**** Hey there everyone, Well I'm a bit late. You see I'm in the process of moving and well I've been really busy packing and what not. First I would like to bid goodbye to one of the best stories on the net. JC's Hitchhiker. Great story. Can't believe it has ended. And I do hope that more stories like it will pop up. Secondly, I would like to apologize for my tardiness. Really sorry! Been a bit preoccupied. I hope you like the story. I was wanting it to be a bit longer but needed to cut it short for the big move. As soon as I get settled I will definitely start writing and have the next chapter out. But for now, enjoy this one.
When We Last Left Josh and Just:
"Britney! Oh my god! What's wrong? Get in here!" JC exclaimed. Justin ran to the foyer closet and pulled out a comforter. She unfolded it and wrapped it around Britney.
"Brit, What's wrong?" Justin asked, guiding her into the living room.
"I did something bad. I did something really bad. Britney elicited. She began a simple sob into her hands, as Justin sat her down.
"What? What Brit? What did you do?" JC asked, rubbing her back gently.
"I. . . I. . .I kissed. . ." Britney started to mumble.
"It's okay Brit. We're here for you." Justin whispered soothingly into her ear.
"I kissed another guy." Britney stated, wiping away her tears. Justin and JC gave a look to each other and focused their attention back on Britney.
"It's okay Britney, I'm sure Lance will understand." JC suggested.
"No. . .I kissed another guy. . . And I liked it." Britney whispered.
Josh and Just 61
"I'm Sorry Brit, What did you say?" Justin asked in disbelief. Both men sat stunned at her revelation.
"I mean I was lonely. You wouldn't believe how lonely I was. . . I used to just stay in my room and couldn't wait for the tour to end. And well I missed Lance. I missed him a lot. And Drake he missed his girlfriend. So I mean it's only natural for two miserable people to commiserate together. So he came over and I slipped and fell on him and then we just kissed. And that's it. He left and I was alone again and I know Lance would be okay with the kiss if it was just that, but it isn't. I mean I liked it. I felt something in that kiss. But I love Lance. I love him so much." Britney said, maintaining a sob through her speech. At the end she burst into a fresh set of tears, causing her to cover her face with her hands.
"Oh no Brit." Justin mumbled. JC wrapped an arm around her and comforted her while giving a weary look to Justin.
"Brit, have you eaten?" Justin questioned softly.
"What?" Britney asked a bit confused.
"Have you eaten anything?" Justin repeated.
"Well I had a bagel this morning." Britney elicited.
"Okay that's it. We're getting a good meal in you and then we are gonna talk this out." Justin stated authoritatively.
"What do you feel like eating Brit? I can attempt to cook almost everything." JC snickered. Britney cracked a small smile and nodded. The three of them got up and made their way to the kitchen. Hunter bounced into the room shortly after and laid down at Justin's bare feet. Justin lifted his foot and rubbed Hunter's stomach with his foot idly.
"And to make matters worse. My parents are getting divorced." Britney stated lowly.
"Oh Brit! I'm so sorry." Justin stated.
"No it's okay. I knew it was coming. I mean they fought for a long time." Britney shrugged, brushing away her tears. As if startled by some unheard sound, Hunter stood to attention causing the three to listen carefully. Justin strained to hear and gasped when he heard the sound of a baby wailing. He jumped up and jogged out of the room towards the babies' bedroom.
"So how do you like your eggs?" JC asked, pulling out two from the fridge.
"With Lance." Britney sighed, staring at her feet.
"Brit, stop worrying about it. I mean he shouldn't get upset over one little kiss. I mean I've kissed you and he never got upset before." JC shrugged.
"Yeah but you guys are just that. You guys. I mean if I kiss you, it's like kissing my brother. He knows that there is nothing up when I kiss you guys." Britney stated.
"Well I don't know about Lance. But if Justin kissed someone else. I wouldn't be angry. I might be a little upset, but not angry. I know that he loves me and I trust him to make the right decisions." JC stated as he tossed a handful of peppers into the eggs. Justin came bouncing back in the room carrying a tear stained Ben , resting wearily on his father's shoulder. Justin swiftly pulled the baby monitor from his robe and placed it on the counter. He patted his son's back soothingly, walking back and forth through the length of the kitchen. Ben quickly started from a small yelp to a full out sob. Justin started to bounce up and down while moving about, hoping it would soothe the boy to sleep.
"Oh come on Ben. It's late. Go to bed." Justin whispered.
"Here Justin let me hold him. He likes me more than you." Britney claimed, taking the boy from her. After a few moments, the baby became somewhat silent. Britney smiled to herself and bounced the now quiet boy.
"It's like a switch. They can stop crying, like that!" JC said, snapping his fingers for effect.
"Ben's just a brat, that's all." Justin smirked as he took a seat at the counter stools. Hunter once again took his place at Justin's feet. JC placed the contents of a bowl into a pan and let loose a loud sizzle, causing Ben to sit up in amazement. He smiled at the sight of his father behind the stove.
"Papa." Ben stifled. JC let loose a giant grin and smiled for his son. Ben watched as the pan sizzled and gave off an aromatic aroma. JC flipped the omelet and quickly cooked the other side before adding three different types of shredded cheese. He gave one last toss before slipping it into a plate.
"Breakfast. . . err. . . dinner. . .uhm your snack is served." JC snickered.
Ben stood on the doorstep of Lance's house with a suitcase in his hand, waiting patiently for the door to open. Lance opened the door and saw Ben standing discouraged at the threshold.
"Hey Benji, what's wrong?" Lance asked.
"Uncle Lance, I can't go home." Ben stated.
"Okay Benj why don't you come inside and explain everything to me. Are your parents waiting in the driveway?" Lance questioned leaning out to peek.
"No I ran away." Ben stated.
"What? Why did you run away?" Lance questioned, closing the door behind the boy.
"Dad is being a big jerk. I mean he is always on my case about everything. And I really don't understand why I'm always in trouble. Amy never gets in trouble." Ben stated a little bit sadly.
"Okay Ben. I know your mad at your parents but they aren't getting mad at you just to get a rise out of you. I mean they do things to teach you lessons and make sure you make the right decisions." Lance explained.
"I know but why does Dad have to be such a jerk? I mean papa is fine and he does stuff to make me mad too, but Dad is just always on my case." Ben sighed.
"Benji, let me tell you something. Your thirteen right? When your dad was your age he was on a TV show with your papa. They lived away from their family and worked eighteen hour days. And after the show. He was about fourteen or fifteen when we became a group to sing. I mean when you'll be thinking of who to take the dance, at your age, he was thinking about how many cars should he buy. And by the age of twenty, he was married and had a family. In his young age, he's grown and come to know a lot. He's pretty wise. And all he's trying to do is help you make your decisions wisely, whether its through yelling at you or having conversations. You have to realize he loves you." Lance stated.
"I know Uncle Lance, It's just that sometimes I get so. . .ughhhhH!!" Ben groaned.
"I know Benj, I know. And you're allowed to be angry. Just don't let it take you to make decisions like Running away from home." Lance politely chastised.
"I know." Ben replied guiltily.
"Hello? Anyone home?" Joey called walking into the room.
"Lance have you seen Ben?" JC asked, walking in behind Joey.
"Yes I have." Lance stated.
"Hey Benny!" Joey called happily. Ben smiled at his uncle and scooted a bit so Joey could take a seat on the couch.
"Hey Buddy, You okay?" JC asked, taking a seat on the recliner.
"Yeah Papa, I'm good." Ben smiled meekly.
"How bout it? You feel like heading home? Dad's gonna order some pizza and Uncle Tyler is gonna bring a movie over." JC stated.
"Yeah I guess." Ben stated, sullenly.
Justin opened his eyes with a gasp and was shocked to see the darkened room. He saw the distinct figures of Leo, Ozzie, and Hunter sleeping on the open floor. Oreo took over his own little pillow, snoozing silently.
