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 doing well and still enjoying the story! Here's part 23 titled, `Lost.'

`LOST'

"How often do you guys masturbate?" Benji asked as he took a bite of his scrambled eggs while him and the guys were eating breakfast at their usual diner.

"Benji, I haven't even finished my first cup of coffee," Shane yawned. "Don't you think it's a little early to be talking about self-pleasuring?"

"I'm just curious," Benji said. "Since I've been single I haven't had the urge to hook-up with anyone or even masturbate. I was just wondering if you guys do it often since I don't even have any sexual urges right now."

"Well that depends," Luke replied. "The number of times is different from when I'm single and when I'm dating someone."

"How often did you do it when you were single?" Benji asked.

"Probably four times a week," Luke shrugged. "When I'm dating someone I hardly ever do it."

"Shane?" Benji asked.

"I do it every day when I'm single," Shane said. "I did it at least three times a week when I was dating Luke." Shane looked over at Luke with a big grin. The other guys started laughing.

"Excuse me?" Luke asked shocked.

"It had nothing to do with you," Shane replied. "My sexual craving is hard to satisfy is all."

"How about now with Jackson?" Luke asked.

"Well, he obviously can't really perform the way he used to, but I've been so exhausted taking care of him that I don't even have the energy to give the soldier a tug or two," Shane replied with a little laugh, although it was obvious to the guys that taking care of Jackson was very tiring for him. It's been two weeks since Jackson checked himself out of the hospital and began staying with Shane and even though it's a lot of work, Shane has never once complained about it. He was being a real champion in the whole situation. He's doing everything he can to be there for Jackson. However with the added stress of running a newspaper it's a tiring ordeal and it's begun showing.

"Would anyone like more coffee?" their waitress asked as she stopped by their table holding a pot of fresh coffee.

"Please," Shane said finishing what was left of his first cup. "Coffee has been my saving grace the past couple weeks."

"We know you have a lot on your plate," Ford said. "Is there anything you need help with?"

"Want to run the San Diego Bulletin for me?" Shane joked. "Actually, would one of you mind checking in on Jackson later today? I have to go pick up my son after work."

"Of course," Ford replied. "I'll stop by after work."

"You're spending the weekend with Wyatt?" Luke asked with a smile. He loved Shane's son. "When was the last time you saw him?"

"It's been a while," Shane said guiltily," I'm a shitty father."

"It's not like Brenda is pressuring you to be a big part of his life," Benji pointed out.

"I know, but I want to be," Shane said. "I should be."

"How old is he now?" Ford asked.

"Eight," Shane replied. "It'll be great seeing him."

"What are you guys going to do?" Luke asked.

"I promised to take him to Sea World," Shane replied. "Maybe the zoo."

"And what about Jackson?" Luke asked.

"Shit," Shane sighed. "I forgot. It'll be too hard pushing him around a theme park and taking care of an eight year old." He turned to Ford hopeful, "Anyway you can help me out tomorrow?"

"I can't," Ford replied. "Pacey is coming in this weekend and we have plans to have dinner with my father."

"Fuck," Shane sighed. He then looked at Benji, "What about you? Any chance you can help me out?"

"Honey I would, but I have the patience of a three year old," Benji declined.

Shane then turned to Luke with desperation.

"Don't look at me," Luke said. "You want me to take care of him? You've got to be kidding me."

"Please!" Shane begged grabbing Luke's hand. "I'm desperate."

"Obviously," Luke said. "Why the hell would I want to babysit Jackson?"

"Because you're my best friend?" Shane asked.

"Yeah but if you recall I'm not exactly a member of the Jackson Hunter fan club," Luke replied.

"I'm begging you Luke," Shane pleaded. "If not for me than do it for Wyatt. I promised to take him to Sea World."

"You had to bring up Wyatt," Luke groaned.

"So is that a yes?" Shane asked.

Luke let out a big sigh before finally answering, "Fine."

"Thank you!" Shane said giving Luke a big hug.

"You owe me so big," Luke replied.

Later that day while at work, Shane was in his office and had fallen asleep at his desk in the middle of editing an article. Luckily his assistant, Darla, poked her head in to check on him. It wasn't the first time he's fallen asleep at work the past week.

"Shane," she called out from the doorway, but he didn't wake-up. She then went up to his desk and tapped him on the shoulder. "Wake-up!"

"I'm awake!" Shane said bolting up in his chair. "I'm up."

"This is the third time this week," Darla mentioned.

