home

Title: Out With The Old, In With The New?
Author: Jules
Pairing: Nick/Kevin/Justin
Part: 1/1
Series: 2 of the One Way Or Another Series
Disclaimer: Not at all true. I'm known to make stuff up, and this is one of those times.
Warning: Crossover warning. Nick/Paris discussion warning
Notes: So now, after seeing them on Oprah I can't picture Kevin being intense with one of the guys and NOT saying 'baby' with that slow, southern drawl. *trembles*

*****

When he had heard that the two of them were together, Justin could not have been more surprised than he was. But what also surprised him was at the same time he sat there shocked, mouth gaping open and eyes bugging out, it made sense. As unlikely a couple as they were, they were perfect for each other. It was in that moment that Justin realized just how overworked and over stressed he was. How he could simultaneously make absolute sense and no sense at all at the same time. "Are you sure? Like, it's serious?" He asked Chris, who had phoned just to make sure that he was doing okay. Justin had been feeling under the weather lately and Chris had mentioned that he would be calling every day until Justin went to a doctor to find out what was wrong with him. Justin refused to go to a doctor, insisting that he was fine and Chris refused to stop calling. It was one of the many quirks of their friendship.

They'd already spent forty five minutes arguing about Justin's childishness and Chris' failure to realize that people could take care of themselves without him hovering like a mother hen. Now, they'd moved onto safer topics and it was then that Chris had revealed to Justin that Nick was dating someone. Not just anyone, but Paris Hilton. Justin wondered if he'd been in an alternate universe for a while and missed the memo. Nick Carter and Paris Hilton? THE Paris Hilton? THE Nick Carter? And dare he even think, HIS Nick Carter?

"J? Have you read a newspaper lately?" Chris chuckled and Justin could picture him rolling his eyes while mouthing some smart assed comment to Joey or JC. When he'd found out that Joey, Chris and JC had all hooked up and taken an impromptu trip to Vegas Justin had felt a niggling of jealousy and sadness that he wasn't there with them. But he had promos to do and the tour that just seemed to be never ending. It was the price he had to pay to go solo. Some days he was handling it better than others. This was shaping up to be NOT one of those days. Especially with information forthcoming.

"Uhhh, no. When the fuck do I have time to read a newspaper?"

"When do you have time to fuck Nick Carter while Kevin Richardson watches?" The line went silent and Chris made a noise in his throat that Justin figured meant he was trying not to laugh out loud. "Exactly."

"How the fuck did you hear about that?" It wasn't as if he had to ask. He knew how Chris knew, it was most likely Nick that had told him about it. Chris and Nick had some sort of bond that no one understood, most likely due to the fact that they both had ADHD and no one else could put up with either of them for extended periods of time so they usually found solace in one another. And when they got together, nothing was sacred. Unless a solemn oath had been taken by either of them for secrecy of the utmost importance, and Justin had forgotten to make Nick swear to that oath before leaving. At the time, it just hadn't crossed his mind.. Justin shook his head at his lack of foresight. "Never mind, I know the answer."

"Oh J, don't be mad. He was just saying how surprised he was that your thing for Kevin hasn't gone away and I asked what he was talking about and then he told me the whole sordid story. Besides, it's not like YOU wouldn't have told me yourself anyways. So you sorta can't be mad at him."

Now this was news to Justin. He had a thing for Kevin, yes, but hadn't realized that anyone else knew about this thing. Not any of his guys and definitely not Nick. Justin figured the easiest thing would be to feign innocence. "I don't know what you're talking about. What 'thing' for Kevin?"

"J. From what I hear, you looked like someone kicked your puppy when Kevin got up to shower and leave. Now, Nick loves you, you know he does. And he knows you love him. but even he knows when he's not wanted..."

Justin sighed in frustration. He should have forced Nick to stay, should have forced them to talk about it. He hadn't heard from Nick since that night which until now he hadn't thought was strange. They often went weeks or months without talking, and Justin chalked it up to them both being busy, but if Nick was intentionally staying away because of him... "Fuck.. I told him..."

"He isn't upset Jup. I admit, it's not ego boosting to have the guy you've just fucked already thinking about someone else while you're still in their bed, but he understands."

Justin didn't care, he had to phone Nick and set him straight. Had to tell him that the night hadn't been solely about Kevin, that he'd had a lot to do with how hot and bothered he was, not to mention how hard he got off. But first, he needed all of the information that Chris had about Nick's relationship with Paris. By the time the phone call had ended, Justin was feeling a mixture of different emotions. Happy that Nick was as happy as he was, and Chris had assured him that Nick was genuinely happy. He'd been more relaxed than Chris had seen him in years. It was quite possibly the healthiest relationship that Nick had ever been in, and for that Justin was grateful. It wasn't like she was using him for his money or his fame, because she had her own, more than enough to need his. Her past was as shady and public as his was and that alone put them at an equal playing field. Not to mention Nick's fetish for the female sex. He loved men, loved fucking them and pretty much doing anything
 possible to and with them, but every once in a while Nick would wander to the other side of the fence and dabble in a little heterosexual love. It kept the media and tabloids off of his back and in all honesty, he enjoyed women just as much as he did men.

But there was also a part of him that was sad. Sad that Nick had found someone that he could really be with. Someone that he enjoyed being with, both sexually and platonically, and from what Chris had revealed, Nick was having the time of his life. They were attending movie premieres, film festivals, playing golf and pretty much anything and everything they could think of to pass the time before Nick got on with recording another CD and Paris recorded her first. Not that Justin had expected anything serious to become of his relationship with Nick, it wasn't any more than what it was, which was what both of them had agreed to going in, but somewhere along the line Justin had fallen just a little in love with the blonde, something that until now he hadn't even realized. It wasn't exactly fair for him to begrudge Nick's relationship with Paris, seeing that he had pretty screwed up feelings about one of Nick's best friends, and if given the possibility, would be with Kevin in a split
 second, but something inside of Justin wanted Nick all to himself. He was going to have to think more deeply about that at another time. For now, he had to deal with reflecting any suspicions about his involvement with Kevin Richardson away from himself.

"Nick doesn't have any clue what I feel about Kevin. Yeah, I was disappointed that he wanted to leave, but that was because I hadn't gotten to fuck him. I wanted to be able to say that I broke the great Kevin Richardson.." Chris' laughter cut Justin off.

"Uhhh, okay Jup. You want to play it that way, you go ahead. You aren't hot for the man. You haven't been since you first discovered the wonders of man-love. Fine by me. I'm not the one you've got to convince."

The only thing Justin hated more than Chris winning an argument was him forfeiting one. Chris never gave up an argument, in fact he'd fight it to the death if that's what it took to win. But in times when Chris knew it was pointless to argue and he knew YOU knew it was pointless he would just give up, which in it's own right was him winning because he only *really* gave up when he was trying to prove a point. Justin hated Chris and his fucking points. "Fuck you Chris. I'm done talking to you now."

"You're never done talking J, you're just done listening. Truth hurts baby boy." And with that, Chris disconnected the call leaving Justin to stare at the phone dumbly.

"Well fuck." Justin couldn't help but growl, silently cursing his 'best friend'. "Stupid asshole.." With more force than was necessary, Justin punched in the digits to Nick's cell phone, wanting to talk to the blonde immediately. When he answered the phone, Justin's lips curled into a smile and his stomach did flips. He really needed to work on having his heart and his head contact each other a bit more often to let him know what was going on.

"Hello?"

"Nicky, how's it going?" Justin could visualize the slightly shocked expression on Nick's face. It wasn't like they were ones to phone each other out of the blue.

"J, what's up! Hold on a second." The sound on the phone became muffled and Justin could vaguely hear Nick talking to someone. Seconds later, he heard a female voice and that hint of jealousy came back. Finally, Nick had returned. "Is everything okay man?"

"I wanted you to stay. I didn't want you to leave." Justin knew Nick would understand what he was talking about. He didn't want to beat around the bush and draw the conversation out so he just jumped in feet first.

