Hey everyone!
Here's the third chapter. Have received some great mail about the story. Glad y'all (hee hee) are liking it so far.
As always if you want to send suggestions my way... feel free! Have things you'd like to see? Let me know. As in Jamie's Romance, I'm completely open to ideas and suggestions and always try to use as many as I can in some way.
On a serious note: My heart goes out to all the families of the poor people in the airplanes and World Trade Center. Such a horrible catastrophy. I'm usually a pacifist but I just want to bomb someone right now! As Hirohito (I believe) said after Pearl Harbor, "we only succeeded in waking the sleeping giant." Let us hope the giant can once again show the world that we won't take this crap anymore.
There's enough of that rant... not at all like my usual peace loving self.
As usual: This story is purely fiction and is not intended to imply anything about the true sexuality of 'N Sync or anyone associated with their organization or the reality of their lives. It is meant for those over the age of 18 only and those who wish to read stories with sexual content.
Lance's Story
Prelude To A Kiss
"If you hear a song in bloom
Like a flower crying for the moon
That was my heart serenading you
My prelude to a kiss
If you hear the song that grows
From my tender, sentimental woes
That was my heart trying to compose
A prelude to a kiss"
- Duke Ellington/Irving Gordon/Irving Mills
'NSync found themselves back in the turmoil of Europe. They released their first album and they worked 24/7 putting on shows, signing autographs, doing interviews. They took Europe by storm and Johnny Wright, their manager, told them they could be bigger than Backstreet. They worked hard for that goal but decided at a group meeting not to treat this as a competition. They all liked the Backstreet Boys and they didn't want any kind of rivalry with them. Lance was happy about this decision. He didn't want his feelings for Brian to interfere with the group in any way.
Again the weeks became months and they all missed home terribly. His eighteenth birthday came and went. Lance itched to get back to the states and hook up with Brian once again. Brian had promised him during their last call that they could celebrate in private.
That spring Lance sat numbly at a group meeting when Johnny announced that Brian had collapsed onstage during a performance. Not much was known at that point except that they thought it might be his heart. Lance was beside himself with worry. Noone was answering Brian's cell phone and he had no other numbers to try.
As a group, Johnny had them make a phone call to Kevin to wish Brian the best but didn't get to speak to Brian personally. Lance thought he heard a real concern and worry in Kevin's voice. He was a bundle of nerves after that waiting to receive word of Brian's condition and the outcome of his surgery. JC gave Lance a big hug to comfort him and Lance broke down in his arms.
"Hey, hey, what's bringing this on?"
Lance smiled and wiped his eyes as he pulled away. "I'm sorry, just the worry, I guess. Somewhere in the back of my mind I keep thinking it could've easily been one of us."
JC patted Lance's shoulder. "He'll be alright, I'm sure of it and we'll take care of each other so that it doesn't come to that."
Lance smiled again at JC in thanks, then took off for some alone time. He still worried about Brian even after they heard that the surgery went off without complications and that he'd be just fine. Only Justin noticed Lance's continued preoccupation and commented about it.
"You know, Lance. I think it's nice that you are so concerned about him. You're a great person."
Lance smiled at his friend. "Thanks, Just. He's such a nice guy and I hate to see him have to go through that."
Justin hugged Lance tightly, then dragged him off down to the arcade at the hotel to take his mind off of it for awhile.
A few days after Brian's surgery, they talked for several hours. Lance wanted to be sure he was doing well. Both their schedules still prevented them from seeing each other and Brian reassured Lance that he was ok and appreciated his concern. Once summer hit 'NSync got an occasional extended weekend back in the States. Lance became exceedingly frustrated when every time he was home Brian was on the road and vice versa. They talked to each other frequently on the phone but it left Lance unfulfilled and depressed.
As the pressures of their lives and careers took their toll, their frequent calls became fewer and Lance felt them drifting apart. He hated having no control of the situation and eventually took those feelings and did something about it.
Slowly but surely he became the information center for the group. At first it was small things like knowing the schedule for the day and eventually he had a whole month's schedule right in his head, earning Lance his nickname Scoop. Quickly, Johnny saw the potential for the business side in Lance and so Lance became the group's managing partner. Not quite in charge, but more of a link between the guys and management, he made Johnny's job much easier. In return, Johnny taught Lance everything he thought he should know and more.
