---

Disclaimer: I don't own them. I don't want to own them. We've discussed this before. Lata!


        No matter what Lance did, he could not get that image of the kiss between Justin and Britney out of his head. Justin had seemed startled and uttered an exclaimation of shock, horror, and protest, but then he returned the kiss before gently pulling Britney away. Justin had shot Lance an apologetic look, and Lance had feigned happiness for his best friend. Truth be told, he was anything but happy. He was hurt. His heart ached everytime he saw Britney holding Justin's hand. Everytime he saw Britney place a kiss on Justin's cheek, or on his lips. Everytime Britney giggled up at him. Everytime Justin was able to put his arm around her in public. All in public, all something that Lance couldn't do with Justin, even if Justin wasn't straight.
        Lance picked up the notebook that Justin had set in the seat when he left with Britney. He had protested, not wanting to leave Lance alone, but Lance scoffed at him and to make Justin go, turned to flirt with some girl sitting behind them. Justin had smiled slightly at him and eventually turned away, disappearing with Britney. As soon as they were gone, Lance turned away from the girl and started scribbling in the notebook about how happy he was for Justin, how cute he and Britney were, blah blah blah. Instead all he was thinking about was whether Britney was... favoring Justin, per say, on the floor of the bathroom. The idea made Lance nausious.
        That's what you get for falling for a, a straight guy, and b, a taken guy! Lance's mind screamed at him. You should have just stuck with JC! At least JC acted interested!At least you 'heard stuff' that JC was swinging! But no, you opt for the straight guy just when things with JC were getting good! You deserve this!
        Lance couldn't believe himself. He had no right to fall for Justin. Justin probably wouldn't appreciate it, number one, and number two, they were best friends. It would never work. Closing his eyes for strength, Lance took a couple of deep breaths, pulled out his cell phone, and dialed a one on his speed dial.
        "Hello?"
        Lance cleared his throat. "JC?"
        "Lansten!" JC exclaimed. "Where are you? Your mom said that you went to Justin's! What's going on?"
        What was happening between Justin and his mom was Justin's business to tell, but Lance could at least share his half of the story. "My mom was driving me nuts. She kept asking me all these questions that were driving me crazy, so I crashed with Justin."
        "Lance, crashing with Justin is like, sleeping at his apartment for a night. You flew thousands of miles to 'crash with Justin'. What's going on? That's not like you at all!" JC paused, and then went on, his voice softer. "You could have come and stayed with me, you know."
        Lance's heart went out to JC. He was neglecting and hurting JC, and he knew it. "JC, I'm sorry," Lance apologized immediately. "I know I could have. Justin was having a rough time too, so we decided to take a mini-vacation together to get away from our annoying families." There, that didn't tell too much. "We're on our way to Hawaii right now."
        "What?!" JC exclaimed so loudly that a few people around Lance gave him incredulous looks. Lance blushed and flashed them an apologetic grin before listening to JC again. "Are you insane? Your leg is in no condition to handle all of this traveling! Lord, Lance, Justin must be nuts to let you do this!"
        Lance frowned slightly. "He's not letting me, JC. It was my decision to make."
        "What if something happens, huh?" JC demanded. "What if you get hurt? What if you tear a stitch? What if--what if--what if..." JC trailed off, and he suddenly sounded very defeated, to Lance's alarm. "What if something happens to you? Lance, you mean everything to me."
        Lance felt like he was being punched. He had no idea how much he had hurt JC, and he vowed never to do it again. "I'm sorry, JC," Lance apologized softly. "I never meant to hurt you."
        "I know," JC sighed. "I know, Lance. It's okay. I've been waiting for the day when you and Justin would pair off. Honestly, I'm a little surprised that it didn't happen sooner."
        Lance immediately started to protest. He wanted to hang on to JC. Strong, solid, warm JC. "JC, please, it's not like that. Really. I didn't replace you, I promise. Justin and I have gotten very close, yes, and he is definitely my other best friend. But you're my best friend too, JC."
        "Lance, really, it's okay," JC assured him gently.
        "But JC--" Lance tried again.
        "I gotta go, Lance. Doorbell. Call me later, okay?"
        "JC--" Lance tried desperately.
        "Bye, Lance."
        The line went dead. Lance stared at the phone in his hand for several minutes, trying not to cry and trying to figure out what he'd done. He'd just given up his best friend in the whole world for someone who didn't even stay with him... Someone whose girlfriend had sauntered up and led him away by the nose without a backwards glance. Someone who had their arms around him.
