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Disclaimer: I don't own these wonderful boys... They own their own cute selves. As I've said before, owning someone is so passe! Why would I want to own them, anyway? I'd never be able to keep track of them, and I have a hard enough time keeping track of myself! As for the WWF Superstars? They own themselves... But hey, if they want me to own them... Nah, no thanks. Too hard to keep track of!
Justin had to admit, when Lance slid the notebook into his arms discreetly, he was surprised, but he shrugged it off as he went into his hotel room. He flopped onto the bed, opened it to the last entry, read the one sentence written in Lance's scrawl, and stared. Lance really trusted him that much? Justin hesitated, closed the notebook, and stuffed his key in his pocket before leaving the room and going across the hallway to Lance's. He was about to knock on the door when he heard Lance's loud laughter, and JC's shout. Justin paused with his hand in the air, stopped and stared at the door in confusion, wondering why he wasn't as elated as he should be for one of his best friends, and then turned and walked back across the hallway, going to Chris' room instead.
"Enter at your own risk," Chris warned in a fake Dracula accent as he slowly pulled open the door.
Justin rolled his eyes and pushed past Chris, slamming the older man in between the door and the wall. Chris made an 'oof' sound and sank to the ground, pretending to be dead.
"Haha, Christopher, you're such a clown," Justin sighed, reaching down and pulling Chris to his feet.
Chris frowned. "What's wrong, Curly?" he asked worriedly, taking Justin by the arm and pulling him to the bed, sitting down beside him and searching Justin's eyes with his own. "I've noticed that you've been kind of out of it for a few days, but I thought I'd wait 'til you were ready to say something. Or until my patience wore thin." He paused. "This doesn't happen to have anything to do with Britney, does it?"
Justin shook his head. "Of course not, Chris."
"Then does it have to do with how close you and Lance are becomming while Lance and JC are trying to start a relationship together?"
Justin's jaw fell. "How-how-how--?"
"I'm not blind," Chris reminded gently. "I see the way they look at each other. And I've seen that you and Lance are becomming really good friends. Are you worried that once Lance and JC hook up, Lance won't have any time for you?"
"That's why Lance and I became really close in the first place," Justin grumbled, always able to talk with Chris about anything... Almost. "I offered to help him get JC."
Chris laughed slightly. "I don't think Lance needed any help in that. JC has been eyeing him since Lance joined the group. And now that Lance seems to be returning JC's feelings, JC's about to take it to the next level."
For some reason, that didn't sit very well with Justin. "How do you know?" Justin asked, his face twisting.
"I've known JC for five years," Chris responded automatically. "I've watched him pick up girls before. I'm going to assume he does it with guys the same way."
Justin frowned. "Do you think they'll be good together?"
"If I didn't I'd be doing everything in my power to keep them apart." Chris studied Justin carefully. "So what's this really about, Justin?"
Justin--startled--looked up and met Chris' understanding, warm brown eyes before letting out a low moan. "I don't know!" he exclaimed, then threw himself face first down onto the bed.
Chris' hand sympethetically rubbed Justin's back. "I understand," he whispered softly. "I know what it's like to want someone when they want someone else."
Justin turned his face sideways to look up at Chris. "Huh?" he asked, bewildered. His heart beat picked up a bit, to his annoyance.
Chris looked surprised, and his soothing hand motions stopped, his hands going through his short, dark hair, and completely disheveling it. "I-I thought you were saying that you liked JC."
Justin scowled. "Of course not!" he snapped. "Why would I try and get Lance to get JC if I liked JC?"
"So you wouldn't have to fess up to your own feelings," Chris explained, sounding surprised. "I'm sorry, Justin. I thought that you--"
"Were gay?" Justin demanded. "Well I'm not!"
"No," Chris objected calmly. "Were jealous that you'd be replaced."
Justin frowned. "Chris? Start making sense!"
Chris took in a deep breath, then let it out slowly before speaking. "I thought you liked JC and that you were trying to help Lance get him so that you didn't have to fess up to your feelings for JC because you were jealous about Lance and him getting so close that the rest of us get kicked out."
"I don't even act like I like JC like that," Justin muttered unhappily, running his hands through his hair and completely messing it up before tugging on his shirt and undoing the first couple of buttons, feeling an immediate release around his neck. "I have no idea where you came up with it. If anyone I act like I like --"
"Lance." Chris' smile was so triumphant that Justin had a sick feeling that he'd just played right into Chris' grasp. Justin sat up and stared at Chris.
