Back with my usual disclaimers, plus another one. It had come to my attention through a couple of very astute readers that Mick Ronson is indeed a real person. I had no idea when I pulled his name from the air. So I guess I don't really own him either...at least, not the name. You all know I don't own House by now, just the O/Cs (yes, even Mick).

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Johnny and House rode in silence to the address Mick had given them, thoughts still swirling in Johnny's head. As much as he loved the idea of playing with Mick, the idea of spending too much time around him bothered him, given the way things had finally ended between them.

They hadn't gone out with a bang so much as a whimper. Johnny had picked up a few tour dates with Mick after the helicopter accident that had claimed Stevie Ray Vaughn, and the older man was only too happy to take Johnny under his wing, in a manner of speaking.

Johnny hadn't exactly been innocent, but he was young, barely seventeen at the time, with just the barest notion of his own sexuality. Mick had gone a long way towards helping him figure it out, although he had known even then that Mick had less than altruistic motives.

The tour had ended, and Mick simply moved on, leaving Johnny behind in favor of some other young up-and-coming artist. "You've learned all you can from me, my dear boy." Mick had told him. More likely Mick had simply become bored with him and was ready for the next shiny object that crossed his path.

The experience had left Johnny more than a little bitter, and though he half-heartedly attempted to forge relationships after that, his touring schedule and his own personal problems made it damn near impossible.

That was, until House entered the picture. He hadn't intended on getting so close to the man, but now he was having trouble imagining a life without him.

"Are you coming or what?" House's demanding voice pulled him out of his thoughts, and he climbed out of the car to follow House.

House was a man on a mission, attempting to hide his excitement behind snark and failing miserably. Johnny couldn't blame the man. He had nearly passed out himself when he first met Mick, and was overwhelmed when he'd asked Johnny to play a few dates with him.

If he'd known what that deal would lead to…hell, he still would have done it. It had been worth every minute.

They made their way to the elevator, riding in silence until House broke it. "So, are you going to get jealous if he puts the moves on me?"

Johnny chuckled. "You're kind of old for him. I'm not worried."

House frowned. "Not sure if I'm offended or not."

"You shouldn't be." Johnny answered casually. "Mick just likes them young, that's all."

House smirked a little. "So I guess I don't have to worry about you, either."

Johnny let out a low chuckle, squeezing House's shoulder as the elevator opened directly into the penthouse suite.

House's eyebrows shot upward, his sharp eyes surveying the scene that unfolded before them. Music seemed to come from every corner, punctuated by the occasional burst of conversation. The scent of weed and cigarette smoke hung in the air, almost as a visible cloud.

"Well, don't just stand there." Mick's unmistakable voice rang out. "Get your asses in here. Got things just about set up."

House led the way, with Johnny once again almost struggling to keep up as they both followed Mick into a small room just off the living room. A drum kit and a keyboard were set up in the middle of the room, and a young man that Johnny recognized from Mick's show was playing a few runs on his bass.

"Yeah, the keyboard's crap, I know." Mick was telling House. "Couldn't get a damn piano in here."

House eased himself into the seat, playing a few chords before shrugging casually. "Sounds pretty damn good to me."

"Glad you approve." Mick laughed, patting the man on the shoulder. House visibly squirmed at the touch, though Mick didn't seem to notice.

Mick glanced over at Johnny with an unreadable expression. "Pulled out a few for you to choose from."

Johnny nodded and chose a guitar, plugging into a nearby amp and tuning up. Like all of Mick's guitars, it was in prime condition, a thing of beauty, and the sound rang out gloriously in the small room.

He looked up to see Mick smiling at him, the skin around his eyes crinkling as he tuned up his own instrument. "You've still got it, Johnny boy."

"Never lost it." Johnny shot back, feeling a smile creep over his own face.

Mick merely laughed and shook his head. "Pick something."

"As long as it's one of yours?" Johnny asked, only half joking.

"Don't be ridiculous." Mick scoffed. "Just start us off, will you?"

Johnny played a few idle notes before nodding. "Allman Brothers."

