Greetings everyone,
First off, thanks to everybody and anybody that has written me about the story. All the mails I've gotten have been a great boost for me. It's so good to hear that people enjoy reading the story as much as I enjoy writing it.
Book one (Jamie's Romance) told of how Justin and Jamie met, fell in love and became a couple and pretty much followed a day to day account of their times together. Book two (The Dreams That You Dared To Dream) concerned the growth of their love for each other and the pledge they made to each other. In this book, I moved away from the day to day somewhat and concentrated on major points. So here is book three of Jamie's Romance, titled Flying Without Wings. Book three will highlight the major events even more over the day to day account.
Book three will be the final part in this tale and cover their life after the proposals up through happily ever after (and happily isn't a given - evil laugh) Is Jamie too dependent on Justin, does Justin use Jamie too much as a security blanket, what will happen if and when Justin comes out, what's wrong with JC and how will it affect Jamie and Justin's relationship and -will- they live happily ever after? I hope to fully answer all these questions, except maybe the JC one.
A major theme of the email I get is that more is wanted on JC and Lance. I've kept their story line sketchy on purpose because I'm planning on a Lance story that will companion this one and all your JC and Lance questions from Jamie's Romance will be answered there, I hope. I've been writing it along side of this story for a little while now and I won't start posting it until Jamie's story is mostly done.
As usual: This story is purely fiction and is not intended to imply anything about the true sexuality of 'N Sync or anyone associated with their organization. It is meant for those over the age of 18 only and those who wish to read stories with sexual content.
Flying Without Wings - Chapter One
Justin quietly walked into the hotel room suspecting that Jamie was taking a nap and he was right. His boyfriend, no scratch that, fiancé, was laying on his side wearing only a pair of loose sweat pants. Justin smiled to himself and walked into the room. Busta lifted his head and looked at Justin from behind Jamie's knees.
"Here boy," Justin called quietly. The small dog hopped down to the floor and pranced over to Justin with it's tail wagging a mile a minute. Justin led the dog into the hallway and pointed at Chris' retreating back. "Go get 'im, fella."
Busta sneezed once and shot down the hall toward Chris. He heard the running footsteps and turned just in time to see his dog take a long leap into his chest. Chris caught him with ease.
"Hey, doggy. Did you have fun with Uncle Jamie?" Busta yipped once and started happily licking Chris' face. Chris looked down the hall to Justin and waved before going into his room.
Justin paused for a second and watched JC follow Lance into their room with a worried frown. Something wasn't right with his best friend and he had no idea how to help. Jamie had tried to get JC to talk about what was bothering him and had been no more successful than the rest of them. This last week JC had withdrawn even more.
With a sigh, Justin closed the door behind him and stood over Jamie, watching him sleep. Sinking to his knees beside the bed he thanked God once again for bringing Jamie into his life. Carefully he brushed a lock of reddish hair off of his forehead. Every time Justin looked at the man now sleeping in the bed his heart sped up. A glance from Jamie's hazel eyes made his head swim and the light touch of his fingers made him shiver.
From everything that he'd ever read, seen, listened to or sang, he knew he was totally and irreversibly in love. Justin smiled, relishing the feeling. He'd known from the minute they'd been reunited in January when they kissed in that club bathroom that Jamie was definitely the one. Jamie did something to and for him that he could barely describe. He was a balm that made Justin's life make sense, gave it a true purpose and meaning.
It constantly surprised him that every day his love grew. He would get to the point that he knew he couldn't love Jamie any more but it still grew. It was wonderful and scary at the same time. His mother had laughed and hugged him when he mentioned it to her. "That's how you know your love is real," she had reassured him.
Jamie in his life was a given at this point. Justin wanted and needed Jamie on many levels and it was mutual. Justin was there for Jamie and Jamie was there for Justin, it was just that simple.