Nick inhaled sharply. "That fucker. What the fuck is wrong with Chris? He said he wouldn't say anything..."

"He didn't..." Nick's sound of surprise caused for Justin's protest to die on his lips. "Okay, he did... but it's not like... he didn't really..."

"J, it's okay. I told Chris it was fine. I didn't go back to my hotel and cry about it if that's what you're thinking."

"I wasn't thinking that and don't be an asshole Carter."

They were both silent for a few minutes. It was Nick who spoke first. "J, I know you wanted me there. You wouldn't have chosen me if you didn't, so you don't have to worry about it." There was something in Nick's voice that told Justin that there was more to the story, that Nick wasn't being completely honest with him and Justin wasn't going to let him get away without talking about it.

"We are going to talk about this Nick, whether you want to or not." Justin's tone was sharp, unyielding. He heard Nick sigh, as if in resignation and he smiled.

"It hurt a little. I know how hot Kevin is, I've had to live with that for ten years so I get it. And he's ... he's like a drug that you can't get out of your system. I'm not mad or upset about that, because I know how long you've had it for him. But that was the first time I'd had to witness it right in front of me. I mean, every other time we've been together there's only ever been us in the room, it's only ever been about me and you. And it was a little intimidating to know that the show was for him, that I was competing with him for your attention and in the end unsure if I even had a chance."

Justin had never known for Nick to be this intimidated and uncertain before. Out of the two of them, Nick had always been more confident and self assured, especially where their relationship was concerned.. "I'm sorry."

"This is why I didn't want to talk about it J, it's not anything you could have done. It was great, you were great. You know I love being with you any way I can. I guess it's something I'm going to have to deal with, sharing you with him."

"I don't regret it Nick. You know I wouldn't have picked you if I didn't want you." There was one thing that Justin Timberlake would never do, never had and never would, and that was settle. He would never settle for anything less than exactly what he wanted. Early on in his life his mother had taught him that he was deserving of everything he wanted and everything he got. And if the opportunity came, to take what he wanted when he wanted it and not feel ashamed or guilty for it. "So when I picked you, I wanted you. Yes, I want Kevin. I think I always have, and we both know that I could have had him that night. Hell, he was begging me for it."

"I just... why didn't you?"

He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. "I looked back and forth between the two of you and realized that you were what I wanted AND needed. Yes, part of it was showing him that I'm not who he thinks I am, but part of it was that I had been ... still am really, in a bit of a funk lately and wanted something to ease that for me. I wanted you Nick, that's the truth but in a way I needed you too. I needed the comfort and the security that you give me. That only you give me. I missed you, it's been a while."

As if there were a magic portal with a sign reading "Uncharted Territory" was presented before them, both men watched it with suspicious eyes. Justin was treading into unfamiliar ground and although both men had been feeling the same way for quite some time, it had always been kept unspoken. Neither had mentioned the underlying current between them, the emotional commitment and ties to whatever it was that they were doing together. And in all honesty, neither were sure they wanted to breach that. It was too real, too sensitive and Justin felt goose bumps cover his arms.


The line was silent except for the shallow breathing on both ends of the line. "Are you happy with her Nick?" Justin had to ask, needed to hear it from his mouth.

"Yeah J, she's great. I mean, it's not forever... we both know that but it's great right now and that's all that is important. Live life to the fullest, you know." The note of sadness was still in Nick's voice. The urge to just drop everything he was doing and fly halfway across the world just to see Nick, to comfort him and convince him that he wasn't being left behind or forgotten overwhelmed Justin and he sighed.

"Well I just want you to be happy."

Again there was an awkward silence between them. "J? I should go. They're waiting for me so we can go to lunch. I'll call you later?"

Justin knew that when they hung up, it would be a while before they spoke again. That Nick wouldn't call him later that day but later when he wasn't feeling as offended and hurt as he was pretending not to be on the phone with him. And Justin wouldn't phone because he was still feeling confused and guilty. For that reason he didn't want to hang up, but at the same time knew it was time. "You will call though, right?"

"Of course. Don't worry it's cool between us. Chris should have kept his fucking mouth shut, but then I should have kept mine shut first so it's karma baby. We're good J, I'm fine and you're fine." Nick knew he was overcompensating, unsure if he was trying to convince Justin or himself. Unfortunately, he didn't think either of them was really buying into his fake cheeriness but he didn't know what else to do or say. Yes he'd been surprised that night that the second Kevin was out of the room and getting ready to leave he had disappeared and Justin had barely even noticed he was still there, but he wasn't as hurt by it as Chris and Justin seemed to think he was. Or maybe he was but he wasn't letting himself think about it too much. Sometimes Nick could be the master at convincing himself of things and this might just be one of those times for him.

It just didn't make sense to him. He and Justin had been doing this for years now and never once had Nick gotten upset about anyone else in Justin's life. They'd talked often about other people they were attracted to, men and women and not once had anyone made Nick feel as threatened as Kevin was, and Justin had never even admitted out loud that he was interested in the older man. Not to mention whether Kevin's interest went past the first fuck just to get Justin out of his system. Then again, there was also his jealousy where Kevin was concerned, a level of protectiveness regarding their on again-off again relationship. In a sense, Kevin had been his, much like Justin was his. And now, Kevin's eye was straying to Justin and there sat Nick in the background, while the two most important people to him suddenly were interested in one another. At least when Kevin was preoccupied with someone, Nick had Justin, and vice versa, but now they seemed to have their sights set on each other
 leaving Nick with no one to turn to. He wanted them both to be happy, but not at the expense of his own happiness. He hated to think that if they did hook up, he would be left out in the cold losing his two life lines.

The more he thought about it, the more it was starting to wear on him. Nick shook his head and took a deep breath. "So J, I'll catch you later."

Justin pinched the bridge of his nose and resigned himself to the fact that things were not going to be resolved immediately. "Okay, have fun."

And with that, the phone call was ended. Both men respectively replaced the receivers onto the phone base, staring at it for a few minutes afterwards unsure of where things would head next.

Car keys in hand, Nick jogged out to the group of his friends waiting for him out on his front porch, ready for lunch. He decided he wasn't going to over think anything, was just going to see how things progressed.

~*~*~*~

The clock on the wall read ten after nine. Nick checked his own watch finding that the time was exactly the same. He was on time, everyone else was late. The guys had agreed to meet and go over ideas for a possible new album, but they were supposed to have been there forty minutes earlier, a time that had Nick known no one else was going to be there for, he would never have agreed to. His vote had been for some time in the afternoon, Kevin and Howie had demanded first thing in the morning. Nick sipped his coffee and grumbled at the irresponsibility of his band mates. The sound of the door opening loudly nearly sent Nick up into the rafters, startling him.

"I'm so sorry guys... Traffic and...." Kevin rushed into the room, coming to a halt when he saw only Nick at the table. "Where's everyone else?"

Nick shrugged. "Your guess is as good as mine. Been here for nearly an hour. Thought I'd get here early and... well I guess the joke is on me. My payback for being late all those years." Nick grinned as Kevin chuckled knowingly.

"No shit. I am sorry though, I didn't intend on being this late." Kevin sat down next to Nick, looking at the blonde up close. There was something around his eyes that told him the younger man hadn't been sleeping lately, and if Kevin was right he'd also lost a bit more weight. He unconsciously ran his fingers through Nick's blonde spikes. "How are you doing?"

Nick leaned into the touch, letting his eyes flutter shut at the feeling of Kevin's fingers stroking his scalp. "I'm okay. Little tired, but good." Nick's phone ringing interrupted them. He picked it up and hit 'call answer' only to find that Brian, Howie and AJ were all going to be late, possibly up to another half hour. As angry as Nick wanted to be, he couldn't. It wasn't as if they ever got anything done on time anyways, not to mention the fact that Howie promised that he would be bringing breakfast for everyone. When he ended the call, he resumed his position curled up against Kevin's body, allowing the older man to continue stroking his scalp.

