You weren't impressed the first few times you met her. You didn't care that Lance liked her music or that she formed an easy rapport with Joey. Her smile seemed too fake, and her hair bleached too blond. Her outfit was too prim; her skirt reaching past her knees and a top that covered both her belly and arms and only hinted at cleavage. She giggled and smiled sweetly at Justin when he complimented her on her most recent single. You curled your hands into fists, digging your nails into the palms of your hands as she sang a few bars of "Blue," his favorite country song. Her voice was sweet and pure with just the slightest hint of a twang and you knew without a doubt she'd never had to lip-sync a note in her life.
You started hearing things about her, innocent pieces of gossip. She'd moved out of the house and in with her boyfriend, Andrew Keegan, whom you had to admit was pretty hot. You heard she'd been going through legal problems with her record label and with her father. You still weren't impressed.
Joey mentioned her from time to time; they seemed to have developed an almost-friendship. Purely platonic of course, Joey was as gay as a San Francisco interior decorator. You tried not to show your distaste because it couldn't really be explained. She simply grated on your nerves in a way few people did.
Time passed, but your ears still seemed to perk up when you heard her name. You didn't care that you probably had things in common. That the two of you were about the same age, both had been in the spotlight since before you were teens or that you'd each been born into southern families. All you could see was that she was everything you weren't and represented everything you'd tried so hard to overcome.
When Joey informed the group she was joining them on tour for a few days you tried to think of a reason to leave. You'd told Justin you'd be with them for the whole West Coast portion of the tour and couldn't think of a reason to back out now. You'd be damned if you were going to let some country-bumpkin replace you in your role as *NSYNC princess. So, you stood your ground, pacing 'your' dressing room waiting for her to arrive. Everyone else greeted her with smiles and hugs. You offered a small smile and extended your hand politely, "Nice to see you again, LeAnn".
She smiled in return and grasped your hand lightly, her soft, well manicured fingers slipping over yours, squeezing gently as she said, "Very nice, Britney." You think it's the first time you've ever heard her say your name and you're a little surprised at how nice it sounded slipping from her lips. It's smooth and rich, like an expensive brandy.
You pulled your hand away quickly when you realized the greeting has gone on quite a bit longer than necessary. When she turned to hug JC you could still feel the sensation of her skin on yours, where your hands touched. You weren't aware that you were still watching her until Justin touched your elbow and asked, "Brit, you okay?"
"Mmm? Fine." You said, and forced yourself to turn away from her, to look at him. He smiled and you leaned forward and kissed him on the corner of his mouth. "So," you said, forcing a bright smile to your lips and changing the subject, "what's up for tonight after the show? Are we going out?"
Justin was uncommonly quiet, and avoided meeting your eyes for a moment before saying, "Well see. there's this club that Joey and I want to go to. And we were wondering if you and LeAnn would come along. You can keep LeAnn company." The plastered smile left your face and fire lit your eyes. "You want me to baby-sit!" Instead of waiting for Justin to answer you turned and stomped away, slamming the door shut. You threw yourself down on the chaise lounge dramatically. Disappointed that for once no one was watching. You knew you would go. You can't say no to Justin; he's your best friend. The one person in the world you'll do anything for.
Normally you wouldn't care. You've done this for Justin and Joey countless times. Justin would do it for you if you asked, but even knowing that didn't make you want to say yes. It was LeAnn. You knew your dislike of her was irrational and silly even, especially since there wasn't really a reason behind it. You just didn't like her. Plain and simple, it didn't matter why.
Even as you pondered this your mind wandered to the image of her standing there next to Joey. It's then you realize that she'd changed. You noticed that her hair was darker, with a few chunky blond streaks in the front. Her clothes were different too. Fashionable bleach stained jeans and a tight- fitting T-shirt cut off near the bottom. You think you even remember seeing a hint of her stomach, and possible a peek of her belly button. You still didn't like her, and you were still not impressed.
Justin came knocking on your door a few minutes later. He'd given you just enough time to calm down and realize that yes, you would go. He knew better than to try to pressure you into anything you don't want to do. No one-- absolutely no one--tells Britney Spears what to do.
"So?" he asked.
"Yeah, I'll go," you said with a sigh.
