Richie sat at the table and held his phone in front of him, his mom's voice emitting from the other end on speakerphone. "Richard, it's been too long since I heard your voice. How's my favorite son?"

He glanced at his phone, the weight of the recent events heavy on his shoulders. His fingers caressed the bottle that was his only hope of solace. "Hey, Ma. I've been better, you know?"

Joan's voice softened. "What's going on? You sound troubled."

Richie hesitated, unsure of where to begin. He sat back in the chair and stared absently up at the ceiling. "It's just... everything's a mess right now. The band, my personal life. It's all falling apart. I royally screwed up things with David."

His mother sighed on the other end, concern evident in her voice from her son's slurring. "Oh, honey, I'm sorry to hear that. What happened?"

"I cheated on him with Jon," he confessed, taking a long deep swig from the whiskey bottle. "I could have stopped it but I didn't." Joan fell silent for a moment, absorbing the weight of her son's admission.

When she spoke again, her voice was filled with a mixture of empathy and motherly concern. "Oh, Richard. I wish you had talked to me sooner. Relationships can be complicated, and mistakes happen. But it's important to be honest and open about your feelings."

"Yeah, I know, Ma," Richie sighed, his guilt palpable in the tears that threatened to fall. "I messed up big time. David found out and now he won't even talk to me. I feel like I'm losing everything, including my sanity."

Joan sighed, her maternal instincts kicking in. "Sweetheart, relationships can be repaired if both parties are willing to work through the issues. Have you tried talking to David? Apologizing and being honest about your feelings might be a good first step."

Richie nodded, even though his mother couldn't see it. "I tried, but he's so hurt and angry, and...I don't blame him. I'm a piece of shit, Ma. I just wish I could go back and undo all the mistakes I've made."

His mother's voice was gentle but firm. "We can't change the past, Richard, but we can learn from it. Take responsibility for your actions, and give David the space he needs. If it means he doesn't want to be with you, respect that."

"I know, Ma. I just don't know how to fix this mess."

Joan offered a comforting, yet tough love tone of a Jersey mother. "Pouring all your energy into regret and alcohol won't change what happened."

"I wish it could," Richie muttered, his grip on the whiskey bottle tightening. "I just never thought I'd mess things up this badly."

"Life is full of surprises, some good and some challenging," Joan replied. "But you're stronger than you think. Focus on rebuilding yourself, and the rest will follow. And don't forget, I'm here for you, no matter what."

Richie managed a weak smile. "Thanks, Ma. I appreciate that."

"Of course, sweetheart. Now, promise me you'll take care of yourself. And remember, time has a way of healing wounds."

"I'll try," Richie said, his voice more determined.

Joan reassured him, "You will. Take it one step at a time. And don't be too hard on yourself. We all make mistakes, but it's how we grow from them that matters."

"How's Dad doing?" Richie asked, desperate to change the subject. "I was planning on flying home to visit you two next week."

"He's still in the hospital. Doctor's said the pneumonia is spreading into his other lung," Joan said in a forced calm. "I know he'd love to see you."

"Jesus Christ," Richie groaned. "I'll be there next week, if not sooner."

"The sooner the better, please, sweetheart. I don't...," Joan's voice faltered, "The doctors don't know how much longer he's got." The last sentence came out in barely a whisper.

The conversation took a somber turn as Richie processed the news about his father. The weight of his mistakes now seemed to pale in comparison to the health struggles his family was facing.

"I had no idea, Ma. Why didn't you tell me sooner about Dad?" Richie's concern for his father overshadowed his own turmoil.

Joan sighed, the weariness evident in her voice. "We didn't want to burden you, especially with everything going on in your life. But your father would love to see you. It might lift his spirits."

Richie ran a hand through his hair, torn between the chaos in his personal life and the impending health crisis in his family. "I'll change my plans. I'll be there as soon as I can. We'll figure things out together. Tell Dad I'm comin' home."

Joan's voice softened with gratitude. "Thank you, sweetheart. Your father will be glad to have you by his side. Family is what matters most, especially in tough times. I'm about to make myself a small supper but let me know when you'll be flying in."

"I will...I love you, Ma," Richie sighed, finding a second bottle of whiskey in his bag and tossing the cap towards the trash can.