Justin looked over Jamie's sleeping form. He admired the clear, blemish-free skin, the hint of ribs on his side, the slightly fuzzy spread of hair surrounding his navel, the firm curve of his butt in the clingy sweatpants. Justin looked at Jamie's slightly parted lips and felt the overwhelming desire to kiss him. It was a desire that was there constantly, no matter where they were.
That gave him a small twinge of sadness. Justin was completely serious and sincere in his promise to Jamie when they proposed just one week ago. He yearned for the day when he could kiss Jamie or hold his hand wherever and whenever he wanted. He wanted Jamie next to him on red carpets and at award shows. In a few days during a four day break, the group would be spending some down time in Maine with Jamie's family and start the discussion and planning.
Justin pushed it all out of his mind. He stood quickly and stripped down to his boxer briefs and carefully climbed onto the bed facing Jamie. Gently, he reached over and started rubbing Jamie's back. Jamie rolled onto his stomach, sighing in his sleep. Justin smiled, this was one thing that Jamie really liked. He continued rubbing along his shoulders and down his back while Jamie murmured.
It always amazed Justin that he could touch Jamie like this and he'd remain peacefully asleep, but if it was anyone else he'd be up and out of bed in a flash. Justin still didn't understand how Jamie knew the difference. It was this trust that Justin cherished above everything else.
He leaned down and kissed Jamie's shoulder while still rubbing. Jamie moved a little and started waking up. "How were your interviews," he asked, his voice heavy with sleep.
"They went fine. Did you get all the recording done?" Jamie nodded then sighed as Justin pressed a little more firmly on his shoulders. Tony at the studio had been more than understanding when Jamie had told him the news. In fact they found that Jamie had only another couple of hours left to go anyway. Justin paid for a studio rental in Buffalo where they were laid over and flew Tony in to finish Jamie's session that morning.
Jamie looked over at Justin and smiled. "That feels really good, you know."
"I thought it would. Want me to stop?"
"No!"
Justin sat up and straddled Jamie's hips and started working Jamie's shoulders and back with both hands. Jamie moaned in pleasure under him. Justin continued until Jamie was completely relaxed then leaned down and kissed the back of his neck.
"Mmmm... that feels even better."
Justin kissed and nibbled Jamie's neck until he was shivering under him. He moved to his shoulders then started licking his shoulder blades. Jamie broke out in goose bumps as he gasped. Justin smiled and licked down the center of Jamie's back until he reached the top of his ass. Justin reached down and took off Jamie's sweats and his own briefs. Jamie smelled of soap from his shower and Justin did what came natural to him.
Jamie gasped loudly as Justin started kissing and licking down his ass. "Uhhhh..." he moaned. "Oh, Justin."
Justin smiled and spread Jamie's cheeks and carefully stuck his tongue out to Jamie's hole. He licked around and across it as Jamie groaned loudly above him. They had done quite a bit together but this was something new for the both of them. Made bold by Jamie's enthusiastic response he pushed in closer and licked and probed with his tongue. Using his saliva he got Jamie as wet as he could. By the time he was done, Jamie was a shaking mass on the bed.
Moving up, Justin rubbed his growing erection into the crack of Jamie's ass. "Come on, baby, talk to me. Tell me what you want me to do," Justin goaded.
Jamie's response was a long, shuddering moan. "I... want... you," he gasped. He took a deep breath trying to control himself. "Please, I need you in me."
Justin reached over for the lube they had left on the bedside table the night before and made himself slick. "Your wish is my command, my love." Pressing firmly, his long cock slowly slid into Jamie.
"Yessssss," Jamie hissed in pleasure.
When Justin felt that Jamie was accustomed to him he leaned over and planted his hands on either side of Jamie's shoulders. Using his hips, he jabbed into Jamie with slow, even thrusts. Justin reveled in the hot, tight feeling. It always amazed and excited him to feel Jamie around him like this, but he'd be hard pressed to decide which he liked more, this or Jamie inside him.
