The next morning, Darren woke to the wonderful feeling of Daniel draped over him.� Daniel�s right arm was pinned on the mattress between them, but his head was on Darren�s chest, in the crook of his shoulder.� His left arm was around Darren�s chest, and his left leg was twined over Darren�s left.

What a night.� Daniel had been insatiable.� Darren thought over the previous night�s events.� Daniel had been so� hungry.� He�d never seen Danny that way.� Almost hoped he never did again.� Wondered for a moment if Daniel had been on drugs.

�Now, where would he have gotten them? He hasn�t been out of my sight�� he silently rebuked himself.

Hidden someplace where she wouldn�t find them?

�No.� That�s� that�s not Danny.� Even with everything she did, I don�t think he�d turn to drugs.� But four times was too many.� Even with Danny.�

And if he�d said *no*?� Would he have hurt Danny?� Destroyed the progress he�d made?� That they�d made?

He didn�t know.

��� �Maybe I should ring Paul? Just to be certain?�� No, Danny had needed it.� Just like he had needed the kiss in the kitchen.� He didn�t need to call Paul.� Tired as he was, he knew if Daniel turned �nympho� again, he�d do his best to give him what he needed.

��� Then he remembered Leonie.� She�d be arriving today.� Hopefully when she saw they were fine, she�d leave.� He still wasn�t sure how she�d react.

��� �She knew I was here when she called.� Was I that obvious when I told her there was something I needed to do?� Or did she just assume, after Michelle�s little act, that I�d be here to support Daniel as his best mate?�

��� Darren smiled tenderly when Daniel sighed in his sleep, and pulled himself closer.� His left leg moving lightly against his groin.

��� He chuckled to himself.� The action didn�t even cause him a twinge down below, so satiated was he from the night�s events.

��� He rubbed his cheek lightly against the top of Danny�s head.� Inhaling the slight smell of shampoo and Danny, and smiled again, entranced with the feel of Danny�s silky hair against his skin.

��� Darren gently laid his right hand on Daniel�s left arm.� He didn�t want to wake him.� Not yet.� The quiet was too pleasant.� Colin and his team were doing very well.� Two more news crews had been turned away. They had also caught or turned away five lone photographers.� One had actually been in a neighbor�s tree, with a view to the second floor!

��� Darren closed his eyes, and sighed gently.� Thank God for Leonie�s call the other day.� He didn�t think, with everything that had gone on, that he would have thought to call for security. Wished they hadn�t had to.� But it probably would have happened sooner or later.� Just the act of having security probably told more than words.

��� And he could easily imagine his temper getting the better of him if he�d had to face another news crew.

��� He took a slow, deep breath; let it out slowly.

��� Keeping his cheek on Danny�s head, his hand on Danny�s arm, Darren let sleep claim him again.

��� When Darren next woke, he had a feeling of D�j� vu.� Daniel�s sparkling emerald eyes were gazing at him.� Filled with an unmistakable look of love.� The deep gaze brought a wide smile to Darren�s face.� For the first time since seeing Daniel that night at the theater, he knew Daniel would be okay again; that they could be okay again.

��� �Morning, beautiful.�� He didn�t try to disguise the love he felt either, as he spoke the words softly.

��� Daniel brought his left hand up to Darren�s cheek.� Tenderly brushed it with his thumb.

��� �I-I�m-Last night�� he grinned sheepishly and blushed slightly. Embarrassment shone in his eyes.

��� Darren raised his hand; put it over Daniel�s.� �It�s okay.� Don�t give it another thought.�

��� Daniel leaned over, and their lips met.� Apology and love.� Soft and passionate.

��� Deepened as tongues and bodies twined.� Hands caressed backs, sides, thighs and buttocks.

��� �I love you so much,� Daniel whispered when they finally broke to breathe again.

��� Darren touched the tip of Daniel�s nose with his index finger. �I love you, too. But we need to get up.� We still need to straighten up in the den, and Leonie will be here sometime today.�

��� �Oh?�

��� Darren rolled over and sat up, nodding.� Wondered just how much he could safely say.� He turned to look at Daniel, still in bed, head propped up on his hand.

��� �She called the day after� after Michelle� you know��

��� He watched Daniel�s expression carefully.� Breathed a silent sigh of relief when he didn�t fall apart.� He did see hurt in Daniel�s eyes, but it didn�t seem to consume him as it had over the last few days.

��� �Danny?�

��� �Paul is really good at his job, Daz.� I-I don�t know if I�ll ever be able to repay you for what you�ve done for me.�

��� �You could start by taking a shower with me,� he smiled.� �Just a shower, though, if you don�t mind.� I think I�m still a little��

��� �Spent?�

��� Darren nodded, and smiled sheepishly in return. �Yeah, spent.�

��� After the shower, they dried each other off, and finished their morning ablutions.�� Then, dressed in jeans and t-shirts, they went downstairs.

��� Darren started coffee.� Dan looked out the kitchen window.

��� �Someone�s in the yard.�

��� Darren heard the slight catch in his voice, and moved beside him to look outside.

