Fallen From Graceland

Chapter 1

*~*Tour Soundcheck - Chicago 2004*~*

Another grumpy day with Jon, another soundcheck, David thought to himself as he adjusted his setup. Jon had kept Richie busy nonstop so they had no chance of sneaking off together. If he could meet up with Richie after the show then all the better, possibly even salvage a small part of this special day. It wasn't every day that David could spend Valentine's Day with someone who actually loved him.

Thoughts of last night still lingered on his mind and made him smile slightly. His body shivered at the memory of Richie's smooth skin against his, his own hands exploring him, touching every inch of him, loving every part of him. Richie's fingertips traced his lips and down his cheek, their bodies pressed together.

David could feel his breath hitch as he remembered the way Richie had filled him up, his cock throbbing with need as he imagined his lover's hands wrapped around it again. He shifted uncomfortably behind his setup, trying to ignore the ache in his groin as the sound of Jon's voice pierced his thoughts.

"Lema, are you listening to me?" Jon asked, his tone impatient.

"With ya," Dave replied simply.

Though he felt bad that they were both lying to Jon and the band, he really didn't see any other option. Six years had seen Richie and Dave grow closer as lovers while somehow maintaining secrecy. Maybe he was wondering this lately because he couldn't stand the lying and deceit. It wasn't that Jon was a bad guy. He was just...not understanding.

Something had to give, either they settle the matter of keeping their band together or they finally go all in and come clean to everyone. Yes, the first part was fun and all, but all this lying and sneaking around wasn't doing much for him. And David worried it was starting to affect his friendships with the other guys.

He glanced up when Richie practiced his solo for Living in Sin, lost in those nimble fingers dancing over the guitar strings in the same way they did down his neck and chest. Every night of touring since 2000, they'd sneak over to the other's suite to enjoy their lover's company and pleasure.

Everything revolved around the band, right? David had to consider that maybe this too would imperil their long-standing partnership. What David wanted was a straight answer one way or another because the worst thing he figured they could do was continue this façade and risk losing everything.

His relationship, the band, all of it. But those two words kept going through his mind: What if?

Maybe the worst thing that would happen is people re-categorize the band and their music was no longer sellable. But that was a slippery slope, one that Jon seemed keen on sliding down. Every step he took in stripping away his own gayness disgusted David. Maybe he could lay it all out there for the world to see and they still make it, just... differently.

"Earth to Lema, come in Lema," Jon's distant voice resonated with him, his thoughts fading out.

Dave shook his head. "What was that? Sorry..."

Jon furrowed his brow at him in confusion. "Are you OK, man? It sounded like you were a million miles away."

With a sigh, David shoved his trembling hands through his hair and breathed in deeply, "Yeah...sorry."

"I was asking if we could go over The Distance again. Richie's taking the lead tonight on I'll Be There for You so you're on background vocals."

Uncomfortably aware of Jon's expectant stare, Dave swallowed heavily. "Yeah. Yeah sure," he replied quietly.

"You seem distracted," Jon said as he joined him in the wings. "Is there something you'd like to talk about?"

David shrugged. "No. Just... you know. Work stuff."