Luke

Copyright and Disclaimer: 1. This is a fictional story with fictional characters. 2. No one is to steal this story under any circumstances. 3. This story deals with relationships and not sex, so if you're looking for a story with a lot of sex in it, this isn't the story for you.

Hope everyone is great! Here's part 18, titled, "LA for the Holiday." Hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season! All my best!

`LA FOR THE HOLIDAY'

"I'm really pissed off," Luke sighed sitting down to breakfast with Shane, Ford and Benji. "I have to go up to have Christmas dinner with my friends in LA and I have no one to bring."

"Michael still hasn't changed his mind?" Ford asked.

"No," Luke sighed. "So my friends will see me single for the holidays and begin pitying me and will wonder if I will ever move on from Nick."

"But you have," Shane said.

"I know that, but seeing is believing," Luke said. "And if they see me alone with no man to really speak of they'll just start worrying about me."

"Didn't you tell them about Shane when you guys were together?" Benji asked.

"No. I didn't talk to them again until recently," Luke said. "By then, Shane and I were already broken up."

"Well I would offer to go with you, but I already promised Brenda I would see her and Wyatt tomorrow," Shane said.

"It's okay," Luke said. "Thanks though. How about you two? Any way I can convince one of you two to pose as my boyfriend for an evening?"

"Sorry, Donovan is coming in today and we're going to have Christmas dinner," Benji said.

"How about you Ford?" Luke asked hopeful.

"I was going to go over to my parent's place, but I guess I can go with you," Ford replied.

"Really? You would be doing me a huge favor if you can," Luke sighed gratefully.

"No problem," Ford smiled. "Besides, it'll be nice to go up to LA."

"Thank you so much," Luke said leaning over the table to give Ford a hug. "Okay, perfect. Problem solved."

"So we're finally going to meet your boyfriend, huh?" Shane asked Benji.

"Yeah," Benji replied. "He's coming in on his private jet."

"He has a private jet?" Luke asked. "You never told us that."

"Yeah. If I were you I would be boasting about that non-stop," Shane said.

"Well he doesn't like to brag about it," Benji said. "He's on the humble side."

"Oh yes, I hear people with private jets are often humble," Luke joked.

"He is," Benji insisted. "He doesn't act the way you would expect someone as rich as him to act. He's really sweet and wonderful."

"It's still so weird to hear you talk this way about someone," Ford pointed out.

"It's called growth," Benji beamed.

"I guess so," Ford laughed. "I'm happy for you. I can't wait to meet him."

"He's very anxious to meet you guys as well," Benji replied. "So I was thinking we have dinner at my place. I'll cook."

"Sounds great," Luke said.

"Oh Luke, I have a favor to ask," Shane brought up.

"What's up?" Luke asked.

"We just hired a new advice columnist for the newspaper and I was curious if you would write a joint column with him for the New Year," Shane replied.

"What sort of column?" Luke asked.

"Well, he's going to take a collection of letters asking for advice about being alone on New Years and I want him to collaborate with you to make a feature column regarding love and how people feel they need to be with someone during New Years," Shane replied.

"That sounds like it can be fun," Luke said. "Sure, I'll do it."

"Thanks," Shane said. "This new columnist is good, but I want him to work with someone who knows the paper and the type of things we like represented in the paper."

"Where did you find him?" Luke asked.

"He just moved here from Nevada," Shane said. "He worked as a ghost writer for a few years."

"Well, I'm happy to do it," Luke said.

"Thank you," Shane smiled gratefully.

After they finished breakfast, Shane and Ford headed to work, Luke went home to do some work and Benji went home to work out before Donovan's flight comes in. When it was time to head to the airport, Shane made sure he looked his best. He was glad that his bruises healed. He wore a pair of jeans and a black turtleneck. Again, it was a very conservative outfit for him. He still was too hesitant to be himself completely. It was a process that would take time to heal.

He arrived at the airport and waited near baggage claim for Donovan to arrive. He remembered the excitement he felt when he first started seeing him. Their first date was at the Rainbow Room, their second date was a weekend trip to Paris. It was a fantasy for him, but what he loved most about Donovan was the fact that it didn't matter to him if he was rich or poor, he would love him just as much.

"Benji!" Donovan called out waving to Benji as he made his way down the escalator towards him. Benji forgot how amazing Donovan looked in person. Donovan Mortimer was in his early-forties, he was tall, handsome and wordly. He had a Mr. Big' quality about him that Benji loved considering how much he loves Sex and the City.'