"I know," Shane groaned. "I'm sorry. Thanks for waking me Darla."

"Have you been feeling okay?" Darla asked.

"I'm okay, just tired," Shane shrugged.

"Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news but Marshall is having some trouble fact checking the story about the shoplifter, Louise wants to go over the feature story for tomorrow and Derek is running late with his column," Darla listed.

"God, I hate this job," Shane sighed feeling more and more overwhelmed. He can't remember when it happened, but somehow he went from loving his work to not being able to stand it. He doesn't understand how something he used to enjoy so much has turned into something he hates.

"Do you want me to get you some coffee?" Darla asked.

"Please. Thank you Darla." Shane rubbed his eyes and gave his face a few gentle pats with the palms of his hands trying to wake himself up.

"I'll be right back," Darla smiled kindly before leaving his office.

"Note to self," Shane said out loud to himself, "Give Darla a raise." Shane sat quietly for a minute to think over everything that's been going on. He's never been so exhausted in all his life and while he loves being with Jackson, at the same time he's never been so unhappy. He's stressed in every aspect of his life and he realizes that something has to give sooner or later. He then went back to his work trying his best to stay awake for the rest of the day.

Meanwhile, Benji was at his store working when he began to think about the lack of a sex life he's bad since him and Donovan broke-up. He had to get his sex drive back. Benji without sex is like a beach without the sea. He needed sex in his life. It was in that moment that he remembered one person he could always rely on for sex. His fuck buddy, Jason. He hasn't seen him in years, but hoped that Jason was still in town so they could hook-up. He quickly took his cell phone out and dialed his number.

"This is Jason," Benji heard Jason's distinct deep voice say as he answered.

"Jason, it's Benji."

"Benji Bennett?" Jason asked. "This is a surprise."

"I know," Benji replied. "I was just at work and thought about some of the fun we used to have."

"Those were fun times," Jason answered. "You looking to relive one of those moments?"

"Depends. You available to?" Benji asked.

"Of course," Jason replied. "You know me. The relationship thing was never my style."

"Good man," Benji laughed.

"How about you?" Jason asked. "Last time I saw you, you were trying to be monogamous to someone."

"Well, I tried a relationship again," Benji replied. "This one was more successful, but again, it wasn't for me."

"I see," Jason said. "Well, I get off of work later today if you're interested."

"Perfect. Come to my place around eight." Benji smiled hoping this is just what he needed to get his mojo back.

There's something Luke has been curious about since he met Derek. He wondered how that psychic he ran into knew that Nick would find a way back into his life. He went back down to her little psychic shop and took a deep breath before walking inside.

It was dimly lit inside, dark purple curtains were hanging over the windows to block off any sunlight seeping through. Luke couldn't help but note how cliché the whole shop looked.

"Someone there?" he heard the psychic's familiar voice ask from behind a curtain towards the back of the shop. She then pushed the curtain aside to reveal herself and she let out a soft smile when she saw Luke. "I've been waiting for you to come back."

"You have?" Luke asked.

"Of course. I assume that Nick has found his way back to you," Lorraine said as she sat down at a small circular table in the middle of the room.

"I don't understand how you knew that." Luke was completely confused. He always believed psychics were a joke and not to be taken seriously. Now here he was sitting in front of someone who correctly foresaw that Nick would be back in his life.

"You're not a believer?" Loraine asked.

"Let's just say that I'm skeptical."

"What is there to be skeptical about?" Loraine brushed a strand of her long dark hair out of her face and tucked it behind her ear. "He's back is he not?"

"So it is him?" Luke asked.

"You tell me," Loraine replied. "What do you see when you look into his eyes?"

"I see Nick," Luke confessed. "But how is that even possible?"

"You'd be amazed to learn all the things that the spirits are able to do," Loraine smiled.

"Some of my friends don't believe that it's him." Luke couldn't blame his friends for being skeptical. If one of them came to him saying that an old boyfriend of theirs was reincarnated into a new body he would be skeptical as well.

"It doesn't matter what they think. You're the one dating him, no?" Loraine sat back in her chair and gave me an encouraging smile. "Do you believe its Nick?"

"Yes."

"Then that's all the convincing you need," Loraine replied.

"Do I talk to him about it?" Luke asked. "How do I deal with this?"

"If you talk to him about it then he will not believe you and will break-up with you," Loraine replied.

"You can foresee that?" Luke asked.

