“Try out.”

“No.”

“Pwetty please?”

“No, what the hell am I gonna do that for?”

“Please! I don’t wanna be up in there by myself. They’re gonna laugh at me.”

“Simple solution: don’t go.”

“Come on, try out. You’ll meet some fine ass boys there... Whooo! Right?”

“Alec, no. I’m not gonna try out-”

“Fine, C. I guess I’ll tell Ms. Aguilera hi for you-”

“She’s actually gonna be there?”

Alec smiled to himself. “Of course. She’s gonna be signing autographs for all of her dancers too. Marinate on that, baby.”

Silence. The bathroom door closed behind JC and Alec grinned. He’d take that as a yes.

***

“I’m not gonna get picked.” JC moaned as he stretched again, getting ready for round two.

“You got picked last time, we both did, thank God. I think the judge likes you though, that’s not fair. You shake your hips: you get it. I shake my hips: they shrug and keep me as a sub. Stupid man.”

JC smiled and took a swig of water. “We’re both here, aren’t we?”

Alec smiled and wiped his face down with a smile. “True, true- Oh, here they come.” he stood up and rolled his shoulders. “Time to show ‘em what we’re made of.”

JC sighed and grabbed Alec’s towel. “I’m not gonna make it. I promise you.”

***

“I made it?”

“You made it!!”

“Me? JC? Made it? Christina Aguilera? Tour? Oh god.” JC felt lightheaded, holding a hand to his forehead. This was too quick.

“You made it!!” Alec squealed and a few heads turned to watch the jubilant blonde. He quieted and looked shyly to the entourage of judges.

“Hold on, Alec... what about you?”

Alec waved him off and squeezed JC’s arm. “Fuck me. You got in-”

“But you wanted to-”

“And now that I have a roommate on the inside, I don’t have to work my ass off just to meet cute dancer boys. See? You’re helping me after all.” Alec’s smile was absolutely brilliant and JC felt it in his chest. He leaned forward, wrapping his sweaty arms around his friend, squeezing extra hard before letting go.

“Thanks.”

“Alright, everyone that was called please come up to the front desk and register in. To the rest of you, thanks for coming and keep working at it. We’re all stars here!” Christina’s voice shouted and people started filling out, JC giving Alec’s shoulder a tight squeeze before walking up to the front where another five or six people were waiting patiently in line.

As soon as the room was cleared, Christina greeted them each individually. JC held his breath when she turned towards him with an infectious smile and blue eyes. He nearly fell out when she shook his hand.

“Ok now that everybody is in, let’s talk business.” Christina rubbed her hands together and a few giggles passed through the crowd. “When we’re leaving: tomorrow. Tomorrow at noon, so we are going to all meet here, at the Montrose studio at 11:30, please no later. And there, busses will take us to the airport where we will fly to Orlando. That is where the rehearsals for the tour are. Everyone ok with that so far?” Everyone nodded and then clapped as Ms. Aguilera took a bow.

“So.” Another dancer, a petite little guy with reddish hair and sterling brown eyes nudged JC. “Your name?”

JC smiled. “JC. Yours?”

The stranger blushed. “Edwin. But I go by Eric, sounds better than Edwin.” JC chuckled and nodded, smiling at this new friend.

***

It was hot and boring in the big mirrored dance studio. The dancers there sighed and the assistant manager for the choreography picked at her nails. The choreographer was late.

JC sat on the floor, back up against the cool mirror and beside him Eric sat, talking animatedly to a young woman who was as flexible as JC. Her name was Sydney and she was dashing with dark brown waves and bright green eyes.

Suddenly a young man carrying a bag and a boom box bustled through the doors quickly, dropping his bag immediately and placing the boom box on the big studio one there. When he looked up, curls bounced hazardously and his face was screwed up as he looked at the people.

“Great first impression, huh?” he asked and JC chuckled to himself, remarking the dark blue eyes and the nice build of the dancer. “Right, so um. Sorry I’m late. My name is Justin and I am the choreographer for Christina Aguilera’s “Imagine This” tour.” Justin bowed his head and the room all clapped, the young man standing in front of the class grinning as he chuckled to himself. JC stared and slowly got up as Justin officially started the day.

When the blonde turned around he almost bumped into JC, and with a smile sized JC up quickly. Though the moment was quick JC could see Justin’s thoughts easily and smiled to himself. Alec would be jealous as all hell; he loved it!

***

The first day was hell. He was trying to pick it up but JC could feel that his hips weren’t into it. He could do this normally, he could. But today was not the day and his hips snapped to the left quickly.

“Fuck.” he hissed as he wiped a hand over his forehead, gripping at his hair a bit.

“You alright?” Justin asked, walking towards him, eyes concerned yet firm. He had already warned them that he didn’t tolerate slackers.

“What? No, I just... I’m just having a little trouble.” JC mumbled and looked into the mirror, ignoring that he was nervous and his stomach was churning as he did the move. Justin beside him was making him tense. He tried to pump his hips and-

“No, that’s not how ya do it.” Justin said and stepped forward, grabbing a hold of JC’s hips. “This is what you’re having trouble on?”

JC nodded silent and Justin snapped his gum. “Ok, here.” And Justin moved JC’s hips in a circular motion but JC was still stiff and embarrassed.

“See. I don’t understand why I can’t do this today. I can.” He looked Justin in the eye to emphasize his point, slowly getting lost in the gaze. He snapped back to attention when he felt his waist twist, his hips swiveling. He chuckled and bowed his head to hide from Justin’s bright smile.

“You’re concentrating on it too much. Just let it go.” Justin’s hand slapped JC’s thigh leaving the brunette with a wink.

***

“Yeah, Alec, our choreographer is fucking kick ass-”

“Cute?”

“Hella cute! And he can dance like all hell has broken loose-”

“Ah, you lucky bastard! And you get to tour with him.” Alec pouted playfully, though his smile broke through easily. “You better hook up with him or else I’m a kick your ass.”

