Hey all, it's DaraLynn, here with part one of the promised "Any Path" sequel. Didn't expect it so soon, did ya? Me either. :) Warning - this story starts and ends happy and fluffy, but in between it's very dark. Bad things happen to good people - the world's oldest story, isn't it? If you don't want angst, don't read this. Also, if you haven't read "Any Path" you should do that first - you'll understand this better, 'kay? I'd like to thank Nifty and David the Archiver for making such great fiction available to all of us, and also Aphrodite, Dennis, Neena, John, Lissa, Becca, Cor and the rest of my cheering section. You guys are the reason this came out so fast - I hope it's worth the wait. :) LEGAL STUFF - I don't know or ever expect to touch 'Nsync. This is the product of a twisted mind and is not meant to imply anything. This is not real. Plugs - Among the many great fics you should be reading : "A Tale of Two Boybands", ""A Love Like This", "A Little Bit Of Love", "My Heart Is In your Hands", "The Next Stage", "Just One Call", "Nsync: Lance n JC", "Tears In Your Eyes", "Playing For Keeps" and many more.
For reference: //.......// - indicates thought ----------- - between sections indicates passing of time and/or change of scenery .... - around a word indicates stress on that word
Okay, here goes...
~ANY PATH PART TWO: NO PAINLESS WAY~ (Fall, 1998)
Chapter One
"The entire sum of existence is the magic of being needed by just one person." - Vii Putnam
"Justin? Curly, time to wake up."
"Mmmmm..." The young blond mumbled something unintelligible at his bandmate, and tried to burrow deeper into the pillows.
Joshua Scott Chasez, known to most as J.C., shook his head with exasperation. He was smiling, in spite of himself, down at his motionless friend; Justin meant the world to J.C. and he had a hard time getting angry at him. The best the older man could manage was a slight frustration, and it only took a look at Justin's sweet smile to break it.
J.C. gently shook his friend, hardly with enough force to jar him awake. It was a beautiful day, the last busy day before a much-needed vacation, and J.C., like the rest of 'Nsync, was too grateful to be in a bad mood.
Besides, Justin looked so adorable when he was asleep.
The brown-haired, blue-eyed father figure of 'Nsync sat back and gazed down at his best friend. //He looks like an angel,// J.C. thought, not for the first or even the hundredth time. //The flawless complexion, the soulful blue eyes, the perfect body, the soft golden curls...//
J.C. smiled wistfully. He was hopelessly in love with the younger boy he had helped to raise, and while Justin knew of this and wasn't bothered, it still hurt sometimes for J.C. Singing with, dancing with, hugging this angelic creature day after day, all the while not knowing he would never feel the same.
//But it's enough. It is. Just like I told Brian a few months ago.//
Brian Littrell - a member of the Backstreet Boys - and J.C. had become rather good friends over the previous months, keeping in touch via phone and e-mail despite their insanely hectic schedules. Brian, with J.C.'s encouragement, had come out of the proverbial closet earlier in the year, and the two had bonded in their feelings on unrequited love for their dearest friends - J.C.'s for Justin, Brian's for fellow Backstreet Boy Nick Carter.
//Heart-stealing angels with golden hair and sea-blue eyes. It's like a song, or something.//
But Justin hadn't stolen his heart, J.C. knew. He had handed it to the boy long ago, maybe as early as the carefree MMC days, given it away expecting nothing.
//And I got him, the light of my life, in return. Platonically, yeah...but I still got the best deal.//
Glancing at the clock, he began to shake the seventeen-year-old a bit harder. "Just? Wake-up time."
Justin Timberlake slowly opened his eyes, and looked up at his best friend. "What time is it?"
"Almost eight. We've got our final rehearsal from nine to two, then an interview-"
"Then two whole weeks off! Man, this is so cool!" Justin flashed a blinding smile at J.C. as he sat up.
"And Josh, I do know the schedule. No need to turn into Lance on me."
"Then you know you need to get up. Now."
"Of course." Justin grinned innocently, and dove back under the blankets. He shrieked wildly as J.C. reached under and began to tickle him.
