Part Twelve

   Heather couldn't fall asleep. The party was over and everyone that was left crashed here. Heather and Riley grabbed one of the guest bedrooms, Chris and Dani snagged the other and Justin and Britney were in Justin's room. Their was one guest bedroom left but it was a queen sized bed and since JC and Lance refused to share it, Lance was crashing on the couch.
   She sighed when she though of Lance sound asleep downstairs. He was the reason she was wide awake at 3:00 in the morning. Damn him for kissing her right before she went to bed. The taste and the feel of him still lingered and it was driving her nuts. "Damnit," she cursed out loud and then flipped the covers off of her and walked quietly to the door.
   "Where are you going?"
   Heather jumped and turned around to Riley who was leaning up in the bed. "Um, downstairs... I'm kind of thirsty."
   Riley grinned. "Isn't Lance sleeping downstairs?"
   Heather scowled at her. "Shut up," she said but Riley just laughed. "I wouldn't be talking ya know, I'm sure the thought of my brother sleeping all by himself just next door is keeping you up."
   Riley's laughter died. "Shut up," she said and then laid back down and pulled the covers over his head.
   "JC's probably all alone in that queen sized bed... wishing you were..." She was cut off when Riley leaned up and threw a pillow at her. Heather laughed and closed the door behind her and the pillow hit the door with a thud.
   Heather chuckled softly and then walked downstairs quietly in hoping not to wake anyone up. She smiled when she heard Lance's soft breathing. She stood there long enough to get adjusted to the dark and then finally made out Lance's sleeping form. She tiptoed to the couch and smiled at the sight of him. The moonlight shinning in from the windows reflected off his bare shoulders as he lay on his belly. One arm was tucked underneath his pillow and the other was dangling over the side of the couch. He looked so innocent and cute when he slept, she thought and then kneeled down and started to stroke his blonde hair.
   Lance stirred under her touch and smacked his lips and then resumed his normal breathing. Oh, she was gonna have some fun, she thought with an evil grin on her face as she leaned over and kissed a freckle on his shoulder. She paused to see what he would do, but he didn't move an inch so she kissed him again. She leaned up on her knees as she trailed her lips across his shoulder and when she got to his neck her tongue peeked out and touched his skin. This time she felt him shiver as he let out a soft moan and Heather grinned in triumph as she kept doing what she was doing.
   She nibbled on his ear and she about died when her name escaped from his lips. She wondered what he was exactly dreaming about and had know doubt in her mind that she was the star of his dream. She finally decided he had enough torture and then whispered his name in her ear. "Wake up," she said and then spiraled her tongue in his ear.
   Lance groaned as his eyes fluttered open and he could sense Heather was near him right away. "Baby?" he asked tiredly as he looked up at her.
   "Hey sweetie," she said as he turned over on his back. She loomed over her. "What ya dreamin about?"
   He grinned evilly and then grabbed her waist and yanked her on top of him. "You," he breathed and then leaned up and captured his lips with hers.
   About five seconds after Heather had left Riley, she finally gave up and went over to JC's room. "His ass better not be asleep either," she said to himself and then open the door and grinned when she saw him bang his pillow and slam his head back down on it. "Can't sleep?"
   JC flinched sprung up on the bed. "Damn, Ri, scare the crap out of me why don't you."
   She grinned as she still lingered at the open door. "Sorry babe," she whispered as she began to rub her foot against the back of her calf, knowing that would drive him crazy.
   JC almost groaned at the site of her. She wore a pair of gray cotton shorts that showed of her tanned legs and a white cotton shirt that seemed a little small for her, but hell, he wasn't complaining. "So are you gonna come in or stand there like an idiot."
   Riley raised a brow. "Well, I didn't come here to be insulted," she said even though she was half kidding and started to walk out the door.
   JC scrambled out of bed and ran towards her. "No you don't," he said as he yanked her in, closed the door and pinned her against the door.
   "Is that an order?" she asked as she enjoyed the way his hard body felt against hers. He had a pair of pajama bottoms on that he wore low on his hips and a white cotton shirt up top.