The year sped by and 'NSync started eyeing America. They were home for Thanksgiving when the harsh reality of career pitted against private life intruded into Lance's happy world.
During that break he and Brian had both found themselves in Orlando at the same time and arranged for a meeting the night before they both headed off again. Brian had made a reservation at one of the fancier restaurants in town.
Lance was excited and nervous at the same time. They hadn't seen each other since the past Christmas, almost a year gone. He walked into the restaurant and was shown to a private table and saw Brian already waiting. When Brian saw him approach he stood and they hugged.
"It's so good to see you," Brian said giving Lance the same broad smile that melted his heart.
"Same here. I've missed you."
"So how's Europe?"
"It's still there," Lance laughed and Brian joined him. "But things are going well. I now know what you meant about the European fans, especially the Germans. They're so aggressive."
"Oh, man, you're right there. The fans here are so different. They still gather in huge groups and scream but they are much better behaved."
"How are you doing after your surgery?"
"I'm one hundred percent, no ill affects. How have -you- been?"
"Oh, fine, I guess. Homesick, tired, missing my family and you, but exhilarated at the same time. It's a very strange feeling."
"I know how that goes. Did you really mean that, you missed me?" Brian looked at him seriously at the question. Lance noticed a look in his eyes, sadness, regret, he couldn't place it.
"I know it sounds odd, we've only gone out a few times and talked on the phone, but I kinda miss not being able to get to know each other better." Lance looked purposefully into Brian's eyes. He had no idea what he wanted to see there but what he didn't see didn't make him feel any better. Their food arrived and they started eating, giving them an excuse to hold off that conversation for a little.
Eventually Brian spoke. "Lance, I think we need to come to an understanding before any more time passes." Lance simply nodded not trusting his tongue to say anything helpful. "I like you, I really do. And I guess for whatever reason you like me too. I would like nothing better than to get to know you better."
Lance let out the breath he was holding. "I'm glad to hear that Brian, but I hear a big 'but' at the end of that sentence."
Brian nodded sadly. "Yes, I guess there is. I do mean it when I said I'd like to get to know you, but as a friend, Lance. I know you want more and if things were different I probably would too."
"But, I thought..." Lance let the sentence drift off tears forming in his eyes.
"I'm going to be honest with you, Lance, because you deserve that. I'm seeing someone. Her name's LeighAnne, she was in one of our videos earlier this year. We've been going out for about two months now and it's gotten pretty serious."
"Oh," Lance simply said staring down at his plate suddenly not hungry anymore.
"I didn't want to hurt you, Lance. Please believe me, it's just the way it happened. And besides, could we ever have made it together with our careers? I kept thinking about that and being sad because we could never be together like we wanted. Then Leigh came along..."
"Well, it's not like we were going out or anything. I thought there was something between us, but I guess I was wrong."
Brian reached over and clasped one of Lance's hands. "There was... is something, Lance. I do find you very attractive and desirable but circumstances just didn't work out between us and for that I'm sorry."
"I guess I can understand that. I don't blame you, Brian. Like you said, things just didn't work out for us." Lance looked down at his plate not trusting himself to look at Brian, knowing that if he did he would start crying.
"I'm glad you feel that way. I still want to be your friend, ok?"
Lance nodded "I would love to be your friend." He paused settling himself. "I think I should be going." Brian started to protest. "No, Brian, I'm fine, really. I just need to work through some things. I'll call you in a few days, ok?"
Brian nodded sadly and let him go. Lance held in the tears until he got into his car and then they started flowing. He drove quickly home and ran through the living room, up the stairs and into his room.
Lynn, JC and Justin sat in silence for a minute before Justin spoke. "And what's up with that? I thought he had a date?"
"He looked pretty upset," Lynn commented.
"Let's give him a little time and I'll go talk to him later," JC replied a worried look on his face.
Lance hurt because of the aborted relationship with Brian. He didn't realize the depth of his feelings until it was over. JC had tried to talk to him on several occasions right after the 'date' and Lance had reassured him that he was ok. In truth, although he liked the attention from JC, it made the pain harder to bear when JC hugged and held him, trying to comfort him.
