Lance and Michael

Happy New Year Everyone! Sorry this chapter is so late getting out. But you all know how life is. Enjoy!

This story is completely fictional and I am not in anyway implying that Lance Bass or any members of Nsync are gay. I'd like to take a quick second to thank everyone who emailed their comments and suggestions from Chapter Three. Special thanks to Rob for edits and inspirations. 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 Four "How do I Live Without You?"

Metropolitan Opera House, September 5, 1999

"God!" Justin Timberlake began his tirade as the group entered the halls of the famous opera house. "We just finished our tour yesterday. You'd think we'd at least get one day off!"

Joey Fatone threw an arm over his friend's shoulder and chuckled. "It's okay, Curly. We've only got to be here for about an hour then we have the rest of the day off."

"For you maybe." Michael McCall grinned. "I'm stuck here in rehearsals for at least three hours."

JC had been leading the group through the maze of hallways in silence. As he turned around the final corner that led the guys to the main theatre, a smile grew over his face. "Can you believe it guys? We are gonna perform on this stage!"

The group entered the theatre in awe. The theatre was buzzing with movement. Lights were being hung and focused, Teleprompters set up, sound being checked and production people running everywhere. On stage a group of dancers were rehearsing on what looked like a classroom set. In the center of the stage, a young woman sang and moved with the dancers.

Michael watched her with interest. She moved through the dance effortlessly and sang just as easily. He could see the joy on her face as she performed. Like she was playing with her favorite toy.

The music stopped and the choreographer stepped onto the stage with a commanding presence. "Okay, kids. Take five."

As the dancers moved in various directions to take their break, the young singer glanced over the audience. Seeing the guys of Nsync nearing the stage, she placed her hands on her hips. "Justin Timberlake! You'd better get your happy ass up here and give me a hug!"

Not needing further invitation, Justin sprinted towards the stage and into the singer's arms.

"So, that's Britany Spears." Michael said to Lance as they followed Justin to the stage.

"Yup." Lance said brushing his hand nonchalantly over his lover's back. "Come on, I'll introduce you."

Michael and Lance approached the stage as Justin and Britany finished their kiss. Seeing the blond singer over her boyfriend's shoulder, Britany's eyes lit up and she pushed Justin out of the way.

"Hey Lance!" She chimed wrapping her arms around Lance's neck.

"Hey Brit." Lance returned the hug.

Britany stepped back and nodded in Michael's direction. "Is this him?"

Lance smiled broadly. "Yup." He answered. "Britany Spears, I would like you to meet Michael McCall."

Britany took a moment to size up the man standing next to Lance. "I've heard a lot about you."

Michael extended his right hand. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Britany."

The young singer giggled slightly and pulled Michael into a hug. "Come here." She smiled. Wrapping her arms tightly around the intern, she whispered into his ear. "You taking care of the boy? Cause if you hurt him, you'll answer to me."

Michael stepped cautiously away from Britany, seeing the intensity in her eyes. "Yes, ma'am."

"Britany!" Lance scolded.

Justin placed an arm around Britany's waist and directed her away. "We'll be going now." He grinned. "Haven't seen my sweetie in a while. We've got some catching up to do."

Michael watched the duo leave with some uneasiness. A small chill washed over his neck causing him to shiver. He was sure that Britany was just teasing him, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right in his world.

"Hey." Lance's deep voice snapped Michael back to reality. "You okay?"

Michael looked into Lance's green eyes and smiled. "I'm fine. Introduce me to the choreographer?"

"Sure."

As Michael led Lance across the stage, the choreographer's voice came over the speakers. "Nsync dancers report to the stage."

"Hey, Todd!" Lance called out to the choreographer as they approached.

"Lance!" Todd greeted, extending his hand. "How's the tour?"

"It's over, thank God." Lance smiled. "Todd, this is the last dancer we promised you."

"Hi!" Michael smiled, extending his hand. "Michael McCall."

Todd shook Michael's hand and returned the greeting. "I've heard a lot about you, Michael. Why don't you warm up with the rest of the dancers. We'll start rehearsal in a couple of minutes."

"No problem." Michael responded as Todd headed off stage. Turning to Lance, Michael gave a small smile. "Well, I'd better get started."

Lance took a moment to gaze into his lover's eyes. "I've got to get to my meeting."

Michael grinned seeing Lance fighting the urge to kiss him goodbye. He reached over and patted Lance on the shoulder. "I love you." He whispered before finding a space on the stage to warm-up.

As Michael sat on the stage floor stretching his legs, he was approached by one of the male dancers.

"Hey." The young Latino said, dropping to the floor next to Michael. "I'm Rob."

"Michael." Michael shook the dancer's hand. He let his eyes wander over Rob's well-toned, and tan body. His inspection, however was interrupted by Rob's next question.

"So, you're fucking Lance?"

Snapping back into reality, Michael sat up straight. "What?!"

Rob let out a small laugh at Michael's reaction. "Don't freak, dude. I'm just playin with you. I just figured that since you are the only dancer here who didn't audition and you arrived with *Nsync..."

Michael glanced around nervously. "Oh...."

Deciding to probe a little further, Rob leaned a little closer to Michael. "That and the way the two of you interact with each other. It is so obvious that you guys are an item."

Michael grinned sheepishly, trying not to blush. "Are we that obvious?"

"Only to the trained eye." Rob answered. "I'm gay, too. In fact, I wouldn't mind an introduction to JC. Damn! He is a fine specimen of manhood."

Michael laughed as he stood and headed to the center of the stage. "I'll see what I can do for you."

Lance was the last member of Nsync to arrive in the meeting room. He paused a moment upon seeing the group of lawyers huddled in the corner before joining his friends at the table.

"So, this is it?" He stated while sitting.

"Yeah," JC answered. "We make an official statement this afternoon."

The five young men remained quiet, lost in their own thoughts. Justin was staring out the window, Chris at the wall and Joey at the table. JC was filling the time by jotting down lyrics on a notepad. Lance let out a sigh and leaned back into his chair.

"Lance," Joey whispered across the table. "You sure about this? We are doing the right thing....right?"

Lance leaned forward to answer, but was interrupted by Chris.