He played the opening notes, and soon the assembled group fell in, playing nearly as seamlessly as if they were an actual band. Johnny missed this part of the music, simply playing with others, without goals, without the pressures that so often came with this business.

Soon he backed off as House took off with the piano break, watching as that serious expression took over his face, his hands moving over the keys, taking this as seriously as he would if he were playing on his own baby grand.

Goddamn, the man was just beautiful. Johnny could have watched him play all night. He probably would, if he had any say in the matter.

Well, maybe not the whole night. Johnny wanted House's hands moving over him like they were moving over that damn keyboard.

House seemed to relax a little as he finished the break, a slight smile finding its way onto his rough face as Mick beamed and nodded before taking his own guitar break.

Johnny wasn't aware that Mick had moved closer until he heard the other man's voice rumbling in his ear. "Where the hell did you find this guy? He's fucking good."

"Told you." Johnny answered, a bit of pride swelling up in him.

They soon wrapped up the instrumental piece, and Mick shook his head as he stuck his hand out to House. "Didn't know what to expect out of you. Should have known it'd be something good. You do session work?"

House looked at Mick as if he were insane, slowly returning the handshake. "Nope. Strictly a sideline thing."

"Bloody waste of talent." Mick all but scolded him. "You want to pick the next one?"

House's eyes went a little wide at that, but he recovered quickly, shaking his head. "Think I'll pass."

Mick shrugged and suggested something, and the group smoothly moved into another piece, flowing easily from one into another. For Johnny, it really was like old times, and he was content to let himself sink into the memories for a while.

Finally Mick blew out a long sigh, flexing his hands. "Let's take a quick break, shall we? These old hands can't keep on like they used to."

The small group broke up, and Johnny took the opportunity to step out onto the deck for a smoke. The city sparkled below, even at this late hour. It didn't compare to New York, but it would do.

A familiar step-thump came up behind him, and House was suddenly beside him, leaning on the railing. Johnny blew out a plume of smoke and moved a little closer until their shoulders were nearly touching. "How're you holding up, man?"

"So far, so good." House shrugged.

Johnny nodded. "You know, we can bail whenever you're ready."

House narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "I'll keep that in mind."

The glass door slid open, and Mick poked his head outside. "You ready to go again?"

House glanced at Johnny, jerking his head toward the interior. "Think I'll head in."

"Go for it." Johnny answered with a casual air he didn't feel. "I'll be there in a while."

House pushed himself off the railing and limped inside, brushing by Mick as he did so. Mick gave Johnny a curious look.

"Don't go anywhere." He told Johnny. "I might want a word with you later."

"Wasn't planning on it." Johnny answered a little sharper than he'd intended. He almost threw out something about not abandoning people, but the thought wasn't fully formed, and he knew he'd only sound like an idiot.

The door quietly slid closed, and Johnny let out a long breath before pulling a joint out of his cigarette pack and lighting up.

He took a long hit, holding it in his lungs while he let his mind wander. It was odd, after all these years, that the hurt would resurface, tearing open the wound anew, leaving him raw and bleeding again.

Maybe he was being a little overdramatic. After all, if Johnny really analyzed things, he and Mick were never together, though it sure as hell had felt like it at the time. Mick had that kind of power, the power to make someone feel as if he was the only one that mattered, that he was truly special.

Johnny sighed heavily, taking a final drag on the joint before extinguishing it and dropping it back in his cigarette pack. It was getting chilly, and there was just no point in hanging out here sulking over nothing. Might as well go in and see what Mick was up to.

Things were wrapping up just as Johnny entered, and House started to pass by, catching Johnny's eye as he did so.

"You ready to head on?" Johnny asked.

House looked him up and down with a skeptical expression. "You're high as a kite, and I'm beat. Neither one of us is in any shape to drive." He nodded his head toward Mick. "Apparently he's got an extra room. I'm going to crash for a while."

That sounded like a fine idea to Johnny, although he was in no mood to crash just yet. He had his own ideas of what to do to House in that bed.

He caught movement out of the corner of his eye, looking up just in time to see Mick plant a quick kiss on the lips of the bass player, his hand brushing along the other man's jaw. Johnny couldn't help smirking a little.