"Hey sweetie," Benji said wrapping his arms around him. He felt completely safe in Donovan's arms.

"It's so good to see you," Donovan said warmly. "I missed you so much."

"You have no idea," Benji replied.

"Let me look at you," Donovan said breaking the hug. He looked closely at Benji's face. "Well you look great. I was worried you'd be all bruised up still."

"I heal quickly," Benji replied.

"I'm so sorry I couldn't be there for you," Donovan apologized.

"You're here now," Benji smiled. "Come on. Let's go. My friends can't wait to meet you."

"And I can't wait to meet them," Donovan replied. "What time are we getting together with them?"

"They're going to come over at seven," Benji replied "Which gives us plenty of time to `catch up.'"

"Good, because I am in need of `catching up' with my guy," Donovan winked.

"You're so lucky we're dating now instead of seven years ago," Benji said. "I never would have been this loyal." He then leaned in and whispered, "I've never been hornier in my entire life."

"That makes two of us," Donovan said. "Let's hurry back to your place."

While taking a lunch break from writing, Luke was walking around downtown San Diego. After writing for a few hours he liked to walk around and take in some fresh air to clear his head and organize his thoughts. As he was walking, he suddenly felt himself stop in his tracks, he didn't know what it was, but he felt something inside of him, a familiar feeling, but he couldn't pinpoint why it was so familiar to him. He looked around and found him zeroing in on a man walking across the street from him. He'd never seen the man before, yet there was a feeling that he knew him. There was nothing particularly striking about the man, but there was something that drew him in. Luke kept staring at him until he was out of sight. When he could no longer see the man he continued walking only instead of clearing his head, he tried to discover why he was so drawn to that mystery man.

That night, after Donovan and Benji `caught up' with one another, they got to cooking and at seven o'clock sharp, Luke, Shane and Ford arrived.

"It's nice to meet you guys," Donovan said shaking their hands. "Benji has told me everything about you guys."

"We've heard great things about you," Luke replied.

"How's the private jet?" Shane asked. He then joked, "Any chance I can get a ride on it some time?"

"Benji told you about that, huh?" Donovan asked a little embarrassed.

"Yeah. That's pretty amazing," Ford said. "You must be a really hard worker."

"I like to think I am," Donovan said.

"He is," Benji said. "He's a very smart business man."

"Well I was smart enough to invest professionally and personally in Benji," Donovan said giving Benji a kiss.

"Aw," Ford sighed. Even though he wasn't much for romance anymore, he couldn't deny how sweet Donovan was and how sweet he was with Benji.

"Well let's have a drink," Benji said. "Since we won't be together tomorrow this is our Christmas dinner together."

During dinner, the guys learned a lot about Benji's boyfriend. He was born and raised in New York City. He's a Yale graduate and was offered a partner position in his father's business, but wanted to start his own and find small businesses to expand into multi-million dollar companies, which is what he did for Benji. He was proud of his company, Mortimer Industries, he worked really hard to keep his company and the companies he finances successful.

"I've heard of Mortimer Industries," Luke said. "You are the chief investor of Fine Line Clothing, right?"

"Yes," Donovan said.

"Do you know Michael Owens?" Luke asked. "He's the product manager."

"Yes, I know him," Donovan said. "How do you know him?"

"He started dating Michael a little while ago," Benji explained.

"Really?" Donovan asked hesitantly "Interesting."

"What does that mean?" Luke asked.

"Nothing," Donovan dismissed quickly. "He's a good guy."

"Since you know him maybe you can help Luke out," Shane suggested. "Michael's been acting weird lately."

"Really?" Donovan asked. "Do you know how it's affecting his work?"

"I don't really talk to him about work," Luke replied.

"If you start to notice anything you would you let Benji know so he can tell me?" Donovan asked.

"Why? What do you know about him?" Luke asked.

"He hasn't mentioned anything?" Donovan asked.

"No," Luke replied. "What is it?"

Before Donovan could answer, Shane's phone interrupted them.

"Sorry. It's Brenda. I have to take this. Excuse me," Shane said getting up from the table and walking away. Everyone at the table quickly refocused their attention back to Donovan.

"He's had some personal troubles in the past that affected his work," Donovan said.