Jamie was moaning under him, his arms and legs moving slightly in pleasure. Without warning, Jamie grabbed Justin's wrists and pulled his arms from under him making him fall fully down onto Jamie's back. Jamie cried out as Justin was buried deep in one quick thrust.
"Are you ok, sweet pea?"
Jamie was panting. "Yes... that feels... soooo good." He grunted as Justin thrust with his hips. "Hold me, baby, please."
Justin smiled and worked his arms around and under Jamie. One hand went on Jamie's chest while the other snaked down to grab his throbbing erection that was trapped between his stomach and the bed. Justin continued with an even rhythm. Jamie grunted with each inward thrust as Justin poked his prostate repeatedly.
"Justin, don't ever stop doing this," Jamie pleaded.
Justin looked and saw that Jamie's face was flushed and sweaty and his eyes were unfocused. He continued to grind into Jamie while kissing and licking his ear. Jamie was moaning loudly under him which turned on Justin even more. Soon Justin felt his orgasm rapidly approach and there was nothing he could do to stall it. It hit him in a crashing wave as he jerked his hips down into Jamie with each shot.
Suddenly Jamie cried out. Justin felt him stiffen under him and the cock in his hand pulsed over and over. Justin held him tightly until his spasms eased. They were both still breathing heavy. Justin rolled them to their sides as he slipped out of Jamie who sighed at the loss of the intimate connection.
Justin kissed his neck and started rubbing his cum covered hand up and down Jamie's chest and stomach making him giggle.
"Now I'm gonna have to take another shower."
"That was on my mind." Justin leaned down and Jamie turned so he was on his back. They kissed as they held each other. Jamie pulled away when he felt Justin's warm tears dropping on his cheeks.
"JuJu, what's wrong?"
Justin smiled and sniffed. "Absolutely nothing. While I was watching you sleep I was thinking about how much I love you. I just realized I love you even more this very second."
Jamie reached a hand up and cupped Justin's cheek. "There's more to it, isn't there?"
Justin nodded. "You know me too well." He took a deep breath. "It always overwhelms me just how much you trust me. It scares me sometimes." His tears started fresh. "I get scared that I might do something to lose that trust and if I ever lost it, it would kill me."
Jamie pulled Justin down against him and wrapped his arms around his shoulders. Justin pressed his face into Jamie's neck. "Justin, nothing you could do would ever make me not trust you or love you."
"But how can you be sure, I'm not."
"Because you said it, I know you too well. You care too much to treat anyone with anything but respect and kindness. Don't start buying into the image that's floating around of you. I know it's hard but I know the real you. I can understand where those who don't know you would see ego and attitude. It's all too common in your business. When I look at you, I see a confident performer who owns the stage when he's on it, who loves what he does and wants to be the best he can be doing it."
"I really try hard not to listen or become like they make me out. It's so hard sometimes. That's why I need you so much and why I get scared because if you weren't here I worry what would happen to me. I know the 'NSync Justin isn't really me and I don't want that Justin to take over."
"He won't, sweetie, because deep down inside he isn't you. This reminds me of a talk Dan and I had in January."
"Oh?"
"We were just getting together and I was thinking about how perfect you were. I was scared about what I wasn't seeing, that maybe you were too perfect to be true."
"What was the verdict?"
"That as wonderful as you are, you are only human and not perfect."
"Gee, thanks, I think," Justin smirked.
Jamie smiled and tickled Justin's side. "You know what I mean, nobody is perfect. My mom gave me this piece of advice. She said that the test of a relationship is not that you can love someone for who or what they are but that you can also love them for what they are not. You love their strengths and weaknesses, their virtues and faults."
"I'm gonna have to give your mom a big kiss when I see her."
"So you ok now?"
Justin nodded and tightened his hold on Jamie's waist. "You bet. It's just that these feelings build up and they just come out. We talk and it's all under control again." Justin was quiet and thought for a minute. "That's probably what's wrong with Josh, isn't it? He's just not talking about what he's feeling."
"That would be my guess."
