This story is completely fictional and I am not in anyway implying that Lance Bass or any members of Nsync are gay. The usual warnings apply...If you shouldn't be here, then don't be here.
Please accept my deepest apologies for the large gap in time between chapters. Life has thrown me quite a few curves over the past four months. I won't go into them here...don't want to bring down the room.
Check out these other great stories:
Studio in the Country - by Michael Ellis
Mirrors - by Scotty T.
Superman Can't Fly - By Dayse
Justin's Dark Angel - By Evan
Rob and Lance - by Rob
Every Little Thing I Do - by Mark
I'll Never Stop - by DLS
Search and Rescue - by Matt Hunter
And there's ton's of others out there that I know that I'm forgetting.
Before I check out, I just want to say a quick thanks to Scotty T., Mike, DLS, Matt, Angel, Em, Dayse and everyone else from the chat room who have helped cure whatever blocks I run into these past months. See you all soon!
My usual thanks to Rob and Steve! You guys are the best!
Mike Ellis! It was good chatting with you the other day. Hope to see some of your work again soon.
I hope that you all enjoy this chapter, and I would appreciate any comments and criticisms. You can email me at mccall0470@hotmail.com.
Lance and Michael: Lance's Love Chapter Ten "Anything for You"
--Journal Entry: May 4, 8:15pm. This is it. I meet my "stalker" tonight. Unfortunately I'll be missing Lance's birthday party. But I have a strange feeling that whoever I'm meeting tonight knows that. Which makes me hate them even more. I just want this over with. Lonnie will be here any minute. Wish me luck.--
"You sure you want to do this?" Lonnie asked as they entered the hotel and made their way to the elevator.
Michael nodded grimly. "Have to, Lon." He responded. "I need to find out who this is and why they are doing this to me."
The elevator chimed and slid open. Lonnie stepped out first and Michael followed. They made their way down to the hall to the appointed room. Once there, Lonnie knocked twice and folded his arms over his chest. Moments later the door opened to reveal a familiar face.
"You're the waiter from my party." Michael exclaimed.
Evan nodded and pulled the door open. "My employer is waiting for you Mr. McCall."
Michael moved forward but was stopped by Lonnie's arm. Lonnie took a step forward, but Evan cleared his throat.
"Sorry." Evan smiled. "Only McCall may enter."
"It's okay, Lon." Michael whispered. "I'll call you if I'm in trouble."
Michael followed Evan into the hotel suite. He ran a hand nervously through his hair as they walked. Evan stopped in front of another door and gently opened it. As the door swept open, Evan gestured with his arm for Michael to enter.
Michael McCall cautiously rounded the corner and took a step into the next room. He stopped short seeing the person sitting behind the desk in the room.
"Holy shit!" Michael gasped in disbelief. "It's you?"
Michael's gaze washed over the man sitting across from him. He could feel the blood rush from his face and his heart begin to race as the man smiled and began to chuckle. Michael's right hand moved forward to steady himself on the chair in front of him.
"You seem surprised to see me, Mr. McCall." Lou Pearlman smiled as he settled back into his chair and folded his hands on the desk in front of him. "Have a seat. We have much to discuss."
Elsewhere in Orlando:
"I love this song!" Britney Spears smiled as she and her "undercover" boyfriend, Justin Timberlake were dancing to "Jumpin Jumpin" by Destiny's Child.
"So do I!" Justin agreed as the two got closer and grinded their hips together.
"This was the perfect place to have Lance's Birthday party!" Britney commented absentmindedly.
"Huh? Yeah, Lance . . . Sorry, I've kind of got my mind on something 'else' right now!" Justin said as he pressed his now hardening cock into Britney's leg.
"Oh really?" Britney said getting a wicked grin on her face as she turned her backside to Justin and started wildly grinding up against him, driving him crazy.
"Oh!" She said as she stood to see Lance standing to the side of them. "Hey Lance!"
"H . . . Hey guys!" Lance said slightly staggering. "How's it goin?!" He asked, putting his arms on both of their shoulders, nearly loosing his balance.
"Whoa there buddy!" Justin said as he grabbed Lance's hand on top of his shoulder.
"You okay Lance?" Britney asked, her back still facing Justin.
"Yeah! I'm fine!" Lance said smiling widely and looking around the room.
"O . . . Okay!" Justin said stuttering as he felt Britney's hand reach between his legs.
"I'm looking for Michael!" Lance said as he said bringing his face in closer to Britney, who was still smiling wickedly, leaning her back up against Justin's chest.
"Where's Michael?"
"Well . . . I haven't seen him all night!" Britney replied. "What about you Justin?" She asked, tightening her grasp on 'Justin'.
"Uh . . . Uh . . . J . . . Joey! Go ask Joey!" Justin rapidly spat out, sighing afterwards.
"Okay!" Lance said giddily as he staggered off.
"Want to 'blow' this place?!" Britney leaned back and whispered in Justin's ear, licking his earlobe.
"YEAH!" He said excitedly.
"Okay!" Britney said jumping forward and walking away from Justin. "But first I need to find Rob and tell him about my offer!"
"H . . . huh?!" Justin asked, confused in his state of horniness.
"You know . . . I'm gonna ask Rob if he wants to join me on tour this summer as one of my dancers! I told you about this!" She said as Justin chased after her.
"Oh . . . Oh yeah!"
"I....I...I don't understand..." Michael McCall stammered as he eased himself into the chair in front of him. He sat silent for a moment and just stared dumbfounded at the man sitting across from him.
Lou Pearlman said nothing. He just smiled broadly. The music mogul reached for the carafe of water on his right and filled an empty glass. After replacing the carafe on the table, he slid the glass of water over to Michael.
Michael lifted the glass to his mouth. "Lou Pearlman?!" he thought to himself. "What does he want with me?"
Michael took a couple more sips of the water before placing the glass on the table. Having gathered his composure, he leaned forward and asked plainly. "What do you want with me?"
"Ah, Michael." Lou chuckled once again. (Michael was beginning to hate that chuckle)
"Cut the crap, Pearlman!" Michael spat, suddenly losing all patience. "You've had me followed and photographed! You've been toying with me since February! WHAT...DO...YOU...WANT?!"
"Temper, temper Mr. McCall." Lou shook his head. "You forget your place."
Michael let out a sigh. He had to remember that no matter how much he despised the man sitting across from him...that same man had enough blackmail material to give the press a field day.
Lou leaned forward and rested his elbows on the table. "And besides...you're thinking on too small a scale."
"It's not me you want..." Michael's voice trailed off as the pieces of the puzzle started to fall into place. "You want Lance? No...you want Nsync!"
"Very good, Mr. McCall." Lou clapped his large hands together and his eyes brightened. "You've hit the nail on the head."
Michael's brow furrowed as he studied the large man in front of him. "But why blackmail me?"
"You are but a means to an end." Lou answered dismissively.
"Excuse me?"
Lou stood from the table and turned to the window behind him. "Again, you are not looking at the larger picture. You see, if I had wanted to merely blackmail the men of Nsync...I could have done that long ago. No. I want to break them, not blackmail them."
Michael watched the large man move around the hotel room. His mind was racing trying to figure out Pearlman's plan. But it still wasn't making complete sense to him. If Pearlman wasn't using Michael for Blackmail, then what was he using him for?
"My vendetta against the boys went into effect as soon as they launched their legal attacks against me." Lou went on. "I knew that the only way to beat them was to break them. So I set out to find anything that could break them.
"Unfortunately, those boys are so close nit.... I couldn't break them from within. I needed something to shake them to their core." Lou spat, his frustration rising. "I had private investigators follow each of them in search of the information I needed. I thought for sure that I had what I needed with JC's sexploits in every city. But it just wasn't enough."
Lou became silent as he turned from the window and his gaze fell upon Michael. "Then you provided me with everything I ever needed."
Britney and Justin had nearly given up in their search for Rob when they finally found him in the back of the club. He was sitting in a booth set back from the dance floor, blocked off by a wall. His fists were clenching the top of the tablecloth as if he were holding on for his life. Rob's eyes were closed and he looked like he was either passed out or in pain.
"Um . . . Rob?" Britney said as she and Justin approached him. "You okay?!"