"You're being vague," Benji pointed out.

"It's not my place to tell," Donovan said. He then looked over to address Luke, "When he's ready I'm sure he'll tell you."

"Oh great," Luke sighed. "You're going to leave me on a cliffhanger like that?"

"I'm sorry," Donovan replied sympathetically. "But I will say that he is a really nice guy. Does that help at all?"

"I guess," Luke shrugged.

A few minutes later, Shane came back into the dining room.

"Ford, can I talk to you for a second?" Shane asked.

"Sure," Ford said getting up from the table and joining Shane outside of the dining room area.

"Okay, so Brenda and Wyatt missed their flight back home from her parents place so they won't make it back tomorrow," Shane said quietly.

"I'm so sorry to hear that," Ford replied. "I know you were looking forward to spending Christmas with Wyatt."

"I know, but I was wondering if I could take your place tomorrow with Luke," Shane said.

"What do you mean?" Ford asked.

"I want to go up to LA with Luke," Shane replied.

"You do?" Ford asked. "Why?" Shane grew silent, he didn't want to admit it, but he didn't have to because Ford then realized, "You miss him."

"Shhh!" Shane said looking into the living room to make sure none of the others heard him.

"What about Jackson?" Ford asked.

"He's out of town visiting family," Shane replied.

"I don't mean that," Ford said. "I thought you liked him."

"I do like him," Shane justified. "I really do. But lately I've been thinking about Luke. Maybe it's just because it's Christmas, I don't know."

"Do you really think it's a good idea?" Ford asked.

"It's probably not," Shane replied. "But I think it can tell me one way or another if I want him back. Please?"

"It's fine with me, but you have to ask Luke," Ford replied.

"Thanks," Shane replied. "Wish me luck."

After dinner, the guys were drinking some champagne and eating a cake that Donovan had flown in from one of his favorite bakeries in Manhattan.

"This is delicious," Ford said taking a bite of the red velvet cake. "The cream cheese frosting is amazing."

"It's my favorite," Donovan replied. "I'm glad you like it."

"Ford used to be a food critic, so he knows good food," Luke said.

"Hey Luke, can I talk to you for a second?" Shane asked sitting down quietly next to him.

"Sure, what's up?" Luke asked.

"Well, Brenda and Wyatt missed their flight home so they won't be here tomorrow," Shane explained "Which means that I have the day free so I can go up to LA with you."

"That's sweet of you Shane, but Ford's already going," Luke mentioned.

"Yeah, but I thought it would be easier to pretend to be in a relationship with me since we actually dated before," Shane reasoned. "And Ford's cool with it."

"I guess that makes sense," Luke said. "Are you sure it's okay? It won't be weird?"

"Of course not," Shane said trying to hide his feelings. "We're friends, right?"

"Okay," Luke shrugged in agreement, "Thank you."

"No problem," Shane smiled. "It's my pleasure."

Luke gave Shane a grateful smile, oblivious to the feelings that Shane was harboring inside.

After Luke and Shane left, Ford was still hanging out with Benji and Donovan. He observed how sweet the two of them were with one another. Whenever Benji let out a hearty laugh Donovan wrapped his arms around him and planted a sweet kiss on his cheek. Seeing them together got Ford missing the feel of being in a relationship. It had been so long since he'd been in one or even open to dating. He began wondering if he could ever go back to being the romantic he once was. He's gotten so jaded through his past dating experiences that he wondered if it was even in him anymore.

"So what are you going to do tomorrow since you're not going up to LA with Luke now?" Benji asked Ford.

"I don't know," Ford shrugged. "I might go see my parents."

"Why don't you spend it with us?" Donovan asked.

"I don't want to be a third wheel," Ford replied.

"You won't be," Benji replied. "Don was telling me earlier today that a friend of his will be in town so he might stop by. You should come, we can make it a foursome."

"You sure?" Ford asked. "I don't want to intrude."

"You won't," Benji promised. "You're my best friend, I want to spend Christmas with the two most important people in my life."

"Well, okay then," Ford smiled. "Thanks."

When Luke got back to his condo, Michael was standing out front waiting for him.

"What are you doing here?" Luke asked, surprised to see him. "You've been MIA for a while."

"I'm sorry," Michael replied, he went right up to Luke and pressed his lips against his. "Let's go inside."