They were interrupted by the phone. Jamie was closer so answered it. "Hey Lance," he said knowing who it had to be.
"Jamie, we need to leave for the stadium in about 45 minutes, are you guys almost ready?"
"We just need to take a quick shower then we'll be all set. See you in a few." He hung up with a smile.
"I guess cuddle time is over, huh?" Justin asked with a pout.
Jamie smiled and kissed him. "But we have a half hour for shower time." Justin's answer was a wicked smirk.
"I never imagined that it would be so beautiful," Jamie said with wonder.
Jamie, Justin, Lance and Mel were standing shoulder to shoulder at the railing of the Princess of the Mist, sailing slowly toward Niagara Falls. The mist from the falling water coated their faces and felt good in the noonday heat. They, and the other passengers on board, were covered in hooded ponchos.
It had been a wonderful morning. They had done the tourist thing and explored all over the American side of the falls. They had walked across the bridge to Canada but were turned away because they hadn't thought to bring their birth certificates. After a quick lunch they decided to top it all off with the boat ride to the base of the falls.
The boat slowly turned and they found themselves now behind everyone looking at the falls. Justin pulled Jamie to him and kissed him while Lance and Mel stood look out. They were fairly safe. If anyone looked the hoods hid everything. Jamie felt a little uncomfortable in such a public place but the feel of Justin's lips against his clouded his reason.
"There, now I can say I kissed my love at Niagara Falls," Justin stated proudly pulling away.
Mel smirked at him. "-You- be careful," she said with a laugh. "There's way too many people around for my comfort for you two to be pulling that."
Jamie smiled at her. "We'll behave, promise." Justin stood close to him and they held hands, the ponchos hiding it.
Looking over to Lance, who was standing deep in thought while looking at the falls, Jamie felt bad. Lance had wanted JC to join them but he had begged off saying he was tired, had a headache and wasn't feeling well. Although it may have been the truth, it still hurt Lance, he wanted to share this with JC.
Jamie squeezed Justin's hand and released it then moved closer to Lance. "Lance," he said hesitantly, "how are ya doing?"
Lance glanced at Jamie and gave him a small smile. "It really makes you feel not quite so important, doesn't it?" he asked ignoring Jamie's question. "The size and majesty of all that rushing water is just amazing."
"I'm sorry, Lance."
Lance looked at Jamie and his smile slipped. A small tear formed in his eye which he quickly wiped away. Putting a hand on Jamie's shoulder, he took a deep breath. "I'm fine, really. A little disappointed, but I'll get over it." He paused for a second. "There'll be other times," he said firmly then walked into the cabin where there was a canteen.
Jamie, Mel and Justin shared a look then sighed. "I swear I'm gonna beat him until he's black and blue," Justin vowed. "This was too much. Even if he doesn't want to talk he'll at least listen." Jamie knew that nothing he could say would deter Justin from what he was gonna do, so remained silent.
The ride back into Buffalo was a quiet one and they entered the hotel's back door, skirting the small crowd out front waiting to catch any glimpse of the group. The elevator ride was very uncomfortable as Mel and Jamie cast sad looks at Lance who ignored everyone in a detached way. Justin stood fuming, his temper had only grown more hot the closer they got to the hotel.
When the door opened Lance thanked Mel for playing tour guide and headed to his room. "Ya, thanks Mel, we had a great time. Really," Jamie said with a smile. He held onto Justin's hand so he wouldn't go storming off right away.
"My pleasure, guys. Would you remind everyone that dinner is at 6:00 in the private dining room downstairs and we'll be pulling out right after, so put all your luggage in the hall before you come down."
"Sure will." Jamie watched Mel go to her room, then looked at Justin.
"I know what you're gonna say but I'm still gonna do it."
"I know, Justin. I just wanted you to cool down a little before." Justin nodded and let himself be led to their room. "Let's pack up first then you can go and -talk- to Josh, ok?"
"I have a better idea. How about we pack real quick, make out a little, then I'll go have my talk."