"We love you too, Richard."

The conversation with his mom lingered in Richie's mind long after he hung up. He could hear the faint moans and cries from David's room two doors down. Both David's and...a female.

Must be Lexi, he thought. Of course it would be her.

Richie turned on the TV and upped the volume until the moans were drowned out. It provided a temporary distraction, but the weight of guilt and regret lingered. The room felt suffocating, the dim light casting shadows on the walls.

He took another swig of whiskey, contemplating the mess he had made of his life. A knock came at the door and he rushed over, opening it hopefully. Jon stood there looking disheveled and rumpled.

"Mind if I come in? I can't sleep," Jon asked.

"Sure," Richie answered shortly and backed away, allowing Jon into the room.

Jon entered, glancing around the dimly lit room. The tension between them was palpable. Richie closed the door, and for a moment, silence hung in the air.

Jon broke it first. "Look, Rich...I know things are messed up. Don't!" he said, holding up his hand when Richie began to protest, "Let me say this, okay? Please." He scrubbed his hand over his face. "I didn't mean for any of this to happen. I never wanted to come between you and Lema."

"Bullshit, Jonny," Richie slurred, running a hand through his hair and taking a swig of the new bottle. "Now everything's a fuckin' mess."

"How long have you been drinking tonight?"

"Fuck do you care?" Richie snapped. "Better than listening to Dave fucking Lexi."

Jon sighed, the weariness evident in his expression. "Richie, we need to talk about this. Ignoring the problem won't make it go away."

"Talk about what, Jon? How I messed up everything? How I hurt Lema, destroyed my relationship with him, and now I can't even face him without drowning in guilt?" Richie's frustration and self-loathing were palpable.

Jon ran a hand through his hair, a gesture mirroring Richie's earlier one. "I get it. This is all such a shambles, and we're all hurting. But avoiding the issues won't fix anything. We need to figure out how to move forward."

Richie scoffed, bitterness lacing his tone. "Move forward? There's no moving forward from this. I've screwed up too much."

"C'mon, babe," Jon changed his tone to one of simpering sweetness. He reached out and caressed Richie's cheek. "Just sit and talk to me."

Richie flinched away from Jon's touch, the tenderness of the gesture contrasting sharply with the chaos in his mind. "Don't 'babe' me, Jon. This isn't some soap opera where we can just talk it out and everything magically gets better."

Jon's hand covered Richie's on the bottle and he gently pulled it away, setting it on the table. He then muted the TV. "Rich...look at me...," Richie, compelled by some unknown force, looked into Jon's eyes. "Listen for a minute...." Silence. Moans. Lexi cried out in pleasure. David groaned. Tico yelling for them to shut up. "Doesn't sound like he's wallowing in self-pity. Why should you?"

"Jonny...."

Jon stepped forward and hesitated, nose to nose with Richie. He pressed their lips together, fingers tangling in Richie's hair. Richie resisted for a moment, but then gave in, allowing himself a moment of solace before reality set in.

The kiss was soft and gentle, the taste of Jon's lips familiar and comforting. Richie closed his eyes, momentarily forgetting his troubles. But the moment was short-lived, and Richie pulled away, his chest heaving with emotion.

"Jon, we can't... I can't," Richie stammered, his conflicted feelings written across his face. "This won't fix anything."

Jon's expression mirrored Richie's turmoil, but he persisted. "Maybe not, but we can't change what's already happened." His fingers trailed down to Richie's shorts, teasing the drawstring. "We can choose how we move forward, though."

Richie took a step back, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. "Jon, I can't just pretend everything is okay."

Jon sighed, frustration evident in his eyes. "I'm not asking you to pretend, Richie. I'm asking you to take a moment for yourself, away from the chaos, away from the guilt. Just be in the present."

Richie considered Jon's words, feeling the weight of his guilt and regret. But he took a deep breath and nodded, trying to focus on the here and now.

"Jus' be...," he slurred.

He allowed Jon to lead him over to the bed and laid back into the pillows. Jon climbed onto the bed and straddled Richie's thighs, slowly rolling his hips against his lover. He pulled the sweetest moan from Richie's lips.

"That's it, baby. Just relax...."