"It's just common sense." Loraine laughed. "He has no memories of his past life, he may get some senses of déjà vu, but he'll never have the memory he once had and if you tell him you're dating him because he was once your old boyfriend in a past life then he'll think you're crazy and leave you."

"Guess you have a point."

After work as promised, Ford went over to Shane's place to check on Jackson.

"Hello?" Ford used the key he had to unlock the front door to Shane's place. "Jackson?"

"Who's there?" Jackson called out from bedroom.

"Jackson it's Ford." He walked into the condo and headed to the bedroom carrying a bag. "Are you decent?"

"Yes," Jackson replied. Ford walked in and found Jackson lying in bed watching television.

"Hey," Ford smiled.

"Hi," Jackson replied. Ford didn't know him well, but it was obvious that he lost a lot of the spunk and fun attitude he once had. Ford gave him an encouraging smile.

"You look great." Ford took a seat on the edge of the bed. "How've you been?"

"Doing the best I can," Jackson shrugged. "Were you looking for Shane? Cause he's not here."

"No I actually came here to see you," Ford smiled. He reached into the bag he was holding and pulled out a pie. "I thought we could indulge ourselves and celebrate the weekend."

"Thanks," Jackson smiled touched. "What kind of pie is it?"

"Key-lime," Ford replied as he opened the pie box up and gave Jackson a fork. "You mind if I hang out with you for a little bit?"

"That would be great. I can really use the company," Jackson said.

"Yeah well you'll be getting a lot of that this weekend," Ford replied.

"Oh yeah?" Jackson asked.

"Tomorrow while Shane is with his son at Sea World, Luke's going to come hang out with you," Ford replied.

"Luke?" Jackson couldn't help but be surprised. "Seriously?"

"Yeah," Ford nodded.

"Is Shane forcing him?" Jackson asked.

"No," Ford lied. "He volunteered."

"Ford, you're a great guy, but a terrible liar," Jackson deadpanned.

"Okay," Ford replied, "Shane begged him and he finally caved, but you know what? I think it'll be a good thing."

"Yeah sure," Jackson replied. "When Shane comes back home tomorrow he'll find that Luke killed me and doesn't have to worry about taking care of me anymore."

"Don't worry about it," Ford said. "Luke and you will be fine. Maybe you two will be friends afterward?"

"I won't hold my breath," Jackson said taking a bite of pie.

Shane arrive at seven o'clock to pick up Wyatt from Brenda's house. She has done really well for herself over the past years. She got her PhD and got a job as a high school counselor, which she finds to be very rewarding and fulfilling and also gives her the time to be a mom as well.

"Hey." Brenda smiled as she opened the door. "I thought you might have forgotten."

"I'm sorry," Shane said. "I got caught up with stuff at work."

"Is everything okay?" Brenda asked looking closely at Shane's face. "You look tired."

"I'm fine," Shane replied. "Nothing a good night's sleep won't fix."

"Well I'm glad you're here," Brenda said. "Wyatt's been so excited about spending the weekend with you. I thought you might be cancelling."

"I know I've been really had at seeing him lately and I'm sorry," Shane replied. "I'm really excited to spend the weekend with him." He was excited, although extremely tired at the same time.

"Wyatt!" Brenda called out into another room. "Your dad's here." In less than five seconds, Wyatt came rushing out and jumped into his dad's arms. Wyatt looked just like Shane, dark hair, kind eyes, prominent cheek bones.

"Hey buddy." Shane hugged Wyatt tightly. He loved the feel of hugging his son. There's nothing else he'd rather do. "You ready for a fun weekend?"

"Yes!" Wyatt enthused.

"Okay you two, have fun," Brenda smiled.

"I'll take good care of him," Shane promised as they headed to his car.

"Bye Wyatt," Brenda waved. "See you Sunday sweetie."

"Bye mom!" Wyatt waved with a big smile on his face. He then jumped into Shane's car excited for his weekend with Dad.

When Ford got home from Shane's place he saw Pacey's limo waiting outside his place. Ford grew a big smile on his face as he approached the limo and knocked lightly on the passenger window.

"Well it's about time you came home," Pacey said cracking his charming smile.

"What are you doing here?" Ford asked. "I thought you weren't coming in until tomorrow morning."

"Wanted to surprise you," Pacey replied. "Couldn't let you think I was too predictable."

"It's a very welcome surprise." Ford opened Pacey's door and gave him a kiss as he got out. "Missed you."

"Yeah. You too," Pacey replied.

"So what's the bad news?" Ford asked.

"Bad news?" Pacey asked playing dumb.

