Date: Wed, 02 Jun 2004 12:43:14 +0200
From: jerichoholic #1 <beer4myhorses@hotmail.com>
Subject: Paul & Josh / chapter 7

DISCLAIMER: The following story is completely FICTIONAL is
does not imply anything concerning the private life of Paul
walker or Josh Hartnett. I don't know them and I don't know
anything about their lives. This story is only meant as
fiction and does in no way describe real occurrences,
situations or facts. All other persons mentioned in this
story are fictional. Any resemblance to an existing person,
company or business is totally coincidental.

Author's note: Just want to stress again that this story is
complete fiction. In this chapter there's some talk about
their families and childhood. That's all made up ok. I have
no idea what their real lives look like so please keep that
in mind. For the rest: Enjoy chapter 7 and please let me
know what you think ok?


Paul & Josh: chapter 7


Both guys stepped on the balcony. They stood against the
railing absorbing the excellent view over the city. Josh put
his arm around Paul and pulled him closer to him. "I love
you" He softly whispered to Paul. Paul got choked up as he
heard this. He put his hand on Josh's shoulder and said "I
love you to".

... ...

The rest of the morning passed quite uneventful. Eventually
both guys got ready to go to the studio. Today the scenes
they had been working on for most of the week would be shot.
Both guys knew these shots would require their best acting
since this was one of the scenes that would make or break
this movie. If they didn't put on a believable performance
the movie would definitely suffer. During their drive to the
studio nothing much was said as both guys were trying to
concentrate on the job ahead.

When they arrived at the movie studio it had begun to rain a
little bit. It seemed like a thin fog of raindrops was
slowly falling from the heavens. They grabbed their gear out
of the trunk and went inside. The shooting itself went
surprisingly well. The director had scheduled the entire
afternoon for the shooting of this scene since everybody
expected it to take an immense long time. But after what had
happened between both guys last night they had absolutely no
problem acting as if they were in love. It only took two
takes to get the scene perfect. The entire crew was
impressed with both guys acting skills. A lot of people
congratulated the boys on their great performance. They
smiled a bit uneasy cause they both realized there had been
little to no acting involved. Since the scene was canned way
more early then anyone would have anticipated the director
decided to call it a day already. The scene was filmed and
it would take too long to prepare for another scene. Instead
he asked both guys if they could hang around just a bit
longer to shoot some interviews for `the making of' of the
movie.

While the rest of the crew was breaking down the equipment
for the day both guys went to get changed. After they had
done so they relaxed a bit in the cafeteria, enjoying a cup
of coffee.  They talked a while about the filming and other
stuff until they were interrupted by the director entering
the room.

"Hey guys, ready?" He asked.

"Yeah we are" Paul answered, "So what's going to happen?
Just some interviews then?"

"That's it." The director responded, "Shouldn't take too
long."

They made their way to the parking lot behind the studio.
The director wanted to shoot the interviews outside cause he
liked the way the sunlight reflected on the parked cars. He
also thought filming outside would make the interviews look
more spontaneous. Both guys were asked quite a few questions
on how they were experiencing the filming, what they thought
about their characters, how they enjoyed working together,...

Josh was busy answering a question about how he related to
his character, when all of a sudden in mid sentence he
stopped. He remained silent for a few seconds. The
expression on his face had suddenly darkened and the look in
his eyes was one of intensity and anger. He quickly regained
his composure and continued the interview. Nobody had
noticed something was wrong. While Josh continued the
interview on `automatic pilot', he concentrated on something
else. While answering the question he suddenly got an uneasy
feeling in his stomach. The hairs on his arms were standing
right up and a cold chill ran down his spine. He had the
distinct feeling something was wrong. Like there was
something bad to happen any minute. He had felt this before
last night but the feeling was stronger. Something was
definitely wrong but he couldn't decipher what it was.  He
kept his guard up nevertheless.

About fifteen minutes later the interview was completed,
ending a day of filming. Both guys made their way back
inside to get their stuff and head on off.

"Let's get out of here!" Paul spoke..."It was weird...but during
the interview I head the feeling like someone was watching
us or something...it was really strange."

