Disclaimer: Oh Lordie, must we really discuss who owns who again? Really, I don't own them. I don't claim to. Please don't be offended if you are mentioned in this story and you're gay. Meaning, if any member of Nsync for some reason decides to be funny and read this story... Well damn, I'm flattered. But besides that, I don't mean to offend you. Enjoy!


        "It's so good to be out of there!" Lance exclaimed cheerfully as JC drove along the freeway. The other three were in the back, goofing around, and they were on their way back to the hotel. From there they were going to spend a few days resting, then take their breaks early... Each going home for a week before joining each other in the Carribean before picking up the tour yet again. The doctors told Lance that he should be almost back to 100 percent by then, but only if he didn't strain his leg at all during the next few weeks.
        "And just think," JC added. "Home in a few days."
        Lance smiled and nodded warmly at him. "It'll be great!" he proclaimed happily. "Home, the Carribean, and nothing but R and R the whole way in between!"
        JC reached out and playfully ruffled Lance's hair. Lance grinned at him, then peeked over the back of the seat to see the three back there engaged in some sort of tickle/wrestle war. Lance smiled at them, still peeking, as they all laughed and joked and teased.
        Suddenly a finger came out and tapped Lance lightly on the nose. Lance followed the finger up the arm and to a chest before trailing up to a face. He smiled at Justin even though Justin couldn't see his mouth, but Justin seemed to know that Lance was smiling anyway, because he shot Lance a playful grin before Joey threw himself at Justin and Justin was suddenly under Joey someplace. Lance laughed out loud and settled forward again, still feeling a warm tingle at where Justin's finger had been.
        When they reached the hotel, JC insisted on Lance taking the wheelchair up, despite Lance's adamant refusal. It wasn't until Justin pushed JC down into the chair and then Lance onto his lap that Lance finally settled down, and it wasn't by choice. He still tried to get up, but JC locked both arms around Lance firmly while Justin wheeled them--ran them--up the elevator, down the hallway to Lance's room, and then into Lance's room.
        Lance immediately got off of JC and crawled onto his bed, flopping down face first onto the soft cushion and ignoring the screaming protest of his leg. The pain meds were starting to wear off, and he was dying to pop another pill, but he didn't want the other guys to worry.
        "I'll go get your stuff out of the car," JC told Lance, then turned to Justin. "Wait here with him."
        Justin shrugged and watched JC go before turning to Lance and eyeing him critically. "I don't understand you sometimes," Justin sighed, dropping onto the bed beside Lance and mirroring him. "I give you a perfect opportunity to sit in JC's lap and you get up!"
        Lance frowned slightly. "I appreciate the gesture Justin, but it's really not necessary."
        Justin flashed a grin. "So I see! JC's really getting more forward, isn't he?"
        Lance didn't feel like talking about JC. He shrugged, then pointed to the small brown paper bag in the wheelchair. "Justin, get me a pill, would you?"
        Justin was up immediately. "Do you hurt?" he asked worriedly, even as he pulled out a pill and went into the bathroom to get some water. "That's a dumb question, of course you hurt; you're taking medicine. Why didn't you mention it earlier?"
        Lance winced as he tried to drag himself into a sitting position. Justin was there in a heart beat, the water on the small bedside table as he pulled Lance up and into his arms to lean his back against Justin's chest and inbetween his legs so that he could sit up without moving too much or having to try and hold himself up. Justin held out the pill and Lance stuck it in his mouth even as Justin held out the water. He took a large swallow and handed it back to Justin, who took a drink himself before putting it back on the table.
        Lance settled comfortably into Justin, fitting perfectly in his opinion, and closed his eyes. "Because I didn't want anyone to worry," he answered calmly, even as Justin's strong arms wrapped around him. Lance covered Justin's arms with his own and for the first time since he got into the hospital was completely content.
        Justin leaned his cheek on top of Lance's head, and Lance was suddenly very glad that his hair wasn't spiked because otherwise Justin would be in a lot of pain.
        "Your hair is so soft," Justin commented, laughing slightly, his voice low. "It's hard to believe with all that crap you put in it, but it is."
        "I'm not sure if I was just dissed or complimented, so I'll just say okay."
        Justin laughed, and Lance nearly shivered. "It's a compliment," he assured Lance softly. "Look at all the stuff that goes into my hair."
        Lance laughed himself. "I like your hair," he objected. "It's really soft and silky."
        "Brillo pad," Justin muttered.
        Lance reached up and ran a hand through Justin's hair. "It's soft," he insisted. "It's fun to play with."
        "Only 'cause you don't have to do it," Justin commented dryly. "If you did, you'd see it's not as much fun as it appears."
        Lance smiled and dropped his arm again, covering Justin's once more. "I doubt it," he mumbled. "This medicine makes me sleepy. Sorry."
        "Don't be," Justin cooed, and Lance's heart skipped several beats. "It's okay. I don't mind."
        Lance started to drift off to sleep, but then he remembered his conversation earlier with Chris, who had said that Justin had spent the night in the hospital with Lance. "Justin?"
