A/N-Hey everyone, thanks for the reviews. You all have been really supportive, I hope that I'm updating a bit faster for your liking. Hope you enjoy this chapter and leave reviews!!

Chapter 9

Cursing himself for sounding so rude, and possibly giving up his chance at happiness, Justin checks his messages. Sighing in relief when there's only two; one from Leah letting him know they made it, and the other from his boss giving him a few days off. The phone rings shrilly startling him, and he calms his breathing before answering. "Hello, Justin. Your father just wanted me to remind you that he expects you here bright and early. You know how he is, always has to be in control. Have a safe trip, honey, and if you're going to be a bit late just call to let us know," his mother says, her voice cheerful, and he cringes before saying, "I'll be there some time tomorrow, mom. A change in plans occurred so I can come see you sooner." Truthfully, he knows that his father can find out if he had to work or not, and he'd rather not deal with an irate man. "Bye, honey, I love you." "Bye, mom, love you, too."

Willing himself to sleep, Andrew growls when his mind refuses to obey his request. His body, all snug under the covers, is perfectly content to just lie there, but no, his mind wants to evaluate why it's so important to him to know exactly where he stands between Justin and Adamo. He almost wishes the man was still alive so he can know just how he got the blond so under his spell that he almost can't find a place in Justin's heart. Finally, he gives in to his mind, and dials the number. "Hello?" "Sorry, I couldn't sleep, and I wanted to talk some more. We didn't really end tonight very well." Justin takes a deep intake of breath then releases it on a sigh saying, "Yeah, it's alright. Maybe it's just too soon. I'm going to my parents house for a few days, maybe when I get back we can try again." Nodding Andrew runs a hand though his hair, his hazels closing as sleep begins to make his mind fuzzy, and he says, "That'll be good." "Go to sleep, Andrew." Smiling he mumbles, "Night, Justin. Love you," before hanging up the phone. Suddenly it dawns on him what he had just said. "Oh God, I didn't just say that, did I?"

Staring at the phone in shock, Justin's mind reels with so many unanswered questions. The one repeatedly standing out is How the hell could he still love me after all these years? What type of person hangs on to a love for that long? Leaning against the wall, Justin drags a hand over his face wondering just how he feels for Andrew. He had always know that a part of him would always feel something for the teen that had been his first. Great, this is just what I need! I just needed to find out that Andrew loves me now, after all these years and he finally admits it. Downing a cup of water, he stares at his reflection in the mirror. Startling to discover that so little has changed. Yes, the angles of his face are a bit sharper, and his eyes a little more calculating. The overall change is in the stance that screams been there, seen that. The most frightening of everything is that he can't feel guilt over pulling the trigger, that he can't make himself wish he hadn't. He could have waited till help arrived, but he hadn't. A part of him wanted James Dean to suffer, had wanted to torture him till he screamed. Andrew can't love me, he doesn't know who I've become. A small part in his mind snickers, telling him that he's just like his father. This time; though, he wonders if the voice is right.

Loading up the car, he glances around, and finds a smile tugging at his lips when he spies Andrew walking up the driveway. Casually dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, Andrew looks better than ever. His hazels scan the contents of the trunk, and grins when he realizes that the blond had packed pretty much his entire wardrobe. "Going to be gone for a while?" Shaking his head, Justin mutters, "Not sure what I'll be expected to wear. It's just better to bring choices rather than not have the right outfit. My mother is very particular on what I wear to which event." "Your mother and mine sound like they'd get along great.'" Laughing Justin tosses Andrew a "what the hell" look, then says, "My mother would stare at your mother like she's insane. Mom can't cook at all, the house neat, but chaotic because that's the only ways she can find anything, and her style is eccentric. Yes, my mother wanted me to dress perfectly, but that's because my father demanded it. Usually mom lounges around the house in long, flowing, tie-dye dresses and hippie beads." Looking horrified, Andrew leans closer to Justin asking, "You're kidding, right?" Shaking his head, Justin says, "It's the truth. My father is the pristine business man, my mother the hippie. You should see my grandfather on mom's side, now that is an awesome man. He actually sat down with my mom and me, and passed a water bong around. He's the type that prefers if you drink and smoke underage under his care rather than parties. He wears a velvet robe over satin pajamas every day now."

Deciding that his parents can wait since he's coming a day early, Justin leads Andrew inside for a quick lunch. "Sounds like you have an interesting family." The blond nods, then adds, "Well, at least on my mom's side. Her mom was some blond bombshell actress back in the 40's that loved dancing and would tug anyone onto the dance floor. But my dad's side is more conservative. Businessmen, and trophy wives. The women were to be obedient and beautiful, they had to play dumb even if they were smarter than their husbands." Helping put together the salad, Andrew asks, "Then how did your mom and dad get together? And I thought he killed your mother?" Nodding Justin says, "So did I until I had to identify the body, it was her twin sister. On closer inspection, I could tell because my aunt had this ladybug tattoo on her ankle. My mom and dad met at a party, her mother was the guest of honor. Dad only saw mom dressed in her finest, looking absolutely gorgeous. Her hair had been long then, but now it's a fashionable, layered bob. He fell in love with the person she portrayed that night, and by the time he figured it was an act he had gotten her pregnant and married her." "Then they don't love each other?" Shrugging Justin says, "They stand each other. He wanted a beautiful wife and a heir. He got them. She wanted a secure husband so she could paint, she got that."

Andrew wonders what if would be like to be that close to his mother. Justin radiates with love when he speaks of the woman, and her free spirited ways. Comfortably they share a meal together. Biting his lower lip, he can't help but crave a kiss from the blond. Glancing at the clock, Justin grins then says, "I should be going." They stand by the car, almost as if they don't want to leave one another for fear of losing each other. Smiling he recalls the many times they had stood by Justin's truck, and had ended up making out because they hadn't wanted to let go of each other yet. Suddenly he's thrust into the present when Justin's lips are pressed firmly to his, and the feeling of heaven just pours down over him. This is what he had missed, what he had been holding out for. I could have fallen for someone else, been treated as royalty, but I didn't want to, and I still don't. "Be safe, please," he says when they break apart, and Justin nods backing away slowly. Before he can leave; though, he's tugged back into the blonde's arms and into a breathtaking kiss. The silent promise that someday the blond will be his makes it easier for him to keep his own vow that he'll be virginal until then. There's no reason to fear the crime of infidelity because there's no chains here holding me, but I love you too much. I don't want you to leave. "I'll be careful, and when I get back we'll go on a real date where I'll prove to you that I'm ready to move on," Justin says, and this time he does get into the car and pull away. Following the car with his eyes until he can no longer see it, Andrew sighs in relief.