"So that's your new pet project." Johnny cracked. "Kind of wondered."

Mick let out a little laugh as he packed up the instruments. "Picked him up in L.A. The fast fingers got me first, and then he opened his mouth and, well…" He gestured expansively. "…that was that. Been with me ever since."

"He's one hell of a player." Johnny agreed. "Y'all sounded real good tonight."

Mick flashed him a smile. "Of course we did. Quality in, quality out. You know that."

He finished packing up the remaining instruments, gesturing toward the door. "How about a drink and a smoke, maybe play a bit of catch-up?" He smiled almost mischievously. "I'm dying to hear all about your piano man."

"Sure." Johnny tried to sound casual. "And you can tell me more about Fast Fingers."

"Of course, of course." Mick nodded, making his way to the kitchen and finding a bottle and two glasses. "Are you still a whiskey man?"

"Gave it up." Johnny answered. "Me and whiskey kind of had a falling out."

Mick smiled slightly. "You and pot are obviously still quite friendly."

Johnny chuckled, still feeling mellow from the earlier joint. "That's because weed hasn't fucked me over like booze has."

"A fair point." Mick reached into the refrigerator. "What'll it be, love? Got all sorts of things in here."

Something in Johnny clutched at the endearment, but he shook it off. "I'll take a water if you've got one."

Mick found one and handed it over before fishing a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket and firing one up. "So, how have you been?"

Johnny wasn't sure where to start. "Been better, been worse. Kind of in a…recovery phase, I guess. My label cut me loose a couple months ago."

Mick nodded. "Heard that. Sorry to hear it."

Johnny shrugged. "Sign of the times, man. If something's not making money, it's just dead weight."

Mick settled his chin in between his threaded fingers, gazing steadily at Johnny. "You could never be dead weight, my boy. Doesn't matter what those corporate idiots think. Fuck them."

"Nah, they're not really my type." Johnny answered, playing with the cap from the water bottle.

Mick chuckled and poured himself another glass of whiskey. "So now what?"

"You remember Calvin Reed, right?" Mick nodded, and Johnny continued. "He's starting up a label in New York. Figured he'd use me as the lynchpin, so now he's on my ass to get some material together."

"And how's that going?" Mick's interest was clearly piqued.

"Better that it was." Johnny replied. "Got a whole shitload written, now I'm starting to get some arrangements together."

"Well, you know, if you want a hand…you only need to ask." Mick told him. "New York's my next stop after this."

"Don't put yourself out." Johnny rolled his eyes, a little of his old resentment starting to flare up. "I already learned everything I could from you, remember?"

"And I meant that." Mick told him firmly. "My God, the first time I heard you play, I knew. I knew you were going to set the world on fire. All you needed was a little…direction."

"And everything else?" Johnny challenged him.

Mick threw him an affectionate smile. "You were young and beautiful and utterly irresistible. I couldn't have kept my hands off you if I'd tried."

"You didn't try that hard."

"And you didn't try too hard to resist me."

Johnny threw his hands up. "You're right. I didn't. I was a fucking idiot. I should have known better."

Mick tilted his head curiously. "What do you mean?"

Johnny shook his head, his temper fading. "Nothing. Don't matter now."

"Johnny, my dear boy…" Mick reached out to cover Johnny's hand with his own. "I didn't hurt you, did I?"

"I said it don't matter." Johnny answered sharply, pulling his hand out from under Mick's.

"Bloody fucking hell." Mick muttered under his breath. "Look, you think I wanted to let you go? Because I didn't."

"Could have fooled me."

Mick let out a short huff, draining his whiskey before continuing. "I would have stifled you if I'd kept you with me. You needed to get out there, do your own thing with the tools I gave you."

"Well, mission accomplished." Johnny snapped. "I'm right back where I fucking started."

Mick rolled his eyes. "Oh, boo-fucking-hoo. So you're hitting a bit of a rough patch. Most of us do. Hell, when you joined my tour, ticket sales went up fifty percent, did you know that? Fifty fucking percent. My album sales went up along with yours. I enjoyed quite the renaissance thanks to you."