"You felt that too' huh?" Josh asked. The look on his face
had intensified again.

"You too? How weird is that?" Paul answered "We're way too
paranoid!" He laughed.

"I guess we are" Josh laughed along. He didn't want to give
away he thought this was way more serious then it seemed.

After they both got their stuff they headed for the car.
Paul sat behind the wheel, but didn't start the car.

"What's wrong?" Josh asked.

"Well...Where to?" Paul answered with a question of his own.

"I guess you could drop me of at my hotel...we could hook up
later in the afternoon.

Paul was trying to say something but it was obvious he was
struggling to find the right words.

"Come on Paul...Just spit it out...what's on your mind?" Josh
asked with a reassuring smile on his face.

"Well...I was thinking..." Paul hesitated a moment , "Maybe...you
could stay at my place for the rest of the filming."

Josh was a bit shocked at Paul's suggestion. He wasn't
expecting this so he needed a few moments before he could
respond.

"You want me to stay at your place?" He asked, just to make
sure he had heard Paul right.

"Yeah" Paul answered. He was nervous because he wasn't sure
how Josh would react.

"Are you sure?..." Josh asked, "I mean...We've only known each
other for two weeks...you don't think it's a bit soon."

"No, I don't actually...I love you, you know that...and if we're
only going to see each-other a few hours a day I know I'm
going to be counting the hours down when I'm not with you."
Paul said.

Josh was moved by Paul's words. Still he needed some time to
think before making a decision.

"I don't know...I don't want to impose or anything" Josh said

Paul couldn't help but laugh a bit. "You're not imposing. I
invited you, remember?"

"But what if people start asking questions?...What do I say?"
He asked.

"Just make something up." Paul answered, "Tell them it's
more convenient, tell them it's easier if we drive to work
together, tell them we're gay lovers they won't believe you
anyway...You're an actor right? Make something up!"

Josh thought about this for a while before he said: " Ok
then...If you're sure... It does sound good, spending every day
with you."

Paul smiled as he heard Josh's words. He started the car and
drove of. They went to the hotel Josh was staying to pick up
his stuff. After that they drove straight to Paul's
apartment. Nothing much was said during the ride. Paul
needed to concentrate on the road and Josh was lost in
thought. It had been the second time today he had felt
uneasy, watched, threatened. He tried his best to find out
what was wrong and how it was possible he was feeling this
again. He remembered the last time he felt like this and he
knew it wasn't possible. His thoughts took him further and
further away from reality. There was no car, no road, no
Paul...just the vast endless plains of his mind...nothing, but a
soft voice in the back of his mind.


...

"...You know what would be great? If you could just escape the
world. Just step out of society. Never to have to deal with
other people again. No name, no address, no
responsibilities. That's what I want...and I think I know how
to make it happen..."

...


"We're here!"

Josh was pulled out of his thoughts by Paul's little
announcement. He had been gone longer then he was aware of
cause they were parked in front of the block housing Paul's
apartment.

"Are you all right?" Paul asked.

"I am...why?" Josh answered.

"You seemed a bit lost there for a while." Paul spoke. He
paused for a moment "having second thoughts?" He asked.

"No! It's not that" Josh reassured him. He really didn't
want Paul to think he wasn't completely happy with moving in
to his apartment, because the truth was he couldn't be more
happy. "I'm just a bit tired I guess...don't worry about it."

A couple of minutes later they entered the apartment. After
Josh had unpacked his suitcases both guys sat down for a
moment. They didn't say much but they both enjoyed each-
others company. Josh had his arm around Paul's shoulders and
leaned a bit against him. It were those quit moments both
guys enjoyed most. No fuzz, no fanfare,...Just the two of
them, together.

It was Josh who finally spoke: "Hey man...I just want to say
thank you again for letting me stay here. I really
appreciate it!" With that he pulled Paul a bit closer and
kissed him. The kiss lasted for a considerable long time.
When they finally broke apart Paul could only smile and say:
"You're welcome."

"There's something I need to ask you though." Paul
continued.