"I like that better. Sounds like a plan."
Justin pulled Jamie to him and kissed him for a long minute. "So much for the plan," he said as he pressed his mouth back down on Jamie's.
An hour later they had packed and kissed their lips to a slightly bruised red but not necessarily in that order. Jamie was floating, kissing Justin was a natural high he couldn't get enough of. They walked down the hall hand in hand to the room that had been set aside as a lounge. They entered to see JC sitting on the couch writing feverishly in the worn notebook that he used for lyrics. Chris was sitting nearby half watching him and the TV. He saw Jamie and Justin and quickly crossed the room to them.
"I'm glad to see you guys. He's been like this all afternoon."
"Where's Joey?" Jamie asked.
"He's with Lance. We heard him crying in his room. I don't think Josh even knows you guys are back."
Justin relayed Mel's reminder and Chris went off to check on Joey and Lance and let them know. Jamie sat in a chair near the door and watched as Justin casually walked over to JC.
"What ya workin' on Josh?"
JC looked up and both Jamie and Justin noticed the red rimmed eyes and dark circles under them. "Just a song. Take a look." He handed the notebook to Justin who scanned the entry.
"Pretty good. Got a tune for it?"
"Not yet. I've got a few ideas in my head."
Justin sat down next to him and looked him straight in the eye. "Josh, I have a problem."
"What? You and Jamie ok?" JC didn't even seem to have even noticed that Jamie sat in the room with them only 20 feet away.
"Oh, we're fine. Better than fine. It's just that we both have this friend and we don't know what to do for him."
"What's his problem?"
"Well, he's sorta shut himself away from everybody. We know that he's hurting inside but he just won't talk about it and we're getting worried. What do you think I should do."
JC looked at Justin seriously for a minute. "You've been reading Chris' psychology books again. I told you they'd warp your brain." He sighed and closed his eyes. "There's nothing wrong and I don't want to talk about it."
"If there's nothing wrong then why are you acting like this? It's not like you to completely shut yourself in like you have."
"I just need a little space and some sleep, that's all. Why can't you all see that."
"Josh, we've given you all the space you need but it hasn't gotten any better. We all love you and Lance is worried sick. Please tell me what's wrong."
"Just, I told you, -nothing-."
Jamie admired Justin for being so patient for as long as he had. He knew that Justin was boiling underneath and wanted nothing more than to throw JC around the room. A blush appeared on Justin's cheeks suddenly and Jamie knew that his patience had just run out.
"The hell nothing's wrong," he said loudly. "Josh, your fiance was alone and crying at Niagara Falls because you needed your space. You didn't see what he was like, it broke my heart."
"Lance was crying? I've got to go to him." JC made to get off the couch but Justin held him back.
"In a minute, Joey's with him for now. You don't want to talk, fine, but you're sure as hell gonna listen to what I have to say."
Justin's voice rose a little and Jamie saw a side of him that he'd never expected: Justin the parent. He went up one side of JC and down the other like an errant child. He let him know that in no way was his behavior that day excusable or even acceptable. If he insisted on continuing this then he'd have no choice but to tell the tour doctor and have Greg flown in.
Sometime during Justin's lecture the other guys had arrived and stood in the doorway. Lance looked like he'd been crying heavily but was otherwise ok. He gave Jamie a lopsided grin.
Justin kept going. "Josh, the group is in trouble here and you don't even see it."
"I always hit my marks and sing my parts, nothing has stopped that," JC put in indignantly.
"Yes, true. Your performance hasn't suffered so that the audience would see it. But the group's has. We aren't in sync anymore because you've pulled away from us."
JC sat frowning, tears starting to form in his eyes. Justin then made a stern promise. "I will tell you this. If things don't change then the group -will- pull you from the show until you get straightened out." That got the response from JC that he wanted.