"You have ten seconds to explain before I beat your ass in," Justin warned.
Chris reached forward and took Justin's hand, speaking earnestly. "I've seen the way that you have been looking at Lance lately. Like you're not quite sure how you feel about him. I understand that confusion, Justin. You never thought about him like that before because you never almost lost him. And now, all of a sudden, he and JC might be hooking up... And you realize that you lost something you could have wanted." Chris flashed a sad smile. "I know. I understand."
Justin scowled and pulled away. "I'm not gay," he snapped.
Chris shrugged. "You're not gay."
"I like girls."
"You like girls."
Justin's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Don't play with me, Chris."
Chris leaned forward. "What do you want me to do, Justin?" Chris asked softly. "Tell you that what you're feeling for Lance is just friendship? I would, but I don't make it a point to lie to my friends. And that look in your eyes when you look at him is much more than friendship ever could be. It's been there since I can remember. Only now it looks like you're finally realizing it."
Justin clenched his fist to pop Chris, and was starting to draw back when there was a knock on the door. Chris got up calmly and went to the door, and Justin wondered if he knew just how close he'd been to having his face dismantled.
"Hey, Lance," Chris greeted, sounding surprised. "What're you doing here?"
Lance sounded wary. "I came to ask if you've seen Justin. I've got a present for him."
"Really?" Justin momentarily forgot his anger as he popped out over Chris' shoulder, into the miniture hallway. "What is it?"
Lance's jaw fell unhinged as he looked between Chris and Justin. "I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt anything--"
"What?" Justin asked, utterly confused. Lance was still backing away, his eyes wide.
"He thinks you and I were..." Chris supplied, whispering to Justin and tugging on Justin's slightly undone shirt.
Justin's eyes widened as large as Lance's. "No! Woah! No! Lance, hold up!" Justin darted out a few feet and grabbed Lance's wrist. "No no no. You've got it all wrong. I was about to kick Chris' ass. He doesn't know it, but you saved him from getting punched."
Lance's wide eyes were slowly returning to normal. "You two aren't...?" he trailed off, as though unable to finish the sentence.
Justin frowned. "No. Of course not."
A relieved smile flashed over Lance's face, to Justin's surprise, and then it was replaced with teasing. "I'd expect to be the first to know," Lance told Justin, giving him a little jab with his elbow. Justin flashed an easy grin back.
"Now give me my surprise!" Justin ordered.
Lance held up a hand, showing both sides, then left back of it facing Justin and the bare arm perfectly straight up. As Justin watched, Lance tilted his hand to Justin's right, and then he suddenly stopped and looked up at Justin. Justin, bewildered, met Lance's eyes, and then suddenly Lance gave a swift jerk of his hand, and two long thin pieces of paper were in his hand. Justin applauded and Lance took a bow before holding out the two inch wide papers for Justin to look at.
"WWF Smackdown! Friday, November 12, 2000 at 7:30 p.m... Row 1, seat 4. Row 1, seat 5..." Justin trailed off and looked up with wide eyes at Lance. "Y-You're kidding, right? That's tonight..."
Lance flashed a grin. "That's less than an hour away. I've got the limo ready, so go throw some shoes and socks on and let's get out of here. We're arriving in style."
Justin's jaw was wide open, his blue eyes showing white all around.
"Justin?" Lance's smile was dying. "If you don't want to go, we don't have to. I just thought it was something fun we could do together, and--"
"Lance you're awesome!" Justin exclaimed, throwing his arms around Lance's waist and picking him up, swinging him around several times. He could feel Lance laughing, and for a moment, he didn't want to set Lance down. "How did you do it?" he gasped. "Why? When? What?"
Lance laughed. "You go get shoes and socks and I'll explain it all on our way down. You need to ah," he paused and looked away from Justin's shirt. "get dressed, and I've got to go fix my hair."
Justin stopped and studied him. "You look fine."
"Justin!" Lance barked, laughing. "Go!"
Justin gave Lance one more quick squeeze, then dashed into his room. In a wild frenzy he changed into his favorite 05 shirt, decided to keep the khaki's, and threw on his socks and his favorite Sketchers. He yanked open the door just as Lance was reaching up to knock, and they stared at each other, Justin breathless and Lance with raised eyebrows.
"Are you ready?" Lance asked. "Or do you need to change a couple more times?" He paused. "Don't they sell shirts there?"