"Sweetheart? You okay?" JC murmured. Sitting up slightly, JC cast a worried glance that Justin knew was waiting for him. Justin let out a shiver and fell back against his pillow. He continued to gasp for breath, averting his gaze toward the ceiling. It wasn't long until he felt JC nuzzled against Justin's neck.
"Honey? You okay?" JC questioned once again.
"Yeah. I just had a weird dream." Justin stated. He shook the though out of his head and turned toward JC. He wrapped an arm around the older man and buried his face into his shoulder. JC wrapped both arms around Justin and help him while they both drifted off to sleep.
The house stood quiet. The only thing JC heard was the sound of the keyboard as he typed a list on the screen. He sat in his bed wear, still unchanged from the night's sleep. He sat in just a pair of pajama pants in front of the computer, staring intently at everything he needed to do.
"Josh?" Justin asked in a whisper from the door of their office.
"Hmm?" JC asked, typing one last thing before lifting his eyes to meet his husband's.
"I'm going to head to the studio to work with some people on some tracks for my CD. If you need me I got my cell, kay?" Justin checked in.
"Wait Justin, Let me check some things over with you." JC stated, inviting Justin to come over to the screen. Justin sauntered over and took a seat on JC's lap, welcoming the warm arms that wrapped around his waist.
"Okay Heather's wedding is in about three weeks and I think we should probably head out next week to get there in time for fittings and meetings and practices and what not. I'm wondering if one week will be enough to lay down tracks and lyrics for at least a couple of songs. I mean I don't want you to head for Bowie with a song hanging half way done." JC claimed, kissing Justin's neck lovingly.
"I can just set up my songs and work on some beats and when we get back I can lay down my vocals." Justin shrugged nonchalantly.
"Okay, then we'll fly out on Monday. I'll book the tickets for us, the kids, I think Brit will come with Christina and Cole later, and the guys will come maybe a week after." JC clarified.
"Who else do we know is coming." Justin asked.
"All your parents, Joey's parents, Chris's parents, Tyler's friend Matt, Uhm my friend Caitlin, Brad and Chad, I think that's it. And a whole bunch of friends and family of mine from back home." JC listed.
"Should we take the dogs." Justin asked.
"Yeah, I mean they can hang out in Mom and Dad's backyard and we'll find somewhere to sleep." JC smiled.
"Okay. Sounds good. I better leave. Could you take care of Britney when she wakes up? Maybe even bring her to the studio??" Justin asked with a begging look on his face.
"Sure. I think we'll go out to lunch with the kids and then we'll come visit. Brit and I could have a chance to talk about stuff." JC smiled.
"Okay then, I'm gonna head to work." Justin stated. JC nodded with his arms still tightly wrapped around Justin. Justin gave a smirk over his shoulder.
"I should really get to work now." Justin reiterated.
"I agree. Have a great day Honey." JC stated, pressing a kiss to Justin's cheek.
"Do you mind letting go so I can go have a great day?" Justin asked with a snicker. JC looked down and bashfully unwrapped his arms from Justin. Justin smacked him on the abs and stood up. He gave one last glance to his half nude husband and walked out of the door.
JC pulled into the parking lot of the secluded Orlando studio. He hopped out of his Jeep and opened the backdoor. Britney followed suit on her side of the vehicle and opened the passenger door. They both pulled the kids out of their car seat. Amy was wide awake and took a hold of Britney's hand as she led the girl toward the building. Ben on the other hand, lay fast asleep. JC took the boy out of the seat and lifted him to his own shoulder. JC gently placed a kiss to Ben's curly hair and closed the door behind him.
"Papapapa!" Amy called as she pointed toward the building and kept a fast trot to keep up with Britney's long strides.
"So what do you think Lance will do?" Britney asked a bit sullen.
"Seriously Brit. I don't think he will mind. I mean if your honest and you say that you love him and that yeah, the kiss felt great, but you still want to be with him, he will not care a bit." JC shrugged. He held Ben with one arm while he opened the door with the other.
"Josh, your too optimistic." Britney sighed.
"Well don't worry Brit. We'll get through this. Trust me." JC smiled. Britney nodded and followed the older man to the receptionist desk.
"Hello. My name's Josh Chasez and I was wondering where I can find Justin Chasez." JC asked the young woman. She looked through the computer and gave a small shake of the head.
"I'm sorry, there is no Justin Chasez here today." She stated politely.
"Can you try Justin Timberlake." JC stated. She typed in the name and smiled.
"Yes sir, he's in the second room on your right." She pointed the direction which gained an appreciative smiled form JC.
"He's a cutie." The women stated, pointing to Ben.
"Thanks." JC smiled, looking down at the sleeping boy on his shoulder. Britney led the way and walked cautiously into the production room. JC caught sight of Justin in the adjoined room where he was talking with someone while referring to the paper he held in his hand. They walked into the production room and took a seat on the chairs in the room.
"So tell me about this guy. I mean was he worth kissing?" JC asked, taking a seat on the couch against the back wall of the room. He carefully patted Ben's back as the boy snoozed.
"Oh Josh, he is sexy. First, he's a professional dancer. So right there we know he has a hot chiseled body. And he looks kinda like. . . a mix between Justin and Paul Walker. He is a cutie. But not as sexy as Lance." Britney added. JC snickered and gently pulled Ben from his shoulder and laid the boy down next to himself on the couch. Josh took off the jacket he was wearing and gently covered Ben.
"Dada!" Amy piped.
"Yes sweetheart, that is Daddy." JC smiled. Amy ran fast to her father and sat down in his lap.
"Anny!" Amy called, pointing to Britney.
"Yes Amers, I'm Aunty Britney." Britney smiled. Amy smiled bashfully and buried her face in her father's chest.
"Amy you want your juice now?" JC questioned. Amy perked up at the sound of juice JC pulled up his backpack and brought out a tumbler half full of juice. Amy took the cup with both hands and slowly nursed the bottle. JC lifted her on the couch and laid back into a slouching position. Amy sat on his lap and laid back against his abs, turning the man into a lounge chair.
"Where's Daddy's little girl??" Justin announced coming into the room beaming with a smile. Amy hopped off of JC's lap and forgot her tumbler, as she started to run to her Dad. Justin crouched down and enveloped the girl in a giant hug.
"I love you." Justin stated, pressing a kiss to Amy's long curly hair.
"I yoo yoo." Amy attempted.
"Hey Brit. How are you feeling?" Justin asked, raising to full height with a girl holding onto his arms. Justin lifted the girl in one swipe and held her on his hip.
"I'm feeling better." Britney smiled a bit.
"Liar. We'll talk tonight k? It'll be like one of those girly sleepovers you see on TV. We'll pop the popcorn, watched cute guy movies and we'll kick JC out to sleep on the couch." Justin suggested.
"Hey!" JC called in response. Justin sent him a small smile before looking back at Britney.
"Thanks Justin. But the only thing I really need to talk about is my parents." Britney stated, looking at her feet in a bummed out mood.
"I'll give you the ins and outs of a divorce. Trust me, it can be a little hard, but in the end, your parents might be happier." Justin stated, caressing her shoulder. Justin walked over to JC and took a seat on his lap. He leaned down to check on Ben quickly before glancing back at Britney.
"You two are so cute, that you make me feel blue." Britney stated dully.
Home, Sweet Home. JC slipped his key into his parents home and opened the door with a sigh. Both him and Justin turned back to see the giant Lincoln Navigator. It was the only car large enough to hold all of their luggage. Besides all three dogs in their cages, they also brought two suitcases, two suit carriers, as well as a bag dedicated to the kids' clothing. Ben and Amy walked across the patio rolling their own personal carry on bags behind them. The brightly colored bags were pulled with the aid of a pop out handle. JC smiled and turned back toward the house. At this moment, his parents were probably in the kitchen, his mother cooking a delicious meal. His dad, watching and aiding in anyway. Tyler would be in the backyard or in the living room lounging about. JC held his hand out for Amy and Justin took Ben's. They walked into the house and made their way into the living room.