Johnny was surprised at the revelation. "Didn't know that."

"Because it wasn't important to you." Mick told him in exasperation. "Even then you were all about your artistic vision. And you've stuck to that vision, even when the general public didn't share that vision. You should be proud of that."

As Mick ranted on, Johnny couldn't help but reminded of a similar speech House had laid on him not that long ago. He let out a short chuckle and shook his head.

"What?" Mick asked, clearly irritated. "You think I'm being funny now?"

"No, man." Johnny answered with a laugh. "Just that House gave me the same kind of ass-chewing a while back."

Mick seemed to calm down a little, a little smile curving over his rough face. "I knew I liked the man for a reason. Not to mention he's one hell of a piano player."

"He is." Johnny agreed. "He's no slouch on the guitar, either. That's kind of how we got together."

"Really." Mick looked at Johnny with great interest. "Do tell. I've been dying to hear."

Johnny told the story of how House had approached him after his last show in New York, pulling out the rare CD for an autograph. Mick's eyebrows shot up in surprise.

"Hell, I don't even have that one, and I have all your work." He told Johnny. "I can see why you carried on with him."

"Well, I didn't get too far with him that night." Johnny smirked. "That happened when he came up to see me about a month or so later."

Mick's face burst into a full smile. "I knew it! So, he must be good in the sack, right? Otherwise you wouldn't keep him around."

"There's a little more to it than that." Johnny rolled his eyes, even as he knew he had to be blushing furiously. "There's the music, too. He's been a pretty big help in getting things moving again."

"Ah, a muse as well as a good fuck." Mick's face retained that broad smile. "Well, you've just got it all now, don't you?"

"Seems like enough." Johnny shrugged and twisted his fingers together.

Mick studied Johnny for a moment before speaking again. "You're in love with the man."

"Shit." Johnny snorted, even as he could feel his heart pounding in his chest.

"You are. It's obvious." Mick went on. "All those little looks that were passing between you two tonight…it was positively pornographic."

"I don't love anyone, man." Johnny insisted. "Can't afford it."

"And why not?" Mick questioned him.

"Because, I just…can't." Johnny glanced down at his twisted fingers. "He'll get tired of me, or I'll get tired of him. Either way, someone's gonna get hurt." He could feel the emotion building, and the roughness of his own voice startled him. "Fucking tired of hurting."

Mick sighed and covered Johnny's hands again. "It's bloody hard to be us. We wander through life feeling misunderstood, and when we finally meet someone who might get us, we don't quite believe it."

"Freaks." Johnny laughed shortly. "That's what House calls us."

"He's right." Mick nodded. "We are freaks. But that's what makes us so goddamn brilliant, too. And that's what finally attracts other brilliant people. Sometimes that brilliance is too much, but sometimes…" He smiled a little sadly. "…it's just what you need."

Something clicked with Johnny, although he was almost afraid to come out and ask the question that still lingered after all these years. "Did you ever…?"

"Love you?" Mick's expression turned serious as he nodded firmly. "Absolutely, my boy. Absolutely. That's why I hated to let you go, even though I had to. It was for your own good." He rinsed out his glass and set it in the sink. "I'm off to bed. Poor boy's been kept waiting far longer than he should have been. You're welcome to stay if you like."

"Probably should." Johnny nodded in agreement, still stunned by Mick's revelation. "Hell, it's almost morning anyway."

The two of them went their separate ways, and Johnny kicked off his boots before climbing onto the bed.

House shifted and blinked, moving the arm that had been over his eyes as he squinted up at Johnny. "Have a nice chat with Svengali?"

Johnny was a little baffled at the reference, but nodded. "With Mick? Yeah. We…kind of worked some things out, I guess."

"That's good, I guess." House mocked slightly.

"Yep." Johnny moved to straddle House, leaning down to give him a lingering kiss, slipping his tongue just inside his mouth.

House let out a little sigh and deepened the kiss, pulling Johnny down to him with a hand on the back of his neck while stroking his cheekbone with the other.