Justin rushed forward, wrapping you in a big, hard hug and kissing the top of your head. "You're the best."
You smiled a genuine smile and laughed a little, "I know".
Justin settled himself on the long seat of the chaise, and pulled you down next to him. "So, what are you going to wear?"
Suddenly, everything was normal again. The two of you laughed and discussed possible outfits until it was time for Justin to go get ready for the show.
You stayed backstage for the show, but LeAnn's sat in VIP section, well escorted. You had been waiting in the van for several minutes before LeAnn was rushed inside. You could tell she was flushed and excited she's practically glowing. You wondered if that's how you looked after seeing your first *NSYNC concert, but you think more than likely not. You probably only look that way after really good sex, and it's been ages since that's happened so who the hell really knows?
You decided if you're going to be spending the night with this girl, you might as well try to make small talk and get along. "Enjoy the show?"
She nodded and said, "Yes. Awesome. I wish my shows were that high power."
"You've got your own style," you said, surprised to find that you actually meant it and weren't just being polite. Granted, you hadn't seen a lot of LeAnn's performances but you'd witnessed enough to know that she could pull off a fabulous show based on the strength of her voice alone.
You watched as a smile slowly made its way across LeAnn's face. "Thanks."
She pulled her shirt away from her body, fanning herself with the material, "It's hot. I don't know how they, and you, do that all the time."
"It's a workout, but you get used to it."
LeAnn leaned forward in her seat, closer to you, "I'd really love to see you perform live." She seemed earnest and you don't know why that made your stomach feel a bit fluttery and nervous, but it did. She leaned a bit closer and her chest just barely brushed your arm. "Joey tells me that you put on the best shows - ever." She reached up slowly and you thought she was going to touch your face. You held your breath, but her hand kept moving up, and you realized she was simply trying to adjust the air vent.
Once the vent was positioned to her liking she settled back against the seat. The bare skin of your arm tingled where the soft material of her shirt brushed against it. It bothered you that the simple contact was able get an involuntary reaction. Your body was betraying your mind.
"Humm?" You asked. You knew she'd said something that garnered a response but you couldn't remember what it was.
She laughed softly and repeated herself. "Joey told me that you put on a really great show. That's one of the reasons I'd like to see you live."
"Joey's a sweetheart. He'd say that even if he thought my shows sucked."
She laughed again and you felt that fluttery feeling in your stomach again, but this time it was not so much nerves as it was something a bit more primal. "Maybe he'd still tell you he loved it, but I don't think he'd brag to me about it if he thought it sucked."
She sat there with a grin you just couldn't read but you smiled in return and spent the rest of the car ride in comfortable silence. You told yourself that if you stole a few glances at her it was only because you were trying to figure her out.
You reached the hotel and each headed to your respective rooms. "See you soon," LeAnn called out over her shoulder before the door closed behind her.
--------
You quickly peel your clothing from your body and step into the shower. You aren't dreading the evening as much as you had been. A part of you is almost looking forward to it. You wonder if maybe you misjudged LeAnn. She seems nice enough now that you're getting to know her. And there's something else nibbling away in the back of your mind. Something you're not willing to acknowledge yet.
Once you've showered and changed you head to Justin's room. You figure that they will all be ready and waiting. It has taken you a while to pick out an outfit and your hair always seems to take forever and a day to dry. You knock and Joey opens the door and quickly ushers you into the room.
LeAnn is the first thing you see and all you can think is - wow. You unabashedly stare at her, taking in the outfit which is sexy without being slutty. Her hair, which has been brushed and blown dry, softly frames her face. The color and the sheen remind you of a mink stole, and you wonder if it would be silky-soft if you were to run your fingers through it. The material of her skirt looks soft as well. As she uncrosses her legs to stand, the material clings to her curves for a moment before falling into place flat against her thighs.
You hold your breath as she grins at you, her eyes sweeping up and down, studying your outfit. You wonder if her gaze is critical but her smile grows wider and she winks, "Nice shoes".
You laugh then, letting the pent up oxygen out of your lungs "Thanks," you say softly, almost shyly. You can't figure out what has happened here. You feel as if you've lost your balance somewhere along the line, but it doesn't bother you as much as you think it should.