"I know we haven't been dating for that long, but I do know that when you try to spontaneously surprise me than it means that you have some bad news." Ford looked at Pacey intensely, waiting for the other shoe to drop. Pacey finally let his `confused' look drop and knew he had to level with Ford.

"Okay, well I have a business meeting tomorrow afternoon."

"Are you serious?" Ford asked interrupting Pacey. "You're cancelling dinner with my dad?"

"I'll be there. I just might be a little late," Pacey clarified.

"Pacey," Ford complained. "Why did you have to schedule the meeting for tomorrow?"

"It wasn't my choice," Pacey answered. "These guys are leaving Los Angeles Sunday morning to go back to England. This was the only time available. It shouldn't be too long. I'll make it for dinner, okay? I promise."

"You better," Ford said. "Let's just go inside."

"You're mad."

"I'm not mad," Ford shrugged. "Just get there as soon as you can, okay? Let's go inside."

That night, Benji was at his place when Jason arrived.

"You look damn good," Jason said as he looked Benji up and down as he stood in the doorway.

"You look fucking hot," Benji smiled. "Get in here." Benji grabbed Jason by the shirt and pulled him close and began making out with him.

Jason moaned seductively as their lips caressed one another. Benji closed the front door and pinned Jason against the wall as he quickly undid the buttons on Jason's shirt.

"Feels like old times," Jason sighed between kisses. Benji didn't reply however, he was too busy trying to concentrate on getting his sex-drive back.

Come on, come on, Benji kept thinking to himself. He wanted this to be amazing, he wanted to feel like himself again. It was the last thing he needed to truly feel like the man he used to be.

"Everything okay?" Jason asked. He noticed that Benji was no longer kissing him, but rather starring intently at him with a concentrated look on his face.

"Fine," Benji replied. "Just shut-up for a second." It wasn't working. Why wasn't it working?! Why couldn't he feel sexual with his fuck-buddy? He used to always have the best time with Jason and now he can't get into it. He can't get the sexual feeling he yearned for so badly. "Dammit!"

"What is it?" Jason asked. "Something wrong?"

"Everything is wrong!" Benji buttoned up his shirt and put his pants back on. "This isn't going to work."

"Why? What's the matter?"

"I can't do this," Benji sighed. "I want to, but I can't."

"Oh," Jason said realizing. "Are you having some impotency issues?"

"What?! No! Fuck no!" Benji exclaimed. "It's not that."

"Then what is it?"

"I wish I knew," Benji replied.

That next morning Shane woke up to someone poking him in the ribs.

"Wake-up!" a little voice cried out to him.

"Hmmm?" Shane moaned, his eyes still closed.

"Dad, wake-up!" the voice cried again.

"What?" Shane asked, still half-asleep.

"Sea World!"

"Huh?" Shane opened his eyes to see Wyatt standing next to his bed and jumping up and down excitedly.

"I think you over slept," Jackson said waking up as well.

"What time is it?" Shane asked reaching over to his clock and picking it up to read the time, "Ten o'clock."

"You said we'd leave early!" Wyatt said.

"You're right," Shane said getting up. "I'm sorry buddy. Why don't you go get dressed and I'll get ready too."

"I am ready!" Wyatt smiled excitedly. Shane looked over at him and noticed that he was indeed all dressed and cleaned-up.

"Okay, well go watch TV for a bit while I get dressed," Shane said sitting up in bed.

"Hurry Dad!" Wyatt said rushing out of the bedroom.

"You going to be okay?" Jackson asked.

"Yeah. I'll be fine," Shane said rubbing his eyes.

"I'm sorry I kept you up late last night," Jackson said. "I just needed someone to talk to."

"It's fine," Shane said. "Don't worry about it. I just need a cup of coffee." Shane got out of bed and headed into the bathroom to clean-up for his day out.

Ford woke-up to the sound of Pacey getting dressed. "You leaving?"

"Yeah. I have to go prepare for my meeting today," Pacey said.

"So am I not going to be seeing you much this weekend?" Ford asked disappointed.

"Sorry," Pacey said. "I'll make it up to you."

"That's become your mantra," Ford points out.

"I always make it up to you though, right?" Pacey pointed out. Ford couldn't deny it, even when he did piss him off, he always found a way to make things right.

"You will make it in time for dinner with me and my dad, right?" Ford couldn't help but have a feeling that something was going to ruin the dinner tonight.

"I'll be there," Pacey smiled. "I won't let you down. I know this means a lot to you."

