glass. "Go, Ike," he coughed.
"Iowa City."
"Joplin."
"Kansas."
"Oh, whatever." Isaac filled Adam's glass this time.
Taylor laughed. "I don't know," he said helplessly and took his shot.
"Missouri," Isaac snorted and poured a shot for himself.
"Never never land!" Zac watched as they shook their heads and Isaac filled all four glasses. They started in with "Drink it up! Drink it up!" and Zac closed his eyes and took the first shot, the second right after, the third a little slower, and finally the fourth.
"Okay, what's the number? Oh, right, O. Oklahoma City."
"Prudence."
"Quebec?"
No one could quite remember if Quebec was a city, so they let it slide.
"Rosendale."
"Savannah."
"Tray."
"Tray?" Adam looked at Taylor with a disbeilving look on his face.
"No, I'm Taylor."
Adam giggled. "No, is Tray a city?"
"I don't know, you said it."
Adam shook his head. "Just take a shot."
Taylor shrugged and downed his sixth shot.
"Utah."
"That's a state, not a city you cheater." Zac poured Isaac his shot and tried to think of a city starting with V. "Vanderbelt," he tried, sighing when they poured him a shot.
"Wisconsin."
"Again, that's a state."
Adam didn't try, just poured himself a shot.
"Yanderville."
"Nope. Four shots for you, mister." Adam filled the glasses and Taylor threw them back.
Isaac failed to guess a town starting with Z, but it was obvious that Taylor had lost.
"Adam." Taylor fell against his friend. "Why's the room spinning?" He placed his hand on Adam's thigh and rubbed it seductively.
Adam giggled. "Get off, man."
Adam ended the kiss. "Tay...don't kiss me like that."
An injured look crossed Taylor's features. "Why not?"
"I'll be right back."
Taylor watched Adam leave the room, confused. Finally, he came back in, carrying something, which he threw at Taylor. "Jewel?"
Adam nodded. "Put it on and switch to 'Near You Always.'"
Giving Adam a weird look, Taylor did as he said.
"Please don't say I love you, those words touch me much too deeply and they make my core tremble - don't think you realize the power you have over me. And please don't come so close it just makes me want to make you near me always. Please don't kiss me so sweet, it makes me crave a thousand kisses to follow. And please don't touch me like that - makes every other embrace seem pale and shallow. Please don't look at me like that, it just makes we want to make you near me always."
The song continued to play, but Taylor had stopped listening. He stood up and crossed to the room, wrapping his arms around Adam's waist. "I wouldn't mind if you wanted to be near me always," he whispered, smiling.
"Taylor, I want you." Adam's hands wandered down to Taylor's jeans, playing with the button.
Taylor's body yearned for pleasure, but he pushed the hands away. "Adam, no. You know I don't want to yet."
Adam pulled his hands away and slid them up Taylor's shirt. His skin was smooth and slightly hot. "Please, Tay?"
Taylor swallowed hard and closed his eyes. If Adam kept it up, he wasn't sure how much longer he could hold back. "Adam-" His breath caught in his throat as Adam's leg slid between his. A pleased sigh escaped his lips, and Adam took this as encouragment.
Kissing Taylor's neck, he tried once again for his jeans.
"Don't. Adam, no. Please..." he managed breathlessly.
"You'll like it, I promise." Adam succeeded in undoing Taylor's jeans, sliding his hands beneath the denim and running them lightly along the rim of his red boxers.
Taylor's mind was clouded with pleasure, but as soon as Adam tried slipping a hand under the thin, cotton material, he pushed away. "Adam, I told you." He fastened his jeans and turned away, trying to catch his breath.
Adam was silent for a moment before sliding his hands around Taylor's waist. "I'm sorry. I just...you drive me insane." Taylor was stiff in his arm, but when Adam didn't try anything, he let himself relax slightly.
"I do want to do stuff, but not now. We're only sixteen - I don't want to get into something I can't handle. And I don't want to fool around with you, and then 'break up' or something." Taylor turned around and looked at Adam. "Do you understand?"
"Yeah." Adam moved his arms around Taylor's neck. "I'm sorry, I just got caught up in the moment."