"Huh?!" He said as his eyes sprung open and he let out a loud grown, but turned his head into his arm, muffling the sound.
"Dude! What the hell . . ." Justin began, but was cut off at the sight of JC emerging from under the table, wiping the corner of his mouth.
"Um . . . I found your contact Rob!" JC said sitting on the other side of the booth pretending to pass the contact lens across the table.
"Th . . . thanks Josh!" Rob said panting.
"Uh . . . hey guys!" JC said blushing, looking down at the table.
"So I see everything's 'cool' between you two?" Britney asked as they sat down, Justin next to JC and Britney next to Rob.
"Yeah, I guess . . ." Rob said.
"You guess? After what I just did for you?!" JC said staring at Rob.
"You know what I mean!" Rob laughed.
"Look at that, already fighting like a married couple!" Justin said laughing.
"Like you two should talk?!" JC said coming back.
"Whatever . . . Rob! I have a proposition for you . . . Well, it may or may not be as good as what Josh just gave you, but you can be the judge of that!" Britney said laughing, making both JC and Rob blush this time.
"Just tell them already and stop embarrassing them woman!" Justin said getting impatient.
"You'll wait as long as I want to make you!" Britney said staring at him seductively as she lifted her leg and placed it in between Justin's thighs.
"Um . . . I'd hate to interrupt this little discussion, but could you tell me what this offer is?" Rob asked, laughing.
"How would you, like to join me on my tour this summer as one of my dancers?!" Britney asked, taking his hand and smiling.
"What?!" Rob said in shock.
"She said . . ." JC started to say.
"I heard her dumb ass!" Rob said giving JC an evil stare. "Of course! Sure! Hell yeah! Damn right!"
"I think that's a yes!" Justin said laughing.
"Hey guys!" Joey called as he ran over to join the group. "You gotta help us! Lance is dancing on a table calling out for Michael! Chris is trying to get him down...you gotta help!"
"Oh shit!" the group said in unison before running after Joey.
"What do you mean I provided you with everything you needed?" Michael responded, his anger once again rising.
Lou strolled away from the window to a briefcase that was laying on the bed. He silently opened the case and picked up what looked like a stack of photos. He closed the case and crossed back to where Michael was sitting. Still silent, he carefully placed each of the photos face up on the table in front of Michael.
"You see you provided me with something much more potent than JC's one night stands." the large man began while returning to his seat. "You and Lance were lovers! There was emotion attached to your relationship. And even better! You've become bonded to each member of the group. They love you like one of their own!"
Michael took a moment, while Lou was speaking to glance over the pictures in front of him. It was almost a photo journal of his entire relationship with Lance. Pictures of the two of them holding hands, eating at restaurants, kissing...even making love. Michael shook his head in disbelief. Fear was once again beginning to spread through his body. It became perfectly clear that this man could destroy Lance in one fell swoop.
"Mr. Pearlman," Michael said softly. "You're a very longwinded son-of-a-bitch. Let's just cut to the chase...What do you want from me?"
Lou took a quick drink of water and smiled. "Fine." He stated. "Let's get down to business."
The music mogul reached into the drawer of the desk and pulled out a stack of papers. "Here's what we are going to do...Four dates into the concert tour, you will terminate your employment with Wright Entertainment, and leave the tour without explanation."
"And?" Michael folded his arms over his chest, trying to put out his best defensive posturing.
"By leaving without reason, you effectively end your relationship with Mr. Bass." Lou continued. "Of course that won't be enough to break the morale of the entire group. You'll have to do something a little more drastic and surprising."
Michael braced himself for what was coming. His teeth ground together as he squared his jaw and looked Pearlman directly in the eyes.
"After leaving the Nsync tour, you will come work for me at TransCon." Pearlman beamed. "What would destroy the beautiful boys of Nsync more than to have one of their most beloved and trusted friends and employees leave them and start working for the 'enemy'!"
Michael leaned back in his chair and let out a sigh. He smiled and slowly shook his head. "Mr. Pearlman, I think you overestimate my importance to the guys." He said softly. "I'm sure that they would be upset...but I don't think that it would break up the group."
Lou shrugged his shoulders and smiled. "I disagree." The large man stood and started to gather up the photos. "Regardless." He continued. "You have until May 13 to make your decision. If I haven't heard from you by curtain up on May 13, these photos along with..."
Lou lifted the remote control off the table and turned on the television. Instantly the video of Michael and Lance making love appeared on the screen.
Michael swallowed hard at the sight of himself and Lance entwined in their lovemaking on the television screen.
"...This video will arrive at every major newsroom in the United States." Lou turned his attention to the man sitting behind him. "Have I made myself clear?"
The Next Day NSYNC Compound 7:30am
Michael McCall slowly walked along the water near the Nsync compound. He glanced at his watch and sighed. He hadn't slept all night. He couldn't sleep. After his meeting with Lou Pearlman, he had returned to the compound and was debriefed by Johnny and Melinda for nearly four hours.
He told them everything about his meeting with the "mysterious stalker", from revealing the stalker's identity of Lou Pearlman to laying out his final demands. Melinda was furious. She wanted to confront Pearlman and have him arrested for stalking and blackmail. Johnny, on the other-hand, was far calmer. He listened intently as Michael replayed the events of the evening. Occasionally he would jot down a few notes or ask a question.
In the end, Johnny offered his unconditional support of Michael. "This is your life and your decision." He had stated. "Take a couple of days and think about what you want to do. I'll work out what our options will be with either decision. And you know the guys will support you if you decided to fight Pearlman."
That had surprised Michael. He had been certain that his course of action was clear. He would have to protect the reputation and image of Nsync and comply with Pearlman's demands. But Johnny's unwavering support had given Michael another option. And sometimes, that doesn't always make the situation easier. Now, he had to decide.
Michael came to a stop at the end of the dock area and sat down; letting his feet dangle over the water. He let out a long sigh and looked out into the distance. Seven days. He had seven days to make a decision that would not only affect his life, but the life of an entire franchise. And Lance. Michael was only certain of one thing at this moment...he loved Lance.
"There you are." Michael's thoughts were interrupted by the deep southern voice of his lover, Lance Bass.
"Hey." Michael replied weakly, not turning around.
Lance sat down directly behind Michael. Wrapping his arms around his lover's torso, he pulled Michael back till he was sitting between Lance's legs.
Feeling Lance's arms around him, Michael melted back into the singer's chest and rested his head on his shoulder. "You're up early." He smiled. "What time did you get in?"
Lance placed a gentle kiss on the back of Michael's neck before answering. "I think JC and Rob dumped me into bed around two or three. The sun woke me up and I noticed that you weren't in bed. I came out here after checking your room."
"I couldn't sleep."
"Where were you last night?" Lance questioned. "I waited for you all night at the club and you didn't show."
Michael took a minute to think about his answer before opening his mouth. "I'm sorry, babe. I got caught up in some business that I couldn't get away from." He said calmly. "Trust me, I would have rather been with you."
"You okay?" Lance's concern was apparent in his voice.
Michael closed his eyes and sighed. "Yeah. I'm okay." He replied, and then attempted to change the subject. "Did you get the birthday present I left you?"
Lance laughed a little. "Yeah, I nearly slept on it." He answered, pulling a small velvet box from his pocket. "I didn't open it yet. Wanted to wait for you."
Michael watched as Lance brought the small box out in front of them and opened the lid. Nestled inside the box was a sterling silver and gold ring. Michael smiled as Lance eased the ring out of the box.
"Is there something you'd like to ask me, Mr. McCall?" Lance asked, looking over the ring.
"Yes, Mr. Bass." Michael grinned. "Will you..." Michael raised his eyebrows and stifled a laugh seeing the look of surprise on his lover's face. "...Forgive me for my choice of inscription inside the ring?"
Lance looked inside the ring and read the inscription. "Every word I say is true...this I promise you. All my love, M." Lance quickly kissed Michael's cheek. "What's wrong with that?"
"I've always given you a hard time about using your own song lyrics when you tell me you love me." Michael stated. "And the first time I inscribe something for you, I can't think of anything better than the lyrics to one of your songs."
Lance smiled and placed the ring on his right ring finger. "Says something about the song, doesn't it." With that, he turned Michael's chin towards him and placed a loving kiss on his lips. "Thank you. It's beautiful."