"Of course we're doing the right thing." Chris whispered harshly.

"Are you having doubts, Joe?" Lance asked.

JC looked up from his notepad with a frown. "We all have to be in agreement, Joey. Or else this will all blow up in our faces."

Joey shook his head. "I know. I know. There's just so much at stake here."

Chris rolled his chair closer to Joey. "Joey, these bastards have raped us! Lou's been keeping money from us all along!"

Silence once again fell over the group. This time it was Justin who broke the silence. He turned his attention back to the table and looked to Lance.

"Have you told Michael?"

"No." Lance answered instantly. "We agreed that no one besides us and our parents were to know about this."

"You've never brought it up in pillow talk?" Chris asked pointedly.

Lance turned to his friend, slowly losing his patience with the stress of the situation. "Michael and I don't talk business when we are together." He stated plainly. "Not that it's any of your business."

Chris opened his mouth to retort but was stopped with the wave of JC's hand. "Leave him alone, Chris."

"Gentlemen!" One of the lawyers greeted as his group neared the table. "Thank you for taking the time to meet with us today. Let's go over your material for the press conference."

"Good rehearsal guys!" Todd applauded the dancers. "See you all tomorrow, same time."

"Not bad for a latecomer." Rob patted Michael on the back as they headed off the stage.

"Hey. I've been rehearsing with the guys for the past three weeks." Michael smiled.

Rob slugged Michael in the arm. "Somebody must be special."

Michael grabbed his duffel bag and pulled out a clean shirt. "That would be me." He teased, peeling the sweaty shirt off and tossing it into his bag.

"Wanna go catch a movie or something?" Rob asked, changing his own shirt.

"Sure." Michael answered. "The guys have interviews all day, so I'm free."

"Ooh, Mr. McCall!" Melinda Bell mocked swooned from the wings. "Please put your shirt on before I collapse at your feet!"

Michael turned at the sound of Melinda's voice and shook his head. "Hey, Mel!" Getting his shirt on, he trotted over to his former boss and gave her a hug.

"Mel, this is Rob," Michael motioned over to Rob. "He's one of the dancers for the show. Rob, this is Melinda Bell, special projects manager for Nsync."

"Hi." Rob smiled, extending his hand.

"Nice to meet you." Mel smiled, then turned to Michael. "I've got some news for you."

Michael zipped up his bag, then shouldered it. Smoothing out the green t-shirt that he had just put on, he smiled at Mel. "Sure, what's up?"

Melinda produced a small stack of official-looking documents from her bag and handed it to Michael with a broad smile. "I've been in meetings with Johnny Wright all morning. He was very pleased with your performance this past month with us."

Michael listened carefully to what Melinda was saying as he slowly paged through the document in his hands.

"And it is with great pleasure to tell you that Johnny would like to hire you on to our staff, effective immediately, as Special Projects Coordinator." Melinda said quickly, getting more and more excited by the moment. "With complete salary and benefits, of course. You'll be working with me! Isn't that cool?!"

Melinda finished her sentence and looked at Michael for a reaction. She watched him flip through the contract one more time. For a split second, she saw a glimpse of joy pass over her former intern's face. But that joy was quickly replaced with anger.

Michael handed his bag to Rob. "Can you hold this? I'll meet you out front in a minute."

Michael clenched the contract in his hands as he turned back to Melinda. "Where are the guys?" he asked through clenched teeth.

"Well, that was fun." Lance sighed sarcastically as he pushed away from the table to get a glass of water.

The lawyers had left the singers in the conference room to mull over their recent decisions. JC stood and moved to the window.

"We make the announcement this afternoon on MTV." JC stated. "We should all start memorizing what we can and cannot say to the press."

"There's gonna be a lot of questions." Justin pointed out.

Chris stood and began to pace. "We're doing the right thing. There's nothing to worry about."

Lance glanced over the room at his friends while he poured his water. Making the decision to leave RCA and go to JIVE was a tough one for the guys to make. But they knew that in the long run it was the best thing for them to do. Lance had been appalled to discover just how much money Lou Pearlman had kept for himself. It was blatant robbery from someone who the five members of Nsync had grown to love and trust.

"Chris is right guys..." Lance began.

At that moment, the door to the conference room flew open and hit the wall directly behind it. The five singers jumped in surprise, turning to the door.

Michael McCall stormed in clutching a group of papers in his hands. He stopped, surveyed the room, and then continued his march to Lance. He stopped directly in front of the blond and threw the papers at his feet.

"Who the hell do you think you are?!" he shouted at his lover. "Just who the hell do you think you are?!"

Lance blinked in surprise. He had never seen Michael this upset. He set down his glass and reached out to his lover. "Wha...."

"What gives you the right to interfere in MY life?" Michael spat, pulling away from Lance.

Joey began to stand, but stopped when JC's hand rested on his shoulder.

Tears began to fill Lance's eyes as Michael continued his tirade.

"You know how much my schooling means to me!" Michael continued. "What?! Are you so selfish that you couldn't handle me going back to school? Give him an offer he can't refuse...Is that it? Is that how you decided to play the game?!"

Michael paused a moment to catch his breath. He stepped closer to Lance, and whispered harshly. "It's only for one damn semester! Twelve weeks! I can't believe you would do this to me!"

With that, Michael spun on his heel and stormed out of the room. Lance's knees went out on him and he collapsed into the nearest chair. Tears were running down his cheeks in rivers. He was crying so hard, he couldn't speak.

"What was that about?" Joey asked.

JC walked over to the papers that Michael had thrown onto the floor and picked them up. He quickly read the contents and let out a low whistle. "Damn." He continued his reading, then tossed the papers onto the table in front of Lance. "I don't believe you, Lance."

Later:

"I can't believe him!" Michael exclaimed, pacing around the hotel room he shared with Lance. "I can't believe that he would do this to me!"

Rob was lying on the bed paging through the room service menu. "I can't believe that you get to stay in such a bitchin' room!" He sighed, looking up at his new friend. "You're gonna wear a path into the carpet."

Michael stopped pacing in front of the vanity and looked at his reflection in the mirror. His green eyes were bloodshot and moist with tears. His cheeks were covered with tearstains and slightly flushed.