"Haven't heard from you in a while, how have you been?" Kevin asked softly. He was glad that the others were going to be late, it gave him time alone with Nick, something he had been sorely lacking as of late. They hadn't *really* talked since that night, in the taxi home, and even then there had been a slight awkwardness that neither had been willing to discuss.

Nick managed to shrug, glad he didn't have to look Kevin in the eye. He'd been doing really great, he couldn't lie about that, but at the same time there had been something nagging at the back of his mind. He was still feeling unsettled about his conversation with Justin a few days earlier. The promised phone call hadn't been made and with each day that passed Nick knew that a wider gap was being created between him and Justin, something that he regretted but wasn't in a rush to bridge. Nick wanted everything sorted out in his head before trying to fix things. Seeing Kevin right now was not helping matters out.

"How are things with you and P..."

"Fine." Nick cut him off, his tone indicating that he didn't want to talk about it. He knew that soon after would be coming a lecture about public displays and whoring himself out for all of the world to see, and although Nick knew how trashy it was to be photographed by every major magazine and newspaper, making out and pretty much fucking her in public, he didn't care. It was reckless, fun and something he hadn't been able to do when he was a teenager so he was making up for it now. This time he did look up into Kevin's eyes and silently warned him not to proceed with any more talk of his 'girlfriend'.

"I'm just a little surprised Nick, she's not your type."

Again, Nick shrugged. Lately he wasn't all together sure what his type was. He wasn't all together sure of anything but knew that it was time he just relaxed and had some fun. So that was what he was going to do. Nick couldn't help but be surprised when Kevin smiled and kissed his forehead. "Well Nicky, I just want you to be happy. If it makes you happy then I'm happy."

Nick's mouth curled into a smile and he stretched his neck just enough so he could press his lips to the corner of Kevin's mouth. They remained frozen for a few moments until Nick pulled back and did it again, this time his mouth coming into direct contact with Kevin's. "Thanks Kev," he said softly when he pulled back.

"You're welcome," Kevin said just as softly. They relaxed into one another for a few minutes, not speaking but enjoying the silence around them. It was Kevin who spoke first. "Are we okay Nick?"

The blonde looked up so that his eyes met Kevin's. He hadn't been expecting that question. "Yeah, why?"

"I don't know, I just get this weird feeling after that night at Justin's and..."

At the mention of Justin's name from Kevin's lips Nick's stomach flipped a few times and his pulse began to race. "Yeah, we're fine. I mean, unless you aren't fine with..."

"No, I'm fine with it. Except for the fact that I had to make myself cum..." They both started to laugh. "But I'm fine. I just... it must have been weird for you.. not to mention I figured you were pissed that I came. I know you wanted time alone with him and..."

"It's fine. He wanted you there... I didn't care..."

"Well, I just don't want things to be weird between us." Kevin lifted Nick's face so that they were once again facing one another, mouths inches apart. "I miss us being together and I know we've both been busy but.." Kevin leaned down and kissed Nick gently, darting his tongue to outline Nick's lips. Feeling the blonde whimper softly, Kevin used that opportunity to slide his tongue into Nick's mouth and delicately play with Nick's own. The kiss remained playful and sweet, escalating to passionate without losing any of it's innocence.

All thoughts fled from Nick's mind except for Kevin's tongue and what it was doing in his mouth. It had been longer than he could remember since he'd been kissed like this by Kevin which brought forth a round of new emotions surrounding the older man. His hand moved up to the back of Kevin's head, fingers weaving through his short dark hair. He felt Kevin's hand cup his jaw, stroking the skin softly. Slowly, the kiss lessened until Kevin placed a series of kisses on Nick's lips, leaving them both breathless. "I've missed you. Missed this," Nick admitted. His eyes were still closed and his forehead was resting against Kevin's cheek.

"Me too baby."

Before the conversation could be continued, the door opened and Brian came rushing in. "I'm so sorry I'm late guys..."

A few minutes later AJ sauntered in, failing to look the least bit apologetic for his lateness. "I'm never on time. Just keeping up the status quo."

Howie was well received, seeing he had food which immediately made up for his extended tardiness.

With breakfast on the table and all five men there, discussion started regarding a new album. It wasn't until a few hours later that they were given a twenty minute break. Nick had gone out to the washroom, followed closely by Kevin.

"So Nick..." Kevin asked nervously. He'd been wanting to bring something up but knew he was going to have to do it delicately. Nick turned and focused his attention on him, eyebrow raised suspiciously.

"Yes Kev?"

"Have you ... uh... Spoken to Justin lately?" Kevin was sure he saw something flash in Nick's eyes but as soon as it appeared, it was gone and he couldn't be certain of what it was. When Nick didn't respond immediately he felt the need to fill the awkward silence. "Just because.. you know.. things were kind of intense when we all last were together and..."

"You know Kevin, you have two direct links to Justin. Two friends who have his number, or have direct access to his number. You could ask either of those friends for it and they would give it to you so you could call him yourself and see how he's doing." Nick had tried desperately to keep the bitterness and anger out of his voice but was unsuccessful. He watched Kevin take a step back, a mask of surprise on his face and Nick instantly regretted it. "Look Kev, I'm sorry."

Kevin nodded his head, still unsure of what had just happened. He saw regret flash in Nick's eyes, followed by shock at how he'd just reacted.

"I talked to him a few days ago, and things were pretty weird. Something I'm dealing with, so don't worry about it. But he's fine. If you want, I'll give you his number and you can call him if you'd like. I know you were pretty disapointed..."

Kevin knew it was more than Nick was letting on. He extended his arm and put a reassuring hand on Nick's shoulder, stunned when the blonde shrugged it off. Kevin refused to let that deter him. "I wasn't disappointed Nick. Yes, he chose you that night, but I could hardly blame him. I've never really witnessed it up close, but it's clear you two have a really special bond between you. I don't know how I thought I'd be able to walk right in and mess with that."


"We're not together Kevin. Not in the least. We still fuck other people, we still want other people. So he's free game. I know you still want him. Call him, ask him out. But now you know how to approach it. Don't go in there all demanding and shit expecting him to grovel for you, treat him like an equal, it'll get you farther."


With that, Nick wiped his hands with a paper towel and walked out of the bathroom, leaving Kevin standing alone. He went back into the board room, thankful that he wasn't trembling more than he was. "Kaos? You okay?"

Nick looked up at AJ and gave him a bright smile. "Yeah. I think something I ate disagreed with me!" That garnered a yell from Howie which broke everyone into laughter. Nick barely noticed when AJ slipped out of the room, his mind already on the prospects of Kevin and Justin getting together.

Kevin waited a few minutes before exiting the bathroom. He ran into AJ almost immediately. "Aje, what's up?"

"I don't know, I was hoping you'd tell me. Nick just came into the room looking like he was going to either cry or throw up. What happened?"

Kevin sighed. He wiped his face with his hand and shook his head. "Nothing."

"No, it's not nothing. Tell me."

"I just ... fuck. I asked him how Justin was doing and he ..." Kevin stopped when AJ began to nod his head knowingly. "What? What's that look for?"

"I just know why he's so upset. You guys are both fucking shits." AJ shook his head and headed back towards the door he'd just come through. Kevin's hand on his shoulder stopped him, the older man was more confused than he'd been a moment earlier.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"From what Jayce has been telling me, Justin's been asking Nick about you. And now you're asking Nick about Justin."

Kevin's lips curled into a slight grin at the knowledge that Justin had been asking about him. The smile slipped at the expression on AJ's face. "Sorry."

"Yeah, well." They stared at each other, neither speaking. As if Kevin should be understanding just by the look on AJ's face.

"What? So what's Nick upset about then?"

"Are you really this dense Kevin? Up until now, Justin has been Nick's and you've been Nick's. Not exclusively by any means, but for all intense purposes, you're pretty much claimed as Nick's and so is Justin. You two are the ones he goes to for anything and everything. You are both his security blanket, and now .. well now you've both decided you want each other."

Kevin still couldn't help the jolt of excitement at the thought of him and Justin together. "And?"

"Where does that leave Nick?" AJ crossed his arms over his chest and waited.