Richie let himself get lost in the moment, letting Jon's touch soothe his troubled mind. He could feel the tension begin to dissipate, and for a moment, he forgot about his troubles. But then, the moans and groans from the other room intruded upon his reverie, and Richie's guilt resurfaced with a vengeance.

But Jon was ready and picked up the remote, turning up the TV volume once more. "Just ignore it, babe. Let's just enjoy the moment."

Jon kissed down Richie's body, trailing his lips and tongue over his chest and stomach. Richie closed his eyes, feeling the warmth of Jon's body and the pleasure that came with it. "Jonny...."

"Hmm?" Jon moaned, teasing that drawstring again with his teeth. He made a show of untying it, slowly pulling the shorts down to reveal Richie's erect cock. "You like that, baby?"

Richie nodded, pleasure coursing through his body. "Jonny.... Don't stop."

"Never, babe. Now let me take care of you," Jon cooed, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he tossed the shorts onto the floor. He straightened up on his knees and peeled his shirt off, Richie licking his lips at the sight of Jon's tight abs and the perfect V that disappeared into his pants.

Jon slowly began to unbutton his pants, his eyes never leaving Richie's. He leaned in, pressing his lips to Richie's ear. "What do you want, babe?"

Richie hesitated for a moment, unsure how to answer. But then, an image of David flashed through his mind, and he knew what he wanted. "I want you, Jonny. I want you to make me forget my pain."

"Mmm...good answer, baby," Jon cooed. "I can do that for you." He reached down and slowly stroked Richie's cock, the man's body responding to his touch and hardening.

"Jonny, please...," Richie moaned, arching into the touch and his hands fiddling with Jon's pants until his cock sprung out at him. He looked his new lover in the eye, rubbing the tips together and stroking them in tandem.

The pleasure was intense, and Richie was unable to control himself. Jon leaned in, pressing his lips to Richie's in a hungry kiss. His hips moved in sync with Richie's hand, their cocks rubbing together.

"Mmm, goddamnit, you're sexy, baby...," Jon let out a low growl and rolled his hips against Richie's, stretching to push his pants off.

They were thrown into the corner, forgotten.

Their bodies moved together, lost in a passion that they both needed desperately. The room filled with moans and gasps, and Richie could feel himself getting closer to the edge. He forced Jon to still, his breathing heavy and desperate.

"Fuck, Jonny...." He rolled them over, Jon sinking back into the mattress.

Richie looked down at Jon, their eyes locked. Their lips met in a deep, passionate kiss, and Richie could feel the fire between them grow hotter. He pushed Jon's legs apart and dipped his head down, lips sliding over the lead singer's cock.

"That's it, baby," Jon groaned.

His tongue circled the tip, teasing Jon with gentle swirls. Jon let out a low moan, the sound mingling with the moans from the other room. Richie took Jon's cock in his mouth, slowly sliding his lips down the shaft until he was deep-throating him.

Jon's hands tangled in his hair, urging him on.

Lower and lower he explored, his tongue teasing Jon's sweet hole. Jon writhed beneath him, begging for more. His back arched as Richie spit on his hole and pressed a finger inside, eliciting a gasp from Jon.

"So sweet, Jonny..."

Jon was panting now, his fingers digging into the mattress. "I'm yours, baby...fuck, I'm yours."

Richie moved his head up and down, licking back up Jon's balls and shaft. He locked eyes on Jon and reached over to the table for the small bottle of lube. Cool, thick liquid dripped onto Jon's asshole, Richie's fingers spreading it thoroughly.

He curled his fingers up against Jon's prostate and the man nearly came off the bed. "You like that, Jonny? Is this what you wanted? Me all to yourself?"

"Yes, baby, please...."

Richie pressed his two fingers in deeper, working Jon's prostate relentlessly. The man's moans grew louder and more desperate, his body trembling with pleasure. Richie continued to tease him, enjoying the sound of Jon's pleasure.

Finally, Jon couldn't take it anymore. He reached down, grabbing Richie's cock and guiding it towards his hole. Richie pushed in slowly, easing his way in until he was fully sheathed in Jon's ass.

