Date: Sat, 23 Dec 2006 20:55:54 -0500
From: Miss Meehan <lilliluthor@hotmail.com>
Subject: Roman's Customizing - Chapter 17

Warnings and disclaimers: See chapter 1

Neither Joe nor Claire spoke to Matt the following morning. Even Andy could
sense something was wrong and was leery about approaching his brother.
Claire gave Joe some money to cover Matt's expenses and a few final
instructions. Matt felt like he was going off to prison or something and
Joe was his warden. He gave Andy a brief smile and ruffled his hair and
followed Joe downstairs and to the garage with his bags.  From the
conversation that went on around him, he understood that a friend was
bringing Joe's bike for the race and that they'd meet up in Indianapolis.

Matt quietly got into the car for what was supposed to be a ten hour plus
drive according to map quest. He knew it would feel like longer than that
if Joe continued to give him the cold shoulder. It was only four in the
morning, but Joe insisted on leaving early to make up for the day he'd lost
because of yesterday's events. Matt wondered how Kristin and Jim were
doing. He hoped that at some point he could call Kristin just to let her
know where he was and find out if Jim's father had laid into him for what
had taken place.

They made a brief stop at Dunkin Donuts. Joe got out of the car without
even asking Matt what he wanted. Twenty minutes later Joe returned with
four cups of coffee, a dozen donuts and an assortment of bagels toasted
with butter and a few with cream cheese. He also purchased two thermoses
and Matt sat quietly while Joe filled the tumblers with the additional
coffees and placed them in the cup holders.

He handed Matt one of the remaining cups and told him to take whatever else
he wanted from the bag. `Well at least he's talking to me,' Matt thought,
even though his former lover's demeanor hadn't changed. They stopped next
at a gas station and Joe filled the car up. He disappeared inside and
emerged with another bag full of snack foods.

"We're not stopping for a while, so this will have to tide you over."

Matt looked around the car. They had enough food to have included Lloyd on
the trip. Matt wasn't sure if Joe was trying to break the ice or just being
practical and keeping them on the road for as long as he could. Matt stared
out the window sipping his coffee and wondering how long he could take
being cooped up in this car with his lover not speaking to him. He wanted
to say something but he was afraid he'd come off whiny and whimpy. He
wanted Joe to know he wasn't happy about the situation he was in either. He
had every intention of letting Joe walk out of his life. He hated that the
man beside him thought he'd orchestrated the whole thing just to be with
him. He just needed to find the words to say, even if it meant being put
out of the car.

He must have fallen asleep because when he opened his eyes, his coffee was
gone and his face was pressed against the passenger side window. It took a
while for Matt to realize that the car wasn't moving. His neck was stiff
and when he finally straightened up and got his bearings, he saw Joe
returning with even more food to the car.

He watched his brother slide in carefully to the driver's side.

"Why don't you go use the restroom and freshen up a bit. I got some burgers
and fries."

Matt opened the passenger side door and shut it gently, looking back as he
went.. He hurried to the men's room taking care of business and after
washing his hands and splashing some cold water on his face. He had a
horrible feeling that when he returned to the place where Joe was parked,
he'd find the car gone. He hurried out past the maze of fast-food
restaurants and weary travelers stumbling through the doors. He was
relieved to find Joe leaning against the passenger side waiting for him.

He actually let out a sigh of relief and he assumed Joe must have seen it
because the man was shaking his head and chuckling just a bit. Matt walked
up to him and couldn't help himself. He threw his arms around Joe not
caring who was watching, kissing his neck and whispering `I'm sorry"
against it. It was when he felt Joe's arms come up around his waist and
gently stroke his back that he knew things would be better.

"It's okay Mattie," and Matt sighed hearing his pet name again. "None of
this is your fault. I thought ...I thought I was doing what was best for
you."

Joe held him tighter and kissed the younger boy's hair. "Look, I've been
thinking, this summer might be the chance for us to finally be alone
together."

Matt looked up at him, eyes red and swollen with tears. "You mean that?"

"Yeah, I do. Whatever happened between you and that guy doesn't matter. I
know it wouldn't have happened if I hadn't pushed you away. I'm so sorry
Mattie."

Joe looked around realizing they were beginning to attract
attention. "Let's get out of here; I have a surprise for you."

By twelve noon, they were pulling into the Holiday Inn on Erieside Avenue
in Cleveland, Ohio. Matt's mouth dropped opened when they passed the Rock
and Roll Hall of Fame.

"I thought you needed to be in Indianapolis?" Matt asked, not wanting Joe
to sacrifice his practice time for him.

"I was planning to make this stop anyway. We'll get a room, visit the
museum and spend the rest of the night alone together and this time,
nothing will interrupt us."

Matt resisted the urge to kiss the man again. Instead he grabbed his bags
and followed Joe in. There room ended up being one of the ones on the outer
courtyard facing the parking which suited Joe just fine. He drove around to
park closer and then gave Matt the bags while he hauled their food in. When
he made it up the landing, Matt was leaning over the railing waiting for
him. He grabbed some stuff from his hands and backed into the room like an
excited puppy.

Joe kicked the door closed and before he even had the bags of remaining
food down on the dresser, Matt was in his arms again, kissing him fiercely
like he hadn't seen him in years. Joe managed to release the items and let
them fall gently to the table. He lifted the boy up and carried him back
towards one of the two full size beds. Joe slid Matt slowly down his body
and pushed him back on the bed.

"I'm going to make it up to you Mattie." Joe knelt between his legs and
kissed him through the denim.

Matt's feet were planted on the floor and he spread himself wider for his
brother.

"Fresh start," Joe murmured, undoing his brother's fly. "New beginning," he
added, extracting his prize."

They never made it the museum that night, instead Joe reclaimed his brother
and for the first time beneath tangled sheets, they slept peacefully
nestled together, without fear of having to leave each other by morning
light. Joe's best efforts to free the boy landed him right back where he'd
run from. Joe devised a new scheme before sleep hit; make this summer the
best Mattie ever had.