"Ready?" Justin says to the room in general. That's when you notice him for the first time since entering the room. You nod yes and make your way to the door, glancing behind you to make sure LeAnn is following.
The four of you pile into one car and the bodyguards follow in the car right behind you. You've taken limousines tonight so Joey and Justin sit on one side of the car, facing you and LeAnn. They talk about the show, and the next few stops on the tour schedule but you mostly sit and listen. Every once in a while your eyes dart to your right to look at LeAnn. She doesn't seem like the same person that you met several years ago. So much about her has changed. It's not just her physical appearance -- the hair and stylish outfit -- it's her entire demeanor. She seems totally at ease with herself and much more confident. Her smile and laugh come easily. When you realize she and Joey are arguing over the necessity of seatbelts, you realize she's not afraid to speak her mind. You find that very attractive.
When you arrive at the club you're only slightly surprised that there is a small rainbow triangle icon near the door. You wonder if LeAnn knows what she's in for. If the abundance of same sex couples within the club shocks LeAnn at all she hides it extremely well.
Joey asks, "Drinks?" and you raise your voice to give him your drink order. Justin and LeAnn do the same and then you follow Justin and the bodyguards to a secluded area of the club. You have a good view of the dance floor and the bar, but the din of the crowd is more faint. You are able to talk without screaming and the dark corner provides a semblance of privacy.
Joey arrives bearing drinks and you can see that he's already sweating from the heat of the bodies crushed onto the dance floor. Joey scoots into the booth next to Justin and takes a quick sip of his drink. Joey looks at Justin and shifts his gaze to you.
"Wanna dance?"
You shrug your shoulders and say "Sure," and follow Joey to the dance floor. It's crowded and the crush of bodies is almost stifling, but Joey seems into it so you close your eyes and move to the thumping beat coming from the sound system. You've lost yourself in the rhythm of the music when you feel another set of hands on you. You open your eyes and look over your shoulder. It's Justin. He's behind you with his hands on your hips. He grinds into you but you know he's not really thinking of you, his eyes are locked on Joey, who's dancing in front of you.
You slip out from between their bodies, and then squeeze back between them pulling LeAnn with you. The four of you dance like that for quite a while. The crush of bodies, wandering hands and the bass of the music has gotten to you. You're a little overheated. You catch LeAnn's eye and gesture to the table. She nods and the two of you pick your way through the crowd to the booth. You order another round of drinks and the two of you sit in silence as you watch Justin and Joey dance. You can tell by the way Justin has attached himself to Joey that they'll be leaving soon.
LeAnn downs half of her Amaretto sour and motions to Justin and Joey out on the dance floor.
"How long have they been. together?"
She seems embarrassed by the question so you guess she and Joey haven't talked about it. But you suppose that if Joey's comfortable with her enough to bring her here she has a right to know. "A few years, actually."
"Really? And you don't mind?" You laugh and shake your head no, "It's not like that with Justin. We're just friends. Best friends."
LeAnn doesn't look like she understands so you elaborate.
"It's easiest this way, he doesn't have to worry about trying to pretend he's always dating some girl. Plus, it pretty much leaves me free to date whoever I want."
"Are you dating someone now?"
"Nah. It's been a while." You shrug your shoulders. "I can either do the one night hook up thing or try to find out if someone is really trustworthy before I invest too much. Lately neither has been appealing."
"Mmm. I can understand that," she says. "Must be hard though - for you. It doesn't really seem fair that you have to give up so much, just to help out a friend."
"No, no," You reassure her. "I get something out of it too. I don't have to worry about the press talking about who I hooked up with last week. As long as they think I'm with Justin they don't dig too deep. And my dating choices don't always lean towards the conventional." You smile at her, it heartens you that she'd care you were sacrificing yourself. "I like it the way things are."
LeAnn smiles back at you, "As long as you're happy too."
You look up to see Justin and Joey leaving with two of the bodyguards. You can see the third standing a safe distance away.
"Looks like the boys snuck out."
"Did they?" Her eyes follow your gaze to the door, but they've already slipped out. She laughs softly and says, "We probably didn't want to share a car with them anyway."
Considering the way Justin was draped over Joey you think she's probably right.
