I apologize for taking so long to add this story. Life sux sometimes, what can I say?
Hello everybody! I can't believe this story has turned out like this. I had planned on this story going off in a different direction, but I guess its all turned out for the best =0) Feel free to email me with any response, even if it is just a quick 'I love/like your story' note, okay?! I need the inspiration, I know I have some devoted readers out there that email me, but I need more! (Okay, so I'm a needy person, so sue me ;0) But anyways, email me with any feedback---grandbaykracker@hotmail.com, you can also talk to me online through AIM, my screen-name on there is: collegebites2002. The more mail I get, the more motivated I will be to release the next chapter ;0) (Did that sound bitchy? Nah =0)
Special Thanks: Chris/Danny WCC-World's cutest couple ;0) I've come to know you guys really well, hope we are friends for years to come. James! My main man, thanx for the inspiration, I'm glad that you are loving the story! Ray, thanks for the email!
Special Note: Okay, here are some MUST read stories!
JCs hitchhiker: (Duh, a JC story. Wonderfully written!) Brian and Tommy: (Tad-bit strange, but its still an awesome story!) Just the Truth: (Killer Kevin story!) The Lottery: (Joey story, so sweet, yet sad at one point) Jamies Romance: (Justin story) Lance's Story: (Spin-off of JR) Millennium Love: (A Brian Story) Never guess who ran into me today (Long title, I know, but this guy is an aspiring author, oh yeah, Lance story ;0)
DISCLAIMER: Hmmm...I'm wondering if anybody actually reads these things anymore. I bet you anything everybody just skims these things, lol. But anywayz...I DO NOT, repeat, DO NOT know the celebrities mentioned in this story, nor do I know their sexualities in reality. However, in this little world of fiction, they are what I choose them to be =0) If you are offended by gay material, how the hell did you get this far in the archives? If you are underage, I suggest you go away and come back when you are old enough.
This story picks up from the breakfast scene in chapter twelve, so now ya'll get to see what happens to Lance and AJ =0)
Chapter Thirteen-Lance and AJ
Lance hugged Charlie and walked out the door. He walked down to the sidewalk where AJ and the others were waiting.
AJ just smiled as he saw Lance walking down to them. He stopped right in front of him and just smiled. They once again became lost in each other's eyes.
Chris noticed this, but didn't do anything. He just prodded JC and Justin, making them take note of the situation. They looked at AJ and then at Lance, taking a few minutes to see if they were going to say anything.
Joey broke the silence however as he came down the driveway, "Hey you guys, why are you just standing there?"
Lance and AJ snapped out of the trance as Chris, JC, and Justin busted out laughing. Joey looked on like nothing had happened while Lance blushed a deep red. AJ just grinned and playfully punched Chris in the arm.
"What's so funny?" AJ asked, then added, "Little man?"
"You did not just call me little, you tattooed freakazoid."
Lance decided to jump in now as well, "Yes, he did call you 'Little man' but I think that elf boy is so much more appropriate."
JC and Justin continued laughing while Chris tried to regain his composure. "Ha, ha, very funny."
"Ok, you guys are trippin' on something," Joey stated. "Now, if you will excuse me, I have some planning to do." Joey smiled and waved as walked down to his Acura, "I'll give you guys a call later."
Chris started pushing JC and Justin towards his Jeep, "We will catch you two love birds later, but do us a favor, do something besides just stand there!" JC and Justin waved their goodbyes as they got into the Jeep.
Lance looked down towards his 4-runner, "You wanna head over to my place to clean up before we go see Howie and Nick?"
"Sounds like a plan to me," AJ smiled.
Lance and AJ walked side by side down to the 4-runner. Strolling and taking their time, just enjoying being remotely close to one another. Lance opened the passenger door for AJ and walked around to get in his side. Once inside and buckled up he stopped, realizing that AJ was staring at him.
"What?"
"You are such the gentleman."