        "Lance? What's wrong?" Justin's voice was soothing, caring, calm, and so welcomed that Lance nearly burst into tears.
        "Don't, Justin," Lance told him softly, pushing Justin's arms away even though he wanted nothing more than to be in them. He felt Justin's hurt, and fleetingly met his eyes. "Public," Lance explained quietly, dropping his head into his hands. "Where's Britney?"
        "On a plane where she belongs," Justin retorted. "You're not getting off that easily. What happened?"
        "What do you mean where she belongs?" Lance demanded, taking out his hurt, frustration, and anger out on Justin. "That's your girlfriend!"
        Justin cocked an eyebrow. "Not anymore. We just broke up and agreed to just 'casually date'."
        Lance stared at him blankly, processing what he had just heard, and then dropped his head into his hands again.
        "Lance, what's wrong?" Justin asked worriedly, putting a hand on Lance's back.
        Lance craved Justin... To be in Justin's arms. But instead Lance reached back and smacked away Justin's hand lightly before resuming his position. He could feel Justin stiffen and clasp his hands in his lap. Lance wanted to apologize, wanted to say or do something... But he couldn't. He didn't trust himself.
        "Now boarding our first class passengers," the flight attendant said over the speakers, and Lance stood without lifting his head, reaching for his bag.
        "I got it," Justin told him calmly, though Lance could hear the hurt betrayal in his voice. Lance had no idea how he was going to make up for this one, but he was certainly good at making people mad at him today.
        They boarded the plane easily, and Lance sank down into the window seat, despite his protests. Finally Justin had pointed to Lance's ticket and showed him that he had the window seat, and Lance gave up. He planned on sleeping the whole time anyway, but Justin was adamant.
        Neither spoke as people boarded the plane, or as they taxied, or even as they got into the air, but once they were up, Justin snagged a passing flight attendant. "Excuse me, Miss?" he asked politely, and Lance swore he could listen to that southern drawl all day.
        "Yes, sir?" she asked back.
        "Could we possibly get a pillow and a blanket, please?" Justin requested, flashing her a charming grin. The flight attendant pulled one out of the over head compartment and handed them to him, smiling warmly back. "Thank you," Justin said, then in one fluid motion had the blanket out and draped across Lance.
        "Justin, it's not necessary--" Lance started, but he was already tired and slumped in his seat. Justin handed him the pillow and Lance took it, resting it against the side of the plane. He would have preferred Justin's shoulder, but it was in public, Lance reminded himself. They couldn't. He couldn't.
        Lance closed his eyes and tried to sleep, but he couldn't while he thought that Justin's feelings were still hurt. He pretended to still be asleep and looked at Justin through his eyelashes, only to discover Justin blatantly staring at him with a thoughtful, contemplating look. Lance tried not to blush as he yawned and stretched to cover up his startlement. "I guess I'm more tired than I thought," Lance admitted sheepishly. Justin nodded at him, and Lance hesitated before leaning over and resting his cheek against Justin's shoulder. "I'm sorry," Lance whispered softly.
        "Lance, I just wanna help you--" Justin started, and it only took that little bit for Lance to hear his hurt. His voice was coated with it.
        "I know," Lance interrupted soothingly, rubbing Justin's arm inbetween them. "The truth is that I, ah, I sorta had a falling out with JC." He sighed. "JC knows that he's been replaced, and I hurt him."
        Justin looked down at Lance, and suddenly his strong arms were around Lance. Lance didn't protest this time, despite the fact that anyone could look at them at any second. "I'm sorry, Lance," Justin whispered, and Lance felt shivers go down his spine. "I'm so sorry."
        "You didn't do anything," Lance objected.
        Justin let out a deep breath. "I think that when we get to Hawaii we need to have a talk," he told Lance seriously.
        Lance looked up at him, alarmed. "What? Why? What kind of talk? Why?"
        "Not now, Lance," Justin reminded, looking around a bit nervously.
        Now Lance was really worried. "What, Justin?" Lance asked, his eyes wide.
        Justin stared at him, looked around again, and then let out a sigh, slumping back in his seat as his hands hit his lap. "Lance, I've been looking for a way to get close to you for about four years," Justin admitted finally, to Lance's utter astonishment. "Every attempt I ever made never really seemed to work. You and JC were so tight that it was impossible to sever the tie between you two. So I gave up for a little while, trying once or twice every now and then, but nothing worked until I saw you looking at JC. A-and I saw my opportunity and took it."