"It's okay." Taylor slid his hands into Adam's back pockets, grinning evily. "We can do some stuff, though."
Adam smiled and kissed Taylor.
Taylor yawned and climbed onto the bed to lay beside Adam, who was facing the other way. He wrapped his arm around his waist and propped himself up on his other arm so he could see his boyfriend.
"Mmm." Adam turned his head slightly and smiled sleepily.
"I'm sorry - I didn't mean to wake you."
"No, it's okay." Adam lifted Taylor's arm and rolled onto his back before replacing it. "Did you just get back from the studio?"
"Yeah, but we'll talk about it in the morning." Taylor kissed his forehead. "Go back to sleep."
Adam obediantly closed his eyes, but they flew open when Taylor got off the bed. "Where are you going?"
"Just gotta get ready for bed. I'll be back. Go to sleep." Taylor pulled off his jeans and went into the bathroom, closing the door before he turned on the light. He then brushed and flossed his teeth before exiting the bathroom. After making sure the door was locked - chain, too - he went back to Adam, who had turned back on his side. He slid under the covers and, once again, wrapped his arm around Adam's waist, pressing himself against the warmth of his body. Sighing, he closed his eyes and kissed Adam's neck softly before drifting off to sleep.
Taylor woke before Adam did the next morning, but decided to let him sleep a little longer. Besides, he enjoyed the freedom of being able to hold him without worrying about someone bursting into the room. Soon, he couldn't resist anymore, and brushed his lips to Adam's neck.
Adam stirred, slowly waking. "I think I could get used to this," he muttered.
"Me, too." Taylor nuzzled Adam's neck, running his hand down his thigh.
That woke Adam up fast. He turned over suddenly to face Taylor and pressed his lips to Taylor's. Grasping his rear, he pulled Taylor close to him, at the same time pushing against him so there was no space between them. Before the situation advanced anymore, Adam broke away. He wanted to do more than just kiss and touch here and there, but Taylor wasn't ready. Of course, he knew with the right words and gentle touches and light kisses, he could easily change Taylor's mind - and he had been tempted before - but he respected Taylor for his decsion. Especially since he knew that Taylor wanted to do more, too.
Taylor rolled onto his back and Adam curled up to him, resting his head on Taylor's chest, Taylor's arm going around him. "You didn't get much sleep, did you?" he asked, loosely holding his waist.
"I got enough."
Taylor sounded slightly irritated, and Adam decided he'd better switch topics. "How did everything go at the studio?"
Taylor sighed, letting Adam know this wasn't the best subject, either. "Isaac was bitchy because I didn't want to room with him and Zac like I always have in the past, and Zac was in one of his moods where he sets the tempo and you have to follow. So, all in all, it wasn't the best."
"I'm sorry, baby." Adam ran his hand up from Taylor's side and traced little shapes and letters with his finger on his chest.
Taylor sighed again. "Anyway, I don't want to talk about that. I just want to be with you." His arm tightened around the younger boy and an easy silence fell over the room.
They both jumped when there was a knock on the door. Taylor smiled and shook his head. "It was too good to last."
"Yo, Tay! Adam! Get up!" Zac yelled, pounding on the door. He waited for a second. "Dad says if you're not out here in one hour, he's breaking down the door! Now get up!"
"We're up!" Taylor yelled back, rolling his eyes. "What's in one hour?"
"Breakfast!"
Taylor and Adam snickered. "Okay," Taylor yelled back. He listened for a moment. "I think he's gone now."
"Good." Adam sat up and looked at Taylor for a moment before climbing on top of and straddling him.
"Ooh, kinky." Taylor grinned.
"I thought so." Adam leaned down like he was going to kiss Taylor, but stopped, their noses almost touching. "What do you say we take a shower?" he said softly.
Taylor could have sworn his heart stopped beating. Just the thought of being with Adam in a shower stall was almost more than he could handle. "Adam, I...what if something happens?"
Adam kissed Taylor's shoulder. "Nothing will. I'll control myself, promise."
"It's not just you I'm worried about..."
"Listen, if you don't want to, I understand completely."
"It's not that I don't want to - trust me, I do - but..."