Rob came up behind his new friend and placed his hands on his shoulders. With a slight squeeze, Rob said silently. "Maybe this is just a misunderstanding."

Michael made eye contact with Rob through the mirror. "What do you mean?"

Rob moved away from the vanity and grabbed a coke from the fridge. "Well, you didn't exactly let the boy explain himself."

Michael dropped his head and let out a long sigh. Turning to Rob he smiled slightly. "I guess I didn't."

"You guess?!" Rob plopped back onto the bed. "Shit! You probably made the boy wet his pants."

"He did look pretty scared." Michael sighed, picking up a picture of him and Lance from the vanity. "What am I gonna do?"

There was a knock at the door drawing the two from their conversation. Michael walked over to the door and opened it. "Yes?"

"Hello, Mr. McCall." The well-dressed man greeted. "I'm Johnny Wright."

Hearing the man at the door, Rob flew from the bed and began to straighten up the bedspread and pick up the trash in the area.

"H...Hello, Mr. Wright." Michael stammered. "Please, come in."

Johnny entered the room and gave a slight wave to Rob. "I'm sorry to interrupt your afternoon, Mr. McCall..."

"Please, call me Michael."

"Yes, of course." Johnny smiled.

"Can I get you something to drink?" Michael asked.

Johnny strolled over to the room's desk, pulled out its chair and sat down.

"No, thank you. I won't keep you too long."

Rob quickly grabbed his bag and headed for the door. "I'd better get going, Michael. I'll see you at rehearsal tomorrow."

Michael watched as Rob exited the room, then turned his attention back to Johnny. "What can I do for you, Mr. Wright?"

Johnny motioned to the other chair in the room. "Have a seat, Michael."

The former intern carefully made his way across the room to the seat offered to him. He let out a small sigh as he sat down; wondering what the manager of Nsync could want with him.

"Michael," Johnny began. "I just got off of the phone with Melinda. "She informed me of your...negative reaction to my offer."

"Well..." Michael began.

"This disturbed me. I was under the impression that you had enjoyed your time with us as an intern. And everyone in the company had only good things to say of your performance. I could not understand why you would not be please to be offered a position with this company."

Johnny stood and walked over to the vanity. He picked up the framed photo of Michael and Lance and studied it. In the photo, Michael was standing backstage during a concert wearing his usual "performance blacks" complete with clipboard and headset. Standing behind Michael was Lance with his arms wrapped around the intern. Both were smiling wildly, obviously having a good time. Johnny smiled at the photo and replaced it on the vanity.

"It wasn't until I received a visit from a very upset Lance, that I began to understand what was going on." Johnny continued. "Lance explained to me, through his tears, how you still had one more semester of school to complete and how important that was to you."

"Yes..." Michael tried again to interject.

"I wish I had known this before I had the contracts drawn up. It would have saved us all a lot of time." Johnny stated, returning to his chair and opening his briefcase. "And misunderstanding."

Johnny retrieved a small stack of papers from his briefcase before closing it and replacing it on the floor. He gently placed the stack of paper on the table in front of Michael and produced a pen from his shirt pocket. "As I stated earlier, I have been informed that you were an invaluable part of the Nsync production team during the last leg of our tour.

"In addition, I have done some research of my own. I've studied your resume. Your production work is very impressive. I even spoke with your mentor. He spoke very highly of you. Told me that I would be a fool not to offer you a permanent position with us."

Michael's cheeks flushed and he shifted his weight in his chair. After his actions earlier in the day, he was suddenly very uncomfortable and embarrassed to be around Johnny. The manager had purposely set the papers in front of Michael and the former intern was fighting every urdge to flip through the papers.

"In front of you, you will find a new contract." Johnny smiled, folding his hands on the table in front of him. "I would still like to off you the position of Special Projects Coordinator with the same salary and benefits. All of this will be effective January 5, 2000. That should give you enough time to complete your schooling and get your degree."

Michael let out a gasp of surprise. He reached forward, took the contract in hand and began to quickly read through it. It was too good to be true!

"There is only one stipulation." Johnny added. "The boys have two dates in Vegas Thanksgiving weekend. You will need to work those shows so Melinda can have the time off."

Johnny watched the young man in front of him read through the contract. He could see the relief and joy that had washed over his face. "What do you say?"

"This is genuine?" was all Michael managed to get out, setting the contract back on the table.

Johnny stood and picked up his briefcase. "I wouldn't be here if it wasn't. Why don't you take some time to mull it over. Give me your answer before the award show on Thursday."

Johnny patted Michael on the shoulder and headed towards the door. "One more thing," He paused. "No matter who they are, I would never offer someone a job just because their lover was one of my performers."

Michael turned to face Johnny, surprise written all over his face.

"This offer is about you and your talents." Johnny smiled, opening the door.

"Thank you." Michael smiled as the manager quietly left.

Michael stood and walked over to the window. "Damn." He mumbled to himself. "I have a job after graduation!"

There was a quiet knock at the door, peeling Michael's attention back to reality. He quickly crossed the room and opened the door.

"Hey." Lance said quietly.

"Hey." Michael responded just as quietly. He looked at Lance. He could tell that the singer had been crying. His green eyes were bloodshot and there were trails on his cheeks where the tears had fallen.

Michael reached out and pulled Lance into a hug. The lovers embraced tightly, not wanting to let go. "I'm so sorry." Michael whispered.

"No." Lance said. "I'm sorry."

Michael stepped back away from Lance and closed the door. He looked deeply into his lover's eyes, then leaned forward to kiss him. Lance wrapped his arms around Michael's neck and returned the kiss.

"I shouldn't have accused you like that." Michael said, breaking the kiss.

