Chris Donovan vs. Shane Lewis

Pix of a disturbed Chris drinking in bed, on the side.

Video: Lost Without U by Robin Thicke

Enjoy!

***

“You must be Shane.” The plump lady with a pixie haircut, smiled at Shane.

“I am.” Shane smiled back. Chris’ house keeper was as pleasant as he’d said she was. “And you are Kate, I suppose.”

She laughed. “The one and only. Come in.” Kate said, opening the door wider for Shane. “Chris has told me so much about you I feel like I know you already. I’ve been dying to meet you since he dropped the bombshell.” She giggled.

Shane laughed, understanding why Chris had said his housekeeper was excitingly open and refreshingly honest. “He’s told me a lot about you too. Welcome back. He missed you.” Shane said, looking around Chris’ foyer. “Is he here?” He asked.

“No.” Kate’s smile faltered. “I assumed he was with you. He told me…” But she trailed off.

“What did he tell you?” Shane asked quickly.

“Well, he said he virtually lives with you now.” She said with a slight smile.

“He does. But for the past three days…”

“He comes home to change in the mornings and then leaves for work, I know.” Kate completed Shane’s sentence…or she thought she had.

Shane froze. Yes, Chris virtually lived with him but Chris always went directly to work from his end…well, till three days ago that is. Chris had explained that he had some stuff to do at home so he’d started sleeping in his own home…or so he’d led Shane to believe. But from what Chris’ housekeeper was saying, it appeared Chris wasn’t sleeping at home after all.

“I wonder where he is this morning.” Kate muttered to herself. “I mean if he’s not here and not with you…” She looked up at Shane and gave a slight frown at the look on Shane’s face. Something wasn’t right. “Is everything alright?” She asked.

“Yeah, yes everything is fine.” Shane sighed, looking around but not really seeing anything.

“Listen, I really think…” Kate started but trailed off, making Shane turn to look at her. The look on the housekeeper’s face showed something was bothering her.

“What is it, Kate?” Shane asked softly.

She shrugged. “It’s just that Chris doesn’t seem like his usual self. He’s…” She trailed off again.

“He’s what?” Shane asked.

“Forget I said anything.” Kate said quickly. “I’m sure…”

“Listen Kate. Tell me whatever is on your mind.” Shane said softly. “I can only help him if people like you, who know him very well, can honestly tell me when you think there’s a problem. I only want what’s best for him, just as I’m sure you do.”

Kate nodded and took a deep breath. “For the past three days, he comes home in the mornings with alcohol on his breath. Of course you already know that since he comes from your end.” She said with a look of disapproval. “I don’t think you guys should indulge that much. But the other thing that bothers me is that he doesn’t look like he’s eating much. I’m worried about him, Shane.”

Shane nodded slowly. “Truth is he hasn’t slept at my end in the past three nights. He said something about needing to work from here. Fuck.” Shane muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration.

“Oh dear.” Kate groaned, twisting the cord on her slacks nervously. “I assumed he sleeps at yours since he said...” Her eyes widened suddenly. “Well, he has a permanent suite at the Four Seasons Hotel.” Kate said. “Maybe he’s there.”

“Yes he told me about that. I think I’ll pass through the hotel on my way home.” Shane extended a hand towards Kate. “Thank you very much Kate. It was nice meeting you.”

“Likewise. Oh and tell him I said he had better not come home drunk.” She said sternly, drawing a chuckle from Shane.

“I will.”

And with that, Shane left Chris’ house with a heavy heart. The feeling in his stomach was so queasy, he thought he was going to be sick but he took in deep breaths and hopped into his car. What the fuck was going on, he thought worriedly. He decided to go directly to the hotel. It was a Saturday so he had all the time. And God help Chris if he wasn’t at the hotel, Shane thought darkly.