"I know. Just forget it, okay?" Adam dropped a light kiss on the tip of his nose. "Do you want the shower first, or shall I?"
Taylor was relieved that Adam understood and wasn't going to force him to take a shower with him. "You can, if you want."
"Thanks, babe." Adam kissed him once, twice, on the lips before climbing off and heading to the shower. "I'll be out soon," he called before shutting the door behind him.
Taylor just sighed and turned on the TV.
"I...I want you to have this." Adam held out a small box.
Taylor looked at him quizzically before taking the box. "Okay. What's this for?"
"Just because..."
Taylor gently removed the top and gasped. "Adam!" A silver ring was snuggled in a velvet setting. Taylor picked it up carefully and turned it over, looking at it. Something on the inside caught his eyes, and he brought it closer to his face. Inscribed on the inside were the words "I love you" and the date. Taylor looked up at Adam. "Thank you, but you didn't have to do this."
"I wanted to. Do you really like it?" Adam moved closer to Taylor, peering at the ring also.
"I love it!" Taylor slid it on his left ring finger, not caring if it really should have been on his right hand. He held his hand out and studied it critically. "Looks great, doesn't it?" He smiled at Adam. "Thank you." He kissed him on the lips softly, then admired his ring again.
Adam blushed. "I figured you would want to wear it on a chain, so there's one below the velvet."
"I don't want to wear it on a chain, but I'll have to unless..." He licked his lips, looking thoughtful. "Unless..."
"Tay, no!" Adam snatched the box up, removed the velvet, and pulled the chain out. "You're wearing it on this chain. I'm not letting you take a chance with your career by wearing it on your finger."
Taylor smiled. "You're so sweet." Leaning forward, he kissed Adam once again. "I love you."
"I love you, too." Adam wrapped his arms around Taylor's neck, Taylor's hands resting lightly on Adam's hips. They kissed again, and Adam let his hands slide down Taylor's arms, gently taking his hands. The kiss deepened, and Adam slyly removed the ring from Taylor's finger. He pulled back, grinning. "Got it." He opened the chain and slipped the ring on it before giving it back to Taylor.
Taylor put the ring back on his finger anyway. He got closer and closer to Adam, forcing him to walk backwards. Soon, he bumped into the bed and Taylor gently pushed him down so he was sitting, and climbed on his lap, his legs on either side of his hips. His lips captured the younger boy's, and he kissed him hungrily. Adam's arms slipped around his neck, and Taylor gently lowered him on the bed until he was flat on his back.
"Tay," Adam gasped, breaking the kiss. "What are you doing?"
Taylor just smiled, playing with the hem of Adam's shirt. He peeled it off and began kissing him once again. Slowly, he lowered himself until he was fully on top and slid his leg in between Adam's, kissing his way down his neck, causing Adam to release a weak "Mmm..."
Taylor's kisses were almost desperate and set Adam's body on fire. Adam wanted to lose himself in Taylor's hands, Taylor's mouth, but the thought that Taylor would regret this later kept coming back into his mind.
"Taylor." It was more of a moan than Adam had planned, but he couldn't help it - Taylor had replaced his leg with his hand. He forgot what he was going to say.
Taylor kissed Adam's neck, working his way down to his chest. He unzipped Adam's pants with some trouble and slipped his hands under the cotton material of his boxers, running his hands over Adam's skin. Adam gasped, biting his lips and squeezing his eyes shut. He grasped the sheets on the bed tightly, trying to prepare for what Taylor was going to do. He could feel the chain swaying against his skin, and that turned him on even more.
Both he and Adam were so into it, they didn't notice when the door opened. But they both heard the soft, "Holy hell."
Taylor froze, then pushed himself up slowly, sitting beside Adam. Adam quickly fastened his jeans and propped himself up on his elbows, smiling weakily. "Hey, Zac."
Zac's eyes were so wide it was almost comical. "What the f*ck was that?" he said softly.
"Zac! Watch your mouth!"
"I walk in on you practically getting it on with Adam, and you tell me to watch my mouth!"
"Shh! Lower your voice and shut the door. And we weren't practically 'getting it on.' We were just kissing."