JC smiled and sighed, scratching at his stomach. He was relaxing in his hotel room, trying to go to sleep and failing miserably. He was too excited. He was one of Christina Aguilera’s dancers... it was too surreal.

“- Are you ever listening to me?”

“What?”

“I’ll take that as a no. Alright, you can go ahead and day dream about your dancer. But call me tomorrow and tell me how he was in the sack. Bye!”

Alec hung up before JC could do anything but laugh and he ended the call on his cell phone then laid back, silently wishing for tomorrow to come soon.

***

JC was stretching in the morning, his eyes half open. He had fallen asleep 10 minutes before he needed to get to the Clearfield studio and sleep was paying him a visit during rehearsals.

“JC! Wake up!” Justin shouted and raised an eyebrow.

JC waved him off with a sleepy smile and stood up on groggy legs.

“You ok?” Justin came over to him and rested against the mirror beside him.

“No. I got about 10 minutes of sleep last night.”

Justin clicked his tongue and JC chuckled. “That’s your fault. Stop staying up so late-”

“It wasn’t even like that, I was just too hyped for whatever reason.”

Justin shrugged and squeezed JC’s shoulder. JC smiled softly at him and before he knew it he was leaning forward. But, thankfully, Justin pulled back and laughed uneasily pushing JC away with a playful shove. JC was red with embarrassment.

“Wake up.” Justin patted his cheek. “And don’t try to kiss me in front of everybody again.” The blonde was cheesing and JC’s cheeks pinked.

“Ok.” he said lamely and Justin sauntered off with a laugh, JC trying to calm the loud pattering of his heart.

***

“Alright everyone! We’ll call it a day. Great job, and remember to bring water tomorrow. We have a long day tomorrow.” Justin called out at the end of the day, a clump of dancers rumbling out as fast as their tired legs would move them. Today had been a hard day full of pivots, partners, and new dances. JC didn’t like the 14-hour days anymore.

“JC!”

JC turned around from his bag and saw Justin jogging up to him. “Yeah?”

Justin stopped before him and ran a towel over his head. “You still wanna work on that part in “Bring It”?” he asked and JC had totally forgotten about that.

“Oh! Yeah! Sure, it’s just my arms. They’re getting in the way. Sorry, to keep you and a-”

“I approached you, man.” Justin smiled and JC nodded.

“Ok, then. I know how to do this.” JC’s feet moved easily into something resembling the Crip-Walk. “But, it’s my arms...” JC trailed off as Justin stepped in from behind and grabbed onto JC’s hands, holding them and moving them with his arms.

“Just up, right, left, left, now your hips... yeah, and then to the left, right, right and again. See, like that.” Justin cooed close to JC’s ear, hot breath tickling the hairs on the back of the brunette’s neck.

They did it some more before going into a previous position, the partners position that JC was also having trouble with.

“Johanna goes crazy. I don’t know what I’m doing.” JC said and put his arms on Justin’s shoulder, taking the females position in the dance. Justin grabbed JC’s hips and brought them closer before moving to the left as JC moved to the right.

“That’s it. You gotta get her close and be well... frankly sexual.” Justin looked up and grinned into JC’s face. JC blushed back and continued to slide, moving with Justin’s hands.

“So um- Ah, here comes the dip part. Wanna do it?” JC laughed and nodded. Justin turned suavely and dipped the young dancer, coming face to face with crinkled eyes. “Hi.”

JC swallowed thickly, a trace of his chuckle still on his lips. “Hi. Is this where you’re supposed to kiss me?”

“I don’t think that’s in the dance.”

“We can always ad lib.”

Justin shifted, JC still bent at the waist. “You wanna kiss Johanna?”

“Maybe I could just kiss you.”

Justin had never met someone so blunt and he loved it. “Maybe this one time.” He leaned down, brushing a faint kiss across JC’s lips, the older man’s hands squeezing at his shoulder. He pulled back, straightening and stared at JC who was pressed against him still. JC, who had his own ideas, pulled Justin closer, his lips landing on Justin’s, his tongue swiping across Justin’s mouth until the blonde let him in. The muscles tangled and Justin pushed them back until JC was up against a mirror, his hands running through the tangled curls. His own hands slid down JC’s wife beater and over the thin sweat pants, lifting JC’s leg to hook around his waist. He pressed closer, grinding against JC’s hips and the older man let out a soft moan that made JC’s spine tingle.

“Am I interrupting anything?”

Justin pulled his mouth away quickly and stared into black eyes, his own narrowing. He pressed away from JC who was clearing his throat and straightening his clothes.

“Luke. What are you doin’ here?” Justin had stuttered slightly and JC tensed. He hoped to God that this wasn’t an enraged boyfriend. He wasn’t in the mood to get his ass kicked.

“Chris asked me to come by. Just hanging out with the big sis.” The young blonde’s eyes slid to JC who was picking up his stuff. “Going for the dancers again?”

Justin rolled his eyes and turned to JC who was standing awkwardly, not sure whether he should go, thank Justin for the kiss, or stay and get some more. He did, after all, have to tell Alec whether the dancer was good in bed or not.

“Hey, um. I know the van already left for the hotel so you need a ride?” Justin asked softly and JC nodded with a ghost of a smile. Maybe it wasn’t a boyfriend. Maybe an ex. Oh did he hope.

Justin bent over to get his bag and JC appreciated the loose fitting track pants, straightening when the man from before snickered in his direction.

“Name’s JC.” he spoke up and the guy tipped his cap. “Luke. I used to be a dancer.” the deep voice bellowed and he winked, scaring JC a little.

“Alright, ready?” Justin didn’t wait for an answer and practically pulled JC from the room as fast as he could. JC only caught a glimpse of the young blonde in the studio, grinning at him. It turned his stomach and he turned back, grinning when he saw Justin’s fingers entwined with his.