   "Sure is," he said with a grin and then leaned down and nuzzled her neck. He smiled to himself when he felt her shiver.
   "I don't take orders from anyone," she said even though she didn't hesitate jumping up on him when he lifted her up. She grinned down at him as she wrapped her legs around his waist and let him carry her to the bed.
   "Well, my dear that's just too bad," he said and then dropped her on the bed and enjoyed hearing her little yelp when she fell on her back. He then crawled on top of her and supported himself up on his hands. "You are the reason I can't get to sleep, so you have to be punished."
   "I guess I can live with that," she said with a smile and then leaned up and met his lips and JC kissed her gently as he lowered her back on the bed.
   JC continued to kiss her over and over again, while Riley's roaming hands went up and down his back. She clutched a handful of his shirt and began to yank it up, causing JC to moan before he pulled away long enough to rid himself of the cotton tee. He aimlessly threw it on the floor and then met her lips again. He ran one hand down the side of her body as he continued to devour her mouth and fiddled with the hem of her shirt. He was about to lift the material when a thunder cracked through the sky causing both of them to flinch.
   "Damn, scared the crap out of me," Riley breathed but then forgot about it and leaned up and kissed him.
   JC moaned and then pulled back. "Shit," he said as he heard the wind begin to pick up. "I think I left my windows down... dammit... I'll be right back."
   "JC," she whined. "Are you sure?"
   "Afraid so," he said and then kissed her softly. "I'll be real fast. Don't go anywhere."
   "I won't, my other fling is busy tonight."
   "Ha ha," he said and then playfully poked her in the ribs then kissed her again. "Be back."
   "Okay," she said and then let out a sigh as her head collapsed the pillow. Her eyes flew open a minute later when she realized that Heather and Lance were down there. "Oh shit," she mumbled in the dark.
   Lance was getting tired of being on the bottom, so he quickly shifted over and Heather was magically under him. Right where he wanted her. He kissed her softly and sighed into her mouth when he deepened the kiss. He never got tired of kissing her. He could stay like that forever. He then nipped at her lips and then trailed her mouth down her slender neck and then playfully bit her collarbone which caused Heather to moan.
   Lance hand began to roam down her body and he was about to take things further when he heard footsteps coming. Before he could do anything the person spoke.
   "Okay, whoever is getting it on the couch, cover yourself before I turn on the lights," JC teased.
   Heather and Lance froze as they laid motionless. All you could hear was heavy breathing. Lance finally sighed and sat up and Heather tucked herself in a ball at the end of the couch as she bit her lips nervously. Lance finally leaned on his elbows against his thighs and buried his fingers in his hair. "Turn them on, man," he finally said.
   Seconds later the light filled the room and Lance didn't even look up. He shut his eyes tight when JC finally spoke. "What the fuck is this?" 'Shit,' Lance thought. 'This wasn't going to be pretty.' "JC," he sighed.
   "I knew there was something going on with you guys," he said angrily as he put his hands on his hips. "But I didn't think it was anything THIS serious."
   "Josh," Heather said calmly as she stood up. "We were gonna tell you...."
   "When? On your golden anniversary?" he snapped.
   "C... man, we wanted to come out and tell everyone," Lance explained. "But we didn't want to do it today, since it was Riley's party. We didn't want to steal her thunder."
   JC's jaws clinched as anger still swept over him. He absolutely hated being lied to. "Heather," he finally said. "Go upstairs."
   "What?" she asked in shock. "Josh, just because your older then me doesn't mean you can treat me like a child."
   "I'm not," he said calmly and then gave Lance a sly grin. "I just want to have a private chat with my pal Lance."
   Lance swallowed hard but then nodded to Heather. "Why don't you go and get some sleep," he said. "I'll see you in the morning."
   "I'm not sleeping a wink until this is resolved," she said and then sighed. "I'll go, but come up afterwards so I'll know you aren't dead."
   "Gee, thanks," Lance said nervously.
   Heather smiled and leaned down and kissed his cheek. "Good luck," she said and then walked to her brother and kissed his cheek. "Be nice," she warned.