        "Yeah?" Justin's voice was low and soft, sending shivers down Lance's spine.
        "Chris said you stayed with me last night, but that no one knew where you had gone this morning, 'cause you weren't there when I woke up. Where were you?"
        Justin took a minute to answer. "I-I was in the church," he confessed. "I didn't mean to leave you alone, but I had to go think some things out and pray that you got better quickly. Then I went to the gift shop and back up to your room."
        Lance smiled slightly. "You didn't leave me alone," Lance told him calmly. "You haven't."
        Justin hugged him tightly, and Lance smiled as he felt Justin's soft breathing against his cheek. Each time Lance opened his eyes he found it more and more difficult, until it was no longer worth the effort to try and keep them open. He simply leaned against Justin and allowed Justin's soft breathing to lull him into a peaceful sleep.

        The next time Lance woke up, he was alone. Or... He thought he was alone. It was dark out, and there were footsteps in his room...
        "Hello?" Lance asked softly.
        There was silence, and then, "Lance? Are you awake?"
        "Justin?"
        "Yeah." Justin was suddenly on the bed beside Lance, stroking his forehead. "You okay? Did I wake you?"
        "I'm fine. My leg's a little sore... No, you didn't wake me. What're you doing here?"
        Justin flashed a grin. "You just missed JC. Like, by two minutes. We're shifting. He wanted to stay with you, I wanted to stay with you, and so we compromised. He'd stay with you until midnight, and then it was my turn."
        Lance frowned. "You guys don't have to--"
        "We want to, Lance," Justin interrupted firmly. "Chris and Joey offered to help, too, but I think that when they saw JC and I nearly take blows at each other they backed off."
        Lance frowned deeper. "Justin, I don't want you and JC to fight over something as trivial as to who stays with me, especially when I don't need someone to watch out for me."
        Justin sighed and flopped down beside Lance on the bed. "Just say 'thank you', Lance," he instructed. "And then say, 'good night' 'cause I'm tired."
        "Thank you. And good night." Lance lifted himself onto his side, resting his head on his palm and gazing down at Justin. Justin's eyes slowly opened, and Lance studied him in the moonlight.
        "You okay?" Justin asked again, searching Lance's eyes with his own.
        "Uh huh," Lance agreed easily. "I just wanted to thank you. I mean, really thank you. Not under order."
        Justin grinned up at him. "You're welcome. Now get some sleep." One of his arms snaked out and grabbed Lance, pulling him onto his arm so that Lance's head rested on his shoulder. "I'm tired."
        Lance smiled and snuggled against Justin's body. Guiltily he admitted to himself that he had been hoping Justin would do that. "'Night, Jus," Lance said softly even as he drifted off to sleep.
        "'Night Lance," Justin whispered.

        "Look in your backpack," Justin whispered in Lance's ear. "Once you're up in the air."
        Lance gave him a surprised look, but nodded as he pulled out of the hug. "Bye Jus," Lance said sadly, feeling a now-familiar tugging on his heart.
        "Bye Lance," Justin said back softly. "Call me, okay?"
        Lance nodded. "I will," he promised. He hesitated, then turned to JC and gave him a large hug. "Bye JC," Lance said.
        "Bye Lansten." JC pulled away and smiled warmly at him. "Take care of yourself, and call me. Okay?"
        "Okay," Lance agreed. He hugged Chris and Joey and bid them all goodbye as he slowly walked down the ramp to his plane. He hesitated and turned back to look at them all, but the only face he saw belonged to Justin, who was smiling after him.
        "Justin--" Lance started, taking a step back towards him. He couldn't go yet. He had to see Justin once more... Had to be in Justin's arms one last time before he left...
        People crowded inbetween them, and Lance let out a choked sound before turning and rushing down the ramp as quickly as he could. He rolled his eyes upwards to avoid the tears, mentally berating himself for getting so attached.
        Lance couldn't wait until they were up in the air. He was a bundle of nerves, jittery, and shaking as they took off, and when they were finally in the air, he ripped his backpack open within seconds. Lance's jaw fell.
        A new green notebook stared back at him.
        Lance pulled it out, as well as the pen that Justin had stuck in it, and tried not to cry as he slowly opened it to the first page, astonished to find writing in it.
        Justin Timberlake and Lance Bass... If you know what's good for you, you'll mind your own business!
        Lance laughed softly to himself, turning the page and finding a blank page. He turned another page and found Justin's familiar writing filled up the page. He flipped through the notebook and found several pages filled... At least 5. Lance smiled warmly, through the tears welling up in his eyes, and started to read.

        "This is Justin Timberlake's voice mail. If you'd like to leave a message, please don't. Beep!"
        "Justin...?"
        "Lance!" Justin sat up quickly, dropping his feet onto the ground from where he had them on the coffee table. "Hey! How's it going?"
        "Good, you?"
        Justin laughed. "Sorry about that answering machine thing. I'm good, how about you? How's that leg? How was the flight?"