***

“And one and two and three and pick that foot up, Jorje... Stop. Everyone stop.” Justin wiped a hand across his sweaty forehead, pointing at the stiff dancer, Jorje who was blushing all kinds of pink. “Alright, what’s the problem? You pick up your foot, tap the heel, tap the toe and move your hips. Why isn’t that-”

“I can’t get the two straight is all.” Jorje answered to the floor, kicking at it with his heel.

JC chewed on the inside of his cheek as he rested his hands on his hips. Jorje was good at everything else but the “Heel Walk” and this was becoming a regular occurrence.

Justin reached for a towel and then motioned for someone to start the music again. “See me after class.” A few whoops were let out but Justin rolled his eyes and started to watch again.

JC knew the routine easily, kicking out his left foot while rolling his shoulders. Then, swiveling his hips into a thrust he eased to the right. Stopping with his hands over his head, he silently watched as the ladies of the group did their little set. Johanna was his partner and she ended up in front of him grabbing a hold of her hips and shaking while JC rolled low. He was thanking God for his flexibility.

“Stop! Cut the music!” Justin hollered. He looked over to a couple and raised an eyebrow. “So it’s about a week into rehearsals. We’ve studied this dance for hours, and most of us have gotten it easily. Why aren’t y’all?” His tone wasn’t mocking or harsh, just questioning.

Damon shrugged his shoulders while the brunette beside him bit her lips. “I don’t know what I’m doing wrong, I guess.”

Justin nodded and looked around the room. “Alright, JC and Johanna. Get up here. Ana, watch them.”

JC held his breath, still a little nervous while Johanna dragged him with her. He looked over to Justin in position and started when Justin nodded, the music loud and boisterous. He went over in his mind what he looked like, making sure to go a little slower with his mid thrust. When he raised his hands, Johanna came close doing her routine. When they came together, her hands on her hips, JC’s hands on hers, JC made sure to roll his stomach a little looser this time, earning some whistles from the crowd. The music stopped and JC breathed as the two took a bow to the hoots shouted at them. JC chuckled when Johanna kissed his cheek.

“Shit.” Justin breathed, rubbing his neck. “I made that up? Horny little devil I am. Alright, Ana. You get what it’s supposed to look like now?” The brunette nodded and Justin smiled at her. “A’ight, then. Let’s get this over with!” With one last look to the JC, Justin winked and went to the head of the class again, cueing for the music to begin.

***

“Hey.” Justin breathed into his ear as he and JC walked side by side out of the studio. His hand was on the small of JC’s back and JC smiled at him.

“Hey yourself. What’s up?” the brunette asked, sliding on his sunglasses. Justin shrugged and motioned for his car. He lived about 10 minutes from the studio and therefore didn’t need to stay at a hotel. “Wanna go out tonight?”

JC chuckled. “If you say a club I’m going to kick you. We’ve been dancing for about-”

“Nah, nah. I mean out out. Like a... Like, ya know-”

“Are you blushing?” JC pinched a cheek for good measure and Justin swatted the offending hand away, unlocking the maroon Lancer in front of him.

“Shut up. And anyway, ya know maybe we could go to a restaurant or something.” JC slid into his seat immediately buckling his seat belt. “What kind of restaurant?”

“Um... I don’t know! Stop with all the questions!” Justin laughed and put the key in the ignition.

“How about Giuseppe’s?”

“Hey, that’s cool. Italian right?” Justin was about to pull out but instead leaned forward, pulling JC close. His tongue licked out over JC’s full bottom lip, sucking the tender flesh into his mouth.

“Mmm.” JC moaned as he bent forward, kissing Justin’s mouth slowly. He had only gotten a few kisses out of the choreographer since that night in the studio and he was glad this was becoming a regular thing.

Justin pulled back and gave JC a small kiss before starting up the car and pulling out of the parking lot, a grin on his face.

***

“So you’re from Tennessee?”

Justin finished chewing on some penne pasta to answer. “Yeah. Born in Memphis. Then when I was, what? Fifteen, maybe, we moved to Orlando and I’ve been here ever since.”

“You never went to college?” JC cut into his pasta, spooning it a bit. “You’re only 21-”

“Only?” Justin smiled around his food. “You’re only 26. Only.”

JC shook his head and continued to eat. “How’d you get into dancing?”

Justin’s face flushed and he chuckled into his plate. “It’s embarrassing. You can’t laugh.”

JC held up two fingers. “Scouts honors.”

“You were in scouts?”

JC laughed. “No, but its what everyone does.”

“Oh... ok. Anyway, um... I saw Vanilla Ice in concert and was like, ‘Hey, I’m a white boy. I can dance like that.’ And I just kept watching like, Michael Jackson and MC Hammer and Janet and.. . You’re laughing!” Justin accused and a few people turned, the blonde pouted playfully. “You promised not to laugh.” he sulked and JC put a hand over his mouth.

“I’m not laughing. I was... choking, man, choking.” JC’s eyes were crinkled and watery. Justin sighed at the sight. “But seriously... Vanilla Ice?”

Justin rolled his eyes, taking a sip of his Coke. “Dude, he was tight for a white boy. Everyone thinks he’s weird cause he was a dork and tried to come back from his ‘One Hit Wonder’ stage and it didn’t work. Hey! Eminem’s the same way-”

“No Eminem has talent. Ice was just lame.” JC commented taking a sip of his water. “But hey, I was pressed over Phil Collins, so we’re even-”

“Phil Collins?!” Justin laughed loudly and JC hid his face, trying to hide from the people staring at their table.

“Shut up, man. People are staring!”

Justin slapped the table and JC shook his head. “Dude... Phil Collins?”

“Yes, what’s th-”

“Phil Collins?”

“Yes! Phil Collins, he was a good musicia-”

“He’s old!”