Luke unlocked the door and the two of them made their way inside. Once the front door was closed, Michael and Luke went into the bedroom and Michael gently pushed Luke onto the bed. At first things were very sensual and romantic, Luke moaned as he felt Michael's lips on his neck. Then, it quickly turned a little rough. Michael grabbed Luke's hands and pinned him down as he started to get a little rough.

"Take it easy," Luke said, but Michael slowly began to lose control of himself as he aggressively tore off Luke's shirt. Luke's usually a strong guy, but Michael seemed to over-power him and wasn't able to take control. "Michael, what are you doing?" But he didn't reply, Luke looked deeply into Michael's eyes and saw something he's never seen before, he saw a hunger in him, almost like a predator.

"You know you want this," Michael growled as he took his shirt off.

"Michael, stop," Luke said trying to get out from under Michael. But Michael grabbed onto Luke's wrist even tighter to stop him from moving. "You're hurting me!"

"Shut up," Michael barked as he began to kiss Luke's neck. Luke was able to smell the alcohol on Michael's breath.

"Get off!" Luke said finally gaining control and shoving Michael off of him. Michael toppled off and fell to the ground. "What the fuck is wrong with you?"

Michael looked up at Luke and his attitude completely changed. He now looked completely terrified, as if he was a completely different person.

"I'm so sorry," Michael said scrambling to his feet.

"What the hell was that?" Luke asked concerned.

"I have to go," Michael said quietly and rushed out of the bedroom.

"Michael, wait!" Luke called out, but Michael didn't answer he just ran out of the condo without saying another word. Luke stood frozen, wondering what the hell happened.

The next day, Luke and Shane headed up to LA around three in the afternoon. Luke told Shane about Michael the night before.

"So he tried to attack you?" Shane asked.

"I don't know if it was an attack or he was just being aggressive," Luke replied. "But something was completely different about him. I can't explain it."

"Have you tried calling him?" Shane asked.

"I tried to give him a call this morning, but he didn't answer," Luke replied. "I'm worried about him."

"I'm more worried about you," Shane said. "I don't think you should still see him, especially if he's attacking you."

"Maybe it's more complicated though," Luke said. "It might have something to do with what Donovan wouldn't tell me last night. He said that Michael's been through some personal stuff."

"Yeah, but if it's stuff that puts your safety at risk then you shouldn't stay with him," Shane replied.

"I just need to talk to him," Luke said. "Then I'll decide from there."

Shane wanted to say more, but he didn't want to risk sounding jealous. When Luke pulled up in front of Kurt's house, he took a deep breath. "Okay, so when we go in there we're a couple, okay?"

"Okay," Shane nodded. "We'll just act the way we used to act with each other."

"Perfect," Luke said. "Thanks again for doing this. It's just really important to me that they see that I'm okay. Whenever I talk to them I can always hear a little bit of worry in their voice."

"Don't worry," Shane promised. "They will think we're the perfect couple."

"Let's do this then," Luke said taking a deep breath.

When they walked up to the front door, Shane grabbed Luke's hand and knocked on the door. After a few moments of waiting, Kurt opened the door with a big smile.

"Hey you," Luke said with a big smile and wrapped his arms around Kurt tightly, "It's great to see you."

"Really great seeing you too!" Kurt replied happily. Kurt then looked over at Shane, without any words, Shane could see that Kurt was a little nervous to meet him.

"Kurt, I want you to meet Shane," Luke said.

"Hi," Kurt replied with a gentle smile as he shook his hand.

"It's nice to meet you," Shane replied.

"Well, come on in," Kurt said standing to the side of the door so Luke and Shane could go inside. When they made their way into the living room Luke smiled when he saw Leo, Jesse and Ryan.

"Guys, this is Shane," Kurt said introducing him to everyone. They all exchanged hellos with one another, although Shane couldn't be certain, he felt that Kurt and Leo were a little hesitant towards knowing him. He began to wonder if maybe Luke was wrong and it was actually Kurt and Leo who were still having trouble moving on from Nick's death.

Over at Benji's house, Ford arrived and noticed Donovan's friend wasn't there.

"Your friend isn't coming," Ford said. "I am going to be a third wheel, huh?"

"No you won't," Donovan replied. "I just got off the phone with him. He's almost here."

"Oh thank God," Ford replied.

"Don was telling me about this guy and he sounds pretty great," Benji said.

"Yeah, he's my oldest friend. His name is Pacey Stevens," Donovan replied.