"It does. My dad is really important to me and I want him to like you."

"And he will," Pacey said. "I haven't met anyone I couldn't charm."

"Don't get cocky," Ford laughed.

"Not cocky," Pacey said giving Ford a kiss, "Just confident."

"Good luck at your meeting."

"Thanks," Pacey replied. "I'll see you and your father later."

Pacey left Ford in bed, hoping and praying that nothing would go wrong and keep him from coming to dinner.

Meanwhile, Benji and Luke met up with each other for breakfast before Luke was to head over to hang out with Jackson.

"I can't believe you're actually going to be hanging out with Jackson," Benji laughed. "It's too funny."

"No, it sucks," Luke sighed. "If Shane wasn't my best friend then I wouldn't even have considered doing this for a second."

"That's pretty big of you," Benji said. "But who knows? Maybe you and Jackson will become friends."

"That's a joke," Luke laughed before changing the subject, "So how was your night?"

"Don't ask," Benji replied embarrassed.

"Why? What happened?" Luke could tell by Benji's reddening face that it was obviously something really humiliating.

"Promise not to tell the other guys?" Benji asked.

"Of course," Luke answered.

"God this is so embarrassing." Benji shook his head. It was so humiliating to him. "I had trouble performing last night."

"Sexually?"

"Yeah," Benji sighed. "That's never happened to me before. That doesn't happen to me."

"Well I guess there's a first time for everything," Luke shrugged. "Was the guy not your type?"

"Oh no, he definitely was," Benji pointed out. "He's my old fuck buddy. I was hoping he could help me get my mojo back."

"Mojo? Do people still say that?" Luke asked laughing.

"They do when it's gone," Benji half-joked. "I don't know what's wrong with me."

"Nothing is wrong with you," Luke said. "Benji, you just got out of a serious relationship. You may think you've gotten over it completely, but it'll take some time until you're one hundred percent over it."

"I guess," Benji realized. He didn't want to admit he was still recovering from his break-up, but he knew Luke was right. He had to take a little more time to recover. "I guess I was hoping I could just hop right back on the saddle."

"You'll get there," Luke assured Benji with a warm smile. He knew Benji would be fine, nothing could keep him down for too long. Luke looked at his watch and took a deep breath, "I have to go."

"Off to babysit?" Benji laughed.

"Shoot me now," Luke sighed standing up. "I can't believe I'm doing this."

"Good luck," Benji called out as Luke made his way out the door.

When Shane and Wyatt arrived at Sea World they were just in time for the Shamu show. Wyatt tugged Shane along as they quickly made their way to the stadium.

"Hurry Dad!" Wyatt said pulling Shane by the arm.

"I'm coming," Shane replied yawning. He was trying his best to not be so tired. He knew he should have gone to sleep earlier that night, but Jackson was feeling depressed and needed to talk so he stayed up with him until six in the morning.

When they got to the Shamu stadium and sat down the show was just starting. As the music fired up and the orcas made their first jump out of the water Wyatt squealed with delight. Shane looked down at his son and smiled. Even though he was tired it was worth it to see his son so happy.

"Welcome everyone!" one of the trainers said to the audience. "Welcome to the show! I want to introduce to you Shamu!" As she made the introduction the great whale leaped into the air and splashed the audience sitting close to the tank. Shane let out a little laugh and looked down at Wyatt who was mesmerized by the large animal. Shane looked back up to watch the show and felt his eyes grow heavy. He rubbed his eyes, but it didn't seem to help at all.

The sun was getting hot and beaming down on him, which didn't help Shane stay awake at all. Without even realizing it he felt his eyes slowly close and the sound of cheering crowed faded away as well...

When Luke arrived at Shane's apartment, Jackson was sitting on the sofa watching TV.

"Hey," Jackson said with a friendly smile hoping to not have an uncomfortable day with Luke.

"Hi," Luke said quickly closing the front door. "Shane asked me to pick you up a burger."

"Oh thanks," Jackson replied. Luke walked over and handed the fast food bag to him. Jackson took out the burger and fries and set it down on the table he had next to him. "This looks great." He looked into the bag looking for something else. "Is there ketchup?"

"Oh, I guess I forgot," Luke said uninterested.

"That's cool," Jackson answered. "It just ads more calories."

Luke didn't bother to respond, he just raised his eyebrows in acknowledgement and sat down on the reclining chair opposite the couch and faced the television. Jackson took a bite of the burger feeling completely awkward with the silence. Finally he asked, "So how have things been?"