   "Always," he said as he glared at Lance.
   Heather rolled her eyes. "Men," she mumbled and then trotted upstairs.
   JC walked slowly over to where Lance was sitting. He was still looking at the floor, but when he sensed JC he looked up at him when he sat next to him. They were silent for awhile. No words were spoken and JC did this just to make him nervous. He had completely forgotten about his windows of course, nothing was more important then this discussion. "So," he finally said breaking the silence. "How long has this been going on?"
   Lance shifted uncomfortably. "Um...it started the night of the VMA's."
   Ironic, he thought and almost smiled. That's when he and Riley made the first move. "Have you slept with her?"
   "NO," Lance said quickly as he spun to the older man. "Course not, JC...I mean we're not ready and..."
   "Okay, okay," he said as he held up his hands. "A simple 'No' would have done the trick."
   "I would never disrespect her JC," he said. "Ever. I care about her and...."
   "Do you love her?"
   Lance paused a second and then finally nodded. "Yes, I believe so."
   "Believe so?" he asked not happy with the answer.
   "Yes," he said and cleared his throat. "Yes, I love her."
   "Have you told her?"
   "Not yet," he said and then started to nervously pop his knuckles. "You know me with girls I get too nervous."
   JC laughed softly. "Yeah," he said and then sighed. "Look, Lance....you know I love you and even though this is kind of...weird. I don't think my sister could do any better."
   A sigh of relief swept over him as he smiled at JC. "Really?"
   "Yeah," he said and then patted his back. "I'm happy for you guys."
   "Thank you, thank you!" he said and then flung his arms around his friend.
   "Oof," JC grunted as he stumbled back a little. "Um...yeah sure," he said as he patted his back. "Okay JC can't breath man."
   Lance pulled away. "Sorry," he said and then smiled.
   "One more thing," he said as he cupped the back of his neck.
   "Yeah?"
   JC squeezed his grip on Lance's neck causing him to flinch. "You ever....I mean EVER...intentionally hurt my sister....band mate or not....I'll cut you up to little pieces and feed ya to the fish....got it?"
   Lance swallowed hard as his shoulders were tense under his mean grip. "Got it."
   JC smiled and then playfully pushed his head. "Okay then," he said and then got up. "I have to go put my windows up go on upstairs and let my sister know you're alive and well."
   "Okay," he said. "Thanks again C."
   "Yeah, yeah," he said as he waved him off and then walked away.
   With a smile on his face, Lance trotted up to the stairs and softly knocked on her door. No one answered and he was about to go in when the door next to him opened. "Lance." He turned to the voice and smiled when Heather came out. "What are you doing in there?"
   "Riley's in there, I went to talk to her." She then started to run her hands over his face and chest as if she was checking for injuries. "Still in one piece I see....that's good."
   "Yeah, your brother scared me to pieces but it went well," he said with a sigh.
   "Aww," she said and then leaned up and kissed him softly. "We both knew that the JC talk would come, at least you got it over with."
   "Yeah," he said and then pulled her against him. "Now let's get inside before JC comes back and threatens my life again."
   Heather chuckled before their lips locked and together they stumbled into the empty bedroom.
   A minute later JC trotted up the stairs and went back into his bedroom where Riley still laid. "Hey," he said as he crawled on the bed and loomed over her.
   "Hey," she said and kissed her softly. "Is Lance still alive?"
   "How'd ya know?" he asked as he fell on his side and rested his head against the heel of his hand.
   "I ran into them kissing before my party," she said with a chuckle.
   "You knew about them and didn't tell me??"
   "Hell no! That would have been disastrous!"
   JC rolled his eyes. "Whatever."
   She just smiled. "I think it's cute when you play the older protective brother."
   "Really?" he asked with one brow cocked.
   "Uh-huh," she said while nodding.
   "I think you're cute period," he said and then leaned down and kissed her softly. With his lips still on hers, he shimmied his way under the covers. They both giggled playfully when JC threw the covers over their heads and rolled on top of her.