"Lance, we are buying one of everything when we get there!" Justin exclaimed excitedly, grabbing Lance's arm and dragging him down the hallway. "This is so exciting. This is such a great early Christmas present! Lance, you're awesome!"
Lance laughed slightly. "Jus, this isn't an early Christmas present. It's just a present."
Justin jabbed the down elevator button, glancing at Lance. "What're you talking about?" he asked. "Of course it's a present, I know how much these tickets are."
Lance gave Justin a blank look. "Jus, come on. I make that in less than ten minutes. That was pocket change. This isn't a Christmas gift, it's just a gift, from one friend to another." He shrugged as they climbed onto the elevator with their body guards. "Why do you need an excuse to do something for someone else?"
Justin stared at him incredulously. "Where are you from?" he asked in disbelief. Lance never ceased to amaze him.
Lance paused, studying him, then smiled slightly. "Around," he answered calmly. His eyes took on a mischevious look. "You're going to have to explain half this stuff to me," he warned. "I have no idea what any of it is, or who half of those people are. I know the Rock, Mick Foley, and Chyna."
Justin couldn't help but grin, feeling a child-like giddyness building up inside of him. "We're going to have so much fun!" Justin exclaimed happily, throwing an arm around Lance. The smile died almost immediately as soon as he did, though. Strange feelings went through Justin's body, not least of which were how comfortably Lance fit into him. Justin forced the smile back up and gave Lance one more quick squeeze before pulling away and clearing his throat, jumping up and down on his toes. Lance smiled warmly at him.
"What're you thinking?" Justin asked as they drove to the arena. Lance was being very quiet, but he kept looking at Justin, and it was starting to make him very embarassed.
"How unfair it is that you weren't allowed this small luxury as a child," Lance answered automatically. "And how glad I am that I get to see your child like wonder; share it with you."
Well of all the answers Justin had been expecting, that wasn't it. He faltered for an answer, then slid to the other side of the limo and wrapped an arm around Lance's shoulders, despite what happened the last time. "I'm glad you want to share this with me. I'm glad you're the one to give it to me." He hugged Lance tightly. "Thank you, Lance."
"You're welcome," Lance answered softly, smiling gently. He looked up at Justin from where he rested under his arm. "We're going to have fun."
Justin looked back down at him, their faces only inches away. "Yes," he agreed, smiling back. "We are."
"What does everybody want?"
"Head!" Justin screamed along with the crowd, jumping to his feet. He looked down to see Lance sitting there, utterly bewildered. He looked like he was having fun, he was just confused.
"What does everybody need?" Blared over the speakers.
"Head!" Justin shouted with everyone else.
"What does everybody love?"
"Head!"
Justin clapped and cheered loudly, and he glanced down to see Lance looking up at the people standing all around him clapping and applauding, and he slowly clapped his hands together as well. Justin couldn't help but grin at Lance's effort.
As soon as they'd gotten there, they slipped right in without problems. Most of the people who watched the show weren't fans of their music, and with their baseball hats they weren't even recognized. Actually, Justin was wearing a baseball hat, Lance was just there. Still, so far they hadn't been recognized, even by the cameras, and after buying two of everything from the WWF stands there--including shirts, bumper stickers, licence plate rings, hats, pins, and bandanna's--they'd gone straight to their seats. They sent their packages to the limo with one of their body guards. Lance had no clue who any of the people were, or why anyone was cheering, but he was making a rather large effort to have a good time. When he saw Justin cheering, he cheered. When he saw Justin booing, he booed. More than once, Justin caught himself watching Lance more than the in-ring action. Lance's eyes were lit up and moving all around the ring as the wrestlers were thrown from one rope to the other.
The best part was when the Hardy Boyz came out, though. The multi-colored haired one, Jeff, recognized Lance and came over to slap hands with them.
"Hey!" Jeff greeted. "I didn't know ya'll were fans! I'm Jeff!"
"Lance," Lance introduced.
"Justin," Justin said, grinning. "I'm a huge fan of yours, but this is Lansten's first show."
"You're a fan? Really?" Jeff looked surprised. "Cool! Actually, I'm a fan of your guys', but don't tell the others, 'cause they'll call me a girl, and I get that enough with my hair." He winked at them. "It's nice to meet ya'll. If you want, I'll leave your name backstage and ya'll can come back and we can talk more."
