9 comments/ 25067 views/ 25 favorites The Sound of Your Voice Ch. 01 By: Nyhtfall The old house sat on a low hill, overlooking the river below. It was a large home, gracious, regal, exactly what one would expect of an old southern home. Its brick facade covered the L shape of the house, the shorter wing jutting off the back and remaining mostly hidden from view, with only the odd chimney poking up to give away its presence. Evan's family had lived in this house for generations, it was the family home, where he had been born, raised, and if he had his way, the place he would one day die. But none of that was on his mind right now. His primary concern as he awoke in the grey dawn hours, was the aching hardon between his legs, and the intense urge to pee. With a groan, he tossed the covers of his large bed aside and rolled. He sat on the edge of the bed for a moment, running his hands through his dark hair. He sighed as he noticed the sheen of sweat that covered his entire naked body. He hated feeling sticky, and right now, it was bad enough that the light downy covering of dark hair that covered his chest, abdomen, and thickened between his legs. With another sigh, he stood up and stretched. It was going to be another hot day. He quickly crossed the room, and stepped into the attached bathroom. It was one of the many features of the house that he loved, every bedroom, had its own attached bathroom, a renovation an ancestor had done sometime in the 1920's had installed modern indoor plumbing, clawfoot tubs, and classic fixtures. After hunching over and pushing his hardon downward to pee into the toilet and bracing himself against the wall with his other hand, he groaned as his bladder emptied. Rising up, he glanced at himself in the mirror and took a moment to regard the face staring back at him. The stubble on his cheeks wasn't yet heavy enough for him to worry about shaving, in fact the slight stubble seemed to accentuate his goatee and mustache, giving him a slightly more rugged look, and the dark chocolate brown eyes seemed to smile at anyone who looked at them. Quickly, he turned on the shower, letting the water run for just a moment to take the chill off before stepping in, and letting the cool water run down his body. He sighed as he relaxed, cooling off. He hated the heat. Glancing down, he once again became aware of the thick seven inches of hard cock between his legs. With a grumble, he wrapped his hand around the base and stroked. It only took a moment before he threw his head back and groaned, his length swelling and releasing a long stream of thick white cum. Cleaning up, he turned off the shower, and stepped out. Drying took little time, and within the span of a few minutes, he was dressed in khaki's, and a loose blue dress shirt, with brown loafers. As he snagged his glasses off the bedside table, he headed out the door and into the hallway. He pulled his glasses one as he walked down one of the two parallel staircases that graced the foyer of the house. He turned and proceeded through the backroom of the house that they currently used as a music room, complete with a grand piano as the centerpiece of the room. He smiled as he ran his fingers over its smooth curves and hummed on his way into the kitchen. As he stepped into the kitchen, he was greeted by the familiar smell of his grandmother's biscuits. Even at 68, Evan's grandmother Eva insisted on being up at sunrise, with a pan of her buttery flakey biscuits in the oven for her family to enjoy when they awoke. This morning, he found her sitting at the kitchen island, sipping a cup of jasmine tea, his family's favorite. He smiled and crossed the kitchen and placed a soft kiss upon the top of her grey haired head. With a smile she set her cup down and gestured at the stove. "The biscuits should be done dear," she said, in her soft melodious voice. It was a trait she had passed onto her daughter, and grandchildren. Each was a gifted singer, with soft velvety voices. Evan grinned and crossed to the eight burner stove with its double ovens. It had been retrofit for gas long ago, and it cooked the best meals in the Louisville area. As he opened one of the ovens, he grabbed one of the heavy kitchen towels to grab and pull the pan out. Twelve gloriously golden biscuits waited on the pan, which he set atop the stove. "Mmmm," he sighed in his soft tenor voice, "You know I love your biscuits, Gram." "And so do we," said his sister Natalia as she entered the kitchen, their brother Alexander right behind her. Both had similiar features to their older brother, Evan, the same dark eyes, and hair, though Alex's was a shade lighter. At 22, Natalia was in her senior year at the University of Louisville, with Alex, at 20, in his junior year. He'd made it onto the football team this year, and they had a big game coming up next weekend. Alex though, was much taller than Evan, and broader in the shoulders. The running joke in the family was to call Evan the 'baby brother', even though he was 28. With a chuckle, Evan grabbed five plates from the cupboard and set them on the granite countertop of the island. He never had quite figured out what his grandmother was thinking when she had redone the entire kitchen in white, even if it was beautiful. From the fridge, he grabbed the butter, and two small jars, one of strawberry jam that they had made earlier in the summer, and the other of honey. Sitting them on the island with the plates, he grabbed one, and placed two biscuits on it. Smothering them in butter, he topped one with the strawberry jam, and the other with honey. Taking a seat at the island across from his grandmother, his sister handed him a cup of tea. "So, another exciting day at school for the two of you?" His sister rolled her eyes. "Oh yes, so exciting." Alex smirked, and raised his fist into the air. "Go Cardinals." Evan had finished his biscuits, and was nearly finished with his tea when his mother Alyssa strolled in. She had hair the same shade as Alex's, but the dark eyes all three of her children shared. With a smile, Evan took the last sip of his tea, and stood. He crossed the kitchen and kissed his grandmother's cheek, followed by his mother's. "Off to work." She sighed and smiled. "Good morning to you too, Evan." With a laugh, Evan stepped out of the kitchen. ---------- Evan's office in the hospital was small, quiet, and comfortable. He had a window that looked out onto the courtyard, and a view of the rest of the campus. He hummed softly as he read over the patient reports. As a psychologist, he spent his days counseling the sick, the dying, the injured, and their families. He enjoyed working at University Hospital, especially since he was often able to grab lunch with his brother or sister, and occassionally both. Today, however, had not been such a day. It was unusually hot for September in Louisville, Kentucky, and with the heat came a whole range of health issues. Still, the day was almost over, and he would be glad to head home soon. As he finished reading the reports, he stood, and grabbing the stack, left his office. It was a short walk to the nurse's station to drop off the files. He was leaning against the counter and chatting with his cousin Amy, who was a nurse, when a soft cough grabbed his attention. He turned to see a man standing behind him. He was shorter than Evan's 5'10, perhaps 5'7, with black hair, a round innocent face, and deep blue eyes. Evan caught himself staring, and cleared his throat. His cousin Amy just smiled. Evan's preference was no secret, he'd come out to the family years ago, and in true form, their grandmother's response had been "Okay, can you get me a soda?" Still, she knew Evan hadn't been with anyone in at least five years. With a soft smile, she turned her blonde hair and good looks onto the new arrival. "Hello sweetie. Can I help you?" The man looked around, seemingly confused as he held up a box, one from the local bakery. "Delivery. Its to a..." he glanced down at the slip of paper in one hand, nearly dropping the box. Instinctively, Evan reached out, catching it, his fingers brushing against the strangers. The man blushed slightly. "...Sorry." His voice was a shade deeper than Evan's and smooth. Evan smiled and shook his head. "Not a problem." As the man reclaimed the box, he continued. "Its to a Mrs. Henderson. Room, 4024?" Amy nodded. "You're on the right floor." She glanced at Evan and smirked. "Since you're not busy Ev, why don't you show him the way? You know how easy it is to get turned around back there." Evan chuckled and nodded. "Fine." He smiled at the man and gestured towards the hallway. "Its this way." He turned and headed off, glancing back to ensure that the man was indeed following. "I'm Evan, by the way. Evan Corinth, resident psychologist." The man sped up just enough to walk beside him, and smiled. "Joshua Hamilton, but everyone calls me Josh. Thanks for leading the way." Evan smiled. "Not a problem, Josh. Amy's right, its easy to get lost back here." A series of turns and Josh had to agree, he was completely lost. Evan continued talking as they walked. "You must be new in town. I've not seen you around before, and I'm at Shelly's Bakery all the time. My grandmother loves their creampuffs." Josh