        "I'm doing fine, fine. The flight was average, but I had a particularly interesting read while I was on it, so I think it was one of the best flight's I've ever had."
        Justin blushed. "I've got your notebook," he confessed. "I was writing in it."
        "You can't have my notebook," Lance objected, sounding confused. "I've got it in my hand right now. It's a really pretty shade of green..."
        Justin grinned and blushed again. "You like it, then?"
        "Justin, it's very possibly one of the best gifts anyone has ever given me!"
        Justin was a cherry tomato. "Oh, stop, you're making me blush," he teased mock-seriously.
        Lance laughed. "I take it by the sounds of your voice that you're glad to be home."
        "I'm thrilled to be home!" Justin exclaimed happily. "I mean, I miss you guys and stuff, but I'm home. It doesn't get much better than that." Unless you had come with me, Justin added silently. There were some things that were better left unsaid.
        Lance laughed again. "I know exactly what you mean! There's something about sleeping in the bed you slept in as a child that just makes you feel better."
        Justin paused, Lance's words catching him. "You weren't feeling good?" he asked worriedly. "Lance, what's wrong?"
        Lance winced. Justin could feel it. "Nothing," Lance objected. "Just my leg."
        Justin scowled. "You really think I'm going to let you get away with that?"
        Lance sighed. "I suppose not," he agreed slowly. "I guess I just keep thinking about someone."
        Justin's heart sank into his stomach. "JC? I know, remember?" Justin tried to laugh, but it came out sounding hollow. "You guys are really cute together. And I saw him kiss you today at the airport."
        "Just on the cheek," Lance defended immediately.
        "For now," Justin teased, closing his eyes against the pain it caused.
        Lance changed the subject. "Have you spoken to Britney yet?" he asked.
        Justin flopped back against the couch. "Thanks, Lansten," Justin sighed.
        "Sorry, Jus."
        Justin sighed. "I guess it's an inevitable subject topic. She's my girlfriend. I should like talking to her. Unfortunately, I think I like dating the idea of her."
        "I know. You told me."
        Justin froze, frowning. "I did? I don't remember."
        "You did, just not in those terms. In the notebook you gave me. You basically said that you liked the image of Britney... But I don't get the impression that you love her, Jus."
        "I don't," Justin answered immediately. "I have never claimed to love her. I care about her, and she's a good friend of mine, but... I don't know. I guess I just don't care about her like that anymore."
        "Justin--" Lance began.
        In the background on Lance's end, Justin heard, "Lance! Dinner!"
        Lance sighed. "Sorry, man, I gotta go. I'll call you later, okay?"
        Justin nodded. "Sure. Later, Lance."
        "Bye Justin." The line went dead, and Justin stared at the phone before slowly ending the phone call. He sighed and closed his eyes.
        "Oh, sweetie, good." Lynn entered the room nervously, and Justin opened his eyes and looked up at her, smiling.
        "Hi Mom," Justin greeted. "How're you?"
        "I'm good, baby. But... We need to talk."
        Justin sat up. The last time his mom had said that, she and his dad were telling him that Justin's dad was getting remarried. And the only time before that was when she and dad were getting divorced. Justin didn't like his mother's 'talks'.
        "Okay..." Justin agreed, trailing off warily. She looked flustered, and Justin knew he was in trouble when she took his hands in her own.
        "Baby, you remember how I told you I've been dating that nice Edwin man? You've met him on a few occassions, remember?"
        Oh no, Justin thought, feeling a deep sinking in his stomach. "Yes..."
        Lynn cleared her throat and forced a smile. "Honey, we're getting married!"
        Justin's jaw fell as he stared at her. Married?! But they'd only been dating for... For a year! How could they be getting married?!
        "Justin, say something," Lynn pleaded softly, nervously.
        Justin cleared his throat and forced a smile. "That's great, Mom," Justin told her, trying to be happy for his mom's happiness. He hugged her so that she couldn't see his pained face. "Congratulations."
        "Oh honey," Lynn breathed in relief. "I was so worried that you wouldn't approve..."
        Then why did you do it? Justin's mind screamed at her. "No, I think it's great," Justin insisted, silently wondering how soon he could book a flight to Mississippi. Then again, maybe he shouldn't bug Lance... He did have a perfectly good home in Orlando... The more he thought about it, and the more he wanted to see Lance, the more he realized that he was better off going to his own home.
        "He's coming over for dinner tonight," Lynn told Justin, pulling away and wiping tears of happiness and relief from her eyes. "He'll be thrilled."
        Justin smiled warmly at her, and as soon as she was gone the smile vanished. Justin picked up his phone and started to dial the airport--a number he knew well--when the phone went off in his hands.
        "Hello?" Justin asked after his mini heartattack.
        "What's wrong?"
        Justin frowned slightly. "Lance?"
        "Are you okay?"
        Justin cleared his throat. "Yeah. Why?"
        "You sound like you're trying not to cry."
        Justin's eyes widened. "No, I'm fine."
        "No, you're lying. What's wrong?"
        Justin scowled. "I'm not."