��� �That�s one of Colin�s people.� Lane, I think his name is.�

��� �Colin?� Our old security chief?� Why is he here?�

��� �For my sanity.�� Darren wanted to be certain Daniel didn�t even remotely consider it to be his fault.� �There was a news crew yesterday morning.� I was a bit short with them.�

��� He shrugged.� �I probably would have done something I�d have regretted if I�d had to confront another one.�

��� Daniel looked at him, nodded and grinned.

��� Usually Darren was a media darling, but when he wasn�t in the mood, his temper would to get him into trouble.

��� After a leisurely breakfast of coffee and bagels, it was time for the den.

��� �Carpet cleaner, or furniture polish?�� Darren asked with a huge grin.

��� Daniel blushed.

��� �God he�s cute when he does that.�

��� �Guess I�d better take the piano,� he replied with a guilty grin.

��� Darren used a soft brush to gently scrub the crusty residue from the carpet.

��� When he looked up at Danny, Daniel�s blush had returned.� The key cover was stuck shut.� He gave a sharp tug, which was followed by a loud *clack* as the cover flew up.

��� Darren finished with the carpet, a conspiratorial grin on his face as he stood up.

��� �Good thing you closed the cover, hey?�

��� Daniel�s eyes widened, an embarrassed smile on his face as he smacked Darren in the arm before he continued cleaning the dark wood.

��� �I mean, can you imagine trying to explain to the piano repairman?�

��� �Darren!�

��� �What�s this sticky stuff again?� Darren mimed in a nasally voice; jumped back quickly as Daniel made to swing at him again.

��� �It�s extra for spunk.�� Darren snickered as he jumped back again.

��� It was Daniel�s turn to laugh as Darren�s legs tangled with the bench and he fell backward, the bench once again banging the carpeted floor.

��� Daniel held out his hand, chuckling.� �You okay, Dazza?�

��� Darren smiled ruefully, untangled his legs, and took Dan�s proffered hand.

��� �Just injured my pride,� he replied quietly as Daniel pulled him up.

��� He used his free hand to rub his sore rear.

��� Daniel continued to pull until Darren was up against him.

��� Darren looked into his eyes.� Felt nervous as Daniel�s hands gently caressed his buttocks.� Swallowed dryly at the warmth shining from Daniel�s eyes.

��� �Can�t have that, now, can we?�� Daniel spoke softly, his low voice a bit rough.� �Would you like me to kiss it and make it better?�

��� Darren�s breath caught in his throat, as Daniel�s eyes darkened.

��� �I � uh��

��� **Ding - Dong**

��� �Um��

��� **Ding-Dong-Ding**

��� Daniel�s hands continued to slowly massage his lower cheeks, a small smile on his lips.

��� Darren wouldn�t have thought it possible after last night, but he began to feel the familiar twinge.� Felt the same from Daniel as he held him close.

��� **Ding-Dong-Ding-Dong-Ding-Dong**

��� �Um� that�s probably Leonie, Dan.� I-uh� better get the door,� he managed to choke out.

��� Daniel leaned down, and placed a quick kiss on Darren�s lips, then nodded.� �Okay.�

��� �Hello, Leonie.�� Darren opened the door wide and stepped back.

��� �Hello, Darren,� Leonie stepped inside, and gave him a hug.� �How are you holding up during this fiasco?�

��� �Huh?�� Darren�s brows rose.� He didn�t understand.� �Fiasco?� Has she forgotten?�

��� �Hi, Leo,� Daniel greeted as he went to take care of the cleaning supplies.

��� �What the hell is going on, Daniel?�� Leonie demanded unkindly.

She moved to follow, but Darren grabbed her arm and pulled her back.

�You�re out of line, Leonie.�� Darren frowned.

�He�s probably ruined your career!�

�I don�t give a damn about that.� You know how I feel about Danny.� You�ve known for years.� Now it�s time to accept it.�

Darren had steered Leonie into the living room.� He pushed her down on the couch.

�Now, sit down and wait here.�� He spoke firmly.

He went into the kitchen.� Daniel sat at the table, his back to the door, a pamphlet in his hands.� As Darren walked up behind him, he could hear him speaking quietly.

�I am going to be all right.� My feelings are not always rational.� I�m just going to relax, calm down, and everything will be all right.� I have control over my thoughts and feelings, and I can turn away from them.� That picture of me is not healthy or rational.� Instead, I�m going to focus on something healthy like my love for Darren��

He stiffened and gasped sharply as Darren�s arms went around his shoulders.

He kept his focus on the pamphlet when Darren kissed him on the head.

�Look at me, Jonesy.�

Daniel shook his head slightly.� �I am going to be all right.� My feelings are not always rational.� I�m just going ��

Darren stepped to Daniel�s left side.� Placed the palm of his left hand alongside Danny�s cheek.� Gently turned his head to face him.

�Jonesy,� he locked gazes with the sad emerald eyes.� Placed a soft kiss on Daniel�s forehead.� �Danny, if I thought like Leonie, I wouldn�t be here.� I meant what I told you.� I want you back in my life.� And if it means I only sing for you, then so be it.�

He kissed the tip of Daniel�s nose.