blinked. "How did you know where I worked?" Evan pointed at the box. Its bright purple would stand out in a crowd, and the stylized S.B. was hard to miss. "No one else has a box like that." He chuckled. Josh blushed again slightly. "Oh." He was quiet the rest of the way until they stopped before a door. Evan gestured at it. "Room 4024. I'll wait here if you like, and show you the way out." Josh nodded. And stepped into the room after knocking lightly. Evan took a breath once he was alone. The slight touch had sent electricity running through him, and the way this man blushed and the sound of his voice was driving him insane. He quickly composed himself as Josh stepped back into the hallway. Evan smiled, and gestured in the way they had come. "Shall we?" He was pleased to see Josh smile, even if it was only slightly. ---------- Josh's heart was pounding as he stood outside the door to Evan's office. He had said he needed to grab his keys, but as soon as he had opened the door, the phone had rung. As he waited, Josh paced in front of the door, mumbling to himself. "Just breathe. He can't possibly be attracted to you. Guy like that has to be married or at least have a girlfriend." He stopped and stared at the door as it opened, and Evan stepped through. "Sorry," Evan smiled. "It was my grandmother. Seems I'll be following you back to the bakery, assuming that's where you're heading. She wants me to pick up a few things...seems she and mother are having a few of their friends over for tea." He laughed. "I called and gave my brother and sister the heads up, they're going to grab dinner and a movie with some friends." Josh nodded. "Its okay, I didn't mind." He couldn't stop himself from asking, "So, what are you going to do for dinner then?" Evan smiled, one eyebrow raising slightly in surprise. "I hadn't thought about it. Probably just pick up some takeout, and head home." Josh nodded. "Oh." "Why, care to join me? Assuming you're free and all," Evan cocked his head to the side. Josh stammered for a moment. "Uh...um...I dunno. I mean...I'm not sure where 'home' is." Evan laughed. "Sorry. Up in Oldham, just outside of River Bluff. We can grab something to eat in town." Josh found himself nodding. "Sure. I'm staying with a friend in Crestwood, so I can meet you." Evan nodded. "Its a date then. We can work out the details after we get to Shelly's." Josh blushed slightly at the mention of the word 'date'. He could only hope that Evan hadn't noticed. ---------- Shelly's Bakery was quiet, given the time of day. Evan waited patiently as the owner, Shelly Martin, filled one of the signature purple boxes with pastries. With a smile he paid for them and turned, noticing Josh standing outside waiting for him. Tossing a wave of his shoulder, he headed out the door. "Thanks Shelly!" Evan smiled as he stepped out the door. "So, about dinner." Josh grinned. Evan talked as he walked towards his car, an efficient dark blue SUV. "I was thinking of Ambrosia Cafe. Its in River Bluff. Good food. And since its Monday, there will be a life band." He glanced at Josh and flashed a half smile. Josh nodded. "Sounds good. I'll meet you there in..." He glanced at his watch and sighed. "An hour. The bus doesn't run for another twenty minutes." Evan blinked as he opened the back door of his car and set the box of pastries inside. "Bus? You don't have a car?" Josh shook his head. "No. I just moved here last month. I haven't even found an apartment yet. Like I said earlier, I'm staying with a friend." Evan nodded. "Why don't you ride with me? I have to drop these off at the house. And I can drop you at your friend's afterwards. I don't mind." Josh chewed his bottom lip. "Are you sure?" Evan watched as Josh worked his lower lip, and strained to keep himself from kissing him. He nodded. "Very," and smiled. ---------- Josh stood staring at the large brick house before him. As they had made the drive, Evan had told him about his family, and the house. When he'd learned they lived with his grandmother, he'd expected something sizeable, but nothing like the house before him. "Holy shit! You LIVE here?!" he exclaimed as he had gotten out of the car. Evan had just laughed and nodded. "Yep." The house was huge, a full two stories, with dormers in the attic, meaning there would be rooms there as well. And, as he had been told, there was a full basement, a small guest house, and a garage with a small one room apartment over it that had been the carriage house. Evan gestured for Josh to follow, which he did, and spoke as they stepped onto the porch, and into the two story foyer with the parallel staircases. "It was built in 1853, by my great-great-great grandfather. ...There could be another great in there, I'm not sure." He flashed a smile, and walked into the music room, heading towards the kitchen. When Josh saw the piano, he stopped. "Wow." Evan turned to watch him as he slowly stepped up to the black lacquered piano. "Can I?" Evan smiled and nodded. "Sure. I'm just going to set these in the kitchen," he said, and stepped through the double doors. He placed the purple box of pastires on the island and hummed to himself. He stopped and listened as he heard the soft notes of "To Where You Are" coming from the music room. Quietly, he turned, and opened the door. Josh didn't notice as he played and sang, his deep tenor just above a whisper. "...Can it be, that you are mine, forever love? And you are watching over me from up above?" Evan smiled and joined in with the chorus, singing in his high clear tenor. "Fly me up to where you are, beyond the distant star, I wish upon tonight to see you smile, if only for awhile, to know you're there. A breath away's not far to where you are." Josh stopped playing and singing. With a smile, he stood slowly. "One of my favorite songs." Evan nodded. "Mine too." He smiled. "So...ready for dinner?" ---------- Ambrosia Cafe sat on the corner of First and Main in a building that dated to the 20's. It was one of the few restraunts in the small town, and being on the first floor of a corner building, it had lots of windows that filled the dining area with light. Outside, a dozen or so small tables sat. Inside was similiar, with roughly sixteen small tables with red and white checkered cloths, and a long wooden counter that ran the length of dining area. Ambrosia was known for two things; its food, and its selection of teas. As they stepped inside, they were greeted by a short blonde haired middle aged woman. "Evan!" she exclaimed, and immediately through her arms around his neck, which was quite a feat, considering she was only 5'1. "Why didn't you let me know you were coming?" Evan smiled as he returned the hug. "Because I didn't know until just a bit ago. Gram and mother are having their friends over, for tea." He chuckled as he released, and turned to face Josh, who looked thoroughly confused. Lisa flashed a smile when she saw Josh, and poked Evan in the ribs. "Who is your friend dear?" Evan squirmed for a moment as he answered. "Aunt Lisa, meet Josh. We just met today. Josh, this is my aunt, Lisa. She owns this place." Josh nodded. "Ma'am." Lisa smiled and shook her head. "Call me Lisa dear, or Auntie." She turned and lead the way through the small restraunt. It wasn't quite the dinner rush yet, so the place only had a few patrons, but within an hour or two, it would be packed, both inside and out, with a line forming down the sidewalk most likely. As they sat, Lisa, took out a pad and pencil. "So what will you have dears?" She glanced at Evan. "The usual?" Evan nodded. "Please." Josh blinked as he glanced about for a menu. "Um...what's the usual?" "Oh! Silly me!" Lisa looked around for a menu. "I'm so used to people just knowing what they want. I'm sorry sweetie...just...let me find...a ...damn menu!" She huffed. Evan laughed. "The usual, is her homemade chicken pot pie, with glass of sweet tea." Josh nodded. "That sounds good, make it two." Lisa blinked as she turned and nodded, giving up her search for the menu. "Okay sweetie. Two pot pies, and teas, coming up." As she left for the kitchen, Josh leaned forward and grinned. "You didn't tell me your aunt owned the place. Or that you live in a mansion. What, does your family own the whole town too?" Evan chuckled and shook his head. "No. My aunt opened this place up twenty years ago, when I was a kid. I spent my high school years working here after school. The place is always packed at lunch and dinner, and on game nights, forget even trying to get in." "Here's your tea," said Lisa as she returned with a tray carrying two large glasses of iced tea, and two steaming bowls, the tops of which were covered in a flakey pie crust. "And your pies. Just finished baking the first batch for the dinner rush." She smiled as she placed the food and drinks on the table. Once she finished, she stepped back, and just as Evan was about to take his first bite of one of his aunt's favorite dishes, she asked, "So, Evan. Is he your new boyfriend?" Evan stopped, letting his spoon come to rest in the bowl of pot pie, while his other hand came up to cover his face. With a sigh, he looked at his aunt. "No, Auntie. He's not. I hadn't told him yet." Lisa's jaw dropped. "Oh...oh...I'm sorry." She blushed, and quickly excused