"What do you mean where does that leave Nick? It leaves him exactly where he's always been!"

AJ's laugh startled Kevin and it was then that he realized how serious the younger man's facial expression was. "Does it? Does he know that?"

"Why would it change anything with Nick?"

"Okay Kev, tell me this. You've got Nick on one hand and Kristin on the other. Nick's into chicks, she's beautiful. Suddenly you three are chillin out and Nick and Kris start talking, hanging out... next time you talk to him he's asking about her. Suddenly the only topic of conversation between you and Nick is her. But then at the same time, she's asking you more about him. Finding shit out about him, wanting to see him more and hang out with him more..."


Kevin felt a sickly churning in his stomach, topped with jealousy and hurt. Nick is his, Kristin is his. They've always been friends but sort of a detached friends, their only common ground being him. Then he thought about him and Justin realizing that it was the same. The only thing that kept them civil to each other all of these years was Nick, and now... "Fuck."

"Exactly Einstein. Don't think I didn't see you turn sheet white at the thought of Nick and Kris hooking up without you. Now you know how he's been feeling knowing that the two most stable people in his life are wanting each other, without him."

"It's not like that. It doesn't change how I feel about Nick."

"It's not me that needs to hear it."


With that, AJ shrugged apologetically and went back into the board room, leaving Kevin to follow him . He wanted to talk to Nick immediately but couldn't. Their break was over and they had a lot more to do before calling it quits for the day. He couldn't talk to Nick afterwards because within ten seconds of ending the meeting, Nick was on his cell phone, calling Paris to confirm plans.

"Nick? Can we talk?" Kevin tried, trailing after Nick towards the parking lot.

Nick's heart was pounding in his chest, and having this conversation with Kevin was the last thing he wanted right now. "I can't. I'm going to be late. I've got to be somewhere ten minutes ago."

"Please?"

Nick stopped, seeing the apprehension in Kevin's face. "Call me later." And with that, he jumped into his SUV and drove off, sorry that he left Kevin hanging like that but needing the distance. He was losing Justin and now Kevin. Both men wanted each other, it would only take a matter of time before they didn't need him as the middle man any longer.

~*~*~*~*~

Justin tried Nick's cell phone again, angry that it was picking up into voice mail. He'd been trying to get ahold of Nick for days, unsuccessfully. Nick was never home when he called, never picked up his cell and sure as hell wasn't returning any messages. Frustrated, he dialed JC's number needing to talk to his best friend. He knew that going to Chris with this sensitive issue would only result in Chris going straight to Nick and telling him everything, which would most likely only further fuel things. The phone rang a few times before someone picked up, someone who was not JC.

"Hello?"

"Uhh, yeah. Is Josh there?"

"Nah, he's not here Justin. You want to leave a message?" Knowing that AJ had seen Nick more recently than he, Justin wanted to ask how Nick was doing but wasn't sure if he should. He let out a long sigh.

"Umm. No. I just needed to talk to him." He paused for a moment before deciding to ask AJ about Nick. "Have you... how's Nick doing?" He heard AJ suck in a deep breath and held his own.

"Why are you asking me? Haven't you spoken to him?"

"He's not answering my calls or returning my messages. I haven't spoken to him in a week or so." It was amazing how just a few months ago it wouldn't have seemed weird to not hear from Nick in any extended period of time. Justin could leave him a message and a month would pass by before Nick returned it and it wasn't a big deal. Justin wouldn't have thought twice about it, but now everything had changed and it was killing him not hearing back from the blonde.

"Hmmm." Justin noticed that AJ didn't sound surprised. He didn't offer to say anything else which got Justin to thinking that he knew more than he was letting on.

"Do you know why he's avoiding me?"

"Not my place to say Junior."


"Fuck AJ, what's going on? Things were weird the last time I spoke to him, and now he's avoiding me."

"Justin tell me.. what were you guys talking about when you spoke last?" AJ wasn't expecting a response although he had a good idea of what Justin was going to say. When no answer was forthcoming he continued. "Okay, so you were talking about Kevin right, and Nick got upset. Do you understand why he got upset?"

Jealousy. Nick was jealous of him wanting Kevin and that was the reason he was avoiding him. Justin knew it, but still was having trouble believing it. It wasn't as if they didn't have an open door policy, so it didn't make sense that suddenly Nick would be upset about him wanting to be with someone else. But at the same time, he thought about Nick and Kevin getting together and felt a hint of jealousy coarse through his body. "I don't understand."

AJ held back the laughter that he suddenly felt the urge to let out. They were all so fucking clueless sometimes. "Rather than paint the picture for you, I'll just tell you. It'll save us both a lot of time here, so you want Kevin. Kevin wants you. Nick feels left out."

"Kevin wants me?" Justin asked.

"Are you fucking blind or just stupid?"


Justin almost got offended only stopping when he realized he knew the answer to that. Kevin had stated pretty clearly the night at the bar that he wanted him. It just seemed odd to Justin that Kevin still wanted him, that it wasn't a product of a night of being extremely horny. "Stupid I guess."

"That's what I thought. How would you feel if two of your closest friends and fuck buddies decided to start boning each other... and were using you to get to each other. God, you and Kevin are both so stupid sometimes."

"Okay, so Nick's hurt." That knowledge hurt Justin. "How am I supposed to reassure him when he won't answer the phone."

"Justin, I've shown you where the bathroom is, I'm not going to fucking hold it for you too."

Justin had no idea what AJ was talking about. "Huh?"

"Jesus.." AJ whispered under his breath. "Okay, what that means is I've shown you what the problem is. I'm not going to fix it for you too. Find a way to make him listen. If you're going to be a pussy, bitching and moaning because he won't answer your calls that's your decision. But if you're serious, make him listen. That's all I'm going to say."

Justin felt oddly settled and unsettled at the same time. AJ had been right, he'd been completely ignoring the feelings that he'd been experiencing not wanting to think about them and what it meant. He couldn't ignore the feelings he was having for Kevin, but didn't want it to come at the expense of his relationship with Nick. One had nothing to do with the other, but clearly Nick needed reassurance, which in all honesty Justin understood. Things had been pretty cut and dry where the groups were concerned and for all intense purposes, lines had been clearly drawn, but now those lines were becoming blurred and it was stupid for him to think that they could continue with it without talking it over and laying boundaries down. "Is he still in LA?" Justin asked. When AJ didn't answer he sighed. "Please, just tell me whether or not he's still in LA."

"No. He's gone to Marathon. Not sure for how long, all I know is that he left Barbie here. He's alone."

That was all Justin needed to know. He hung up with AJ and made a few phone calls. He'd be landing in Tampa sometime tomorrow morning and be at Marathon by mid day.

~*~*~*~*~


The phone was ringing. Nick fought the battle waging inside of his head. If he checked the caller ID he knew it was either going to be Kevin or Justin, neither of whom he was all to eager to talk to. Not that he'd been taking too many peoples phone calls lately. He just needed some time to think things through and get over whatever issues he was having. Each day he woke up telling himself that this was the day he'd phone both friends, but as the day had passed he'd find more and more excuses to avoid making the calls and another day would go by without resolutions. "Fuck it," he muttered as he headed towards his front door. Nick nearly had a heart attack when he opened the front door and found Justin standing there, one hand holding the phone up to his ear the other about to ring the doorbell.

Nick watched as Justin disconnected the call. Suspiciously, the phone stopped ringing behind him. "Hey." Justin flashed him a sheepish smile as he shook the small phone in his hand. "You didn't answer so I figured I'd come by."

Justin was supposed to still be in Europe. Spain to be exact. He wasn't scheduled to return until the middle of February, which was still a few weeks away. But there he was in living colour right in front of him, looking a little tired and jet lagged but still absolutely beautiful. Nick couldn't help the tremble in his hand as he ran his fingers through his short blonde hair. "Uhhh hey!"

Justin raised an eyebrow, looking slightly unimpressed. "I fly all the way from Spain because I miss you and all I get is an 'uhhh hey'."