Lance blushed lightly, but given his pale features, it was pretty red. "I guess it runs in the blood." Lance started the 4-runner and put it into gear. He placed his arm down on the armrest, and his hand was immediately held in AJ's. They just smiled at one another as Lance started down the road.
AJ started the conversation, "You know, I never thought I'd be this comfortable around a guy."
"You've never dated a guy before?" Lance asked genuinely shocked.
"Nope, just girls, what about you?"
"How about neither, I never had the time to date a girl and I just recently came to terms with the whole 'being gay' thing." Lance laughed at himself. <Could I possibly sound any more like a dork?>
"I bet it was hard to deal with, it was really hard for me to admit being Bi."
<He's acting like Kevin didn't tell him about the conversation we had. Did he tell them? I'll have to figure this out later.>
"Yeah, the guys took it really well. I came out to Joey first, then I was about to come out to the rest of the guys when..." Lance took a deep breathe and continued, "when my parents died."
Lance felt AJ's hand tighten around his as he continued down the street. Amazingly, he didn't burst into tears.
"I know that it is a little late to say this, but I never really got a chance to. I'm sorry for what happened to your parents."
"Don't be sorry. It was an accident and things like that happen all the time. It took me a while to get comfortable driving afterwards, but I'm dealing with it."
AJ tightened his grip a little more, "Well, now you have me to help."
Lance just smiled at AJ as they continued down the road. The rest of the drive remained silent, but not because either of them were uncomfortable. They were, in fact, extremely comfortable around one another. They were just enjoying each others' presence. Lance pulled into his driveway and reluctantly let go of AJ's hand as they walked up to the front door.
Lance opened the door and walked in, "Welcome to my humble abode, make yourself at home."
AJ walked in and turned around smiling, "Well, aren't you going to give me the grand tour? Or am I going to wander around aimlessly until I find everything?"
Lance walked over, grabbed AJ's hand and proceeded to show him around the house. Every once and a while, as they were walking to the next room, AJ would lean over and kiss Lance on the cheek, causing him to blush furiously. AJ was quickly learning that he enjoyed making Lance blush, mainly because it was cute. They finally arrived in Lance's bedroom. Lance just giggled as he fell down on the bed, pulling AJ on top of him. AJ lowered his head and met Lance's mouth. Their lips locking together for a brief moment. AJ pulled back and smiled as he slid down next to Lance, propping himself up on an elbow. "You have a very nice house."
"Thanks, its actually too big for me, but once you think about it. We're almost never separated, so I guess its big enough for all the guys."
"Yeah, I know what you mean. It seems like you would get sick and tired of everybody when you are on tour and all, but you really don't. You become so close that you are basically family."
"So does that mean that we each get to have four extra brothers?" Lance asked, grinning widely.
AJ just laughed, "I guess it does, now that you mention it. Of course it'll take them a while to get used to each of us, but I'm sure we will end up having a really big extended family. Besides, they'll have plenty of time." AJ complimented his reply by kissing Lance on the cheek.
"I never would've thought you were such a romantic."
"Well, you'll learn quickly that I am full of surprises."
"You are one crazy man."
"Yeah, but I am YOUR crazy man." AJ leaned in and kissed Lance lightly on the lips yet again.
"Well, I guess we should get cleaned up before we go visit Howie and Nick."
"Yeah, I guess we should." AJ got up and pulled Lance up too. "Umm...what am I going to do about my clothes?"
"I dunno, I'm sure that we can find something of mine that will fit you."
"Not even going out a whole day and I'm already wearing my man's clothes?" AJ teased.
Lance just laughed and pushed AJ toward the shower. "You go ahead, I'm going to try and find some clothes that will fit you."
AJ went to the bathroom and turned around, before closing the door, "I'm going to miss ya." AJ blew a kiss to Lance, once again causing him to blush. He closed the door and proceeded to start a shower.