        "Don't get mad at me 'cause I know your voice. Tell me what's wrong."
        Justin was starting to get testy. Lance was getting awfully presumptious. What was worse was that Justin liked that Lance knew him so well. "Shouldn't you be eating?" Justin countered.
        "I had a vision. What's wrong?"
        "A vision?" Justin repeated, bewildered.
        "A precognition. A feeling. Whatever. What's wrong?"
        "What was it about?"
        "Just that I needed to call you. Again, Justin, what's wrong? And you'd better answer this time otherwise my cell phone is going to be booking me on a flight to Tennassee."
        "I won't be here," Justin muttered darkly.
        Lance sucked in his breath. "Strike that, I'll be booking a flight from Tennassee to Mississippi. How soon can you leave?"
        "Lance, I'm not imposing on you and your family--"
        "Tomorrow morning?" Lance asked, completely ignoring Justin's protests. Justin could hear Lance's cell phone numbers beeping as Lance dialed.
        "Lance, I'm not--" Justin tried again.
        "Will tomorrow morning work?" Lance pestered. "What airline is good for you?"
        "Lance, I won't show up," Justin interrupted.
        Lance was very quiet for a moment, and then Lance's steely voice said, "Fine. Then I'll go to you." The next thing Justin knew, he had dead air.
        "Lance?" Justin asked. No answer. "Lance?" Justin asked worriedly. Again, no answer. Justin quickly redialed Lance's cell phone, then his home phone, but Lance wasn't answering either one. Justin let out an exasperated yelp and nearly kicked the table. Of course he wanted Lance with him, but Lance was being ridiculous! Justin couldn't allow Lance to screw up his vacation by spending it with Justin and trying to keep Justin sane instead of with his family! He wouldn't do it!
        Now that he had finished protesting, Justin's heart sang a little song. Lance wanted to be with him to comfort him, Justin thought giddily. Lance was going to throw everything aside, just to be with Justin in Justin's hour of need... And Lance didn't even know what was wrong!
        Still, Justin forced himself to be rational again, and he once more tried Lance's number.
        "Yes?" came Lance's smooth, low voice. There were sounds in the background, and Lance sounded like he was moving around.
        "Lance, I appreciate you doing this for me, really I do, but it's not necessary--" Justin started.
        "My flight leaves in an hour. Can you pick me up at 10 or do I need a taxi?"
        "Lance!" Justin yelped, horrified. "You can't! You just got home! I'm not taking you away on your vacation!"
        Lance paused in his moving, which Justin assumed was packing. "Would you like to come here, instead?" he asked.
        Justin wanted to scream yes. "Lance, I'm fine--" Justin started.
        The movement started again. "Well then you and I can be fine together," Lance stated matter-of-factly, and then suddenly Lance gasped, there was a loud thud, and Lance's haggered breathing on his end of the phone.
        "Lance? Lance?" Justin asked, terrified. "Oh god, Lance? What happened? Lance? Are you okay?"
        He heard Lance utter a pained sound, and then a weak, "Yeah. I'm alright. I just twisted my leg and hurt it."
        "Lance, stay there," Justin ordered. "You're in no shape to travel."
        "I'm not leaving you alone, Justin, so you have a choice: either you pick me up at 10, or tomorrow morning at 8 you find yourself on a plane headed to Laurel, Mississippi on American Airline flight 2204."
        Justin couldn't help but laugh. "You booked us both tickets?"
        "I figured you'd cave eventually, not wanting me to leave my family." Lance gasped and gritted his teeth, and then the movement stopped. "But just in case I booked us each a flight. And just so you know, if you're not at the airport tomorrow at 11, there's another flight leaving for Tennassee at noon."
        Justin had to laugh. "Lance?"
        "Yeah?"
        "Did anyone ever tell you what a good friend you are?"
        He could hear Lance's grin. "I've gotten it occassionally."
        "You're the best best friend anyone could ever ask for."
        Lance laughed slightly. "Thanks, Jus. You're not so bad yourself."

        The dinner had gone smoothly enough. Justin was very polite to Edwin, his mom was beaming, and she had no idea that he was already packed and ready to go. A taxi would be at his house at 6--an ungodly hour in Justin's opinion--and he'd be gone before his mom woke up. She'd be mad, and hurt, and angry, and positively distressed, but Justin was all those things, too.
        Justin called up Lance around 11, right after Edwin left. Justin had made small talk with his mom about how wonderful he was, and then went straight up to his room to talk to Lance. He needed to hear a comforting voice, and there was none that was better than Lance's.
        "Hello?" came Lance's soothing low voice, a sound almost so welcomed that Justin nearly started to cry, and couldn't answer. Lance sounded alarmed. "Justin? Is that you? What's wrong?"
        Justin couldn't help it. He started to cry.
        "Oh Justin," Lance breathed. "Oh honey... What's going on?"
        "My mom's getting married!" Justin choked out.
        Lance didn't answer for a moment. "Married?" he repeated. "To that Edwin guy?"
        Justin gave a start. "You remember him?"