        Lance's jaw was open. "But-but-but--" Lance stuttered, then shook himself. "But you had Chris, and everyone else in the entire world! What would you want with me?"
        Justin shrugged slightly. "Everything I want with you now," he explained, and something flickered in Justin's eyes as he paused to think about something inside that confusing head of his. Sometimes Lance had no idea where he was coming from. Still, he did know one thing, and that was that Justin had wanted to be best friends with him for quite some time.
        "I thought you didn't like me," Lance muttered. He felt Justin do a double take, and hesitantly met his eyes. "Our personalities were so different, and you were always messing around with Chris and Joey... I never thought you'd give me the time of day."
        "You're kidding!" Justin groaned. "Oh, man..."
        Lance looked up at him, and then suddenly laughed. "We're crazy," he told Justin, shaking his head. Then he shrugged. "And besides, who cares about the past? We're together now. That's what matters."
        Justin nodded profusely and hugged Lance. "Definitely," he agreed.
        Lance smiled back and leaned his head against Justin's shoulders. "We cool?" he asked hopefully.
        "Oh, we da bomb!" Justin agreed, and Lance rolled his eyes while laughing, shaking his head and then settling comfortably against Justin. Yeah, someone might see them, but being close to Justin at the moment was more important.

        "Oh. My. God." Justin stopped in the middle of the hallway and stared around the condo. The living room looked straight into the opening hallway, and they could see out the floor to ceiling glass door and windows that they could open their door and walk first into a myraid of colorful and beautiful flowers, then onto a deck, and then out to the hot sandy beach, which stretched into the water. Overhead, the sun was shining brightly.
        The condo was spacious and roomy, and Lance had to admit, he was impressed. "It is nice," he agreed, stepping past Justin and going to check it out. His leg was a little sore, and he'd taken a pill when Justin wasn't looking, just so as to not worry him. There was a large den to his right, and to his left, another living room. He walked down to the end of the hallway and looked out into the living room--complete with romantic fireplace--and then took a right. The bedrooms and bathroom were down here, and so when Lance reached the end of that short hallway, he went the other way and found the large, airy kitchen and dining room.
        "You've got great taste," Justin complimented singingly as he slung an arm around Lance's shoulders. Lance grinned up at him. "Let's get some sun!" Justin begged, pointing out at the patio. "We're both pale as ghosts!"
        "But that's my gimick," Lance objected. "And besides, I think my eyes bleach out in the sun or something, 'cause they always turn some weird shade of green."
        Justin stared at him before bursting out in laughter, laughing so hard that he actually had to sit on the floor. "Lance," Justin gasped out between laughs. "You have beautiful eyes! Now go get your swim suit on before I throw you out there in clothes and you get a nasty farmers tan!"
        Lance sighed and went into the bedroom he claimed as his own, changed quickly into some board shorts, and then threw on a white tee shirt as he went out of his bedroom.
        "You're slow!" Justin called out at him. Lance followed the sound of his voice to the patio, where Justin was already in his suit, shirtless, and stretched out on one of the lawn chairs.
        "How did you change so fast?" Lance asked, once he found his voice. Justin was georgeous, no doubt about that, and he looked very fine basking in the warm Hawaiian sun.
        Justin grinned up at him past his sunglasses. "When I want to do something, I don't let anything stand in my way. If you look around the condo, you'll probably find my clothes scattered everywhere."
        Lance had to laugh, thinking about what someone would say if they walked in and saw Justin's clothes scattered everywhere. Bad thoughts, Lance, Lance chided himself, but he still was grinning as he sank down onto the chair that Justin had laid out beside his own for him. There was a table on either side of their seats instead of between them so that Justin could push their chairs together, and Lance had to smile again.
        "You're going to get a sunglasses tan line," Lance warned even as he closed his eyes and stretched his sore body out. He was a little self conscious about his leg, and even as he thought about it again he found his gaze down there, studying the small black stitches and angry cuts.
        "Does it hurt?" Justin's quiet voice asked, and Lance looked over at him quickly.
        "My leg?" Lance asked, startled.
        Justin's eyes were on it, and then slowly he looked up at Lance and nodded, resting his hand on Lance's shoulder.
        Lance shrugged. "It did earlier, but I took some medicine and it's alright. It just looks bad."