JC rolled his eyes. “He’s like 40, crazy. Hey! You were the one who wanted to be Vanilla Ice!”

Justin hushed quickly and narrowed his eyes with a smile. “Sh! People can hear you, ya know.”

JC started laughing then, the kind where you hold your stomach and tears well up and mat your eyelashes. Justin smiled at him as he asked for the check.

***

“Hmm, this is my home.” Justin mumbled into JC’s mouth, pressing through the door, closing it with his foot.

They traveled through the small living room quickly, slow easy kisses spread as they made their way to the bedroom. Justin tripped over a shoe and almost sent both sprawling but, luckily enough, gained his balance and both made it to the room easily.

Inside Justin laid sprawled out on his back, his hands tightening in the auburn waves on JC’s head. The brunette himself was working on Justin’s down shirt, taking time with the buttons, his tongue massaging Justin’s mouth.

Once both were naked, JC beneath Justin, their mouths still pressed tightly against one another, JC pulled away, smoothing a finger across Justin’s forehead, his chest heaving against the blonde’s.

“I don’t want to ask you if you’re sure because that seems too cliche-”

“And you just did.” Justin grinned as he dipped his head, his tongue making a long, lewd swipe across JC’s collarbone, making his leg jerk in response. “I’m sure.” He looked up, smiling softly at JC. “You sure?”

JC nodded and swallowed thickly as Justin opted for a kiss, raising his legs to wrap around Justin’s waist.

Biting his lip, he asked JC with his eyes and JC nodded, leaning up to kiss the younger man while he slid in slowly. JC winced slightly but kept pushing until Justin was in to the hilt, JC feeling the heat of Justin’s thighs on his ass.

“You’re beautiful-- shit.”

JC watched with warm eyes as Justin clamped his eyes shut, a drop of sweat slinking down the blonde’s tan temple. He closed his eyes then, his heart constricting in his chest.

***

JC was wonderfully sore as he stretched the morning after, snuggling into the bundle of warmth next to him. His leg wrapped around Justin’s own and he buried his face into the soft crook of Justin’s neck.

“Hm, hey.” Justin’s voice was groggy and husky. JC licked at his neck, biting at the soft spot underneath his ear.

“Mornin’.”

Justin rolled over, toppling JC and burrowing closer. “Wanna stay here for the day?”

JC giggled tiredly. “They don’t need me. They need you.”

“Kiara can take care of that. Besides, it’ll be too hard not trying to jump you. You’re hot when you dance.”

JC laughed and pushed Justin off of him, rolling from the bed. “Why thank you.” he giggled and stretched, wincing as his thighs ached in return. “I could say the same or you, Mr. Timberlake. Now get up. We have,” he looked over to the clock yawning. “30 minutes. Chop, chop!” He was heading for the bathroom when he stopped and turned around. “You aren’t gonna... gonna like tell everyone, are you? ‘Cause, I mean, I’m not saying I’m ashamed of being with you- I’m not! Really, I’m not. It’s just... I don’t want to be seen as just this dancer kid who’s riding his dance teacher to get on tour and crap--”

“Riding?” Justin questioned with a raise of his eyebrow.

“I said that? I meant- I mean... Oh never mind. You get what I mean... right?” Justin chuckled lowly and JC shook his head. “Never mind. I’m taking a shower and you better be ready.”

Justin sat up and scratched at his thigh. “I might have to take one with you.” He gave JC a devilish smile. “Ya know to save time and all.”

JC giggled and Justin locked the door behind him.

***

JC ignored the stares, or tried to. He didn’t like that everyone was looking at him as he walked in behind Justin. Eric nudged him as he took a step beside him, smiling at his friend.

“So you and him... together?”

JC bit his lip and started stretching again. His limbs were still sore and his hips were burning with every twist but he’d get over it. “I don’t know. Whatever.” he dismissed the topic easily and Justin cleared his throat at the front of the class, clapping his hands as his assistant, Kiara, came close.

“Alright, today we’re working with your partners again today. So, pair up.” he said blandly and rubbed at his eye.

Suddenly a door opened and all eyes turned to the back door, Ms. Christina Aguilera walking in, the tall blonde man from before at her side.

“Hey.” she said brightly and took a seat on the leather couch in the back. “Just here to see where y’all are at.”

The class fell silent and got into partners, JC walking over to Johanna.

“Hey sweetness.” she grinned and JC gave her a smile in return.

“Alright, seeing as we have a special guest... do your best, and don’t make me look bad.” Justin laughed and JC breathed in deep. “Alright, so we’ll work on 'Tonight'. Music please.”

The music started and the pairs worked together, all into what they had to do, especially since their employer was there watching.

JC gave his all, messing up on the last part of the second verse, stepping out when he wasn’t supposed to.

When the song ended Justin clapped loud and alone before Christina herself started in, giving everyone a big thumbs up. JC was still a little star struck.

***

“JC, what are your hips doing? They need to sway- that’s not swaying, sorry.” Justin popped his gum and put steady hands on JC’s hips. He tried not to let the image of him doing this same thing before, except that was a little more carnal and it wasn’t in front of anyone, get to him.

“They are swaying.” JC argued and moved his hips from left to right, growling when Justin stilled them again.

“No, swaying is this.” Justin demonstrated and JC couldn’t hide his grin so he bowed his head. “What you’re doing is too mechanic. Don’t focus on it. Just let it flow.” Justin leaned in close; his hands still on JC’s hips. “Wanna come home with me?”

JC rolled his eyes with a smile. “You sound like you’re propositioning me. And yes, but I’m going to the hotel first. People are... yeah, you can come get me at my hotel room. That ok?” JC rolled his stomach and Justin grinned. He stepped away.

“That’s great.” he answered and walked away with a wink, not looking at Christina, knowing her eyes were boring into his back the whole time.

***

“So you’re after dancers again?” Christina asked picking at her nails, sitting on the stool while someone fiddled with her hair. There was some sort of appearance she was supposed to go to and now in her hotel room she was getting hair and make-up done.