        "Sure. You've mentioned him a couple of times. I thought you liked him."
        "They've only been dating a year!" Justin spat. "How can they know if they're in love or not?"
        Lance paused. "Justin, there's no time limit on love. It can take a split second or it can take ten years."
        "Lance, I don't need to hear this right now," Justin muttered, burying his face in his hands.
        "What do you need?" Lance asked.
        "Just a friend to talk to and a shoulder to cry on, if you don't mind."
        "Not at all."
        Justin jumped and sprang to his feet as he stared at the doorway. Lance was standing there and calmly turned off his cell phone, shut Justin's bedroom door, and then took Justin's cell phone and turned it off before setting them both on the table.
        "What are you doing here?" Justin gasped, finally finding his voice. "I thought that tomorrow--"
        "Change of plans," Lance interrupted smoothly. "I decided that Hawaii would be a much better place to spend our week off. Your family isn't the only one that annoyed you." He shuddered. "If my mom asked me about my sexuality and how many guys I've slept with one more time... Is it so hard to believe that I'm still a virgin to both males and females? I'm a Christian boy; sue me!"
        "Oh god," Justin moaned, hugging Lance so tightly that he actually heard Lance's bones crack. Lance said nothing, only held Justin back and lightly stroked his back.
        "It's okay, Justin," Lance soothed softly. "I'm here for you."
        "Thank you, Lance," Justin whispered, ignoring the tears that streamed down his face. "Thank you so much." He pulled back suddenly, his eyes wide. "Your leg? Is it okay?" He didn't wait for an answer before scooping Lance up into his arms and carrying him to the bed.
        "This is kinda kinky," Lance teased as Justin gently laid him down. Justin's eyes met his and Justin couldn't help but grin, then laugh. He flopped onto the bed beside Lance, face down, laughing hysterically. Trust Lance to lighten up the situation.
        God Justin was jealous of JC.
        Still... Lance was here, with him, and screw what Lance would want later. Right now the only thing that mattered was that Lance was here to take care of Justin. Lance was good at that. Lance was better at that than anyone Justin knew.
        "Justin, have you--" Lynn broke off as she opened up the door and saw Lance laying beside Justin. Justin returned her look evenly. "Lance!" she exclaimed, surprised. "When did you get here?"
        Lance looked at Justin's clock. "About a half an hour ago, Miss Harless. Hope you don't mind."
        Lynn waved a hand at him. "Of course not! Justin won't stop talking about you. I'm sure he'll be thrilled to have you around! And again, please, call me Lynn. But you're welcome here anytime you want, Lance." Her eyes strayed to Justin again, and Justin knew exactly what this looked like to his mom, and Justin casually turned on his back beside Lance, slipping an arm around his shoulders. Justin felt Lance stiffen, but his face remained smiling.
        "Thank you, Miss Harless," Lance said politely.
        Lynn's jaw fell unhinged as she saw her son and what she thought was her son's boyfriend. She quickly became flustered. "You're welcome. Well, I see that I've interrupted, so I'll see you two tomorrow. Morning." She was gone and shutting the door behind her quickly.
        Lance looked up at Justin. "Was there a point in freaking out your poor mother?" Lance asked evenly.
        Justin shrugged and released Lance, resuming his position on his stomach. "Just a little revenge."
        Lance sighed. "I don't understand you sometimes, Justin," he told him. Lance smiled slightly. "Though I like you anyway, so go figure. It's those little quirks that make you you."
        Justin grinned at Lance. "Remind me how I got so lucky as to have you as my best friend?"
        Lance laughed. "You were in the right place at the right time. But I think we both were lucky."
        Justin smiled. "So, Hawaii, huh?"
        Lance nodded. "Hawaii. I already booked us a lovely little condo on the beach." He paused, his smile dying. "Justin, can I ask you a serious question?"
        Justin nodded immediately, frowning slightly. Lance sounded actually scared. "Of course you can."
        Lance bit his lower lip as he thought about the wording of his question. "D-does it bother you that I'm... the way I am? Gay? Bi? Whatever you want to call me?"
        Justin's eyes widened in surprise. "Honestly, no," Justin told him immediately. "Why do you ask?"
        Lance shrugged, playing with his fingers. "One of my old friends told me that he didn't want to talk to me anymore."
        Justin's eyes widened again, only in horror. "I'll kick his fuckin' ass!" Justin snapped furiously. "Who's the fucker? The son of a bitch is dead. Is that ticket to Mississippi still good? He's sorry ass is going down!" Justin was starting off the bed, his rage red hot that someone would dare treat sweet, wonderful Lance that way. He snatched up his cell phone and began calling for an immediate jet and ripping his packed suitcase out of the closet.
        "Justin," Lance said softly, and Justin felt Lance's hand on his arm. Justin stopped in his wild frenzy and slowly turned around to face Lance. "Please don't."
        Justin grabbed Lance and hugged him tightly, turning off the cell phone and setting it down. "The idea that someone would say something like that to you..." Justin found himself trying not to cry. "Lance, no one should ever say that to you."