The pleasure was intense, and Richie couldn't help but let out a low groan. Jon pushed down against him, their bodies moving together in a slow rhythm. Richie began to thrust, his movements becoming faster and faster. Jon's moans filled the room, and Richie felt himself getting closer and closer to climax.

As he neared the edge, Richie slowed his movements, trying to keep himself in check. "Jonny...I can't...hold back much longer...," he gasped, his voice strained.

"Don't!" he moaned. "I want you to come inside me. Fill me up, baby...."

Richie lost control, thrusting wildly into Jon's ass. His orgasm was intense, and he could feel his seed filling Jon's body, and leaking out with each subsequent thrust. When he was truly spent, he collapsed on top of him, gasping for breath. Jon wrapped his arms around him, pulling him into a hug.

"Mmm, does that feel better, babe?" Jon asked in his ear.

"I have to go home, Jonny."

Jon looked over curiously and his lips twitched. "Because of this?"

"My Dad. Mom said he doesn't have long," Richie confessed, his fingers toying with Jon's chest hair.

"When do you need to leave?"

"Tomorrow," Richie answered, "Plan on taking a red eye back to Jersey."

"I understand," Jon said. "I'll miss you, though. Take all the time you need, baby."

"I'll miss you too, Jonny." Richie leaned in and kissed him gently. He rolled out of bed and schlepped to the table, grabbing his bottle and draining it.

Jon sat up a little and scowled at Richie. "You know drinking won't solve anything."

"No...but it'll help me sleep at night," Richie replied.

Jon sighed and laid back down on the bed, turning his gaze to the open door. He could hear the sounds of passion coming from David's room, and his lips quirked into a smirk. He glanced over at Richie, who was still drinking, and shook his head.

"You're a mess, babe."

Richie looked over at Jon, his eyes still a little glazed from the alcohol. "I know," he said softly. "But I can't stay here. Not with all this going on."

"We'll get through this, baby. I promise."

Richie finished off his drink and placed the bottle on the table. He stood up and crawled back into bed with Jon. They lay there, holding each other close, feeling each other's warmth.

*~*~*

The sun rose over the city, casting a golden glow over the streets. David woke up with a start, his hangover making his head pound. He looked around, disoriented for a moment, before remembering where he was. He glanced at Lexi, who was sleeping peacefully beside him.

Their night together had been passionate and intense, and both of them had slept like the dead. David stretched, his muscles sore and achy from the exertion. He looked down at Lexi, who was curled up beside him, her face serene.

From the sounds of last night, Richie had tried to forget the pain as much as he had.

It was over. It was truly over with Richie.

David took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. He knew it was time to face reality and move on. He gently shook Lexi awake, and she rolled over, her eyes still sleepy.

"What time is it?" she asked, her voice muffled by the pillow.

"It's around six," David replied, sitting up in bed. "We should get up and get ready or else we'll miss the morning call."

"But I don't want to get up," she complained and buried her head in the pillow. "I want to stay here and cuddle with you all day."

David chuckled and shook his head, making his way over to the sink. "No can do, babe. It's travel day...meaning lots of airplane time."

"And lots of Sambora. Fine, fine," she muttered. Lexi reluctantly climbed out of bed and stretched, her muscles stiff and sore.

"Did you sleep well?" David asked, handing her a glass of water with a gentle smile.

"Yeah, I did," she said, taking a sip. "But I think my hangover might be worse than yours."

David nodded and rubbed his temples, feeling the throbbing pain. "What can I say? I have the tolerance of a prize fighter."

Lexi giggled and made her way into the bathroom, shutting the door behind her. David sat there for a moment, trying to clear his head. He was feeling a mix of emotions, but sadness was the most prominent. He knew he was doing the right thing by ending things with Richie, but it still hurt.

How could he throw away seven years for one of Jon's charming smiles?

But he had to put his feelings aside and focus on the task at hand. He needed to pack and prepare for his trip. As he started to sort through his belongings, he heard a loud crash from the bathroom. He rushed over, his heart pounding.

As he opened the door, he saw Lexi standing in front of the sink, a look of horror on her face. The mirror was shattered, and water was dripping onto the floor. Lexi looked like she was about to collapse, and David quickly caught her in his arms.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice panicked.