***

Chris sat at the bar with half a bottle of scotch and an almost empty glass in front of him. He’d woken up not too long ago, taken a shower and come down to the bar to continue his drinking spree, which was all that seemed to get him going these days. And already, the full bottle of scotch was down to half, he shook his head disapprovingly at himself. But he didn’t push the bottle away. He rather filled his glass. Chris just wanted to be alone…didn’t want any disturbances. His cell phone had been off since the day before so he had not been getting any calls to disturb his peace. Chris knew Shane would be worried, but he wanted to think. Thanks to therapy, he knew he had to make some tough decisions. It was bound to affect people…Shane, to be precise. For some reason, Chris believed that the only way to ensure that he never hurt Shane again, would be to let Shane go. And he’d even told Dr. Murray his intentions. But after doing a lot of thinking, he’d come to the conclusion that he just couldn’t do the right thing… He couldn’t let go of Shane. Call him selfish but really, he’d rather die than live without Shane in his life.

Chris downed the scotch and poured himself another. The past two weeks had not been easy. It was very difficult, combining his work with the images that seemed to constantly flood his subconscious. All he had to do was close his eyes, and Shane’s badly beaten body would be there. He always had to make an effort to concentrate very hard on whatever he was doing because those images always succeeded in throwing him off whatever he was doing. He’d been in the middle of a very important presentation about four days earlier and for some reason, thought of Shane. It was nothing strange. He thought of Shane all the time. All he did whenever he thought of the guy, was to smile and move on with whatever he was doing. Yes, Shane was a distraction sometimes, but it had never been a negative one. But that day, immediately the thought of Shane had flashed through his mind, the images had followed. He’d almost disgraced himself by discontinuing with his presentation. He’d had to pause, take deep breaths and water, before continuing with his presentation, to the shock of his audience.

Chris knew he couldn’t go on like that. Whenever he slept beside Shane of late, he couldn’t sleep. All he did was stare at Shane, unconsciously wanting to reassure himself that Shane was okay and not hurt like the image in his head. He’d therefore decided to start sleeping in his own house. At least there, he could finally get a much needed rest by drinking himself to sleep, away from the prying eyes of Shane. He’d given Shane some bullshit story about wanting to work from his place because of some documents he didn’t want to carry all the way to Shane’s. Shane had looked a little bit skeptical at his explanation but had accepted it. The only problem was that, with Kate back, Chris knew he couldn’t get away with that kind of lifestyle in his house either. Kate, his housekeeper, was a fifty year old sweet lady who loved to mother Chris sometimes. Chris wasn’t ready to face the disapproval he knew would be in Kate’s eyes if she noticed anything out of the ordinary so he’d decided to start using his plush suite at the Four Seasons Hotel instead.

What he did was go home to change for work each morning, pass through Shane’s briefly after work, and then drive to the hotel to drink the night away. So far, the routine had worked perfectly because whenever he was buzzed, the images didn’t come as often.

“Hey, handsome.” Purred Peaches, one of the sexy dancers for the hotel.

“Hey, sexy.” Chris grinned at the hot woman.

He’d hooked up with her once, years ago. She’d made it very clear she still wanted him but Chris had told her he was in love with a guy. That hadn’t stopped Peaches from coming to sit with him whenever she was free. Chris didn’t really mind as she’d made it her mission to ensure that other girls left him alone.

“I see you’re still drinking your life away.” Peaches said, grabbing the bottle of scotch and Chris’ glass. “Kev, bring me a glass will you.” She told the bartender as she turned to go. “Come on, Chris.” Peaches sashayed her way to a corner table, where there was a plate of eggs, bacon and toast waiting. “Sit.”

“Peach…” Chris groaned but sat as instructed. Peaches could be pretty nasty when she didn’t have her way. “You know I can’t eat…”

“You can and you will, honey.” Peaches said sternly. “The egg is spicy so it will do you good. Come on, dig in before I sic the other dancers on you. You know they all want a piece of that fine body.” She grinned, drawing a chuckle out of Chris.

“Not the girls please.” He muttered as he picked up a fork. “Fuck, I hate this.”