Nick could tell Justin was teasing so he pulled the younger man in and hugged him as tight as he could, afraid that if he didn't, Justin would disappear. He stumbled backwards so they were in the house and he could shut the door behind them. The minute that they were shielded from the outside world, Nick pulled back enough so that he could cover Justin's mouth with his own, kissing him with a desperation that neither man had expected. It was once they'd pulled away and Nick thought about the past few weeks that Nick remembered he'd been avoiding Justin. "No.. don't do that." Justin said, reaching for Nick.

"What?"

"Don't shut yourself off. I can see the wall going back up. Don't." When Nick didn't react Justin stepped in closer. "Please."

"Why .. why are you here? Shouldn't you be overseas still?" Nick's voice was soft and he was suddenly nervous.

"Let's see... I've been calling you so many times it's borderline stalking and I get no response. No emails back, no faxes. Nothing. You've cut me entirely out and so I took matters into my own hands. If you're not going to come to me, I'm going to come to you. So I did."

They stood in the foyer staring at each other, neither moving closer but not moving away either. The doorbell ringing startled both of them. "Expecting anyone?"

Nick shook his head. "No. But then I wasn't expecting you either so..." He opened the door only to be shocked for the second time in less than ten minutes.

"Do you know there's luggage on your..." Kevin started to say, only stopping at the two pairs of shocked blue eyes staring at him. In an instant, the air around them became thick with apprehension. "Oh."

"Kevin!" Nick breathed out, looking back and forth between the two men in front of him.

"I'm sorry, I didn't realize you had company." Kevin looked at the ground embarrassed. He'd spoken to AJ who had suggested he bridge the gap between him and Nick and visit him in Marathon. No one else knew Nick was going to be home for the weekend and it would be the perfect time to discuss everything that had been going on between them. The thought that Justin would be there didn't even cross his mind since he'd been told the younger man was still over in Europe finishing off his tour.

Justin fought off the wave of nervous butterflies in his stomach and shook his head. "I came in unannounced. No one knows I'm here. I didn't know that you'd planned to come down to visit.."

"Spur of the moment.."

Nick watched as the two men stared at one another, engaging in shy, embarrassed conversation. The reality of the situation once again hit him like a ton of bricks and he quietly extracted himself from the awkward conversation and headed into his kitchen to leave them alone. Not surprisingly, they hadn't even noticed his absence.

"Maybe I should go. You did get here first," Kevin said nodding at Justin's bags on the verandah.

"By like ten minutes. Not even."

Kevin nodded, seeing that Justin still had his coat on. Still, it was weird for them both to be there, knowing that the other was the reason for their visit. He turned his attention from Justin to get Nick's reaction, only to find that the blonde wasn't there any longer. "Fuck."

"What?" Justin asked, looking where Kevin's focus had moved to. He was surprised to see they were alone. "Where did Nick go?"

Kevin shook his head, wiping his face with his hands. This was what he'd wanted to avoid, making Nick feel more removed than he already did. He'd come to convince Nick that he wasn't going to be replaced, that they still loved him as much as they always did, or at least he did, and instead they'd ignored him for each other almost immediately. "How can I be so stupid," Kevin muttered. He entered the house and dropped his bags by the door. Justin followed suit by bringing his things in from outside. The two men stood together silently.

"I came here because he won't talk to me. He's been ignoring my calls and avoiding me and the one thing I swore I wasn't going to do ...." Justin refused to look directly at Kevin, feeling the blame for Nick's disappearance. "He's already feeling so alienated."

Just as Kevin was about to respond and agree with Justin, the sound of Nick coming down the stairs caught their attention. He'd changed into a warmer sweater and was wearing a vest and a ball cap on his head. Both Justin and Kevin's breath caught in their throat at how beautiful Nick was, not to mention the masked look of hurt on his face. "While you two catch up, I've got stuff to do. You both know where everything is, make yourself at home. I'll be back later."

After going into the kitchen, Nick decided that he needed to get out of the house for a while. He'd cooped himself in for too long as it was. The reason he'd come home to Marathon was to go out on the boat and just relax on the ocean, yet he'd neglected doing just that. Now, with Kevin and Justin at the house, it was the perfect motivation to get him started. He had gone up the back stairs to the second floor and changed his shirt for the slightly cool weather outside. Within moments he was ready to go, the only snag being that he'd have to pass by Justin and Kevin on the way out. Not that they would notice his absence anyways. So here he was, walking into what looked like an already awkward situation. Kevin caught his eye and he saw regret there, it pulled at his heart.

"Nick, I came here for you."

Nick had stopped halfway down the stairs and was just standing there, looking down at the two men before him. "Could have fooled me Kev."


"Fuck, don't be like that," Justin spoke, anger clear in his tone. "How are we supposed to fix things if you're constantly running away. You can't be hurt and angry at us and then not let us defend ourselves to you."

Kevin wanted to stop Justin, to warn him that it wasn't smart to be on the defensive and attack Nick but the way the blonde's facial features softened stopped him.

"Fine. You're right." Was all Nick said before he continued down the remainder of the stairs and past them, out the front door.

They watched him stunned, neither sure of what to do. Seconds later they heard an engine start, indicating that Nick was still leaving. "Now what?" Justin asked, unsure of what Nick had agreed to. Kevin simply shook his head, slightly confused himself. A few minutes later they realized that the sound of Nick's engine idling could still be heard, he hadn't left yet.

"Come on." Kevin nodded towards the door before exiting. Justin wasn't too far away. He used the key under the flowerpot to lock the door before replacing it and following Kevin towards the SUV Nick was waiting for them in.

Kevin had opted to sit in the back seat, leaving the front free for Justin. Awkwardly, Justin climbed in and buckled up. Almost instantly, Nick began to back out before turning around and driving down the extended driveway.

"Where are we going?" Justin asked, after a considerable period of silence.

"Docks."

"Out on the boat?"

Nick turned to look at Justin, a smirk on his face. "Nah, gonna go feed the ducks."

"With you I wouldn't be surprised Nick," Kevin piped up from the back seat, causing for all three men to laugh. The ice had been broken somewhat, and although they were all aware that it wouldn't be that easy, things had started. When Nick pulled into the parking lot of a bakery, both Justin and Kevin watched him suspiciously.

"So I'm buying stale bread for the ducks and birds okay. I've been gone a while and don't have any left." Nick blushed before rolling his eyes and jumping out of the car. He was back in a few minutes, a bag full of buns and bread in his hand.

They arrived at the marina and Nick parked in his reserved parking spot, a few hundred feet away from where his boat was kept. He distributed the bread equally between the three of them as they headed towards the area of the water where the ducks all congregated. As he always did, Nick sat down at the edge of the dock, crossing his legs and tossing bits and pieces of bread out to the hungry birds. Justin sat down beside him, following suit while Kevin stood back a few feet, watching the two men together. The way Justin and Nick interacted was with ease and comfort. They were both equally as beautiful, but different in so many ways. Nick caused for his heart to swell with emotion, knowing how much they'd been through and been able to survive unscathed, where his feelings for Justin were new. New and urgent and something he hadn't felt in a long time. He just wasn't sure he was willing to risk what he had with Nick to proceed with what he could have with Justin. Lost in his thoughts,
 he barely heard Nick calling to him.

"Kev, come on over." Nick patted the spot beside him on the deck, grinning up at him as the ducks squawked from below. They sat together, silently feeding the ducks until each had run out of bread.

"Sorry babies, no more food!" Justin spoke down to the birds, who protested loudly. Nick couldn't help but giggle at how the second they were out of food, they were forgotten and the ducks had moved on.

"See, you feed em and then the second you're done, they're outta there." He got to his feet, bringing Kevin and Justin up with him. "Figures. Now come on, I wanna go on the boat."

Kevin sat on one side, Justin sat on the other while Nick took his place at the wheel. They pushed off and headed out to nowhere in particular, tension once again creeping in between them. When they had gotten to an adequate distance, Nick set anchor down and cut the motor, allowing for the waves to gently rock the boat. He joined the other two on the lower deck, only to find that conversation was nonexistent.