"Hello? Anyone home?" JC called, seeing the empty room. Tyler walked into the room from the kitchen carrying an apple and gasped when seeing his brother and brother-in-law.
"Justin! Thank god you're here, I'm starting to get sick of my family." Tyler snickered as he walked over to Justin and enveloped him in a large hug.
"Hey Tyler! I missed you." Justin stated.
"Ditto. I got some stuff I wanna tell you. Maybe before we crash for the night." Tyler stated.
"Hi. Your brother is standing right here." JC claimed with a sense of rejection.
"Hi." Tyler stated with a small smile before turning back to Justin. JC quickly tackled Tyler onto the couch and forced him down with all his weight.
"Get off me!" Tyler shouted.
"Not until you say you missed me." JC demanded.
"Fine! I missed you. I missed you so much I was aching. Kinda like the way I am right now." Tyler called out loudly. JC pulled himself from Tyler and stood up, looking about the house.
"Went to pick up the pizza." Tyler responded without having to hear JC wondering where their parents were.
"You mean she's not cooking me a meal? She always cooks me a meal when I come home." JC said in slight disappointment. His sadness went virtually unnoticed as Tyler and Justin sat down on the couch to talk.
"Unca!" Ben beamed proudly. Tyler gave both children a bright smile and opened his arms.
"Hey Guys! Come give your Uncle Tyler a hug!" Tyler said enthusiastically. Both children ran towards him and melted into his arms. Tyler pressed a kiss to both of their heads and released their hugs.
"Josh, do you want to bring the dogs and the bags in?" Justin asked, standing to go empty the car.
"Yeah sure. Ty can you watch the kids?" JC inquired.
"Anytime." Tyler smiled.
After dinner everyone seemed to get into a state of laziness. Karen and Roy cuddled on a couch. Justin and JC took over the alcove overlooking the front yard and Tyler seemed to snooze, taking up the length of the love seat.
"Ranpa!" Ben shouted as he stood from his spot on the floor. He ran to the couch and tumbled on the way. He picked himself up and ran to Roy. Roy picked the boy up and placed him in his lap. Ben turned and buried his face into Roy's chest. He rubbed his eye with his tiny hand and looked back around the lit room. Amy played with her toys obliviously.
"Amy? Come here." Tyler called. Amy continued to play with her toys, not noticing she had been called.
"Amy!" Tyler called a bit louder. Amy turned around and smiled at her uncle. Tyler waved her over and Amy turned to run to Tyler. Tyler sat up and brought Amy onto the couch.
"Hello Amy." Tyler smiled. Amy shied away and turned to her fathers who both stood with waiting smiles of their own. She jumped off the couch and wobbled over to the alcove. Justin scooped her up and placed her in his lap. He cast a glance behind him to where JC sat snuggled between Justin and the wall of the alcove.
"You don't like Uncle Tyler?" JC asked. Am y didn't respond, yet sunk into her daddy's arms.
"It's okay neither do we." JC added.
"Joshua." Karen warned.
"Sorry mom." JC mumbled. Justin laughed at his husband and looked down at his daughter who rubbed her eyes in fatigue.
"Amy, go to Uncle Tyler, He'll put you to sleep." Justin told the girl. Amy followed the direction her father pointed in and waited until Justin put her on the ground before she walked to Tyler. Tyler lifted her up and laid her down on his chest. He lightly patted her back and hummed a small song.
"Hey guys, if you want to put the kids to sleep in the cribs you have to get them down from the attic." Karen announced. JC and Justin exchanged a glance before letting out a simultaneous sigh as they stood from the alcove.
The Chasez attic is none like any other. One expects the attic to be filled with cobwebs and dust covered ancient items. But not the Chasez attic. The stairs you ascend to the higher floor are swept clean and spotless. The attic itself is carpeted and furnished with old furniture kept in good condition.
"Wow! How come I've never seen this?" Justin asked as he looked around like a kid in a candy store.
"It's not a good thing to know about this room. Now that you do, my mom will try to get you to clean it." JC stated, walking past the twin bed and three trunks laying side by side.
"What are these?" Justin questioned, looking at the three trunks with each of the siblings' names on it. Justin stepped in front of the box marked with his husband's name.
"My parents keep a trunk of all our stuff. It has pictures and other keepsake stuff they want to keep but clutters the house." JC explained looking past organized boxes and rows of clean furniture. Justin opened the trunk and trifled through kid paintings and old school photos.
"Oh! Can I have this picture?" Justin asked. Justin looked down at a picture of a younger JC who sat by a pool playing with a puppy, JC flashed his signature grin at the camera.
"I dunno. Ask my mom." JC shrugged. Justin lifted his eyes and smirked at JC. he looked past JC and saw a large bookshelf filled end to end with magazines. Boxes of magazines were piled up on the floor.
"What is that?" Justin asked.
"My parents keep every magazine I've ever been in. And ever since we started dating, they started keeping all the magazines with you in it." JC said, walking down an aisle and stopping front of a crib.
"I love your parents." Justin smiled, staring back down at the picture.
"Justin honey?" JC asked. Justin averted his gaze to his husband who stood in front of a crib scratching his head.
"Hmmm?" Justin called, walking up behind JC. He peeked over JC's shoulder and stared at the large crib.
"How about the kids sleep in bed with us tonight and we'll take this down tomorrow?" JC inquired. Justin turned away and made his way to the bed that sat by the entryway. JC turned around and sauntered over to his husband. Justin sat, staring at the picture he had discovered, not expecting JC to run and tackle him back onto the bed. Justin lay stunned as JC hovered over him on the bed.
"You have no idea how much I wanted to make out with you today." JC said, pressing a small kiss to Justin's neck.
"The way you looked." JC stated, kissing the other side of his neck.
"The way you smelled." JC stated, before kissing just under the jaw.
"The way you smiled at everyone." JC stated, switching sides once again.
"The way you wore those clothes like no one else could." JC added. Justin reveled in the feeling of his husband's lips. Just as Justin was about to mumbled something, JC covered his lips and stifled any words from him. Justin raised both hands up to the back of JC's head and buried his fingers in JC's hair. JC slowly lowered his body onto the younger man and pressed him into the mattress. As if following a trail JC's lips moved away from Justin's to begin working his taut jaw. Justin arched his back, sending his confined groin into JC's.
"Woah! Sorry." Roy called from the top of the stairs. JC recoiled off of Justin and fell back at the foot of the bed.
"Dad! . . . uhm. . . we were just. . . uhm. . .just. . Just?" JC asked looking at his husband.
"You were just doing what couples do. It's fine son. I just came up to see if you needed help with the crib." Roy mentioned.
"We're gonna take it down tomorrow. The four of us can fit in our bed." JC said, standing up and straightening up his clothes. Justin bashfully sat up and adjusted his shirt.
"Uhm I would check out your room before you make some decisions." Roy stated before walking down the stairs to the second story.
"What does he mean by that?" JC wondered.
"Hey Mother-in-law." Justin said, stepping up beside Karen in the kitchen.
"Yes Son-in-law?" Karen responded. Both sat in the night attire. Justin in a tight white tank top, and Karen in her night gown.
"I was looking through JC's trunk in the attic and found this picture." Justin claimed. Karen took the pictures in her fingers and looked at her son in his youth playing with their neighbors puppy.
"Oh He looked so cute sitting their playing with the puppy." Karen claimed in a sigh of nostalgia.
"Doesn't he? Do you think I can have this picture?" Justin questioned innocently. Karen looked at her son-in-law and gently pressed a kiss to his cheek.
"Sure you can." Karen stated, before putting a plate of leftovers back into the fridge. Justin wrapped his arms around Karen and gave her a huge hug.