Lance rummaged through his clothes and finally settled on an outfit that would fit AJ and wouldn't look half-bad. A pair of khaki cargo pants and an almost-see through tight black shirt. Lance was trying to figure out where the shirt had come from when AJ stepped out of the bathroom with a towel tied around his waist. Lance just stopped and stared at AJ's form. This "Boy" was built...but not too much. He had a nice set of abs, which really set off his great pecs. Then of course, his bi-ceps were just the right size as well. The multiple tattoos just added to the aura about him. It took Lance a few seconds to realize that AJ was speaking to him.
"James? Hello?"
"...Huh?...What was that Alex?"
"You were off in la-la land, see something you like?" AJ asked teasingly.
"Maybe," Lance replied simply, "I think that these should fit you." Lance turned and started walking to the bathroom when AJ stopped him.
"Umm...aren't we missing something?"
"What?"
AJ just laughed, "I'm really not into the going-commando thing."
Lance blushed furiously as he realized what AJ was talking about. "Umm...there should be some boxers in that drawer over there. Just don't do too much pilfering, k?" Lance pecked AJ on the cheek and went in to take his shower.
It didn't take Lance long to shower and change; they were soon on their way out the door. As they were walking to Lance's 4-Runner, "So what is the name of Howie's club?"
"Tabu," AJ replied. "It is a really slammin' place to be at night. Of course it won't be open officially right now, but if I know those two, they'll be there planning something or another."
Lance laughed and started down the road. The clock on the dash read 3:15 as AJ started giving him directions to the club. Their hands were intertwined the entire ride. AJ was right, there were two vehicles parked out front. Lance assumed they were Howie's and Nick's. They parked their cars and made their way over to the doors. AJ walked up and knocked a series of knocks. Lance gave him a questioning look, but didn't speak up when AJ placed his finger up to his mouth, telling him to be quiet. Soon enough there was a voice on the other side of the door.
"Did I hear somebody knocking?" Lance recognized the voice as Nick's.
AJ remained silent. Lance just looked on, trying to figure out what AJ was planning.
"Hello?" Nick asked through the door. "Anybody there?" There was a long pause, and then they could hear the door being unlocked. Nick opened the door just enough to stick his head out, which caused him to be put into a headlock by AJ almost immediately.
"You should know better than to open the door like that Nicky."
Nick struggled for a few seconds before getting free of AJ's grasp. "Damn it AJ, don't freak me out like that."
"Ahhh, so you admit that I scared you."
"Whatever." Nick replied simply, he turned and saw Lance standing there, not really knowing what to do. "Hiya Lance, what's up man?"
"Not much." Lance replied. "Alex wanted to drag me along and show me the club and all."
Nick's eyes grew wide for a few seconds and was about to say something, but AJ interrupted him. "So, is D around?" Stupid question, considering his car was in the parking lot.
"Yeah, he's inside going over some inventory stuff, come on in." Nick stepped aside and held the door open as AJ and Lance walked in. He quickly closed and locked the door behind them. They walked in and saw Howie sitting at a table with papers strewn about it. He didn't look up, but started talking. "Who was out front Nick?"
AJ started talking, "Just me, myself, and Lance." Howie jumped when he heard AJ's voice. "Damn it AJ, stop doing that."
Lance spoke up, "That's two in a row, you're on a roll."
AJ pulled out a chair and sat down next to Howie. Lance sat down next to AJ while Nick went to go get some drinks from the bar. "So what are you doing Howie?"
"Taking care of some inventory lists. Looking over pay-roll, all that good stuff."
"Running your own business can be tiring," Lance commented, "Freelance is about to kill me."
"Yeah, and yet these two goobers think it's a piece of cake."
"Do not," AJ commented. "All I ever said was that you should hire somebody else to take care of all that junk, why bother with it yourself."
Lance answered for Howie, "Because, if you don't do it yourself, it doesn't feel like it is YOUR business. At least that's the way it is with me."
"Precisely." Howie stated. "So what are you guys up to?"
"Not much," AJ started, "We just wanted to come and talk to you guys."