Michael pulled Lance closer to him and they kissed passionately for a few minutes. Michael ended the kiss and placed a quick kiss on Lance's nose. "I love you."
"I love you, too."
The two sat in silence for a while, just watching the water and the birds in the sky. Lance broke the stillness by kissing Michael's neck once again. The first kiss was near Michael's right ear. Lance eased his lips down and kissed the nape of Michael's neck before gently biting and again kissing the area.
Michael let out a contented sound and smiled. "Do you ever wish that we could just get away from everything?" He asked. "I mean really get away from fans, publicists, the guys and all that."
Lance nibbled on Michael's earlobe. "Well..." he said between kisses. "I was actually going to surprise you with this...but...I've rented a cabin in Colorado for our Anniversary."
Michael sat up a little and looked back into his lover's eyes. "Really?"
Lance chuckled a little at Michael's reaction. "Yeah." He nodded. "The tour will be over and we'll have about a week off. I've made all the arrangements. No one will know where we are, we'll be all alone."
Michael smiled and eased back into Lance's arms. "Sounds like a dream."
Lance gently bit Michael's neck again. "I had a dream last night."
"Oh did you, now." Michael laughed.
"I'll tell you about it if you come back to the room and make love to me." Lance whispered into his lover's ear.
"You'll wake everyone up!" Michael joked.
Lance sat back in mock hurt. "Are you saying I can't be quiet when we make love?"
Michael turned to face the singer with a smile. "You said it, not me."
Lance stood as he laughed. "Can I help it that you bring me to such heights of passion that I just have to let the world know?"
"Please!" Michael rolled his eyes. "Let me get the hip boots."
Lance pulled Michael to his feet and into a hug. "I just need to be with you right now." He said, his tone getting a little serious. "With all the stress of the tour lately, the only place that I feel relaxed is in your arms."
Michael's breath caught in his throat. He knew exactly what Lance meant. No matter what his stress or problems, they all seemed to disappear when he was around Lance. And that was exactly what he needed. "I know what you mean, baby." He whispered. "You do seem a little tense. How 'bout a back rub?"
"And...?" Lance asked hopefully.
Michael rolled his eyes again. "Let's do the back rub and see what happens."
Lance placed a kiss on his lover's lips. "Race you!"
Lance and Michael dashed up the stairs to their room. Lance closed and locked the door. Michael looked at the clock by the bed. It was a little past eight. They had almost two hours before Lance had to be in rehearsal.
Lance tossed his empty gift box on the chair next to the bed as he peeled off his clothes and climbed into bed, lying on his stomach. "Now for that rub down," he said.
Michael smiled and shook his head as he took off his own clothes and spread them across the back of the chair. He got out some baby lotion and condoms, and placed them on the nightstand. Sitting down on the bed beside Lance, he squirted some lotion into his hands and began massaging his lover's muscular back.
"Mm, that feels good, babe," he moaned.
After about fifteen minutes of massaging his back, Michael ran his hands over Lance's smooth, tight, bottom. Michael smiled, admiring Lance's tan, but there was a small area just around his mid-section that was still white, where the bikini swim briefs he wore, covered. His smile widened as he traced his fingers around the outside of the white area.
Michael got more lotion and massaged Lance's buttocks before running his hands down each of his strong tanned legs. He didn't have much hair on them either. After spending several minutes on his legs, Michael massaged his feet.
Michael leaned down to kiss him on the bottom, then kissed his way up his lover's back and kissed him on the cheek. "I love you," he whispered. "Roll over so I can do your front."
"Mm," he moaned, rolling over on his back.
Lance clasped his hands behind his head and closed his eyes. Michael massaged his strong chest and watched his handsome face. He didn't fall asleep, but Michael thought he was going to a few times. By the time Michael got to his stomach, he noticed that the blood began to fill his lover's organ. Michael spent the same amount of time on his front as he had his back. Bypassing his mid-section, Michael massaged each leg and foot. Then he made his way back up his right leg. When Michael reached the top of Lance's right leg, his organ was fully engorged.
Michael gently kissed the head and whispered, "Now for the blow job."
Lance moaned as Michael flicked his tongue across the base of the head. Michael kissed the back of it down to his sack and nuzzled his sack, burying his nose in his soft brown bush. Michael traced the white line from one side of his body to the other with his tongue, stopping only for a moment to kiss his lover's organ in the center.
Taking the head in his mouth, Michael gently flicked his tongue across the base of the head again. Michael stroked Lance's rod with his hand while sucking with his mouth.
"Mm, uh, oh," Lance moaned. He placed his hands on the back of Michael's head. Michael watched Lance's facial expressions as he pressed him farther down on his rod. His eyes were closed; his mouth open just a little.
"Oh, yeah, baby..." he gasped.
Michael could feel him getting close. He released Lance's organ from his hand and sucked as hard as he could with just his mouth.
"Uhn. Oh, yeah, Michael," the singer moaned. "I'm coming, baby," he gasped.
Michael watched his lover raise his eyebrows. He looked almost in pain. Lance pulled his hips back and pressed them forward, shoving his rod into Michael's mouth. He opened his mouth to let out the cry he always did, but realized he would wake up his band mates and clamped his mouth shut and moaned as he blasted his hot load down Michael's throat.
Lance pulled Michael up to lay beside him and kissed him gently on the lips, licking up what he hadn't been able to swallow. "I love you, Michael," he whispered. "That was great."
"I love you, too, Lance."
They lay holding each other, kissing gently, loving and tenderly for a few minutes, then Lance rolled Michael onto his back and grinned down at him. "See?" he said. "I can be quiet."
Michael smiled. "I noticed that," he replied before rolling Lance onto his back.
Michael bent down and kissed Lance again, gently on the lips. Their kisses were full of passion and love. Lance looked up at Michael with love in his eyes. He ran his hand over Michael's smooth back, resting it on his bare hip.
Michael kissed him on the cheek, and then moved to his neck. Rising up, he scooted down a little, pressing his body against Lance's right leg. Michael kissed his lover's neck and chest, and then let his hot tongue flick across his erect nipple. Michael moaned and he kissed his way further down.
Michael grinned at Lance. "Ready?" he asked.
"Mm hum," Lance moaned, pulling Michael toward him by putting his hands on his hips.
Michael pushed Lance's legs up to his sides and gently pressed his hard cock into his ass. He eased himself in and pressed all the way up until Lance could feel his soft pubic hair against his cheeks.
"Oh, baby, you're so tight," he moaned, lying down on top of me.
"It's been a while," Lance gasped. He reached up kissed Michael gently on the lips. "I love you, honey," he whispered.
"I love you," Michael replied with a loving smile. Slowly, he began to pump.
As Michael pulled out, Lance pulled his hips back, and then they met half way, pressing Michael deep inside him. This was one of the many things Lance loved about Michael, always slow, easy, tender and loving. Just the way he needed him to.
Lance loved the feel of Michael's body on top of his as they made love. They kissed gently as they tenderly made love. Michael began to speed up and Lance could tell he was getting close. Lance held him tight and kept their lips locked.
Michael stuck his tongue in Lance's mouth and Lance sucked it hard. Michael rose up and grinned at his lover. Lance pulled him back down and kissed him passionately. Lance knew he was close. He sped up some more. Lance felt Michael expand inside of him. Lance continued to kiss him hard on the mouth. Michael let out a muffled cry as he reached his climax as they continued to kiss.
Collapsing on top of Lance, Michael gasped for air. "Is it just me, or does it get better each time?" he said and kissed Lance gently on the neck.
"Me, too," Lance chuckled.
Michael sighed blissfully and kissed Lance again. Rising up, he looked over to the clock, which read nine-thirty. "I didn't realize how tired I was," he said, lying back down on next to Lance.
Holding him and kissing him gently, Lance ran his hands over his strong back. "I love you, Michael," he said. "Get some sleep."
"I love you, too, Lance," he replied. "Good night." Michael's head fell onto the pillow as he let sleep take over his body.
"I'll be here when you wake up." Lance placed a gentle kiss on Michael's forehead before slipping into the bathroom for a shower.