"Thanks Mom, love you." Justin said excitedly. Her walked her out of the kitchen with his arms still wrapped around her. They both watched as JC came running down the stairs.
"How could you put my large bed in Tyler's room? Why does he need a large bed? He's not married. Hell he doesn't even have a girlfriend." JC shouted.
"Back off! She's my mom now!" Justin stated, turning Karen away from the confrontational JC.
"This isn't a joke Justin! We have to cram into my old bed. How are two grown men going to fit in a small bed with two kids?" JC asked.
"The kids will sleep with Mom and Dad and we can sleep close." Justin stated, pressing a kiss to his mother-in-law's cheek before releasing her.
"We'd love to have the twins in our bed. It'll be like when we were raising you Josh." Karen smiled before heading upstairs.
"Justin, this means all we can do in that bed is sleep." JC said kind of aggravated. Justin smiled and took a hold of JC's face with both hands before pressing a sensual kiss to his lips.
"Sweety, we don't need to have sex on your bed. We can have it on the floor." Justin whispered. JC thought about it for a moment before shaking thoughts out of his head.
"That's not the point Justin. Tyler has nobody and he has a big bed." JC said, trailing behind Justin who was heading upstairs to their bedroom.
"Josh, honey, give it up. Maybe if we ask nicely, Tyler will let us have sex on his bed." Justin joked.
"Justin!" JC whined.
"Joshua Scott Chasez, it's fine. You had a big bed before you ever started dating me or anyone for that matter. I still remember sleeping over during MMC and we shared your bed, it was that big." Justin stated, walking into JC's old room.
"But. . ." JC started.
"Josh if it's that much of a problem for you, I can always go sleep with Tyler. Me and him have to catch up anyway." Justin threatened. JC wrapped both arms around Justin's waist and pulled him close.
"No! My husband. Not my Mom's. not Tyler's. Josh's Justin!" JC stated possessively.
" I never though that my children would be more mature than my husband." Justin stated, stripping his tank top and pulling back the covers. JC let out a huff of defeat and pulled off his shirt as well. He hopped into the bed scooted as much towards the edge as possible. Justin slipped under the covers and spooned back up against JC.
"Justin?" JC asked.
"Yeah?" Justin responded.
"Who's gonna turn off the lights?" JC inquired.
The guys were in full rehearsal on stage. They danced in complete synchronization with one another. Justin stepped to the center part of the stage and started to sing his verse. He scanned the audience and saw the few crew member running about. He caught sight of his seven-year-old daughter who sat in a stadium seat reading a book to herself. He saw Tyler sitting by her and flashing a smile to him.
"Daddy!" Ben shouted as he walked out onto the stage carrying a back pack full of his toys.
"Stop! Benjamin, you can't come onto the stage when your parents are performing." The technical director called loudly over the speakers. Ben froze in his spot on the side of the stage and sucked in his bottom lip. He slowly ducked his head and silently started to sob.
"Hey Chuck, leave him alone okay?" Lance called back.
"This is only the second time he's done it." Chris added.
"We're due for a break anyway." Joey announced.
"Ben, buddy, what do you need?" JC asked, walking toward him. By the time he made his way to his son, he was already rubbing his eyes with his fist. Justin ran to the boy and kneeled in squatted in front of him.
"What's up Benny?' Justin asked, using his thumb to brush away the tears.
"I just wanted. . ." Ben stated before hyperventilating. JC knelt down and pulled the boy into a hug. Ben buried his eyes in his father's shoulder and hugged his tightly.
"Benny, buddy come here." Justin called softly. Ben shifted from his papa's arms to his daddy's arms.
"It's okay, tiger. Okay? He just got mad because you walked in while daddy and papa were working. Next time, you can tell Uncle Tyler what you want and he can help you okay?" Justin explained. Ben nodded softly and buried his face in Justin's shoulder. Justin patted the boy's back and pressed a small kiss to his head.
"I love you." Justin whispered.
"I love you too." Ben replied. Justin held the boy and looked out over the audience. He caught sight of a man dressed in all black. Justin had a funny feeling come over him as he felt a twinge of familiarity. The man gave Justin an evil smirk and waved.
Justin sat up quickly in bed, unconsciously pulling away from the position he and JC has fallen asleep in. JC who was sleeping right on the edge of the bed, was startled awake and slipped over the edge, falling to the floor with a thud.
"Owwww. My ass!" JC yelled as he felt the stinging pain. Justin gasped for air and covered his face with his trembling hands.
"Justin, baby, you okay?" JC asked as he lifted himself onto the bed again.
"Josh! Where are the kids?" Justin questioned quickly.
"With Mom and Dad. Why?" JC asked sitting on the bed and enveloping Justin with his arms. Justin pulled away and stood in the room. He hit the lights and caused JC to cringe from the sudden brightness.
"Justin! What's up? Is everything okay?" JC questioned from his spot on the bed.
"Josh it was so real. I mean it felt like we were on stage dancing and Ben and Amy were really there and they got yelled at and. . ." Justin tried to explain.
"They got yelled at? By who?" JC asked defensively. Justin let out an exasperated sigh and sunk to the floor with his back against the door.
"Josh I'm not a good parent." Justin sighed.
"Shut up! Who held Ben for three hours straight because he didn't want to be anywhere else? Who cancelled studio time on the road to be with their kids. You are nothing but a good father." JC said sternly. Justin felt too fatigued to start an argument and grudgingly took the compliment. He stood up and plopped down onto JC's bed.
"Thanks Josh, Let's get to bed." Justin said, getting in position with JC. They snuggled up and closed their eyes. It wasn't long until they both opened their eyes once again.
"Who's gonna turn off the lights?" Justin asked.
JC cast one last glance from the doorway of his bedroom at the empty bed before walking into the hall. He walked down the hallway to Tyler's room and pressed an ear to the door. He heard the faint sound of people awake. After opening the door, he stuck his torso in and caught sight of his old large bed with two people huddled in their blankets. Justin lay on a pillow facing Tyler, only his head poking out of the covers. His glasses sat at the bridge of his nose, completing the just-woken-up look. Tyler lay on his side of the bed, the covers covering him except for one bare shoulder and his head. His head faced Justin as his body lay on his stomach. The two chatted oblivious to JC standing in the doorway.
"So let me get this straight. Josh was right there and you were checking out another guy? Isn't that considered cheating?" Tyler questioned.
"No. I mean this guy was hot. Imagine Brad Pitt hot with a nicer tanned body. And I mean I can think this guy is hot, but the fact that I love Josh doesn't change. I would not die for that guy, but I would have no problem dying for your brother. And plus he kind of turned me on so much that we had outstanding sex that night." Justin snickered. JC arched his eyebrows in amusement as a smile spread across his lips.
"This may be a little weird, but do you fantasize about other people during sex?" Tyler asked.
"No! Josh is so good that I pretty much can't think of anything. Now Tyler, this may be a bit personal and you totally don't have to answer it. But your not still a virgin are you?" Justin asked, lowering his voice subconsciously.
"To tell you the truth, if you asked me a month ago, than I would have said, yeah. But. . ." Tyler trailed off.
"Who is she?" Justin questioned with an eager smile covered with his own morning face.
"This girl I met. . ." Tyler started. JC thought he might be intruding on a private moment so he purposely opened the door wider, causing the usual creak. Both men in bed looked up to catch sight of JC who stood in a pair of pajama pants.
"How long have you been standing there?" Justin asked.
"Long enough to hear I'm great in bed." JC said, sauntering over and pulling back to covers so he could cuddle with Justin.
"Hey Justin, I'll finish telling you later okay?" Tyler mumbled. Justin nodded and allowed JC to wrap his arm around him.
"Hey!" Justin yelled smacking JC.
"What?" JC asked , retracting a bit with a chuckle.
"You hands are cold." Justin responded.
"Sorry Sweetheart." JC stated, rubbing his hands together before wrapping his arms around Justin again.