        "Thank you, Justin, but really, I expected it. I told you--Christian." Lance pulled away and studied Justin's eyes. "So it really doesn't bother you?"
        "Never!" Justin exclaimed vehemently, and then softened his tone when he saw Lance wince. He decided that those tears in Lance's eyes had to go... Now. He threw on a teasing tone and carefully thumbed the tears off of Lance's cheeks. "Actually, I think it's kinda fun," he teased, backing Lance up to the bed to Lance's surprise. "I get to play with you and I don't get called nasty names or hit by Joey or Chris."
        Lance grinned, and Justin watched as the tears slowly faded away.
        "I mean, after all," Justin continued, slowly lowering Lance to the bed by pressing their bodies even further together. "Who else could I lay on top of when it's a guy and call it playfully flirting?" He was completely covering Lance now, and they were body to body on the bed.
        Lance was laughing, and Justin never wanted to hear that sound end. "Actually, I think it's cool," Justin assured him, still grinning. "Without it, you wouldn't be you, and I adore you."
        "Really?" Lance asked, and Justin would have to be blind to miss the hope in that question.
        Lance, you have no idea, Justin thought dryly. "Definitely," Justin stated firmly. "I love everything about you."
        Lance blushed, then smiled. "Thank you, Justin." He smiled happily and closed his eyes.
        Justin had an overwhelming urge to kiss him. Every fiber in his body wanted him to steal that soft kiss, as he'd done at the hospital only days before. He still got shivers thinking about it, wondering what Lance would do if he knew... What Lance would do if Justin tried it again.
        Just as Justin was about to find out, Lance suddenly cried out in pain. Justin sat up and rolled off of him quickly, panicking. Lance had doubled over and was holding his leg, his breathing ragged.
        "I forgot to take my medicine," Lance gasped. "I-I've been ignoring the pain until now, but it was like this stabbing pain..."
        "Did I kick you?" Justin fretted as he jumped over Lance and to the door. "Where's your bags?"
        "Front door," Lance answered through gritted teeth.
        Justin took one last split second look of his best friend and ran down the stairs as quickly as he could. He went right for where Lance kept his toiletries, finding the medicine immediately on top, grabbed it, grabbed a bottle of water, and then dashed back up the stairs to find Lance curled up on the bed on his side in a ball, his shoulders shaking with his tears.
        "Oh god," Justin breathed, horrified. He was beside Lance in an instant, urging Lance's mouth open to accept the pill, which he suddenly didn't want. Justin practically had pour the water into Lance's mouth, and he choked on it between his tears. As soon as the pill was down, Justin curled up behind Lance, pulling Lance up against his body tightly. It was then that Justin realized there were tears in his own eyes... Tears of pain because he couldn't help his best friend.
        "Oh Lance I want to help you," Justin cried softly, their tears mingling together. Lance just leaned back against Justin, holding his arms over Justin's.
        "I-I'm sorry," Lance choked out. "It just hurts so bad sometimes--"
        "Don't apologize," Justin begged. "Please, god, Lance, don't apologize." He hugged Lance even tighter. "Just lean on me, Lance, please. Let me protect you." Lance slumped against Justin's body, as though the fight had left his body, and Justin curled up with him, shielding him from any harm.
        Justin's eyes flew open. Lance couldn't have said what Justin thought he did, did he? It wasn't possible. But... Even as Lance's tears stopped and he curled up to Justin, Justin was almost positive that he had heard the barely audible words of, "I love you," slip past Lance's softly kissable lips.

        Justin gazed at his sleeping mother, knowing that when she woke up and saw the note on his pillow she'd have a fit, but he had to go. He couldn't be in the same house with her... He needed to get away from a while, and if Lance was willing to go with him--so much the better. Lance was out in the taxi waiting patiently. He'd been very patient with Justin all morning, and Justin knew that it hadn't been easy. Justin was a frenzy of nerves and a pain in the ass, but Lance took it all in stride, even when Justin purposefully tried to pick a fight with him. At first that had only made Justin more angry, but when Lance's hand clamped over Justin's mouth seconds before he started to shout and shot Justin a warning look, Justin shut up and calmed down, apologizing later to Lance's, "Sorry for what?"
        Justin turned on his heel and walked out of the house.
        He was very quiet the whole way to the airport and Lance respected his silence. He was taking a pill every few hours to stop the pain, but he was being brave nonetheless. Justin admired him. Justin also wanted to kiss him, but that was just a technacality.
        When they reached the airport, Justin carried both their bags, to Lance's protest that he wasn't broken. Justin shot Lance a withering look, and Lance shut up, trotting along side Justin while softly grumbling the whole time. They checked in their baggage and sent it on its way as they made their way to their flight.
        "Hawaii air," Justin announced, flashing a grin at Lance. "Did I thank you for this yet?"
        Lance was positively adorable as he rolled his eyes upwards and began counting on his fingers. His eyes met Justin's as he paused on his third finger. "About fifteen times already. In the past hour."