May 9, 2000 Biloxi, Mississippi
--Journal Entry, May 9, 2000. It's the first day of the tour. I should be excited, but I just can't convince myself that it's anything to be happy about. I have four days to decide how I want to deal with Lou Pearlman's demands. Do I give in and leave everything and everyone I love to go work for him, or do I take a refuse him and potentially destroy the lives of four men that I've come to think of my brothers and the man that I love more than life itself. Half the time I believe that this choice is a no-brainer. Protect Lance and the guys. It's the right thing to do. But then I stop and think of the consequences.
--I've been successful in keeping this from the guys. Lance knows that something is up. He tells me that he can see trouble in my eyes. Thankfully he hasn't pushed the issue. Unlike Melinda. She's not letting up. Whenever we are alone, she wants to talk about it. She feels that I should call Pearlman's bluff. Take a stand...take the risk. Then have him arrested for blackmail and stalking. Something tells me that it's not that easy. A man like Pearlman has the resources to cover up what he's done and come out clean. In order for me to bring him down I would need something on him that he couldn't snake his way out of him. And what are the chances of that? --
Michael sat back from his computer and rubbed his eyes. It had been a long week for everyone involved with the tour. Between all the rehearsals and photo shoots, none of them had been allotted any free time. Which was good for Michael. He had been able to take some time away from Lance to really think about the choice in front of him.
--Johnny is still incredibly supportive. He has reassured me that he is prepared for whichever choice I make. But I know that he would rather not have to go through the publicity nightmare that would attack if I choose to take a stand against Pearlman. Who would? --
"I don't know, Lance..." Joey stated from his place on the stage. "Michael looks fine to me. Maybe he's just tired."
Lance's gaze moved from Joey out to the audience seating where Michael was working on his laptop. The blond shook his head. "Something is wrong, Joe." Lance whispered. "He's been quiet and distant lately."
"Maybe he just needs a pick me up." Chris added with a wicked grin.
Joey playfully pushed Lance's shoulder. "Yeah, you should put out for the boy. He is your boyfriend."
Lance groaned and rolled his eyes. "I'm serious, guys. Something is bugging him."
Chris stood up and wiggled his eyebrows. "I'll go bring a smile to his face." With that, the elder member of Nsync dashed off the stage.
Lance and Joey sat in silence for a moment just watching Michael type in the distance. Joey's gaze moved from Michael to Lance.
"You're really worried, aren't you." He said.
Lance looked down at the stage floor and nodded solemnly. He hadn't noticed that he had been absentmindedly rubbing the ring that Michael had given him for his birthday. "Even when we are alone, he seems so far away." Lance whispered. "We haven't made love in almost a week."
"Too much information there, Scoop!" Joey laughed. "But seriously...Give him some space, Lance. We've had a rough schedule lately. He could just be tired. I'm sure things will change after we open tonight."
"I hope so." Lance smiled weakly.
--Well, I can't sit around anymore. I need to make this decision soon. And I hope to God that it's the right one. --
Michael saved his journal document and started to shut down his laptop. He looked up towards the stage and saw Lance staring at him. He could see the concern in his lover's eyes. "Damn." Michael thought. "I'd better start acting like nothing is wrong before his worrying gets out of hand."
Michael made eye contact with Lance and smiled. After a minute, Lance returned the smile. Michael shook his head a little and mouthed, "I love you."
He could see the veil of concern lift a little as Lance's smile broadened and he returned the sentiment. Then he noticed that Lance's gaze had moved from him to something just over his shoulder. Michael raised an eyebrow in question and began to turn to investigate. Unfortunately, he was too late.
The shocking feeling of ice cold water down the back of his shirt caused Michael to jump to his feet. He whirled around to see Chris holding an empty cup in his hand and a large grin plastered on his face.
"Chris!" Michael growled.
"Game on!" Chris laughed as he took off at a run.
Michael started to laugh watching the singer take off back stage. "You better believe its on, Kirkpatrick!" Michael scooped up his computer and looked back to the stage. Lance was still there, but now he was laughing. "Good. He's laughing. I can't let him catch on."
"Hey!" Lance waved him over. "Where you going?"
Michael walked over to the stage and shrugged his shoulders. "Nowhere in particular right now." He answered. "I've got to get things set up for tonight's meet and greet."
Lance hopped off the edge of the stage and walked over to Michael. "Need help?"
"Nah." He smiled. "Aren't you supposed to be meeting your mom?"
Lance hit his forehead with his hand. "Shit! I almost forgot."
Michael laughed a little. "Meet up with you later?"
Lance glanced around to make sure no one was looking before placing a quick kiss on Michael's cheek. "Like you need to ask." With that, the singer jogged off.
Michael watched Lance disappear behind the stage. His smile faded and his gaze moved over the empty arena. His green eyes landed on the large image of Nsync hanging over the stage. A sigh escaped his lips and he squared his shoulders. "I know what I need to do." He whispered.
Later:
JC Chasez awakened to find himself in a darkened dressing room. He took a moment to get his bearings and look around the room. He was sitting on the couch with his boyfriend, Rob watching a movie. The lights of the television moved over Rob's face and seemed to give his skin an eerie movement that was very hypnotic. JC looked over at Rob and smiled, taking in his good looks. The same thing that had captured his attention the first time they had met. He could feel his hormones taking control and his blood began to stir frantically in his veins! JC sat up and adjusted himself, trying to force his gaze back into the TV screen. But like a magnet, he was drawn back to look at his lover, and he saw Rob look back at him
Rob knew when JC was hot and bothered, he could sense it a mile away! He winked at JC, making it worse, and a huge smile broke out on his face. Rob scooted down on the floor and silently offered for JC to join him. JC looked at his watch, wondering if they had enough time for what was about to happen. Logic said that they shouldn't, but JC's heart and body were in control now...his head was simply an innocent bystander at this point. With a small sigh, he eased himself onto the floor.
Rob scooted closer to JC right away and the blue light from the television flickered across their faces. JC could feel Rob's breath on his face and he leaned in to him to taste his sweet lips. They kissed for a few minutes, JC's body feeling the awesome rush of adrenaline from its erotic pleasure, and their tongues rolled over each other sensually. JC felt Rob's hand move down his chest and rub the crotch of his jeans! JC broke the lip lock involuntarily as his head snapped back and a moan escaped his throat.
Rob massaged JC's cock through the fabric of his pants, while gently kissing his way around the singer's Adam's apple and down to his chest. Rob unzipped JC and his hand found his way into JC's zipper, releasing his aching cock from it's prison at last and giving it an affectionate squeeze. JC was in heaven! His head was swimming with feelings of raw passion and lust! The singer waited impatiently as Rob licked at his tight nipples, knowing that soon his cock would be buried in the heat and moisture of Rob's beautiful mouth!
The door to the dressing room swung open suddenly and they heard Joey's voice as he walked into the room. "Hey! Why's it so dark in here?" Joey turned on the lights and stopped dead in his tracks! His mouth hung open and his eyes popped out like a cartoon drawing! JC and Rob jumped up hurriedly, but they had already been caught! In fact JC's dick was still hanging out of his pants! The entire room froze for what seemed like an eternity, and then Joey started to laugh.
"Put it back in your pants, Romeo!" He laughed as he walked over to the television and stopped the movie. "Since you guys are obviously not watching the movie, I'm gonna turn on the Dreamcast."
Rob stifled a laugh as JC quickly shoved his now softening cock back into his pants and moved back onto the couch. Rob followed suit and placed a small kiss on his lover's cheek. "We'll have to finish this later."
"Yeah." JC mumbled in a disappointed tone. "Whatever."
Joey flashed a smile over his shoulder as the game began. "Don't pout sleepy!"
"Shut up!" JC tossed a pillow at his friend.
Rob smiled and rested his head on his lover's shoulder. "We can just forget that Joey's here and continue anyway."
"Nah." JC smiled as he placed his arm over Rob's shoulder. "He'd just want to join us."
"Ewwww!" Joey and Rob squirmed at the same time.
"Hey guys!" Michael McCall smiled, walking into the dressing room.
"MIKEY!" Joey squealed like a girl.
"Hey, Michael! Join us?" Rob waved his friend over to the couch.