"Okay, okay! I'm up, I'm up!" Justin stood up next to the bed, wearing a simple white T-shirt and baby blue boxers. "See?"
"Very good. We're having breakfast in Lance's room today. Twenty minutes, okay?"
During their stay at this hotel, they had done most of their group activities in Lance's room, as he was the one staying alone this time. They took turns sharing rooms to be fair, but Justin and J.C. were always paired up. No one minded. They all knew of J.C.'s feelings for Justin, as well as the deep friendship between the two. Chris had once said that the pair were soulmates, but something had gone wrong. J.C. sometimes thought that Chris had summed it up perfectly, and he always felt a little shame at this thought, though he didn't really understand why. Perhaps because Justin had never seemed less than perfect to him.
"Yes, Daddy."
J.C. made a face at Justin in response, though he didn't really hate the nickname. The young blond stuck his tongue out and flounced into the bathroom.
//Whoa, he must really be excited about our time off. He's never this awake until he has his cereal.//
J.C. shrugged. Before leaving the room he glanced quickly at the large mirror above his dresser. A good-looking guy with a sincere, honest face looked back at him, dressed casually in jeans and a sweater. Versace and Armani were great for photo shoots and award shows and concerts, but Josh didn't really care much about clothes and was more comfortable in lesser known brands.
He went across the hall to Lance's room, and greeted the second- youngest 'Nsyncer.
"He's up, Scoop."
"Good." Lance smiled warmly at J.C., his unusual green eyes illuminating the pale skin of his calm face. "Let me guess - he's much more alert than he usually is this early. Didn't give you much trouble?"
"How'd ya know?"
Lance simply shrugged. J.C. hadn't really expected an answer. In addition to always knowing the schedule first (hence his nickname), "Scoop" had always been good at knowing how people felt and predicting their actions. His quiet wisdom and maturity often surprised people, as Lance wasn't much older than Justin, but the group had grown used to the nineteen-year-old being older than his years. Besides, Lance had a nuttiness and humor that few save them got to see.
Joey stumbled loudly into the hotel room, breaking through J.C.'s thoughts. "Hey, guys! Am I interrupting anything? Ya hittin' on Lance or something, Big Daddy?"
Lance blushed. J.C. thwacked Joey on the head.
"Ow! C, I'm just playin'!"
J.C. offered Lance a half-amused, half-apologetic look. Lance simply smiled back. He was used to jokes of this sort, and despite his strict Baptist upbringing he had no problem with J.C.'s sexuality, or homosexuality in general. He himself had many gay male fans.
J.C. could definitely understand this. Lance was without a doubt one of the most friendly people he'd ever met, besides being physically gorgeous. J.C. was very aware of Lance's beauty, and knew that if he'd never met Justin he'd very possibly have a thing for the band's other blond.
//What is it with me and straight guys? That thing about wanting what you can't have, maybe.//
Actually, none of them were really sure about Lance. He'd accepted the truth of J.C.'s sexuality very calmly, but never discussed his own. He had dated a few girls, but he was so gentlemanly that it could have been disinterest, instead of politeness, that kept him as innocent as he was. And Josh's gay-dar was no help; it had long ago told him that Chris was straight and Joey bisexual, but it was mysteriously silent when it came to Lance.
//Oh well. I'll ask him sometime.//
Again, Joey interrupted his thoughts. "Where's Chris and the baby?"
"Justin'll be in soon. And Chris...Lance, where is Chris?"
With a sigh, Lance opened the closet door. Chris Kirkpatrick, the oldest member of 'Nsync, stood inside casually, as if it were the most normal thing in the world. "Good morning, little brothers."
"Er...Chris...what are ya doin' in the closet?"
"It's a good place to think. And it's actually kinda comfortable. J.C., I don't know why you ever left this cozy place."
J.C. grinned. "You wanna come out of there, Fievel?"
"Hell no. I ain't joining any club where I gotta be stuck with you. I'll stick with chicks."
J.C. chuckled. "I meant, come out of this particular closet."
"Oh. 'Kay." Chris strolled past them and sat down roughly on Lance's bed. "Who's ordering?"