Lexi nodded, but her body was shaking. "I was just washing my face and the next moment, I'm falling," she said, her voice trembling. "I'm sorry, David. I'll clean it up."

David shook his head, his heart still pounding. "It's okay, Lexi. Just take it easy." He helped her sit down on the toilet, and he grabbed a cloth to clean up the water.

"Ondrea left. Said this wasn't what she signed up for," Lexi confessed, tearing up as the words left her lips.

"Fuck, Lex...I'm sorry."

As he mopped up the mess, he felt his inner demon sit up and sniff hopefully at the air.

She may not have known it, but she was more than just a travel companion. She was his friend and a lover. And no matter what happened, he knew that she would be there for him. But could it be more with Ondrea out of the picture?

He hated himself for thinking that way.

Lexi stripped quickly and climbed into the shower, her quiet sobs fading with the steam. He left her to finish and to give her some space.

When both were showered and packed, they met Tico, Hugh and Jon downstairs. Jon was busy on the phone, looking a little too giddy and David noticed that Richie was missing.

"Where is he?" David asked the guys. Tico and Hugh shrugged and it was obvious Jon was making extra effort to avoid the question. He hung up the phone and proceeded to type...something. "Jon?"

"What's up, Lema?"

"Don't 'what's up, Lema' me," David snapped. "Where's Richie?"

"Thought you didn't care," Jon said with a grin. "He's fine and in better hands now. Just worry about your little girlfriend and leave the rest to me."

David lunged for Jon but Lexi's hand on his arm stopped him. "Let's just get in the car, D. He's not worth it."

"Don't forget who signs your paychecks, Quaas," Jon said in a threatening tone. Lexi threw him a dirty look and escorted David away from the conflict.

"I just wanna know where he is," David said quietly.

"I know, but you know how Jon is," Lexi reasoned. "Eventually he'll spill the beans. Try calling Richie if it would make you feel better."

David nodded and pulled out his phone, dialing Richie's number. The phone went unanswered, and he hung up with a sigh. He knew it was pointless to try and get in touch with him. Jon had made sure of that. But he still couldn't help but feel a lingering sense of guilt and regret.

"You know...the airport is thirty minutes away," Lexi cooed, her hand trailing down between David's thighs. "And the windows ARE tinted..."

David looked at her with a smirk, ignoring the knot in his stomach. "What's going through that head of yours?"

She crawled onto the floor and spread his legs, fiddling with his belt and zipper. "Just thinking we could have some fun while we're stuck here," she said, looking up at him with a playful grin. "I mean, it's not like we have anything else to do besides wallow in our heartbreak. And who wants to do that?"

"You always know just what I need, babygirl."

David's heart was still heavy, but he couldn't help but feel a tingle of excitement as Lexi undid his pants and slid her hand inside. Warm and soft. She squeezed him and elicited a groan, setting him free of his confines.

As he closed his eyes, he could almost forget about Richie for a moment. Until memories of Richie on his knees were conjured up. Richie...Lexi... Either way, he wasn't going to pass up the offer.

Lexi's lips pressed softly against shaft, her tongue darting out to swirl around the thick vein and tip. She moved her hand faster, her movements becoming more urgent. David leaned into her, feeling the warmth of her mouth around him.

As the passion built, he felt the tension in his body release. He leaned back, his hands tangled in her hair as she took him into her mouth. Her movements were fluid and in sync with his, her tongue and lips working in unison to drive him wild.

He felt himself nearing the edge, and Lexi seemed to sense it too. She pulled back slightly, her breath hot against his skin. "Do you want to come in my mouth?" she asked, her voice soft and sultry. "I wanna taste you, baby."

"God yes," he gasped, unable to form a coherent sentence. She took him back in, deeper this time, and he let out an involuntary moan as he hit his peak. She swallowed around him, milking him for every last drop. When he finally slumped back onto the seat, Lexi curled up beside him, her body warm and content.

"You're right. That was exactly what I needed," David said, still trying to catch his breath. "Think you'll be up for more on the plane?"

"Why wait for the plane?" Lexi asked, slipping from her panties and laying back into her seat. She lifted her skirt to show herself off to David who licked his lips. "Come here, baby...make me feel better too."