Nobody ever asked him the specifics of what happened, which was a relief. Lance got away with neutral references to 'his date' never mentioning gender. He let everyone assume it was a girl that had broken his heart and they comforted him as best they could.
It was JC that supplied the words that Lance needed to hear while they cuddled one afternoon on the bus somewhere in France. JC was comforting Lance after a short crying spell. "You are a smart, attractive, beautiful person, Lance. Someday you'll find your love, don't worry." JC had no idea how much that meant to Lance. It helped him deal with his feelings of rejection and move on.
Winter turned to spring, summer and then fall with a quickness that they all marveled. NSync was a sensational hit, and they quickly became the darlings of MTV. As the year turned into 1999, Lance had completely forgotten about romantic pursuits, to him they just hurt too much. With the others, he turned his entire attention on planning for their first major headlining tour that they named 'The Boys of Summer.'
MTV asked them to perform during their spring break shows in March and the group quickly agreed knowing that a long weekend in Cancun was just what they needed. The high energy, frenetic atmosphere would be perfect to recharge their batteries. Along with appearances, there were plenty of times to just sit in the sand and relax.
During their last night before heading home they hit the clubs, purposefully avoiding those they knew that MTV was using for taping after hours shows. They settled in one and were soon having a great time. Lance started watching JC dance away with whatever girl was closest to him. He wandered around with a sigh, watching and grading guys as the others tore up the dance floor. His gaze always returned to JC.
He'd had a couple of drinks and was feeling pretty good when he ran into a sweaty body coming off the dance floor dressed only in tight gym shorts and Reeboks.
"Oh, sorry, I didn't see you there," the boy said slurring his words
"That's ok, no harm done," Lance replied bringing out the accent that he usually kept hidden. He checked the guy out. 'Not bad,' Lance thought, 'but definitely toasted.'
"I'm Eric," he held his hand out.
"James," Lance said as he shook it. Eric had a good firm grip that made his arm muscles stand out. He had a slightly beefy swimmer's build with dark black hair and eyes. He swayed to the music in front of Lance with a goofy smile on his face.
"You wanna take a walk?" Eric asked. "I could use some air."
Lance agreed and they started walking down the beach. Eric rambled on about school and his vacation so far. Lance found out he was 19, like himself, and from Washington State. He was indeed a swimmer at school and was majoring in Sports Medicine. Lance gave noncommittal answers to his few questions.
"Hey, let's go over there," Eric suggested. He grabbed Lance's arm and pulled him over to a clump of palm trees near the beach. Once they reached it Eric looked at Lance then unexpectedly pressed their lips together, immediately forcing his tongue into Lance's mouth.
Lance squawked in surprise but didn't push him away and returned the kiss. Eric's hands were all over Lance. He unbuttoned Lance's shirt and felt all over his chest and stomach. Pulling away from the kiss, he nuzzled Lance's neck and throat.
"When I saw you at the club I knew I had to have you," he panted. Lance stiffened a little thinking maybe this wasn't such a smart idea. "Relax, I'm don't want to hurt you, I want to make you feel good. That's what spring break is for."
He now had Lance's shorts unbuttoned and unzipped and he reached in to grab Lance's hardening cock. "Holy shit, you're hung!" Lance blushed at the compliment. "This is going to be fun."
Eric dropped to his knees and freed Lance's dick. Sloppily he licked and sucked getting Lance steely hard. Moaning softly at the feeling, he pulled Eric up after a few minutes.
"You're turn," Lance said seductively. He went to his knees and pulled Eric's shorts and briefs down together. 'Nothing special, but nothing to be ashamed about either,' Lance thought as he went down on his new friend. When he felt Eric getting close he stood and kissed him again.
"Please, fuck me, buddy."
"What? Here?" Lance asked, skeptical and a little turned on at the forbidden request.
Eric nodded and pulled a condom out of his sock. Taking advantage of Lance's hesitation he tore the package and sensuously rolled the condom down Lance's length. "Yes, here and now." He turned around and placed his hands against a palm tree while he spread his legs waiting for Lance.
Lance had never done this before, but he was a quick study, plus he'd read all about what guys do together on the internet. He stepped up behind Eric and started pushing gently. Eric groaned loudly urging Lance to keep going. Before he knew it he was pressed firmly against Eric all the way in. Eric panted at Lance's size filling him and asked him to hold it there for a second.