herself. When Evan looked back, Josh was staring at him. "You're...gay?" he asked. Evan nodded. "Sorry if its a problem. I swear, I wasn't trying to seduce you or anything, just being friendly." Josh shook his head. "Its not a problem. Just a little shocked is all." He took a bite of the pot pie, and had to admit, it was excellent. "But...you weren't trying to seduce me?" Evan blushed slightly, quickly stuffing a large spoonful of the pot pie mixture into his mouth. He swallowed before answering. "Maybe just a little..." Josh grinned. The remainder of the meal was spent in idle conversation. It wasn't until they had finished that Josh leaned forward with his hand. "You have something on your chin." Lightly, his fingers pressed against Evan's chin as he brushed his thumb over his chin. Evan kept his goatee well trimmed, leaving a clear place on either side of the soul patch that ran from his lower lip downward to join with the rest. Instinctively, Evan nuzzled at the hand, causing Josh to blush and pull away. Clearing his throat, Evan stood up. "Sorry...I'll...go pay." Josh took a breath and stood, his heart pounding in his ears as he crossed the small restraunt to wait at the door. The Sound of Your Voice Ch. 01 ---------- Evan hugged his aunt. "Thank you for dinner, it was fantastic, as always. How much?" Lisa smiled, and patted her nephew's cheek. "Not a cent dear. Though, a little advice?" Evan sighed, and nodded, the corner of his mouth quirking in a slight smile. "Yes Auntie?" "Ask him out," was all Lisa said. Evan nodded and hugged his aunt once more, casually slipping a twenty dollar bill into her pocket without her noticing. "We'll see." His aunt nodded as he stepped away. "That's all I can ask then." As Evan stepped out of the restraunt, Josh followed. Quickly opening the door to his SUV, Evan sighed. "I'm sorry about that. I know you're probably not..." Josh blinked, his brow knitting. "What? Gay?" Evan nodded and got into the SUV. As Josh climbed in, he shook his head. "No, I am." Evan had just put his key into the ignition and was about to start it. Stopping, he turned to look at Josh. "Huh? You are what?" "Gay." Evan blushed, and nodded. Turning the key, he started the car. They rode in relative silence, Crestwood wasn't far, but it gave Evan time to think. Before today, he'd not been interested in anyone in almost five years, in fact, he'd gone out of his way to avoid relationships after his last had ended badly. Still, he wasn't sure if he was willing to let that continue. He'd never felt an attraction like this before. He'd nearly melted when Josh had touched his cheek, and more than anything, he had wanted to lean across the table and kiss him. As they pulled into the parking lot of Josh's friend's apartment, Evan cleared his throat. "I...had fun." He glanced over at Josh who seemed unconvinced. "Really. Its just...been awhile since I've been out with anyone." Josh nodded. "I understand." He opened the door to the SUV, and stepped out. "Thanks for dinner. I'll see you around." The Sound of Your Voice Ch. 02 Evan laid awake staring at his ceiling. It was Friday. He had met Josh on Monday, and had spent every moment since silently kicking himself for not making a move. As he sat up, he sighed, and glanced at the clock. 9 am. It was his day off. He liked to sleep in on his days off, but today that wouldn't be the case. He showered quickly, and dressed. His brother and sister were already off at school, tonight was the night of the big game. His mother and grandmother had left earlier, saying something about doing a little shopping 'in town', as they referred to Louisville, so for the moment, Evan was alone in the house, except for the family cat. As he wandered down the stairs, he found himself going out the back door to stand on the porch and overlook the garden. Most of the summer flowers had faded away, and even with the heat, he could sense the approaching fall. In another week, it would be cool during the day, and the nights even colder. He glanced around the garden for a moment before letting his eyes drift to the rolling hills of the farm, and in the distance, the banks of the Ohio River. His family's home sat on well over a hundred acres of land, and as a child, he'd ridden or walked over every single inch of it. He loved it, it was home, but right now, he wanted to get away. Turning, he quickly walked through the house, snatching up his keys, and locking the doors behind him. In a few minutes, he was heading into Louisville, not quite sure where he would end up, or what he would do. He glanced at the clock, nearly 10 am. From the corner of his eye, he noticed the purple sign of Shelly's Bakery. Slowing, he pulled into the parking lot. It took him a moment to work up the courage as he sat there in the car, wondering what exactly it was he was thinking. Taking a deep breath, he got out of the car and headed into the bakery. Stepping inside, he took a deep breath of the delicate smells of pastries, and sweets that filled the building, and with a nervous smile, he greeted Shelly Hamilton. "Hey Shells. Uh...I was wondering...is...uh...Josh around?" Shelly Hamilton raised one eyebrow. "Nice to see you Evan. He's in back, just a minute." She quickly stepped through the swinging doors into the back part of the bakery, leaving Evan to fidget as he waited in the otherwise empty building. When he heard the doors swing open again, he turned to see the surprised look on Josh's face. "Hi," Evan said. Josh blinked. "Hi. Shelly said you wanted to see me?" Evan nodded. "Uh, yea. I did. Could we step outside for a moment?" "Sure," Josh said and headed to the door. Once outside, he turned toward Evan. "What is it?" Evan swallowed, hard. "Um...well. I...don't...really know." Josh raised both eyebrows. "You came here and asked to talk to me only to tell me you don't know? Nice waste of time, Evan." He turned to walk back inside. Evan reached out with one hand, just barely touching his arm. "Wait. I'm sorry. Its just..." he stammered out. Josh turned around to look at him once more. "Just...what? Spit it out already." "Fuck. I'm sorry. maybe I shouldn't have come," Evan said. Josh shook his head. "Whatever." Once more, he turned to walk inside. "Wait, wait!" Evan exclaimed. "I just...I..." Josh turned with a huff. "Either tell me what you want, or let me get back to work." In a fit of frustration, Evan pressed Josh against the brick wall, and quickly covered his mouth with his own. For a split second, Josh was surprised, but only for a second. Quickly, he wrapped his arms around Evan's neck, and held him in place. For a long moment, they remained locked together, until finally Evan pulled back. "Damn...wanted to do that from the moment I saw you," he mumbled. Josh grinned. "See, that wasn't so hard, now was it?" Evan shook his head, and quickly pressed another kiss to Josh's mouth, this one shorter, and softer. "You have no idea." Never quite letting go of Evan, Josh smiled. "Is that what you wanted to tell me?" Nodding, Evan grinned. "Yea. Um..." He was intensely aware of the heat of his body pressed up against Josh's. Slowly, he stepped back just enough to give them the smallest amount of space between them. "Um...would you like to go out with me tonight? My brother has a big game tonight, and well, I'd like it if you'd come." Quickly realizing what he'd said, he amended. "With me. I mean. Shit." He stammered. "Come with me to the game." Josh laughed. "Sure. I get off at three." Evan nodded. "I'll pick you up at three then. The game is at eight." Josh nodded. "Okay...but...what are we going to do with the five hours in between." Evan grinned. "Easy, you're going riding." Josh just smirked. ---------- Josh sighed. He knew his thighs were going to be sore tomorrow, and not quite for the reason he had thought when Evan had mentioned riding. Still, he had to admit, horseback riding across Evan's family farm had been a great way to spend the afternoon, and he had thoroughly enjoyed the company. Now, sitting in the stands as they watched the Cardinals go against the Bearcats, he shivered slightly. It had gotten cooler than had been expected, a sure sign that fall was on the way. Casually, Evan wrapped an arm around Josh's shoulders, pulling him a little closer. He seemed to not notice the appraising glance Natalia gave Josh, or the smile his grandmother gave when she thought he wasn't looking. Josh leaned in to Evan's side a little more, and Evan's arm slide down, the hand coming to settle upon Josh's hip. With a small smile, Josh watched the rest of the game. The game was over all too quickly, and before long, Josh found himself standing outside the entrance to his friend's apartment. Evan smiled and pressed a soft kiss to Josh's mouth. "So...um...I'll see you tomorrow?" Josh grinned and nodded. "Yup." They fell into a familiar pattern after that, spending virtually every free moment together. The weather grew colder as the days shortened, and the nights lengthened, and quickly they found themselves in October. It was a particularly cool day when Evan picked Josh up at the bakery. After a much needed kiss, they set out. "I just wish you'd have chosen somewhere a little more..." Evan started. Josh sighed. "A little more