"Shoot" Josh smiled and he pointed his index finger at Paul
as if  it were a gun.
"Paul laughed a bit but it was obvious his question was
serious. Josh realized it to and said: "Whatever you want to
ask, go ahead. I'm listening."

"Well...I just wanted to know if you would mind if I told my
folks about us?" Paul asked.

"That's it?" Josh smiled. He was relieved cause he had
expected something a bit more serious. "I don't have a
problem with that. You didn't even have to ask, but thanks
you did."

"I thought it was best to check with you first...I don't know
how you feel about other people knowing." Paul said.

"I really don't want anyone to know we're together, or that
I'm gay for that matter. But your parents are an
exception...you obviously trust them, so I do to."

Paul smiled at Josh's comment. Both guys moved closer to
each other as they remained comfortably in the couch. In the
background Kenny Chesney's voice coming out of the stereo
only added to the calm and relaxed atmosphere. Paul noticed
Josh had become a bit more quit and curiously looked at him.
Josh seemed a bit more somber then before.

"Something wrong?" Paul asked.

"No not really" Josh sighed, "I was just thinking...It must be
so reassuring to have your parents accept you being gay...I
was just wondering if I'll ever have that with my parents."

"I'm sure you will" Paul tried to comfort Josh. "I'm sure
they'll accept it when you decide to tell them." He put his
hand on Josh's shoulder just to make sure Josh knew he was
behind him.

"I don't know..." Josh sighed, "I see you and your folks are
real close...I don't have that with my parents. Don't get me
wrong I love them and all, but we never had the kind of
relationship where we'd talk about things and such. I
mean,...I spent half my childhood with my aunt in Australia.
We always led our own lives you know."

"You worry to much." Paul replied, "We'll cross that bridge
when we get there. But if they love you, and I'm sure they
do, they wont reject you."

"I wish I could have your confidence." Josh spoke, "They've
always been  really conservative and all...I don't know". He
sighed as he leaned against Paul. It was nice to feel Paul's
body against his own. He felt safe knowing that Paul would
be there, no matter what happened.

"I don't know about you...but I'm getting kind of hungry" Paul
said after they had remained silent for a few minutes.

"Always thinking with your stomach, eyh?" Josh laughed, "but
I don't blame you...could go for a bite myself to be honest."

"So what do you want to do then..." Paul asked "Prepare
something ourselves, order something or go out for dinner?"

"Let's go somewhere" Josh replied "the evening is still
young, let's take advantage of that."

"Ok, so what sort of place were you thinking of?" Paul
asked.

"I don't know, I'm kind of in the mood for something Asian"
Josh replied.

"Cool...I know just the place" Paul said, "But there's one
condition..."

"What?" Josh asked with a curious look on his face.

"I'll take you there but,...You'll have to agree dinner is on
me." Paul said as a subtle smile appeared on his face.

"No, you don't have to pay for dinner. I can..." Josh was
interrupted before he could finish his sentence.

"No arguments, that's the deal, take it or leave it." Paul
laughed.

"Ok" josh sighed, "but the next one is on me."

With that they gathered their stuff and headed for the car.
After about an half hour drive they pulled over on a parking
lot behind a Chinese restaurant. From the looks of it, it
was a real nice place. Maybe a little too nice. They both
made their way out of the car and headed for the entrance.

"So is this another of your `tourists won't find it' places"
Josh asked laughingly.

"No, it isn't" Paul answered in between two laughs. "But you
won't find your average Joe here. This is about the best
restaurant in town."

"You're kidding?" Josh asked a bit confused.