        Justin took his time slowly, lightly trailing his fingers down Lance's arm. The hairs on his arms raised as Justin's fingers danced over them like a soft breeze. Justin let his fingers slip to Lance's side when his gentle exploration was over, which was one of the most erotic things Lance had ever felt, and he sat there, frozen, as Justin's fingers tightened on the bottom of Lance's shirt and then both of Justin's arms were around Lance, tugging the shirt up over his head. The shirt was discarded on the ground, and Lance was suddenly in Justin's warm embrace, their sun-warmed bodies pressing against each other. It was taking all of Lance's self control to not kiss Justin as their limbs intertwined and Justin held onto him like... Well, like a lover. Lance's head fell back against Justin's shoulder, and Lance was glad he hadn't spiked his hair that day. Justin seemed to be glad, too, because he snuggled up against Lance.
        "Nothing about you looks bad," Justin told him softly, and Lance felt his stomach flutter and his knees go weak. How he was going to last through this week in paradise with Justin was beyond him, but he was determined to make it work. It felt too right in Justin's arms to not make it work.
        And then Justin was pulling away and Lance shivered slightly at the coldness now enveloping his body. He could understand Justin pulling away, but he was disappointed nonetheless, then startled when Justin got up from the chairs and went to touch something Lance couldn't see. Lance laid there carelessly, wishing Justin was there, and then he was again, wrapping Lance into his arms once more. A happy, upbeat tune came out of the speakers, and Lance smiled.
        "I saw it when I first came out," Justin explained, his voice low in Lance's ear. "Pretty cool, huh?"
        "Surround sound," Lance agreed, gesturing to the speakers that seemed to encompass the whole porch.
        Justin laughed softly, and goosebumps appeared over Lance's body. Justin's fingers were trailing over Lance's arms and along his shoulders as he held him, and Lance was sure he was going to have to stop Justin in a second to go take a cold shower.
        "We're going to have funny tan lines," Lance objected, but it wasn't really an objection, just an observation.
        "So?" Justin breathed, his mouth beside Lance's ear.
        "Good call," Lance sighed, closing his eyes. He could feel Justin's smile as they both slowly drifted off to sleep.

        "Can this be true, tell me can this be real? How can I put into words what I feel? My life was complete, I thought I was whole, why do I feel like I'm losing control? Never thought that love could feel like this, when you changed my world with just one kiss... How can it be that right here with me, there's an angel? It's a miracle..."
        Lance slowly woke up to Justin's sweet singing, blinking his eyes open and then smiling up at Justin. They were in Lance's claimed bedroom, and Justin was leaning over Lance as he slept.
        "Hey," Lance greeted tiredly. "What's up?"
        Justin held up Lance's bottle of pills. "Medicine time," he told him apologetically. "I'm sorry to wake you to make you take them, but if you don't, you'll be in pain later, and you can always go back to sleep."
        "What time is it?" Lance asked, seeing it almost dark outside. "And how long have I been in here?"
        Justin grinned. "It's 8, and we've been in here for about five hours."
        Lance raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Why?"
        "Because I didn't want you getting burned. You've got a tan, that's enough for today." Justin opened the bottle and held out a pill. Lance studied him as he took it, unable to get Justin's soft singing out of his head. Of all the songs for Justin to choose... Lance popped the pill into his mouth, followed by the water, and when both were making themselves at home in his stomach, he slumped back against the headboard and followed Justin's movements with his eyes as Justin finished off the water, set it next to the bed, and then laid beside Lance, not moving.
        "What've you been doing all day?" Lance asked softly.
        Justin tilted his head to look up at Lance. "Sleeping right here. Why?"
        Lance was surprised. "You slept here with me all day instead of enjoying the sun?"
        Justin laughed out loud. "Lansten, we're going to be here all week, and then next week we're hittin' the Caribbean. I think I'll have enough sun." He shrugged. "Besides. I like to lay with you. I always feel better when I'm sleeping with someone. I think it stems from my childhood, when after a nightmare my mom would come sleep with me." Justin stiffened at the mention of his mom, and he looked like he was regretting saying anything.
        "Out with it," Lance sighed, resting a hand on Justin's back. "I take it she called."
        Justin made a face. "Oh yeah, she called. And for an hour and a half she talked." He snorted and rolled his eyes. "I say talk, I mean shout and scream. Any less of a son and I'd have hung up on her." He sighed. "Not that it really matters. I told her I wasn't going back until our next break, because I needed some time to calm down and think things over like a rational adult. Then the tears started, and I nearly started crying myself." Justin looked like he was about to cry. "She kept begging me to come home and talk to her about this and I told her no... And she kept crying about what a horrible mother she was and on and on, and I tried to tell her that it wasn't that she was a horrible mom, I just needed to think, and she couldn't handle it."