"I will," wolunteered Lance, grabbing the phone. "What do you guys want?"
"Sandra Bullock."
"I think they're fresh out of her, Joe."
"Okay, then. Waffles."
J.C. and Chris both wanted pancakes. Lance ordered his usual French toast and also requested Justin's current favorite cereal, Apple Jacks.
Chris bounced lightly on the mattress. "Lance, why do you always make the bed? That's what the maids are for."
"If it's not made, it lookes messy."
Chris grinned mischievously, well aware of Lance's neat-freak tendencies. "Hmmm, messy? Ya mean, like this?"
He put one hand out and began to pull at the sheets.
Lance glared at him warningly. As he moved closer to fix the damage, he was stopped by a pillow hitting his face. A full-fledged pillow fight promptly ensued until J.C. interrupted.
"Maybe I should go check on Justin."
Joey rolled his eyes. "What, ya think he fell in or somethin'? He's fine, dude."
"And I don't think Curly'd appreciate you implying that he can't get from his room to here without you," added Chris.
"I guess." J.C. shifted uncomfortably. "I don't know. I have kind of a bad feeling."
Lance blinked at him in surprise. J.C. noticed.
"You too, Scoop?"
Lance shrugged. "It's probably nothing. Maybe we're all just kinda weirded out since we haven't had a break in so long."
Joey grinned. "Yeah, and after today, fourteen days of freedom! No photo shoots, no recording, no rehearsals-slash-torture sessions with Drill Sergeant Darren...it's gonna be sweet."
Lance looked from Joey to J.C. "Check on him if you want to, Josh."
Before he could answer, Justin breezed into the room and greeted his bandmates. "Mornin', fellas!"
"See, Josh? He's fine," Chris pointed out.
"Of course I am. Why?"
"J.C. here was worried about you."
Justin smiled. "And that's news? That's like saying water's wet."
J.C. smirked. "Oh, I dunno, Just. Is it? Maybe we should stick your head in the toilet just to be sure."
"Yeah, yeah!" Chris had his youngest "brother" in a headlock in no time, but just then a knock was heard at the door.
"Room service."
Chris frowned as he released the boy. "Okay, Curly. You've been saved by the cereal for now, but remember, over the next few days I have a lot of free time for practical jokes. Consider yourself warned."
Justin smiled as he dug into his Apple Jacks. For the first few days of their break, 'Nsync would all be staying at Justin's house, so they could have some time just as friends. Perhaps it was strange that these five young men who lived as a group in the public eye day after day would want to spend their free time together, but their relationship was not simply a working one. They were best friends, family. They had seen eachother through everything, down the road they'd travelled from obscurity to fame, and though perhaps none would admit it, they only really felt complete when they were together.
Justin was happy. He had millions of fans who worshipped him, the success he'd always wanted, and family and friends who adored him. In his mind, as yet, there might never have been such a thing as sorrow anywhere on the glittering surface of the waking world. ------------------------------------------------------------------------
An impatient man squinted under the bright lights illuminating the large room. He watched expertly as his five young charges practiced the dance for their song "Tearin' Up My Heart", and yelled to be heard over the loud music.
"J.C., quit lookin' at Justin! The fans will appreciate your attention a lot more!"
J.C. blushed, but obeyed. As the music faded, 'Nsync finished the number with a flourish. While they were catching their breath, the choreographer approached them to comment on their performance.
"Lance, you've gotta stay focused - you keep spacing out. Joey, you need to stick to the routine more and improvise less. Chris, you start out full of energy, but by the end of the number you're just not into it anymore. J.C., keep flashing that million-dollar smile, but look at the girls more than Justin, okay? Speaking of which...Justin, perfect, as usual."
Justin beamed. "Thanks, Darren."
"I'll give you ten minutes, then we do 'I Want You Back' - we need to do some work on the flips." Darren strolled off and began to bark orders at the musicians.
Chris sneered at Justin. "Choreographer's pet."
"Aw, don't be so bitter. Just 'cause you're so old, and you can't move as well as you used to..."
Chris raised a fist threateningly. Justin, in mock fright, dove behind J.C., who stood before him protectively.