what? Closer to you? I mean, your grandmother offering me the apartment over the carriage house was sweet and all, but I need my own place." "Fine, fine." Evan focused on the road ahead of him. Josh leaned over and kissed his cheek. "Besides...it gives us a place to...relax." Evan smirked. "Relax. Right." ---------- Evan carried the last of the boxes into the apartment. It was small, but well maintained, with a great view of the city. As he set the boxes down, he turned to Josh. "Are you sure you don't want me to stay tonight?" Josh nodded and smiled. "I'm sure. You have to work tonight, and I need to unpack." When Evan nodded, he leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his lips. "Besides, its supposed to rain, and you know how I love storms." Evan smiled. "Yea. I'll see you later, okay?" Josh nodded. "Yup." ---------- The storm raged outside as Evan sat in his office. It was impossibly dark, even for 9pm. He sat reading over patient reports and profiles, and trying very hard not to think about Josh. He was just about to call him when his pager went off. He glanced down at the number and sighed. Another call from the ER. Setting aside the reports, he stood, stretched, and headed out into the hallway. The trip to the ER didn't take long, and once he arrived, he noticed the sheer amount of soot covered people. "Great," he mumbled, "A fire." He stepped into the nurse's station, and glanced over the files for a moment before one of the young nurses, who's name he couldn't remember came up beside him. "Ah, Doctor Corinth. There is a patient here who asked for you by name," she said. Evan blinked. "By name?" He'd worked with a lot of patients since being hired as the resident psychologist for Louisville's University Hospital. "What happened exactly?" he asked. "Lightning struck an apartment building. Apparently the apartment it hit was empty, but the whole building went up pretty quickly. You know how those older buildings are," she answered, and then gestured with the clipboard to one of the small rooms that lined the ER. "He's in 13." Evan nodded, and walked to the door, quickly taking up the chart. He flipped to the listing of injuries, and scanned over it. Still looking it over, he stepped inside. "Hello, I'm Doctor Corinth, psychologist. How can I help you...Mister..." he flipped back to the first page, and his heart stopped. Looking up, he saw the soot covered face of Josh staring back at him from the bed. Dropping the chart, he was immediately at the bedside. "Oh shit! Baby, are you okay?" He was looking him over when Josh coughed. "I'm fine. Just smoke inhalation." Josh smiled weakly. "First and last night in my new place." Evan sat down, huffing as he did so. "Damn. I'm sorry. I..." Josh shifted onto his side and smiled slightly. "Its not your fault. Lightning struck the apartment across from mine. Whole place went up." He looked down. "The...firefighters said it was a complete loss. Everything I own, just gone." He tried to hide the tears that formed in his eyes. Evan swallowed hard. Rising from the chair, he moved to sit on the edge of the bed. Quietly, he gathered Josh into his arms, and held him as he cried, not caring that his clothing was becoming covered in ash and soot. "Shhh, baby, its okay. We can replace it all..." Josh shook his head. "I can't afford to. And now I've got nowhere to live and..." Evan interrupted him with a soft kiss. "Yea, you do. You're coming home with me." ---------- It took a moment for Josh to remember where he was when he awoke. They had kept him overnight at the hospital for observation, and Evan had pulled a few strings to get him a private room. Thinking of Evan, Josh rolled onto his side, and there, sound asleep, with his arms folded and his head resting upon them atop the bed as he sat beside it, was Evan. Smiling, Josh lightly brushed his fingers over Evan's forehead, and was rewarded with a soft sigh of pleasure from him. As Evan slowly opened his eyes, Josh smiled. "Morning." Evan groaned softly, and closed his eyes once more, mumbling. "What time is it?" Josh glanced at the clock. "Um...almost ten." Evan sat bolt upright. "Shit! I'm late!" He started for the door, and just as he was opening it, stopped and turned. Quickly, he leaned over the bed and pressed a kiss to Josh's mouth. "Morning." Grinning, he turned and opened the door. "I'll be back in a bit." As the door shut behind Evan, Josh stretched out in the hospital bed. He turned his head to look out the window. It was going to be another long and rainy day. He had just closed his eyes when he heard the door open. Turning, he smiled, thinking it was Evan, only to be greeted by the tall lanky figure of a man he hadn't seen in six months. "Tom!" Josh exclaimed, his eyes going wide. He scooted back into the bed, rapidly pressing the call button for the nurse. "What are you doing here?! Get out!" Tom Ryland was an arrogant man, and standing at 6'2, he was a tall man, though he was lean. Smirking, he stepped forward. "Now is that anyway to greet your lover?" Josh rapidly shook his head. "You are not my lover. Not after what you did." Tom chuckled. "That's where you're wrong. I own you." Josh was trembling now, as memories of the abuse he had endured at Tom's hands came flooding back. As his eyes teared up, he heard the door open once more. As Evan stepped into the room, he had a slightly panicked look on his face, which only grew worse when he saw Josh's expression. "Baby, are you..." he blinked as he noticed the other man in the room. "Can I help you?" Tom smirked as he turned to face Evan. "Yea, you can get the papers so I can sign my boy out, and we can be on our way. I'll pretend you didn't call him 'baby' and not beat your ass. Now run along doc." Evan's brows knitted together. He turned and looked at Josh. "Do you want to go home with him?" He asked simply. Josh rapidly shook his head. "No! I never want to see him again." Evan nodded and turned back to Tom. "You heard him. Get out." He didn't move in time to avoid the backhanded slap that hit him. Licking his lip, he tasted blood, and nodded. "Well then," he glanced at Tom. "I can see you don't intend to take no for an answer. I'll be back with the paper work I guess. I don't want a fight." Josh paled. "But..." Tom laughed as Evan stepped through the door. "See 'baby', even he knows you're just a cheap whore. Or did you think you could leave that all behind? The way you used to beg for it from every guy I brought in..." Tom sneered. When he heard the door open, he turned, expecting to see Evan with the paper work. The two armed security guards, both with pistols pointing at him were a shock. Evan, standing behing the guards smiled. "Oh...wrong paper work?" Tom glared, his anger visible as his nostrils flared. "This is not over...I'll fucking kill..." He was interrupted by one of the guards. "I hope you aren't about to issue a threat in our presence. After all, aggravated assault in a hospital will net you a few weeks in lock up." Tom just shook his head as one of the guards stepped forward to cuff him and read him his rights. Evan stepped forward, around them, and sat on the bed in front of Josh. Gathering him into his arms, he kissed his forehead. "Its okay angel, you're safe." "No you're not!" shouted Tom as he was being taken out of the room. "I'll get you! I'll get you both! You belong to me bitch!" In Evan's arms, Josh just trembled. The Sound of Your Voice Ch. 03 Evan groaned as he rolled onto his back, the familiar throbbing between his legs causing him to sigh. Sitting up, he glanced at the clock. 9:30am. It was Saturday, and he had the day off. Sliding his hands up into his thick brown hair, he tossled it before swinging his bare legs over the side of his bed. Standing, he quickly pulled on a pair of pajama pants, and a tee shirt. He quickly slipped into the bathroom to relieve himself, before heading to the room next to his, that Josh had been staying in for the last two weeks. Knocking on the door, he stepped inside only to find it empty. With a sigh, he shut the door, and turned to head downstairs. A moment later, he was stepping into the kitchen, his bare feet not making a sound on the hardwood floor. Standing before the stove, with his back to the door, was Josh, wearing only a pair of boxers and a tee shirt. Smiling, Evan crossed the kitchen and slid an arm around Josh's waist. Josh jumped, causing Evan to laugh softly, but the moment he pressed his lips to Josh's neck, he leaned back against Evan with a sigh. "Mm...I'd know that prickle anywhere..." he said, referring to Evan's goatee. Turning his head slightly, he pressed a soft kiss to Evan's lips. "Morning." Evan smiled as he nuzzled into Josh's neck. "Morning angel." They had yet to take their relationship to the next level, but Evan was happy. He peered over Josh's shoulder, simultaneously pressing a kiss to his cheek. "Whatcha making?" Josh grinned. "Chicken hash. I thought I'd give your grandmother a break." Evan laughed and released Josh, as he moved to take a set of plates from the cabinet. "Sure. You mean you feel guilty that she won't let you pay to stay here, or do any of the house work beside pick up your room." Josh turned and stuck his tongue out at Evan. Evan chuckled as he set the