"No I'm not" Paul answered, still smiling. It was obvious
Josh had expected a quick bite somewhere and he was
obviously surprised. "Come on, you'll see"

They made their way inside. Paul hadn't exaggerated, the
restaurant looked like it came right out a movie. The place
was beautifully lit by subtly placed orange and yellow
lights. There were many tropical plants contrasting with the
Mahoney furniture. In the middle of the restaurant there was
a large artificial pond in which several large koy-fish
swam.  Normally it would be impossible to get into the place
without making reservations weeks in advance. But as it
always is, it pays to have connections. Paul had known the
manager of the restaurant for a long time and he knew there
were always a couple of tables left vacant in case some
affiliates dropped by at the last minute. Since both guys
were still in their early twenties you couldn't call it `the
old men's network' , but it was pretty much the same thing.
After being greeted heartily by the manager they were shown
to a table in a private corner, away from the crowed but not
completely separated from it. Both guys wanted a bit of
privacy but they didn't want to shut themselves completely
out of society. After they had ordered they both took some
time to absorb the magical atmosphere of the restaurant.
They enjoyed their drinks while they talked about everything
that came to mind. It was obvious to anyone who would have
watched them that they were having a great time. They
talked, joked, laughed...simply enjoyed their night out. Paul
couldn't help but notice Josh was at his cutest when he
flashed his bright smile. He couldn't quite figure it out
but there seemed to be something so intriguing about Josh.
He looked so strong and confident and yet there was
something so vulnerable in his looks and appearance. Maybe
it was that contradiction that  made him look so mysterious,
intriguing and so damn cute.

"What are you looking at?" Josh smiled. He had noticed Paul
was staring at him, lost in thought.

"uhm nothing..." Paul smiled, "I was just trying to remember
the last time I saw something so beautiful."

Josh didn't know quite how to react to Paul's compliment but
he appreciated it nevertheless. It where little things like
that, that showed him Paul really cared about him. Not that
he ever doubted that but he liked the warm feeling whenever
Paul would make him feel loved or cared for.

Before they got their food they were interrupted by the
manager.

"Excuse me Mr. Hartnett?" The manager said.

"Yes?" Josh turned and to see what the manager wanted.

"I'm sorry to bother you sir..." The manager said but before
he could finish his scentence Josh said:

"That's all right, how can I help you?"

"Well, In the back of the restaurant we have a wall with
pictures of celebrities that have visited our restaurant,
and I wanted to ask you, if it's not too much trouble, if
you could please sign this picture so we can put it on the
wall.". He was holding a picture of Josh in his hands.

"Sure, no problem" Josh answered as he took the picture that
was handed to him. "It will be my pleasure." He said as he
signed the picture and wrote some compliments about the
restaurant along with it.

The manager thanked him as he got the picture back. He was
about to walk away when Josh asked him to wait.

"Is there something wrong?" The manager asked, fearing he
might have imposed a little too much.

"No, no, everything is fine." Josh assured him. "I just
wanted to ask you something if that's all right?"

"That's fine sir" The manager answered "How can I help you?"

"Well...I was just thinking" Josh said, "I'm guessing Paul's
picture is on that wall as well."

"It is sir" The manager confirmed.

"Well...I just wanted to ask you if you could put that picture
next to Paul's" Josh asked, he smiled while he said it.

"Off course sir." The manager smiled.

"Oh and one more thing..." Josh continued, " `Sir' stayed
home, please call me Josh"

"Off course si...ehm...Josh" The manager laughed. He was quite
surprised at how polite and mannered Paul was. You can be
sure, he had seen other celebrities that wouldn't know the
meaning of the word `polite' if their lives depended on it.

"What was that all about?" Paul asked after the manager had
left their table.

"Just thought it might be cool if the next time we come here
our pictures would remind us of tonight." Josh smiled.

Paul couldn't help but laugh, but he had to admit he liked
the idea as well. Five minutes later their diner was served.
Both guys enjoyed their meal very much. From time to time
they would glance over at each other with looks that
undeniably showed their love for each-other. After they had
finished eating, had some coffee and desert they decided it
was time to go  home. Paul paid for the both of them and
left a real generous tip on the table. During the drive home
they talked about the good time they had and other stuff.
About an half hour later they entered the apartment. They
hadn't even entered as the phone began to ring.

Paul walked to the ringing phone and answered...

  --  to be continued --


well that's it for this installment, keep an  eye out for
chapter 8 which should be up soon. Let me know what you
think: beer4myhorses@hotmail.com. Till next time folks