“Honey, the fact that you decided to turn gay doesn’t mean I want to watch you harm yourself.” Peaches said, pouring herself a shot. “Who knows, maybe you’ll realize how much you miss boobs and come…”

“Never.” Chris laughed.

“A woman can hope, can’t she?” She asked, sipping her drink.

“She sure can.” Chris replied, wondering why he had given that vehement answer to the idea of boobs, seeing as he’d wanted to let Shane go.

Chris chuckled. He definitely wasn’t going to hook up with a guy after Shane. But he sure as hell didn’t see himself anywhere near boobs either. What made him think he could even pull that silly plan off, he asked himself with a scowl. Hell, it was not like he could drink Shane out of his system. He couldn’t wait to see Murray on Tuesday to tell him what he’d decided…not to do. The elderly man was going to be happy with his decision for sure. Fuck! What Shane must be going through not hearing from him, Chris thought. He pushed the plate away, suddenly hating the idea of food. Then he reached for his glass of scotch.

“Chris…”

“I’ve had enough. I need this now.” He growled as he took a sip.

“At least you’ve taken some food.” Peaches sighed, signaling a waiter to come and pick up the plate. Then she slid closer to Chris, set her elbows on the table and placed her chin on her entwined fingers and stared at Chris.

“What?” Chris asked with an amused look.

“You have to stop this, Chris.” Peaches said softly. “It won’t help.”

Chris set an elbow on the table too and his cheek on his fist and stared right back into Peaches’ eyes. “And who made you an expert?”

“Chris?” Chris heard that last voice he was expecting, call his name and sat upright. And the look in Shane’s eyes nearly killed him.

***

“Shane.” Shane finally took his eyes off the woman and looked at Chris when he heard Chris say his name.

Tracking down Chris hadn’t been difficult at all. He’d asked to see Chris at the reception area and given his own name. He’d been directed to the bar, where he’d immediately seen Chris, sitting in a cozy corner with a really pretty lady. He’d watched as a waiter had picked up a plate from their table just as the lady slid closer to Chris, their bodies touching. There was an easy intimacy and familiarity between the two which showed how close they were. Shane had suppressed the bolt of pain that had flashed through his chest. Maybe the lady was simply coming on to Chris and nothing more, Shane told himself.

But then Shane saw how the two had stared into each other’s eyes whilst talking and just knew that those two were lovers. No one who saw them together could mistake that they were lovers. Blinding rage and searing pain flashed through Shane, leaving him breathless. He’d almost turned around and left but he knew his legs wouldn’t be able to carry him to his car. He could feel himself shaking and his palms getting damp with perspiration. He felt cold suddenly and his heart was pounding so hard he feared he was about to have a heart attack. The pain and feeling of betrayal was that extreme. But much as he wanted to leave the place and pretend he hadn’t seen Chris’ betrayal, Shane wanted to confront Chris even more. Taking deep breaths to calm himself, he’d willed his wobbly legs to send him close to the cozy couple. And the guilt that flashed within the eyes of Chris when he’d noticed Shane, was all the answer Shane needed. Chris was cheating on him.

“Shane, it’s not what you think.” Chris said as he got to his feet. “Peaches is…”

“Are you saying you’ve never fucked her?” Shane’s voice was quiet. Too quiet.

Chris went as white as sheet. His initial feeling was fear. Fear that Shane was already thinking the worst. Then he began to feel anger. Blinding anger. Was that what Shane thought of him? That he was capable of cheating on him? After all they’d been through? After all the assurance he’d given to Shane that he was never going to cheat on him? Did his word mean so little to Shane? If Shane thought him capable of cheating on him, then he might as well allow the chips to fall where they may.

Straightening up his spine, Chris looked Shane in the eye and nodded slowly. “I have.” After all it was the honest answer to Shane’s question.

“Chris…” Peaches groaned beside Chris, drawing Shane’s attention back to her.

Chris didn’t turn to look at Peaches. He kept his eyes on Shane, who was now looking at Peaches. Shane looked up at Chris after a moment and gave a slight nod. Then he turned around and left. Chris sat heavily in his chair, staring unseeingly into space.