"So is it always going to be this uncomfortable?" Nick asked. He'd been thinking about it since Justin's outburst at the house and realized the younger man was right. He couldn't avoid thinking about it or fixing it for fear of what was going to happen. Nick wanted to know for sure where things stood and whether or not they included him. If they didn't, he would be devastated, but at least he would know for sure and it would put an end of this sickly feeling he had in the pit of his stomach. Kevin avoided looking at him, where Justin stared him directly in the eye.

"I don't know Nick."

"Well it sucks." Nick took a deep breath to gain the courage he needed to say what was on his mind. "Why are you here? Both of you."

"I told you, you wouldn't answer my calls.."

"We go without talking all the time J. Never been an issue before."

"There's never been a reason for us to not talk before. Being busy is one thing, you being upset and me not being able to fix it is something different. If you're pointedly ignoring me..."

"I just need time.."

"For what?" Justin's tone was pleading, his eyes brimming with hurt and confusion.

"To deal with the fact that you want him, you want him and he wants you and where the fuck does that leave me? Now that you've got each other, I'm not needed anymore."

"Who ever said that?" Kevin said, joining into the conversation. "Whether or not we want each other has nothing to do with our relationship with you."

"Now you say that. But Kev, when you saw me that first time after, what was the first thing you wanted to ask me about? What was the first thought that crossed your mind?" Kevin didn't answer so Nick gave him the answer. "Justin right? It was all about Justin and whether I'd talked to him." He turned to Justin this time before speaking. "And he wasn't even out of the fucking room and you were already wanting him to be back. It was like I didn't even exist at that point and you were disappointed he was leaving. How could I have stayed knowing you wanted him there, that I was your alternate plans."

Justin groaned in frustration. "It wasn't like that Nick."

"Yes Justin, it was." Nick's voice was soft, no hint of exaggeration, just defeat. "And I wasn't mad. I'm still not mad, and you both seem to think that I'm angry at you. I can't be mad at you for wanting each other, especially not when I understand why. I know why Justin wants you Kev, and I know why you want him. It's just that you can't expect me not to be at least a little hurt by it. That you two want something with each other that you've only reserved for me until now."

"So you're putting distance between us, between yourself and us so.."

"So it doesn't hurt as much. If I let you go just enough, knowing you two are happy with each other doesn't make me feel so lonely. I know neither of you will do anything if I'm not cool with it, so I'm stepping away."

Justin was up and by Nick's side in an instant. "I don't want that. I don't want you pulling away from me."


"But.."

"No. You have to understand that it doesn't matter what happens in my life, you're always going to be a big part of it. God.. didn't anything that happened with Brit teach you that? I mean fuck Nick, we were going to get married. Married and still I needed you there with me."

Kevin watched in awe at the connection between the two younger men. He'd known about Nick and Justin's quasi relationship from their first kiss forward, but not once had stopped to fully analyze it's implications as anything further than casual sex. He didn't know how he could compete with that, for either men.


"But.."

"Listen to me. Yes there are going to be other people, but never anyone that will replace you." Justin looked at Kevin for assistance. He knew that Nick was going to need reassurance from both of them before things could proceed. Kevin nodded and stood up, moving to Nick's other side.

"He's right baby. I know you're hurt right now and feeling left out, but you don't have to feel that way. We're always going to be here for you."

"And besides, who even says that things will go farther than they already have." Both Kevin and Nick looked at Justin, expressions of amusement on his face which caused him to blush. "Well, I'm just saying. It might have ended with that night."

"I'm sorry Justin, were you there that night?" Nick chuckled. Justin rolled his eyes and looked away embarrassed. Nick reached up and cupped Justin's cheek gently. "We all know that won't be the end of it. I just ... I don't want to lose either of you and it just started to feel that I am becoming a means for the two of you to get together."

"You'll never just be the middle man Nicky," Kevin insisted, his hand finding Nick's. He threaded their fingers together and rested it on the blonde's lap. "I can't assure you that there won't be times that we'll get together without you, because we just very may well..."

"But it doesn't mean we feel any less for you."

"I know." Nick sighed, exhausted. "I don't want you to worry about how I'll react or if it's hurting me."

"You just want us to ..."

"Not forget me."

Justin broke into laughter, startling Nick and Kevin. "Forget you? Not fucking likely." Justin tried to calm his laughter, proving unsuccessful. "I'm sorry, it's just that's hilarious."

"He always laugh at you like this when you're being serious?" Kevin asked chuckling. Justin's laugh was becoming infectious and eventually all three were laughing.

"Yes!"

"And you put up with him? Voluntarily?"

Nick shrugged as he rested his head on Kevin's shoulder. "He's hot in bed so..." They heard a snort escape from Justin which only started them on another round of laughter.

"Why are you here Kev?" Nick asked once he was under control again. He'd learned why Justin had stopped by unannounced, but not Kevin.

It was Kevin's turn to sigh. "I've been thinking since we were in the studio last and I hated that I got you that upset. And then I realized that things have been a little off with you since that night so I wanted to talk to you about it. I know how you get when you're thinking about something or upset, so rather than wait and stew over it, I hopped in the car and drove down. I needed to see you as soon as possible before the walls between us were too wide.

Nick was amazed that both of these men, whom he'd thought was trying to replace him, had been worried enough to drop everything and see him. "Really? You were worried?"

"Of course Nick. I had no idea Justin was going to be here, I think I was as surprised as you both."

"Me too, I wasn't expecting Kevin here. Had I known, I probably wouldn't have come." Justin felt the need to be honest although he was unsure of how Nick would react.

"Why?"

"I'm sorry, wasn't the scene on your foyer enough of a reason? You got upset and walked out, we didn't notice until afterwards and then you were going to leave us there while you came here, like it had been our plan all along to show up at your house to see each other." Justin pressed his lips to Nick's cheek in a soft kiss. "Sometimes you run when you should stay and fight. You automatically assume..."

"I get scared..."

Kevin hated every woman who ever made Nick think he wasn't worth anything. He hated every woman who tore at his self confidence piece by piece until he became the type of person who forfeited for the fear of being hurt, sacrificing himself for everyone else. He squeezed Nick's hand in his own, getting the blonde's attention. "I know you do baby, but you can't always run. You can't assume that we don't care either way, because we wouldn't be here if we didn't."

"I know."

Kevin's eyes traveled down to Nick's lips which were swollen from where he'd been biting them nervously. He licked his own lips before leaning in and pressing their mouths together. The kiss was without either of them opening their mouths, eyes locked through it's duration. When they pulled away, Kevin took Nick's lower lip between his teeth and sucked on it initiating another kiss, this time harder and with more passion.

Nick heard Justin whimper softly, his body pressed tightly against Nick's side. He broke the kiss with Kevin and turned his head towards Justin, needing the contact with him as well. Justin could taste Kevin on Nick's mouth and trembled at the amazing gift that they'd been given. Nick had not only forgiven him... them, but had also given his blessing for the two of them to proceed in exploring whatever it was that seemed to be lingering between them. The kiss was deepened as Nick parted his lips and allowed for Justin's tongue to enter his mouth.

With Justin on one side and Kevin on the other, both focused on easing his reservations on his position in their lives, Nick knew that until he initiated it, they would be awkward around one another. They needed to know that it was okay with him for them to be together, in any sense of the word, and knowing them, neither would make the first move. Especially with him there with them. Nick broke the kiss with Justin and attempted to catch his breath. Their heads were close together, breath mingling between them and it was then that Nick tightened his hold on both Kevin and Justin's heads. He brought both in as though he were going to kiss them, only to move away at the last minute, initiating a kiss between the two of them.

Justin pulled away first, the moment he'd felt Kevin's mouth on his. "Nick?"

"Please..." Nick pleaded. "For me."

"We don't have to...."

"I want you to. I need you to just so you both know that it's okay."

Justin bit his quivering lip and gave Nick one last look before leaning in and covering Kevin's mouth with his own. The kiss was hesitant and shy at first until Nick's tongue lapped at the corners of their mouth. "More... I want to see more." It was Kevin who pulled away, shaking his head.