Zac rolled his eyes, pushing the door shut behind him. "Yeah, right. Kissing down his neck, your hand-" Zac broke off suddenly, looking a little pale. He walked slowly towards his bed, watching the two boys the entire time. "So, mind explaining?"
"Um..." Taylor bit his lip. "Well, Adam's kind of...he's sort of...he's my boyfriend." Taylor held up his hand to show Zac the ring.
Chapter ?
Zac didn't stick around for much more explaining. The shock had worn off and he looked rather uncomfortable at interrupting them.
"Listen, guys," he said, edging towards the door. "It doesn't really bother me, and I'll keep your secret, I just don't want to see it. Lock the door next time, okay?" With that, he was gone.
Taylor collasped against Adam's chest, giggling. "I'm so embarrassed."
Taylor shut the door behind him before walking over to his desk and sitting down. He opened the bottom drawer and dug through the piles of paper and notebooks to get the last notebook. Slipping it out of the drawer, he opened it to the last few pages and, finding what he was searching for, picked it up.
It was a picture of him and Adam, the only one he had. He was standing behind Adam, his left arm looped around his neck and holding onto Adam's right shoulder, his right arm around Adam's waist. Adam was holding on to Taylor's right arm, Taylor had his head bent down slightly to whisper in Adam's ear, and Adam's head was kind of cocked to the side and he was half-smiling, half-laughing. When the picture had been taken, neither of them was expecting it - Mallory had just grabbed her camera and snapped.
Taylor backed Adam against the wall and pressed himself against him. He ended the kiss and stared into Adam's eyes, slightly breathless. "I need you," he whispered.
Taylor sat down on the floor and rolled up the leg of jeans to reveal a very nasty bruise on his knee. Grimacing, he touched it lightly with his finger and bit his lip in pain. He wondered what had happened - surely he couldn't have gotten it when he'd ran into the coffee table. He barely touched it!
"Damn, what happened to you?"
Taylor glanced up at Adam as he walked into the room. "I don't know..."
Adam looked at Taylor's bruise, a concerned expression on his face. He shook his head. "Listen, Tay, I, um...I wanna talk to you about, well, about the way you...your eating habits."
"I don't want to hear it." Taylor yanked down the leg of his jeans and stood.
Adam walked up to him quickly and placed his hand on Taylor's arm. "No, listen. Taylor, I'm worried about you. I don't think you're anorexic, but I know you're not eating like you should be. It's not good for you! So maybe...maybe you should get help."
Taylor glared at Adam and pulled his arm away from his touch. "You don't know what you're talking about. I'm fine, so leave me alone." He pushed past Adam and left the room.
Adam trailed close behind. "Tay, come on. Just look at this stuff, will ya? I'm worried about you," he repeated.
"Well, don't be."
"Well, I can't help it! You're skinnier than anyone I know, you barely eat anything, and, when you do eat, you refuse to do it in front of anyone. That's not normal behavior. Will you look at me?" Adam grabbed Taylor's shoulder and forced him to turn around. "Something's not right here, Taylor! You could die, do you realize that? When are you going to get it through your head that you have a problem?"
Taylor stared at Adam for a moment, shocked and hurt. Closing his eyes, he brushed Adam's hand off his shoulder before turning. "I'm going to take a shower," he mumbled and walked away.
Adam watched Taylor walk away, mentaling beating himself up. That was so not the way to handle that. Taking a deep breath, he let the papers flutter to the ground, knowing what he had to do.
Taylor was standing in front of the mirror, in nothing but his boxers, and was staring down at the sink when Adam came in. He didn't even look up.
Adam shut the door quietly but firmly and leaned against it. "Tay," he said softly. He stopped, and the bathroom was filled with the sound of the shower running. He rubbed his eyes and sighed. "I'm sorry," he blurted. "I just...I'm sorry."
Taylor nodded. "I know."
"No, really, I am."
"Adam, I'm know. It's okay."
"No, it isn't." Adam moved so he was standing behind, but not touching, Taylor. "I never, ever should have said that to you. Ever."
"Adam." Taylor lifted his head and met Adam's eyes in the mirror. "It's okay."