“No- I mean, yes, but just this one. Ya know, it’s not like I’m out there screwing all of them-”

“So vulgar.” Luke commented in the corner, reading a magazine. Justin narrowed his eyes at the young man sucking on his teeth slightly.

“Does your brother have to be here?” he asked Christina and she grinned.

“Why? Don’t want your new toy to know you have a fetish for dancers?”

“No! I don’t care... I mean, I care but I just know he’s gonna mess it up. He’s jealous-”

“I am not! I just don’t see why you’d waste your time on him-”

“Luke have you seen him? He’s gorgeous! Too bad he bats for the other team.” Christina laughed and her hair stylist slapped her arm to get her to stop moving. “But you like him, right?”

“Yeah, he’s cool.” Justin replied, sitting up on the counter.

“Yeah right. Justin Timberlake doesn’t go for guys because they’re ‘cool’. He’s probably hung like a horse.”

“Luke!”

Justin rolled his eyes and slid off the counter, nodding to Christina. “Well, I’ma go. And thanks for showing up. It kinda told everyone that yes this was real and yes, they better hurry up and learn the God damn dances.” he chuckled and bent down, giving the petite woman a kisses on the cheek, flipping off Luke over her shoulder.

“Bye sweetie.”

Luke smirked. “Bye sweetie.” he mocked and turned back to his magazine.

Justin stepped out of the room and dug in his back pocket. Pulling out a room key, Justin set out for JC’s room.

***

“Ooh.” They hadn’t even made it to the apartment before JC was sliding down Justin’s body, his hand massaging the bulge in Justin’s pants, his mouth attached to the downy hairs around Justin’s navel. They were still in the car.

“C...” Justin groaned and when his zipper slid down easily it took all of his will power to push away JC’s hot mouth. “House, in the house.”

JC pulled away and Justin swallowed, all the blood in his body rushing to his groin. “Shit.” he cursed and sped out of the car, pulling JC along.

The moment JC’s butt was sat on the kitchen counter, he knew they were having sex here. The idea made his blood tingle and he pressed forward against Justin, licking inside the younger man’s mouth.

“Are we... together?” JC asked absently as he worked on Justin’s pants, the latter sucking viciously on his neck.

“What?”

JC sighed and finally pushed Justin’s face away and bent forward, pulling down the pants himself. He straightened and brought Justin’s face closer. “What are we-”

“I know what you meant but... why? Did someone ask you-”

“No, I mean, I just wanna know. Just curious... Is there something someone shouldn’t be telling me?” JC asked and suddenly it looked like they were getting into a conversation rather than sex and Justin was hard and hot and already sweating. He’d explain things later, he would.

***

Alec was visiting and he smiled as he watched JC and the other dancers. In the middle was Christina, clad in a sports bra and some baggy pants, practicing alongside a built Hispanic dancer.

The song ended with a spark and Justin, who was sweaty and hot, clapped tiredly while the dancers clapped alongside him.

“Great day, y’all. Now know we have one more week of rehearsals and then we’re on tour. Tomorrow we’re going to go check out the stage and then the day after we’ll start rehearsing on it. Got it?” The class mumbled in unison and Justin smiled. “Alright, go ‘head and get some rest.”

Alec stood up and watched as JC came his way, still looking at a nearby dancer.

“JC!”

The brunette’s head snapped up and a slow grin slid onto his face and by the time he was over by Alec, the two wrapped in an embrace he was all out cheesing, his eyes crinkling.

“Hey! What the hell are you doing here?!” JC hugged him again and Alec laughed, pulling away.

“Well, I wanted to see how my old buddy old pal was doing while I was in town. Michelle is getting married.”

JC’s jaw dropped. “Michelle? Tomboy Michelle? Married?”

“Haha, yeah. You’ll never guess to who.” Alec leaned against the brick wall and JC grinned.

“That boyfriend... what was his name?”

“Estuardo. No, he’s gay.”

JC shrugged. “Go figure. Dude, who?!”

“Emilia.”

JC was still wide eyed when Justin sauntered over to them, a little annoyed that JC’s friend was here. They were supposed to go out tonight, alone.

“What’s wrong?”

JC’s head whipped towards Justin and he held a hand to his heart. “Shit, I didn’t know you were there. Oh! Alec, this is Justin.” Alec shook Justin’s hand politely. “Justin this is Alec. He’s my roommate and crap.” he ginned at Alec.

“And crap, yeah, I can feel the love man. So anyway, there’s this club, Jaguar and I didn’t know if you wanted to com-”

“He can’t, sorry.” Justin interrupted and wrapped an arm around JC’s shoulders. JC’s brow furrowed at the young dancer.

“And why can’t I?”

“Because we’re going home to um... do stuff.” Justin said lamely, trying to look nonchalant. JC shook his head with a smile.

“I would love to go! Justin, you can come to.”

Justin grinned beside himself. “Oh I can? You’ll actually let me?” He put a hand to his chest. “Oh it would be such a pleasure!” he joked and JC pushed him away with a giggle.

The brunette then turned to his friend smiling. He felt like he was going to explode. He had his best friend and his boyfriend and yes, over there by the door was Christina Aguilera. He could die a happy man right then.

***

“JC looks stunning. Sure you should let him dance like that with other boys?” Justin hadn’t known Luke would be at the same club nor had he known they would end up together, dancing themselves. But Justin wasn’t paying attention to him. He was too busy watching JC do everything but have sex on the dance floor with his so-called “friend”, trying to contain his anger.

“Damn, are you sure they aren’t fucking? Maybe from a differe-”

“Shut the fuck up! They’re just friends.” Justin growled and pushed away from Luke, stalking towards JC. He wasn’t feeling too well, the image of JC actually having sex with anyone else making his stomach churn.