   "So did you ever have to feed him to the fishes?" Bailey asked in amusement.
   JC laughed. "No, he behaved. Never seen my sister so happy."
   Lance just smiled at him. "She was a great person."
   The room grew quiet for a second, each person not knowing what to say. Bailey looked at her watch and knew that it was almost time to go, so she decided to break the silence. "Well," she said as she stood up. "It's almost time to leave."
   Lance looked up at her sadly. "You guys still have a little time left."
   She smiled at him. "You're right," she said and then walked behind him and pushed his chair towards the door. "You can just come with us."
   "Bai, what are you doing?" James asked in shock.
   "Open the door for me, will ya hun?"
   He looked at her weird and when she didn't budge he sighed. "All right."
   "Bailey, where are you taking me?" Lance asked confused.
   "Taking you to my Gram's," she said as she pushed him along the door.
   "But Bai, I can't leave, they won't...."
   "Have fun Mr. Bass," the nurse said as she waved at him. "See you tomorrow."
   "Huh?" Lance asked confused as Bailey kept pushing him. "Um...okay."
   "James?" Bailey asked when they were at the door. James opened the doors for her again and they made their way outside.
   Lance squinted his eyes at the brightness. He hadn't been outside in a long time. "Papa C, mind getting my car and driving it to the front."
   "Uh, sure," JC said as he took the keys and walked towards Bailey's car.
   "James, can you carry Pops to the car?" Bailey asked. "I'll get the wheelchair."
   "Okay," he said. He gave up on asking questions and just decided to do what he was told. "Don't know what this is about Pops but let's go."
   Lance smiled. "Me either but I bet I'm going to like it."
   James smiled as he wrapped an arm around his back and tucked his other under his legs and carried his Pops down the stairs. JC pulled up and quickly got out of the car to come around and open the door for James. He carefully put him in the front seat. "Buckle up Pops."
   Lance chuckled as he pulled the seat belt over him and clicked it in. James helped Bailey load the wheelchair in the trunk, while JC went back to the drivers seat. He smiled at Lance and shrugged not knowing what was going on. Once Bai and James were in tow, JC drove off and headed towards Gram's.
   When they arrived Bailey and James quickly got out to get the wheel chair while JC got out and walked around to open the door for Lance. James carefully carried his Pops out of the car and placed him back in the wheelchair. They walked to the front door and Bailey trotted ahead to unlock it and slowly opened it for them. "Come on in," she said with a smile.
   James and JC leaned over and quickly lifted the chair up the two small steps and then pushed him inside. JC and Lance looked at each other when they heard music coming from the den. "Hey, that sounds a lot like...."
   They both froze when they saw the commotion going on in the den. Maggie was standing in the middle of the room with about ten of her friends. "I Want You Back" was playing and the room was decorated with tons of NSYNC posters and NSYNC merchandise. Bailey finally knelt down next to Lance. "Since you've been sharing your past with me, I decided to bring some of it back."
   "Who... who are these people?" Lance asked as his eyes began to swim with tears.
   "Why...your die hard fans of course," she said with a wink.
   "Fans?" He looked up at JC who was also close to tears. "We still have those?"
   "It appears that we do?" JC asked when he saw a group of older women giggling and pointing at them as if they were giddy teenagers again.
   Maggie smiled as she walked up to JC. "Surprise," she said softly.
   JC smiled at her. "You're amazing," he said and kissed her softly. "Thank you."
   She smiled. "Come on. Your fans want to meet you guys."

   It was like old times for JC and Lance. Maggie's friends were acting like they were 22 again and they loved it. They signed autographs and took pictures with them, while they listened to their debut album they made many years ago.
   "I actually met you guys at a signing," Maggie's friend Susan said with a smile. "I was in shock the whole time."
   JC and Lance laughed. "We didn't scare you did we?" JC joked.
   Susan giggled. "No, no, I was just in a daze, I didn't know what to say. I'm sure you guys thought I was a big ole dork."
   "Oh, you'd be surprised to see what kinds of fans we have encountered."