Lance walked Michael over to the bed and sat down. "Let's talk about it later. I just want to be with you right now." Michael leaned down and gently placed a kiss on Lance's forehead. He could tell that something was wrong by the way that Lance was breathing. "What's wrong?" He asked. "Nothing, can we just talk about this later?" Lance replied, tears forming in his eyes. "I said I was sorry...." "No, it's not that." "Then what?" "Nothing, really." "So you're crying about nothing then?" "Y...yeah!" Lance said trying to force a smile. "Just tell me!" Michael pleaded, sitting next to Lance, taking him into his arms. Lance let out a long sigh and rested the back of his head on Michael's chest. "Well, it all started a couple of months ago..." Michael held Lance in his arms and listened as Lance told him that Nsync was planning on leaving their record label and the drama that was to come with the public announcement. * * *

September 6, 1999

Michael McCall sat on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera House with his legs straddled to the side, resting his chest on the floor. He rolled his hips forward slightly to increase his stretch. Feeling the correct amount of pain, he smiled and settled into his new position.

"Hey, chief!" Rob smiled, settling onto the floor next to Michael.

"Hey." Michael returned the greeting. "Sorry about yesterday."

Rob stretched out his legs and raised his arms into the air. "No problem. You guys get it all worked out?"

Michael moved his chest over his right leg and flattened out his back. "Yeah. Basically, I have a job waiting for me after graduation, and Lance had nothing to do with it."

Rob stood and moved his left leg forward into a deep lunge. "See. I told you it was all a misunderstanding." He said with a smile.

"Yeah." Michael agreed. "After Johnny left, Lance came in. I apologized and we made up."

Rob glanced over to the area of the stage where the members of Nsync were going over their dance moves. "I kinda noticed that Lance was walking funny."

Michael stood and gave Rob a kick in the ass. "Very funny."

"Okay everyone!" Todd's voice came over the sound system. "Nsync and dancers take your placed for the top of the number!"

As Michael and Rob headed for their places, Rob whispered. "So, when do I get my intro to JC?"

"After rehearsal." Michael reassured as he took his seat at his assigned classroom desk.

"Hey." JC said from the desk next to him.

"Hey!" Michael smiled at the singer.

JC leaned over to Michael and whispered. "You guys get everything smoothed out?"

"Yeah. Hey, I'm really sorry about my outburst yesterday." Michael replied. "I was totally out of line."

JC placed a hand on Michael's arm. "No way, dude. After you left, we all tore into Lance. We thought the same thing you did until he calmed us down and explained the whole thing to us."

"Really?!"

"Here we go, gang!" Todd called out to everyone as the music started.

"NSYNC! NOW YOU CAN GET DOWN!"

The percussive music began and Michael stood and started his choreography across the stage. He hit his mark and was taken a little off guard when a body came through the air over his left shoulder. Just as he was about to continue the dance, he heard Todd call for everyone to hold positions. Michael watched as Todd jumped up on stage and jogged over to JC.

"Hey sexy." A deep accented voice rang in Michael's ear.

Michael turned to see Lance smiling at him. "Hey. Was that you that came over my shoulder?"

"Yup. How cool is it that I get to dance near you?" Lance grinned broadly. "Do you have plans tomorrow nite?"

Michael scratched his head. "Hmmm. I'll have to check my schedule. But I believe that I'll be spending the evening with this real cute blond I know."

"I picked up tickets to Fosse for tomorrow nite." Lance whispered. "Is that okay with you?"

"Sounds perfect."

"LET'S DO IT AGAIN FROM THE TOP!" Todd's voice echoed over the stage.

"Great rehearsal, guys!" Todd applauded from the front of the stage. "Dancers, you are excused. See you tomorrow. JC, I need to see you and the guys for a few minutes."

"Got plans today?" Michael turned to Rob as they headed off the stage.

A smile appeared on the Latino's face. "Just hanging out with you so I can finally meet JC."

"Cool." Michael smiled, bending over to pick up his bag. As his grabbed the straps of his bag, he heard someone whistle at him. Michael stood and glanced at Rob with a raised eyebrow.

"Very nice ass." The duo heard from behind them.

Michael and Rob slowly turned to where the voice originated. Standing behind them was a blond, young man dressed in an oversized T-shirt and baggy jeans. He had a huge grin on his face and his blond hair was hanging over his eyes.

"Excuse me?" Michael asked, turning to face the young man.

The blond stepped forward, his eyes scanning up and down Michael's form. "I was complimenting you on your fine ass."

"Ah, shit." Rob muttered under his breath.

"Do I know you?" Michael questioned.

The blond extended his hand. When Michael didn't take it, he rubbed it down Michael's arm in a semi-seductive manner. "I'm Nick."

Rob leaned close to Michael and whispered. "Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys!"

Nick looked directly into Michael's eyes. "I was watching you dance out there. I love your moves."

"Do you, now?" Michael asked, trying not to laugh as he shouldered his bag.

Nick threw an arm over Michael's shoulder and directed him away from Rob towards a darkened section of the wings. Once there, he faced Michael and placed his hands on the intern'' shoulders.

"What do you think about blowing this place and coming over to my hotel with me?" Nick said in a husky voice.

Michael rolled his eyes and was about to respond when he heard JC's voice.

"Nickie, Nickie, Nickie." JC shook his head as he and Lance came over to Nick and Michael.

Michael was going to greet his friends, but quickly found himself pressed up against the wall and Lance's mouth pressed against his. With no time or intention to protest, Michael returned the kiss with vigor. He felt Lance's hands move up his sides and frame his face as he wrapped his own arms around Lance's waist.

"You see, Nick." JC began as he directed Nick away from his friends. "It's not a good idea to be hitting on Michael. Not only can he kick your ass, but he's already involved with someone, as you might have guessed."

Nick took one last look back at Lance and Michael. With a sigh, he walked away from JC. "Yeah, I can see that."

Lance pulled back from Michael and smiled wildly. "I've been wanting to do that all morning."

Michael passed a hand through Lance's hair. "You don't have to stop."

"Yes, he does." JC stated as he returned to the duo.

"Yeah." Rob chimed in as he joined the group. "You're making my blood sugar rise with all your affection."

Michael pulled away from Lance and moved to Rob's side. "Hey, guys. This is Rob. He's one of your dancers." Michael began his introduction. "Rob, this is Lance and JC."

Rob shook Lance's hand first then JC's. His brown eyes locked with the singer's blue eyes as their handshake lingered. "Hi." Rob smiled.

"Hello." JC returned the smile.