“Are you fucking crazy?” Peaches screeched. She didn’t have to be a genius to know that, the gorgeous guy who’d just left was the man Chris was in love with. “What were you thinking?” Chris hadn’t told her exactly what his problem was with his man but it was obvious whatever was eating at him, had to do with Shane. “What did you do?” Peaches groaned.

“Tell the truth.” Chris said stonily. “I need to go back to my suite. Care to join me?” Chris asked as he stood up and picked up the bottle of booze. He really didn’t want to be alone right then.

Peaches took a deep breath and stood up too. “Sure.” Then she followed Chris to his suite.

***

Shane sat in his car at the parking lot of the hotel, shaking with pain, humiliation and anger whilst going over what had transpired in the bar. So it had come to that huh? Chris had actually been shacking up with that lady for the past three days. Images of Chris entwined with the woman in the throes of passion assailed him. He squeezed his eyes shut against the images in his head, but they wouldn’t go away. Chris had cheated, and then had the nerve to attempt to deny by saying it wasn’t what it looked like. Really? Shane felt dead inside. He couldn’t believe Chris had done that to them. He’d promised!

“Fuck!” He muttered, leaning his head against the steering wheel. It hurt. Fuck, did it hurt.

But what had made Chris decide to confess after all? And why did the lady sound shocked at Chris’ confession? Something wasn’t right, Shane couldn’t help but think. He just couldn’t place a finger on it but something didn’t feel right.  And he hated the way Chris looked. He looked sick. Shane gave a short humourless laugh. Even amidst his fury at what had happened, he still couldn’t help but think about Chris’ wellbeing.

“How fucked up is that?” He groaned.

Even though Shane felt betrayed by Chris and was feeling so much hurt and anger, he knew he would forgive Chris anything. There was nothing Chris could do or say that would erase his love for him or draw Shane away from him because Shane knew he couldn’t live without Chris…couldn’t imagine going forward without Chris and live. He’d thought the feeling was mutual but Chris’ latest stunt had told him otherwise and the feeling of betrayal was heart-numbing. What was Chris’ problem, Shane asked himself for the umpteenth time. Then groaning with frustrated, he reached out and punched Dr. Murray’s number on his phone.

“Shane.” The man sounded very cheerful considering how they parted ways the last time Shane had been to see him. “What can I do for you?”

“Hello doctor. I hope I’m not catching you at a bad time.” Shane said quietly.

“No, no. We can talk. What is it?”

“What exactly is Chris’ problem?” Shane asked.

The doctor went quiet for a moment before responding. “You know I can’t discuss…”

“Bullshit, doc.” Shane growled. “What affects him affects me too and you know it.”

“I do. That is why I feel you both have to deal with the issue head-on. You told me you’ve talked about what happened between you too. If you really did, and understand each other as you claim, then why don’t you feel comfortable going to where it all began? Why does the mere thought of going back there put so much fear into you? Have you asked yourself that?”

“I just want to forget.” Shane said tightly.

“Hmmm. Looks like you’re not the only one who wants to forget. Didn’t you say Chris had never been to that house since that incident?” The doctor asked.

“That’s what he said.” Shane answered.

“And are you trying to tell me that if you never set foot into that house again, that incident will forever be erased? Why can’t you face your fear and deal with it once and for all? Real healing is where you see something or a place that’s supposed to bring so much pain, but feel no pain. You cannot forget, Shane. But you mustn’t be terrified at the mere thought of that house. When you kill a snake, it’s always better to cut off its head. It will be difficult initially. But with the two of you together, you can do it.

“Damn, I’m terrified.” Shane muttered to himself but the doctor heard him.

“I know. But both of you will feel a whole lot better if you do it.”

Shane sighed. Despite his anger and disappointment in Chris, he was willing to do whatever it would take to get his Chris back. He’d read somewhere a long time ago that when it came to matters of the heart, fuck egos. Well, yes, his ego was definitely bruised, but he was determined to fight for what he wanted.

“I’ll do it.” Shane said quietly.

