Short Journeys | By : KayleighSiobhan Category: Singers/Bands/Musicians > Journey Views: 2275 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0 |
Disclaimer: I do not make money off this, I don't know anyone form Journey past or present. These short stories are complete works of fiction |
Steve climbed out of the shower and wrapped a heavy towel around his body. It was late for him, 11 AM. But his mom‘s recent death had led to many sleepless, tear filled nights. This prevented Steve from getting decent rest. Now the Christmas holiday loomed in front of him, the first one without his beloved mother. Steve had done everything he could for his mother. Every medical treatment that could possibly help her Steve paid for it. He traveled back and forth between recording the album and sitting by her bedside. He comforted her, held her hand, sang to her. They shared happy memories of his childhood and he constantly expressed his love and gratitude to her. And when the final moment came he had held her in his arms. He tried make her feel safe and comforted in her last minutes of life as she had for him in his first. He went into his kitchen and poured a cup of coffee. He took it along with a coaster and went to sit on his couch. He had no appetite for breakfast. Of course with the nasty comments he had been hearing about the weight he had put on the last couple years, he figured he could skip a few, hell a lot of meals. Across the room was a beautiful large Christmas tree, still undecorated. Steve had bought the tree hoping that it would cheer him up, get him into the Christmas spirit. But it did not happen. Sitting in front of the tree was several boxes of ornaments Steve had brought down from the attic. Also there was a small carton that Marv had given him, full of ornaments that were special to Steve and his Mom. Several of them were rather old, older then Steve himself, and had come from Portugal. Carefully packed and carried by Steve’s immigrant grandparents. They weren’t able to carry much into their new country. However they bought a few precious things to make their themselves feel less alienated. Steve’s mother had treasured these items and now they were Steve’s. What made things even worse some of the Christmas decorations were one he had bought with Sherrie. He wanted her to take some with her when she left. She had refused however saying she wanted a fresh start, with nothing to remind her of him. God Steve thought, he was getting a headache. He wished he could just go back to bed. He reached over and scratched benind the ears of one of his house cats, Misty. After Sherry had left with her cats he realized he missed feline companionship. So he had adopted two young cats Misty and Mocha. Misty was grey and Mocha was sable. Steve thought those names fitted the colors of the coats. The cat’s had brought some warmth and brightness to what seemed like endless painful and empty days. Steve closed his eyes and laid back against the couch. He never dreamed that he would realize his dreams of being a rock star and still wind up so lonely and sad.
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Back at his house, Neal packed his car with a suitcase and a cooler full of food. He was hoping that his idea was going to work. He was worried about Steve. The singer had received numerous invitations for Christmas eve and day both. Steve had turned them all down. He stated he was afraid of being bad company, that he would be better off alone. Even though he had been reassured that all was required of him was to be there, he was afraid of ruining everyone’s holiday. Neal was having his own problems , his marriage was on the rocks and his wife was spending the holiday with her folks. Neal was hoping that going to Steve ‘s and suprising him would be a good idea, not one that would cause the vocalist more pain. Steve had been distancing himself from the band the last few months. It was like the friendship was slipping away and only a working relationship remained. And Neal hated it. He wanted to be there for Steve through his mother’s illness and death. He wanted to comfort Steve when Sherrie left. But Steve had a huge wall up around him. And there was something else happening. Neal had been aware of some different feelings, ones he couldn’t quite explain. And then there were dreams, vivid dreams of an odd kind. Neal blushed when the images from them flashed through his mind. He sighed and dropped his back pack onto the front seat of his car, before getting in the drivers side. He took a deep breath and started the engine.Early that afternoon, Steve heard a knock on his door. He couldn’t imagine who was coming to his home today. He briefly considered just hiding in the back of the house and ignoring them. However he knew whoever was there would not leave until they seen him. Everyone was worried about him, from the band to his stepfather to some of his neighbors. He sighed and went to the front door. He looked out the peephole to see Neal standing on his step. He opened the door and said “ Neal, I am not going anywhere for Christmas. “ Neal told him, “ I know Steve, that is why I decided to invite myself here. “ Steve leaned against the door frame and said “ I appreciate what you doing but I am not going to be any company to you.” Neal said “ Well maybe I can be company for you. I don’t have anyone to be with for Christmas and I don’t want to be alone. “ Despite his misery Steve had to admit Neal was trying. And he knew Neal’s marriage was troubled and he had been left alone for the holiday. Well misery loves company Steve thought. And he was really too tired to argue. He stepped out of the way and said “ Come in.”