        Justin laughed. "It's just 'cause I'm excited!" he explained, carefully dragging Lance to some seats and setting down their carry-ons. "I get to spend a week in paradise with my best friend, who is rescuing me from a battle with my mother that I really don't want to have."
        "Hey, you're not the only one getting rescued," Lance chided gently. "Remember?"
        Justin nodded, remembering Lance's conversation about his mother bugging him about his sexuality. Justin wondered what his own mom would do if and when she found out that her son was interested in his best friend, though if last night had been any indication, she'd be rather supportive.
        "Is JC gonna be mad?" Justin asked suddenly, looking over at Lance.
        Lance looked up, surprised. "Pardon?" he asked, startled by the question.
        Justin thought he looked and sounded so cute. "JC. Will he be mad? Jealous? Whatever?"
        Lance frowned. "JC and I aren't together, Justin, you know that."
        Justin sighed. "I know. I'm working on it."
        "Don't," Lance ordered, then softened his tone at Justin's surprised face. "I-I just mean, I want things to progress naturally. If JC and I get together, great. If not, that's okay, he's still my other best friend."
        Justin smiled at Lance and Lance smiled back before delving back into his book. Justin watched him for a few minutes before standing. "I'm going to go grab a latte," he told Lance. "I'll be right back. Do you want something?"
        "Nah," Lance answered, then immediately went back to his book.
        "You know, I happen to think I'm a lot more important than that," Justin protested.
        Lance looked up, his eyes dancing mischeviously. "You do?" he teased. "That's funny." He picked up his book and began reading again.
        "Hey!" Justin exclaimed, taking the book away and making sure to hold the spot. Lance laughed and looked up at Justin through his eyelashes. Justin felt his heart stop in his chest at the sight of Lance. He looked so adorably cute... So sweet... As soon as Justin realized he was staring, he handed the book back to Lance, who was still grinning. "I'm more important," Justin told Lance firmly.
        Lance flashed a brilliant grin. "I agree," Lance said in the same tone, nodding his head once to emphasize his point. Justin made a face at him and Lance laughed. Sometimes Justin just wanted to record Lance's every move and watch them again and again. Sadly, Justin was discovering that he was living to see Lance laugh next, and yet he couldn't bring himself to care too much. He was in over his head and he knew it, but it had never felt so good to be so out of control.
        "I'll be right back," Justin told Lance.
        "I'll be right here," Lance returned, still without looking up. Justin stared at him for a half a second longer, noting the small smirk on Lance's face. Justin made a face at him, laughed, and then turned and walked away.
        He shopped around for a little bit, looking at the different magazines available, casually glancing over the Bop's and Teen People. He grinned slightly when he saw the YM magazine with them on the cover, the same cover they had done a few weeks ago when Lance had gotten in trouble for Justin's enjoyment. The interview they had conducted over the phone was for that... Justin bought the magazine, ignoring the strange look the clerk gave him, and went to the Starbucks, ordered himself a latte and Lance a coffee, and brought them both back to where Lance was deeply involved in his book.
        "Look," Justin told him, carefully sitting beside him and handing Lance his coffee. He held out the magazine, and to his delight, they had chosen a picture with Lance and Justin having their arms around each other, in the center of the group. Granted, JC had his arm around Lance and Lance had his arm around JC as well, but that was okay.
        Lance smiled. "Hey, cool!" Lance exclaimed. "Pictures of faces we see every day!"
        Justin stared at him. "When did you become such a smart aleck?"
        Lance grinned up impishly at him. "When did you start letting me?"
        Justin made a face at him and took a sip of his latte.
        "Thanks, by the way," Lance said, taking the magazine and opening it up.
        "For buying a magazine you don't want? Oh, you're welcome."
        Lance looked up at him and laughed. "I was talking about the coffee, silly boy," he teased. "But I am interested in what they say about us. Especially after that lovely little rumor."
        Lance Bass and Justin Timberlake are a couple of trouble makers.
        Justin's jaw fell, and he and Lance exchanged looks before continuing.
        Unfortunately, they're so adorable that you can't help but fall instantly for their charm. The two spent the whole photoshoot goofing off and having a wild, crazy time. Bystanders commented how close the two seemed when they were together, and how much fun they seemed to have. So, naturally, when the guys got a chance to sit down and talk to me, I was prepared for anything the two blonds would have to say.
        "So, guys, how's it going?" I asked them casually.
        "Great!" They all exclaimed in unison.
        "How are you?" Lance's polite voice asked me.
        I wanted to swoon. Dreamy and a gentleman. How much better can it get?!
        "Not much," Justin teased, nudging Lance with his shoulder.
        Lance made a face at him.
        After exchanging formalities with Lance--he asked me practically everything about myself, until I felt like I was being interviewed! We finally got down to business.
        The whole article was about their conversation with the woman, and Justin had to admit, it sounded as though she had taken a serious liking to them--especially Lance.