"One side, Big Daddy. The little runt is dead."
J.C. crossed his arms in front of him and shook his head. "Uh-uh. If we lose him it just means more work for me."
"Hey!"
"Besides, he can't help it that he's a natural dancer."
"Yeah, really. So pick on someone in your own generation, Christopher," Justin giggled.
Chris smiled. "Just wait, Curly. Someday I'll get ya, when this psycho isn't around to protect ya."
Justin hugged his best friend impulsively. "Aw, that'll never happen, right Josh?"
J.C. felt his eyes grow moist as he squeezed the boy affectionately. "No way, not if I can help it."
J.C.'s cell phone, sitting on a table nearby, rang, and he ran over to answer it. Justin used this distraction to snatch Chris's hat and run off. The older man chased him, mumbling under his breath, as Lance and Joey watched with amusement.
"Hello?"
"Hello, Joshua! It's your second-favorite mother."
J.C.'s face brightened. Justin's mom was nearly as dear to J.C. as his own.
"Lynn! I'm glad you called."
"I'm glad you always have your phone with you. Justin conveniently forgets his whenever I want to check up on him. Are you still at rehearsal?"
"Yeah. Break-time."
"Is Justin behaving himself?"
J.C. grinned as he watched his best friend dart around the enormous room, still clutching Chris's hat. "Yep. He's currently channeling Dennis the Menace, but otherwise he's being good."
Lynn laughed. "I'm relieved. I know I don't have to worry about him when he's with you. You've raised him nearly as much as I have."
J.C.'s face grew warm. "Aw, Lynn..."
She laughed again. "It's true! Oh, before I forget, Paul's visiting his parents, and he has Jonathan with him, so you, me and the boys will have the house to ourselves. You're still coming, right?"
"Heck yeah! We need some down-time."
"I'm sure! I just hope Justin doesn't mind his old mother hanging around him and his friends now."
"Oh please, Lynn, you and I both know what a party-girl you are at heart. We'll have lots of fun!"
She sounded pleased. "If I know you, Joshua - and I know I do - all you'll want to do is sleep. Can you grab Justin? I want to say hello before your break's over."
"Sure thing." He caught Justin's arm and thrust the phone at him. "Your mom, Curly."
"Hi, Mom! Yes, I'm behaving! Oh, don't listen to Josh. No, fame hasn't gone to my head yet...oops, there it went. I'm kidding. Yeah, the guys are all excited - you know they love you. I know, I love you too."
Darren's voice was clearly heard from across the room. "Break's over! Places!"
"I gotta go, Mom, before Darren has a heart attack. No, he's not working us too hard. Sure, I'll give your love to the guys. Yes, I'll call you later. Love you too, bye."
Justin turned off the phone and dropped it back onto the table. J.C. slipped an arm around the younger boy as they headed, reluctantly, back to their places.
"Ya know, Josh, I'm really lucky."
"So is everyone around you, kiddo." J.C. hadn't meant to say this aloud, but Justin smiled.
"And they better not ever forget it! C'mon, slow-poke!" he called back as he broke into a run.
J.C. groaned, knowing how hard it would be to follow Darren's instructions. ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chris sighed wearily. "Ya know, guys, I'm pretty sure there are other restaurants in New York City. Why do we always come here?" He gestured around them from the secluded table in the famous Hard Rock Cafe.
Justin grinned. "So Josh can steal the menus, of course."
J.C. jokingly threatened him with his fork. "And also 'cause this place is familiar. We travel so much, it's nice to have a place-"
"Where everybody knows your name?" joked Joey.
"And they're always glad you came?" added Lance.
J.C. smiled sheepishly. "You know what I mean. Something you can depend on. A place you go to with your buddies."
Chris sighed again. "Yup. Our own personal Peach Pit."
As Justin laughed with the others, he noticed a man in a black suit sitting across the room. Save for his dark glasses he looked like any of the other adult men there...but Justin would swear that the guy kept looking directly at him. Justin felt a wave of uneasiness pass through him, and immediately scolded himself.