        Lance watched as a tear slipped down Justin cheek, and he leaned down, gathered Justin into his arms, and pulled him to his chest, holding his arms protectively around Justin, who clutched onto him tightly.
        "I just can't believe she'd do something like that," Justin whispered through his tears. "I would have thought she'd consult me or something before she said yes..."
        "It's her life, Jus," Lance reminded gently.
        "I wouldn't have objected!" Justin protested, looking indignantly up at Lance. Lance arched an eyebrow, and Justin sank back down. "Okay, maybe a little," he amended. "But I only would have asked them to wait maybe 6 more months! What's in a marriage that they can't do outside of it?"
        "Sex," Lance answered matter-of-factly. Justin did a double take and looked up at him, and Lance shrugged. "It's true, Jus. Yeah, a lot of people have sex outside of marriage, but your mom doesn't seem like the type. And for some reason, people feel that they need to have sex to really be close to one another."
        Justin paused, looking intrigued. "Do you?" he asked.
        Lance felt a flush rising on his cheeks, and he was glad for the impending darkness. "No," he answered honestly. "I think you can be completely close to someone without even touching them."
        Justin smiled. "That's a pretty answer."
        Lance laughed. "Glad you think so. My ex-girlfriend's haven't all agreed, but I think I came out unscathed."
        Justin arched an eyebrow. "'cept gay," he agreed conversationally.
        Lance had to laugh again and nodded. "But I was gay before that." He shrugged. "I guess I have been since I the age I started feeling things for other people that extended beyond friendship."
        "Have you ever kissed a guy?"
        Lance blushed. "Justin--" he started to object.
        "I'm just curious. Indulge me."
        There was something about the way that Justin was leaning both arms on Lance's stomach, his hands on top of each other and his chin on his hands that was so adorably cute Lance couldn't refuse. He sighed. "Not counting Joey?"
        "No."
        "No one."
        "Who? C'mon, tell me!"
        "Justin!"
        "I'm just curious!" he defended. "Tell me."
        Lance made a face at him. "Do you know all the girls you've kissed?"
        Justin nodded seriously. "I can name them all too, ready?"
        Now Lance was interested. He nodded.
        Justin held up a pointer finger. "Britney," middle finger, "Keri," ring finger, "Amanda," pinky finger, "Susan," thumb, "Joyce." Next hand, pointer finger. "Laura," middle finger, "Faith," ring finger, "my mom."
        Lance was astonished. "Damn, Jus!"
        "Your turn!"
        Lance sighed. "Chicks or guys?"
        "Start with chicks."
        Lance sighed again. "Danielle, naturally. Beverly, Joey, Annie, and Blanche."
        Justin's eyes widened. "You went out with a girl named Blanche on purpose?"
        Lance scowled slightly. "It's just a name, Jus. She was a very sweet girl. She was my first kiss."
        Justin immediately turned reproachful. "Sorry." His eyes glinted. "How about guys?"
        "I'm not talking about this--" Lance started.
        "Come on!" Justin interrupted. "Why not? You can tell me anything!"
        Lance sighed, rubbed his eyes, then let his hand drop to the mattress. He really wasn't comfortable talking about this with Justin, partly because he wanted to add Justin to the empty list, and partly because there was nothing to tell. He was rather embarassed that he was gay and yet he'd never kissed a guy before. "You tell me how many guys you've kissed," Lance returned. "And then I'll tell you."
        Justin suddenly froze, and Lance immediately started into action. "Oh, Jus, I'm sorry. I was only kidding. I didn't mean to offend you. Really. I was just joking--"
        Justin cleared his throat. "Stop," he ordered, his eyes dropping and then raising to Lance's. Lance was startled at what he saw in their cerulean depths... A whirl of emotion and thoughts going through Justin's mind. "I-I've actually kissed two guys," Justin admitted, and Lance felt his heart skip and then sink. "Once was when I was like, 15, and it was a dare." Justin shuddered at the memory, and Lance automatically put his arms around Justin, who looked up at him with an apologetic smile. "He forced his tongue in my mouth and everything. I was so grossed out I swore I'd never kiss another guy again." He hesitated, his eyes looking away. "Until the other day."
        Lance's eyes widened. "The other day?" he repeated, utterly astonished. What was Justin saying, exactly? And what the hell was going on? Lance was so insanely jealous he didn't know what to do with himself except wait for Justin to go on.