        When it came time for my big question--What is the funniest rumor you guys have ever heard about yourselves?--the answer surprised me. "I think the strangest rumor either Justin or I got was when we heard that we were dating," Lance told me. I heard laughter in the background, but I was so surprised that I asked, "Dating?" "Oh yeah," Lance assured me, scoffing. "Apparently we were dating for six months when the rumor got out. And not only that, but we'd cheated on each other with other people--namely Britney Spears and Rachel Leigh Cook. It was crazy. We finally, ah, broke up when we realized our constant bickering was destroying the group." "And how long ago did you all hear that?" I asked, trying to place if I'd ever heard that rumor before. "About three days," Lance answered me, and I heard the guys in the back laughing, so I asked if Justin had thoughts on the subject. "Yes," Justin said, sounding gravely serious. "It was five months." The guys all burst out laughing, and I had to laugh myself. The photographers had been right to warn me about those two. They certainly did have a chemestry.
        Justin looked up at Lance slyly. "We've got 'chemestry'," he pronounced.
        Lance stared at him, then they both burst out laughing. They flipped through the pictures, and to their surprise, there was one of Lance on Justin's back and the other guys all fooling around, one serious one with all the guys standing together, Lance and Justin again side by side, and a couple more silly ones sporatically spaced, but in all of them, Lance and Justin were together.
        "Hey, we are cute," Justin proclaimed, stabbing at a picture of the two of them laughing. Lance laughed and turned the page, his jaw falling. When Justin saw the picture, he saw why. There was a picture of just the two of them, with their arms around each other's shoulders, and they were looking at each other, laughing. Though it did look surprisingly like they were going to kiss.
        "Oh Lord," Justin mumbled.
        Lance stared at it for a second longer, then burst out laughing, closing the magazine. "They have worse pictures of all of us," Lance assured him. "There's one of Joey kissing me!"
        Justin's jaw fell and he stared at Lance. He didn't know that Joey was...
        "New Years," Lance reminded.
        Justin's face cleared and he laughed, remembering Joey trying to give all the guys a big wet one. Only Lance had been caught, though, and he had laughingly protested it the whole time. "That was pretty funny," he agreed.
        Lance made a face at him. "You would think so!" he teased. "I didn't!"
        "Aw, come on Lansten, you must think that Joey's a hottie," Justin teased back.
        Lance arched an eyebrow, then smiled seductively. "I think you're a hottie," he taunted.
        Justin felt a light flush starting over his cheeks. It wasn't nice of Lance to play with Justin's emotions like this, even if he didn't know he was doing it.
        "That's 'cause I am," Justin retorted firmly, to Lance's amusement.
        "Sure, Jus," Lance agreed, reaching for his book. "Now put away the girlie magazine and read something worth while."
        "Like what?" Justin demanded, even while slipping the magazine into his backpack. That picture of him and Lance being so close together sent chills down his spine.
        A dark green notebook slid into his lap.
        Justin grinned instantly and picked it up, eagerly flipping to where Lance had filled up... Wow, quite a few pages! All in only one day, too. Justin was impressed.
        Lance had been feeling lonely while on the airplane, Justin read. He had enjoyed reading Justin's entries, but then he just got more sad because he missed him even more. He missed the guys and he wanted to go home, but he was scared, too, because his family would give him a bad time. And... Justin's heart stopped. Lance wasn't sure he felt the same way about JC as he had before.
        "What do you mean?" Justin blurted out as he read that. Lance looked at him in surprise, and Justin lowered his voice. "About JC."
        Lance made a thoughtful face. "I don't really know. It just feels different." He shrugged. "Keep reading."
        Justin picked up the notebook again, eager to continue in hopes that Lance would talk more about his diminishing feelings for JC. Justin was in luck.
        I guess I can't really define the exact day that my feelings for JC changed... One day he was the guy I wanted, and then, over time, it changed into JC, my best friend. Not that you're not my best friend, too, Jus. Oh Lord, you know what I mean. I'm not going to explain it to you. Either way, I guess I just don't feel that way for JC anymore, which is so strange, because I wanted him so much... I'm confused, I think. Only... I don't feel very confused. I feel... Fine. Content. (Ooo, dare I say it?) Happy, even. I suppose I do dare, don't I? Aw well, I don't know... I'm just perfectly fine with my life as it is right now. If something changes, a balance might get set off, and then I'll be miserable again. But I gotta tell you, Jus, the loneliness has stopped... Now I'm going to get you as unlonely as I am, no matter what.
        "But I'm not anymore," Justin blurted out before he could stop himself. Lance looked over at him in surprise, an eyebrow cocked in waiting. Justin blushed slightly, but he tried to play it off. "Lonely," he explained. At Lance's confused look, Justin elaborated further. "I'm not lonely anymore, either."
        Something flickered through those green eyes, but before Justin could ask, it was gone. "Really?" Lance asked, and there was something underneath that question that made Justin shiver.
        Justin nodded seriously. "Really."
        The smile Lance rewarded him with made Justin's knees weak and his heart flutter.
        "Justin!"
        Justin and Lance both looked quickly upwards to see Britney standing there, her arms already throwing around Justin's neck as she gave him an incredibly passionate kiss.

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