   "Don't talk about it," Lance said and shuddered. "Bad memories."
   Everyone laughed and continued to mingle. Maggie brought out appetizers and drinks for the guests to munch on. Lance directed his wheelchair directly to the food. He was definitely going to take advantage of this.
   "This is great, darlin," JC said as he followed her back in the kitchen. "Just like old times."
   "I'm glad," she said as she placed the cooking pan in the sink and turned to him.
   "Yeah, one of your friends even pinched my butt. Do you know how long it's been since a fan has done that to me?" He sighed. "Memories."
   "Okay, first of all... what friend pinched your butt?"
   He grinned. "Um... Jane I think."
   She rolled her eyes. "Should have known. She kept a shrine of you in her dorm room."
   "Nice," JC teased with a wink. "Come on, let's go back in, my butt could use more pinching."
   Maggie laughed. "You're awful," she teased as she followed him back to the crowd.

   Once the debut album was finished, Bailey went and put in No Strings Attached and by the time Celebrity was almost done, people were getting ready to leave. Everyone kissed Lance and JC goodbye and when the last one left JC collapsed on the couch. "Man, I forgot how exhausting this was."
   "Tell me about it," Lance said with a yawn. "I sure miss it though."
   "Hey, I'm going to be right back," James said all of the sudden as he got up and kissed Bailey.
   "Where you going?"
   "Just to the house," he said with a wink. "Have to get something."
   She smiled knowing what he meant. "Okay."
   "Maggie thanks so much for this," Lance said when she walked into the den and sat down next to JC.
   "My pleasure, Lance," she said with a smile. "It was Bailey's idea actually though, I just pulled it together."
   Lance felt himself grow tired, but he tried to shake it off. He didn't want to go to bed yet. "It's exactly what I needed. So thank you both."
   "Are you ready for bed?" JC asked when he saw him yawn for the third time.
   He couldn't fight it anymore. "Yeah, I think I am."
   "There's a guest bedroom downstairs," Maggie said as she stood up. "I got it ready for you."
   "Thanks Maggie," he said as he let her push him to the room while JC and Bailey followed.
   "JC you think your old bones can lift me to the bed?" Lance asked with a teasing smile.
   He laughed. "I think I can handle it," he said as he took over Maggie's spot and pushed him right beside the bed. He gently cradled his best friend like a baby and lifted him out of the chair and side swapped him to the bed. "Still got muscles in this old body," JC said with a wink as he pulled the covers back for him.
   Lance just smiled and then Bailey handed him his bag. "Here, we'll let you change," she said. "Let us know if you need anything."
   He nodded. "Okay," he said softly and when they left the room he pulled out his pajama's. When he finally got them on he dropped the bag on the floor and got under the covers. He winced when he felt a shot of pain jump through his back.
   "Come in," he grunted when someone knocked on the door.
   James peeked in. "You okay, Pops?"
   "Yeah, I'm fine," he sighed and ignored the pain to smile at his grandson. "What you have there?"
   "A painting," he said as he lifted the still covered frame and propped it up against the chair that was up against the wall. "I made it for you."
   "What is it?" he asked as he felt the tears start to come.
   James smiled softly and lifted the sheet. "I hope I did a good enough job capturing her."
   Lance gasped softly when he saw his wife displayed before him. It was beautiful. She was beautiful. He felt the tears start to come and he motioned James to come towards him so he could hug his grandson. "She's beautiful, James," he said as he hugged him. "Thank you."
   "You're welcome," he said and then started at the painting. "I've been working on it forever. I wanted it to be perfect."
   "It is," he said as he wiped away a tear. "She looks so beautiful... so real, like I can reach out and touch her."
   Lance then coughed heavily and James looked at him with worry. "Want some water, Pops?"
   He nodded as he still coughed. "Yes," he managed to say. "A glass of water should do... the trick."
   "Okay, hang on," he said and then kissed his forehead before he left the room.
   Lance let out a tired sigh as he lean back in his pillow. He stared at his wife and a smile came across his lips. "I'm coming, baby," he said quietly and then slowly shut his eyes.