        Justin smiled weakly. "Uh, surprise, Lance," Justin started with mock cheerfulness. "I kissed you."

        Justin waited nervously for Lance's reaction... Any reaction. Lance's eyes were wide, but other than that, nothing. Justin hurriedly went on. "You were in the hospital, and completely out of it," Justin explained quickly. "And I felt so bad, and I just... I'm not exactly sure why I did it... I guess I just wanted to be close to you for a minute... I don't know. Anyway, I kissed you. And, yeah, those were my two experiences. One that was disgusting, and one that wasn't bad, but also wasn't responsive." Justin left out the little shocks of electricity or the warm haze he had felt when his lips had touched Lance's.
        Lance slowly let out a long breath. "Well then I guess I've sort of kissed one guy in my life," Lance admitted. "Does it count if I was passed out?"
        Justin's eyes widened. "You've never kissed a guy before?"
        Lance smiled slightly. "Well, not that I was aware of."
        Justin blushed. "Yeah, well--"
        "I understand, though," Lance interrupted, as if Justin hadn't started anything. "Sometimes a kiss is the best way to feel close to someone." He smiled. "I'm glad my first kiss was with you, even if I wasn't awake for it."
        Justin had to laugh, and they grinned at each other. "We could fix that," Justin offered teasingly, leaning forward to put his mouth on Lance's. Lance laughed and pushed him back down onto his chest, where Justin continued to grin and resettled easily.
        "You're so cute, Jus," Lance sang mockingly, then laughed again. "But thanks for the offer."
        "No problem," Justin flashed him an 'okay' sign before allowing the smile to die off of his face. "You're not mad at me, then?"
        "Mad?" Lance repeated, sounding surprised. "Why would I be mad? One of the hottest guys in the world kissed me. Oh yeah, Jus, I'm real pissed." He grinned and playfully ruffled Justin's hair while Justin's heard sped into triple overtime. "Seriously, of course not. Like I said, if it was anyone, I'm glad it was you."
        "Really?" Justin asked, unable to keep the hopeful tone out of his voice.
        "Really," Lance insisted, then flashed a smile. "Now, I don't know about you, but I saw that hot tub out there, and I'm thinking that a nice dip with a bunch of pretty stars overhead, beautiful flowers, nice music, and the best company in the world sounds pretty good."
        Justin grinned. "That does sound good," he agreed, sliding off of Lance reluctantly and standing. "Let's go."
        Lance looked at Justin, still in his board shorts, and then down at himself, also in his board shorts, and laughed before shaking his head and following Justin out onto the porch and to the side. Justin went to the radio while Lance went back inside for something. Justin made a face at the pop music they had left it on and found an easy-listening love station, wondering briefly what Lance would think about it. Still, they were playing "Glory of Love" and that was one of Justin's favorite songs.
        Lance reemerged from the condo with an armful of towels. It was nice and warm out in the Hawaiian air, but Justin had a feeling that they would get cold after being in the water.
        "I love this song," Lance sighed happily, setting the towels down beside the jacuzzi, which Justin was trying to find the jet spray control to. He finally found it under a panel while Lance walked along the perimeter of the patio. Justin didn't pay much attention to him as he studied the white dials. Triumphantly he turned them on to a low spray, then looked up.
        "Lance, what're you--" Justin started to ask, but the words died on his lips as he saw what Lance had been doing. The tiki torches around the patio were lit, giving it a very tropical, island look. "Wow," Justin breathed. "Lance, I have to hand it to you. I didn't even see them." Justin's heart pounded as he thought about what a romantic setting this was, and with Lance standing there shirtless, he was thinking he'd need the cover of bubbles soon.
        Lance smiled and looked around. "They are pretty cool lit," he agreed. He eyed the jacuzzi warily, joining Justin's side. Justin could feel the heat radiating off of Lance and instinctively tried to get closer. "Is it warm?" Lance asked.
        Justin knelt down and placed his hand in. He sighed happily. "Oh yes," he assured Lance as he felt the warm water. Lance flashed a grin at him and just as Lance was about to push him in, Justin stood and caught him, and they stumbled and would have fallen if Justin had been a split second slower.
        "You okay?" Justin asked worriedly, looking down at Lance's leg. He looked back at Lance's eyes, feeling the other questions die away on his lips. Lance's eyes were on his own, and Justin wanted nothing more in his entire life than to kiss Lance.