Michael plopped down next to Rob and glanced over at the game Joey was playing. "Crazy Taxi?"
"Yup!" Joey nodded, not turning from the screen.
"What are you up to, Michael?" JC asked.
Michael leaned back into the couch and sighed. "Just taking a quick break." He answered. "I've got everything set up for the meet and greet. I just need to verify a couple of things for the Make-a-wish kids."
The room fell silent for a few minutes. Only the sound of Joey's game filling the void. Rob sighed and nestled himself closer to JC. Michael let his head fall to the back of the couch and closed his eyes.
The silence was quickly broken by the arrival of Lance. "Hey." He called as he entered the room. "What's up guys?"
"Hey Lance!" Rob smiled.
"Hey Scoop!" JC waved.
Michael opened his eyes and held his arms open. "Come over here and give me a hug."
A smile grew over Lance's face as he quickly moved into his lover's arms and allowed himself to be pulled down to the couch. He gently placed his lips to Michael's in a quick kiss. "Miss me?"
Michael rolled his eyes. "You have to ask?"
"Can you keep it down back there?" Joey scolded. "It's bad enough that I walked in on Rob and JC having sex!"
Lance and Michael exchanged a quizzical glance before turning their gaze to the couple sitting next to them.
"Don't ask!" JC warned them off with a look.
Michael shook his head with a smile and pulled Lance closer to him. "How's your mom?"
"She's fine." Lance settled back against Michael. "She expects you for dinner though."
"Okay, that won't be a problem." Michael answered. "I'll just make sure..."
"Ok, this has gone TOO far!" Chris said barging into the dressing room.
"What?" The rest of the guys said staring at Chris wondering what he was talking about.
"How many time have I got to tell you . . .?" Chris moaned, turning back to the door as Justin entered the dressing room and plopped down onto the couch between the two couples.
Everyone stared blankly at the youngest member of Nsync. The mop of curls that usually adorned his head was gone. Replaced by tightly braided cornrows. The singer smiled innocently as he picked up a magazine and ignored the stares of his friends.
"JUSTIN YOU ARE NOT BLACK!!!" Chris exclaimed at the top of his voice.
"Oh, that's it! You better run!" Justin said getting up from his place on the couch.
"Go get em white boy!" Rob said laughing as Justin ran after Chris. "OW!" Rob screamed as a pillow was tossed at his head from the running Justin.
"Hey! Don't hit my man!" JC said taking the pillow and chucking it back at Justin, hitting him in the back of the head.
"Five second head start!" Justin yelled stopping dead in his tracks as JC got up and headed out into the hallway.
"Hey Aunt Jamima! Over here!" Chris said hiding behind Joey, tossing another pillow at Justin.
"Don't you go and hide behind me!" Joey ordered, trying to continue his game.
"If I get hit I'm gonna kick your short little ass!" Joey said moving out the line of fire.
"Wuss!" Chris said kicking Joey in the ass.
JC appeared back in the doorway grinning from ear to ear. Justin and Chris looked at each other with gleams in their eyes.
"Are they gonna team up against Josh?" Rob leaned over to Lance and Michael.
"Yup!" Lance said as Chris and Justin nodded at each other.
"Now Joey's gonna run into the hall with Josh and they're gonna go screaming down the corridor while Justin and Chris go chasing after them!" Michael whispered into Rob's ear, knowing his friends all too well.
"Now!" Justin shouted as Joey took off for the door along with JC.
"Get back here you chicken shit!" Chris yelled as he and Justin took off in hot pursuit of their two friends.
"Happens every time!" Lance laughed as he Michael and Rob were the only ones left in the room.
Britney Spears strolled through the maze of hallways looking for the room that had been set up as the production office for the venue. She glanced down at her watch and cursed under her breath. She was late and she knew it.
"Michael's gonna kill me." She sighed.
Britney rounded another corner and stopped short hearing loud voices coming from the room directly in front of her. Noticing that the door was slightly ajar, she quietly moved forward and tried to make out the voices on the other side of the door.
"I DON'T BELIEVE THIS!!!" A female voice boomed from the room. "AFTER EVERYTHING THEY HAVE DONE FOR YOU!"
"Mel...calm down..." Britney heard the second voice almost whisper.
It took only a moment of calculations for the singer to figure out who was arguing on the other side of the door. "Michael and Mel!" she thought to herself. Her brow furrowed as she continued to listen and attempted to figure out why they were arguing.
"After everything HE has done for you!" Melinda continued. "And you're just gonna give up and leave?!"
"The decision has been made." Michael said, the patience quickly leaving his voice. "This is the only..."
"Who said that this was your decision to make alone?" Melinda shot back.
"Doesn't Lance have a say about what happens..."
"DO YOU THINK THAT THIS IS EASY FOR ME?!" The sudden raising of Michael's voice caused Britney to jump back from the door.
There was a pause and Britney heard Michael take in a breath. "Do you think that it is easy for me to walk away from the man that I love more than life itself? Do you think that it's easy for me to walk away from a job that I could have only dreamed about? Even just thinking about leaving this life I have built up and betray the five men who have become my family has torn me up inside. I haven't slept in days."
Britney could now see Michael through the door. He was standing near the window overlooking the arena. She could see the tears making their way down his cheek. "What is going on?" she thought to herself."
Michael turned from the window and looked back to Melinda. "I know what he has done for me in the past year. I know what they all have done for me. That's why I have to do this. Because I couldn't live with myself watching them deal with the consequences."
"But you shouldn't give up." Melinda stated. Britney could hear the pleading and near desperation in her voice. "Not like this."
"Mel..." Michael shook his head. "I don't have a choice. Pearlman has me by the balls. This is the only way."
"Fuck Pearlman!" Melinda's voice began to rise again.
"NO!" Michael stated loudly. "He can end their careers. Right now there is nothing else I can do. I have to do what he..."
Britney had heard enough. She had to find out exactly what was going on. She pushed the door open and stormed into the room. "What the hell is going on here?!"
Michael and Melinda turned to the door in surprise. Melinda was the first to recover. "Britney?" She stammered. "What are you doing here?"
"What's going on?" Britney repeated, her hands resting on her hips.
Michael quickly attempted to wipe the tears from his eyes and bolted for the door. "Nothing is going on, Brit."
Britney reached for Michael's arm as he passed but missed. "Michael...wait." She called after him.
"Let him go." Mel sighed in a defeated tone.
Britney's gaze landed on the woman in front of her. "What just happened here?"
Michael made his way down the hall at a near run. He could hear Britney's footsteps behind him. He let out a breath and turned down the nearest passageway. It didn't matter where it went...he just needed to get away.
"Michael?" He heard Britney calling him. "Wait!"
Michael made one more quick turn and stopped short at a dead in. He growled in anger and hit the wall in front of him with his fists. "Damn it!"
Hearing Britney getting closer, Michael turned and rested his head on the wall. "I don't want to talk about it, Brit."
Britney rounded the corner and stopped behind Michael. She took a minute to catch her breath before saying anything. "What's going on?" She finally asked. "Why were you and Melinda arguing?"
Michael closed his eyes to fight back the tears that had been building. "It was nothing." He whispered.
"The Hell it was nothing!" the singer spat. "Something has been up with you since Lance's birthday! Whatever it is, it's starting to affect your work and your relationship with Lance. So, spill it, McCall...tell me what's wrong."
Britney watched Michael closely, waiting for his answer. She saw his shoulder muscles tense up and she braced herself for her friend's reaction. But then, his shoulders relaxed and he turned to face her. Britney felt her heart break seeing the tear stains streaking from her friend's red eyes. She moved forward to him as he leaned back against the wall and allowed himself to slide down to the floor.
"Fine." He whispered in defeat. "I'll tell you everything."
Lance lounged on a couch in the arena's dressing room, thinking about Michael. For the past few days, it seemed that something had been bothering him. While it didn't put much strain on the relationship, it did seem to be distracting his lover. Lance's train of thought was interrupted by a knock on the door. Slightly startled, he took a moment to catch his breath.
"Yes?" the singer called towards the door.
The door opened slowly and Rob poked his head into the room. "Hey, Lance!"
"Hey Rob!" Lance smiled. "JC's not here. I think he might be..."
