AU. after eight years, louis finally has everything he's wanted. except for harry.

**NOTE: This is a short story I wrote up real quick. But it is actually part of a series that will continue.** Joey takes a hard blow to the heart when long-time boyfriend - Doug - suddenly dumps him during their anniversary vacation, leaving him stranded without money or a way to get home. Deciding he doesn't want to go home-ever-Joey takes to the highway where he is quickly picked up by the ruggedly handsome redneck, Owen-an older man who helps Joey forget about his heartache and pain, and helps Joey understand that he is strong enough to make it on his own, he doesn't need Doug to take care of him. Seeking to escape his own pain through intense sexual encounters, Joey takes to the road, always in search of his next "fix"-unaware of his true destiny that lies within.

A typical hike to a mountain cabin turns to much more for best friends Nate Westfall and Kyle Haney. Nate's secret love for his 'straight' friend has been simmering for eight years, held down for fear of destroying their lifelong friendship. But when Kyle starts to drink, he begins to 'play' with Nate in a way that Nate finds frustrating and difficult to resist. As Kyle pushes him over the edge and he can no longer hide his desire for the man, he begins to realize there is more to Kyle's unusual behavior than meets the eye. Unexpected emotions boil over in the young man and for a brief moment it seems all of Nate's dreams of being with Kyle are coming true - until he is dealt a blow to his heart that shatters their friendship. In despair after his falling out with Kyle, Nate is certain that his life couldn't get any worse, that the pain in his heart couldn't possibly be any more excruciating and unbearable, convinced that 'anything' would be better than this. Until he reads the letter that Kyle left behind, and Nate finds himself thrust into a depth of hell and anguish that he is convinced no human being is equipped to survive.

Luke and Ashton used to be best friends. They were inseparable. High school came and they faded apart. Two weeks into their freshman year, they stopped taking altogether. Yet every single night, they texted each other "goodnight." What happens when Ashton just can't handle it anymore? warnings: swearing, depression, suicidal thoughts/actions, self-harm.