Adam could tell he meant it. Stepping closer, he placed his hands on Taylor's hips. As he kissed his neck, Taylor rolled his head to the side, giving him easier access to the smooth skin. Running his hands up and down Taylor's sides, he lingered on his ribs. He liked to feel the bumps and ridges, although it worried him. Bringing his hands back down to Taylor's hips, he ran his fingers under the rim of his boxers.
As steam began to fill the bathroom, Taylor leaned against Adam. His boxers falling to the floor, he closed his eyes and let go of the person he once had been.
They laid as close together as they could without recieving any strange looks, should someone look in on them or Ike and Zac wake up. They made it so their blankets overlapped and they held hands under the light material. They wanted to do more, but couldn't risk waking Isaac or Zac.
Suddenly, thunder boomed loudly, and the lights flickered and went out, casting the room into complete darkness.
After a moment's hesitation, Taylor slid over to Adam, confident that the heavy darkness would hide them. Rolling onto his side, he propped himself up on one arm and slid his other hand down Adam's thigh, kissing his neck. He flicked his tongue out lightly against his skin, enjoying the way Adam squirmed beneath his touch. Rubbing his hand up and down his thigh slowly caused even more squirming.
Taylor kissed his way up Adam's neck and to his mouth, kissing him deeply.
"Shit," Adam gasped, breaking the kiss. "Tay, please. We can't-"
Taylor kissed him once again to shut him up. This was very exciting to him - he was not only doing something dirty in his house with his parents just down the hall, but he was also doing it with his brothers in the room. It didn't matter that they were sleeping; it still caused his heart to race. He slipped his hand under the material of Adam's boxers.
Adam gasped again, louder this time. "Taylor..."
Taylor pressed his lips lightly against Adam's ear. "Shh," he breathed, enjoying the way Adam squirmed.
Adam bit his lip. It was obvious that Taylor was not going stop what he had started, and Adam wasn't all that sure he wanted him to anymore. He just hoped that Isaac or Zac didn't wake up.
Zac burst through the door, startling Taylor and Adam. His face was very red, his eyes wide.
"Zac?" Taylor half-rose out of his chair, alarmed. "Zac, what is it?"
"You got careless."
"What? Careless?" He looked at Adam, who just shrugged.
"Yeah, careless." He tossed the newspaper he was carrying at Taylor. "Dad's on his way up."
Taylor stared down at the picture, feeling as if he couldn't breathe. It was a picture of him, kissing Adam. Looking up at Adam, he stared at him through a sea of tears. "You'd better go."
"Tay, no-"
"Yes, you need to. You have to." Standing, Taylor pulled Adam to his feet. Kissing his lips hard, he shoved him towards the window. "Go."
Adam bit his lip, looking at the two brothers, before sighing and leaving through the open window. He left just in time because Walker stormed into the room.
Taylor turned to Adam, tears glimmering in his eyes. "I don't want to go out there," he whispered.
Adam hugged him tightly. "It's going to be okay, alright?" He kissed his forehead. "It'll be okay."
Taylor took a deep breath, touched his chest lightly to make sure his ring was there, and walked out into the hallway where his family was waiting. He and Adam joined them as they opened the door, revealing swarms of reporters and police officers.
Walker took hold of Taylor's arm, pulling him away from Adam. Taylor looked back at him, but Adam shrugged helplessly.
Taylor blinked as camera's flashed before his eyes. Microphones and recorders were shoved towards the family as the reporters started shouting questions.
"Mr. Hanson! What do you think about your son's sexuality?"
"Are the rumors true? Is Taylor seeing another man?"
"Taylor! How do you know Adam Walkins?"
"How is this going to affect the band?"
Taylor was glad they were on the deck and the reporters on the ground. He watched his father and mother walk up to the stand they had set up. Isaac and Zac came up on either side of him, and he glanced at both of them, smiling slightly in apology.
Zac smiled back, but Isaac wouldn't even meet his gaze. The rest of the Hanson clan lined up after Zac so they were in order from oldest to youngest, right behind their parents.
"Recently, my son, Taylor Hanson, has been accused of practicing homosexuality. Being in the spotlight has made this accusation even more cruel than it would be if he wasn't famous. However, he is famous, and rumors such as these seem to come along with the territory. And that's exactly what it is - a rumor."
