Warning: Slash, language, sex.

Disclaimer: See chapter one.

Feedback: Please.

AN: *big sigh of relief* It's finished. Simple ending to a very complicated story. A big thank you to everyone who read this and reviewed. You have no idea how much it helped me finish this massive pain in the ass. Two years from the rough draft to this. Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

epilogue

permission

Nathen

two months later

"Nathen."

I looked away from the parking lot entrance, turning to face Matt as I continued to nibble at my thumbnail. "What?"

Matt grabbed my wrist, pulling my hand away from my mouth. "Stop that. You're fucking up your hands."

I glanced down at my thumb, wincing at the sight of blood. "Oops."

Subtly hiding my self-injured thumb from Matt—he really doesn't need to be sick—I returned my focus back to the road, squinting in the morning sunlight as I waited for the appearance of a very familiar car. I heard him sigh, his grip on my wrist tightening minutely before he released my hand.

"Don't worry, Nate. He'll be here."

"I know."

He chuckled. "Then why are you a freaking nervous wreck if you know he's coming?"

I shrugged. "I don't know."

"You're hopeless."

"I'm hopeless?" I looked at Matt, smiling wickedly. "You're one to talk."

He blushed brightly because he knows he really has no right to comment on my nervousness and supposed hopelessness when he's spending most of his time literally attached to Kayne's hip.

Two days after Jaisyn and I reached a new agreement concerning our relationship, Kayne showed up on our doorstep, crumpled directions in one hand and the obvious need for a stiff drink written all over his face, no doubt Jaisyn's doing. Unfortunately for Kayne, we had none of the latter and he had to have the big conversation with Matt completely sober. Unable to hide my smirk, I'd left them alone to talk. Three hours later, I found them making out on the kitchen table and they've been together ever since.

One night, some weeks ago, Kayne finally explained to me what happened in the bathroom—damn—and why he not-so-suddenly broke off a two year relationship with a woman to be with someone who doesn't share the same…qualities. His explanation centered around the fact that he's messed around with guys before—something that Jaisyn still doesn't know about—and he's finally accepted the fact that he likes being with men, that he likes being with Matt and he's done with "the bitch". It's all very cute: in a confusing, what-the-hell-type of way.

Now, the guy has all but moved in with us, freely taking over Matt's bedroom and our living room with his discs and equipment. God knows how many times I've stubbed my poor toes on the numerous crates he's left lying around the house. Even though I've told him to move them countless times, he doesn't do a damn thing because he's too busy sticking his tongue down my best friend's throat.

Fortunately, every now and then, he'll stay with Jaisyn and his brother—who doesn't like this situation at all—giving me some time to get over the sight of the two of them together. At first it was nice to see Matt happy; now, I can't help but gag at the total lovey-dovey image they create. I know I'm not that bad because Jaisyn can't stand it either.

I was pulled out of my thoughts when Matt tugged insistently at my arm while jumping up and down like a little kid who'd just gotten a new toy. I bit back a groan.

"I guess that means Kayne's here."

Sure enough, I glanced up to see Kayne and Jaisyn getting out of Jaisyn's car; Kayne having eyes only for Matt while Jaisyn searched a bit before finding me, a smile appearing on it's own as our gazes met. His hair was down, not pulled back, and to my amazement, he wasn't wearing the blue contacts that had almost become a necessity for the past few months; the need to cover up the natural color a clue to the fact he's not truly accepted who he really is. He was wearing jeans and a plain t-shirt, very simply dressed. I can't believe he still manages to take my breath away, but he does.

God, he's so fucking beautiful.

Matt tugged at my arm once more, turning to look at me with a big grin stretching his lips, giddily stating the obvious.

"Jaisyn's here, too."

Without another word, he left my side, sprinting across the parking lot to jump into the arms of his lover, his legs wrapping around him as their lips met. Jaisyn kept walking towards me, ignoring the happy, very close to fucking in public couple when he passed them. As he approached, his smile became shy, almost sad, and he stopped before me, a hand reaching up to tuck a strand of his hair behind his ear. I followed the gesture with my own hand, fingers gently curling around his.

"Hey."

"I swear I don't know them."

Laughing, he glanced over his shoulder at the couple, who were just beginning to extricate themselves from each other.

"He's all Kayne would talk about on the drive over." He returned his attention back to me, his hands smoothing my t-shirt as his arms wrapped around my waist. "He's still pissed at Abe for keeping him away from his—and I quote—sweetie last night."

"He really calls him that?"

Jaisyn nodded. "But don't tell him I told you that because he'll kill me."

I smiled, my hands tangling in his hair as I pulled him close for kiss, heart doing a little flip-flop as our lips met. It was slow, gentle, and sweet: everything I've tried to be during the past few weeks. I don't think anyone would believe me if I told them that last night was the first time I've slept with Jaisyn in two months. After what happened at Jake's house that night, we both decided to take it slow and in a sense, start over; taking the time to get to know each other and learn what makes the other tick.

We've gone out to dinner and movies countless times and I now know why he doesn't like to watch sappy movies and that he likes to make bread from scratch; he knows I like to spend at least one day a week doing nothing but cooking and that I don't like to be touched in certain places. We don't know each other as much as we could but we're getting there, even if it is a slow journey.

He sighed as I pulled away from the kiss, lips brushing faintly before I backed off completely to smooth the hair I'd mussed with my fingers and to move my hands to his back, rubbing out the slight tension I felt in his muscles. The arms wrapped around my waist tightened, and I rested my forehead against his, reassuringly smiling down at him.

"Just remember: you'll be on the tour in five weeks."

"I know."

"It's not that long."

He shook his head. "No, it's not."

I felt a hesitant tap on my shoulder and I looked away from Jaisyn to see Erik standing at my side, his daughter Gabriella in his arms. Jaisyn reached out to run a hand through her blonde curls as Erik cleared his throat.

"Time to go. Jake's starting to get pissy."

"Okay."

Erik turned to leave and Ella waved to Jaisyn over his shoulder, her blue eyes sparkling. I laughed quietly, looking back down at my lover.

"She so has you wrapped around her little finger."

He sighed, the sound content. "I know."

I took his hands in mine, squeezing tightly. "Well."

"I guess this is it."

"Yeah."

He leaned forward, kissing me firmly and thoroughly, tongue tangling with mine for a few breathless moments before he ended the contact.

"Call me when you reach Sacramento?"

I nodded, not trusting my voice enough to utter any coherent words. Although, there wasn't much left to be said; we got it all out last night. I know he'll miss me and he knows I'll miss him. Pure and simple.

He smiled, released my hands and gently pushed me towards the tour bus I shared with the rest of the guys, a smile appearing as I backed away. I stumbled and he laughed, informing me with a motion of his hand that I should turn around. I followed his advice and watched him over my shoulder as I walked away, looking forward every few steps to make sure I wasn't going to trip and fall on my ass.

Kayne slapped me on the back as he passed me by, uttering a low good-bye through clenched teeth before he moved to stand next to Jaisyn, who stood with his hands in his back pockets. I reached the steps of the bus, turning one last time to wave goodbye; Jaisyn mirrored the gesture, waving with a flick of his fingers.

"Bye."

He smiled, mouthing the word back to me.

Taking a deep breath to steady myself and my suddenly unruly emotions, I turned and leaped up onto the bus, offering a comforting hug to Matt as the door closed behind me with a hiss.

End.

And I mean it this time.

I've got—at least—three stories in the works: two concerning Kayne and Matt, the third having something to do with Jaisyn. Maybe I'll throw Nathen in there somewhere.