"Ok, I'm ready," he finally said. Lance started slowly pulling in and out as Eric moaned in pleasure. "Oh ya, come on, faster." Lance grunted in approval and sped up.
"Ah, dude, you're tearing up my ass, come on, fuck me. Your big dick feels so good."
Lance giggled at the reference and thrust harder and faster at the encouragement. "Eric, I can't take much more."
"Go on, dude, come up my ass, I'm close too." Eric, Lance noticed, was jerking off and when he came he could feel the pulses of Eric's ass muscles around him pushing him over the edge. When they both had recovered and their breathing calmed they separated.
Eric gave Lance a deep kiss. "Thanks, you're one good fuck. Listen, gotta run, have fun dude! Maybe we can hook up again." And with that he staggered off, seemingly still tipsy from his drinking.
Lance just shook his head and smiled. "What I wouldn't do to have a life like that and that kind of freedom," Lance sighed quietly. He got himself together and headed back to the hotel where he fell into his bed and sound asleep.
The next afternoon they were sitting around their rooms waiting for the limo to take them to the airport. Lance was watching a special live report on MTV about the seedier side of Spring Break.
"... and so, many breakers find themselves being openly promiscuous as the atmosphere of freedom here allows them to experiment away from the rules and pressures of home," John Norris reported. "We talked with several students, including Eric, who's openly bisexual."
Lance's eyebrows shot up when he saw the same Eric on camera. 'Oh no,' he thought. 'What have I done?'
"Ya, I dig both guys and chicks," Eric said, already clearly buzzed even though it was only 2:00 in the afternoon. "Being here makes it easy to score both and I've had alot of fun. Last night I was so trashed and I met this guy at a bar." Lance sat up straight as the blood drained from his face. "I don't even remember his name, Jim something or other, or what he really looked like, but he had blond hair, that I remember. He was so great, we had sex right on the beach, it was awesome!" He mugged for the camera before John Norris came back.
"As you can see..." Lance ignored the rest of the report, relieved that he hadn't been found out. He was deep in thought and didn't even notice when Justin came into the room. It took Justin a minute or two to bring him back so they could leave.
"Geez, Scoop, you were really out of it."
Lance smiled at Justin. "Just tired, Curly."
Justin giggled. "Lancey got some, Lancey got some," he catcalled as they pushed each other good-naturedly down the hall to the elevator.
The first leg of the tour was a huge success and they all looked forward to some time off before the summer leg started. In the weeks before the break, Lance, much to his surprise, again started daydreaming about JC. He realized early on that this was a serious crush. JC was easy to like, he was soft spoken and good to look at. He was always kind and genuinely cared for everyone. Lance looked forward to any attention JC would pay him and could only think about his smile and his wonderful voice.
Many times while they were on stage, he'd find himself dangerously slipping away into a daydream spurred on by JC's singing. With a start, he'd bring himself to the task at hand, barely missing a dance step. Once or twice, Joey noticed his preoccupation and smiled at him.
During the tour's last week, Lance definitely didn't feel well. He lost his appetite, was constantly tired and spells of nausea overtook him. Justin noticed that he didn't have his usual energy and asked him about it. Lance begged off saying that he was just tired and he'd be fine once they hit the break.
Knowing it would mean not going on if he told the tour doctor, he kept it to himself and medicated himself with Pepto-Bismol which seemed to help a little. 'After all,' he rationalized, 'it's only two more shows.' Not performing was not an option in Lou Perlman's rule book.
He fooled everyone but JC, who noticed something wasn't quite right with Lance's behavior. Though Lance usually enjoyed the attention, he just wanted to be left alone. While they were waiting in a dressing room at the arena in Orlando, JC confronted him.
"Lance, you're sick." It was a statement not a question and Lance couldn't look him in the eye.
"JC, I'm fine. Just a little tired, that's all."
"No you're not. You should see how pale you are."
"JC, I'm always pale."
They were interrupted by the stage manager announcing their sound check.
"Let's go," Lance said heading for the door.
JC grabbed his arm, stopping him. "After the check you're going to see the doc or I won't let you on stage tonight."
Lance slumped, defeated. "Ok, I'll see the doc." He was feeling so ill that JC's touch didn't excite him as usual. 'Maybe I really am sick,' he thought sadly.