“Great.” Dr. Murray couldn’t mask the approval and excitement in his voice. “I’m glad you’ve agreed to. All the best Shane.”

“Thanks. I’ll need it.” Shane muttered.

“And Shane?”

“Yes doc?”

“You don’t have much time.” That sentence was so loaded Shane gasped. The doctor obviously knew what he was talking about.

“I think I just run out.” Shane groaned.

“Nothing is impossible. Perseverance conquers all, son. Get in touch when you get back.”

“I will. Thanks doctor.”

***

Shane called Kyle next. “Shane. Coming?” Kyle asked immediately he picked up. The guys were at Dean’s house.

“Not today, Kyle.” Shane said apologetically. “May I speak with Aaron please? I don’t have his number.”

“Sure.” Kyle responded. “Baby, Shane wants to talk to you.” Shane heard Kyle call out.

“Shane, what’s up?” Aaron’s voice came on the line.

“Hey Aaron. I need a huge favour from you, man.”

“Shoot.”

“I’m planning on taking Chris to Florida tonight. I need you to go talk to him…convince him to go with me. Can you do that for me, Aaron?”

“Sure. I’ll do my best. Did he say no to you?” Aaron asked curiously.

“I haven’t asked him at all. I don’t think he even wants to see me. He’s staying at the Four Seasons Hotel.” Shane sighed. “There’s a lot I have to do before we fly out. Please go talk to him for me.”

“I’ll do that, Shane.” Aaron said softly, hating the defeat he detected in Shane’s voice.

“Good. I have to talk to Cole too. Then Michael. I…”

“Relax Shane. I’m putting you on speaker.” Aaron said softly. “Tell everyone what you want them to do and we’ll do it. Alright?”

“Alright.” Shane responded, feeling his eyes sting with tears. Fuck, this was not the time for tears, he chastised himself and took deep breaths. 

“Shane?” It was Cole’s voice. “Talk to us buddy. What do you need?”

“Hey guys.” Shane greeted, smiling at their responses. “Cole, you are Chris’ lawyer right?”

“Yes. My firm handles his stuff.” Cole responded.

“Good. We’re going out of town for two weeks. Can you handle things in his absence?”

“That can be done. I think his highly capable team can manage two weeks without him.” He chuckled. “I’ll make sure things are taken care of. In fact I’m going to let Tyron handle that.”

“Tyron?” Shane sounded surprised.

“Oh, not soldier boy.” Cole chuckled. “A colleague in the office. He virtually does everything with Chris.”

“Cool, thanks Cole. Michael?”

“Talk to me.” Michael said

“I might need your help at the hotel. It’s likely that Chris will be drunk and…”

“I’m on it.” Michael responded.

“Thanks guys. I’m on my way to Chris’ to pack a few things for hi…”

“You sure you guys will be wearing anything?” Dean drawled, drawing chuckles from the guys.

“We will, Dean.” Shane murmured. With what had transpired between him and Chris that day, they were definitely going to be covered up, Shane thought bitterly.

“Listen, Shane.” Damon’s voice came through. “Dean and I will meet you at Chris’.”

“Okay, I’ll meet you there in two hours.” Shane responded.

“The rest of us will be at the hotel.” Matt added. “Too bad Tristan is not in town. He would have teased the idiot out of whatever foul mood he’s in.”

“I really appreciate this, guys. Thanks.” Shane said and hung up.

Shane went home to pack a few things. Then he called his pilot and asked him to get his helicopter ready. Shane called his firm in Florida and instructed them to send a car they could use during their two week stay in Florida, to Chris’ vacation home. Then he called his trusted deputy and gave him all the necessary instructions. Ben lived to work and was damned good at it too, which is why Shane overpaid him to keep him from going anywhere else. Shane told the man that for the next two weeks, his cell phone was going to be off so he could call Shane’s lawyer, who was also a trusted friend, to handle things where necessary. Then he called his mother and Lizzie and told them about his trip, promising to later send each the landline for the Donovan residence in Florida, to be used in case of emergency. Shane then spoke to Adele and promised to call her every day. After ensuring that everything was in order, he set off for Chris’ home.