plates on the island. The family usually ate breakfast and lunch in the kitchen, or in the garden if the weather permitted, with the dining room reserved for dinner. He hummed softly as he set about making a pot of tea. Softly, he began to sing in his high clear tenor. "On the first day of January, 1892...they opened Ellis Island, and they let the people through. And the first to cross the threshold, of that isle of hope and tears, was Annie Moore from Ireland, who was all of fifteen years..." As if on cue, Josh joined in, singing in harmony with his deeper tenor. "Isle of hope, isle of tears...isle of freedom, isle of fears, but its not the isle you left behind...that isle of hunger, isle of pain...isle you'll never see again...but the isle of home is always on your mind." "I thought I heard the two of you," said Natalia as she entered the kitchen, and took a seat at the island. Josh smiled as he took the hash off the stove and began plating. Evan grabbed the now perfectly steeped pot of tea and began pouring. It was only a matter of moments before the rest of the family had joined them. Breakfast passed quietly, and before long, Evan and Josh, now dressed, stood in the foyer of the house. They were laughing and talking as they headed out the front door. As soon as Josh stepped onto the porch, he stopped, and stared at the scene. Someone had scrawled the words "You're Mine" on the porch, the sidewalk, the garage and cars repeatedly in what looked to be blood. Josh trembled, his breathing quickening. Evan knew what he was thinking, and quickly pulled him back into the house. "Shh, baby, its okay," he tried to reassure him. "Talia! Call the police!" he shouted to his sister as he guided Josh into the living room, and sat him on the couch. The living room, like every other room in the house, had classic furniture, many of the pieces being antique. Still, the family found it comfortable. As he sat, Josh began to babble. "He's not going to leave me alone, he won't! He won't stop! I have to hide, I have to!" His eyes were tearing up, even as Evan pulled him to his chest. "You're safe, angel," Evan nuzzled his ear. Josh shook his head. "No, I'm not..." ---------- The afternoon passed slowly for Evan. He had sent Josh up to lay down, thinking the rest would help him, while he had set about scrubbing every surface he could find. He'd been able to remove most of the blood easily. The police had said it was chicken's blood, available at a butcher's shop, and they were looking into the incident. Finally finishing, Evan slowly made his way up the stairs. Softly knocking on the door to Josh's room, he was surprised to find it partially ajar. Pushing it open, he found his sister sitting on the bed, a worried look on her face. Stepping inside, he looked around the room. "Where's Josh, Talia?" Natalia stood up, and handed him a folded letter. "He's gone Ev." Without another word, she stepped out of the room. Evan stared at the folded letter for a moment before he opened it. It was clearly Josh's handwriting. Slowly, taking a breath, Evan began to read. Evan, I have to go baby. I have to. Tom won't leave us alone. I love you. Evan sat on the side of the bed and stared at the letter until well after the sun had set, and left the room dark. Evan was still staring at the letter when his mother Alyssa came and sat beside him. Alyssa quietly put her arm around her son. When she finally spoke, it was barely above a whisper. "He left to protect you, you know." Evan said nothing. Lightly, Alyssa kissed his cheek. "He'll be back sweetie. You'll see." In the darkness, Evan could only lean against his mother as he fought to keep his world from crumbling. ---------- The next few days, Evan stayed home. It was unusual for him to take time off work, but the hospital had been happy to let him use a few of his vacation days. He stayed in his room for the most part, only coming out to eat. By the time Friday came, he looked like hell, not having shaved since the weekend. As Sunday was Halloween, his family had decided to go to one of the multitude of parties they had been invited to. Evan had declined. As the sun began to set, the soft patter of rain could be heard, and in the distance was the soft rumble of thunder. Sighing, Evan headed into the bathroom, deciding he might as well get on with life. Quickly, he showered, and shaved, and threw on a comfortable pair of jeans, and a tee. Barefoot, he padded down the stairs to the living room, and settled on the couch to watch a movie. Just as he was getting comfortable, a bright flash of lightning, and a crack of thunder sent the entire room into darkness as the power went out. Sighing, Evan leaned his head back against the couch and stared at the ceiling. "Are...you...kidding me!" He huffed, and stood up, and wandered towards the dark stairs that lead to the cellar of the old house. He snatched one of the flashlights from the wall where they normally hung, and turning it on, made his way into the inky blackness of the basement. He quickly passed through the laundry area, and the storage rooms. As a child, Evan had been afraid of the dark basement, with its stacked stone walls, and dark rooms. Now though, as an adult, he often found its dark depths a calming sanctuary. It only took him a moment to find the breakers for the house. A quick check told him that they were all in working order, and that the power was out due to the storm. As he made his way back upstairs, he grabbed a box of pillar candles that were kept for times such as these, as it wasn't unusual for the power to go out during storms. Once upstairs, he began placing candles in the main rooms of the first floor of the house. In the absolute silence of the house, the storms raging fury could be heard clearly. Deciding that a fire would be necessary before long, he made his way into the living room, and set to the task of building a fire in the fireplace. He had just finished when there was a knock at the door. "Always something," he mumbled as he stood, dusted off his hands, and made his way to the front door. Expecting to find a neighbor, or the like standing on the other side of the double doors, he was stunned when he saw who it was. Standing on the porch, his eyes red, his hair dripping, and his clothing soaking wet, was Josh. "I'm sorry, I had to try and keep..." Josh began, trembling as he spoke from the wind and rain. Evan shook his head. "No." For a moment, Josh's lower lip quivered, thinking that he was about to be told off. Instead, he found himself pulled into the house and wrapped in a tight embrace. "You left to try and protect me," Evan whispered in his ear as he held him. The days of pent up frustration, fear, anger, and heartache finally broke through, and Josh sobbed. Shutting the door, Evan lead him into the house. "Baby, you're soaking wet. You're going to be sick," he said, as he lead him up the stairs. He lead Josh into his bedroom, only leaving his side long enough to light a few candles, and to grab a towel from the bathroom. When he stepped back into the bedroom, Josh was standing exactly where he had left him, shivering. Evan sat the towel on the bed, and wrapped his arms around him. "Need to get you out of these clothes, angel." Josh nodded, but remained still. Evan moved slowly, sliding his hands under Josh's shirt and lifting it slowly upward. Josh raised his arms up as Evan slid the shirt over his head. As Evan tossed the shirt aside, Josh kicked his shoes off, and used his feet to push his socks down and finally kick them off as well. As Josh was left in only his jeans, Evan became aware of the fact that he'd never seen him naked. Swallowing hard, he placed his hands on Josh's waist, his fingers moved to undo the single button, and to lower the zipper. Taking a breath, Evan grabbed the waistline of the jeans, and quickly tugged them down. Josh stepped out of them, kicking them to the side, and was left in just his boxers. Evan tried to ignore the building fire in his belly as he reached for the towel, but Josh's voice broke his focus. "Boxers are soaking wet too," he said in a soft voice. Evan turned to look at him and nodded. Josh was blushing as Evan moved in front of him. As he kneeled, Josh drew in a sharp breath. Evan smiled slightly and let his eyes take in Josh's slender form. His chest showed hints of muscle, and his belly was a smooth plane, except for a triangle of dark hair that started just below his navel and spread out at his waistline, covering the slight pudge of a belly. Slowly, Evan slide his hands up Josh's legs, over his hips and part way up his sides. Closing his eyes, Evan leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to Josh's stomach. As he felt Josh's hand on the back of his head, and heard the soft sigh of pleasure, he slid his hands down, catching the waistline of the boxers, and slid them downward. Instantly, he became aware of Josh's musky scent. As he slid his hands back up Josh's legs, and let them come to rest on his waist, he pressed another kiss to Josh's stomach, and dipped the tip of his tongue into his navel. Restraining himself, Evan stood slowly, keeping his hands on Josh's waist. He pressed a kiss to Josh's lips, and was rewarded with a soft whimper from him. "I missed