"What about you?" You ask, returning to the conversation. "Dating anyone?"
"Not at the moment."
"I thought Joey mentioned you were seeing someone. He called him your sheep."
"My sheep?" LeAnn asks.
"That's just what Joey called him."
LeAnn looks like she's thinking for a moment before responding. "Ohhhh, Dean. Yeah." She grins, "We broke up quite a while ago. Joey calls him my sheep because we went as Little Bo Peep and her sheep to the Playboy Mansion Halloween party last year."
You laugh at the image, and try to imagine the woman in front of you at the Playboy Mansion. Before today it would have been impossible to envision. Now you're fairly certain you've underestimated LeAnn.
You finish your drink and stifle a yawn. You notice LeAnn covering her mouth as she unsuccessfully hides her fatigue. "Ready to go? Or do you want to dance some more?"
The music seems to have gotten even louder and you can't really hear her but you think you understand the word tired so you stand up, grab your purse and head towards the door. The cool night air is a shock as you step outside and you can feel your skin tighten and your nipples harden from the change in temperature.
It's been raining but it seems to have stopped at least for the meantime. You glance up; the city lights have emphasized the gray clouds rolling through the black night sky.
You settle yourselves in the comfortable interior of the limousine. Both of you enjoy the relative silence, the tires on the road and then the echo of thunder and then raindrops hitting the roof as it starts to pour again. The vehicle pulls up to the front of the hotel and the two of you jump out of the car quickly, running for the lobby doors. You laugh and squeal and the raindrops pelt you, wetting your hair and soaking your outfits. You quiet down as you enter the lobby. As soon as you and LeAnn are in the elevator you look at each other and burst into laughter.
"You're all wet," you say, leaning forward and removing a wet strand of hair that's stuck to her cheek from the hasty run from the car.
You think you hear her mumble something that sounds a little like "Not as wet as I'd like to be." You're not sure because the next thing you know she's pulled you forward and your mouth is crashing down on hers. Her lips are soft, softer than any you've ever felt before and her mouth tastes fresh, like rainwater and apples.
You feel a hand on your waist; her warm fingers gently massage the skin as her lips continue moving against yours. You shiver and a soft moan escapes your mouth. Suddenly you're conscious of the bodyguard who's standing stoically in front you. His gaze is locked on the numbers of the floors as they tick by. You gently pull away from LeAnn, but slip your hand into hers and squeeze softly, reassuringly. The elevator dings and the doors slide open. You step out into the hallway, tugging LeAnn along after you. When you reach the door to your suite you stop.
Turning to LeAnn you smile and ask, "Want to come in for a while?" You really want to try that kiss again. You know you'll never sleep if all you can do is imagine the feeling of her lips pressed against yours and the taste of her skin.
You can see her hesitate. Her she glances down the hallway to her room and then back to you. Her hand is still enfolded in yours and she tightens her grip slightly and replies, "Maybe for a little while."
You slip the keycard into the slot and enter the room. Once all the lights are on and the room has been checked out you nod to the bodyguard, who nods back and leaves the room, shutting the door firmly behind him.
You sit down on the couch next to LeAnn who has perched herself on the edge. She looks nervous like she might flee at any moment. "Can I." you start to ask, but she smiles and moves closer. This time it's her lips on yours. When her tongue darts out, snaking its way into your mouth you moan and wrap your arms around her.
Your fingertips brush over her shoulder, touching smooth skin and the thin straps holding up her top. You can't believe how right this feels, was it just this morning you despised her? You mentally kick yourself. She's sweet and funny and her mouth - it's hot and wet and tastes so good. That's all you can think of then, her mouth and lips and the way her tongue runs along your teeth.
Her hands are tangled in your hair and you're both breathing harshly. You can't remember the last time you spent this long just kissing someone. Or the last time something, anything, felt this good. She runs a hand over your shoulder, and her fingers dance over the material of your blouse. LeAnn pauses as she reaches your breast, massaging gently then continues trailing down your torso until she reaches the bare skin of your stomach.
Your hand slides up her thigh. You can't believe how soft her skin is. You think she's going to stop you as your fingers search higher, brushing the edge of her silky panties. But she doesn't. She shifts slightly; spreading her legs a bit wider and moves her mouth down to nibble on your neck.