***

When Shane eventually got to Chris’, Damon and Dean were already there. They had done some packing for Chris and were playing cards with Kate.

“So I hear you boys are going out of town.” Kate beamed.

“That’s the plan.”

“Good. We’ve packed a bag for him.” She pointed at a packed bag at the bottom of the stairs.

“Thank you very much, Kate.” Shane smiled. “There’s another thing you can help me with. Do you know where the keys to the Florida house is?”

Kate pointed up the stairs. “It’s in the safe up there.”

“A safe.” Shane muttered. “Great! How the fuck am I to know the password?” Shane muttered as they all climbed the stairs. All four of them went closer to the safe, each wondering what the password could be. After staring at the safe for a while, Shane stepped in front of it and punched in N.I.C.K.

“Dude, I thought you didn’t know the password.” Dean’s voice raised in surprise as the safe opened.

“I didn’t.” Shane said, surprised himself. “I just…guessed.” He finished in a whisper.

Shane stared at the contents of the safe and felt his eyes well with tears. Inside the safe were only two items. The keys and the box of Dominos Chris had given him all those years ago. He’d used a red pen to write his own name on the box and it hadn’t faded. Shane leaned his head against the safe as silent tears coursed down his cheeks.

“I’ll be downstairs.” Kate said softly and left the three men.

Damon and Dean watched Shane. They knew he was crying but neither knew what to do. In the end, Damon stepped forward, with the intention of pulling Shane back so they could close the safe. If Shane and Chris were to travel, they had to get going. But when Damon got closer, he saw the box of Dominos and immediately understood Shane’s reaction. Chris had told him about it.

“Your box of Dominos.” Damon muttered as he drew Shane into a fierce hug. “It’s okay Shane.” Damon crooned as he rubbed Shane on the back, soothingly.

Dean stepped closer to Shane and patted his back too, showing his support. Shane couldn’t have been able to put into words how he felt that very moment if he’d been asked. Seeing that box of Dominos had affected him more than he cared to admit. If just a box of Dominos could do that to him, he dreaded what going into that house would do.

“Oh God.” Shane mumbled, as he pulled out of Damon’s embrace. “Yes, it’s my box of Dominos.” He said quietly. “He kept it.”

Then Shane turned around, grabbed both the Dominos and the keys and closed the safe. By the time they got back downstairs, Chris’ bag had already been put into Shane’s car.  

“I’ve called the caretaker, Jon, at the house in Florida.” Kate said quietly. “He’s getting the place ready for you.”

“Thanks Kate.” Shane smiled. “Please tell him to expect a car to be delivered in the next two hours.”

“I’ll tell him. Oh and I’m arranging for a chef to be at post for the next two weeks.” She said with a grin. “Have fun.”

“You’re the best Kate.” Dean said, hugging Chris’ housekeeper. They all liked her because she spoilt them whenever it was Chris’ turn to entertain on Saturdays.

“Of course I’m the best.” She purred, making the guys chuckle as they left the house for their cars.

But for Damon and Dean, the feeling was solemn as they drove towards the hotel and Chris. Chris had told them some years back just how much he hated the idea of ever going to that house in Florida. Though he hadn’t told them why at the time, he’d told them that though he never planned on going there, he also couldn’t bring himself to sell it off. So they knew it was going to be very difficult to convince Chris to go on the trip. Neither Damon nor Dean wanted to be in Shane’s shoes.

***

Chris couldn’t remember ever being as drunk as he was that very moment. He knew he was bound to pass out at a point and was actually looking forward to that. His mind kept going to Shane’s face when he told him he’d fucked Peaches. Fuck! Chris turned to look at Peaches, fast asleep beside him on the bed. She’d drunk too but not as much as Chris. After telling him her piece, she’d fallen asleep, leaving Chris to wallow in his own misery.