"You know. We should probably get up. We're going to be having a lot of relatives everyday this week and next. You know Troy is coming right?" Tyler questioned, rubbing his eye.
"Are you serious?" JC asked in dread.
"Yeah. But thankfully he's not staying in the house. Mom and Dad have him staying at the hotel." Tyler mumbled.
"Ty, you know I never noticed you before, but you have a hot muscular body." Justin stated, nonchalantly as he watched Tyler turn in his body.
"Thanks. I sometimes need a break from painting so I got into working out and stuff." Tyler stated.
"Do you want me to leave you two alone?" JC questioned.
"I don't recall any of us inviting you in here in the first place." Justin smirked. JC hugged Justin tighter and pressed a kiss to his cheek.
"That's my husband." JC smiled.
Justin sat on the couch with Amy sitting cozily in his lap staring wide eyed at the pop-up book he held in front of her. He cast a gaze down to Ben who was busy toying with a truck. He turned the page and watched as Amy giggled with glee.
"Sweetheart. Can you let Ty watch the kids? I have to ask you something." JC called from the kitchen. Tyler gladly took a seat with his niece and nephew and smiled as Justin walked out of the living room and into the kitchen. JC watched his mother stock the fridge with the groceries, still sitting in their bags on the counter. He instantly walked to the counter and started to unload the groceries. His mother-in- law smiled appreciatively and continued with her work.
"Okay Justin? What exactly is your plans after the wedding?" JC questioned.
"I have to head to LA to choreograph my first single for the MTV VMA's. And continue to work in the studio. Why?" Justin questioned in return.
"Well I was just thinking whether or not to come with you. I mean if you'll be in LA I can tag along with the kids. Stay here with the kids or go back to Orlando. And I'm thinking that Orlando might not be a good idea. Seeing how Lance is heading to Russia, Joey's in New York, and Chris might head back to Pittsburgh, I'm all alone." JC stated.
"Well you can come with me but when I'm in the studio, you might be a little bored. Do we know anyone in LA you can hang out with?" Justin asked, slipping the bread into the brad box. He took all the brown bags and folded them neatly before stuffing them in the drawer.
"Well Brit has a house there but I'm not sure what her plans are." JC suggested.
"Christina maybe?" Justin suggested.
"I think she's promoting her new album." JC said sadly.
"Then stay here. It will do the kids some good to stay somewhere." Justin stated, taking a seat next to his husband. JC took Justin's hand and slowly started to rub his palm with his thumb.
"True. Maybe, We'll come visit when you start choreographing." JC shrugged.
"Okay, so Mom. Who's coming today?" Justin questioned.
"My Uncle Tom!!" JC beamed happily.
"Okay. And he's Dad's brother right?" Justin inquired, mentally mapping out the family tree.
"Yeah." JC nodded.
"And Dad has three brothers and a sister right? The sister's son is Troy." Justin stated.
"Yup." JC nodded.
"And There is Uncle Tom, Uncle Jean, and Uncle Michael. Uncle Michael is the youngest, has a girlfriend but no kids. Uncle Jean has Marco and Tiffany, married to Aunt Juliet. And Uncle Tom has two kids. Ross who's Heather's age and David who is a year older and married to Marie. Uncle Tom is divorced, his ex-wife is Johanna." Justin recited.
"Wow, very impressive." Karen smirked.
"Ty quizzed me in the morning." Justin smiled brightly.
"Tiffany has a crush on you." JC laughed as he leaned over the counter and pulled an apple from the fruit bowl.
"Well I think she's a cutie. She's cuter than you are." Justin stated, pecking JC on the chin before walking out of the kitchen. JC gave a shocked look after Justin before turning to his mother.
"What? He's right." Karen agreed.
"Tom! How are ya!" Roy chuckled heartily at catching sight of his brother. Justin stood awkwardly in the entrance of the house. Though he had married into the family, and knew everyone from his own marriage, he still felt like an outsider. He watched as Roy hugged all the members of his brother's family. He hugged the youngest son Ross, who was a tall dashing young man who was just as cute as JC. His dark hair went with his chiseled face and body. Roy moved on to David who was quite muscular and revealed it through a tight body hugging shirt tucked into his tight jeans. He had his arm around Marie who was a quiet petite woman with warm smile.
"Hey Aunt Karen." Ross initiated.
"Josh!! How've you been!" David greeted happily.
"Hey!" JC said hugging the man.
"You remember Justin right? Justin this is David." JC introduced. Justin smiled a friendly smile and reached out to shake David's hand, David grabbed Justin and brought him into a giant hug.
"Hey Justin." David greeted. Justin laughed at the warm welcome he received. He went on to meet the whole family. It wasn't long until they were all settled in living room. JC sat with David and Ross on the couch, catching up on old times. Tyler chatted with Marie as they sat near the kids who were playing obliviously. Tom sat in the recliner watching his children and nephews with interest. Justin took a seat away from everyone on the arm of the loveseat where Karen and Roy were comfortably seated. Justin leaned on his arm which was draped over the back of the loveseat, hovering over Roy.
"Justin, you know Tom and I were both played the guitar back in our youth. Probably not as good as you do, but we did play." Roy mentioned.
"Really? I didn't know you played guitar Dad." Justin stated, smiling brightly.
"He didn't. He thought he could, but he couldn't play a single note." Tom chuckled.
"Hey I only took two years of guitar lessons and that's what you get when you have a teenager who wanted to play rock and roll right away." Roy claimed.
"Hey Justin. Tell them about the time we went to the award show and you really had to pee." JC announced.
"Well we went to this award show, and I really had to pee." Justin restated with a smirk. Everyone let out a small chuckle. Amy let out a small sigh and stood up. She ran toward Justin but couldn't find a way to get up to him. She settled with being settled in her grandpa's lap.
"So where is everyone sleeping?" JC brought up.
"Well I think we can give David and Marie Heather's room for tonight. Ross can take JC's room and JC and Justin can sleep in Tyler's room, and Tyler can sleep in the den." Karen assigned.
"Tyler, Me and Josh can sleep in the same room. The bed is big enough." Justin stated.
Justin stepped out of the bathroom with a towel slung over his neck. His robe was lightly closed as he made his way to the master bedroom. He knocked gently on the door before opening it after hearing the summons.
"Hey Mom and Dad. Are they asleep?" Justin asked softly. Karen nodded and waved Justin to come over. Justin saw both of his kids sound asleep in the center of the large bed.
"Goodnight guys." Justin whispered, pressing a kiss to both their heads.
"Night Mom. Night Dad." Justin said, kissing Karen on the cheek. Roy gave Justin a hug and pressed a kiss to the side of his forehead.
"Goodnight Son." Roy said in a weary state. Justin stepped out of the room and walked down the hall to Tyler's. He stepped inside and found Tyler on the phone.
"I love you too." Tyler said into the phone as he finished up his call.
"Oh! Is that Heather? Let me talk to her." Justin claimed happily, running over and snatching the phone from Tyler. Tyler chased after him futilely. By the time He stood from the bed, Justin already had the phone to his ear.
"Hey Heather! When are you coming into the house?" Justin asked excitedly.
"Uhm hello?" The light spoken woman said on the other line.
"Oh, I'm sorry." Justin said, staring wide-eyed at Tyler. Tyler covered his eyes in embarrassment and turned away.
"Who is this?" the woman asked.
"Uhm, well this is Tyler's brother-in-law." Justin stated uneasily.
"Oh! I'm speaking with Justin? Well it's nice to finally talk to you." She replied.
"Yeah same here, Let me give it back to Tyler." Justin responded before handing the phone back, carrying a confused look.
"Yeah, you know I'll call you tomorrow okay?" Tyler said into the phone. He ended his conversation and hung up the phone. The air was silent without any words spoken between the two. Justin just continued to hold his confused look while keeping a continue glance at Tyler.
"Ty. . ." Justin began.