"Thanks!" Justin exclaimed excitedly. Jeff grinned, nodded, and then jumped into the ring.
"Those are the Hardy Boyz," Justin explained. "They're seriously cool. They do some crazy high flyin'. Just wait 'til you see it."
Lance glanced worriedly at Justin, who flashed a supportive grin.
Justin took great delight in watching Lance's wide eyes and loud exclaimations of shock and panic when the guys went crashing into the ground. They were better than Justin remembered, or maybe it was just because they were live. Or maybe it was because Justin was spending most of his time watching Lance. This being Lance's first time watching wrestling, the moves came as a great shock--and fear--to him.
"Lance, they're okay," Justin finally whispered, when Lance was worriedly watching the guys in the ring when they wouldn't get up, and nibbling his lower lip.
Lance jumped, startled, and Justin tried not to smile at Lance's total concentration. "Sorry," Lance apologized sheepishly. "I can see why you like this. It's a total rush."
Justin grinned warmly. "Fun, isn't it?"
Lance nodded emphatically. "I'm very glad that we're here," Lance told him.
Justin nodded, studying Lance's green eyes. "Me too."
Lance paused, as though caught off guard, and Justin found that he was having a hard time looking away. There was a loud crack in the ring and they both jumped, watching as Test threw the chair out of the ring after bringing it over Jeff's head. Justin glanced at Lance, whose eyes were wide and horrified.
"Lance, it's just a stunt," Justin whispered reassuringly, starting to get worried about his friend. Lance was taking this all a bit too seriously.
Lance blinked a few times. "I don't know about that," he warned. "That Jeff guy just got hit in the head by that chair."
Justin couldn't help but grin, and he had to clasp his hands together to keep from ruffling Lance's hair. "He's okay," Justin promised. "They do that practically every night."
Lance licked his lips, a move that--to Justin's horror--Justin took great care in watching. "You sure?" Lance asked worriedly.
Justin suddenly remembered what Jeff said. "Jeff said that he'd let us backstage," Justin reminded. "Maybe we could go see him and convince you that they're all alright."
Lance shook his head immediately. "We can't--" he started.
"Why not?" Justin countered.
Lance frowned. "Because it's an unfair advantage. All these people would love to get to go back there, but we get to because we're famous? That's not very fair. It's like punishing them because they're not."
Justin stared at Lance in disbelief. Lance really was a pure heart. "You're amazing, Lance," Justin told him seriously, shaking his head slightly. Lance looked surprised.
"I-I-I thank you?" Lance looked completely flustered and bewildered at the compliment.
Justin shook his head, still unable to believe that someone like Lance could exist. That was when Jeff and Matt limped out of the ring, came over, and slapped hands with the two Nsync members. The cameras picked them up, and Lance and Justin waved.
"Come on backstage after," Jeff invited, slapping hands with them both.
Justin started to politely decline when Lance interrupted. "Sounds like fun," Lance agreed, and Justin knew how much self control it took Lance to agree to that. "Thank you."
Jeff grinned. "You're welcome. See you guys after the show!" He and Matt turned and went up the ramp, limping together.
"Why did you do that?" Justin asked Lance softly.
Lance looked up at Justin through his eyelashes. "I knew you wanted to go back there."
"Oh god, Lance," Justin murmured before he could stop himself. Lance looked surprised at Justin, when there was nothing more Justin wanted to do than hug him. Lance was such a giver... And it was almost all directed at Justin. How could Justin ever repay Lance? It wasn't possible.
"Justin?" Lance asked uncertainly.
"Nothing." Justin forced a smile. "Nothing, Lance. I, um, thank you. That means a lot to me." It means a lot that you're willing to compromise your morals for me, Justin finished in his mind.
Lance frowned slightly, but he nodded back.
"Is this on? Yo, give me a hand with that Triple H..."
Justin jumped to his feet, shouting loudly and happily as Triple H--complete with body guard and real life girlfriend Chyna--came down to the ring. Lance got to his feet and cheered with Justin, who rewarded his efforts with a grin.
"Chyna I love you!" Justin shouted at her, and she caught sight of him, studied him for a second, her eyes flitting back and forth between him and Lance. Then she smiled with recognition--they'd talked backstage at the VMA 2000s--and she winked at him. Justin grinned widely and nudged Lance, who waved at her even though she couldn't wave back. She offered him a quick wink too, then made sure to stay in character with Triple H.