        "Yeah," Lance answered, clearing his throat. "You?"
        Justin forced a smile. "Well considering that you just tried to push me in there, yeah, I'd say I'm okay." He knew he had to let Lance up, but he was almost dreading the loss of contact.
        Lance grinned. "I let you see me," he teased.
        Justin scoffed at him and then carefully set him up straight. "You sure your leg's alright?" he asked, kneeling down to take a closer look at the small black stitches and angry cuts, getting slightly nausious as he thought about how much pain Lance had been in.
        "Jus, I'm fine. Really." Lance pulled Justin to his feet, and the next thing Justin knew, he was in the water, submerged in a warm, toasty bath. He could see the steam rising out of the tub and he sighed in utter contentment as he relaxed on one of the seats, watching Lance's every movement.
        Lance sank in a bit slower, easing his leg into it. Justin was a bit worried about the cholorine, but Lance seemed to be okay with it, he just didn't want to strain it too much. He dropped his head against the back of the jacuzzi, completely submerged in water except for his neck and head.
        "Oh god that's nice," Lance sighed dreamily. "We need to get one of these installed on the bus."
        Justin laughed, watching Lance. "You got that right," he agreed, drawing his knees to his chest and wrapping his arms around his legs. Lance looked so... sexy. He looked sexy, sitting there in the light of the tiki torches and the light they'd left on in the condo, combined with the light from the moon. The soft love song drifted through out of the air, and with that, the combination of the night sky studded brilliantly with stars, and the paradise-perfect background, Justin could only stare at Lance.
        Lance shifted and muttered something under his breath.
        "What's wrong?" Justin asked immediately, sitting up. Lance was on the other side of the jacuzzi, but Justin was ready to cross the few feet separating them.
        "Huh? Oh, just my shoulders. They're a little sore." Lance rolled them backwards a couple of times. "Nothing serious, really."
        "Lemme help," Justin offered, already on Lance's side and turning Lance's body so that his back faced him.
        "You don't have--Oh my god, Justin."
        Justin laughed out loud. He had barely rubbed and already Lance was putty. Justin could get used to this. Especially if he moaned the way he just had.
        "Now aren't you glad I'm here?" Justin teased, running his hands along Lance's smooth back and rubbing his stiff shoulders.
        "Oh god," Lance said again, and Justin closed his eyes, his imagination starting to run away with him as his hands worked Lance's flesh. Every few minutes Justin would hit a sore spot and Lance would moan, sending Justin off into yet another tizzy. Justin inhaled the floral sent surrounding them and thought about how much like a movie this seemed like. Only in the movies, they got kissed after something like this. Aw well, maybe Lance would let Justin hold him for a little while.
        "God, Justin," Lance muttered, and then leaned back against Justin's chest. "You have to stop. I think I'm going to pass out. Or orgasm, I haven't decided yet."
        Justin's heart skipped but he laughed. "Was it good for you, too?" he breathed teasingly.
        "Baby, you have no idea," Lance sighed, the back of his head on Justin's shoulder. His eyes were closed and he looked... Perfect. Almost like he was in some euphoric exhaustion. Justin lightly stroked Lance's hair, which was soft and unspiked, but not wet. Lance's eyes opened slowly, and he smiled up at Justin before closing them again, snuggling back against Justin as firmly as possible.
        They stayed out there for quite some time, until they started to get a little cold, and then they toweled off, went inside, and went to change. Justin found some shorts and a tee shirt, which stuck to his slightly damp body, but he didn't care. When he got back out to the living room, he found Lance sitting in front of the fireplace, which was already blazing.
        "Gas," Lance explained, grinning. Justin grinned back at him and sat on the couch, silently pleading with Lance to join him. Lance, however, was staring into the fire, and didn't seem to hear him. Just as Justin was about to get up and go sit with Lance, just to be close to him, Lance slowly stood and joined Justin at the couch, Justin nearly sighing in relief as he wrapped his arms around Lance.
        "You happy, Justin?" Lance asked thoughtfully.
        Justin had never been happier in his life. He nodded. "Yeah. Are you happy?"
        Lance paused, mulling over the words. "Yeah," he finally answered slowly, as if in disbelief. "Yeah, I am."
        Justin smiled and lightly stroked his hair.