"No!!" JC shouted suddenly then settled down just as quickly. Jamie thought he caught a glimmer of recognition in JC's eyes and hoped that he took it to heart. "I'm sorry, J. Really I am. I haven't been myself and it's taking me time to work things out in my head. I guess I'm so wrapped up with myself I didn't see how much it was affecting everyone else. Will you accept a promise that I'll try not to shut myself off?"
Justin pulled JC into a hug. "I accept both the apology and the promise. You know I love you. We all do. Now go see your fiance, he needs you."
JC looked up and saw Lance standing next to Chris and ran over to him and cradled him gently. "Baby, I'm so sorry." He put his head on Lance's shoulder and started crying.
"It's ok, sugar. Come on, let's go get ready for dinner." Lance led JC out of the room with a grateful smile toward Justin.
Justin let out a big breath. "Wow, that was tough. I almost didn't have the heart to make that last threat."
"It's ok, Curly. It needed to be done. Maybe now things will get better."
"I sure hope so, Joe. I really do."
Everyone had gathered on top of the parking garage waiting for the some of the guys on the crew to finish setting up. Mel and Joey had brought a cooler of beer and soda and the makeup ladies with the help of security were grilling hot dogs and hamburgers. Jamie leaned back against Justin in the darkness, taking comfort from the arm around his waist.
The past 24 hours had been a little tense on all sides at first, but JC had made a complete turn around and was almost acting like his old self. Jamie had talked to him somewhere in Virginia during their breakfast stop that morning. JC had admitted that being himself and being involved actually did make him feel a little better and apologized again.
Jamie thought back on the talk they had while strolling around the highway rest area. JC had promised to talk more when he was ready and insisted that Jamie keep coming to him and asking. He said it did help knowing that someone cared enough to try. After JC had boarded the bus Jamie found Lance sitting alone on a picnic table.
"Hey, want some company?"
"Sure. Where's Justin?"
"He and Joey are playing some video game inside. It's really old so they're on some nostalgia kick."
Lance laughed. "That sounds like them."
Jamie sat and thought for a second. "Lance, do you think I'm too dependent on Justin? I mean, when you just asked where he was it was as if it wasn't natural for us not to be side by side. That kinda bothers me."
Lance patted his shoulder. "Well, it's true that you two are almost inseparable. I don't think, though, that means you're dependent too much. You're in love and want to be together. There's nothing wrong with that."
"Well, I do want to be with him all the time. It's just sometimes I get the feeling that it's a little unhealthy."
"You guys are fine. You just got engaged so you're closer now than before, if that's possible. Josh and I were the same." Lance quieted then looked around. "I want to thank you for what you're trying to do."
"Only doing my job as a friend. How are you dealing?"
"Better. He hasn't said much but at least he's not shut himself off completely. I think it will all work out."
"Good. I hate to see the both of you hurting." Jamie put his arm around Lance's shoulder and they just sat there until it was time to leave.
A red flash climbing into the sky pulled Jamie from his thoughts and they all cheered. A few more went up before a policeman approached the group. Mel took the lead and met with him then returned with a grim look.
"What's up?" Chris asked.
"He asked if we had a permit and wanted to check that we only had legal stuff. He said he'd let it slide for another 15 minutes as long as it didn't get out of control."
A Roman candle sprang to life spitting out it's multicolored sparks. A few more bottle rockets went up and another candle was lit before the cop asked them to stop. Everyone was a little disappointed but they went ahead with the cookout, turned on some music and relaxed in the warm North Carolina night.
Jamie and Justin stepped off the plane, completely exhausted. It was late and the airport was almost completely deserted except for two figures waiting a few yards away.
Phil ran up to Jamie and Justin and gave them both a big hug. "It's good to see you guys, but you look like shit."
Jamie smiled and slapped the back of his head. "Nice to see you too, booger."
"Dildo." The brothers started poking each other good naturedly while Justin looked on in amusement.
"Philip and Jameson, stop that right now," their mother admonished with a smile. "And watch your language." She turned to Justin and gave him a big hug. "So how's my future son-in-law. You do look tired."