When the match started, Chyna jumped out of the ring and in front of the guys. "Hey!" she whispered. "Are you guys going to come backstage when we're through?"
"Jeff left our name with the security," Justin whispered back.
"Great! We'll show you the 'backstage area'," Chyna giggled. "I have to go, though, and pound on the mat. I'll see you guys back there."
"Bye Joanie!" Justin whispered, and she winked at him and Lance before going up to the ring and pounding on the apron.
"Think she's pretty?" Justin asked casually to Lance, wondering why he was asking.
Lance studied her, then nodded seriously. "I think she's very pretty."
"Attractive?"
"Very attractive."
Justin glanced at him. "I thought you were...?"
Lance offered a half smile. "I never said I didn't go both ways."
Justin raised his eyebrows, but he grinned. He liked that he and Lance could joke casually about his sexual orientation. Still... Justin wasn't through. "How about Triple H?" he whispered. "Do you think he's attractive?"
Lance paused, studied the wrestler, then shrugged. "He's alright, I guess," he relented. "I can see how some people would find him attractive, but I don't like 'em that big."
Justin turned to look at him, looking away from the match. "How big do you like them?" he asked, unable to believe why he was pestering poor Lance in the middle of the match, and yet he was burning up with curiousity.
If Lance minded, he didn't say anything. He shrugged. "I'm not really sure. Smaller than him."
"So, more like Jeff Hardy?"
Lance shrugged again. "He was attractive," he agreed. "But I doubt he's my type."
"Why?" Justin could kick himself.
Lance hiked an eyebrow. "Did you see the blue hair?" he asked, and Justin burst out laughing. Lance joined him a second later.
"So dyed hair isn't your thing?" Justin asked. He was going to hurt himself soon. He had no business asking Lance such questions, especially while still in public. The worst part was that Justin had to know. He was going to go crazy if he didn't, and he couldn't explain why.
Lance grinned slightly. "Jus, look at my hair. I don't care if they're naturally blond and dye their hair black, or if they're naturally black haired and they dye it blond. The person is who matters. What they look like is secondary."
Justin smiled. Of course Lance would answer with that. Lance was so p.c., and yet unlike some people, he meant every word he said.
"There should be more people like you," Justin sighed, smiling. "I hope you and JC adopt so that you two can raise kids more like you."
Lance blushed and dropped his eyes. "Well, thank you, Justin, but really, JC and I haven't even touched first base yet. We're so far from anything serious that it's not even funny."
Justin frowned. "But I've seen you guys--"
"JC's just affectionate," Lance sighed. "Very affectionate. But he's always been that way." Lance shrugged. "It's not a big deal, Justin. Really. Let's talk about this later."
Justin nodded immediately. "Of course. I'm sorry."
Lance smiled. "Don't be. I don't mind talking about it, I just don't want to do it now. I'd like you to enjoy yourself." Lance nodded to the ring. "That guy is getting his butt kicked."
Justin looked up quickly to see Kurt Angle getting dragged across the ring by Triple H. Stephanie--Triple H's ex-wife--was with him, trying to stay out of Chyna's way while still trying to help Kurt Angle by hurting Triple H. It was a big mess. This was the story that Justin quickly explained to Lance, who just blinked a couple of times and then wordlessly turned back to watch the in-ring action. Justin hid his amused smile.
"That was so much fun!" Justin gushed happily as they rode back to the hotel in the limo. "Lance, you're amazing!"
Lance smiled gently. Justin had been telling him that he was amazing about every ten minutes. Lance tried to tell Justin that he didn't need to keep thanking him, but Justin was stubborn. After the show was over they had gone backstage and hung out with the wrestlers for a few hours, getting a backstage tour by Chyna and Triple H--who unlike his alter ego was actually very nice--and after exchanging autographs with most of them, they all had to go their separate ways, promising to come see each other again sometime, hopefully soon.
Now it was almost 2 a.m., and they were both exhausted. Justin was about to fall asleep where he sat, and Lance felt bad for him, especially since he was trying so hard to stay awake and express his thanks to Lance.
"Justin, come here," Lance instructed gently, gesturing to the seat beside him. Justin practically crawled from across from Lance to beside him, dropping onto the seat and resting his head on Lance's shoulder tiredly. "No, no, scoot down," Lance ordered gently. "Rest your head in my lap."