"Great," Luke answered simply.

"That's good," Jackson said. "I really appreciate you coming here to hang out with me."

"Yeah well, Shane's my best friend and all," Luke replied.

"That's nice you two are still so close," Jackson said. "It says a lot about you guys to be able to move past-"

"You're seriously going to bring up the relationship him and I used to have?" Luke asked insulted. "The relationship that you were a catalyst in ruining?"

Jackson didn't say anything, his face turned beat red from embarrassment. He knew it was a stupid topic to bring up.

"Sorry," Jackson said quietly.

"It's fine," Luke replied. "Let's just drop it."

"Okay," Jackson said before going back to eating his burger.

Shane opened his eyes and looked around the stadium confused. People were starting to exit and leave. He looked at the whale tank and noticed the trainers were gone and the big screen monitor was off. Did I fall asleep?' Shane thought confused. What happened?'

"I guess I dozed off," Shane said turning to Wyatt, but he felt his body grow numb when he realized that Wyatt wasn't sitting next to him. "Wyatt?!" Shane looked frantically around him but didn't see his son anywhere. His heart began to beat faster and faster, he couldn't breath. "Wyatt?!" He looked all over the emptying stadium and couldn't see his son anywhere. Shane stood up panicking. "Wyatt!!!!"

Ford met up with his father, Douglas Ohara, that afternoon and the two spent the day having lunch and talking with one another. Ford is really close with his parents, he couldn't imagine life with out them, especially his dad. They talk to each other every Sunday morning and have always had a close relationship. When Ford came out to his parents his dad just smiled and gave him a hug telling him that it didn't matter what his sexuality was, "I just want you to be happy son."

"So you're dating the oil tycoon, Pacey Stevens, huh?" Doug asked. "I heard he's a tough man to deal with."

"Where did you hear that?" Ford asked taking a sip of his coffee.

"A couple people I do business with have dealt with him so I asked around," Doug said.

"You went snooping?" Ford asked with a laugh.

"Hey, I have to make sure my son is dating a good guy," Doug replied. Ford laughed, it's always been this way, his parents are really protective of him and some may say a little judgmental. Come to think of it, Ford couldn't think of any boyfriend that his parents ever really liked. They were the typical parents who think that no one is good enough for their son.

"Well he's actually a really good guy," Ford explained. "He flies me out to Denver all the time on his private jet. Impressive, huh?"

"Very," Doug said. "I've also heard he's somewhat of a workaholic. Does that cause any problems?"

"None at all," Ford lied. He felt bad lying to his dad, but he didn't want his dad thinking poorly of Pacey before he even got a chance to meet him. "He's excited to meet you."

"I am too," Doug said. "I haven't seen you this excited about a guy in a long time."

"Yeah," Ford agreed. "I don't know what it is about him, but there's something different about Pacey. I think he may be around for a while."

"Well I hope he's good enough for you," Doug said.

Luke and Jackson were sitting in an uncomfortable silence watching TV together. Jackson kept glancing over at Luke who was determined to not make eye contact back at him.

"Luke," Jackson finally said.

"What?" Luke groaned, he really didn't want to talk to him.

"I'm sorry," Jackson said.

"I told you to just drop it," Luke replied.

"I'm not talking about what I said earlier," Jackson said. "I'm sorry for any part I had in your break-up with Shane."

"Just forget about it," Luke shrugged.

"Do you still love him?" Jackson inquired.

"No. Not that in that way at least," Luke said. "I'll love him as a friend, but anything else is done between him and me."

"Can I at least tell you my side of the story?" Jackson asked.

"I suppose," Luke replied.

"I told Shane that I didn't want to come between anything he had going on with you," Jackson said. "But he told me that you and him were pretty much over. I was under the impression that you two were about to break-up anyway."

Luke didn't say anything at first. He knew that Jackson made a good argument for his case. Him and Shane were on the brink of break-up. It was in that moment that Luke realized that it wasn't really his fault at all. He just wanted someone else to blame. "We were." Luke finally said. "Him and I would have broken up with or with out you in the mix."

Neither one of them said anything to each other, they both silently looked at one another and came to an understanding. Luke realized he couldn't be mad at him anymore, he had no right to.

"Shane tells me you're dating someone you think is your old boyfriend reincarnated or something," Jackson brought up.

"He did?" Luke winced. "I know he thinks I'm crazy, I'm guessing you both got a good laugh out of it."

"No actually," Jackson replied. "I believe in that sort of stuff."