"Wait a second," Ford replied. "Is this some kind of set up?"

"What are you talking about?" Benji played dumb.

"Benji, you were always a bad liar when you were younger and now that you're older, you're worse," Ford replied.

"We just thought that maybe it was time you gave dating a try," Donovan relied. "Benji told me that you used to be a big romantic."

"I'm leaving," Ford said heading for the door.

"Don't you dare!" Benji said grabbing Ford's arm. "Just give it a try. Do it as a Christmas present to me."

"I already bought you a Christmas present," Ford replied.

"Then do it as another present for me," Benji said. "Please?"

"Fine, but you owe me big!" Ford replied.

"Thank you," Benji said. Then, right on time, there was a knock on the front door.

"That's him," Donovan said as he headed to answer the door. Ford and Benji watched as Donovan opened the front door to a handsome man wearing a Burberry scarf and a dark grey overcoat. He had light brown hair and wore Versace glasses.

"Wow," Benji and Ford both said quietly at the same time.

"Benji, Ford, this is Pacey," Donovan said introducing him.

"I think you owe me big," Benji said quietly to Ford.

"Nice to meet you," Ford said extending his hand to Pacey.

"You're Ford?" Pacey asked in a surprised tone.

"Yeah," Ford replied.

"Interesting," Pacey said shaking his hand. Ford raised an eyebrow, not sure what he meant by that comment.

Back in LA, Shane was sitting at the dining room table with Ryan and Jesse when Luke headed to the kitchen to talk to Kurt and Leo. As he was walking towards the kitchen he overheard Kurt and Leo talking.

"Shane's a nice guy," he heard Leo say.

"I guess so," Kurt replied. "He's no Nick."

"No one ever will be," Leo answered.

"But he does seem to make Luke happy," Kurt sighed.

"Yeah," Leo said.

"Can I be completely honest?" Kurt asked.

"You wish he wasn't so happy," Leo replied, knowing it what Kurt was thinking.

"I know it's horrible," Kurt said. "I mean, I am happy for Luke. I'm really happy for him that he's found someone, but a small part of me was hoping that he was still hurting over Nick the same way we are."

Luke let out a soft sigh when he heard that, he realized that Kurt and Leo were the ones who needed help moving on.

"You don't think I still hurt over Nick?" Luke asked walking into the kitchen.

"Luke I'm so sorry you overheard that," Kurt sighed feeling guilty," You must think I'm an asshole."

"No, I don't," Luke said walking over to them. "I understand. You two were Nick's best friends, I should have known it would be hard for you two to see me with someone else."

"Don't get us wrong," Leo said. "Shane is a nice guy. We like him a lot. It's just different for us to see you with someone else."

"Let me tell you something," Luke said. "Not a day goes by where I don't think of him."

"Yeah?" Kurt asked.

"Of course," Luke said. "Nick was...is the love of my life. I will always love him and I miss him every day. He was the most amazing man I ever knew and I will love him forever, I promise."

"He was a pretty great guy," Kurt remembered.

"Even though he pissed me off half the time," Leo smiled.

"I don't want you two to worry. I will never forget Nick," Leo replied. He could have told them that Shane wasn't really his boyfriend, but he felt that it wasn't necessary. He's been keeping the charade up for long enough tonight, he might as well continue with it.

"Well, let's eat," Leo smiled.

As they grabbed the food Kurt couldn't help but wonder, "So did you ever go back to that psychic who told you Nick was coming back?"

"No," Luke replied. "I decided that you were right. She was probably some crazy woman who knew about me from my column and wanted to make a buck or two off of me."

"Smart call," Kurt said.

During dinner, while Luke and Shane were keeping up appearances as a couple, Shane came to a realization. He thought that pretending to be a couple with Luke would bring back all those romantic feelings, he thought that after this dinner of them acting like a couple the two of them would see they belonged together and fall back in love and live happily ever after. None of those feelings came to him. In fact, during the course of the dinner he realized that he felt nothing more than being a friend helping out another friend.

Back down in San Diego, Benji and Donovan were happy to see that Ford and Pacey seemed to be hitting it off.

"So how do you and Donovan know each other?" Ford asked.

"We went to college together," Pacey replied. "Been friends ever since."

"That's just like Benji and me," Ford smiled.

"Pacey is here from Denver," Donovan said.