Lance carefully slipped Justin's hat off of his head even as Justin dropped his head down to Lance's lap. Lance rested one hand on Justin's chest and the other he used to lightly stroke Justin's hair as the younger boy closed his eyes. Lance knew he shouldn't be admiring Justin in the way he was, but it was so hard not to fall for Justin Timberlake. Granted, Lance still wanted to be with JC, but he was glad that he and Justin were getting so incredibly close. He liked this feeling that Justin gave him. And the fact that Justin wasn't gay left their relationship very comfortable, with no pressures.
Lance was actually sorry when they reached the hotel a half an hour later. By that time, Justin had made himself incredibly comfortable on Lance's lap, and Lance was enjoying the warmth that Justin was providing. Not to mention that he liked to feel Justin's soft curly hair. But the limo was pulling to a stop, and they were outside their hotel.
"Justin?" Lance asked softly, leaning down to wake him up. "Justin, it's time to get up."
"No..." Justin mumbled, rolling over and burying his face in just the wrong spot. Lance yelped and jumped, quickly pushing Justin back. Justin whimpered and pushed away at Lance's hands without ever opening his eyes. "Leave me 'lone," Justin ordered, his words slurred almost to the point of irecognition.
"Justin, you have to get up," Lance told him gently. "We're back at the hotel." To be honest, Lance was still shaking from Justin's unconscious move, and he was very, very glad that Justin was still half asleep and wouldn't remember that, because it would needlessly embarass both of them.
"Stop," Justin begged, still trying to avoid waking up. "Lance, please, I just wanna sleep..."
"Justin, you can sleep when we get back inside," Lance reminded softly.
"But I'm comfortable right where I am," Justin protested weakly. "I think your lap is the best pillow I've had in a long time."
"Well you can lay in my lap when we get up there," Lance offered. "Now come on, Jus, we gotta get outta the limo."
"Really?" Justin's eyes slowly opened, revealing a perfect shade of blue that nearly took Lance's breath away.
"Sure, Jus, but only if you promise to get up." Lance was getting flustered, and he hated getting flustered.
Justin tiredly dragged himself up off of Lance's lap, even offering a hand to help Lance out of the limo as they leaned against each other on their way to the elevator. They leaned against each other all the way up, as they stumbled into Lance's room, as they somehow managed to change their clothes, and then again as they flopped onto the bed. True to his word, Justin used Lance's lap as a pillow, which would have surprised the green-eyed boy if he was any less tired. Now, however, he was just exhausted.
"Night," Justin mumbled.
Lance's hand somehow found itself tangled in Justin's hair as he lightly stroked it. "Night," Lance said back softly, closing his eyes and drifting off to sleep. He dreamt about the first time he and Justin had ever met.
Five years ago, in a studio in Orlando, Florida:
Lance Bass walked along the hallways of large building, trying to find his way to the studio. He was supposed to have an audition in twenty minutes, and after dropping her son off, his mom had sped away. Dryly Lance thought about how supportive that mother of his was before turning and going into the building. He had stopped to ask for directions several times--one of the reasons his friends told him he couldn't be all straight--and yet he still was lost.
Lance turned a corner, utterly lost, and the next thing he knew, he was flat on his back a few feet behind where he had been. He shook himself, dazed, and then slowly sat up, staring at who had run into him. It was an older guy, around 20 or so, with black hair and a frenzied look about him.
"Sorry!" the guy shouted, jumping to his feet and dashing past Lance, completely ignoring him. Lance stared after him for a moment, not sure if he was going to like the brash behavior of these Floridians. He'd gotten a lot of advice to be careful of the 'sharks' in Florida, because they'd eat someone 'sweet like him' alive. He was starting to think that maybe the rumors he'd heard were true, and suddenly he just wanted to go back home.
"Hey. That looked rough. Are you alright?" A hand was suddenly in Lance's face, offering to help him up. Lance looked up, and met the bright pair of blue eyes that he had ever seen. The boy, with curly blond hair and a firm build, actually looked startled. His jaw fell slightly, his eyes widened, and the two stared at each other. Lance had never seen anyone as beautiful as him in his entire life, and soon realized that he was staring and shook himself.
"Yeah," Lance agreed, shaking his head. "I'm alright."
The boy suddenly came back into focus, and he smiled brightly, holding out his hand firmly again. Lance took it, and they both looked shocked at the electricity they felt surging up their arms. His touch was warm and gentle, and Lance liked that. He was also strong, Lance noted, as he pulled him to his feet.