"You do?" Luke asked.

"Yeah," Jackson replied. "I think that is completely possible."

"Really?" Luke smiled.

"I believe that if two people are taken away from each other prematurely then someway their souls find each other again," Jackson said. "Soulmates."

"I think so too," Luke said. "Well, I didn't before, but since meeting Derek I've come to embrace that whole idea."

"You should," Jackson said. "Because it happens. I believe it."

"Thanks," Luke said sincerely. He then added, "You're not so bad after all."

"Thanks," Jackson smiled.

"So how you doing?" Luke asked, "You been okay?"

"I've been better," Jackson sighed. "It takes some getting used to."

"I bet," Luke sympathized.

"I sometimes want to go and get a glass of water from the kitchen and I try to stand up," Jackson said. "Then I realize that I can't and it just sucks."

"But the doctors don't know if it's permanent or not, right?" Luke asked.

"They say they're not certain, but I have a feeling it is," Jackson sighed.

"Well, maybe-" Luke began, but was interrupted by his phone ringing. "It's Shane," Luke said looking at the caller-ID. He answered, "What's up?"

"I lost Wyatt!" Shane exclaimed in a panic.

"What?" Luke asked sitting up in his seat. "What do you mean?"

"Wyatt's gone! He was sitting next to me and then he was gone!" Shane told him.

"How could he have just gone off without you noticing?" Luke asked.

Shane squeezed his eyes shut, not wanting to admit it, but knew it would eventually come up, "I may have dozed off..."

"What?!" Luke asked. "You fell asleep while taking Wyatt out?"

"I was so tired," Shane replied. "I've barely slept at all in weeks."

"Shane, did you talk to security?" Luke asked.

"No," Shane said. "I've just been running around the park looking for him."

"Go to security," Luke told him. "Did you call Brenda?"

"No," Shane said. "She'll flip out."

"Of course she will. Her son is missing!" Luke said. "Go to security and then call Brenda."

"Right," Shane said before hanging up. He looked all around and suddenly the park felt ten times bigger than it was when they first arrived. He then rushed off to find security.

To kill some time before dinner, Ford and his dad went to trendy little lounge to have drinks. As they were hanging out together Pacey called.

"Hey you. How did the meeting go?" Ford asked.

"It's still in progress," Pacey replied.

"What?" Ford asked looking at his watch, "It's five o'clock! Dinner reservations are at six."

"About that," Pacey began. "I don't think I'll be able to make it."

"Please tell me you're kidding," Ford said.

"I'm so sorry Ford," Pacey said. "It's out of my control."

"You promised," Ford sighed.

"I know and I'll make it up to you and your father," Pacey said. "How about brunch tomorrow morning?"

"He's leaving early tomorrow morning," Ford replied. "Dammit Pacey! You always do this!"

"I'm sorry," Pacey said genuinely. "I really am."

"Whatever, I'll talk to you later," Ford sighed hanging up.

"Bad news?" Doug asked.

"He can't make it," Ford replied.

"Sorry to hear that," Doug said, although Ford could tell from his voice that he didn't seem entirely surprised.

"He has some big meeting," Ford explained.

"Does he do this to you a lot?" Doug asked.

"What do you mean?" Ford tried beating around the bush.

"When you were on the phone with him I heard you say `you always do this.' So I'm guessing this isn't the first time he's done that," Doug said.

"Well...no, but he only does this if it's completely out of his control," Ford said covering up for Pacey. "He works really hard, you know?"

"I see," Doug nodded.

"Dad, I know what you're thinking, but it's not that bad," Ford said. "Pacey is a really good guy. I promise. He really cares about me."

"If you say so," Doug answered, not entirely convinced.

At Sea World Shane tracked down a security guard after rushing around the park once more to see if he could find Wyatt himself.

"Calm down sir," the large male security guard said after Shane told him what had happened, "I'm sure he's around here somewhere."

"What if someone took him?" Shane asked freaking out, "What if some pervert took him?"

"That hasn't happened here," the security guard says. "He's probably just playing somewhere. Let's go to the security office and we'll have all the guards look for him, okay?"

"His mom is going to kill me," Shane said. "He has to be around here somewhere. My son is everything to me!"

"I know sir. We'll find him," the security guard promised. "Just come with me, okay?"

Shane and the security guard made their way over to the security office. Shane felt as if his heart was about to burst out of his chest. He'd never been more scared before in his life. All he could think of was Wyatt's happy face and the thought of never seeing it again was terrifying.