"No."

"No?" Nick asked, unable to believe his ears.

"No?" Justin squeaked, looking forlorn.

"No." Kevin smiled and kissed Justin one more time before moving his mouth back to Nick's. He kissed him with an intensity that brought forth a whimper from Nick until he had to let go so he could breathe. "We're here for you baby. To remind you that we love you and want you."

Justin met Kevin's gaze and smiled, nodding his agreement. "Exactly. Tonight is your night."

"But if it's my night, I want to see..."

Kevin stood up and shook his head, a sexy smirk on his lips. "It doesn't matter what you WANT, it's what we're going to GIVE you." He pulled Nick to his feet before grabbing Justin's hand as well. "We can tell you until our faces turn blue how much you mean to us, but what it is that matters is how we show you. And right now we can show you by loving you."

Nick paused for a moment, needing to get something off of his chest. "It's not just about the sex though Kevin. That's not what I'm worried about."

Before he could take another breath, Kevin had Nick up against the wall, their bodies pressed tightly together. "I know that Nick. And that will take time for us to show you as well. We can promise you nothing will change, but it is in where we go from here that will prove it. But right now.. now we're going to give you our undivided attention"

Justin pressed against Kevin's back leaning in to get closer to Nick's mouth. "Unless you'd rather.." He trailed his sentence off purposely, darting his tongue out to lap against Nick's lips. Nick moaned as he leaned in to pull Justin in for a bruising kiss, sandwiching Kevin between their bodies tighter.

"Okay, I just wanted you to know that it's not about the sex."

Kevin nipped playfully at the skin on Nick's throat, making his way up to the blonde's mouth. "Can't it be about the sex? Just a little?"

Justin giggled, joining in on the kiss. "Yeah, please Nicky? It's fun with two, but it's even more fun with three."

"Thrice the fun." Kevin's voice was low, an indication of his arousal.

"Fuck..." It was useless to try and discuss it any further, and at the moment Nick thought that talking was overrated. "Fine. Take me in and ravish me. Have your way with me if you must." There was a tone of boredom in his voice as he relinquished all control over to Kevin and Justin, allowing himself to be pulled into the lower cabin where the bed was.

"Oh we must." Justin began removing Nick's top half while Kevin focused on the lower. It was a matter of seconds before Nick stood before them naked and pliant, willing to go and do whatever they wanted.

"Now you." Nick said, nodding at the other two men. They each started to work on their own clothes, pausing at Nick's insistence. "Stop. Undress each other. Make it sexy." Nick sat down on the bed as he laid down with his legs hanging over the end. He propped himself up with his arms behind him and waited for the show to begin. When they didn't move, he cocked one eyebrow coyly and flashed a sexy smirk. It was then that he spoke again. "Make me believe it."

"You're so fucking dramatic," Justin chuckled nervously. He looked at Kevin who was moving between watching Nick sprawled out in front of them, and eyeing him hungrily as if wanting to tear his clothes off. Justin shivered at the thought.

"I guess we gotta do what he wants, it is his day." Kevin licked his lips nervously as he slowly peeled Justin's sweater off of his body, taking the long sleeved tee he'd worn underneath off too. Slowly, they took time to undress each other, letting their fingers explore new found territory. Every once in a while each would turn to look at Nick, wanting to gage his reaction as well as reestablish contact with him so he was aware he hadn't been forgotten. Finally, all three were naked and hard, the air thick with anticipation.

Justin gazed deep into Kevin's eyes, losing himself there. He pulled the older man's face towards his and just as they were about to kiss, he moved his attention to Nick who was watching breathlessly. Nick's lips parted and Justin noticed the blonde's erection twitch against his thigh. A smirk played itself across his lips and Justin pulled Kevin in the remaining distance, fitting their mouths together perfectly meanwhile his gaze was locked on Nick.

Kevin fell into the kiss, pressing his body against Justin's lean, muscular frame. He enjoyed the feel of their heated skin against each other, their swollen erections brushing erotically. Unable to help himself, Kevin's hands moved down Justin's back to settle on his ass and he attempted to bring them even closer, the end result with Justin raising one leg to wrap around Kevin's waist. It was a whimper from Nick that broke the kiss, both men shocked to see the blonde's head thrown back and his hand pumping his shaft rapidly. For as much as he hated to pull away, Kevin did and tugged at Justin to pull him towards the bed.

They positioned themselves comfortably on the bed with Nick in the middle, face to face with Justin and Kevin pressed against his back. Justin had taken Nick in a passionately demanding kiss while Kevin focused on tracing each of Nick's tattoos with his tongue. They barely registered the blonde's apology. "I'm so sorry."

"What for?" Kevin asked, nibbling on Nick's ear. He gently stroked the skin on his hip, eyes locked with Justin who looked as confused.

"For making a big deal out of nothing. For being jealous..." Justin cut him off with a kiss. He reached behind and pulled Kevin's face close, maneuvering them so that they could all kiss.

"Don't be sorry baby. You were worried, just next time talk to us about it. Don't pull away so that we don't know what's wrong or how to fix it." Justin was looking down as he hovered over Nick. He let out a whimper as he watched Kevin engage the blonde in another kiss.

"I'm going to go on a limb and speak for Justin here too, but you mean too much to us to just forget about you. So if it's going to take a bit of time for us to show you we love you..."

Justin sighed and rolled his eyes dramatically, "then that's what we're going to do. All night long if we must."

A giggle escaped as Nick rolled over top of Justin. He leaned down to press their mouths together, grinding their hips erotically.

Kevin watched, feeling slightly detached from the situation. Surprisingly, he didn't feel any feeling of jealousy as he would have expected. The two younger men were beautiful together and so he allowed himself to rest back and enjoy the moment, watching them. He saw Justin pull away from Nick's mouth to trail kisses down his jaw and to his neck and chest. Nick turned his head, focusing his blue eyes on Kevin. He snapped to attention when he saw Nick's lips curl into a smirk.

"What?"

"Welcome back Kev."

Kevin blushed as Justin lifted his head from Nick's chest and smirked at him as well. "Decided to join us again?"

"Huh?" Kevin must have missed something because now they were both giggling at him. "What?"

"Oh, nothing. Nick just asked you to do something and you've... well you've just been laying there with this dreamy smile on your face." Justin shrugged and redirected his attention back to Nick who growled at the feeling of his tongue scraping across his stomach into his belly button.

"What did you ask?" Kevin whimpered watching Justin's tongue bathe Nick's erection delicately, it's pointed tip outlining each crevice and line before flattening out and stroking up and down, never fully taking Nick in but his mouth not leaving the heated skin either.


"He asked you to fuck him, but if you're too busy I'll be..." Justin yelped as Kevin pushed him over. The surprise turned into laughter causing Nick to join in.

"Welcome to the game baby," Nick said softly before his mouth was taken in a deeply passionate kiss.

"Too distracted watching you two..." Kevin lapped at Nick's lips. "...so fucking beautiful." He kissed Nick one more time before pulling away, positioning himself between the blonde's spread legs. "So..."

"So Kevin, had you been paying attention..." Justin said, crawling over Nick to kiss Kevin. He positioned himself so that his own erection was inches away from Nick's mouth and moaned as Nick's tongue darted out to lap at it. He opened himself up wider so that Nick could easily sit up and pull Justin's hips towards his face. Justin's eyes fluttered shut and he trembled. "Fuck Nicky..."

Kevin looked down to see Nick stroking Justin with one hand, his mouth sucking on the head of his erection.

"So what he wanted.. was for you to fuck him while I ride him."

Kevin once again looked down at Nick, finding that he himself was being watched by the blonde. Nick nodded, grinning around Justin's cock. He let the swollen flesh drop from his mouth as he licked his lips. "Please..."

A kiss was shared with Justin and then one more with Nick before Kevin moved himself into position. "Condoms? Lube?"


"Where they always are." Nick mumbled against Justin's mouth.