Taylor rolled his eyes. His father knew damn well it wasn't a rumor.
"I'm not sure how the alleged photograph of my son and another boy in an embrace came to be, but it is a fake. It's a sick joke from someone very demented and envious. And I can't believe that anyone would actually acknowledge that photograph.
"Diana and I have raised our children in a religious, yet understanding, household. He has homosexual friends, but he would never participate in a homosexual act. The bottom line is that Taylor is not homosexual. Please do not harrass or question my family about this vicious lie anymore. Thank you."
"Lying is a sin, Dad," Taylor informed his father icily.
"So is homosexuality!"
"I'm not gay."
"Oh? Well, you're certainly not straight!"
"That's right. I'm bisexual."
Walker narrowed his eyes. "You did not just say that."
Taylor stared back at his father, eyebrows raised.
"You are-" Walker stopped himself, taking a deep breath. "I can't be here right now."
"Walker," Diana started, reaching for her husband's arm.
"I'll be back, Di. I just need to cool off." He grabbed his coat and stormed out of the house, the door slamming behind him.
"I'm sorry, Mom," Taylor said softly. He didn't really care if he hurt his father right then, but he didn't want to hurt his mother.
"It's okay." She sat down at the table. "Why didn't you tell us? Why didn't you tell me?"
"I didn't think you'd understand."
"Taylor." She took his hand. "Do you think I'm stupid? I knew something was going on - I saw the way you and Adam would look at one another. I just wasn't sure what was going on." She sighed, squeezing his hand. "I think this may be the most painful thing for a mother. There seems to be more pain and hurting involved in a gay relationship, and I could see the way your face lit up when Adam walked in, and all I could think was 'My baby's going to get hurt.'"
"Mom, Adam didn't hurt me-"
"Just listen to me."
Taylor studied her face, then nodded for her to go on.
"I know Adam didn't hurt you. I was afraid he would break your heart, but I was more afraid of the way your father, your siblings, and your fans were going to react. And it seems I was right to be afraid." She released Taylor's hand and sat back. "I hate seeing you hurt. That's why..." Diana closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "That's why I called Adam. He's coming right over."
Taylor broke out into a grin. "Oh, thank you!" He jumped up and ran to his mother. "Thank you so much!" He hugged her long and hard. When he released her, but pulled the ring out from underneath his shirt. "Look, he gave this to me." He showed it to her briefly before bringing it to his lips and kissing it. He dropped back under his shirt.
Diana smiled. "Now, don't tell your father he came over, okay?"
"Sure, Mom." The doorbell sounded and Taylor clapped his hands like a little boy. "That must be Adam! I'll get it!"
Diana took a hold of his hand. "Better let me."
"Right. I'll stay right here."
Diana let Adam in, ducking her face away from the flashes of light. She told Adam that Taylor was in the kitchen before yelling at the reporters.
Taylor raced to Adam and threw his arms around him, almost knocking him over. Adam laughed and hugged him back. They drew apart slightly to look at one another.
"If you don't get off my property right now-!" Diana screamed.
Taylor stifled his laughter, but couldn't hold back a grin. "I've missed you so much. Sorry I got you tangled up in all of this."
"Baby, you didn't get me into anything. I got myself in it. But I don't mind." Adam planted a firm kiss on Taylor's lips. "I've missed you, too."
They broke apart, hearing the door close. Taylor grabbed Adam's hand. "Mom, we're going up to my room, okay?"
Diana gave them a look. "Leave your door open," she said sternly.
Taylor and Adam dissolved into giggles, and started up the stairs. They burst into the bedroom, their giggles fading as they glanced at one another.
Taylor rested his hands on Adam's hips, playing with the hem of his shirt and pulling him closer. He kissed Adam's mouth, glad for the feeling. It was weird how much he'd missed it.
They broke away once more and headed for Taylor's bed. Taylor sat, and Adam climbed onto his lap and they kissed once more, their hands drifting over one another's body. It was almost as if they couldn't believe the other was really there.