"I know you're scared, but it'll be all right," the security guard said trying to calm him down. "We'll do everything we can."

"I can't believe this is happening," Shane said.

"Would you like us to call your wife?" the security guard asked.

"I don't have a wife," Shane said, he then understood, "Oh, you mean the mother? Yeah, I guess I should call her."

"We can do it for you if you'd like," the security guard offered.

"No, I better," Shane said. He began to dread this phone call, he didn't want Brenda to have to worry about anything that weekend. Now he was going to have to make a call that no parent wants to receive.

As the security guard opened the door to the office Shane took out his cell phone and dialed Brenda's number.

"Hello?" Brenda answered the phone.

"Brenda, it's me," Shane replied.

"Hey Shane. What's up?" Brenda asked.

"It's about Wyatt," Shane said gravely.

"What happened? What happened to him?" Brenda asked instantly worried. Shane could tell from her voice that she was already on the verge of crying.

"I'm at Sea World right now," Shane began, "Well, we were watching one of the shows when-" He was about to continue but he was interrupted when the security office door opened and a guard came in with Wyatt. "Oh my God! Wyatt!" Shane exclaimed rushing over to Wyatt holding him tightly.

"Shane, what's going on?!" Brenda asked frantically.

"Nothing," Shane said. "Everything is fine. We're great. Say hi to your mom buddy." Shane held the phone up to Wyatt's ear.

"Hi mom!" Wyatt said happily, having no clue the panic he caused Shane.

"You okay honey?" Brenda asked.

"I'm great. I just went to the penguin exhibit all by myself!" Wyatt said.

"By yourself?!" Brenda asked. "Put your dad back on the phone."

"Mom wants to talk to you," Wyatt said. "She sounds mad."

"He's fine," Shane said to Brenda.

"Fine?! Why was he at the penguin exhibit by himself?" Brenda asked.

"He ran off from me. It's a long story. I'll talk to you later," Shane said hanging up before Brenda pressed him for more information. He was too ashamed to admit he fell asleep.

When Shane and Wyatt came home, Luke and Jackson were both sitting in the living room waiting for them.

"Luke!" Wyatt squealed in delight as he rushed over to give him a hug.

"Hey buddy!" Luke said giving Wyatt a hug. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah," Wyatt said.

"He was at the penguin exhibit when a security guard found him," Shane explained sitting down on the couch.

"Wyatt, you NEVER wander off from Shane, okay?" Luke said. "He was worried sick."

"I'm sorry Dad," Wyatt said.

"I'm just glad you're okay," Shane said laying his head back on the couch to relax from his stressful day. "I'm exhausted."

"Yeah, I'll get going and let you guys get some rest," Luke said getting up. He gave Wyatt a hug goodbye and then said bye to Shane. When he turned to Jackson he gave him a friendly smile, "I actually had a good time hanging out with you."

"Me too," Jackson smiled. "Thanks for coming."

"No problem," Luke replied. "I'll see you guys later."

After Luke left, Shane turned to Jackson, "You guys had a good time?"

"We did actually," Jackson replied to Shane's surprise.

That night, when Pacey returned from his meeting, Ford was up and waiting for him in the living room.

"I'm so sorry," Pacey said first thing when he saw Ford. "I know you were counting on me."

"I was," Ford replied. "You know, my dad is a hard man to please sometimes. First impressions are big for him and you made the worst one by not showing up."

"I'm sorry," Pacey said. "I'll have a bottle of champagne sent to him."

"He doesn't care about stuff like that," Ford shot back. "He wanted to meet you."

"Ford, it was out of my control!" Pacey defended himself.

"It's not just dinner," Ford replied. "It's like this all the time! You always find some way to let me down and I'm sick of it. I can't take it anymore."

"What are you saying?" Pacey asked.

"I think you should go," Ford replied.

"What? I don't have to leave until tomorrow night," Pacey said.

"You should go," Ford said. He then got up and left the room leaving Pacey alone. He slowly collected his things and left.

Benji was asleep in his bed when he began to have a dream. He was with a man, his face he couldn't really see, but his body was perfect, ripped abs, great chest, nice ass. Benji reached out and touched the mystery man's body and the two embraced one another. Benji let out a moan in ecstasy. He was enjoying every moment. The two slowly began making love to each other.

When Benji woke up the next morning he let out a big smile.

To Be Continued...

With any comments, questions or feedback please e-mail me at ilj4ever44@yahoo.com. Thanks so much!