Kevin pinched Nick's thigh playfully, chuckling at the yelp that resulted from both men. In surprise at the flash of pain, Nick had bit down on Justin's tongue. He hadn't been expecting retaliation from the youngest man who'd taken him in a deep kiss, only to bite Kevin's tongue as payback. "Fucker." Justin muttered.

"Children, children.." Nick scolded. "Can we please behave, just this once?"

With the condom and lube successfully located, Kevin prepared Nick's erection first, making sure to stroke and tease the blonde as much as possible. It wasn't until Nick was writhing and moaning on the bed that he moved onto his own cock which was swollen and dripping with need. It was decided that Kevin would start and then Justin join in when Nick was ready. Kevin signaled to both men that he was ready. "Now Kev.. need you."

There was a familiar feeling of extreme tightness and heat enveloped Kevin's body. Nick was almost always resistant at first and Kevin knew to push gently until his body was fully ready to accept him. Nick was absolutely beautiful as his back arched off the bed, his face turned to the side and directly into a kiss with Justin who was watching in awe. The muscles in Nick's stomach started to quiver and Kevin found himself transfixed at the reaction his entry was eliciting in the blonde. He wondered if Justin would be that responsive, if he was as beautiful when being filled so shamelessly. It was something he was going to have to find out for himself one day, and judging from the way Justin had been watching him all night, that day might not be too far off.

As if Justin knew that the older man was thinking about him, he turned his head and stared deep into Kevin's eyes. He allowed himself to look down at the point where Kevin and Nick were joined and felt an aching deep inside of him. He knew that this night was for Nick, but there was a part of him that wished it was HIM Kevin was sliding into, his body was being used by Kevin for his extreme pleasure.


"OH Fuck J... feels so good. He feels so fucking good..." Nick whimpered. "You have got to feel this..." Justin's attention focused back on Nick and he saw the blonde grinning at them both. Nick pulled him down and kissed him. "Next time baby... gonna be you with him. Want you to feel how thick and hard Kevin is.. .so fucking big."


Justin whimpered at the thought as his cock twitched. He watched Kevin pull out slightly before pushing back in causing for Nick to tremble and his eyes to roll back into his head with pleasure. "More.. wanna watch a bit more..." Justin gasped.

Kevin proceeded to work Nick's body slowly, enjoying the reaction he was getting from both men. He slowed so that he could grab the tube of lube once more and handed it to Justin. Coat him up a little more.. your turn."

Justin nodded and added a bit more lubrication to Nick's erection before straddling the blonde. "Nicky... gonna fuck you now.. wanna ride you."

Nick wasn't all together sure he was going to be able to last much longer, with Kevin fucking him slow and teasing and his cock about to explode as it was. But he nodded anyways, preparing himself for the tightness he knew to expect. He first met Justin's gaze and then Kevin's, amazed at how beautiful they both looked hovering over him, watching him.

The gentle rocking of the boat both soothed and heightened the actions taking place within the cabin downstairs. Kevin's eyes were focused on Justin's back, trailing down to where he watched Nick's cock slowly disappear into his body. The sight was breathtaking and as Justin's head rolled back and goose bumps appeared on his skin, Kevin couldn't help but moan. He unconsciously reached out his hand, trailing a finger down the younger man's spine to end at his ass, fingering Nick's cock and Justin's hole gently. It was only when he was sure that they were ready that he began to move, thrusting in and out of Nick slowly.

Justin took the cue from Kevin's movement and began to raise and lower himself on Nick, swiveling his hips every so often. Nick wasn't sure what to focus on, the feel of Justin's body surrounding his cock or Kevin in his ass. There was a jolt of pain which snapped him to attention. "FUCK!" He looked up to see Justin staring down at him evilly. Nick reached up and massaged his nipple ring gently.


"Pay attention Nickolas. You're drifting." And with that, Justin quickened his pace, clenching around Nick's erection. He was in for his own surprise when an arm reached around his waist and Kevin's hand took hold of his own cock, stroking it roughly.

"Jerk it Kev.. fuck yeah, jerk him." Nick encouraged breathlessly. He was nearly at the end and at the rate he was going, he was going to cum before Justin had a chance to get off. It was a combination of Kevin thrusting sharply inside of him, Justin slamming down roughly on him and watching his two lovers come together in a messy kiss that signaled the end for Nick. He let out a loud roar and began to twitch, his cock exploding deep into Justin's body. It was enough to startle Kevin and Justin out of the kiss they were participating in.

"Holy fuck.." Justin whispered as he watched Nick twitch underneath him. He leaned down, still working himself on Nick's deflating erection and stilled the blonde's head, kissing him forcefully. The position caused for Nick to slide out of Justin, leaving the younger man empty.

The sight of Nick's limp cock sliding out of Justin's body, the younger man opened up for him and the feel of Nick tightening around him pushed him into his own abyss, his orgasm hitting him long and hard. Kevin bit his lip and let out a harsh grunt as he tried to milk his release as much as he could. It wasn't until he was physically drained that he allowed himself to fall to the bed beside Nick, aware that Justin was now resting fitfully on Nick's chest, which was heaving up and down still as he was trying to fill his lungs with oxygen.


"J.. turn over." Nick ordered, moving so that Justin fell onto the bed between him and Kevin. As he'd suspected, Justin was hard, still not having reached his own release. He reached out and grabbed a hold of Justin's painful erection, stroking it a few times before being joined with another hand. Upon first glance, Nick saw it was Kevin's hand that had joined him, Justin now thrusting forcefully into their fists trying to cum as well. "Cum for us Justin... wanna feel you cum."

Kevin propped himself up on one elbow, looking down at the youngest man. "Yeah baby. Nick came... I came.. your turn."

"Almost .... there..." Justin warned as his toes began to curl. He felt one mouth gently licking and kissing the skin on his neck and then another cover his in a coaxing kiss. It was as a thumb flicked the tip of his cock that he let go, crying out loudly as he exploded all over Nick and Kevin's hand and his chest.

"That's it baby... more.. give us more..." Kevin growled. Justin whimpered at the sound of Kevin's voice and shot again, this time reaching his chin and throat.

"...tastes so fucking good Kev..." Nick mumbled, lapping at Justin's cum on his throat while his hand still milked him. Justin felt Kevin's tongue join Nick's and shivered at the delicate way they were touching him. It was only when Justin had stopped shaking that they let him go, allowing for him to catch his breath for a few moments.

Nick was the first to speak once they'd all recovered adequately. "Thank you both." His voice was soft, almost shy. He curled up against Justin's back, spooning tightly with him. Justin tightened his grip on Nicks' arms while Kevin reached around and hugged them both tightly.

"You don't have to thank us Nicky." Justin said. He locked eyes with Kevin before turning around so that he was facing Nick. Their lips met in a gentle crush until they broke away and Nick leaned over to do the same with Kevin.

"Is everything okay now?" Kevin stroked Nick's damp hair comfortingly as he settled against Justin's back, molding their bodies together. It felt natural to be curled up with Justin like that, despite the fact that they really hadn't been all that intimate before. He felt Justin relax back against his body and grinned as he pressed his lips against the younger man's shoulder.

"Yeah Kev. I just... I didn't want to lose either of you and that's what it felt like was happening. But now I understand that it doesn't necessarily have anything to do with my relationships with you both, it's something outside of that." The three of them remained silent for a period of time, letting the afternoon's events sink in. Neither Kevin nor Justin had expected the day to turn out this way, especially with the other there, and Nick was still stunned that both men had dropped everything they had been doing to check up on him.

Nick hadn't been blind though, as much as the evening was for him, he had noticed the chemistry between Justin and Kevin. He loved both of them dearly for putting aside their own desires and personal feelings for each other to focus on him. Also, he wouldn't be lying if he'd neglected to mention how hot it made him to think of them together. He opened his eyes to see Justin's eyes closed, his breathing evened out. With the lift of his head, he could also see Kevin, curled tightly against Justin's back, the picture of them together beautiful. It was certain that they would be together, at least in some sense of