you," Evan said as he pressed another kiss to Josh's lips, this one ended with a soft nip to his lower lip. "I missed you too," Josh whispered. Noticing the soft weight poking against his thigh, Evan looked down. His eyes followed the patch of hair below Josh's navel to below his waistline, where it thickened into a dark curly patch. Jutting out from it, was the rigid six inches of Josh's cock, and below, the full orbs of his balls. Once more, Josh's voice broke his focus. "You're wet too." Blinking, Evan looked up. "What?" Josh smiled slightly, and pinched the front of Evan's shirt, and pulled the fabric away from his skin. "Your clothes. They're wet." Without waiting for a response, Josh grabbed the fabric of Evan's shirt, and lifted, pulling it up and over his head. As soon as it was off, Josh pressed his lips to Evan's and let his hands slide down over his hairy chest. With a soft moan, he slid his hands down over Evan's hairy belly, and popped the button on his jeans. Quickly, he slid the zipper down, and pushed the jeans downward. Unlike Josh, Evan never wore underwear of any kind, so the moment the jeans were off, he stood naked, his thick seven inch cock stood proud amidst the thick bush of dark pubic hair. Josh wound his arms around Evan's waist, and pressed his face into his shoulder. "I'm sorry." Evan smiled, and wrapped both arms tightly around Josh. "Nothing to be sorry for baby." He kissed the top of Josh's head. Josh squeezed Evan slightly as he whispered. "I need you." Evan tilted his head so that he could nuzzle Josh's cheek. "I'm here baby." Josh shook his head. "No...I mean..." He pushed his hips forward, to grind his swollen cock against Evan's. "I need you." Evan became intimately aware of the heat from Josh's body, even as he himself blushed. Evan swallowed hard. "Should get you into bed...so you can get warm." Josh squeezed a little tighter. "Staying with me?" Evan nodded. "As long as you want me." He slid his hands down to Josh's bottom, and lifted. As if by instinct, Josh wrapped his arms around Evan's neck, and his legs around his waist. Now holding him, Evan carried Josh to his large bed. They settled in quickly, Evan on his back, and Josh snuggled into his side under the mass of quilts. After a moment, Josh shifted and moved to straddle Evan, and pressed his ass down against Evan's groin. He raised up slightly, and rocked his hips. "Need you," he whispered. Evan groaned, his hands slid instinctively up to grasp Josh's hips, as he ground his crotch against Josh's bottom. "Are...you sure?" Josh nodded as he slid his hands up to rest on Evan's chest, and let his fingers brush through the hair. "Very." Josh slowly slid himself downward, lowering his face as he did. Once he had settled between Evan's thighs, he pressed a kiss to the center of his belly and let his tongue slip out to leave a matted wet spot in the dark hair. Lower still he went before stopping to nuzzle at Evan's navel, and to bit lightly. "Mine," Josh whispered. Evan's heart pounded. "Your's." Josh grinned, and licked Evan's stomach lightly. Downward, he continued, as Evan caressed the back of Josh's head, a soft sigh escaping him. When Josh's lips brushed against his cock, he moaned. Breathing in Evan's musky scent, Josh opened his mouth and wrapped his lips around the thick head of Evan's length. It was all Evan could do to keep himself from thrusting up into Josh's warm, wet mouth. Slowly, Josh began to take more of Evan's throbbing cock, his head rose and fell as he sucked. Giving in to instinct, Evan lightly thrust his hips upward, alternating between moaning, and sighing softly. Quickly, he felt his orgasm rising, as Josh continued to suck. "Fuck...baby...I'm so close." Evan whimpered, as his orgasm built. Suddenly, Josh stopped, leaving Evan to gasp. "Why are you stopping?" Josh smiled as he moved to straddle Evan's waist once more. "Because I'm not done with you." He pushed his hips down, sending Evan's slick cock between the cheeks of his ass. As the head rubbed over his tight pucker, Josh groaned. "Fuck..." He leaned in close, catching Evan's mouth in a kiss. "...Need you," he whispered. Evan growled, and wrapped both arms tightly around Josh's waist and rolled. Evan was taller, and heavier than Josh, and he used his superior weight to good effect, and pinned Josh beneath him. He slid his arms up Josh's sides and raised his arms up to pin Josh's hands over his head. Leaning in, Evan kissed him, nipping his lower lip when he did. He shifted slightly and kissed the center of Josh's chest, quickly moving downward. Instead of going for Josh's cock, Evan nuzzled his inner thigh, and pushed his legs towards his chest, exposing Josh's tight pucker. Pressing his face into Josh's bottom, Evan licked lightly, teasing the edges of his tight hole with the tip of his tongue. Josh squirmed, the prickling of Evan's goatee, and the touch of his tongue sending waves of pleasure through his body. He pressed his hands against the back of Evan's head. "Oh...yea!" he cried out as he felt Evan's tongue push into his ass. Josh trembled as Evan's tongue began to thrust in and out of his pucker. The pleasure was intense, and it ended all too quickly. Evan raised up, letting his hips settle between Josh's he stretched out above him with his arms keeping him aloft. Grinning, he pressed a long kiss to Josh's mouth. As they broke apart, Evan reached for the drawer of the bedside table, and brought out a bottle of lube. He raised up once more, as he opened the bottle and poured a healthy amount of the slick liquid onto his fingers. Josh spread his legs further, and pulled his knees up towards his chest. As Evan smeared the slippery substance around Josh's tight opening, he stroked himself with one hand, coating it in the lube as well. After a moment, Evan shifted forward, letting one hand guide the head of his cock to press against Josh's pucker, while the other caressed his thigh. With slow, gentle pressure, he pushed his hips forward, and eased the head of his cock into Josh's tight muscle ring, forcing it open, and stretching it around his thick cock. Josh hissed through his teeth as he was penetrated, the stinging pain burning away beneath the aching need building inside of him. As Evan slowly slid more of his length in, he moved to once more hold himself aloft over Josh. Finally, Josh felt the soft brush of Evan's pubic hair against his balls as he hilted himself. Josh wound his arms around Evan's neck, and wrapped his legs tightly around his waist. Evan nuzzled into Josh's neck as he pressed down against him. Slowly, Evan withdrew halfway, and thrust himself home once more, only to reverse and withdraw once more. Each thrust drove Josh wild as his entire body seemed to vibrate around Evan's cock. As the thrusting picked up speed, their bodies melded together, grinding, pressing. Evan adjusted occassionally, changing the angle of his thrusts just enough to press the head of his cock against Josh's prostate. Between this, and having Evan's hairy belly grind against his own swollen cock, Josh was quickly brought to the edge. Amidst the sweat, and their entangled bodies, Josh cried out as his cock erupted, spewing hot jets of cum over both himself and Evan. Evan groaned as Josh's tight muscle ring spasmed with his orgasm. With a final, powerful thrust, he erupted in Josh's tight ass, spilling his seed. Collapsing atop his lover, Evan sighed. "Fuck..." Josh grinned, and pressed a kiss to Evan's mouth. "Again?" Evan chuckled. "Not just yet." He nuzzled into Josh's neck, and held him tight as he rolled onto his back. With a sigh, Josh groped for the blanket and pulled it up over them as he settled in atop Evan. "Mkay..." He closed his eyes, and yawned. Evan pressed a kiss to his forehead. "Sleep angel." Josh mumbled something unintelligible as he slowly dozed off. The Sound of Your Voice Ch. 04 It was still dark and storming when Evan awoke. He glanced over to find Josh still sound asleep. Leaning over, he placed a kiss on Josh's forehead, who mumbled and snuggled deeper into the bed. Smiling, Evan slipped out of bed, and pulled on a pair of sweats and shirt. Quietly, Evan made his way downstairs. The power was still out, and the candles throughout the house were burning low. Sighing, he made his way to the basement to grab another set of pillar candles. He quickly replaced most of the candles in the house, and finally made his way into the foyer. On the table beside one of the staircases was a small note that read: I know where you are. Evan knew no one in the house had left that note, and he had a very clear idea of who had. Growling, he shredded the note, and threw it in the trash. It would be another hour before Evan returned to bed, going over each of the windows, and doors, making sure the house was secure. ---------- The rain continued through to Halloween. Josh and Evan had fallen into a routine once more, though Josh was now staying in Evan's room. They were changing into costumes they had gone to get the day before. Evan was putting the final touches onto his classic Dracula costume. "Damn," said Josh, as he came out of the bathroom. He was wearing pale green tights, and a green tunic as part of his Peter Pan costume. Evan turned and flashed a