"You gotta watch out for the runners here at TransCon," the boy advised, shaking his head. "They'll barrel right into you and even leave you unconsious if they're in a hurry. My friend Joey got knocked into one, and he hit his head on a table. He was out for a good half hour until we finally found him." The boy grinned at Lance, and Lance found himself immediately charmed by this boy. "What're you doing here?"
Lance sighed drearily. "I'm supposed to be auditioning for some group that they're putting together, but I'm lost. Hopelessly lost."
The boy's face broke into a large grin, and he laughed. "Did you say 'hopelessly'?" he asked, laughing. Lance frowned. "And that accent! Where are you from? You're adorable!"
Lance's eyes widened in surprise, and he blushed. "Thank you," he said politely. "I'm from--"
"Justin! Move it!" someone called from behind them.
The boy turned and scowled at someone who looked to be around 18 or so. "I'm coming!" he called back, then turned back to Lance and smiled warmly. "Sorry. I have to go." He paused, shifting from foot to foot. "I know this seems really sudden and all, but could I have your number?"
Lance thought he'd been punched in the stomach with how surprised he was, but he smiled back. "Sure," he agreed, pulling out a pen and paper he kept in his back pack, which he carried around at all times. He wrote down his name, his number, and his e-mail address and handed it to the boy.
Those blue eyes lit up to a color of pure cerulean. "Thanks!" he exclaimed happily, folding it and stuffing it in his pocket. "I'll give you a call. Maybe we can get together some time."
"But I don't live--" Lance started to protest, even as the boy started to go backwards.
"Come on!" the 18 year old called again.
The boy sighed and waved him away before turning again to Lance. "I'll see ya later, okay?" he asked.
Lance protested. "I don't even know your name!" he exclaimed.
The boy suddenly laughed. "It's Justin. Justin Randall Timberlake. It was nice to meet you, Lance Bass. I'll call you!" Then he turned and took off running for the other guy, who looked to be scolding Justin as he approached. Justin turned and waved at Lance once more before he disappeared into a room.
Lance stared in utter disbelief, shook his head, and then went about trying to find the studio.
Justin's face had been priceless when Lance's name was announced and Lance walked in. Lance and Justin had stared at each other for several seconds before one of the guys cleared their throats and began asking Lance a few questions. Lance shook himself and recomposed his demeanor, something that obviously impressed them. He sang his part and then left, unable to look at the smile on Justin's face much longer without saying something to him. Justin had called him a week later and asked how soon he could get to Florida, because they needed him to start practicing. After that, Justin always treated Lance as a chum, and nothing more. But Lance never forgot that first flirty meeting they had had, and always wondered in the back of his mind. And now that they were getting so close... Lance couldn't help but wonder sometimes.
"How can it be, that right here with me, there's an angel? It's a miracle. Your love is like a river, peaceful and deep. Your soul is like a secret that I never could keep. When I look into your eyes I know that it's true, god must have spent, a little more time on you... Ooo... A little more time... Yes he did, babe."
Lance slowly dragged his heavy eyes open to see a bright, cerulean blue gazing at him. The note died away on Justin's lips when Lance woke, and he smiled brightly.
"Morning!" Justin greeted warmly. "I think this is the first time I've ever woken up before you."
Lance yawned away from Justin, then turned back to him and nodded. "Probably. What're you doing?"
"Waking you up with a serenade. You like?" Justin's eyes were mischevious.
"Actually, you were a little flat," Lance told him seriously, watching his eyes. Justin's eyes widened and his jaw fell as in confusion he started to sing it back to himself, trying to hear for the note. When he couldn't tell anything was wrong, he looked up at Lance, who by that time was laughing. Justin immediately pounced.
"You're so cruel!" Justin exclaimed, giving Lance an affectionate nuggie. "Here I go and be all nice to you, and you tell me that I'm flat!"
Lance laughed past the light pain. "You couldn't be flat if you tried," Lance objected. "Now leggo, that hurts!"
"Wimp!" Justin proclaimed, then released Lance and flopped face down onto the bed, burying his face in the pillow.
Lance laid on his side, propping his head up with his palm on his elbow as he watched Justin. "You okay, Jus?"
Justin turned his face to look sideways at Lance. "Uh huh. Why do you ask?"
Lance shrugged. "I was just wondering. How long have you been up?"
Justin paused. "Long enough to order us all breakfast and charge it to Joey's room, run over to my room and brush my teeth, jump back into bed with you and sing you awake."