Pleased with the introduction, Michael chimed in. "Okay, guys! Let's go get something to eat. I don't know about you, but I'm starved."

As the group headed out, JC pulled Michael back. "Hey." He whispered. "Is he...?"

Michael smiled wildly at the singer. "Yes. And very interested in you."

JC's eyes brightened. "That's cool. Because I wouldn't mind some la vida loca with the Latino dancer dude."

Michael laughed. "That's it, JC! Fall prey to the new Latino movement!"

Later:

Lance smiled broadly as his placed his final two tiles into place on the game board. Sitting back in his chair, he let out a triumphant cheer. The other three men sitting around the table, leaned forward to examine the word that Lance had created with his tiles.

"I don't believe it!" JC dropped his head into his hands in defeat. "He does this every time."

Rob took a swig of his soda and laughed. "Is that an X on the triple letter score?"

Michael was writing down Lance's score shaking his head. The four of them had been playing Scrabble for the last hour in the hotel room that he shared with Lance. The game had been close for most of the hour, but Lance, as usual came out of nowhere during the final round with some obnoxious word that he has somehow pulled out of his ass. Michael wasn't surprised. Many Scrabble games had ended this way when he and the guys played on the tour bus. Why should this time be any different?

Michael looked up from his writing to survey the other guys at the table. Lance was still basking in the glow of his victory. JC was playing with his extra tiles and creating some secret phrase out of everyone's view, all the while flirting with Rob. Rob, of course was completely throwing himself at JC. Michael smiled. It would be cool if JC finally found someone to love. It would be so much better than JC's usual behavior of fucking a different guy every night.

"I gotta pee." Lance announced, getting up from the table.

As Lance made his way across the room, the phone rang.

"But I'll get the phone first." He smiled, changing direction to the phone. "Hello?" he said, picking up the phone. "Hey, Tyler! How's it going? Cool. Yeah. He's here. Michael, it's for you."

Michael got up and headed for the phone. He placed a quick kiss on Lance's lips before taking the phone. "Hey Tyler!"

While Michael started his phone conversation, Lance headed into the bathroom. JC glanced around and turned his tiles around for Rob to see. Taking another drink of his soda Rob cocked his head a little so he could see the tiles. He nearly spit the soda out while reading the phrase that JC had placed in front of him. JC smiled wickedly at his creativity. The tiles read: Wanna Fuck.

Rob recovered quickly and moved the Scrabble tiles around to spell: Hell yes.

JC laughed and moved towards Rob to kiss him. The duo was interrupted by Michael crying out, "OH, MY GOD!" Then the phone fell to the floor.

JC and Rob turned to see Michael's face completely pale before the former intern bolted from the room. Lance stepped out of the bathroom, just as Michael ran past him from the room.

"What the...?" Lance questioned.

JC jumped over the bed to the phone and Rob moved to Lance.

"Follow him!" Rob ordered.

Lance took off into the hall as JC picked up the phone.

"Tyler? It's JC." He began nervously. "What just happened?"

Lance ran into the hallway in search of Michael. The hall was empty. In the distance, he heard the stairwell door close. The singer turned in that direction and took off at a run. "What could have possibly made Michael bolt like this?" he asked himself as he neared the door.

Lance entered the stairwell and listened intently. He heard movement below him about a floor or two. Quickly, the singer made his way down the stairs.

On the landing, two floors down, Lance found Michael sitting on the floor.

He stopped short, seeing his lover sitting there, arms wrapped around himself, trembling with tears running down his face.

"Michael?" Lance moved carefully to his lover's side.

Michael moved away from Lance, pulling his knees to his chest and lowering his head.

"Baby, what's wrong?"

Lance saw that Michael's shaking was becoming harsher as he attempted to hold back his tears. Fear was quickly creeping up the singer's spine. He needed answers. He couldn't help Michael without knowing what was going on.

"Michael, tell me what's wrong." Lance whispered. "I can't help you unless you tell me what's wrong."

Taking a short breath between sobs, Michael barely got out, "...Andy..."

Lance placed an arm around Michael's shoulder and pulled him into a hug. "It's okay, baby." He whispered, rocking slowly back and forth. "What about Andy?"

"He...he's....He's out."

Lance brushed his hand through his lover's hair. Michael's trembling was beginning to slow down in the warmth of Lance's embrace. "He's out? So what. What does that have to do with you."

"You don't understand."

The singer placed a gentle kiss on Michael's cheek. "Help me understand, Michael. I want to help."

Michael brought his head up and rested it on Lance's shoulder. "He's out of jail." He said flatly."

Upon hearing this, Lance stopped rocking. He felt a cold chill rush down his spine. He was almost afraid to ask his next question. "Michael...Why was your ex-boyfriend in jail?"

There was silence in the stairwell for what seemed an eternity. Michael wiped the tears from his face with his hands and took a deep breath. He slowly moved out of the embrace with Lance and turned to face his lover. Making eye contact with the singer, Michael took one more deep breath before answering.

"He raped me."

Lance felt his mouth drop open and his heart break. His head was spinning with this new information. Emotions were running the gambit within him. He was sad, scared, and angry all at the same time. He opened his mouth to respond, but Michael stopped him.

"Lance, I'm sorry for scaring you." Michael said calmly while standing. "It happened almost two years ago. And I've dealt with it. Tyler just caught me off guard when he told me. I freaked."

Seeing the shock still in Lance's eyes, Michael helped his lover to his feet. "I just needed to get away for a minute. I'm okay, really."

"How...?" Was all Lance could manage to get out.

Michael took Lance's hands in his. "Shortly after Andy and I broke up, Andy broke into my apartment. He was drunk and angry. He wanted us to be together. When I told him that our relationship was over, he started hitting me.

"I had been asleep when he broke in, so I really wasn't coherent and in no condition to defend myself. One thing led to another and I found myself pinned to the floor. I tried to fight him, but he's twice my size in muscle. He raped me and left me bloodied and bruised on the floor."

"My God." Lance gasped.

"Tyler found me in the morning and took me to the hospital." Michael continued. "I pressed charges and Andy was sent to jail."