“Hm, well ya know you have to share the wealth. JC does have a huge dick, can’t be selfish with it-”

“Luke, fuck you! How the fuck would you know?”

Luke shrugged with a smug grin. “I have some inside info-”

“You’re lame and a loser. Keep the fuck away from me and JC-”

“You don’t own him, J. He wants to get to know me? I won’t stand in his way.” The youth’s eyes flitted over to the gyrating couple. “Damn, seems Timberlake is being beat at his own game. Tell JC he should be in porn for me.”

Justin was flushed and red and embarrassed, his eyes straying to the young couple on the dance floor. They weren’t dancing like friends and Justin’s blood boiled. He stalked over to them, tugging on JC’s arm.

“Oh, hey.” JC said softly and then eyes turned downwards, concerned. He let go of Alex’s hips and turned towards Justin. “What’s wrong?”

Justin opened his mouth and then felt stupid because JC wouldn’t do that to him. His JC wouldn’t fuck him over like that. He looked to Alec who seemed curious as to what was wrong too but stayed away and Justin felt guilty as ever, guilty for even letting the idea rummage around in his brain.

“I love you.” he blurted out instead and JC’s eyes went wide. He immediately regretted it.

“What?” JC breathed and blinked owlishly. “What did you say?”

“I-I... I didn’t mean to scare you-”

“We’ve known each other for two weeks.”

“I know, you don’t have to say it ba-” JC’s lips landed on his softly, velvety lips forming around his wonderfully. Justin pulled him close and wrapped long arms around a tiny waist; JC’s tongue sliding against his in a secret dance between the two.

Alec smiled and slinked away through the crowd, promising to call JC later to find out the horny little details.

***

Justin was close, thrusting blindly as his eyes were clamped shut, his ragged breaths vibrating in his chest. His body was damp with sweat, a few drops sliding from his forehead to his lips where they licked into his mouth.

JC moaned and writhed and looked beautiful underneath Justin, pliant beneath powerful fingers.

“You’re gorgeou-”

“I know.” JC breathed and opened his eyes, beautiful glass eyes pinning Justin right through the heart. “I love you too.”

Justin’s heart stopped beating and he realized he had ceased breathing too. It had been a long time since he had heard words so sincere and it made him want to crumble.

“Breathe.” JC laughed quietly before moaning loudly, his fingers biting into Justin’s shoulders. “More.” he begged softly and Justin was more than happy to oblige, running appreciative eyes over JC’s face. He was breathing again, his chest caving in as he hit his last thrust, howling as he came deep inside his lover and JC’s face twisted as he sat up slightly, kissing Justin greedily. Justin’s hand came to JC’s painfully erect cock and gave the brunette a few strokes, breathing deeply when he arched gracefully, hot milky strands shooting onto his stomach and gracing Justin’s hand.

When they lie together, both stuck together by semen and sweat, Justin turned JC’s head upward and smiled, Justin falling in love all over again.

“You’re freaking hot.” JC breathed and Justin chuckled, hushed.

“Way to break the mood.”

JC raised his eyebrows in defense. “Hey, it’s true. It’s your fault that you’re beautiful.”

Justin smiled to himself and burrowed deeper into JC’s body, knowing he should get up and clean them off but then again, being sticky in the morning guaranteed a shower with JC and well, that was a hell of a lot better than falling asleep with come on your chest.

***

Justin awoke to empty arms and cold bed sheets. He opened an eye and saw JC pacing around, slipping into some boxers. Justin silently frowned, seeing as JC had already showered.

“Hmm.” he moaned and stretched, hissing as a bone popped pleasantly. JC whipped towards him and the brilliant smile he gave made Justin grin himself.

“Alec.” JC said and turned towards his suitcase. “I gotta go- yeah, yeah. We’ll definitely go out... Totally, man. Alright, bye!” JC clicked off the phone and did a little bounce out of excitement. He had never realized being away from Alec for so long could make him so lonely for the young man.

He padded over to the hotel bed and jumped on, a T-shirt thrown over his shoulder. “Hello sleepy head.”

Justin grinned and flipped them over with easy grace, settling between JC’s legs. The brunette’s thighs were warm pressed against his waist as his legs wrapped around him, Justin smiling down at him.

“Last night was cool.” he whispered, feeling as if the silent room needn’t be disturbed.

“I know. Who knew I could be so goo-”

“Crazy.” Justin laughed and leaned down covering JC’s lips with his own. Groping ensued and soon, JC was naked again writhing underneath Justin.

“Please.” the brunette asked breathily, his body undulating against Justin’s. And really, who was Justin to deny the man his pleasure? With a wicked smile, Justin’s head dipped and JC raised his hips with a scream.

***

“Sorry, sorry I’m late.” Justin was pink and panting as he stepped inside the big stadium. The group of dancers, including JC, stood around, waiting for the tour of the venue.

Earlier Justin had left the hotel to go back to his own place and that was the sheer reasoning the two hadn’t come together. And it wasn’t as if anyone didn’t know by now.

“Alright.” Christina said with a smile. “Everyone ready to see the stage?” Everyone nodded and they went their ways, all crowding around as some of the crew explained the dynamics and contraptions of the stage.

Luke, who had had his eye on JC ever since the young man had walked through the door, stayed close to the brunette. He was tired of Justin getting his way, it just wasn’t quite fair.

“Hey, C.” he said with a smile and JC turned his head, a little surprised.

“Oh hi... Luke, right?”

Luke smiled. “Yeah. Cool you remember.”

JC shrugged with a slight smile, moving away a bit. Luke still made him nervous. “I try.”

“Yeah. So... you and Justin are together?”

JC nodded to the crowd, not looking at the blonde beside him. He looked into the crowd, spying for Justin to help him out.

“That’s cool. I just... I didn’t know, cause ya know, Justin had his days.” Luke laughed and JC grimaced. He nodded like he cared, though a part of him was a bit curious he didn’t want to find out from Luke.