//What's wrong with you? You're probably imagining it. And so what if he is looking at me? People do that all the time. I should be used to it. So why does this bother me?//
J.C. noticed his friend's sudden silence. "Just? You okay?"
//Should I tell him? No, knowing Josh he'd probably go over and tell the guy to quit starin'. He's worse than Mom.//
Justin forced a smile. "Uh-huh. Um, did they change the decor in here? Looks a little different."
Lance nodded, his bright eyes observing the room. "It does look different from when we were last here."
Joey frowned. "When was that anyway?"
J.C. pitched his voice low. "You remember, Joe. When we decided to leave TransCon?"
They all fell silent, remembering. In the very early summer of that year, they had been in NYC for promotional work and rehearsals. During their visit they had seen their "rivals", the Backstreet Boys, and learned that the manager of both groups, Louis Pearlman, had been molesting Nick Carter, the youngest Backstreet Boy. The other group had split from Pearlman's management company, TransContinental, and 'Nsync was in the process of doing so. Lou wasn't making it easy for them. While lawyers for both sides were trying to reach a settlement, 'Nsync was being taken care of by their record company, Jive Records. They intended to be solely managed by Jive, as the Bakcstreet Boys were, once an agreement was reached. Lou wasn't about to lose them without a fight, but after learning that Lou had threatened to do to Justin what he had done to Nick, the group knew that they had to get away from him, at all costs.
Joey looked guilty. "Oh yeah. You talked to Brian lately, C?"
"A few days ago. They all say hi. Bri also says that Nick's doing pretty good, and he answered your letter, Just. Oh, and Lance? A.J. said to tell you he's brushing up on his geography."
Lance laughed. "He may as well give up. He says there are just too many states that start with 'M'."
"A.J. also asked if Curly and I have joined any more cults masquerading as TV shows."
Justin rolled his eyes. During a week-long, both-groups vacation that summer, A.J. had teased the two former Mouseketeers mercilessly - asking why they hadn't worn mouse ears, if it had hurt to smile that much, if Disney had implanted microchips in their heads, and so on. "It wasn't a cult."
Joey shook his head. "Hey, I watched that show, Curly. No one should be that happy for no reason. It was a cult."
Justin dropped his voice to a monotone and stared dully ahead of him. "Disney is our friend. All who oppose Disney will be eliminated. Resistance is futile."
The five friends laughed. J.C.'s face grew thoughtful as he remembered the Mickey Mouse Club years, the friends he had made there, the little blond boy he had met one fateful morning. As soom as J.C. got to know the person behind the shy smile, the two became best friends, and had been virtually inseparable ever since.
Lost in memories, J.C. hardly noticed when their dinner arrived. After a moment, he returned and began to work on his lasagna.
Justin, busy with his spaghetti, seemd to have read his friend's thoughts. "You remember the day we met, Josh?"
J.C. smiled fondly. "I'll never forget it."
//The day I met Justin. Yeah. That day I also failed my history exam, got grounded for two week-ends, got dumped by my last real girlfriend and dropped a brick on my foot in front of the entire studio audience.
It was the most blessed day of my life.// ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Across the room, the man in the black suit and dark glasses gazed intently at the young singer with the curly blond hair. Justin Randall Timberlake, according to the file in his briefcase, but the man wished vaguely that he didn't know the boy's name. Thinking of the object of his assignment as a person just made things harder.
He looked again, unconsciously smiling as the boy laughed. He was so young and full of life. Just a child, really...
//Stop it! He is an assignment, a package to be delivered, no more!//
The admonishing voice fell silent, and the shadowed figure slumped in his seat. He thought of his young daughter's favorite movie, and of how nice it would be to, like the Tin Man, have no heart. To not feel such remorse about what he had to do.
When the five friends began to leave, the observer wondered for a moment if he should follow them, but decided not to. He had a flight to catch that night, and there was no harm in letting the singers enjoy what time they had left together. He was reluctant to do what he had been assigned, yet urgently wanted to get the whole business over with.
//Soon,// the figure silently resolved. //Soon.//
~to be continued~ Comments welcome at DaraLynn_writings@hotmail.com