Neal came in carrying a bag from a local liquor store and a small suitcase. He said,” I have a cooler in my car. Got our Christmas dinner in there. I even brought a fresh turkey. I know you are a vegetarian. But I hope for this one time you would make an exception. “ Steve sighed and said “ Well just so I don’t have to build a cage for it.” “ No, Steve it is not that fresh.” Neal teased gently. “I will be back in minute !” He went back out to the car. Steve followed saying “ I might as well help you bring stuff in. “ When they were both in the kitchen and Neal put the stuff away, Steve said “My mother used to make wonderful stuffing. Maybe I can call Marv and ask for the recipe.” He was quiet then began to cry softly. Neal was at his side instantly, holding him and leading him to the couch. Misty and Mocha followed leaping on the cushions next to their owner always aware when he was in distress. Steve whimpered and pushed his head against Neal.” I miss her so much, I don’t know how I am going to live without her. “Neal stroked his hair and said “ She loved you so much Steve. She would want to be happy and to be able to move on.” “I can’t,” Steve wailed,” I wish I was with her.” “ “ No, Steve , don’t think that. “ Neal whispered softly to him.Steve was sobbing and Neal rocked him back and forth in his arms. Neal shushed him and said “ You are going to be alright you just have to let people help you. “ Steve’s sobs slowly wound down to the occasional whimper and sniffle. He began to relax in Neal’s arms. The two sat there in companionable silence for a few minutes before slowly pulling apart. Neal looked at the bare tree then said “ Let’s decorate. “ Steve sighed “ I tried to but it was just so many memories attached to the ornaments it hurts too much” Neal smiled gently, “ Well let’s make some new ones. Let’s open a bottle of wine and get in looking Christmasy in here. “ Steve stood up and went to get some wine glasses. Two hours later with Steve’s direction, Neal had the tree beautifully decorated. The cats were fascinated by the shiny sparkling ornaments, so Neal was careful to put the ones from Portugual up high where the cat could not reach them easily. Now both cats were curled up on the soft pillows in front of the fireplace. Steve was in the kitchen making vegetarian lasagna for supper. He felt a bit more peaceful and was grateful to have such a good friend as Neal. He knew he had not been easy to live with over the last few months. And despite his reluctance to cooperate with Neals plan, it seemed as if the guitarist really knew what was best for Steve. . At that moment Neal came into the living room carrying a large cookie tin. He said “ Here is desert… I made cookies. I have a cake too.” Steve looked at him and asked wonderingly “You baked. Neal said “ Yes I can bake, and actually from scratch. I can make delicious omelets too, and cook the dinner, turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, biscuits, hell I can even make home made egg nog. “ Steve had to smile, “ Well you can do all the cooking tomorrow. Speaking of which supper is almost ready. I will set the table.” Neal said “ Mind if I take a quick shower !” Steve told him,” No, you can use the guest room bathroom, you should be comfortable in that bedroom too. It is next to mine, at least you won’t be awake from my snoring like when happened when we shared a hotel room.” .” Neal said “ I never realized you snored.” “ Neal people two floors down realized I snored, heck I think people in the next hotel over knew I snored, “ Steve actually smiled at his friend.” Now go take your shower. “ When Neal came out of the shower he sat down at the table before realizing there were three places set. He looked at Steve and asked said “Is someone else coming ? No, Steve looked uncomfortable then said“ I can move it if you want.” Neal studied the pained look on Steve’s face then said “ It is for your Mom, isn’t it ?” Steve explained “ It is a Portuguese tradition. You set a place for your departed loved ones for the Christmas eve meal. If it bothers you I will get rid of it.”” No, Steve I would never ask you to do that. I want you to honor your mother as you see fit and to do what makes you comfortable”, He reached for Steve’s hand and the singer hung on tight to him.” After enjoying a delicious supper the two cleaned up and retired to the living room. Steve had spread a blanket and sheet out on the floor, along with a pillow. He explained “ I like to lay here and look at the tree lights. They are on a timer so they go off about midnight. You can sit in the easy chair or on the couch whatever you would like.” Neal said “ Can I sit on the floor with you ?” Steve told him, “Sure, I might nod off, you know I have not been sleeping very well.” Neal reply “ That is alright. I don’t mind if you can get some sleep go ahead.” Neal sat down next to Steve where he was laying on the pillow. The two cats continued their naps, with the occasional eye opening and stretching before returning to slumber. Neal reached out and started to stroke Steve’s hair, which had gotten rather long again after his cutting it two and a half years