        They had just gone through a full day of shopping, and both Justin and Lance were exhausted. They had started out around 10 that morning, and it was 9 at night. Justin went into his room to drop off all of his packages, and Lance had gone into the kitchen to get something to eat. Justin smiled to himself and hummed a little tune as he thought about their day together. They had joked, laughed, had a lot of fun, and spent the entire day together... Acting almost like a couple. Justin's heart fluttered everytime he felt Lance touch him, and when they had chosen clothes for each other--Justin purposefully choosing small, tight clothes that Lance complained about--Justin couldn't help but think about how much fun they had together.
        With a slight smile, Justin left his room to go to the living room, where he knew Lance would be. When he walked in, he stopped short and could only stare.
        Lance had built a fire, the only light in the room, and he was laying on the couch on his back. He had his right hand on his stomach, holding an apple that was missing about three bites, and his left hand was over the edge of the couch, his knuckles brushing the ground. He was studying the fire, and creating the most seductive and explosively sexy scenes that Justin had ever seen in his entire life.
        Justin forgot how to speak.
        Lance's eyes suddenly met Justin's, and Lance smiled. "Hey," he greeted, his low voice soft. "I started a fire. Mind?"
        Justin shook his head wordlessly, still unable to tear his eyes away from Lance. "I like fires," he said, then instantly berated himself for being such an idiot. This was Lance... His best friend Lance. Just because Lance looked sexy didn't mean that his personality had changed.
        "I'm tired," Lance yawned kittenishly, fascinating Justin to no end. He smiled at Justin. "Today was fun, but it left me out for the count."
        Justin nodded. "I'm kinda tired too. Dazed, I guess."
        Lance lifted the arm that was trailing along the ground and held his hand out to Justin. "Come lay with me?" he offered.
        Justin wanted to lose himself in Lance. His mouth felt like cotton as he laid on his side against the back of the couch and on Lance a bit, who was still on his back. Justin propped his head up on his palm with his elbow over Lance's shoulder and beside his head as he gazed down into Lance's serene face.
        "You have fun today?" Lance asked.
        Justin nodded. "I love spending time with you," he admitted, a bit horrified to find that his voice was lower than normal, and he was actually incredibly turned on right about now. The fire gave it just the right amount of warm, toasty glow that all romantics need as the backdrop for their first kiss. And Justin was ready. Justin was definitely ready.
        Now if only Lance was...
        "I love spending time with you too, Jus," Lance told him sweetly. Justin loved the way his long eyelashes fluttered over his cheeks, and couldn't resist touching Lance's cheek with the back of his fingers. Lance smiled up at him and closed his eyes, settling in more comfortably against Justin. Lance was still holding that damn apple, and Justin was tempted to pick it up and throw it into that fire. He couldn't exactly kiss Lance while Lance was trying to eat!
        Lance yawned away from Justin and then brought the apple up to his line of sight for inspection. He made a face at it and turned to Justin. "Want a bite?" he offered.
        Justin made a face at it himself. "Want me to throw it away for you?" he offered instead.
        Lance laughed. "I'll do it." He started to stand but Justin stopped him.
        "I will," Justin told him quickly, taking the apple away and practically running into the kitchen, his stomach in knots and his heart pounding. This was his big chance, his big chance...
        Lance was asleep when Justin got back.
        Justin stared at him in disbelief, gave an exasperated sigh, and then carefully picked Lance up and carried him into his bedroom before laying down beside Lance and closing his eyes, silently wishing for another opportunity.

        The week literally flew by, and Justin was kicking himself. There had been so many perfect opportunities to kiss Lance, and he'd bombed every one of them, something had happened, Lance had fallen asleep, or Lance had turned away before Justin was able to make his move. Justin was incredibly frustrated, and he was convinced that Fate was trying to stop him and Lance to be together.
        Justin was willing to go egg Fate's house.
        "The guys are going to meet us at our terminal," Lance told Justin as they finished packing. He smiled happily. "This is going to be fun. The five of us in the Caribbean?"
        Justin tried not to scowl. "This was fun," he reminded pointedly, gesturing around to the condo.
        Lance grinned. "Yes, it definitely was that. I'm glad we came."
        Justin softened immediately. "Me too."
        Outside, a car honked, and the boys started into action quickly, Justin again kicking himself. They each carried their own bags, Lance insistant that his leg was much better, and Justin had to admit that it did look better. Lance and Justin each took one last look, Justin's one of absolute longing. Maybe if they had had just a few more days... Justin shook himself and followed Lance out to the taxi.
        "Airport," Lance told him, and they took off.

Main Page
My Hidden Love Index
Previous Chapter
Mail Me!