Legal disclaimer: this is fiction. I am not implying that any members of NSync are gay. This is totally made up. If you're under-age or there are other laws keeping you from reading this kinda stuff, then don't do it, for your own sake and for our's.
Auhtour's note: up to chapter eight! And still much more to come. Let's see, I just want to say hi to some people. First of all Dayse and Mich, because without you girls I probably never would have had the nerve to post this story at Nifty. And of course the whole gang at the chatroom, and the very talented people on the NSync slash list. Love you all guys!! :-) Feedback to storykath@operamail.com Bye, Kat!!
Chapter eight:
After Lance had finished describing his plan to Chris, Chris sat back a little, thinking. -That would do, he said, -I know some guys over there, actually. And I think they would just love to help us too... Lance was beginning to get worried over the far away-look in Chris' eyes. Even if he hated Jim with his whole heart, Lance didn't intend on killing him. Just pay back some of the pain Jim had inflicted on Joey during the time he had been around. But Chris had this really cold look in his eyes now, Lance had never seen that look before.
At first he had liked the idea of having another accomplishant at this, but now Lance were beginning to wonder of letting Chris in on his plan was a good idea. It wouldn't be good for him, it would probably just push him deeper down in depression. The question was if Lance could make him stop, Chris might seem like the happy-go-lucky guy, but he had an iron strong will. And stopping him when Chris had set his mind on something was close to impossible. Feeling the control slipping out of his hands, Lance decided to stay close to Chris. At least then he would have some control over what Chris could get himself into.
Chris pushed himself off the bed. -I'll go make some phonecalls, he said over his shoulder. -I'll take care of everything, Lance. That was what Lance was afraid of. -Wait, Chris...he started, but his friend had already left.
The mirrors in the bathroom were all steamy. Water was flowing over the tiles on the floor, lather coating the egdes of the large, white tub. They took turns helping each other get washed, along with caressing each other's bodies in every thinkable way in the process.
Joey was in the middle of soaping up JC's chest and was enjoying himself very much. JC's words earlier lingered in the back of his mind. He better try to conjure up some interesting fantasies for JC to fulfill then...that really shouldn't be a problem. After last night Joey could list a whole lot of things he would like to do to JC's body., and what he would like JC to do to him.
The sigh coming from JC told Joey that he was doing a good job. -This is quite a nice excuse for having my hands all over you, Joey told his boyfriend. -Well, that's fantasy number one, he thought to himself after getting a pleasant image of what other things that could be done in a bathtub. -Fantasy number two..., when he thought that it could be done in the bed too. Number three, four, five and six came easily as Joey pictured various rooms and furniture in his mind. As for the details of the fantasies, he intended to let JC help him out a little.
-You can have your hands all over me anytime you want, JC answered him, -providing I get to do some touching myself... -Always, Joey said and pulled JC closer for a kiss. Soon they were both covered in soap, as JC demonstrated that he couldn't keep his hands of Joey either.
The clock had reached and passed noon before the five of them were ready for breakfast. After a long session of drying each other off after their bath, JC called room service and placed the order for their food. -What would you like for breakfast, honey? he yelled back into the bathroom to Joey who were brushing his teeth. -Don't know, he called back, JC could barely make the words out, -you think of something, OK? Oh, and remember to get coffee! -How can I forget? JC answered. -Without your coffee in the morning, you go mental! He could hear Joey laughing.
JC finished his order, and smiled at the wonder in the other person's voice. He probably was wondering how many people JC was planning to feed. Then he called Justin, Lance and Chris to let them know that breakfast were being held in Joey's and his room. Joey's and his room...he still wasn't tired of saying that. Or thinking that. It was just one of those small things that were an indication of that they were together.
Joey finished up in the bathroom and joined JC who was already fully dressed, in the bedroom. Dressed in only a pair of boxers he wandered around, trying to locate the clothes he planned on wearing. All the time JC kept his eyes on him, smiling.
-You know, I would be ready sooner if you would help me, Joey told JC. -I would help you, JC said with a straight face, -if I had a clue what you're looking for. Joey stuck his tongue out at him. -My black pants and my Superman T-shirt, of course! -Well, this would be the pants, JC said and pulled out the item of clothing from under a pile of other clothes, -as for your T-shirt... You own hundreds of those things, Joey, which one are you looking for? Joey got his pants on and looked around him for his socks and shoes. -The newest one, the one I got before we left home. He had to smile of JC's thoughtful look. -You look adorable when you're concentrating, Tigger!
The concentrating look on JC'a face broke into a smile. -How am I supposed to concentrate with you saying that? he said. -Now I need to kiss you again! Joey rolled his eyes. -Again? JC nodded, now he had a determined look on his face.