“Ok.”

Luke bit his lip. “Yeah, I mean he just... a come and go type of person, ya know? I didn’t know if he had really liked fucking you enough to stay or not.” Luke grinned to himself when JC turned towards him slowly, his eyes wide and disbelieving. Bingo.

“Excuse me?” They had stopped walking and JC stood before Luke with a snarl.

“Well I mean, he told me about how you were in bed and I knew that if he was as good as he said you were, then he’d keep you for a few more times but for weeks? Now that’s a shock.” Luke wanted to give himself a pat on the back; he was just too damn good.

“He told you about... us? In bed?”

Luke raised a hand to his mouth. “You mean he hasn’t told you that he doesn’t do relationships?” He tisked, shaking his head slowly. “Sweetie, Justin was the same to me. But he laid it out on the line the first time we fucked-” JC cringed at the mention and Luke’s heart fluttered. This was better than anything he had imagined. “He told me that ya know, this was about sex. He didn’t like love. Said it did him wrong one too many times. I’m sor-”

“It may be different.” JC said softly and Luke saw in his eyes the defeated look. He loved it.

“Oh baby, with the way he was talking about you, I doubt it was love.” Luke licked his lips. “Speaking of which, ya know, if you ever got tired of the dancer, you could always come to m-”

“Fuck you.” JC growled and turned around stomping for the crowd that was now a ways away from them. “Fuck you and fuck him.”

Luke grinned and sauntered over to the clump of people at his own leisure, on top of the world.

***

Justin looked for JC, and once he caught glance of him, slinked through the crowd to get to him.

“Hey babe-.. Whoa.” he commented when JC slipped out of his embrace, turning towards the person who was speaking. “What’s wrong?”

JC shook his head, though brushing off Justin’s touch. “Nothing.” Justin furrowed his brow. “That doesn’t seem like nothin-”

“It is.”

Justin wasn’t used to JC being so cold to him. He didn’t even know what was wrong.

“Alright, that’s it guys. Remember tomorrow that the van will take you here instead of the studio. And we’re starting early tomorrow, right?” Christina looked at Justin who nodded absently, turning back to JC. “Right, so be at the van by 8. Alright guys, go have fun. And remember, early morning tomorrow.” JC turned swiftly, not even waiting for Justin when he called.

“JC! Fucking stop!” he yelled but to no avail as the brunette climbed into the black van quickly, leaving Justin confused as all hell.

“Maybe he caught a whiff of who you really are.” Luke muttered and walked to the big Escalade Christina was currently boarding into. Justin dwelled on the words and then had a sinking feeling in his stomach, afraid of what Luke had conjured up.

***

“That’s great, Jorje but try picking up your feet higher- Like that! That’s cool.” Justin spoke into the microphone the next day, watching as the dancers performed certain songs. Christina was in front, doing as best she could though lagging a little. Justin would work with her later. “JC, move your hips. It won’t hurt you.” The brunette rolled his eyes and Justin frowned. He still had yet to find out what the hell was wrong with JC. “That’s it.” he said softly and focused onto another dancer. “Alright, everyone take five. JC, lemme see you for a second.”

JC sulked the whole way down there, refusing to look Justin in the eye once there. Justin sucked on his teeth and crossed his arms.

“Wanna tell me why you’re ignoring me?”

“I’m not ignoring you. I’m listening to every word that’s coming out-”

“Don’t be fucking immature.” Justin spat and sighed. “One day we’re fucking in love and the next you look like you’d rather piss on your mothers grave than have to ‘deal’ with me. What gives, man?”

“So you talked with Luke about me?”

Justin rolled his eyes. “Whatever he told you, it was a lie. Alright so I used to sleep around, not much there-”

“What about the part about where you fucking gabbed about sex with me?! Oh yeah, that’s not much either. I just love being talked about, ya know how well I fuck and what not!” JC said loudly and Justin covered his mouth with the inside of his hand.

“Sh. Look, I never told Luke about our sex life-”

“Fuck you, he has no reason to lie. I’m glad he came and told me, then I wouldn’t have been devastated when you left, but at least he told me that this was unusual. Ya know that you stay with one person for this long... I guess I should feel lucky, huh?”

Justin didn’t know if he should be shocked that this relationship was ending, right then and there, or the fact that JC actually believed him. He had thought they were both stronger than that... guess not.

“So um, this is bye I guess.” JC said solemnly and took a deep breath.

Justin shook his head. “The other day I said I loved you, and I meant it-”

“Don’t get into that. We all say things, doesn’t mean we’re sincere about everything.”

“You don’t want this to fucking work-”

“No! I don’t want to go through this if you don’t care about me! I’m ending it now so I won’t get more hurt when I believe you, marry you and find out you don’t give a fuck, as long as your dick is satisfied!” They were fighting, really fighting and the bustling around soon ceased, everyone watching the display.

“You think that?” Justin was speechless. “You actually think that? Well... what else can I do? And-... You’d marry me?”

JC turned away and started for the stage again where a crowd of dancers was situated.

“Don’t walk away from-”

JC whipped around, red. “This conversation is over-”

“No! It’s not! Come on.” Justin skipped up the equipment and took a hold of JC’s arm, dragging him towards the back of the stage. JC wriggled out of his grasp and pushed him back, pointing a finger in his face.

“Don’t fucking touch me again. Just leave me alone!”

“I’m your instructor-”

“Smart ass.” JC grumbled and Justin shook his head.

“You don’t seem to get it! I love you! I said and I meant it-”

“Then why would Luke-”

“Because Luke is a bastard. Because Luke is jealous.”

“Jealous of what? What do I have that he wants?”

“Don’t be ignorant! Me, you have me-”

“No, I don’t.” JC said bitterly and Justin stepped back, hurt covering his face.

“Whether you like it or not, you do.”