grin, showing of the prosthetic fangs. "Yes, angel?" Josh grinned as he took in Evan's Victorian outfit, complete with the red ruffles at the neck and wrists. With his hair slicked back, and black contacts rather than glasses, he looked dark and mysterious. Josh stepped forward, and slid his arms around Evan's neck. "Bite me," he said as he leaned in for a kiss. Evan smirked before pressing a soft kiss to Josh's lips. As they parted, he lightly bit Josh's bottom lip, giving it a tug before releasing. "Consider yourself bitten." Josh grinned as he stepped away. He quickly pulled on the leather belt of his costume, and stepped into the soft leather shoes. As he placed the hat on his head, he asked, "So, what exactly does this party entail?" Evan chuckled. "Nervous?" When Josh nodded, Evan stepped forward and placed a kiss on his forehead. "Don't be. Its tradition. Every year, my family opens the house at Halloween. Anyone can come in, have some cider, candy, visit, and enjoy themselves. As far as I know, there aren't many other parties on Halloween in River Bluff." He smiled and slipped his arms around Josh's waist. "And the kids love to come here, seems we give out the best candy." Josh sighed as he shook his head. "I would fall in love with a socialite, wouldn't I?" Evan smirked. "I'm hardly a socialite, love." Moments later, they found themselves handing out mugs of hot cider to guests, and candy to the children of the town. The evening passed, and before long, the last of the guests were leaving. It was nearly midnight, as Evan carried the last of the dirty mugs into the kitchen, and began to load the dishwasher. "So, did you enjoy yourself?" Josh nodded. "Yeah, I'm glad its over though. Where is everyone else?" Evan closed the dishwasher. As he stood, he slid his arms around Josh's waist. "In bed, Talia and Alex have school in the morning, and Mom and Gram are usually in bed long before now." As he leaned in for a kiss, a soft roll of thunder could be heard in the distance, and the first drops of rain began to peck at the windows. Evan sighed and rested his forehead against Josh's. "More rain." Josh smiled, and leaned up to press a kiss to Evan's mouth. "Just the season I suppose." Evan nodded. "Its usually rainy in the fall." He glanced around the kitchen, taking in the stack of dishes that would need to be done in the morning. He turned back and pulled Josh in against him, hugging him close. "We should go on to bed, angel." Josh pulled back and smirked. "You just want to get me naked." Evan grinned. "Of course I do. There'd be something wrong if I didn't want to get you naked." Josh shook his head and rolled his eyes, the small smile betrayed his amusement though. "Right." As they made their way out of the kitchen, Evan switched off the lights. He was turning off the lights in the music room, and moving into the foyer when he noticed Josh standing and staring at something in his hands. As Evan came up behind him, he noticed the small folded piece of paper in his hands. Written upon it were the words: I'm watching. It only took Evan a moment to notice that Josh was trembling. Quietly, he slid his arms around Josh's slender waist, and pulled him back against him. "Don't worry, baby. He can't hurt us." Josh turned in the circle of Evan's arms, and looked up at him. "Yes. He can." ---------- "His name is Tom Ryland," began Josh. Evan sat beside him on the bed in his room, listening to his story. "I met him when I was 19. At first, it was great, he treated me well, took me out, bought me things. And then about six months after we started dating, he invited one of his friends over. One thing led to another, and I ended up in bed with both of them." Josh hung his head and sighed. "That is when the abuse started. He beat on me, told me I was worthless, called me a whore. But that wasn't the worst part." When Josh looked up, there were tears in his eyes. "He let his friends use me as their personal fuck toy. They paid him, and I bent over and took it...or Tom would beat me until I'd submit." At this point, Evan was red faced with rage. He slid one arm around Josh's waist and pulled him close. "Its okay, angel. He won't hurt you again, I promise." Josh just sat there silently. The night passed slowly, with sleep coming in spurts for Evan. By the time the sun rose, he had long since given up sleeping, and instead was downstairs in the kitchen, scrubbing every surface he could. It was grey outside, with rain falling in sheets, and thunder rolling through the sky. He didn't notice the soft footsteps behind him, nor the familiar smell of perfume. In fact, it wasn't until she cleared her throat, that Evan whipped around in surprise to see his grandmother Eva. Smiling, Eva sat on one of the barstools at the island. "Something on your mind dear?" Evan huffed, and turned back towards the sink to resume scrubbing the pot he had in one hand. "Oh, what makes you think that, Gram?" he asked as he furiously scrubbed the inside of the pot. Eva glanced about as she answered. "Oh, I don't know. Perhaps the fact that you have the kitchen clean enough that if light were shined on it, you could signal the Moon? Or the fact that if you keep scrubbing that pot, you'll wear the bottom out of it." With a sigh, Evan's shoulders drooped as he set the pot aside. "There was another note left in the house last night," he said without turning around. "He was here. Josh is terrified, I didn't sleep much, and...I don't know..." He turned as he heard his grandmother rising from the barstool. Stepping up to Evan, Eva smiled, and reached up to pat his cheek. "You've always hated it when things were out of your control. Always have to protect the ones you love. And my boy, I do believe you are very much in love with Joshua." Evan nodded. "Yes ma'am." He glanced down as he spoke. "He's the first one since Scott died. And I feel like I can't protect Josh anymore than I could him." Nodding, Eva hugged her grandson. "That wasn't your fault. Accidents happen, and had it not been for that drunk driver, you'd have lived happily ever after with Scott. But, its time to move on and let yourself be happy. Scott would have wanted that." She stepped back and smiled once more. "Now, this situation though, I might be able to help with." Evan nodded and watched as his grandmother walked across the kitchen, and picked up the phone. He chuckled softly when the first words out of her mouth were "Hello, Alice?" Alice Krenshaw had served as a judge in Oldham County for the last twenty years, and she just happened to be one of Eva's closest friends. "Oh, I'm just fine dear. How is your daughter?" Evan listened to his grandmother's end of the conversation. "Pregnant again? Congratulations! We'll have to have a shower! We could do a lovely garden party and..." He cleared his throat and grinned as his grandmother turned and blinked at him, remembering the reason for her phone call in the first place. "Oh, Alice, dear. Do you remember that horrible incident last week? Yes, the one with the blood all over the porch." Eva listened for a moment before continuing. "Oh, really? Well, it seems someone has been leaving notes for my grandson and his partner, rather threatening and ominous in tone." She listened again, nodding the entire time. "Yes, well, we think it might be Joshua's former boyfriend, a Tom Ryland...Yes, the same one who caused the horrible scene at the hospital." Eva blinked as she listened. "I see. Oh? That would be lovely dear! I'll send the boys over right after breakfast." She glanced at Evan and smiled. "Of course dear, I'll see you this afternoon for tea? ...Wonderful. Goodbye dear." As she hung up the phone, Eva turned and smiled at Evan. "It seems Judge Krenshaw takes a rather dim view on people who assault others in a hospital. And since Joshua is now staying here, he will fall under it as well." Evan blinked. "That's all fine and dandy Gram, but...fall under what?" Eva huffed. "A restraining order of course!" Evan smirked. "Of course. I forgot, I'm supposed to read minds." Smiling, Eva crossed the kitchen to once more pat Evan's cheek. "That is what you went to college for dear." Laughing, Evan shook his head. "That was for Psychology, not Telepathy." Eva turned, and waved her hand as she headed out of the kitchen. "Same thing. Its all about getting into someone's mind. You just happen to be polite about it." ---------- For the first time in what seemed like days, Evan was able to relax. With the restraining order now in place, he felt some measure of safety. As he stood in the doorway to his room, he leaned against the doorjamb, with his arms crossed and quietly watched as Josh danced around the room in nothing but a pair of boxers and a t-shirt. The stereo was playing some dance mix while Josh folded laundry, and Evan learned just how entertaining his lover could be. It wasn't until Josh turned around, wiggling in a particularly energetic move, that he saw Evan and squealed. "How long have you been standing there?!" Evan laughed and stepped into the room, quickly sliding his arms around Josh's waist and pressing a kiss to his mouth. "Not nearly long enough." It was then that the CD in the stereo changed. Josh's taste in music was extremely varied, much like Evan's, and it