You pull away slowly. Blinking as you look at her, you observe her swollen mouth and mussed hair.
"Bed?" you ask tentatively. She swallows and nods; standing up and smoothing down her skirt.
You dim the lights. When you walk back to the bed LeAnn is already lying there, propped up on an elbow, watching you.
You carefully remove your top and then sit down on the bed, moving towards her. She reaches out running her hands over the material of your bra then tips her head to kiss you. You reach behind her, unzipping her blouse and she quickly slides it, as well as her bra from her arms, tossing them to the floor.
You trace the curve of her breast with a fingertip then dip your head kissing softly. When you introduce your tongue she hisses and arches against your mouth. Your hands roam her stomach; it feels so different when compared to your own. The pale skin there is even softer than yours. Instead of muscles and angular bones it's supple and utterly feminine. You move your mouth lower; dipping your tongue into her belly button and placing kiss after kiss onto the smooth skin.
You move back up her body, until your mouth meets hers for another kiss. Her hands scrabble over your back, searching for the clasp to your bra. She lets out a small sigh of satisfaction when she finds it. She pulls the straps from your shoulders and gives the offending garment a final tug before your breasts spill out into her waiting hands.
LeAnn gently pushes you back on the bed and straddles your thighs. She handles your breasts carefully--almost reverently--tracing the perimeter. Sliding her fingers over your erect nipples, just barely brushing them. She bends her head and you expect her to take one of them into her mouth. Instead she allows the silky length of her hair to caress you. The gentle touch is frustrating. You don't think you can take much more of her sweet torture. Your hands reach up to grasp her shoulders, rolling her onto her back.
You kiss her firmly--almost harshly--and your hands begin their ascent up her long legs again. There is no hesitation this time. Your fingers find their way to the elastic of her panties and pull them off down the marble- like length of her legs. Her skirt is hitched up around her waist and you remove that as well.
You stand near the edge of the bed studying her body in the dim light. It's almost perfect--feminine curves and lots of pale, smooth skin. Breasts tipped with dusky pink areola and darker nipples and a patch of dark crinkled hair between her legs. You remove the rest of your clothing and crawl back onto the bed to join her. LeAnn has pulled back the covers and the cool cotton of the sheets feels good against your naked skin.
You lay on your side, facing her. Your fingers trace her face, lingering over her lips and the perfect line of her eyebrows. As your hands smooth her hair you kiss her. Prolonged kisses that you place on her closed eyelids and the tip of her nose.
"Britney," she says, her voice honeyed, sweet and thick and filled with need. You kiss her quickly and move between her splayed legs. Your lips and tongue caress her thighs. When you nip the skin gently with your teeth she moans, spreading her legs even further apart. You bend her knee to gain greater access and place a soft kiss between her legs.
You ready her with your tongue first and then slide one finger into her. She's tight and hot and extremely wet. She bucks her hips as you begin to move your finger, encouraging you to add another. Combining the movement of your fingers with that of your tongue and lips, you quickly bring her to her release. Her head is thrashing on the pillow and she's moaning, speaking unintelligible gibberish though you think you recognize your name. You feel her contracting around you and when she stills you kiss her again and gently remove your fingers.
You feel her nails digging into your shoulders and she's pulling you up her body, crushing her mouth to yours. You find yourself on your back, lying sideways on the bed. Her mouth moves over your body, nibbling on your neck, licking at your breasts. Her tongue lathes and her teeth nip, covering the entire length of your torso. When she reaches the junction of your thighs she pauses. She spreads you with two fingers and explores with the tip of her tongue.
You're pretty sure she's done this before.
You think you manage a "holy fuck" before you succumb to her torture, giving into the pleasure she's inflicting. She's able to bring you to orgasm with her tongue and lips, never once touching you with her hands.
You close your eyes and lay there, taking deep breaths. When your knees finally stop trembling you look up at LeAnn and smile.
"That was impressive."
You laugh shakily and swivel so your head is near the pillows. LeAnn joins you at the head of the bed and you cup her face and kiss her.
She pulls away from you with a smirk, "I knew one day, I'd impress you."
End