By this time, Nick had returned to the table and had poured some drinks for everybody. "Isn't it a little early in the evening for drinks?" Lance asked.
"Of course it is, hence the reason its club soda."
"Ahh, gotcha." Lance took a sip of his drink.
"So what did you want to talk to us about?" Howie asked as he continued going over some papers, making notations where needed.
"Well," AJ started. He reached over and placed his hand in Lance's. "We're going out."
Nick noticed the hand holding, but didn't say anything. His face said it all as a wide grin spread across it. Howie was still looking down at the papers so he didn't see their hands held together. "Really? Where to?" He asked, still not looking up from his papers.
AJ clarified, "No, we aren't going anywhere. We are 'going out', as in a relationship."
Howie looked up in and saw the two of them holding hands. "Wow." The only word that escaped his mouth.
Nick couldn't contain it any longer. "I knew it!"
"Huh? How?" Lance asked.
"When I met you guys at the door, you called him 'Alex', not AJ. Only his past girlfriends have called him 'Alex' before, plus, his attitude has changed in the past few days. A couple of days ago, he was sulking around and wouldn't kid with anybody, now he's as happy as can be."
Now it was AJ's turn to blush as Lance turned to him. "Awww, that color suits you sweetie." That only caused AJ to blush more. It seems like the two of them are going to be holding a competition as to who can cause the other to blush more.
"When?" Howie asked. He didn't seem to be angry or anything, just more shocked than anything.
"Umm...since last night." AJ filled in. "We were just talking and there was just...a spark, that's the best way that I can describe it."
"That's exactly the way I would describe it, it was instant connection." Lance smiled. "I'm happy for you two," Nick stated, then playfully punching Lance in the shoulder. "Even if you are an 'Nstinker'." They all had a playful laugh at that last comment.
"I'm not even going to go there," Lance commented.
"I didn't even know you swung that way," Howie said, directing it at Lance, "Looks like we have somebody else to help in the prank department."
"Huh?" Lance asked, completely lost.
AJ giggle and filled Lance in, "The three of us are constantly pulling pranks on Kev and B-rok, now you get to help in that situation."
"Don't they get mad?"
"Nah, it's a revolving door. Most of the time its us pulling stuff on them, but every once and a while, Nicky here will convert and help Brian pull a prank on one of us. Then of course, there are those times where Kev manages to get all of us. Those are really big pranks most of the time," Howie laughed, recalling as he told a story, "Recently we all went swimming at Kev's house. Well, afterwards we were drying off using his towels. Turns out that he put itching powder on our towels and we were scratching ourselves for hours after that. We're planning on pulling something big on him soon."
"You guys are insane." Lance simply stated, laughing at the visual image he had of the guys scratching themselves constantly.
"Your point being?" Nick asked rhetorically.
"Never mind."
Howie changed the subject, "So what do you two have planned for tomorrow night?"
Lance looked at AJ, unsure of how to answer. "I don't know, all depending what this stud next to me has in mind."
"Stud? HA" Nick laughed at his own comment. Which caused him to promptly be smacked by AJ.
"Forget this loser," AJ started, "I'm not sure why?"
"Just wondering. You know that Kev and B-rok are flying in tomorrow, right?"
"I thought they were coming in Sunday?"
"Nah, they decided to come in early. The womens are coming with them," Nick laughed at his own semi-joke.
Howie ignored Nick's joke and continued, "You guys wanna come to the club tomorrow night? I think that is what they are planning on doing..."
AJ looked at Lance, who nodded briefly to verify, "Sounds like a plan to us."
"Cool."
"Do you mind if I invite the guys?" Lance asked.
"Sure man, the more the merrier." Nick slipped in.
"Well, I guess we will let you get back to your paperwork," AJ said, half-rising from his chair. "We have some other place to be."
"We do?" Lance asked, rising from his chair was well.
"Yes, we do..."AJ said, letting a grin spread across his face.