"Denver? That where you live?" Ford asked.

"Yeah," Pacey replied.

"So what is it you do?" Ford asked.

"I run a business," Pacey answered. "I own `Stevens Colorado.'"

"Wait a second, `Stevens Colorado?' The oil company?" Ford asked.

"That would be him," Donovan replied.

"It's just like `Dynasty,'" Benji marveled.

"He's our very own Blake Carrington," Donovan said.

"Impressive," Benji said.

"I was smart to get into the oil industry," Pacey said with a bit of a smug attitude.

"So what are you doing out here?" Ford asked.

"I just got my hands on some new oil leases," Pacey said. "So I wanted to treat myself to a trip down here to celebrate."

"By yourself?" Ford asked.

"Yeah, well you don't get your way to the top by being nice to people," Pacey said. "I think Donovan is the only person who's stuck by me all these years."

"You have no friends?" Ford asked a bit concerned. Maybe Pacey isn't as great as he initially thought.

Up in LA, as Luke and Shane were getting ready to leave, Leo went up to Luke privately.

"Hey Luke, when you were talking to Kurt and me in the kitchen, I couldn't help but wonder about something you said," Leo said.

"What's that?" Luke asked.

"You said that Nick IS the love of your life," Leo replied. "You still think that even though you're with someone else?"

"Yeah," Luke replied. "I think that in life you can get many great loves, but you only get one love of your life and I know Nick was mine. Finding that one person is hard, but when it happens, you have to hold on to that person and do everything to make it last."

"I see," Leo said.

"I know you and Jesse separated," Luke said. "I'm sorry to hear that. But take my advice, you don't want to risk losing that great love. If it's Jesse, you need to do anything you can to make it work."

Leo just smiled softly and nodded. "So are you really okay to living life with someone who you know isn't the great love of your life?"

"For now," Luke said. "But if I were to ever get a second chance with Nick, even if it were just for a second, I wouldn't hesitate."

On the drive home, Luke thanked Shane for being his `boyfriend' for the evening.

"I really appreciate it," Luke said. "Although as it turned out, I didn't even need to pretend. Kurt and Leo were the ones who needed more help moving on."

"It's no problem," Shane smiled. "I have a confession to make."

"What is it?" Luke asked.

"I wanted to come with you tonight because I thought that I might still have feelings for you," Shane said.

"You did?" Luke asked surprised.

"But hanging out with you tonight, I realized that we were always much better at being there for each other as best friends than as a couple," Shane said.

"I think so too," Luke agreed. "I mean, I won't say that the idea of us being together again will never happen, but I do think that we make better friends. Now anyways."

"Funny, huh?" Shane asked. "We were together for so long, just to realize that we're happiest together when we're just best friends."

"I think it's how it should be," Luke replied.

"Definitely," Shane smiled. "I'm glad we're back here." It was the one thing that Luke and Shane were worried about most, they worried if it was possible for the two of them to ever go back to being friends the way they used to be. Fortunately the greatest gift they were able to give to each other this Christmas is a renewed friendship, a chance to start over again as best friends.

At Benji's place Ford quickly changed his mind towards Pacey. When he heard he had no friends that should have been his first clue. It was understandable to him why Pacey had no friends. He went from being charming and sophisticated to being arrogant and self-absorbed in Ford's eyes. If Benji was hoping this guy would get him back into dating then he was clearly mistaken.

After dinner Ford was alone in the living room with Pacey while Donovan and Benji cleaned the dishes.

"So you realize this was a set up tonight, right?" Pacey asked.

"Yeah," Ford replied.

"I have to admit, when I first heard about you I assumed I wouldn't want anything to do with you," Pacey said.

"Excuse me?" Ford asked insulted.

"Don't get me wrong, you're cute and all, but I didn't think you would be my type when Donovan was first telling me about you before I came here," Pacey said.

"Well you're no prize," Ford retorted.

"No, I am," Pacey said. "I'm a very good-looking guy."

"God, can you be more arrogant?" Ford asked.

"It's not arrogance, it's confidence," Pacey replied. "I know I'm a catch. I'm rich, successful, I have a great body. I'm the total package."

"And you're also an ass," Ford added.

"An ass you're attracted to," Pacey said.

"Excuse me?" Ford asked.

"I can tell," Pacey said confidently as he walked a couple steps towards Ford.

"You're wrong," Ford said.