Michael saw the concern on his lover's face and attempted to give a reassuring smile. He brought his right hand up to Lance's cheek and gently caressed the smooth skin. The two lovers stood in silence for long moments, just gazing into each other's eyes. Lance searching Michael's eyes to see if he was really okay. And Michael trying to convince Lance that he was okay.

"What he did to you..." Lance managed to say. "I...I'm sorry."

Michael cupped Lance's face with his hands. "Baby, its okay. It happened nearly two years ago. I've been to therapy. I've dealt with it." Michael leaned forward and gently kissed Lance on the lips. "I've found you. I've found love. I'm okay."

Lance blinked back his own tears and nodded. "I love you."

The duo embraced tightly. Michael pulled back and smiled. "That's why I'm okay. Now, let's get back to JC and Rob before they worry too much."

The lovers started up the stairs, returning to their room. Lance held Michael's hand tightly in his, not wanting to let go.

"What happens now?"

Michael looked to Lance skeptically. "What do you mean?"

"With Andy."

Michael placed his arm around Lance's waist and sighed. "Nothing happens."

He replied. "Tyler and I moved after the incident, so Andy doesn't know where I live. Tyler thinks I should reinstate the restraining order, but I don't..."

"Yes! You need to do that." Lance said firmly. "Either that or I move in with you to protect you."

Michael let out a chuckle. "That wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing. But I don't need protection. I'm a big boy."

They exited the stairwell and walked towards their room. Out of habit, they separated in the hallway just in case anyone happened to be watching.

"I don't know..."

Michael stopped in front of their hotel room and held up a hand in front of Lance's face. "Lance! I'm fine. I will be fine. End of discussion."

Michael opened the door to the hotel room and they walked inside. The duo stopped short in the hotel room upon hearing moans coming from the bedroom.

"YES!" Rob's voice echoed past the door. "YES! JC, OH MY GOD, YES!"

Michael and Lance looked at each other and burst into laughter.

"You know, we really need to stop walking in on JC having sex." Lance giggled.

Michael plopped down on the couch and turned on the television. "They sound like they're nearly finished. We'll just wait."

Lance sat down next to Michael and rested his head in his lover's lap. "Remind me to yell at JC for having sex in our bed."

"Way ahead of you." Michael grinned, picking up the phone. "Housekeeping?

Hi, this is Mr. McCall in room 1522. Could you send someone up to change the bedsheets? Thanks."

Michael hung up the phone and played with Lance's hair as they watched television.

9/9/99 Plaza Hotel (After the MTV Awards)

"Man-o-man is this place hoppin or what?" Rob exclaimed as he and Michael entered the ballroom that was hosting the Nsync party.

Michael had stopped in front of a mirror to quickly adjust his blue and black suit. "This place is cool." He smiled to his friend.

"Where did you get the suit?" Rob asked.

Michael did a quick turn, modeling for Rob. "Lance got it for me."

The duo walked farther into the room and surveyed the large group of guests that filled the ballroom. The lights were moving, the music bumping, everyone was dancing.

Evidently not finding who he was looking for, Rob sighed. "When can we see the guys?"

Michael grabbed a drink from the bar and led Rob over to a table. "First rule of being involved with a member of a boy band," he explained. "You pretty much never get to interact with them during a public event that you are not working. Too much risk. If the press or anyone else were to find out that you and JC were dating..."

"We aren't exactly dating." Rob corrected. "We're just fucking."

Michael took a swig of his drink and raised an eyebrow at his friend. "You sound a little disappointed." Rob looked away towards the dance floor with a sigh. "Not really. I mean, I'm having a great time with JC. No one has ever made me feel this good."

"But...?"

Rob returned his gaze to his friend. "But I think I want it to be more than sex."

"How does JC feel?"

"I dunno." Rob shrugged. "Do you think he's looking for something more than sex?"

Michael took a long drink from his glass and sighed. "I don't know, Rob. I really don't know."

Lance Bass stood by the bar gazing over the crowd of people on the dance floor. Overall, it hadn't been a bad night. Unfortunately for he and his friends, Nsync had walked away from the MTV awards empty handed and insulted by Chris Rock. Both wounds easily bandaged and quickly forgotten. The singer had a far more painful weight on his shoulders. This was the last night that he had to spend with Michael. The former intern of Nsync was due to fly back to California and his own life in under eight hours.

Lance took another swig of his drink and scanned the room one more time for his lover. "Damn. Where is he?"

"Hey Lance!" Joey Fatone greeted as he picked up another beer from the bar. "What's shakin?"

"Hey Joe." Lance smiled. "Not much, how 'bout you?"

"Just working the room. I can't believe how many people showed up." Joey laughed. "Where's Michael?"

"That's who I'm trying to find right now."

"I haven't really had a chance to talk to him since he got that call about his ex..." Joey said. "Is everything okay? This hasn't affected the two of you, has it?"

Lance downed the rest of his drink and set the empty glass on the bar. "It's hard to tell. Things have been weird the past couple of days for so many reasons. The show, he's going home tomorrow...and then this news about his ex and his past. It's been kinda rough, but I think we're okay. I just want to spend some time with him before he goes."

Joey placed an arm around his friend's shoulder and smiled. "I know where you're coming from, my friend. Let's go find him."

"So..." Rob turned to Michael as they stepped off of the dance floor. "What time is your flight tomorrow?"

"Nine." Michael answered quietly.

"Damn, that's early." Rob whistled. "I'm sure that Lance isn't happy about getting up so early."

"He doesn't know."

Rob stopped short and turned to his friend. "What?!"

"The guys think I'm leaving in the afternoon." Michael explained. "I just want to sneak out without a big fuss. Otherwise it will be a big sad event at the airport. I don't think I can handle seeing Lance like that."

"He doesn't get a choice in the matter?"

"No." Michael said sternly. "And you better not say anything."

Rob was about to retort when Joey and Lance approached.

"Hey guys!" Joey greeted.

Michael took a quick second to glare at Rob. "I mean it."

Rob nodded silently then turned to the approaching singers. "Hey guys! Great party!"

Lance smiled at Rob and moved closer to Michael. He stared deeply into his lover's green eyes, fighting the urge to kiss him. "I've missed you."

"Me too." Michael spoke softly. "Can we get out of here?"