Justin returned the hug. "I'm doing fine, Pat. Tour is like that, not alot of chances to get much sleep." He looked over to Jamie and Phil who were still horsing around as they went downstairs to the exit. "Are they always like that?" he asked as they followed.
"Pretty much. It's one of the ways they show their affection to one another. You'll get used to it."
Justin sighed. "They are all so very close."
"You grew up pretty much as an only child, right?"
"Ya, I have two half-brothers. Jonathan is 5 and Steve is only a year old. I love them alot but I'll never have with them what Jamie has with his brothers."
Pat put her arm around his shoulder while they walked. "Don't get too nostalgic, it hasn't all been an even road. They've had their share of fights, too. When Dan and Jamie were in High School and Phil in Middle School I thought they'd all hate each other for the rest of their lives. But now they -are- really close which makes me glad. I know that Dan likes you alot and Phil does too. You are a part of our family now, Justin. So expect the honeymoon with Phil to wear off soon." She smiled as they left the building.
Phil and Jamie had their arms around each other's shoulders and Phil was looking at Jamie's ring. He broke away and ran up to Justin. "Can I see it?" he asked excitedly.
Justin smiled and held out his hand. "Sure."
Phil examined his ring closely. "That is just so cool. My brother is gonna be married to a superstar. You -are- tall, you know?"
Phil's excitement and randomness made Justin giggle and Phil broke into a wide smile. "So where are the others?" Phil finally asked.
"We'll pick up Lance, Chris and Joey tomorrow. JC flies in the next morning, he had some studio work to do in New York tomorrow," Jamie answered.
"None of my friends believe that I know you guys. This is so great."
"Phil," Jamie said in a warning tone. "What have you said?"
"Nothing, oh Mr. Worrywart. I just had to tell them that you'd be playing with the band and that I got to meet them when I was in Florida. That's all they know and they still don't believe me anyway. Wait until the special on HBO and they see you sitting there, I'll be the most popular kid in school."
They reached the car and Phil pushed Jamie into the front seat and climbed in back with Justin. Pat just smirked at him. On the ride to the house Phil wouldn't shut up. He kept asking Justin questions and telling him about his friends and about this one guy who he really liked that lived down the street. Stopping every few seconds to take a new breath.
Jamie turned around and grinned at them. Justin had a completely bewildered look on his face. "You know you can tell him to shut up at anytime."
Justin smiled. "But that would be rude."
"They're your ears. Believe me, he won't be offended."
Justin giggled and Pat laughed. Justin looked over to Phil who was still talking. "Phil, shut up."
"Oh, ok." Phil smiled and settled back into his seat. Unexpectedly he slapped the back of Jamie's head. "Goober."
"Freak."
Justin just smiled and shook his head in amusement.
The next day Jamie, Justin and Phil met Lance, Joey and Chris at the airport and headed straight to the family camp. It was a half hour out of town on a small pond. There was only one other camp across one end that belonged to one of Jamie's aunts. At first the guys were a little skeptical but were delighted to find it had electricity and running water. In fact it was more like a cottage.
Jamie and Phil let the guys explore and poke around the four bedroom one story building while they got the groceries settled and put everyone's bags away. Before long Jamie was circled by a pair of arms around his waist from behind.
"This place is just great. It's gonna be a nice treat." Justin started nuzzling Jamie's neck.
"Glad you like it. Did you notice the bedroom in the front corner that had the great view of the lake?" Justin nodded. "That's my mother's room but we have it for the weekend." Justin beamed.
"So any chance on getting a private tour outside. I feel like communing with nature."
Phil made some gagging noises and Jamie threw a kitchen towel at him with a smile. "You'll get used to it, Phil," Joey said coming into the room. "They're always like this."
Chris and Lance came in next and got some water from the fridge.