"I didn't become a successful business man by having wrong instincts," Pacey said. "Just admit it. You think I'm hot."

"I will not," Ford brushed him off.

"What if I tell you I think you're pretty hot," Pacey said.

"Excuse me?" Ford asked.

"You are," Pacey said. "A lot hotter than I thought you would be."

"Am I supposed to be flattered?" Ford asked.

"I should think so," Pacey replied. "I can get any guy I want and I choose you. So what do you say?"

Ford debated whether he wanted to punch him or have sex with him. After a couple moments to debate he decided, "Fuck it," Ford said letting go of his previous hatred towards Pacey and quickly went in to kiss him. He hadn't had sex for a while and decided that Pacey would be good enough for now. "Just to make things clear, nothing more will happen after tonight."

"We'll see about that," Pacey said. "Come on, we're going to go back to my hotel."

"See you guys," Ford called out to Donovan and Benji as they quickly left the house.

When Luke got home, he saw a letter with his name on it taped to his front door. He recognized that it was Michael's handwriting. He opened the letter and was surprised to read:

'Dear Luke,

I'm so sorry about last night. Forgive me. Goodbye.'

Luke wasn't sure what the letter meant. Was Michael gone for good?

The next morning, Ford woke up in Pacey's hotel room with a large breakfast spread on the dining room table waiting for him.

"Morning," Pacey said who was already awake and drinking a cup of coffee as he lounged in a bathrobe.

"Morning," Ford replied.

"Would you like some breakfast?" Pacey asked.

"I think I should just go," Ford replied.

"No, stay," Pacey insisted.

"That's not necessary," Ford said. "Let's not pretend last night was anything more than a one night stand."

"But it was more," Pacey said.

"Excuse me?" Ford asked.

"I like you," Pacey said. "Most people are intimidated by me. You're not. I like that."

"Thanks, but I don't date assholes," Ford said.

"You just sleep with them?" Pacey asked. "So what does that make you?"

"You can call me a slut if you want, I don't care, cause I don't care what you think," Ford said sparing with him.

"You see, I like that attitude you have," Pacey said. "So come on, sit and have some breakfast with me. If you still think I'm an asshole afterwards then you can leave and at least you'll have gotten a nice meal."

Ford didn't want to admit it, but there was an irresistible charm to Pacey. He both loved and hated it. "Fine, but don't expect me to be won over by you."

Ford went and joined Pacey at the dining room table and did his best to cover up the smile on his face as Pacey poured him a cup of coffee.

Meanwhile, Luke went to the San Diego Bulletin to meet with the new columnist there. When he arrived he stopped by Shane's office where the new columnist would be waiting with Shane for him.

"Hey," Luke said walking in.

"Right on time," Shane smiled. The columnist was sitting with his back turned to Luke at first, "Luke, I want you to meet Derek Lafferty." Derek got up and turned around to greet Luke. When Luke saw his face he was taken aback, it was the same man he was drawn to two days earlier, that familiar feeling came back to him.

"It's nice to meet you," Derek said shaking Luke's hand. As soon as their hands touched, Luke felt something stronger, a feeling even greater than the one he had before. He still couldn't place where he's felt it before, but there was something about Nelson that he recognized.

"I'm sorry, but have we met before?" Luke asked.

"Um, no. I don't think so," Derek replied. Shane looked between the two of them and raised an eyebrow, wondering what Luke was thinking.

Luke didn't want to seem crazy so he just laughed it off, "Okay, well then let's get to work."

"Yeah," Derek replied. "Let's go."

As they were about to head out of the office, Shane stopped him.

"You okay?" Shane asked.

"Yeah," Luke nodded. "I can't place it, but I know him from somewhere. There's something really familiar about him."

"What do you mean?" Shane asked.

"I can't place it, but I know him from somewhere," Luke replied.

"How? He moved here from Nevada," Shane pointed out.

"I don't know," Luke said as he glanced over at Derek who was sitting down at his desk ready to get to work with Luke. "I'll figure it out though."

Shane gave Luke a pat on the shoulders as he went over and sat down next to Derek so they could start working together.

To Be Continued...

Thought it would be a nice treat to the readers who also read my other story `Phases' to see the incorporation of the final chapter into this installment. Hope you enjoyed! With any comments, questions or feedback please send me an e-mail at ilj4ever44@yahoo.com. Thanks!