“Hey, Peach wake up.” Chris slurred, shaking Peaches gently. “You said you have rehearsals at five p.m. It’s almost five.”

“Already?” Peaches groaned, rolling over onto her back. “I wish I could…what the fuck?” Peaches trailed off as they both heard the main door being opened from outside. Since the door between the bedroom and the living room was wide opened and directly in line with the main door, they could watch as it opened.

Chris was too buzzed to care about the fact that someone was entering his suite. He watched quietly as Kyle, Aaron, Matt and Cole entered the suite. He stared at his friends, noting the condemnation in their eyes. Of course it wasn’t what they were all obviously thinking but…would they believe him? Fuck them, he thought.

“Really?” Matt growled, staring daggers at Chris. “Are you fucking kidding me?”

“Can you please excuse us, Madam?” Cole said politely to Peaches, who was already getting out of the bed.

“Of course.” Peaches said, pushing her feet into her shoes. “For the record, we were not hooking up or anything. I’m just keeping him company that’s all.” She said as she went round the bed to Chris’ side and kissed him gently on the cheek. “Take care.” She whispered and sashayed out of the suite.

“We’ll be downstairs, baby.” Kyle whispered to Aaron and kissed him softly. “Come on, guys.” And with a final deadly look from Matt, the guys left the room, leaving Aaron behind.

Aaron stood by the door for a long moment after the guys had left, eyes locked on Chris’. Then he walked into the bedroom, toed off his loafers and climbed into the bed to sit with his back against the headboard, just as Chris was.

“You know you’re fucking up, right?” Aaron murmured.

“Maybe I’m not the right guy for him.” Chris rasped.

“Bullshit!” Aaron retorted heatedly. “You’re running scared and you know it. What happened to the man I looked up to?” Aaron turned to face Chris. “The man who gives me so much strength. The man who tells me everything is possible if you put your mind to it. That man won’t act like this.”

“Aaron…”

“Shut the fuck up and listen to me, Chris. That man loves you. With this attitude, you’re putting a good person to an early grave. That’s not the Chris I know and love. Please, stop this.”

“I needed space to think.” Chris mumbled. “The last thing I want to do is hurt him, Aaron.”

“And what do you think you’re doing now? What would he have thought if he’d walked in on you in bed with a woman?” Aaron’s eyes widened when he saw the guilt in Chris’ eyes. “What? She said you guys did nothing.”

“And that’s the truth.” Shane slurred. “But Shane…he’s already seen us together.” Chris groaned as if in pain.

“Oh my God. When? What were you two doing? Chris…”

“Settle down.” Chris whispered, squeezing his eyes shut. “We weren’t doing anything. And it hurts that he actually thought the worst.” He muttered.

“Fuck.” Aaron was so pissed he was shaking. “He’s on his way to take you to Florida. You…”

“What?” Chris’ eyes popped open.

“He’s taking you on a two week vacation to your vacation home. Now you will stand up, wash your face and get read…”

“Who the fuck do you think you are?” Chris growled, tying to focus on at least one of the two images of Aaron he was seeing. Fuck, if both Aarons could just become one, he thought irritably. “And who the fuck does he think he is, planning my life for two weeks. Not even wild horses can drive me to that house. Do you people think…” Chris trailed off when Aaron quickly moved to straddle his thighs.

“Listen to me Chris.” Aaron’s voice trembled and his cheeks were wet with tears. “If you have an iota of love for Shane, you will do this for him. Cole will make sure everything goes on smoothly back here. All the guys will see to that. Shane is leaving his businesses just to go on this trip with you because he cares about you and wants to get your relationship on the right path.” Aaron paused to swipe furiously at his eyes, desperate to get through to Chris. “Please do this for him. And for me as well. Please.” Aaron whispered shakily. “Please Chris. Please.” Aaron was sobbing now. His hands covered his wet face as he sobbed.

