Chapter
12
They stopped about 30 minutes later and they
checked in at the motel. Justin got them some food and Josh got Sam ready for bed,
who was already getting droopy. He knew he wouldn’t be able to get him in bath
after diner so he urged his son to work with him, the prospect of diner keeping
Sam awake to get him bathed, changed and in his pajamas, ready for bed.
“Daddy, you like Ju-tin?” Sam had asked as Josh
lifted him out of the bathtub and sat him on the floor.
“Yeah” Josh smiled as he grabbed his son’s pajamas
off of the counter.
“Me too” Sam told Josh firmly.
“Issa that ok-ay?” he asked carefully as he studied
his dad’s face.
“Sure why not?” Josh asked a little confused as he
hauled Sam in his pajamas.
“Coz he was mean” Sam scowled, grabbing his
father’s shoulders to steady himself. Josh paused for a moment, looking at his
kid.
“Yeah he was but I think he didn’t mean it” Josh
told his son meaningful. Sam nodded once,
“I ‘now” he told him determined. Josh got him in
his pajamas on and they sat on the bed waiting for the food. The kid would do
anything for food and Josh knew this; using it to his advantage when he had to.
It was what people did with him too, he could always eat; just like his son.
Luckily Sam didn’t have to wait long as Justin appeared with the food. They ate
together, Josh feeding Sam and soon he was done. Josh laid him down on the bed,
kissed his son’s forehead, wishing him goodnight as he drew the covers up so
they were covering the small body of his son. He stood there watching over his
son as he watched him fall asleep.
***
As soon as Sam was asleep Justin found himself in
the strong and loving arms of the stunning man with the bright blue eyes. They
hugged for a long time, Josh felt the need to hold Justin, to hold him and
protect him, to tell him that everything would work out and that he didn’t have
to worry about anything. Justin fell into the much needed embrace and
desperately clung to the other man. It had been a long and hard day, a draining
day and a hug from Josh was just what he needed to make it all better.
Only if it was just for a little while.
“Thanks” Justin whispered, barely audible, changing
his grip but he didn’t let go. Josh kissed the boy’s cheek tentatively before
he pulled back slightly and slowly planted his lips on the ones of the young
man. Justin fell into the kiss and they kissed passionately for several
minutes, finally releasing one another when they were both breathless. They
looked at each other, staring at one another for a long time, taking in the
beauty that was the man in front of them. They once again brought their lips
together in a gentle kiss, exploring one another as they stayed in a tight
embrace. Neither wanted to let go, neither wanted to ever let go.
This was perfect, this was heaven, let’s stay like
this forever was a wish of them both but they knew it was just a wish; a wish
that would never come true.
Neither wanted to speak or even think about
tomorrow; the day they would reach LA.
What would happen?
The question was there, on both their minds but
neither wanted to provide an answer.
Not tonight, tonight they had each other and the worries
where for tomorrow.
***
But tomorrow came; whether the two peaceful
sleeping men wrapped in each other’s arms wanted it or not. It was once again a
small bed but they were more comfortable that way. Justin was pressed up
against Josh, his arms encircled the younger man’s waist as his chin rested on
top of his curls. Justin’s eyes opened slowly, finding himself in the strong
arms of the man next to him. He glanced at the other bed and saw Sam was still
asleep and he smiled at the sight. He turned slightly in Josh’s arms to look at
the relaxed features of the man who was holding him. He carefully traced his
finger over Josh’s cheekbone, taking in his beauty and savoring the feel of
having those strong arms around him and the soft, warm breath on his face. He
closed his eyes, forcing away the thought that this would all be over soon and
he would have nowhere to go.
***
“Daddy, daddy” Sam called softly as he tugged at
his father’s sleeve. Josh vaguely heard something and was slowly pulled from
his dream; a dream where the three of them where a family, where they were
happy…..
“Yeah baby?” Josh croaked, his voice slurred with
sleep.
“I hungry” Sam told his father softly, careful not
to awaken Justin.
“We’ll get some breakfast k baby?” Josh offered.
Sam nodded, not even the slightest bit bothered by the fact his father was
lying in a bed with another man. Maybe he was just too young to understand or
maybe he did understand. Josh tightened his arms around Justin,
“Wake up Justin” he told him softly, whispering in
his ear as he kissed the boy’s cheek. Josh looked down at the sleeping beauty
in his arms who was slowly waking up, his dream came back to him and he thought
about waking up with this beauty in his arms every morning. He shook his head; he
couldn’t think that way, he would just make himself crazy. He was longing for
something that would never happen, he had to forget it. Justin awoke for the
second time that morning but this time the view was better; the twinkling blue
eyes and the warming smile triggered a smile of his own as he yawned and
stretched.
They reluctantly got up to get dressed, to get
ready to go and have breakfast but they still didn’t speak about later…. when
they would reach LA. They still avoided the thing that lay heavily on both
their hearts; the arrival in LA and still ignored what this day would mean;
separation.