   "Is Lance asleep?" Bailey asked when he walked into the kitchen.
   "Not yet," he said as he pulled out a cup out of the cupboard. " He wants a glass of water." He filled the glass with water under the faucet and let out a sigh. "He looks tired, Bai."
   Bailey walked up behind him and hugged him behind. "You noticed it too, huh?"
   "Yeah," he said as he turned around and leaned against the sink and welcomed Bailey in his arms when she rested her head against his chest. He let out a sigh and kissed the top of her head. "I'm gonna give him his water," he said as he eased up.
   "Okay," she said. "I'll be in the den okay?"
   "Okay," he said and then kissed her softly before walking back to his room. He slowly opened the door and peeked his head in, hoping his eyes were still open. "Oh god," he choked as he felt the tears start to swim. "No... Pops," he said as he walked to his side and put the water on the table. "Pops... I have your water," he said as he clasped his limp hand and knelt beside his bed.
   "James?"
   James turned to JC's voice with tears in his eyes. JC shook his head. "No," he whispered.
   James just broke in to tears as he turned back to Lance, while JC called for Bailey and Maggie. Seconds later they came running in with worry in their eyes. “Lance?" Maggie cried as she looked at JC and when he slowly nodded Maggie pulled JC into her arms.
   Bailey walked over and knelt next to James who quickly turned to her and buried his face in her neck. Bailey buried her fingers in his hair as she slowly rocked him as her own tears started to fall. "He's gone, Bai," he whispered.
   "I know, baby," she choked.
   "Not quite yet."
   JC and Maggie flew apart and James and Bailey gasped as the pulled apart as well and stared down at Lance who was giving them a tired smile. "Pops," he cried as he grabbed his hand. "I thought you..."
   "I did," he said. "But I was ordered to come back and say goodbye." He looked over at JC and smiled. "Come on over here so I can see both of you."
   JC wiped the tears from his eyes and JC and Maggie walked towards the end of the bed hand in hand. "Hey Poofu," he said with a smile.
   "I saw them," he whispered.
   "Who?" JC asked.
   "The gang... everyone was waiting for me."
   JC's heart leapt in his throat. "Everyone?"
   "Yes, everyone," he said. "I saw Riley, JC... she looks beautiful."
   Maggie gripped his hand as JC tried to hold back the tears. "Did... did she say anything?"
   Lance nodded. "She wanted me to tell you that she loves you," he said and then looked at Maggie. "And she wanted me to tell you to take care of JC for her."
   She let out a laugh as she wiped away a tear. "Tell her I'll do my best."
   A part of JC wanted to scream, "Let me come with you!" He wanted to be a part of the gang again, he wanted to be with Riley. But he knew he couldn't. He was with Maggie and needed to share the rest of his life with her and his new granddaughter.
   "Don't worry JC," he said as if he was reading his mind. "We'll be there waiting for you when it's your time," he said and then looked at Maggie. "And you too... you're a part of us now, Maggie."
   "Thank you, Lance," she cried as she leaned into JC.
   Lance then turned to James. "I saw you're dad," he said as he squeezed his hand. "He's so proud of you."
   "Tell him I love him," he said.
   "He knows, James... he knows." He then looked up at Bailey and gripped her hands. "You're parents were standing in the shadows, Bai," he said softly. "I think they were almost too shy to come out, but I saw them."
   "You saw Georgia?" Maggie cried. "Oh, tell her I love her if you see her again."
   "I'll see her... and I'll tell her."
   "Tell her I love her, too," JC added in as he gave up keeping in the tears.
   "I will," he said and then closed his eyes. "The guys are getting impatient," he finally said and then let out a laugh and pointed at JC. "Chris... he's behind you making faces."
   "What?" JC said as he turned around him only making Lance laugh more. "Ha-ha, very funny Chris!" he said to thin air and then smiled down at Lance and let out a laugh, but the tears still flowed. "I love you, Lance."
   "I love you, too, JC," he said as he closed his eyes. "We all do... we'll be waiting for you," he said and then took his last breath.

Epilogue