Lance smiled. "It was a very nice wake up, thank you," he said, deciding to leave out the part where Lance's dream had made him think that Justin's real life singing was Justin singing to him in his dream... Which he had finished with a kiss. Justin didn't need to know that part.
Justin beamed. "You're welcome!" He rolled off of the bed. "Now you'd better get moving, because you've got to get in a quick shower. Breakfast will be at Joey's in about an hour. And you-know-who will be there!" Justin rummaged through Lance's suitcase while Lance watched mildly, not really caring what Justin was doing. Justin obviously found what he was looking for, because the next thing Lance knew, his world was dark green. And then there was another weight on his head as his khaki's came down on his head next. "Bye Lansten!" Justin called, and then Lance heard the door slam.
Slowly Lance peeled the khaki's and semi-tight long sleeved shirt off of his head, pausing to consider the choice. He shrugged and then went into the bathroom to go shower.
The shower was invigorating and made Lance feel much more awake. He shaved, did his hair, brushed his teeth, got dressed, and was out the door within 40 minutes. He was the first one to arrive at Joey's, so he made himself comfortable on the couch, turned on the tv, and settled in to watch the morning news.
"Hey Lansten!" JC's warm voice carolled at Lance as JC dropped onto the couch beside his best friend. Lance grinned up at him immediately, even as JC slipped an arm around Lance's shoulders. "Did you and Justin have fun last night?"
"Yeah, we did," Lance assured him. "We got taken on a backstage tour and everything."
JC arched an eyebrow. "I can't see you willing to use your fame for that."
Lance smiled slightly. JC knew him so well. "Well, Justin wanted to go."
JC nodded knowingly. "And lovely Lansten will do anything for his friends," JC concluded, giving Lance a tight squeeze. "You're such a good friend, Lance."
Lance smiled. "Thanks, JC. You're not so bad yourself."
JC laughed and brought Lance in to lean against him as he kicked his feet onto the coffee table in front of the couch with Lance's. Lance leaned his head on JC's chest and tried not to sigh in utter contentment. He adored how safe JC made him feel. JC was always there for Lance, no matter what.
Still, a slight pang when through Lance's body when Justin wandered in with Chris, laughing about something.
"Hey ya'll!" Justin greeted happily, the last of his laughs still lighting him up. "How's it goin'?"
"Great. Did you have fun last night?" JC grinned easily at Justin, who sprawled out onto the floor. Chris rested his head on Justin's stomach, and they both laughed.
"Lots of fun," Justin agreed. "Especially when Lance got freaked out over the guys getting hurt."
"I did not!" Lance protested, knowing perfectly well that he did too.
"Aw, you're just sensitive, Lansten," JC clarified, hugging him tightly. "But that's why we like you. You're all cute and sweet."
Lance blushed and he couldn't bring himself to meet Justin's eyes, even though he knew Justin would be smiling supportively at him.
"So what're our plans for today?" Chris asked, still laying on Justin.
"Photoshoot," JC announced. "And then we're scoping out the arena."
Chris made a face. "Are you and Lance going to get into trouble like last time?" he asked Justin, poking him in the side.
Justin just laughed. "I think Lance had all the trouble he can handle," Justin assured Chris, grinning at Lance.
"Never underestimate the power of me," Lance warned teasingly even as he stood to get the knock at the door. Justin's eyes met his mischeviously, and then Lance went and pulled open the door.
The room service cart was stocked with food, to Lance's astonishment, and after signing the bill--with Joey's name--they called to Joey to hurry up before the food was all gone. That was all it took with Joey, and he was out there as quick as lightening, trying to get some decent food.
"Oh, my favorite!" JC exclaimed as he lifted a lid to reveal waffles. "Curly, you're awesome!"
Justin plastered a fake smile on his face. "I know, I'm wonderful," he agreed, then started laughing. Lance grinned at him before picking up another lid with pancakes, eggs over easy, and bacon. "That's yours," Justin told him, lifting the lid on another tray and inspecting its contents.
Lance's favorite. Lance said a thank you and went to the kitchen table to eat there. JC joined him a second later, and the others followed suit, all laughing and chattering easily about everything and anything. Under the table, Lance was startled to feel JC's hand on Lance's leg, and he tried not to blush as he smiled at JC. Again, Lance could feel Justin smiling supportively, teasingly, but Lance couldn't meet his eyes. It felt almost wrong, somehow.
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