"Justin, before you say anything, you have to promise me not to tell anyone what I'm about to tell you. I mean anyone. Don't even tell Josh, promise me." Tyler said adamantly.
"Ty, I know this is big, but I tell everything to Josh. I mean I can't keep secrets from him." Justin responded.
"Okay fine, tell him I dunno if I can keep this secret anymore." Tyler mumbled.
"What? Ty? What's wrong? You're beginning to freak me out." Justin stated.
"Justin. . . I have a girlfriend." Tyler said gravely. Justin sat for a moment, not quite getting the news he had just received.
"I'm. . . sorry?" Justin asked bewildered.
"Justin! This isn't a joke!" Tyler shouted angrily.
"Tyler, I'm sorry, but I'm not sure what you want me to say. Why are you so depressed about having a girlfriend and why haven't you told me?" Justin asked with a small smile.
"She's wonderful and I love her so much! And I can see her in my life for a long time." Tyler replied, suddenly getting softer.
"Then what's the deal? Does she have a third eye, or like buck teeth or something?" Justin questioned with a wrinkled brow.
"She's. . .Indian." Tyler mumbled.
"Uhm. . . Indian? As in from India or like Native Americans?" Justin asked still confused.
"Well her grandparents were from India. But she's second generation born in this country. So she's as American as you and I." Tyler stated as if answering a questioning Justin.
"I never said she wasn't American." Justin retaliated.
"Justin, what are my parents going to say? I mean seriously. They have two great sons-in-law but then here comes Tyler with someone different." Tyler sighed.
"Shut up Ty! Let me remind you that Josh didn't really have a normal spouse. Your parents were so supportive of me and Josh that it was a bit scary. I expected them to object in some shape or form but they didn't. They aren't going to mind having a son who's dating someone he likes." Justin claimed.
"But. . ." Ty began.
"That's it Ty, get to bed, cause I'm tired." Justin stated, shucking his robe and towel, leaving him clad only in a pair of boxers. He pulled back the covers and slid into bed.
"I guess. But Justin, you won't tell my parents will you?" Tyler asked softly. He glanced at his brother-in-law waiting for an answer.
"Don't worry Ty, my lips are sealed. Are you going to bed?" Justin asked.
"No I'm gonna go down stairs and hang out with Josh and Ross. Goodnight." Ty claimed.
"Lance Man! Where are you?" JC asked loudly into his cell phone. He walked up the driveway to his house carrying a stack of mail under his arm. He stood in a pair of tight jeans and a flannel button-up shirt.
"I'm in Russia. I have to do some testing and stuff. I'm gonna be there before the wedding for a couple of days and right after the reception I have to get back here. Then Florida." Lance streamed, barely audible in JC's phone.
"Well we're all missing you. Ben and Amy need to look at the photo album everyday. And they always get happy when they see your picture. So will you be able to make it to the VMA's?" JC questioned stepping into the house, throwing the mail onto the foyer table. He made his way into the living room where he saw Justin and David looking through Tyler's CD binder and Ross sitting with Ben and Amy who were watching the animated character hop happily on the screen.
"Probably not. They want their money now and I only have like five sponsors. So we'll see." Lance said nonchalantly.
"Do you really want to go into space that badly?" JC questioned.
"Yeah. I mean it would be cool to have an accomplishment and plus I have nothing else to do until Justin's solo gig ends. You know?" Lance remarked.
"I guess. Hold on let me give it to Just. Kay?" JC handed the phone to Justin who was in heavy conversation with David. JC tapped Justin on the shoulder with the phone causing him to turn towards him with a questioning look. JC responded by simply placing the phone in front of him which he gladly took.
"Hello?" Justin started. JC left his husband's side to collapse on the floor with his kids. He crossed his legs and watched as Ben gave him a small glance before getting up and taking a seat in his lap. JC ran a hand over the boy's growth of curls, proudly looking down at his adorable son. The boy ignored his father's attention and was enveloped in the children's show.
"Josh, why did you get married so young?" Ross questioned, jesting with Amy who tried to sneak away her stuffed animal from Ross.
"I don't know. I just felt ready I guess. I wanted to settle down with Justin and wanted to spend the rest of my life with him." JC shrugged.
"When am I gonna find a girl like that?" Ross asked.
"I don't know. But I'll tell you this. When you find her, you'll know." JC smiled. "Baby? Here's your phone." Justin stated, tossing him the phone. JC caught it and placed it on the table.
"Hun? When your free, could I get your help on something?" Justin asked, softly.
"Sure, I can help you now." JC said, lifting Ben out of his lap and placing the boy down on the floor in front of him. JC stood up and followed Justin out of the room, upstairs to Tyler's bedroom. He quickly pulled a walkman from Tyler's cabinet and stuck a tape into it. He took a seat on the bed and motioned for JC to come sit next to him. Doing as he was told, JC sat atop the bed without complaint. Justin silently handed him the personal tape deck and smiled.
"What's this?" JC questioned.
"My first single." Justin responded with a bright smile. JC eagerly placed on the headphones and pressed the play button. He sat and listened to the complete song, all the way through, before saying anything. Justin sat anxiously and waited for JC's comments. JC slolwy pulled off the headphones and pressed stop. He handed the walkman back to Justin and gave him a smile.
"It's. . . good." JC nodded before standing up.
"Good? That's it. Josh your not telling me the truth. Come on, I value your opinion and I want to hear what you have to say." Justin begged. He gave JC a stern look and folded his arms over his chest.
"Okay Sweetheart. I'll tell you." JC said releasing a small sigh. He placed his hands together and rubbed them as if rousing up the courage.
"Josh, just tell me." Justin stated abruptly, obviously annoyed.
"I don't like it. I don't think it's your best work." JC blurted out.
"What?" Justin asked in shock.
"I don't like it. I mean it lacked a continuous rhythm. The words seemed as if they were thrown together. You sang too high at points and could have bridged the beginning and ending much better. From a production and singing stand point. I know that's not your best work. I know that you have deeper and more powerful songs than this one." JC flatly stated. Justin sat for a moment, stunned at the harsh revelation. Justin let out an aggravated sigh and stood from the bed. He headed to the door, brushing past JC.JC swiftly grabbed Justin's arm and stopped him from leaving.
"Just, I was just giving an honest opinion from a production stand point." JC justified.
"Josh, I didn't need you to give me a production stand point. Or a singer's stand point. Or even a member if N Sync's stand point. I needed you to be there as my husband. And to tell me what is good. I'm more nervous than ever for this album and the one thing I'm truly proud of is hated by the one person I love the most. At times you can be so inconsiderate." Justin ranted before leaving the room with a slamming of the door.
JC held Amy who looked about the house suspiciously. After waking up from her nap, she viewed everything wearily and cautiously. She turned to her father and buried her face in his neck. JC ran a hand up and down her back and gently walked her into the kitchen. Tyler at the counter eating a bowl of cereal while Justin sat close by with the phone pressed to his ear.
"Okay, I'll be in LA as soon as I'm finished with family business here." Justin promised.
"Alright. Bye." Justin said hanging up the phone.
"Hey guys." JC stated.
"Hey." Tyler mumbled between spoonfuls. Justin didn't respond and walked out of the room.
"Someone's on the couch tonight." Tyler stated coolly.
"Shut up Ty." JC scowled.
"Hello!!!! Anyone home?!?" a woman called from the front door. Tyler and JC looked towards the living room and swiftly made their way to the foyer.
"Heather?" JC questioned.
"Who else would it be?" Heather called with a snicker of her own.
"Hey the big day is coming up are you excited?" Tyler questioned.
"Of course, she smiled turning around to look at Tim lug the suitcases up the driveway.
"Well you don't seem like it." JC stated bluntly.
"How did you feel a week before you wedding Jackass." Heather reminded.
"Overwhelmed." Justin chimed in standing in front of Ben who was preoccupied with his toy truck.
"Exactly. Hey Justin." Heather smiled, giving him a large hug.