"Lance!" Chris called as he and JC came jogging up to the group.

JC came up behind Rob and gave him a quick pat on the ass. "Hey sexy."

"Hey yourself."

Lance reluctantly turned away from Michael's gaze. "What's up, Chris?"

Chris leaned close to his friend and whispered. "Everything is ready.''

"Cool," Lance grinned. "You guys go ahead, we'll catch up."

Michael watched as the others quickly left him and Lance alone. He turned to Lance with a questioning gaze. "What's going on?"

Lance placed an arm around Michael's shoulders and shrugged. "I have no idea what you are talking about."

Michael allowed Lance to direct him through the ballroom towards an exit. "Oh, really? Then where are we going?"

"I can't believe that you are leaving tomorrow." Lance said, trying to change the subject as they continued their walk.

Michael chuckled and allowed Lance his way. "Yeah. It's hard to believe that I've known you for a little over a month. I feel like I've known you forever."

Lance gazed lovingly at the former intern. "Me too."

The duo's short journey ended in front of a set of double doors. Lance stopped and turned to Michael with a smile. "We're here."

"And where is here?"

Without another word, Lance opened the double doors and motioned for Michael to enter the room. Michael tentatively stepped inside and stopped. The small room was decorated with candles and roses all around. The only piece of furniture in the small room was a grand piano.

"Wow." Michael whispered.

Lance closed the main doors to the room and stood in front of Michael. He took his lover's hands into his and smiled. "I just wanted to take a few minutes and be with you.

"You came into my life a little more than a month ago, and tomorrow you'll be gone. I know that it won't be a forever thing, but I just can't stand the thought of not seeing you everyday."

Michael blushed. "Lance..."

"No." Lance placed a finger on Michael's lips. "This is my time."

At that moment, a side door to the room opened and Michael turned to see JC, Joey, Justin, Chris, Britany and Rob enter. Michael watched as JC took a seat at the piano while Britany and the rest of Nsync moved to stand around it. Rob, he noticed had a video camera and was taping what was going on.

Before Michael could question, Lance explained. "The guys and Britany helped me come up with the perfect way to spend these moments with you."

As if on cue, JC started playing the piano. Lance smiled at his friends and looked back to Michael and held out his arms. "Dance with me?"

Michael smiled and stepped into Lance's arms. "Of course."

As the duo's movements became in sync with the music, Britany began to sing.

"How do I," she sang melodically, "Get through one night without you. If I had to live without you, what kind of life would that be?"

Lance looked into Michael's green eyes. Michael returned the gaze with a smile. He placed a small kiss on Lance's cheek. "Trying to make me cry, Mr. Bass?"

"Now what would give you that idea?" Lance smiled innocently.

"You're my world, my heart, my soul," Britany continued. "If you ever leave. Baby you would take away everything good in my life. And tell me now..."

"How do I live without you?" Britany was joined by the voices of Nsync. "I want to know. How do I breathe without you, If you ever go. How do I ever, ever survive?"

"How do I..." Britany sang.

"How do I..." Justin echoed.

"How do I..." Britany continued. "How do I live?"

Michael wrapped his arms tighter around Lance's waist. "You arranged all of this?"

"Yes."

"You are truly a hopeless romantic, Mr. Bass" Michael grinned.

"For you, Mr. McCall," Lance responded, tears beginning to gather in his eyes. "I would do anything."

Michael brought a hand up to Lance's chin and guided him into a gentle kiss. "If you're not careful, Lance, I'm gonna start crying here in front of everyone."

The lovers danced in silence for a moment, staring into each other's eyes. A single tear made its way down Lance's cheek. "Would crying be such a bad thing?"

Michael shook his head as his voice caught in his throat. "No, I guess it wouldn't." With that he pulled Lance into a tight embrace as the tears began to fall down his own cheeks.

Britany Spears smiled as she neared the second chorus. Seeing the tears falling from Lance's eyes, she began to fight her own tears. She could feel the love between her friend and his lover. She knew what that felt like. It was what she had with Justin.

"How do I live without you?" Britany sang with the guys. "I want to know. How do I breathe without you, If you ever go. How do I ever, ever survive?" "How do I..." Britany sang her voice cracking with emotion.

"How do I..." Justin placed his hand on his girlfriend's shoulder for support.

"How do I..." Britany continued. "How do I live?"

Britany took Justin's hand in her's for support. She then reached her free hand over to Joey and took his hand. Joey, in turn reached out and took Chris' hand, and Chris gently placed a hand on JC's shoulder completing the group's emotional connection.

JC glanced up from the piano to look at Lance and Michael. The two were holding each other and sobbing as they moved to the music. The singer felt a tear fall down his own cheek and smiled as he continued to play.

Michael pulled back. "I love you so much."

"I don't know how I'm gonna survive you being gone." Lance said between quiet sobs.

"We won't be separated that long." Michael reassured the blond singer. "You guys will be in Vegas in October and November. Plus you have to tape the Kids Choice Awards. That's like down the street from my apartment."

"But..."

Michael placed his lips on Lance's to quiet his protests. "We will only be separated for weeks at a time. We both have phones and email. Time will fly, trust me."

Lance smiled weakly, and rested his head on Michael's shoulder.

"How do I live without you?" Britany sang with the guys. "I want to know. How do I breathe without you, If you ever go. How do I ever, ever survive?" "How do I..." Britany sang softly.

"How do I..." Justin stood behind Britany and gently kissed her shoulder.

"How do I..." Britany continued, then was joined by the guys. "Oh, How do I live?"

No words were spoken as Lance and Michael entered their hotel room. The duo walked slowly through the darkened entry area to the bedroom. As Michael closed the door to their bedroom, Lance walked over to the bed and removed his coat. Michael joined him and reached out to undo his lover's tie. As he removed the tie, Michael leaned down and gently brushed his lips against Lance's.

Lance stood quietly next to the bed as Michael undressed him. His hardening cock was slowly rising. Michael took Lance's hand and led him to the bed, where he had him lie on his stomach. Lance felt a warm substance being poured along his back and the aroma of lavender quickly filled the room. Michael's hands began rubbing and probing his lover's back. He went to work, relaxing Lance's tense muscles. The feel of his fingertips as they slid along Lance's oil slicked skin was making Lance unbelievably aroused. His cock was as hard as steel, and he shifted slightly to give it a little more room. Michael worked on his back and his legs for what seemed like an eternity, and Lance cherished every minute of it.