Finally, they just sat and talked. It turned out that Adam's family was completely cool with it and hoped that everything would work out. Taylor told Adam about the way his father had stormed out and the talk his mother had had with him and his eyes welled up with tears.
He shook his head and swiped furiously at his eyes. "I cry way too much and way too easily."
"No, it's just right." Adam held Taylor, letting his tears soak into his shirt. He placed a gentle kiss on his neck, rocking slightly. "See? It feels better when you let it out."
"But I feel so stupid." Taylor's words were strained with tears and muffled by Adam's shirt.
"Well, you're not stupid. Crying is a natural way to express your emotions and you should never feel stupid for expressing how you feel." Adam glanced up and spied Diana in the doorway. He drew away from Taylor almost fearfully, even though Taylor had assured him it was cool with her.
Taylor looked up, wondering what was going on, then followed Adam's gaze to the doorway. "Mom?" He wiped the remaining tears away, vainly trying to hide the fact that he'd been crying. "What's up?"
"I just thought I'd come up here and have a talk with you boys." She grabbed the chair that wasn't supposed to be in the bedroom and walked over to the bed. She set it in front of the bed and settled herself into it.
Adam eyed her nervously and slowly edged away from Taylor. Taylor looked at him, eyes wide and pleading, wanting the comfort of his boyfriend beside him.
"Now, boys, you don't have to hide anymore. At least not in front of me."
Adam moved a little closer to Taylor, and Taylor slipped his hand inside Adam's.
"Okay, this is going to be slightly embarrassing for all of us, but you both have to answer truthfully. First off, I need to know if you're sleeping together."
"Mom!"
"Taylor, I'm sorry, but I have to know."
"No, we're not sleeping together."
Adam smiled weakly. "Your son is very firm about that," he said. As soon as he'd said the words, he'd wished he hadn't. It sort of made him sound like a pervert.
"That's good. Before you do, you both need to get tested, understood? So, you haven't slept together - how far have you gone?"
Taylor dropped his head and brought his free hand up to his face. "I cannot believe I'm having this conversation."
"We haven't really done anything. Basically just kissed..."
"Basically? So you've touched each other?"
Adam looked at Taylor out of the corner of his eyes, letting him answer this one, also.
"Mom," Taylor groaned. He sighed, and prepared himself to lie. "No." He ignored the way Adam looked at him.
"How long have you been seeing one another?"
"A little over a year."
"Are you in love?"
Taylor looked up. "What?"
"I said, are you in love?"
Taylor locked eyes with Adam. "Yes, we are."
"Now you have to decide if love is enough. It's going to be very hard on both of you if you want to keep this relationship. It'll have to be kept quiet, and you won't be able to see one another as much as you're used to. And you'll have to give Walker time to adjust to the fact that his son is-" Diana fought a smile, but it spread across her face anway "-bisexual." She stood. "I'll give you two time to discuss it. Once you decide, come on down to the kitchen, and we'll talk it over, okay?"
"Sure, Mom."
"Listen, Tay," Adam began as he burst through the door, startling Taylor, "your mom said..." Adam's voice trailed off as he got a good look at Taylor. "My god, what happened?"
Taylor let his hair fall in front of his face, hiding the dark bruise that covered his cheek. "It's nothing, really."
"Taylor!" Adam stepped closer to Taylor and reached out, his hand lightly grazing his cheek. Taylor flinched at his light touch, and Adam pulled his hand away, not wanting to hurt him.
"It's nothing," Taylor said again.
"What happened to you? He did this, didn't he? Walker hit you-"
"Shut up, just shut up, okay? You don't know anything about it!"
"I know that he has no right to ever raise his hand to you!"
"He didn't, okay?" Taylor's voice was soft, apologetic.
"What?"
"I said, he didn't." Taylor looked up. "He didn't hit me."
"Well, then what...?"
Taylor shook his head. "I can't tell you. You just...you have to trust me on this one, okay?"
Adam stared at Taylor for a long moment. Finally, he sighed. "Yeah, okay."
"Taylor, come on. You've got to eat."
"I said no. I'm not hungry - why can't you understand that?"
Adam sighed. "You are going to eat. If I have to get down on my knees and beg, I'll do it."
"Beg all you want - it won't change anything."