His actions followed his words and Joey had no intention of stopping him. JC embraced him in his strong arms and covered Joey's lips with his own. Now Joey didn't care about his T-shirt anymore. His arms were around JC's neck, keeping their bodies as close as possible. -Hmmm, JC said while rubbing his hands up and dowm Joey's bare back. -I don't think you need that T-shirt, babe. Joey kissed him again.
At the moment Justin barged through the door. -Good morning! he shouted. Joey sighed, but didn't let go of JC. -It's hardly morning anymore, curly. And whatever made you this happy at this time of day anyway? He had the pleasure of seeing Justin blush. -Oh leave him alone, Lance's deep voice followed as he entered the room. -And get dressed, Joe.
-Hey, I like him like this! JC protested. -So does he, Joey came back, -he just wants to cover it. -No way! Lance played along, -besides, I have my own little boytoy right here! Before Justin knew what was happening, Lance had grabbed hold of him and squeeze-hugged him. Joey and JC was laughing at the way Justin was blushing even worse now. Lance let go of Justin and the two of them shared a secretive smile Joey and JC didn't seem to notice. The fact that they were now gazing into each other's eyes probably were the reason for that.
-Why isn't Chris here? Justin asked suddenly. -Didn't you call him, JC? -I did, JC answered and turned to Justin. -He said he'd be right here. Somebody knocked on the door and they all turned to see that it was their breakfast arriving. Chris was following, with a slight smile at the sight of the ridiculous amount of food.
-Christ, Josh, Joey exclaimed, -did you order just about everything they had? Smiling over his boyfriend's wide eyes, JC said: -yeah, you haven't eaten properly in the last days, Joey, so I got you a healthy breakfast. -Like I can eat all that! Joey answered, trying to keep his amusement from showing. -Guys, he told Lance, Chris and Justin, -help me out here, please? -Well, whatever we don't eat, we can use for a foodfight, Justin suggested.
The immedeate storm of protests had him smiling widely. -It was just a suggestion!! They all settled down to eat, enjoying a quiet morning in each other's company. Justin was still in a extremely good mood, teasing the others with recent foodfights they had had, Lance laid on his stomach on the bed with his plate in front of him and JC and Joey shared the couch. Only Chris was unusually quiet, picking at his food. Lance knew what was on Chris' mind and also knew he had to talk to him about it when they were alone.
Thay weren't even half-way through the food when everybody were too full to get down one single bite more. -So what do we do with all of this then? Justin asked, lying on his back in a chair, legs propped over one side. A wicked grin spread slowly over JC's face. -You said it, Justin, -now you better be ready.... Quickly he scooped up a fair portion of scrambled egg from his plate. -Foodfight!!!!!
He threw the food at Justin and hit him in the chest. The younger boy jumped up and grabbed a handful of cerials. JC ducked and the cerials hit Chris instead. -Go, Tigger! Joey encouraged his sweetheart, only to have Lance throw his French toast at him.
In an instant food were flying everywhere. Even Chris seemed to light up a bit and participated whole-heartedly in chucking food at his friends. He ganged up with Justin and the two of them covered Lance who were laughing to much to get away, with the rest of the cornflakes and topped it all with milk. JC caught hold of Joey's hand and dragged him down to where he was hiding, which was under the table.
-Hey, Justin said, looking around. -Where did Joey and Josh go off to? Lance shook the cerials out his hair and flicked some at Chris. -Hiding under the table over there, he answered and pointed. -Let's go get them! Chris pushed the table away and now JC and Joey were the targets. -You won't take me alive! JC warned them, laughing and hiding behind Joey who was busy throwing slices of pineapple at Chris.
It all ended with Lance pouring an entire bowl of raspberry jam over JC's head. By then they were all too out of breath and laughing too much to continue. Joey used a finger to collect some of the jam of JC's cheek and tasted it. -I thought I was going to eat breakfast with you, not off you, love! But this is kinda fun too!
He collected some more and fed it to JC. -Good? -Not better than you, JC answered. -Sugar overdose! Justin commented, -keep it down, you two. Oh shush! JC said, and leaned in to kiss Joey, getting the sticky jam all over him too.
Another knock on the door had them all trying to calm down some. Their manager stuck his head in. -Boys, we'll be leaving at... What the hell happened in here!?! -Food fight, Justin piped up. The man in the door looked unbelieving around the room, there were food absolutely everywhere. -Why can't the five of you ever do what other bands do and just throw a TV out the window or something?
JC saw Joey picking up the rest of the pineapple and quickly took his hand between his own two. They were in enough trouble, and Joey didn't need management yelling at him either. -Just toss them at Chris later, he whispered in Joey's ear, -we haven't called him pineapple-head in far too long. His words made Joey smile.
-Well, what I was about to say is that the plane leaves at four pm, and the limo is coming for you at half past two sharp, so you all have to be ready by then. He left them, shaking his head over their behaviour. As soon as he was out of sight, Joey turned and threw the pineapple at Chris. Round two was on.