Lance, suddenly catching onto the act, "Oh yeah, of course we do."
Nick started laughing, "Alright you guys, I guess we'll see ya later?"
"Yeah, we'll see you later." AJ, grabbed a hold of Lance's hand and walked back out toward the door. Nick followed them and let them out, he returned to find Howie immersing himself into paperwork again.
"So..." Nick started.
"So...what?" Howie asked.
"Don't play dumb on me Howie, you know what I'm talking about."
"I'm happy for AJ..."
"Sure you are...you know...I'm happy for him too...for them both, but honestly Howie, how long do you think you could last?"
"What the hell am I supposed to do?" Howie asked, jumping up from his chair. "Go up to him and say 'Hey AJ, I got something to tell ya, I'm in love with you'?"
"Why the hell not?"
"Because, he's in love with Lance now...I don't want to add any stress to their relationship. He doesn't need to all of a sudden have me throwing myself at him!" Howie sat down at a booth as his eyes started tearing up.
Nick noticed this and sat down next to Howie, placing his arm around him. "You know I just want you to be happy...I want the both of you to be happy. I don't want to see you hurt or in pain, your one of my brothers."
"I know Nicky," Howie started, wiping tears from his eyes, "I know...it's just complicated. If I would've just came out right in the beginning when AJ did...it might've been different."
"Don't worry about it, we'll figure something out." Nick reassured, hugging Howie tighter.
"Thanks Nicky...you know...you're more mature than people think. Are you sure you're a natural blonde?" Howie asked, trying to add humor to the situation.
"Yeah, 100% pure blonde." Nick laughed. "I'm going to go get some stuff taken care of at my house. My parents will kill me if I don't give them a call soon. I'll be back in a few hours, okay? Don't overdo it!" Nick got up and started toward the door.
"Okay, I'll see ya in a few hours." Nick left, locking the door after himself.
Howie looked around the room and decided to go back to the paperwork he was filling out earlier. It would help him to clear his head...or at least get his mind off AJ.
Meanwhile
Lance and AJ were driving down the road again. Hand in hand as Lance negotiated through traffic.
"So...what are we doing?" Lance asked, his curiosity being peaked.
"I was hoping we could stop by my place for a little while...watch a movie maybe...or just chill before we hit Tabu tonight?"
"Sure thing sweetie," Lance replied, "Just point me in the right direction."
AJ started giving Lance directions to his house. It didn't took them a few minutes considering traffic was pretty heavy. AJ never released Lance's hand until they pulled up into his driveway. They got out of Lance's 4-Runner and headed toward the house.
Once inside, AJ started giving him the grand tour, pointing out different points of interest. Lance returned the favor and pecked AJ on the cheek continuously throughout the tour. AJ returned to the living room and told Lance to make himself comfortable while he went upstairs to get something.
Lance wandered around the living room for a few minutes thinking to himself. <Is this real? Am I really here or am I dreaming? Stop questioning it Lance, be happy! Why can't I be happy? I am, aren't I? Damn it, I'm so fucking confused.>
AJ returned a few minutes later. He put a DVD in and pulled Lance down on the couch with him.
"So what are we watching?"
"Monty Python and the Holy Grail."
Lance giggle at AJ for a few seconds. "I never understood it."
"I'll explain it to ya if you want me to."
"The guys couldn't explain it to me, so I really doubt you can, but you could always try."
"I love a challenge."
AJ hit the play button on the DVD player as Lance cuddled up in his chest and arms. AJ tried his best to explain some of the British humor to Lance, but it was pretty much impossible. So, they settled on talking more about their respective lives and group members. They learned a whole lot about one another in that hour and a half or so. Somewhere along the line, they both fell asleep, nestled against one another.
Lance was the first to wake up a few hours later. He didn't open his eyes, but he knew AJ was still there. He felt the warmth of AJ's arms wrapped around him. He smiled and opened his eyes and looked toward the window. It was dark outside. Lance decided he had better call the guys and let them know where he was, knowing Chris, he would be wondering. Even if he acted like he didn't care, he really did. Lance gently undid himself from AJ's arms and got up. Turning around he had to pause and look at AJ's sleeping form.