"Damn it, Taylor, this isn't good for you! Please, please come and eat."
"Alright." Taylor stood up. "Okay. But you're going to regret this."
"Yay!" Adam grabbed Taylor's hand. "No, I won't. Now hurry, before the food gets cold."
Half an hour later, Taylor was kneeling over the toilet, Adam holding his hair back and talking in soothing voices.
"You're gonna be okay, Tay. Do you hear me? Everything's going to be fine." Adam closed his eyes, tears threatening to spill down his cheeks as he waited for it to pass. Finally, it was over and Taylor collasped against Adam. Adam held him tightly, alternatively kissing his head and smoothing his hair. "You're okay, see?" Adam's grip tightened. "Don't worry, Taylor - we'll find out what's wrong. Don't worry."
Taylor stood slowly. The conversation echoed around him, bouncing around, and the room spun, making him dizzy. He closed his eyes.
Faintly, he could hear someone asking if he was okay. He wanted to say yes, he was fine, but before he got the chance, darkness closed in around him.
"You're not fine! You're not! So don't give me that bullshit!"
Taylor blinked, unaccostumed to being cussed at by Adam.
"I see you everyday. I see how skinny you've gotten, how tired and pale except for those dark bruises that just mysteriously appear out of nowhere. You say your dad doesn't hit you, but how can you except me to believe you when you don't tell me where they come from? You're pushing your luck, Taylor. I've seen the way you eat, I know about you throwing up, and I was there when you fainted! You're lucky I don't get up right now and tell your mom what's really going on-"
Taylor shoved Adam into the wall, eyes flashing, one arm against his chest. "You do NOT tell me what's wrong with me, and you do NOT threaten me. Ever. Do you understand?"
At first, Adam drew back into the wall as much as he could. He didn't understand what was happening. Then he got mad. Taylor was not going to push him around so easily. "Taylor, get your hands off me."
Taylor leaned in close, right in Adam's face. "That's not what you said last night," he hissed before shoving Adam even harder against the wall and walking away.
This time, Adam was too stunned to do anything but watch him walk away.
"Taylor, come with us, please."
"What?"
"Come here. Your mother and I are taking you to the hospital."
"The hospital? Why?" Taylor stood slowly.
Walker glanced at Diana before answering. "We...we think you need some help."
"I'm not going anywhere!"
"Yes, you are. Now, come on." Walker grasped Taylor's arm, but he pulled away.
"You! You did this! You told them!" Taylor lunged toward Adam. "How could you do this to me?"
"Taylor!" Walker grabbed him by the waist, holding him back as he struggled to get to Adam. Although Taylor was taller than Walker, he didn't weigh much, and wasn't very strong. "Taylor, stop it."
"How could you?" he screamed. "I thought you were my friend!"
"I am, Tay. I am!"
Walker managed to trap Taylor's arms at his side, still holding tightly to him. Now all Taylor could use were his legs, but he seemed to give up, going limp in his father's arms.
Adam ventured slowly up to Taylor, touching his cheek. He flinched when Taylor jerked away. "I am your friend. I love you, Tay. I don't want to see you suffer."
"You're not my friend, and you never were," Taylor spat. "I don't care if I never see you again."
"Happy anniversary," Adam said, sliding his arms around Taylor's neck.
"Happy anniversary," Taylor replied, kissing Adam's neck softly, then sighed. "Two years. I can't believe we made it this far."
"I know." Adam lightly brushed Taylor's cheek. "I love you so much."
Taylor smiled. "I love you, too. You've helped me through so much...I don't know what I would have done without you." He took a deep breath and slowly pulled Adam's arms down, holding his hands. "That's why my present to you is going to be very special."
"Oh, yeah? And what would that be?"
Taylor kissed Adam's lips very softly before slowing backing up. He ended up against a door, which he opened, revealing a bedroom. "You'll see," he promised, and pulled Adam inside, shutting the door behind them.
Taylor smoothed Adam's hair out of his face before gently kissing his forehead.
Taylor shoved him against the wall and kissed him hard.
Adam tried not to wince. Taylor loved when things got rough, but Adam didn't enjoy it quite as much.