Chris pulled Aaron to his chest and held him. He didn’t know what to think. Go back to that house? And Shane was willing to do that? Really? After what he’d done to him in that house? Even after assuming he’d been unfaithful, he was still willing to make their relationship work? Chris felt his tank top get wet with Aaron’s tears and tightened his hold on Aaron. What the fuck was he doing, Chris asked himself. Who was he kidding? If Shane wanted him in that house, there was no way he could say he wouldn’t go. And not only could he not live without Shane in his life, he also didn’t want to disappoint Aaron. God, he felt faint, Chris groaned. Where the fuck was Shane when he needed him, Chris thought edgily. Of course he would probably wait till he was sitting close to some chic, to show up. Chris wanted to scream in misery but couldn’t summon the energy to do that. But was he in the position to travel, Chris wondered. He was so drunk and tired, he didn’t think he could. At least not today. Oh fuck, he needed to see Shane. To tell him the truth. To make him understand why he’d been behaving that way.

“I’ll go.” He whispered. Then in a stronger voice, he repeated himself. “I will go, Aaron. I’m so sorry you had to see me like this. I’ll go.” Chris couldn’t keep his eyes open.

“Thank you, Chris.” Aaron said shakily.

“It’s just that I’m so tired.” Chris whimpered. “Where is Shane? I just want to slee…”

“No, no, Chris, open your eyes.” Aaron said frantically, cupping Chris’ cheeks between his palms. “Come on, don’t pass out now.” He groaned but Chris was far gone. “You idiot!” Aaron muttered and reached for his phone. Kyle picked up on the first ring.

“Talk to me.” Kyle said softly on the other end.

“He passed out.” Aaron sighed, getting off Chris. “But not before telling me he would go with Shane.”

“Good job, baby.” Aaron could feel the smile in Kyle’s voice. “Pack his stuff. We’ll be up there soon. Shane’s chopper just landed on the roof.”

“Okay.”

***

Shane stood beside the bed, looking down at a passed out Chris. He wanted to shake him till his teeth rattled inside his mouth but at the same time, he wanted to kiss him…hold him close. Chris was his world. He was nothing without Chris, and Shane knew it.

“I don’t have to give him anything now.” Michael said beside him. “He’s already out. And looking at all these bottles, he’s going to be out for a very long time.” He chuckled. “I’ll give you something for when he wakes up though.”

“Okay. Thanks.” Shane said, bending to pick up the shirt Aaron had thoughtfully left on the bed for Chris. He gently put it on Chris and then picked him up, fireman style. “Fuck, he’s light.” He groaned.

“How do you know he’s…never mind.” Michael shook his head in amusement and held the door open for Shane.

When they got to the rooftop of the hotel building, where Shane’s jet was ready to take off, Shane gently placed Chris in the seat and buckled him up. Then he fixed earplugs in Chris’ ears to combat both noise and pressure. All the guys were standing there, watching him. Shane was so used to their fun nature that this gloomy side of them felt weird to him. After making sure that Chris was comfortable, Shane shut his door and turned around to face the guys. Then Shane moved to stand in front of Kyle.

“I’ll fix this. I promise.” Shane said quietly.

Kyle nodded. “I know you will.” He said giving Shane a fierce hug.

Aaron was a totally different matter though. His eyes were swollen from crying so much. Chris had helped him when he needed help most and he was devastated seeing Chris in that state. Shane didn’t say anything to Aaron. He simply gathered him into his arms and held him.

“Come back happy.” Aaron whispered. “Please.”

“I’ll make sure I bring your Chris back, happier than you’ve ever seen him okay?” Shane whispered back. At Aaron’s nod, he pressed a soft kiss to the sad boy’s forehead. “Just make sure we come back to the Aaron he knows and loves. Alright?”

“Alright.”                                                              

“Good. Because Chris will go bonkers if he thinks you’re not okay.” Shane murmured, hugging Aaron again.

Shane hugged the others, assuring them that Chris was going to be fine. Then with a final wave, he hopped into the pilot’s seat and adjusted the controls. And even as the chopper rose smoothly and sored into the darkening sky, Shane prayed and hoped he could deliver on his promise to Chris’ family…the squad!

***

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