Pete stirred about his hotel room, lighting candles and incense, filling
the room with a sweet aroma of lavender and juniper. Everything had to be
perfect. Pink rose petals were scattered around the room, on the window seat,
the chairs, the bed. Pete paused to breathe in the sweet smell of incense,
before making his way to the bathroom. There were more candles line around
the bathtub, and the sink. He drew a warm bath, and added a few soothing oils
to the water. He left the bathroom and headed for his stereo where he put in
the Barry Manilow CD he'd just bought that day. He wasn't a big Manilow fan,
but Michael's favourite song was on that CD. And this was all for Michael.
    He and Michael hadn't been together in any manner since he left for ECW,
and now he wanted that all to change. He had invited his former commentating
colleague over, but didn't say for what. He sat on the edge of the bed, idly
regarding the bottle of red wine that sat chilled in a bucket of ice.
    "He won't show." Pete sighed, resting his head in his hands, his eyes now
studying the floor. "I bet he knows what I'm up to and won't show...because
he doesn't want me back.

*   *   *
    Michael kept checking himself in the mirror. He wanted to make sure he
looked good. He combed his hair repeatedly, and changed his shirt five
different times, eventually going with the first one he tried on.
    "Why am I doing this? He probably just wants to talk. Of course he just
wants to talk. It's over between us." He checked himself in the mirror again.
"Regardless, I have to look good for him. Maybe I can make him want me
again."
    He finally left his room, making his way down the hall to Pete's. He
stood in front of the door, contemplating whether he should knock, or just
walk away and forget about it. Finally he wrapped gently on the door.
    A minute or two passed before the door was opened to reveal Pete. The
reality of seeing Michael there aroused a nervousness in Pete that sent his
heart racing. Neither said a word, just stood there in an uneasy silence.
Pete was afraid to let him in, not knowing how his former lover would react
to the romantic setting.
    "Are you gonna let me in? Michael broke the silence with his inquiry.
    "Uh, yeah." Pete made no move to let him in. Michael raised his eyebrows,
questioning the other man's lack of movement. Pete blushed, and stepped
aside, letting Michael in.
    Michael walk in, looking around the dimly lit room, and inhaling the
sweet smell of lavender and juniper. He turned to Pete, who still stood by
the door.
    "Uh, are you...expecting company after me?"
    "No."
    "Then what's all this?"
    Pete ignored the question and took Michael by the hand, leading him into
the bathroom. He slipped a hand into the water to test its temperature, and
smiled to feel it was still warm. He turned back to Michael, and began to
slowly undress him.
    "Pete?"
    Soon Michael's clothes were all discarded to the floor. Pete assisted the
smaller man into the warmth and comfort of the tub. Michael couldn't keep a
smile from forming on his lips if he wanted to. He sank down into the water,
leaning back against the tub and closing his eyes. Pete walked out of the
bathroom and to his stereo. He found Michael's favourite song and pressed
play. He returned to the bathroom as the music began. He knelt beside the
tub, and began rubbing Michael's shoulders.

Time, you found time enough to love
And I found love enough to hold you
So tonight I'll stir the fire you feel inside
Until the flames of love enfold you
Layin' beside you lost in the feeling
So glad you opened my door, come with me
Somewhere in the night we will know
Everything lovers can know
You're my song, music too magic to end
I'll play you over and over again
Lovin' so warm, movin' so right
Closin' our eyes and feelin' alive
We'll just go on burnin' bright
Somewhere in the night

    Michael pulled away from Pete's touch, pulling himself to his knees and
turning around to face the Brooklyn native.
    "Why all this for me?"
    "Because," Pete placed a hand on the side of Michael's face and brought
their lips close together, "I love you." He claimed Michael's lips in a
passionate kiss, sliding his arms around the smaller man. They lost
themselves in the pleasure of the kissing for minutes before Pete pulled
away, standing up and helping Michael out of the tub. Pete lead Michael by
the hand into the candlelit room, not caring he was still wet. They fell
together on the bed, entangled in each other and their love.
 

You'll sleep when the mornin' comes
And I'll lie and watch you sleepin'
And you'll smile when you dream about the night
Like it's a secret you've been keepin'
Layin' beside you lost in the feeling
So glad you opened my door
You're my song, music too magic to end
I'll play you over and over again
Lovin' so warm, movin' so right
Closin' our eyes and feelin' alive
We'll just go on burnin' bright
Somewhere in the night

    They made love, sweet and tender. Pete planting loving kisses on every
inch of tender milky flesh that he could reach, thrusting in and out slowly,
savouring the intimacy. Michael smiled, wrapping his arms around his lover's
neck, tilting back his head as they both reached their peeks.
    Michael snuggled into Pete's warmth. Pete held his lover in a tight
embrace.
    "So, are we cool?" He asked.
    "Hm?" Michael looked up at him with tired eyes. "Yes. I love you, Pete. I
always will." Pete smiled and kissed his boyfriend's head gently.
    "I love you too."

We'll just go on burnin' bright
Somewhere in the night!!

The End.