"Hey Gorgeous. Hey Tim. How are you. Justin smiled.
"I'm good Justin. Thanks for asking. How are my future niece and nephew?" Tim asked with a bright smile.
"Great. They are eagerly waiting to play with Uncle Tim." Justin smiled, looking at Ben who smiled shyly.
"Well gather everyone in the living room cause we need to discuss a lot of things.
Heather smiled.
"Okay so we have the photographer for family shots the day after tomorrow. You guys will be dressed in your tuxes because you have fittings tomorrow right?" Heather inquired.
"Yes, Yes, Yes. The guys are all flying in tomorrow morning. Lance is coming in late this night at maybe two-thirty. So we'll be at the airport all night." JC stated, grimly.
"Can you watch the kids Mom?" Justin asked softly.
"Sure Sweetheart." Karen smiled happily.
"And then we have a wedding rehearsal two nights before the wedding, followed by a dinner rehearsal." Heather reminded.
"Yes sir!" Justin, JC, and Tyler all called.
"Very funny. Now where is everyone staying for the night? I know Uncle Tom and David and Ross are here, and supposedly they are in my room. Where are me and Tim going to be?" Heather questioned.
"Heather will sleep in Tyler's room with all of her brother's and Timmy can sleep in the den." Karen stated adamantly.
"Mom, How are me, Justin, Tyler, and Josh, going to sleep in one bed?" Heather questioned.
"Actually Josh and I can crash in the living room. I can take the couch and he can take the floor." Justin volunteered. JC, not wanting to make matters between him and Justin any worse, gave out no disagreement.
"Problem solved. Justin and Josh will sleep down here, I'll sleep in Tyler's bed and Tyler can sleep on the floor." Heather re-stated. Before anyone, specifically Tyler, had a chance to refuse, she moved onto the next topic.
"Okay, Now moving onto the wedding ceremony. Daddy is taking me down. Mom, Tyler and Josh will walk you down before the whole thing. Ben will walk with Amy down while she throws flowers in the aisle. And then you can sit with Justin, Josh, Tyler, and who ever he comes with , and then Daddy will join you. I left seats in the third row or so for the rest of the guys, Brit, and Christina, kay?" Heather announced looking at Justin and JC. Both gave a nod of acknowledgment.
"So after everyone gets seated, Tim's family will going in first and take the first row and then you all will go and then the wedding procession and then me. My friends are going to be in the procession and the guys will be Tim's buddies." Heather stated.
"Now for dinner are we all at one table. Dad, Mom, Me, Just, Ty, and his girlfriend, and the kids right? Or are we sitting with Tim's family?" JC claimed, unconsciously stating Tyler status.
"Tyler has a girlfriend?" Karen questioned quickly. All eyes turned to Tyler while Justin just shook his head in disappointment.
"Josh!" Tyler hissed.
"Sorry." JC responded.
"Ty you have a girlfriend? Why didn't you tell us?" Roy inquired.
"Josh I can't believe you just said that." Tyler stated, standing up and storming out of the room.
"I'm sorry I forgot." JC said guiltily.
"What is Josh talking about? Will someone please fill the mother of this family in?" Karen asked.
"Mom, Ty has a girlfriend and he doesn't want to tell you because she isn't white. He wanted to keep it a secret but Josh over here has the biggest mouth in the world." Justin stated, chastising JC while giving him a glare.
"I'm gonna go talk to him." JC sighed, getting up and walking after Tyler.
Justin paced outside of the reception hall, occasionally glancing down at Ben and Amy who amused themselves with Tim who sat cross-legged on the floor.
"When are we going to start this whole thing?" JC questioned, walking in with a Starbucks drink covered in whipped cream. Karen and Roy sat talking with Tim's parents. Heather sat with Tim's sisters and younger brother. Justin walked around while keeping the phone to his ear.
"We're waiting for Tyler to get here with his girlfriend." Tim stated.
"Sweetheart, what's her name again?" Karen questioned.
"Sima." Justin stated, coming out of his conversation to provide the answer.
"Sima, that's a very beautiful name." Karen commented.
"Thank you." Came a shy, steady voice from the doorway. JC spun around to see Tyler standing beside a woman who stood shorter than him. they clutched hands while she tucked a strand of her black hair behind her ear, revealing a gilded earring, obvious with exotic origins.
"Hi you must be Sima, I'm Josh. Ty's brother." JC said, holding out his hand. Sima shook JC's hand and smiled a beautiful smile that lit up the room.
"Hi Josh. Nice to meet you too. I always knew you were Ty's brother, but wow, you are actually standing in front of me." Sima snickered.
"Hi, I'm Justin. I'm Ty's brother-in-law, Josh's husband." Justin said, holding out his hand.
"Nice to meet you Justin." Sima stated. They walked in only to be greeted by the whole family. Tyler introduced Sima to Tim's family and the rest of his own. He stopped when he stood in front of his parents.
"Mom, Dad, this is my girlfriend, Sima." Tyler nervously mumbled.
"Hello Sima, it's so nice to finally meet you. I'm Karen and this is my husband Roy." Karen introduced.
"Hello Mrs. Chasez. Hello Mr. Chasez. I've heard so much about you." Sima smiled happily.
"Okay, I know we've just met Sima and all, but we've got a rehearsal dinner to get started. We all know the procedure right? So let's line up and get ready to be introduced." Heather alerted.
JC carried Ben down the hall while holding Amy's hand as she walked beside him. Amy's shoes clicked against the tiled hallway of the church that led to the large room where the bride and her maids were changing. Amy's faint pink satin dress which poofed out a bit towards the bottom, matched the head band that held back her locks of blond curly hair which were styled to perfection. Ben held onto his father's tuxedo, sitting in a miniature version of his fathers'. The black jacket and trousers were accented with shiny black shoes. The white shirt held a stripped gray neck tie that frequently shoed up in occasions such as weddings. The gray vest matched that of the tie. A white handkerchief crowned the breast coat pocket while each male member of the wedding held a white boutonniere. JC made his way the door of the dressing room. After a gentle knock and a `come in' from many people inside, JC entered the room, letting Amy walk in first. They were met by a onslaught of coos and welcomes from all the bridesmaids. Amy hid behind JC's leg while Ben shyly viewed everyone, his face close to JC's neck. JC placed a small kiss on Ben's forehead before watching him glance at all the women in matching dresses.
"Hey gals." JC stated, with a smile. The girls were all of Heather's friends who he's known for years, they all were placing on their jewelry or adding last minute touches to their hair. All blended in with one another in a sea of elegant dark purple gowns.
"Hey JC." they all chorused. Amy broke away from JC's leg and ran away towards a woman standing in front of a full length mirror in a white dress with a long train. Amy ran in front of the woman and looked up with a bright smile. The woman let out a cheer of delight and cupped both of Amy's cheeks.
"Hey Amy, you look so beautiful." Heather cooed as she crouched in front of her niece.
"She takes after her Aunt." JC called from behind. Heather turned around to see her older brother standing with a broad smile.
"Oh Josh." Heather stated timidly. She leaned forward and the two shared a brief hug.
"You look extraordinary Heather." JC commented as she leaned down to press a kiss to Ben's cheek.
"Thanks Josh. Josh, is it normal to be this nervous? Were you this nervous?" Heather questioned. Her fitted embroidered bodice flowed into her sheer skirt that flowed past her ankles into a five foot train.
"Your gonna do fine Heather. It's okay to be nervous. Don't worry. When you get onto the altar and you see Tim standing there, you are just going to be in so much love that all your fears will fly away." JC stated wholeheartedly. Heather's eyes glazed over with a sheen or moisture and she struggled to stop herself from crying.
"I love you Heather." JC whispered. Heather wrapped both arms around her older brother and buried her face in his shoulder. Ben reached out and gently patted her head. Both adults let out a small snicker and pulled back.
"Heather? Sweety you look beautiful." Karen announced as she entered the room.