�I can live with that.� And if Leonie can�t, well, I�m sorry for her.� But I want you.�

His lips met Daniel�s, and Daniel�s fingers dropped the pamphlet.� Went up behind his head as their kiss deepened.� Teased the locks of his hair.

Slowly he felt the change.� Sadness, to resignation, to acceptance.

�I don�t know what I did to deserve you.�� Daniel whispered as their kiss ended.

�You thought my crappy audition deserved a second chance.�� Darren responded with a cheeky grin.

Daniel smiled gently and sniffed.� �Yeah.� I guess I did.� I�m glad I didn�t listen to my brothers.�

Darren stood up, took Daniel�s hand, and led him out to confront Leonie.

He watched her face as they walked in, hand in hand.� Watched her brows rise, and waited.� He had to give her credit; she seemed to actually be thinking before she said anything.

She shook her head.

�I love you like a sister, Leonie.� But if you can�t accept that I love Daniel more than a friend, best mate, or brother, then I guess it�s good-bye.�� His voice was calm and even.

�What about the fans?�

He shrugged.� �I think they�ll be happier than they were when we broke up.�

�I don�t think this is a good idea, Darren.� Why, Daniel?� Why couldn�t you have kept your mouth shut?

Daniel blushed, and lowered his eyes.

�Leo.�� Darren warned.

�Can�t he speak for himself, Darren?�

Darren could barely hear Daniel, speaking quietly, and knew he was repeating those sentences.� The ones that were supposed to help him through his anxiety.

�No, Leo.� He can�t.� Not right now.� That�s why I�m here.� You and I are partly responsible.� You for telling me to keep my feelings secret all those years ago.� Me for listening to you.� I was na�ve and scared then.� I know my mind now.� I�ve got enough money.� To hell with the world if they can�t accept it.�

He stared into Leonie�s eyes.� Tried to read her thoughts.� �And to hell with you if you can�t.� Danny needs me, and I�m going to be here for him.�

Darren realized that Daniel had begun to tremble.� He squeezed his hand in reassurance.� Turned toward him to draw his eyes away from Leonie.� Rubbed his upper arm with his free hand.

�Why don�t you go upstairs for a bit?� Relax.� Let me talk with Leonie some.�

Daniel nodded mutely.� Darren watched him walk out, waited a minute, and then turned back toward Leonie.

�You don�t need him, Darren.� You should know that.� You�re a star in your own right, now.� You don�t owe him anything.�

�You�re wrong, Leo.� I do need him.� Yes, my solo album was a hit.� Yes, I did it on my own, and I�m grateful our fans stood by me.� But now I want Daniel.� I want him back in my life.� And I do owe him.�

�Guitarists are a dime a dozen.� You�re better off without him.� There�ll be places you can�t play, places that won�t want your type.�

�Only if you wave a placard shouting �we�re gay�.� Elton John doesn�t get turned away.�

Leonie looked like a fish out of water at that point.� Her mouth moving, but producing no sound.

�Accept it, Leo.� Please.� I love Danny.� And I�m going to do everything in my power to get him back like he was.�

�Just what is it that he supposedly has?�� Leonie�s voice and posture radiated sarcasm.

�Social Anxiety Disorder.�

�What?!�� Leonie�s eyebrows rose in disbelief as she laughed.

�It�s not funny, Leonie.� It nearly had him paralyzed.�� Darren rebuked.� �Okay, so maybe that�s a slight exaggeration; but it was nearly true.�� �And your making me keep my feelings secret was the start of it.�

�I don�t see how ��

�Because we had to sneak around!� Always worried that someone would find out that we loved each other!�

�What?�

�That�s right, Leo.� I let you think it was just infatuation.� But it was always more than that.� The subterfuge, and stress of success became too much for Danny.�

�Which is why you don�t need him.� He won�t be able to handle it any better now, that�s for sure.�� Leonie spoke unsympathetically.

�If we had known then what we know now, I think it could have been different.� I think it can be different.� If not, well, maybe I�ll finish my teaching degree.�

�Oh, Darren.� You�re dreaming.�� Leonie laughed cruelly.� �You need the spotlight.� You crave it.� Like a fish needs water to live, you need to be the center of attention.�� Leonie�s voice took on a caustic tone.

�Teachers are the center of attention.�� Darren responded calmly.� �And I think I could be a good teacher.�

Leonie raised her hands, slapped them on her thighs in exasperation.

�You are bound and determined to do this, aren�t you?�

�Yes, Leonie, I am.� So, what�s your decision?�

�You�re making a mistake, Darren.�

�It�s my mistake to make, Leonie.� Now, if you don�t mind, I need to check on Daniel.�� He gestured with his hand toward the door.� �If you change your mind, you know where to find me.�

He walked to the front door and waited.� Leonie opened her mouth, then closed it and shook her head instead.� Darren opened the door, and she walked up to stop in front of him.� Looked him in the eyes.

He cringed unconsciously, and pursed his lips at the disapproval in her narrowed eyes.�

Finally she turned and walked out, and he closed the door behind her.

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