Michael slid his hands under Lance's body and rolled him onto his back. Lance's rock hard cock popped up, released from the confinement of his body pressed to the bed. Michael smiled as he took a small bottle and poured the liquid onto Lance's chest. Michael's hands began rubbing and massaging Lance's chest and shoulders. Lance's cock began leaking a thin stream of precum as his body was kneaded and caressed. Lance closed his eyes and immersed himself in the waves of sensation that Michael was creating by massaging his body. Lance could feel the touch of each individual finger as Michael began massaging his left thigh. Michael's hands were so warm, so slick from the oil that he was using. He began massaging Lance's right thigh, slowly, sensuously, deliberately. Lance exhaled a moan of pleasure as his body sank into total relaxation. Lance had become so relaxed that all external awareness had ceased and all his feeling was centered in his cock. It was straining, threatening to explode. He felt the rough rasp of Michael's tongue as it flicked across the head of his cock. Lance's body thrust his cock towards Michael's mouth just a load of cum exploded out of him.

Lance's eyes remained closed as Michael wiped his body clean of the traces of his orgasm. Lance relaxed onto the bed as his erratic breathing calmed and grew more regular. Pictures of past lovemaking with Michael exploded into view in his mind. Tears welled up in his eyes as he realized that this was to be the last time that he made love with Michael for a while. He sobbed silently. Lance felt Michael put his arms around him and draw his head to his chest. Michael's gentleness calmed him and the last thought as he drifted off to sleep was of Michael gently caressing him.

September 10, 1999

Michael McCall entered the airport at a slight jog. He had successfully slipped out of the hotel without Lance noticing. He hated leaving without saying good-bye to everyone, but he knew that this was the easiest thing for him. No tearful farewells, no breaking down in public. And most importantly, no second thoughts about leaving.

Making his way through the airport, Michael found his gate and checked in at the desk. Getting his boarding pass, the former intern looked at his watch. He pulled his cel phone out of his pocket and pressed one of the speed-dial numbers. His listened to the ringing, then the answering machine pick up. He pressed the pound key and waited for the beep. "Hey Tyler. I'm just about ready to board. Thanks for leaving my truck at the airport. I should be home before two. I'll meet up with you for dinner. Later."

"NOW BOARDING FLIGHT 2134 TO LOS ANGELES." The voice boomed over the loudspeaker. "ALL FIRST CLASS AND PRIORITY SEATING PLEASE BOARD NOW."

Michael quickly tucked his phone back into his pocket and started towards the gate.

"You seem to be off somewhere in a hurry." Michael heard the familiar voice off to his right and stopped in his tracks.

Michael turned to his right to see JC ,the rest of Nsync, Britany Spears, and Rob leaning against a wall clad in sunglasses and baseball hats. JC pushed off the wall and walked over to the former intern. He removed his sunglasses and stared down to his friend.

"Leaving without saying good-bye?" He asked.

"I just..."

Justin appeared at JC's side, shaking his head. "You're already busted, McCall. Own up to it."

Michael looked down to the floor and sighed.

"Hey!" Joey said, from Michael's side. "We're just playing with you. Gotta give you a hard time."

"How did you guys get here before me?" Michael asked.

Rob made his way through the throng with a grin. "I know all the shortcuts and I paid your driver to take the long way."

"Little shit." Michael laughed, giving Rob a quick hug. "I'll get you for this."

"Just take care of yourself." Rob smiled.

Britany pushed her way through and gave Michael a quick hug and kiss. "I'll give you a call next time I'm in L.A."

Justin was next to approach Michael. "Well, its been fun."

"It ain't over yet, Curly." Michael chuckled. "I'll see you next month."

Justin gave Michael a hug before stepping off to the side with Britany.

Michael turned to Chris and held out his arms. Chris stepped forward and gave his friend a hug. "I'll be in town next week looking at houses. I'll drop in."

"You better."

Joey tousled Michael's hair and quickly gave him a hug. "Keep in touch, okay?"

"Okay."

JC pulled Michael into a bear hug. "I'm so glad that we met."

"Me too." Michael agreed, seeing Lance standing by the wall over JC's shoulder. "Take care of him for me?"

JC placed a quick kiss on Michael's cheek. "Always."

Michael slowly walked over to where Lance was standing. He could already see the tears streaming down Lance's face. As Michael approached, Lance removed his sunglasses.

"Hey." Michael greeted.

"You were going to leave without saying good-bye?"

"We said good-bye last night." Michael sighed. "And I wanted to avoid something like this."

"FINAL BOARDING FOR FLIGHT 2134 TO LOS ANGELES." The voice boomed again. "FINAL BOARDING FOR FLIGHT 2134 TO LOS ANGELES."

"I'm sorry." Michael whispered, brushing his hand along Lance's cheek.

"I know."

"I have to leave."

"I know."

Michael stared intently into Lance's tear filled green eyes. His heart started to break at that moment. He took in a deep breath. He had promised himself...no tears. He reached out and pulled Lance into a tight hug. Michael let out a sigh when Lance wrapped his arms around his neck.

"I love you." Michael said.

"I love you." Lance repeated, slipping a cassette tape into his lover's pocket. "I made you a tape for the plane. Don't listen to it until you take off."

Michael took a quick look around then kissed Lance deeply before heading to the gate. Once he reached the gate, the former intern turned and waved to his group of friends. Handing his ticket to the attendant, he headed onto the plane and took his seat.

As the plane began to taxi down the runway, Michael popped Lance's tape into his Walkman and placed his headphones in his ears. Once he got comfortable, he pressed play and sat back to listen.

There was a moment of silence as the tape started. Michael turned to look out the window as the music started. His breath caught in his throat as he immediately recognized the first song as Madonna's Crazy. And at that moment, Michael McCall could no longer fight the tears. Crossing his arms over his chest, Michael cried as the plane took off.

--to be continued--