Lance smiled and walked towards the kitchen, he didn't want to wake up AJ when he called Chris. Once in the kitchen, he pulled out his cell phone and dialed Chris' number.
The voice that answered was a poor attempt on Chris' behalf to sound Chinese. "Hello? Kung Pow Southeastern Oriental, how may I help you? Would you like some chicken?"
Lance laughed and continued, "No thank you, actually I was looking for this short little Elf man named Chris, he has a terrible fashion sense and can't coordinate for crap!"
"HEY!!!" "Howdy Papa Smurf, whatcha doin?"
"Elf man huh? Pshh, whatever," Chris said, brushing off the insult, "Chilling right now. Bored offa my ass. Justin is at home 'talkin' to Britney, yeah right. If I know those two, its phone sex."
"Okay, a little too much information."
"Haha, yeah whatever. I was trying to call JC but he won't answer the phone. I guess he's asleep or something."
"Yeah, probably. I just wanted to call and let you know that I'm over at Alex's house right now."
"Uh oh, and what were you two up to?" Lance could see his eyebrows wiggling through the phone line.
"Perv! WE were watching a movie thank you very much."
"Suuuurrre."
"Whatever, anyways, do you got any plans for tomorrow night?"
"None that I know of, how come?"
"Good, we're going to go out to Howie's club, Tabu."
"Awesome, I've been wanting to head out there and check it out."
"Yeah, well, try and organize the guys will ya? I have a sleeping beauty I need to get back to."
"Awwww. I will, don't do anything too bad, okay?"
"Yeah yeah yeah, later Papa Smurf." With that, Lance hanged up his phone. He smiled briefly to himself, but his smile was eventually lost when his thoughts drifted over to Joey and Charlie. He was happy for them, but he felt like he had some unresolved issues. He was so lost in his own world that he didn't hear AJ walk up behind him. Arms wrapped around Lance's waist, and he was startled, but he felt AJ placing his chin in the crook of his neck.
"Penny for your thoughts?" AJ asked, picking up on Lance's mood.
"Really? They're all about you Alex." Lance said smiling.
"Really? Like what?"
"Like how I want to go back to sleep in your arms."
"That can be arranged, but do you think we could maybe move it up to the bedroom?"
"Alex! You trying to force me into getting in bed with you?"
"You can't force the willing," AJ commented, grabbing Lance by the hand and heading up to the bedroom. Lance just smiled and followed. They got up to the bedroom and AJ started shedding his clothes. Lance looked up at him and just sort of stood there, he really didn't know what to do. AJ noticed this and walked over to him, planting their lips together.
"Sweetheart, I'm just getting more comfortable for bed. We won't do anything until we are both ready, okay?"
"Okay, thank you Alex." With that said, they both shed their clothes down to their boxers. Lance was still a little uncomfortable until he got underneath the covers. AJ noticed this also and jumped in with him, wrapping his arms around Lance's chest.
"You know, you have nothing to be ashamed of. You have a beautiful body."
Lance started changing colors again. "I guess, I'm just self-conscious about it."
AJ just smiled and pulled Lance closer. That was something he was planning on changing. "G'nite Lance."
"Goodnight Alex."
With that said, the guys from two different groups. Supposed mortal enemies, fell asleep tightly against one another.
*** Well, that's it for Chapter 13. I hope ya'll enjoyed it. Once again, I'm sooo sorry for taking so long to get this out. But I have this whole next week off for Spring Break. I'm also working on this other story idea and I might have it out as well. Planning on working on Chapter 14 today and hopefully will have it out by Thursday. Remember Email me! grandbaykracker@hotmail.com AIM screen-name: collegebites2002. I love chatting with people! hint hint =0) Luv ya'll...Charlie.