before. Neal said “ I am so glad you are letting it grow again. And I am glad the mustache is gone too. It hid your beautiful mouth.” Steve was drifting off to sleep and he said “ Nite Neal.” The guitarist realized Steve was out like a light. He hesitated for a few moments then laid down next to Steve, taking a pillow for himself and quilt to cover them both from a nearby chair. Neal had not been asleep for very long when he suddenly was awaken by Steve sobbing. “ Mommy, please don’t go “ He heard the singer and quickly realized he was still asleep. Neal gently shook him till he opened his eyes and he said “ I was dreaming about the night she died.” Neal pulled Steve to him and said “ It is alright baby, she is at peace now, and she is not in any pain anymore. And you will see her again. “ “Do you believe that ? “ Steve asked. “Yes, Steve I do,” Neal told him. “ Steve whispered “ I love you Neal. “ “ I love you too Steve !” Neal said. He looked down into Steve’s eyes which reflected the soft tree lights, then he reached down and kissed him. Steve responded warmly, passionately. Then things progressed from there. Neither were sure if it was the wine or the season or the loneliness. But it didn’t matter. Soon they were both naked, enjoying skin on skin. Neal touched Steve all over, stroking his soft sensitive skin. Steve responded in kind, and Neal enjoyed letting Steve get to know his body. Steve was just as curious apparently and just as attracted to Neal. The guitarist gasped with pleasure when Steve eagerly spread his legs then gently placed Neal’s hand between them. Neal had never touched a man like that, but with Steve it came naturally, as if it was always meant to be. And Steve was just as aroused, he whimpered with pleasure as Neal slowly stroked up and down his huge errection. Neal was nervous but he rewarded with moans and gasps as he bent his head down to Steve’s groin and used his mouth and tongue. When Neal kissed Steve on his firm head, his tongue licking softly across the opening , Steve let out a squeal that could shatter glass. He looked up at Steve longingly and the vocalist nodded his consent. Neal drew Steve into his mouth and began to gently suck on him. Neal never dreamed of doing this with any man before but he loved what he was doing to Steve. The singer was making himself completely open and completely vunerable to Neal . The guitarist took his time. He loved the taste of Steve, and enjoyed the texture of the skin on this most intimate, sexual part of Steve’s body. Suddenly Neal felt Steve squeeze his thighs together and start panting hard. Neal couldn’t have moved not that he wanted to. A few more licks to remove the salty precum from the delicate slit and Steve suddenly gushed fluids into Neal’s mouth. He was exhausted and he stretched contently like one of his cats while Neal climbed up to lie next to Steve. “ You have beautiful eyes, “ he said to Steve as he gazed into them. They were filled with wonder and love. “ I have wanted to do that for so long” he admitted to Steve. The singer whispered “ I have wanted you to, I just didn’t know how to tell you I loved you that way. Even when Sherrie was still around I would lie in bed and fantasize about you. I never dreamed that you felt the same way. “ They cuddled together for a few minutes then Steve said “ You want to head upstairs, have a nice warm soak in the Jacuzzi bathtub, then we can go to bed. “ Neal asked “ Is the jacuzzi in the guest room ? “ “No,” Steve said bit mischeiviously, “it is a tub for two, and it is in my bathroom. It is also pretty close to my bed .” Neal said” First I need to give you this .” He reached for a small, brightly wrapped box that Steve hadn’t noticed before. “ Here is one of your gifts.” Steve unwrapped the package and opened a jeweler’s box. He gasped with joy. In it was a white gold heart split in half, with two separate chains. Neal said “ We each wear half. I am hoping you will accept it.” Tears welled up in Steve’s eyes, “ I love it. I will be honored to wear it. Come on let’s take a nice warm bath. “ Two hours later the house was dark and quiet. Spooned together on their sides, Neal and Steve slept, warm, safe, and at peace. Misty and Mocha snuggled together, next to Steve. And despite the painful loss of his mother, Steve was content .He knew he had last found his soulmate and Neal his. As he fell asleep that night, he could feel his mothers love and happiness shine down on him. His half of the heart necklace gleamed at Steve’s throat along with his beloved 8th note. ‘While AFF and its agents attempt to remove all illegal works from the site as quickly and thoroughly as possible, there is always the possibility that some submissions may be overlooked or dismissed in error. The AFF system includes a rigorous and complex abuse control system in order to prevent improper use of the AFF service, and we hope that its deployment indicates a good-faith effort to eliminate any illegal material on the site in a fair and unbiased manner. This abuse control system is run in accordance with the strict guidelines specified above.
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