"Thanks Mom." Heather shyly stated.
"If everyone is done in here, could I possibly be alone with my daughter?" Karen asked politely. Everyone gladly complied and stepped out into the hallway. Ben and Amy took JC's hands and walked back down the hall into the entrance way of the church where guests were trickling in and being escorted to their seats by ushers, mainly, Joey, Chris, Justin, and Lance. Lance looked barely awake and weary, yet managed to smile for everyone.
"Hey guys." JC stated walking up to the other four members of N Sync. They all replied with an equal greeting. Justin felt Amy take his hand and gently ran a hand over her head.
"We're only singing one song at the reception right. That one you gave us right?" Chris questioned.
"Yeah." JC nodded. They all watched as an elderly woman approached the entrance.
"Joshua? Joshua come here and giver your auntie a kiss." JC heard. He let out a scowl and grudgingly made his way to the woman. Everyone giggled as they watched the woman pinch Jc's cheek.
"Where is that husband of yours." She called. Justni let out a look of surprise and slowly made his way behind Chris and Joey. He stayed out of sight before both Joey and Chris moved aside and pointed at Justin.
"Here he is!" They chimed in together. Justin swore to himself as he stood erect and made his way to Josh's relative.
Britney walked into the church where everyone was seated and quickly made her way to the third row where everyone else is. She slipped into the pew and found herself greeted by Lance's waiting arms which instantly wrapped around her.
"I missed you so much. How are you?" Lance whispered. Britney smiled a faint smile and nodded.
"Good, you?" Britney asked in return.
"Great now that you're here." Britney cringed and flashed a false smile. Lance leaned forward and pressed a small kiss to Britney's lips before sitting up once again. Britney glanced to the first row where Justin sat with an unfamiliar girl. Both conversed softly, occasionally looking to the back doors.
The music started and Tim stepped out from behind the altar followed by his best man. The gentle classical music echoed through the church. All eyes drifted from the beautifully decorated altar to the back of the church where Ben and Amy started to walk down the aisle. Justin crouch off to the side in the front and smiled at them. He flashed a picture a couple of times and encouraged his kids to come down. Ben walked down while Amy tossed handfuls of flowers at a time in any direction she saw fit. Ben played with his tuxedo buttons, barely looking up while Amy was set on tossing flowers. As they reached the end of the aisle. Amy tossed one last handful directly into Justin's face which he responded by giving Amy a stern face before breaking into a smile with everyone's laughter. He walked both kids to their seats at the end of the pew and sat beside them, before joining Sima in looking back. They watched as they saw Tim's parents walking down hand in hand. After them was Tim's two sisters, each holding a candle that was lit. They made their way the altar where they placed the candles down before two rings. Next was JC and Tyler who escorted Karen to her seat before taking seats of their own. JC took a seat and brought Amy into his lap with Ben sitting next to him. On the other side of Ben was Justin. Tyler took a seat between Sima and his mother and joined everyone in looking back. The first set of bridesmaids and escorts came walking down, among them, Tim's brother, and Heather's close friend. The second set held one of Tim's best friends, and Heather's close friend as well. Then, all eyes prepared for the bride when they saw the maid of honor walking down alone. When she stepped to the altar, the Wedding march began to play and the sight of Roy escorting his daughter in a wedding dress, could be seen in the archway of the church. They slowly made their way down the aisle, as everyone stood for the bride. They moved in time with the Wedding March, eventually making their way to the altar. Roy took Heather's arm from his own and connected it with Tim. The music ended and the church became silent. Roy took a seat next to Karen. As soon as he took a seat Ben and Amy jumped from their seats and ran to their grandma and grandpa. Amy allowed Karen to seat her in her lap while Roy took up Ben.
"We are gathered her in front of God today to witness the union of Heather Chasez and Timothy Shaw. Who gives this bride away?" The priest inquired.
"I do." Roy stated, standing up while holding Ben in his arms. Ben raised his arm and waved to his aunt who stood before a church full of people. Heather broke into a large smile and sent a small wave back. Justin glanced at JC who was smiling for his sister, but still a bit depressed. Justin lifted his chin with one finger before gently placing a kiss on his lips. Without a word, JC stared at his husband. With a shrug Justin mouth. `It's okay."
"Ladies and gentlemen please join me in welcoming the families of the bride and groom. First we have Tim's sister, Helen Shaw and her fiancé, Carlos Wright." The MC announced. There was a loud round of applause which echoed through the reception hall. All the tables were cluttered around the dance floor, which laid before a raised platform holding two chairs at an extravagantly decorated table. Helen and Carlos came walking into the room and took a seat at the Shaw family table.
"Next we have Heather's brother, Tyler Chasez, escorting Tim's sister, Courtney Shaw." The MC announced creating another polite round of applause. Tyler brought Courtney to the Shaw table before walking to the Chasez Table and sitting next to Sima who was already seated. He pressed a kiss to her lips before looking back to where JC stood in the doorway.
"Now we have Heather's brother and brother-in-law, JC and Justin Chasez, carrying their kids Ben and Amy Chasez." The MC announced. Both men walked out holding hands while they carried Ben and Amy with their other arm. They walked to the Chasez table and took a seat next to one another before putting Ben and Amy down on their seats.
"Next we have the groom's parents, Nancy and Jacob Shaw." The MC called out.
"Now, we have the bride's parents , Karen and Roy Chasez." The MC stated. All the parents met at the two tables and gave a brief hug before moving to their respective table. Karen and Roy took a seat with their sons and grandchildren before looking to the entryway where Heather stood with her hand clutching her husbands. Both had changed out of their wedding clothes after hours of taking pictures.
"And Now! Please join me in welcoming, the happy couple, Mr. and Mrs., Timothy and Heather Shaw!" The MC called. The reception hall burst into a fit of applause as the two made their way to the front platform. They took a seat and conversed a bit before smiling for the photographer.
"ranma!" Ben shouted as he pointed towards Lynn.
"Why don't you go say hello to Grandma and Grandpa." Justin told his kids. Amy and Ben ran towards their grandparents with Justin watching carefully until they made it to his mother. JC took Justin's hand and walked to the table where the rest of the band was seated with Christina, Cole, and Britney.
"Hey guys." Justin said. JC took a seat in an empty chair and welcomed Justin who sat on his knee.
"Hey you two. So Josh, how does it feel to have your sister married and all grown up?" Lance asked.
"Weird, but cool. Tim's a good guy so I'm happy to have him in the family." JC nodded.
"And thank god there is another in-law in the family that I can talk to." Justin snickered.
"Hey Justin, Josh, we need you to take pictures." Tyler called. Justin and JC sighed and stood up.
"If the kids come back can you guys watch them for me?" Justin asked. After receiving nods from everyone he got up and pulled JC towards the photographer.
"Okay Justin's here, I want a picture with Justin and Tim. Both of my Sons-in-law." Karen told the photographer. Justin stepped up to Tim and waited for the photographer to get ready.
"So Justin, tell me what I got myself into." Tim questioned.
"What do you mean?" Justin asked in return.
"Does Heather's family do anything I should know about." Tim questioned.
"They go to church on Sundays and every holiday. If you are hear on those holidays, you are going too. JC, Tyler, and heather are really close. If you ever make Heather choose between you or her brothers, she will choose her brothers. And Karen is allergic to cats." Justin explained. Tim nodded and digested all the information.
"Okay Justin and Tim why don't you stand next to one another and sort of face one another. Perfect." The photographer stated as he took the picture.
"What?!" They all heard. Justin and JC looked back over to the table where their friends stood. Lance was now standing and glaring down at Britney who was trying to hide her tears and face Lance a the same time. Lance looked around and noticed everyone glancing at him. He silently stepped away from the table and walked out of the room towards the lobby.
"Josh, She told him." Justin whispered. JC nodded and wrapped an arm around Justin.
To Be Continued. . .