"Well, since we're all here you should know that there aren't many people for a few miles around in any direction except for the camp across the pond. They're relatives so if you make it around there just say hi. Aunt Tina and Uncle Bobby know we're here. If you feel like walking there are three marked trails that leave right from behind the house."
"If you want to swim there are also some inner tubes but if you go into the water use the end of the dock, don't go in from the shore."
"Why? What's wrong with the shore?" Chris asked suspiciously.
"There are leaches right along the shore, big ones. So unless you'd like to have a little friend or two then use the dock." Jamie laughed at their horrified expressions.
"Jamie, that's not funny," Phil said with a giggle. "There aren't any leaches. The reason we use the dock is because the bottom is mucky and besides being gross feeling you'd sink halfway to your knees if you tried to walk out."
Jamie poked Phil then started tickling him. "Sure, ruin my fun. There's also a canoe and kayak, so feel free. Phil will pick up Josh tomorrow morning so we have the weekend to ourselves. We'll go in town for dinner on Saturday then my mom and aunts are throwing a party for us."
"Sounds great. I plan on sleeping and eating," Joey commented.
"So when do we want to have our meeting?" Lance asked.
"How about on Saturday. Then we can relax after with dinner and the party and have a nice empty Sunday." Everyone agreed with Chris then scattered. Joey, true to his word, went into his bedroom. Chris poked around the kitchen. Lance grabbed the book he was reading and went outside and snuggled onto the hammock.
Jamie glanced over at Phil who was talking with Chris. Suddenly he ran from the room and to the car. He came back with his Playstation under his arm. Chris smiled and joined him in front of the TV.
Justin grinned at Jamie and grabbed him by the hand. "You have a nice place you'd like to show me?"
Jamie thought for a second. "Sure do. Grab some bug dope and let's go."
They went out the back door and headed down one trail that skirted the lake. They turned off the trail when they reached a small stream and head up along it. After walking over and around the trees and rocks they came to a small clearing. The stream widened a little here making a small pool.
"This is fantastic. Did you find this yourself?"
Jamie nodded. "Dan and I did long ago. It's really nice."
Justin grabbed Jamie and pulled his head up to kiss him. Jamie sighed and clung to Justin's shoulders. Justin started sinking into the moss and grass and Jamie followed. They rolled so Justin was on top.
"I missed sleeping with you last night."
"Me too. I'm sorry, I figured the rules would relax if we were engaged. Guess I figured wrong."
"It's ok, really. I was so tired I fell asleep right away, but I still missed you."
"You're so sweet." Jamie kissed Justin and move his hands under his shirt to rub the skin of his back.
They swiftly lost track of time just laying together and being close but knew it had been several hours. Their stomachs complained loudly that it was past lunchtime. Hand in hand they made their way slowly back to the house to find it completely deserted. A note from Lance sat on the table.
"Guys,
Where the heck did you go? I think Phil knows but
he's not saying. If you look out on the lake, we're
in the canoe and kayak enjoying the water. Sorry we
didn't wait for you for lunch, but Joey can only go
so long without food.
Leftovers are in the fridge.
Love Lance
PS This place is fantastic. Can we take all our
vacations here?"
Jamie grinned at the note and got some sandwiches and drinks. Going outside they got on the hammock together and ate. They fell asleep cuddled in each other arms while waiting for the others to get back.
tbc...
Notes:
On the airport in Bangor... If you've ever seen the Langoliers on TV (they show it every so often now on SciFi) then you've seen our airport. All the interior scenes were filmed at the terminal. So when they show them at the windows, in the lunch counter and at the luggage carriers that's all real. The exterior building shots are it as well but I don't think they actually shot the actors right outside the terminal but in another part of the airport and did some digital magic.
I also pay homage to 'Brian and Me' with the scene at the lake with the camp. I loved the vacation that Brian and Nick spent in the woods of Canada so I had to reproduce it. But there won't be any vodka and strawberries here... if you're confused you need to read that story : )
There's the latest. Comments and suggestions are always welcome!
Jim bangoremail@aol.com