"That's okay... I've been tracking down all the guys, and wishing you all the best of luck on your first show. Josh is next on my list."
"I'm so glad that you two are back together."
"Me too!" Rob smiled. "I think we might even make it work this time."
"I hope so..." Lance's voice trailed off as his gaze moved from Rob to a picture of Michael taped on the mirror in front of him."
Noticing Lance's dip into melancholy, the dancer continued, "How are things with you doing? Are you nervous?"
"Things are going well. Compared to March, this tour is gonna be a cakewalk." Lance's smile returned. "And as for being nervous, well, I'm more excited then anything else. I mean, we're kicking off the tour in my home state. How awesome is that! But there is one thing that's been bothering me..."
"What's wrong?"
"Well, I don't know." The singer looked back to the photo. " Michael...he's been acting kind of weird lately. He hasn't said anything to you has he? He seems a little preoccupied lately. I can't put my finger on it, but I just don't know..."
"I wouldn't worry too much about it Lance" Rob smiled. "I mean, it's probably a case of nerves. With the tour starting and all, I am sure that he's just a little nervous about the whole thing. Anyway...you two, are just perfect together, and with all you've been through, I am sure that it's really nothing. Relax Mr. Bass, I am sure that it's nothing."
"Yeah, I guess so," Lance said, feeling a little better about the situation. "Well thanks for stopping by, Rob. See you after the show?"
"Of course." Rob grinned. "Now I need to go find JC!"
Michael finished his story and let out a long breath. "That is what has been going on these past few weeks..."
"That bastard." Britney seethed, shaking her head in disbelief. She reached out a hand and placed it on her friend's knee. "What are you going to do?"
"Right now..." Michael began. "I'm going to do what he's asking. I'm going to leave in three days without explanation."
"But..."
Michael placed a hand on top of Britney's. "Brit, it's the only thing I can do right now. Until I have the means to fight back, I just have to do what is best for the guys."
Britney let her head rest on her friend's shoulder. "I can't even imagine how hard this has been for you." She said softly. "Or what it's going to do to Lance when you leave."
Michael squeezed the singer's hand gently. "That's where you come in." He responded.
Britney sat up and looked into her friend's green eyes. The tears that had been there earlier were gone. What she saw now was determination and maybe even a little hope. "What can I do?"
"I don't buy into Pearlman's belief that my leaving and going to work for him will devastate the guys. I mean...let's be real." Michael smiled faintly. "Lance and I are in love, but I can't see him leaving the group because of me."
Britney nodded slowly and allowed Michael to continue.
"But just in case...I need you to make sure that they come together rather than apart."
"Not a problem." The young singer smiled. "You gonna be okay?"
Michael took a moment to think over the question. "I'll be fine when this whole thing is over...I just need to find a way to get there."
After the concert:
"You've got five minutes!" Lonnie called after JC, noticing that he was heading in the opposite direction of the bus.
"Well then, I'd better make them count!" JC flashed a grin over his shoulder as he ran over to where Rob was standing.
"Five minutes? That's all?!" Rob said a little pissed.
JC placed his hands on Rob's shoulders and smiled. "Yeah, we need get out of here before the fans get out of hand! It's procedure! We usually just roll once we're all on the bus, but they're making an exception just this once!"
Rob looked down at his feet then back up into JC's blue eyes. "So, I guess this is it, huh? Our first separation as a real couple?"
"Yeah, I guess so . . . We'll get through it though! I mean, it's not like we're not going to see each other! We'll be in the same region a few times, not much more than a couple hours away from each other, I'm sure! And when Justin goes to see Brit, I'll go to see you!"
"And vice versa!" Rob nodded.
JC searched his lover's eyes for reassurance. "So . . . it won't be that bad! Right?!"
"Right!"
"Then why do I have a bad feeling about this?" JC whispered.
"Same reason I do!" Rob chuckled. "We're gonna miss each other like fucking crazy!"
"Come on Josh, we gotta get goin!" Lonnie said as he approached, not wanting to interrupt, but knowing he had to.
"I have one more minute!" JC said turning to Lonnie, then turning back to Rob.
"One more minute to do this!" He grabbed Rob and kissed him passionately. Lonnie watched the lovers kiss for a minute before rolling his eyes and closing the gap between himself and the duo. He wrapped an arm around JC's waist and lifted him into the air and over his shoulder.
"I love you." JC smiled to Rob as he was carried away.
--Journal Entry, May 11. 8am. Hey you. It's me, Lance. I woke up this morning and noticed that for the third night in a row you didn't come to bed. I came out here and saw that you had fallen asleep on the couch and left your computer on with your journal open. My first instinct was to do some investigating to see if I could find out what's been bothering you these past couple of weeks...but I just couldn't bring myself to read your journal. So I just decided to write an entry in hopes that you would read this and know how worried I am about you right now.--
Lance sat back from the computer and looked over to where Michael was sleeping on the couch. A smile crossed his face as he took a moment to watch the rise and fall of his lover's chest as he slept.
--I'm sitting here watching you sleep as I type this. I know that it makes you blush when I say this...but you are so beautiful! I don't think I've ever taken the time to just sit and watch you sleep. I can tell that you're dreaming by the way your eyes are moving underneath your eyelids...lol. It must be a nice dream since your face looks so peaceful. So relaxed. I can only hope that you are dreaming about me.
--You've been real distant lately. Is everything okay? I'm worried about you, baby. I'm worried about us. We haven't had any time alone since the tour began...we haven't made love since the day after my birthday. Have I done something wrong? Have I upset you in some way? Whatever the problem is, I'm sure that together, we can beat it.--
Lance rubbed his eyes and took a quick drink of orange juice. He looked over to make sure that Michael was still asleep before continuing.
--I don't know if I've told you lately, but I love you so much. I can't imagine what my life would be like without you in it. This past year has been quite an adventure for me both professionally and personally. I've discovered so much about myself. And a large part of that is due to you. I have so much to thank you for. I love you and want to spend the rest of my life with you. I don't care what the cost.
--Please know that I'm here for you. I want to help you through whatever it is that you are going through right now. And if you don't feel like you can tell me about it...then know that I'm still here for you. Whatever you need. Even if its just someone to hold you while you cry or think or whatever. I love you, Michael McCall, and nothing will change that.--
Lance saved the journal entry and left it on the screen for Michael to read when he woke up. The singer stood from the table and walked over to the couch. He gently leaned over and placed a kiss on his lover's cheek before quietly heading back to his bed.
"Hey guys!" Justin smiled entering the dressing room. The young singer took a quick minute to look over the room. Chris was sitting at the desk looking at FuManSkeeto designs while Joey was sitting on the floor playing video games.
"What's up, Curly?" Chris asked, taking a break from his designs.
Justin walked over and sat in a chair near his friend. "Not much." He answered, absentmindedly glancing at the clothing designs. "Have you noticed anything wrong with Lance and Michael lately?"
Chris sighed and shook his head. "Lance has been real paranoid lately. He really thinks that something's up with Michael."
"Bah!" Joey called over his shoulder. "Mikey's fine. He's just overworked like the rest of us."
The door of the dressing room opened and JC walked in. He quietly waved to everyone while listening to the conversation.
"Scoop is just uptight because he hasn't gotten any lately." Joey continued.
"I don't know, Joey." Justin added. "Michael has been acting distant lately."
JC cocked an eyebrow at his friend. "Really? I hadn't noticed."
Justin leaned forward to JC with concern on his face. "Could you talk to him, JC? You're closer to him than any of us. I just don't want to see Lance hurt."
JC nodded at the young singer. "I'll talk to him, Justy. Don't worry."
--Journal Entry, May 11. 11:45pm. Finally, the day is over. It's been a long one. The guys all went out to eat and relax since the buses don't have to take off till 2am. I decided to stay back so I can get some rest and get some packing done. I've packed up everything that I could without drawing suspicion from anyone.--
Michael looked around the darkened bus to make sure that he hadn't left anything out in the open. He took a quick drink of water and continued to type.