seemed entirely fitting at that moment when the song I'll Stand By You began to play. With a small smile, Evan sang along with the chorus. "I'll stand by you. I'll stand by you, won't let no body hurt you. I'll stand by you..." Josh smiled and slid his arms around Evan's chest as he snuggled into it. "Promise?" he asked. Evan simply nodded. "Promise." ---------- Evan stood in his room, completely naked. The sun had long since set, and through the window, the faint lights of Louisville kept the horizon just slightly lighter than the rest of the midnight blue sky. It was Friday night, and after a long week, Josh and Evan were going out. Though, at the moment, Evan was more concerned with the two pairs of pants that lay on the bed in front of him. One, a pair of tan khakis, and the other, a comfortable pair of black jeans. He sighed as he looked back and forth between the two. Josh stepped out of the bathroom, already dressed in a dark blue shirt that accentuated his blue eyes, and a pair of faded jeans. He smiled as he regarded Evan's back, and let his eyes follow the line of his spine, from his shoulders, down to his hips and the small love handles. Stepping forward, he slid his arms around Evan's waist, and let his finger tips brush over the dark hair that covered his belly as he nuzzled at the back of his neck. "We could just stay in tonight, you know." Letting his hand fall to rest atop Josh's, Evan chuckled. "Yea, but we need to get out a little. I just can't decide on black...or tan." Josh leaned to the side, peering over Evan's shoulder. Seeing the black jeans, he nodded. "Black," he said before pressing a kiss to his shoulder, and letting the tip of his tongue flick against the flesh. Shivering, Evan picked up the black jeans. "Black it is then." Stepping away from Josh, he quickly pulled them on, followed by a red button down shirt. Now dressed, he turned to face Josh, and grinned. "How do I look?" Josh pressed a kiss to Evan's chin, and let his lips brush over the prickly hair of his goatee. "I love you in red..." ---------- The beat of the music was almost infectious as Josh pulled Evan onto the dance floor. "Just one dance," Josh whined. Evan sighed. He had never been particularly good at modern dancing, a friend had once commented that he looked as though he were having a seizure. He preferred the more classical dances, such as the waltz. With a small smile, he nodded. "Fine. One dance, but when everyone is laughing at us, don't say I didn't warn you." With a grin, Josh pressed up against him as the dance floor filled with people, and the beat of the music took on a more rhythmic feel. "No one will be watching, so I'm not worried," Josh pressed a kiss to Evan's mouth. "Besides, its just an excuse to be close." Evan laughed. "Right, of course." One dance led to two, and then a third. Before he knew it, they had been on the floor for almost an hour. As a particularly fast and heavy song began to play, Evan pulled Josh towards the edge of the floor. "I need to rest, feet are starting to hurt." Nodding, Josh followed Evan to a small table, and settled in. He yawned as he stretched, and leaned back in his chair. "You were right, we did need to get out of the house." Leaning forward, he let his arms fold onto the table, followed a moment later by his head. The music continued to play as Evan relaxed, watching Josh. "Tired baby?" he asked. It took Josh a moment to open his eyes and nod. He sat up slowly, yawning once more. "Yea...getting kind of sleepy." Evan stood, and nodded. "We should head home then. Kind of tired myself." Slowly, Josh stood up, and stretched. As he brought his arms down, he curled them around Evan's neck, and pressed a kiss to his mouth. "I love you, you know that?" Smiling, Evan nuzzled against Josh's temple. "I love you too, angel. Let's go home." Neither of them noticed the figure who had watched them all evening, nor did they notice when they were followed out of the club. ---------- The dark back roads in and around River Bluff were as familiar to Evan as the back of his hand. Driving them required little focus, and at this time of night, they were almost completely empty. Almost. As they drove, Evan kept glancing at the rearview mirror, and the headlights of the car following them. Occasionally, he would glance over at Josh, who was dozing quietly in the passenger seat. Speeding up, Evan watched as the car behind them fell back, only to speed forward a moment later. With a sigh, he glanced over at Josh once more. "Baby. I need you to wake up." Josh opened his eyes slowly. "Mm? What? Are we home?" He sat up and looked around, taking in the dark roads around them. Evan shook his head slightly. "No. We're being followed. Tighten your seatbelt." With one hand, he tightened his own seatbelt. Doing as he was told, Josh glanced over at Evan. "Why? What are you going to do?" Grinning, Evan reached down, and grabbed the manual shifter that was used to shift the SUV into four wheel drive. "We're going off-roading." He shifted the car, and hit the gas, the SUV instantly slowing, but picking up in power as all four wheels pulled the vehicle forward. "Hang on!" He said, and turned the wheel hard, taking the SUV off the road and into the fields. Josh bounced around in the passenger seat as the went off road. "Why are we doing this?" Evan glanced at the headlights in his mirror that had turned off into the field as well. "Trying to lose whoever it is that's following us. I doubt they know the terrain like I do." Evan grinned as they hit a mud hole, and the front and side of the SUV were covered in muck. "This is almost fun." Groaning, Josh grabbed onto the handle on the ceiling above the door. "I would fall for a damn farm boy..." As he was about to retort, Evan lurched forward as the SUV shook, being hit from behind. "Fuck!" He glanced over his shoulder as the vehicle trailing them fell back, and started to speed up again. "Oh hell." "Did he just hit us?" asked Josh, as he frantically looked over his shoulder. Evan nodded. "Yea, and it looks like he's about to again!" Evan lurched forward as the SUV shook again. He glanced over at Josh, and nodded. "Gonna try something. Hold on." The moment Josh nodded, Evan slammed his foot on the gas, sending the SUV hurtling forward as it accelerated. He kept his eyes on the hedgerow ahead of him, seemingly judging the distance. Beside him, Josh was getting nervous. "Slow down baby...slow down! TURN! SOMETHING! We're gonna hit that!" Josh pushed himself back into the seat as he tried to retreat from the impending crash. "Almost..." mumbled Evan. "Now!" In what could have been no more than ten feet from the hedgerow, Evan grabbed the handle of the emergency brake, and turned the wheel, sending the SUV into a spin. A split second later, they were speeding away from the hedgerow, and past the car that had been chasing them. A moment later, the sound of metal screaming, and crunching could be heard from behind them. Slowing the SUV down, Evan swore. "Fuck." He quickly brought the car to a stop. "What're you doing?!" shouted Josh. "We need to get away from here! Whoever that is, is trying to kill us!" Evan shook his head. "Whoever that is, has got to be pretty badly hurt, or dead." As he got out of the SUV, Evan turned. "Lock the doors, use your cell and call the police." He reached behind the driver's seat and pulled up a heavy black flashlight. "I'll be back in just a sec." Slamming the door, he headed towards the hedgerow. Flipping the flashlight on, Evan followed the tire tracks through the field to the hedgerow. He could see the red tail lights of the car peeking over the top, though the rest of the car was obscured by the mound. "Hello!" he called out. Not receiving a response, he climbed over the mound and down, landing on his feet on the driver side of the car. He noticed that the door was open, and stepping up to it, scanned the interior with the flashlight. "The hell...?" he asked, as he found no one inside the car. It was then that he heard the shot. ---------- Josh sat in the SUV. "Come on!" he said as he shook his cell phone. "Just one bar. Just one..." He breathed a sigh of relief as the phone lit up as it picked up the local tower's signal. "Finally." He quickly punched in 9-1-1, and waited as the phone rang once, and was picked up. "Hello!" he shouted into the phone. "There's been an accident. We're in a field, off of River Road..." Hearing the snap of twigs, Josh looked up and out his window expecting to see the face of Evan. Instead, he was greeted by the barrel of a gun, and the bloody face of Tom Ryland. Dropping the phone, Josh tried to hide. The first shot missed him, but broke through the glass of his window. Tom swung the hand holding the gun, shattering what was left of the now weakened glass. He didn't seem to car that he was cutting his hand and arm. "You're mine, bitch!" he shouted. Pointing the gun at Josh, he smirked. "You're mine forever." ---------- Evan heard the second shot as he raced towards the SUV. He didn't recognize the figure in front of him, and without thinking, he swung out with the heavy black flashlight. With a sickening crack, the flashlight made contact with Tom's skull, and without a word, he crumpled to the ground beside the SUV.