Due to the sudden need for showers all around, they barely made the time-limit. Still laughing and teasing each other, the five guys finally got in the waiting car, much to everyone around them's relief. -Again with the lap top? JC said as Lance turned on his computer. -What is it with you and that thing?
Lance made a face at him. -I'm an important man, I need to keep in touch with people. -Yeah, your shrink that is, JC said, -to keep that ego of yours from exploding. -My ego is fine, Lance said, seriously, -I know that I'm the best at everything, why hide it? -I think he finally lost it, Joey said, -that's far-fetched, even coming from him. Chris nodded. -He needs help, I'm thinking a little shock-treatment, perhaps...
In a second they were all over Lance, tickling him mercilessly. A couple of minutes later Lance's face was cherry-red and he had tears of laughter streaming down his face. -I think we have to stop now, Justin said, -or Lance will suffocate himself from giggling. -I do not giggle! Lance got out, pulling himself back up in the seat. -You don't? Justin answered and launched another tickle-attack on him, and proved Lance very wrong. -But it's kinda cute though, Justin whispered, with his face near Lance's.
Lance looked up at him, breathlesss from laughing and eyes shiny both from tears and amusement. His smile deepened and Justin felt his heart skip a beat. Blushing yet again he crawled back into his own corner.
Chris sat on the other side, by the window. Joey was leaning back in his seat, with JC in his arms. They managed to turn just about everything into an excuse to cuddle up to each other.
-So what's the plan for today, Chris asked. As usual they all waited for Lance to answer. He had always been the one who knew all those little details the other four forgot nearly before they were told. -After the flight we'll be spending the night at some hotel. Then we'll do a concert...somewhere, and then we'll be going back to Florida the day after. -Thank God there's only one concert left, Lance added in his mind.
Even though he was second youngest in the band, Lance had always been the one management trusted with keeping track of his four friends and making sure that they were all in the right place, at the right time. And everytime someone asked Chris why he wasn't the one in that position, he would start to laugh.
-Because I'm crazy! he could answer. Then he would point at Joey. -And he's crazy too! That one sleeps all the time, finger pointing at JC, -and he's too young, that was Justin. -So it can only be Lance, who loves being in control! -Hey, you make me sound like some kinda control-freak! Lance would answer, and they would have another ridiculous argument going. Chris and Lance could continue those discussions for hours, driving the others mad. Both having the same silly sense of humour, they would burry themselves in ludacris arguments and outragous accusations. In the end neither of them had any recollection of what they really were arguing about in the first place.
The flight was the same as always. It was spent either reading, playing games, napping, or in JC and Joey's case; making out. Chris curled up in his seat and was soon lost in a criminal novel. Lance and Justin was content to talk among themselves for a while, and JC and Joey were busy doing their own thing.
Lance threw a glance their way and asked casually: -you think they'll come up for air anytime soon, Just? -Doesn't look like it, Justin answered him just as casually. -I think they're permantly attached like that. -That could become a little tricky during concerts, Lance continued, keeping up a perfect straight face.
-It so would, Justin agreed, -but we could always say that they are participating in some medical experiment. Putting siamese twins back together or something... -Joining them by the lips? Lance asked, lifting an eyebrow. -How would they be able to eat? -Intravenous? Justin suggested, -except that Joey hates needles. Maybe they could use velcro instead of stitching them together. -Part-time siamese twins? Lance asked. -Wouldn't it look weird with velcro-lips anyway? In the seat next to Justin Chris put down his book and looked confused at them. -What the hell are the two of you talking about?
-Those two! Justin said, loud enough for JC and Joey to hear. -They've been lip-locked since take off! -Jealous, Justin? JC mused. Then he looked over at his young friend. -God, you're blushing a lot today, curly! Anything you want to tell us? Justin mumbled something and tried to hide his red cheeks. Lance came to his rescue again. -Stop harassing the poor kid, he said smilingly, -just because he's not wise and old like the rest of us. His green eyes started twinkling mischievously. -He'll learn to keep those hormones under control eventually!
Adopting the same look, Justin turned to Lance. -But I thought you didn't want me to keep them under control, Lance-baby! Chris merely shook his head, smiling. JC and Joey laughed so much that they nearly fell out of their seats. Lance was blushing himself, reaching a colour none of the other's could dream of.
After things quieted down a bit JC was again thinking about what would happen when they got home. Joey and him had agreed that they would tell their families about them being a couple. Joey wanted to wait with telling his family about what really had been going on between Jim and him, and JC didn't want to push him.
None of them had raised the issue of Joey going into therapy yet. Things seemed to be going fine now anyway, Joey was happy with JC. He was much more relaxed, and smiled a lot more too. All the insecurity and fear was gone, or at least he was hiding it well. Looking concerned now, JC knew things had been going too smoothly. Something bad was bound to happen. He had no idea how right he was.