Johnny slid his hands under House's t-shirt, and he could feel House's hands travel down to start working at the buttons of his own shirt. Soon House's rough hands were smoothing over his chest, running down his stomach and undoing his jeans, and Johnny followed suit, never letting up his relentless assault on House's mouth as he fumbled around in his pocket for the condom and lube he always kept on hand.

A man's got to be prepared for anything. Mick would be proud.

Johnny shook off the thought as clothing continued to disappear, leaving nothing but skin and pure body heat between them. Somehow Johnny ended up on his back, the condom and lube mysteriously in House's hand now, and he opened his eyes to see House looking down with a curious expression on his face.

"What the hell, man?" Johnny was surprised at House's show of aggression, but only a little.

House shrugged casually, squirting out some lube and rubbing it between his fingers. "Thought I'd change things up. Wouldn't want it to get boring."

Johnny wasn't sure that was possible. "Just be easy. This isn't my usual thing."

House looked vaguely amused as he played around Johnny's hole before sliding a well-lubed finger inside, hitting the mark on the first shot. Johnny let out a rough gasp, arching upward. "Goddamn, brother." He managed to croak out.

House let out a low chuckle as he continued to move in and out, adding a second finger to the mix. "I am a doctor. I've done a prostate exam or two. Although…" He leaned over for a quick kiss. "…I can't say they've ever been this much fun."

Johnny couldn't help the little laugh that escaped him, even as he was managing to relax into the sensation. It had been forever since he was in this position, and he'd forgotten just how enjoyable it could be with the right person.

Suddenly House's fingers slid out of him, and Johnny hear the familiar crinkle of a condom wrapper. He opened his eyes to see House rolling it over his shaft, squeezing out a bit more lube, before looking at Johnny with a questioning expression, his earlier confidence faded somewhat.

"How…" The question trailed off, and Johnny managed to gather his thoughts enough to give House a decent answer.

"Whatever works for you, brother." He told House. "I'm not fussy."

House looked a little unsure before seeming to gather himself with a nod. "Roll over, brother."

Johnny laughed a little at House' s mocking tone before coming to rest on his stomach, curling his arms over his head while he listened to House get himself somewhat settled.

Finally he could feel House's fingers feeling around again briefly before he pulled out, replacing the fingers with the tip of his cock.

He pushed in slightly, almost tentatively, and Johnny let out a short breath. House seemed to pause, even though Johnny wanted almost desperately for him to keep going.

"Don't stop, man." Johnny managed to choke out. "It's just getting good."

House let out a long breath, slowly pushing further. Johnny tensed up slightly, feeling himself stretch out as House kept pushing, letting out a low moan when he was finally all the way in.

House shifted slightly, finding a rhythm and moving his hands over Johnny's body, coming to hook them around his shoulders, his breath coming out in warm puffs on Johnny's back as he rocked into him, striking his prostate with nearly every stroke.

Johnny wanted to make this last as long as he could, but it was becoming a losing battle. He pressed his face into the pillow, letting out a series of sounds the likes of which he couldn't remember making before.

His body shuddered involuntarily as he suddenly unloaded, a feeling of complete release overtaking him as House followed not far behind, coming to rest against his back with a rough sigh.

He felt House lightly press his lips against his back before his stubble scratched along his back. It wasn't an unpleasant feeling, and Johnny let out a soft sigh.

"You really do like this." House's voice held a note of wonder.

"Guess so." Johnny let out a short chuckle.

They were silent for a long moment, and Johnny could feel House slide his arm out from under his shoulder, his fingers tracing over his back, the stubble still scraping lightly.

"I'm kind of cool with this, too." House finally spoke in a voice so quiet Johnny almost missed it.

Johnny buried his head in the pillow to hide the little smile that he knew had crept over his face. He reached out and found House's hand that was still curled under his shoulder, giving it a quick squeeze.

When the man squeezed back, Johnny let out a sigh of relief. He still wasn't convinced he was in love with House, but there was an intimacy here that he hadn't felt with anyone in a long time. Maybe, for now, that was close enough.

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Now it's over to you, dear readers. Read and review.