JC hugged Lance and put his arm around his shoulder as they went onstage to join the others.
They started the sound check and they had to check some lights as well. Halfway through Lance was feeling decidedly ill.
"Ok, fellas, position 17 please," a voice said through the monitors.
They moved to the position and the full whites came on them. Lance felt light-headed as the heat from the spots baked him. Before he knew it he was staring up into JC and Justin's concerned faces.
"Lance, speak to me. Are you ok?" Justin was saying. Lance noticed there were tears in his eyes.
"Wha... what happened? Why are you crying, Just?" He groaned as a sharp pain shot through his stomach.
"You collapsed, we're taking you to the hospital," JC answered him, his face looked extremely worried.
Lance looked around. Joey and Chris were running back onstage with the tour doctor while Justin and JC traded looks with the stage manager.
"I'm fine, really. Just got a little dizzy for a second." Lance tried to get up but fell back grimacing in pain. JC was talking to him but everything got fuzzy and he passed out.
An hour later he woke in a hospital bed, Lynn Harliss sitting beside him. He still had stomach cramps and was woozy from medication. The doctor came in reading a bunch of papers. "Mr. Bass, it seems that you have an viral infection in your stomach."
"What does that mean?" Lance asked worried.
"You'll be fine. I'm putting you on some antibiotics and bed rest for the rest of the week. We've run some other tests and we'll have those results in a few hours. If everything checks out, you can be discharged tomorrow morning as long as you promise to take your medication and drink lots of fluids."
"But I have a show tonight and tomorrow!" Lance protested.
"I'm afraid not, if you do that you'll only make it worse. I've talked with your tour physician and he agrees that you will be missing these last two concerts."
"How did he get it, doctor?" Lynn asked wanting more information.
"Oh, a combination of factors, mostly overwork. With all the concerts and rehearsals and lack of sleep his body is worn down. He probably ate something that was slightly spoiled and it all combined into this. It's pretty common and not serious if taken care of promptly." He pointedly looked at Lance in accusation.
"Thanks for your help," Lynn smiled.
"No problem. Well, if there's anything you need please ring the nurse and see if you can get some solid food and lots of fluids into you, it will help."
Lance groaned as the doctor left. Lynn sat with him for awhile before leaving to pick up the others after the show. Lance dozed as the medication took effect. He had a wonderful dream that JC was running his fingers through his hair. Eventually waking up, JC was sitting next to him, holding his hand. Lance smiled at him noticing once again just how beautiful his eyes were even when creased with worry.
"Hey, Lance. How are ya feeling?"
"Better, where's everybody else?"
"Lynn took Justin home, he's a mess. He almost broke down onstage he was so worried about you. Joey and Chris went to get some food at the cafeteria."
"Thanks for being here, Josh. I really appreciate it. I'm sorry I've put you through this."
"Hey, buddy, it's ok. But next time you don't feel right go see the doc, huh?"
Lance nodded with a smile. "Lesson learned."
JC smiled back and kissed Lance on the forehead. "Good. We were so scared. You were completely out of it and groaning in pain. I don't know what I'd... um, we'd do without you."
Lance's heart raced. 'He said I... I know I heard it,' he said to himself.
They say love hits you when you least expect it. Lance knew for sure he was in love with JC. All through his recovery, he and the others were at his side. Everyone doted on him, JC and Justin the most. He loved the attention, especially from JC.
As rehearsals for the next leg started, JC took it upon himself to help Lance with the more difficult dance steps to some newly redone routines. Justin, the other natural dancer in the group, worked with Joey and Chris who didn't have as hard a time learning as Lance.
JC was so patient with him showing him combinations over and over. His touch made Lance shiver as he helped him get the arm movements just right. Lance was so smitten that there was nothing he wouldn't do for JC and his dancing improved dramatically. Lance had no idea if JC felt the same way, or even if he could feel that way. JC had dated a few girls but never had anything very serious going on that Lance could tell.
As the start of the summer tour approached, Lance decided that at some point he'd need to let JC know how he felt. He only hoped that JC wouldn't be offended or disgusted. In his dream of dreams, JC loved him back.
tbc...
As always comments, suggestion and constructive criticisms are always welcome!
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