--It's hard to believe that tomorrow is the day I leave. The day that I begin my servitude with Lou Pearlman. The day that I break up with Lance.... I still don't know how I'm going to do it yet. I don't think that there's an easy way for me to do this. He's been so concerned for me lately. I noticed that he typed in my journal this morning. The things he said...I'm going to miss him so much.--
Michael rubbed his eyes as he saved his journal and shut down his computer. Once the computer was completely off, he stood and walked through the rec room towards the bunks. He peeled off his shirt and silently climbed into his bunk.
Michael grabbed his pillow and rolled over to face the wall. Just before he shut his eyes, his gaze fell upon the photo on the wall next to him. It was a picture of Lance and him sitting near the water at the Nsync compound. They were both smiling and looking deeply into each other's eyes. He let out a small sigh as he closed his eyes to sleep.
The sound of someone walking the hallway of the bus brought Michael back to consciousness. He opened his eyes and quickly rolled over as the drape of his bunk slid open.
"There you are!" Lance's smiling face poked through the drape. "You didn't join us for dinner. I thought I'd check up on you."
Michael smiled weakly. "I was just tired. Thought I'd get some sleep."
Lance looked into Michael's eyes and nodded. "Be right back."
The drape of the bunk slid closed and Michael could hear the rustling of Lance taking off his clothes. After a minute, Lance slipped into the bunk dressed only in his boxer briefs.
"Scoot." He ordered with a smile as he snuggled in next to Michael. Once Lance was situated, he rolled over to face his lover and said, "Hi."
Michael shook his head and chuckled lightly. "Hey."
"We haven't had much time alone together lately." Lance said softly.
Michael propped himself up on his elbow and shrugged his shoulders. "Well, we've both been busy."
Lance touched his hand to Michael's cheek. "I've missed you."
Michael's head instinctively melted into his lover's hand and he placed a gentle kiss on his wrist. "I've missed you too."
Silence filled the bunk as the lovers stared into each other's eyes. Lance's green eyes took Michael's breath away and his lips invited him in way that made him weak. Lance didn't say a word for a long time; they just lay there and stared into each other's eyes...into each other's souls. Lance's love for Michael became a powerful vortex and Michael was helpless to escape its pull. The singer's gorgeous features seemed to melt before Michael's very eyes and become even more beautiful!
Lance bit his lip gently and it sped up Michael's once steady heartbeat. He suddenly felt himself start to get hard. This was exactly what he had been trying to avoid the past few days. To make love to Lance then leave the next day...It wouldn't be fair to Lance. He fought the erection as long as he could, but it refused to stay down. Michael's mouth went dry as Lance leaned forward and kissed him.
Lance's lips were so soft and warm. His kiss was so gentle, yet firm...it sent Michael soaring into orbit. He placed his hands delicately onto the sides of Michael's face as they pressed their lips together a little more forcefully. Michael felt guilty, deceitful, like the whole world would hate him once this kiss was over. But...that actually added to the pleasure of it. He wanted to stop, but his body kept telling him that he had gone this far and that he should just keep going. Michael was trying to fight the sensual joy of it all, but he was lost once Lance's tongue entered his mouth!
Michael could feel him breathing on his cheek, and soon he was being rolled over onto his back. Michael felt Lance's hand worm down between them and grab a hold of his waistband. He reached down to push Lance's hand away, but as soon as his lover rubbed up against his throbbing cock, he was powerless to stop him! Lance reached into Michael's boxers and was massaging his fleshy hard on with his expert hand! The tingling in Michael's cock swept over his entire body as his lover's electric touch breathed new life into him. It had been so long since they had been together like this.
Michael's kissing became instinctively more passionate and Lance moaned in appreciation. He was breathing so hard, and holding onto Michael as though he was the only thing that mattered in his life.
Lance was trembling, and it made Michael's skin pucker up with goose bumps. He went down Michael's body, placing tender kisses on his nipples and chest. Michael knew what was happening, and still wanted to stop. Michael wanted to run out into the street and escape this hormonal torture! But he couldn't.
All he could think of were all the times he and Lance had made love and that this was possibly his last chance to be with him. When Lance's textured tongue reached out and licked the tip of Michael's pulsating member...he could only push his lover's head down further.
Lance licked and nursed at Michael's balls for an eternity. He sucked him into his mouth, one testicle at a time, and ran his tongue over the swelling orbs. His fingertips ran up and down his lover's thighs in rhythm with his tongue. Then he licked the underside of Michael's shaft. Michael gasped aloud, finding that it was hard to keep from cumming right then and there!
Lance then took Michael's entire length into his mouth and sucked him breathless. His slippery wet mouth was blazing hot and his tongue danced circles around the sensitive head of his lover's cock.
Michael felt his stomach muscles tighten up to the point of cramping as his legs kicked and squirmed involuntarily underneath him. Tears began to form in his eyes and he fought to hold them back. He had come this far. Now was not the time to break down in front of Lance. He gasped for breath and attempted to push all thought out of his head and just enjoy the pleasure Lance was giving him.
He lost himself in the pleasure of Lance's mouth. It felt so good that he actually had two "false alarms" before his real orgasm began taking his body over. Michael stiffened up and his legs shook like crazy as he came into Lance's mouth! Lance felt the first jet hit the back of his throat and started sucking really hard! He placed his tongue over the slit, forcing his lover's jism to spray the hot walls of his mouth like a fire hose out of control.
Michael's arms fell down at his sides and he grabbed two handfuls of the bunk sheets to try to regain some control of his body again. Lance was still sucking Michael like a high-powered vacuum, draining him of his energy like a vampire! Michael's cock was jerking with painful sensitivity!
Lance started working his tongue quickly over the circumcised ridge and his lover's body began thrashing wildly! Michael begged him to stop, it felt too good! He thought that he'd die from the pleasure overload! He couldn't even breathe!
Then, it was over. Michael hated himself, as the tears finally won the battle and he began to sob. The guilt took over and he wished that he could take it all back. Lance lovingly crawled on top of Michael and kissed him on the tip of his nose with a childish grin. The singer raised himself up, noticing that Michael was crying.
"Baby, what's wrong?"
Michael tried to avoid Lance's gaze. "N-n-nothing." He answered between sobs.
"You've been acting weird for weeks, Michael." Lance sighed, moving to a seated position. "Talk to me...tell me what's wrong."
Michael rolled away from Lance and faced the wall. He wanted more than anything to tell Lance about Lou and the blackmail and that he had to leave...but he knew that wasn't possible. "I told you...nothing's wrong." He whispered. "I don't want to talk...I'm just tired."
Lance's frustration got the best of him. "Dammit, Michael!" he grunted, getting out of the bunk and hitting the wall with his fist. "Don't do this!"
The sudden volume and frustration in Lance's voice took Michael by surprise. He wiped his eyes and thought for a moment. His eyes wandered back to the photo of him and Lance. He reached a hand out to touch the photo. "God help me." He whispered.
Michael swallowed hard and quickly rolled out of the bed. He planted his feet firmly on the floor and stood nose to nose with Lance. "Hope this works." He thought to himself.
Taking a deep breath, Michael squared his shoulders and hoped for the best.
"Don't do what?!" he raised his voice to match Lance's. "Don't be tired? Don't sleep? Well excuse me, Mr. Bass if my stamina isn't up to your approval!"
Lance took a step back in surprise. "What?" he asked. "I didn't say that. I just want to know what's wrong. You haven't been yourself."
Michael let out a loud groan. "And what am I supposed to be? Am I supposed to drop to my knees every time you have a free moment? It doesn't work that way! I've got a job too, remember!" He yelled, cringing with every word. "Don't you think its possible for me to have a bad day every now and then?"
"Whoa!" Lance retorted. "Back up a second, Michael!" The singer could feel the tears running down his cheeks as he tried to take control of the situation. "Forgive me for caring! I just want to know what's wrong so I can help you! What is so wrong with that?!"
Michael shook his head and reached for his shorts. "Dammit, Lance!" He barked while getting dressed. "I said I didn't want to talk about it! And I meant that!"
"Michael..." The tone of the singer's voice had gone from frustration to desperation. "Just talk to me...Whatever it is, we can work through it together."
"Are you hard of hearing, Bass?!" Michael yelled through his tears. "I DON'T WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT!"
Michael's voice echoed through the bus. The two lovers stood facing each other trying to catch their breath through their tears. Michael finally broke the silence.