JC turned away and took a deep breath. “Do you know how angry I was? I mean, I just... I’m not going to get fucked over by anyone. So Justin, listen to me carefully. I. Don’t. Want. You.” He ended with a sigh, watching Justin with shielded eyes that gave way to pain but just for a second before he pursued to the front, huddling with all the other dancers, trying to ignore the pointed stares in his direction.

***

Tour time was here.

JC was excited despite being unhappy. There was energy coursing through his veins and his legs were vibrating underneath him. He wasn’t nervous, quite confident actually. But he was a little bit anxious, being the first time to perform in front of a crowd so large... ok, so he was nervous.

He bit on his lip as he scratched at his head. Another dancer, Joel, slipped into his space to borrow the eyeliner. All of the dancers wore it and JC secretly, not that he was a queen or anything, but he looked pretty damn good in it.

“Ready?” Joel asked lining his eyes easily. JC had to have Johanna help him on it.

“Yeah, excited as fuck though.” he grinned and Joel smiled at him.

“You get used to it. I used to tour with the Backstreet Boys. But it’s addictive, man. Thanks.” The chestnut haired man smiled one last time before disappearing again. JC was left to himself, his heart pumping inside his chest.

“Hey?”

JC stopped breathing and turned around, hiding his nervousness by picking up a comb and running it through his hair. He cursed as it got stuck in the waves.

“You ok?” Justin chuckled softly as JC scowled.

“Yup! Just fine. Am I supposed to-”

“No, not yet.” Justin took a seat on the couch. “I mean everyone is out there, waiting for you but...” Justin smiled at JC’s panicked face. “I’m just playing. Ok, I came here to talk, so. Lets talk. I thought, ya know, we’ve been avoiding each other-”

“For good reason.” JC interjected and Justin sighed.

“No, not for good reason. Because you decided upon hearing some he-say, she-say that I was some lying ass who only like your for sex. That’s not good reason-” Mo< “True reason then?” JC crossed his arms.

“No, not true either. God damnit, JC. I. Love. You. I don’t say it much. But I mean it. I... you know what I’m going through because you’re going through it too! I mean this past week has been like... withdrawal for me. Like I was a fucking addict and suddenly to not be able to have you is making me want to die.”

JC was awed, wide-eyed and a bit scared. Die? For him?

“And I mean it.” Justin said softly, licking his chapped lips. “As cliche as it may sound, you’re my drug. And I need you, need you like life itself. Just please... believe me when I say I love you.” Justin got up from the couch and nodded. “Have a great show.” he said softly before padding out of the room, JC left to stare after him.

***

“D.C.!! Give it up for my dancers!!”

JC stepped forward hand in hand with Johanna, giving a wave and then stepped back, rushing off the stage as Christina gave her last good-byes.

Rachel was backstage giving everyone a towel and Dre was leading them back to their busses where they were going to travel to Virginia.

“Good show everyone!” Ana shouted as they boarded their busses, all energy balls ready to burst. JC smiled, spent but still high from the applause and the energy the crowd shamelessly fed him resonating in his body.

But when his mind wandered to earlier and Justin surfaced before his eyelids, his smile was lost and he was suddenly overwhelmed by loneliness.

***

Everyone was milling around the hotel. They had gotten the whole top floor as theirs and now, JC, Eric and another dancer named Mia were hanging out in the bar.

Eric was talking animatedly when Justin stepped through the doors and suddenly JC couldn’t look away. He hopped out of his seat, excusing himself from the conversation and walked over to Justin who looked quite surprised to see him.

“Hi.” he said softly and Justin smiled.

“Hi.”

JC bit his lip and shifted on his feet. “Uh, wanna go for a walk?”

Justin nodded. “That’s cool.”

The two left the hotel, side by side, their shoulders rubbing against each other every once in a while. Justin was looking radiant and just... Justin. His hair was out, curly and, JC guessed, soft. He itched to touch it.

“You had a great show. You were on point.” Justin commented and turned to look at JC who was blushing.

“Thanks. It was a good show. Everyone did good.”

“You were fucking hyper though.” he laughed and JC grinned.

“Tell me about it. So...”

“About the other night.”

JC nodded as they waited at a green light. “Right. That night I... I’m just going to come out and say it. I miss you. A lot. And I know I’m stupid for listening to Luke, but I care about you and when someone comes up to you and says that they’re surprised that your lover stayed with you this long, that it was probably because they had learned that the sex was so good, you can’t help but feel...” JC looked for the right word, knowing it was on the tip of his tongue.

“Betrayed?” Justin tried an JC pointed a finger at him.

“Yeah. Betrayed and, I just... I guess I didn’t get why Luke would do that other than trying to do the good thing and... I don’t know.”

“Do you believe him?”

JC shrugged. He did, but he didn’t. Because Justin was so genuine sometimes that it seemed ludicrous to think he would play him like that. But then again, JC was so in love that he didn’t know if it was just the pedestal that Justin was put on that blurred that image.

“I want you to believe me. I won’t move from this spot until you do.” Justin stopped in the middle of the street, crossing his arms. JC looked around wildly, eyes landing on the now green light.

“Fuck.” He grabbed Justin’s hand and hauled him onto the sidewalk with wide eyes. “Are you kidding me?”

“Ah.” Justin smiled. “My knight in shining armor!” he laughed and JC pushed his face away, letting forth to a small smile.

“We’re supposed to be serious here. Come on.”

Justin cleared his throat and stood up straight, looking at JC. “Ok, I’m serious.”

JC looked at Justin, studying the man before him and something then hit him quite clearly. He loved Justin with all his heart. “I love you. With all my heart.”

Justin grinned and it was but seconds before their lips met, their bodies pressed tight against each others, their hearts beating against one another’s chest.

Onlookers of Virginia couldn’t help but stare, raising eyebrows and reaching into their purses to grip their bibles but Justin didn’t care because JC was his again and simply said; Life was good.