"I'm sleeping on the other bus tonight." He spat, spinning on his heel and stormed off the bus. Once outside, he leaned back against the bus and gave into his tears once again. "Oh God, Lance..." he whispered into the night. "I am so sorry for that."
The next day:
"Dude, what's up with you and Lance?" JC Chasez laughed as he came up behind Michael in the production office.
Michael turned from his computer. "What?"
JC straddled the chair next to his friend with a small sigh. "You know...you, the blond kid with the green eyes.... What's up with you two?"
Michael bit his lower lip and took a moment to think about his answer. He let out an aggravated groan and rolled his eyes as he turned back to his computer. "I have no idea what you are talking about."
JC cocked an eyebrow at that answer. He stood from his chair, moved behind his friend and wrapped his arms around him in a tight hug. "Now Mr. McCall," the singer whispered into Michael's ear with a smile. "Lance was up crying for most of the night and you slept on a different bus than he did."
"And?" Michael asked, sitting perfectly still.
"Well..." JC placed a kiss on Michael's neck before he continued. "I need to know if you and Lance have broken up."
"Why?"
JC grinned wildly and placed another kiss on Michael's neck. "If you're available, then I can finally make my move on you!"
Michael stood from the chair with a start, breaking JC's hold on him. He spun to face the singer with a bit of anger in his eyes. "Josh!"
JC couldn't contain his laughter anymore and he doubled over, slapping his knee. "HA!" He shouted between laughs. "Had you fooled didn't I?"
Noticing that Michael wasn't laughing, JC stood up and straightened his shirt. "Well...anyway...But seriously, Michael..." He stammered. "Lance is really torn apart over whatever you two fought about last night."
Michael looked down to the floor, unable to meet his friend's gaze. Faking a fight with Lance was hard enough to do; now he had to get through the guys asking questions.
"Look," JC continued. "You guys just need some time to talk. I'm sure whatever it is can be worked out. You guys love each other so much. Nothing can stand in your way."
With that, JC quietly left the room. Michael eased himself back into his chair and returned to his work. "If you only knew, Josh. If you only knew."
Melinda Bell walked through the wings of the arena towards the five men preparing to get harnessed in for their first number.
"Hey guys!" she smiled as she approached.
The producer was greeted with a wide array of "Hey's", "Hi's" and smiles. As a pre-show tradition for the young woman, she hugged each of the guys and placed a quick kiss on their cheeks. She stopped in front of Lance and looked into his eyes. He smiled weakly at her.
"You okay?" she asked.
"I'm great!" he lied. "We've got a show to do! No time for anything else."
Justin Timberlake watched the exchange in silence. He glanced over to the wings and saw Michael looking over some props. The young singer left the group and quickly walked over to Michael. When he was in arm's reach, he grabbed his friend and forcibly turned him and looked down into his eyes.
"Hey!" Michael said in surprise.
Justin leaned in close and spoke softly and sternly. "I don't know what's going on between you and Lance. And quite frankly, at this moment, I don't care." He took a moment to look over at Lance then tightened his grip on Michael. "Just fix it and fix it now."
With that, Justin released his grip on Michael and walked back onto the stage. Michael watched him go and attempted to rub the pain from his arm.
"What was that about?" Melinda questioned as she appeared next to Michael.
Michael looked over to where Lance was standing and felt the tears building in his eyes. "I can't do this, Mel." He whispered. "It's killing me."
Melinda placed a reassuring hand on her friend's shoulder. "It's almost over."
Michael looked to his friend and smiled. "Almost." He repeated. Then to Melinda's surprise, Michael jogged out to the stage where the guys were about to be hoisted into the air.
Michael went to Joey first and wished him a good show, then Chris. He stopped in front of Justin and locked eyes with the young singer. After a brief stare-down, Michael smiled and said, "Have a good show."
Justin looked Michael up and down slowly before easing into one of his patented smiles. He pulled Michael into a hug and said, "Thanks."
Michael pulled back and patted his friend's shoulders. "I'll fix this...I promise."
"No love for me?" JC said with mock hurt, holding his arms open for Michael.
Michael hugged JC and playfully nipped his ear. "Have a good show."
Lance turned away from the group seeing Michael hugging them. He brought his hands up to his eyes and rubbed them tightly to avoid the tears that had appeared.
"Hey." Michael said softly behind his lover.
"Hey." Lance pivoted to face him.
The duo looked at each other for a full minute before slowly moving into a hug. Both of them held tightly onto the other without words. They just held each other.
"Time to go up, guys." The stage manager called from the wings.
As Michael stepped away from Lance, he brushed his lips quickly against his cheek. "As soon as this is over," Michael said. "I'll explain everything to you."
Lance nodded as his was lifted into the air. "I love you."
Michael wiped away the tear running down his cheek. "I love you too."
Melinda walked away from the staging area having just escorted the screaming girls from "Just Got Paid" from the stage. The Nsync producer stopped short at the sudden appearance of the man in front of her. "Michael!" she gasped. "You scared me."
"Sorry."
Melinda stepped back noticing the backpack slung over her friend's shoulder. Her breath caught in her throat and she could feel tears suddenly forming in her eyes as she realized what was about to happen.
"It's time." Michael said softly.
Melinda nodded slowly and took Michael into her arms. She held on to him tightly the tears escaped her eyes and flowed down her cheeks. "They're about to sing promise." She said. "You should stay and hear it."
Michael pulled back with a weak smile. "Nope." He answered quietly. "No sense delaying the inevitable."
"Okay." Melinda forced a smile. "Take care of yourself."
Michael took an envelope from his pocket and handed it to his friend. "Make sure he gets this."
Melinda took the envelope with a nod and watched Michael McCall turn and quickly walk to the exit. She turned her gaze to the stage and the sounds of Nsync's singing. "Good luck." She whispered.
"Let's go! Let's go!" Lonnie called from the door of the bus as the five members of Nsync made their way out of the building. "We've got a plane to catch!"
One by one the guys boarded the bus and headed back to the lounge area. Joey entered and immediately went into the bathroom. JC collapsed on one of the couches and closed his eyes to sleep. Justin turned on the television while Chris went to make popcorn.
Lance jogged back and looked around the room. After taking a quick look he jogged back to his bunk and slid open the drape. Seeing the empty bunk, the singer frowned and walked back to the lounge area.
"Hey Mel?" he called as the bus started moving. "Where's Michael?"
Melinda walked back from the driver's area. Lance could tell that she had been crying. She walked over to him and silently handed him an envelope.
"What's this?" the singer asked.
"Read it."
Lance watched Melinda return to the front of the bus before climbing into his bunk. He opened the envelope and took out the letter inside while he laid down on his back.
--Lance,
I'm sorry that you have to read this in a note. I'm even more sorry that I didn't have the guts to do this in person. If you're reading this note, then I have left. I probably snuck out while you were on stage so I wouldn't have to face you.
You've been right. Something has been up. Something has been bugging me for weeks now. With the tour and everything I didn't want to bother you with my problems. That's what this whole thing is...my problem. It's something I have to take care of on my own...without you.
I don't know how long I will be gone, or if I will ever be back. All I ask is that you don't follow me. You have a tour to worry about. The last thing you need to be doing right now is trying to track me down. Trust me, you won't find me.
I've been preparing for this moment for days now, and I still don't know how to say goodbye to you. I was listening to some of your cd's today and, well...Gloria Estefan said it best:
I'd do anything for you In spite of it all I've learned so much from you You've made me strong But don't you ever think that I don't love you Or for one minute I forgot you But sometimes things don't work out right And you just have to say good-bye
Good-bye, Lance.
Michael--
Lance finished reading the letter and placed the paper on his chest. He fought to catch his breath tears streamed down his face. He rolled towards the wall and stared through tear-filled eyes at the montage of photos of him and Michael that he had taped up. He reached a hand over and gently touched a photo of Michael's smiling face. Curling up into a fetal position, Lance Bass covered his eyes and cried.
The end
There you have it. The end of Lance and Michael: Lance's Love. What did you think?
Before closing, I want to thank all my online friends who have read and supported this story from start to finish. You know who you are!
Is this really the end of Lance and Michael? For now...yes. But in the future? We'll see.
Take care, everyone! And have a great holiday season!
Michael