'N SYNC: LANCE 'N' JC CHAPTER 21
Usual disclaimer applies: This is a work of fiction. It is not meant to imply anything about the orientation, beliefs or anything else about the real members of 'N Sync, the Backstreet Boys, or anyone else depicted here. If you are under 18, or are offended by graphic depictions of homosexual relationships, you were warned. So there.
Thanks to everyone who has written to me; I really appreciate the notes of encouragement! Props to DLS, Scottie, Gene, Erika, and especially Eric (hey kitten!). This chapter (for no particular reason) is dedicated to Lance "Hi! Welcome to the bus!" Bass for his performance on "Snowed In.". You bring the Marvin Gaye CD, and... ;- )
And, okay now I'm gonna brag... NSYNC Lance & JC won some Boybands awards!
Best Plot in a Series Most Innovative Author Best Use of JC Chasez (Scotty deservedly won best use of Lance for L.I.S.A.) Best Storyline in a Series
Best use of N Sync
TIE Lance in Shining Armour
TIE N Sync Lance and JC
Happiest Couple in a Series (Lance and JC) Best Proposal Scene in a Series (Lance and JC) Best First Time Scene in a Series (Justin and Terry) Best Series (Author's Choice)
Whew! I'm very flattered and want to thank all of you who voted for me!
Some other stories you should definitely check out if you haven't already (and there are others, but can't list them ALL, and I'm sure there are great ones I haven't been able to read yet): Brian and Me, Search & Rescue, Lance in Shining Armor, All Grown Up, Singing-4-Wrighter, 2 of 5, Just-JC, JC and Jas.
Some excellent one-time stories which range from heartbreaking to hilarious: Week from Hell, Doin It, Front Row, & Surprise.
Story content copyright 2000 T. Kevin.
Terry was jolted to wakefulness by the annoying buzz of his alarm. He reached for the clock but there was something in his way... something big and heavy.
Justin.
He was home, and Justin was in his bed. This was too good to be true; e must be dreaming. He put his arm around the body next to him. If it was a dream, it was a very realistic one... but that damn buzzer was ruining it.
With a supreme effort he heaved himself over the blond's motionless form and smacked the clock before falling back down on the bed. Four-thirty AM. It was still dark out, and would be for awhile. He gently nudged Justin. "Time to get up." He whispered in the boy's ear.
No Reaction.
"Justin... wake up!" He snuggled up behind the singer again and ran his hand over that smooth chest.
"Uh-nuh." The blond grunted and tried half-heartedly to roll away from him, but he ran out of bed.
Terry slid his fingers down over Justin's ripped stomach. "YOU made the reservation for a six AM flight, mister grumpy."
"Mmm, shleepy." Justin growled and pulled the covers up over his head.
"We have to get up now or we won't get there in time, and you will be in a whole heap of trouble."
In answer he got a long sigh of resignation, then "Yah. Nice here tho." And he scooted back a little against the brunet.
"Yeah, it is. Just us..." The warmth of Justin's body did feel so good against his. Then it hit Terry: Orlando; four other men who were Justin's 'family', not to mention his mother, managers, the tour... Terry recognized the panic even as it clamped down on him, but that didn't help him to stave it off. Suddenly he couldn't breathe...
He couldn't do this. Justin would hate him, but he couldn't face those people. He wasn't strong enough. Better Justin knew now. He felt the pain in his chest, the tears burning his eyes. "Justin, I...don't think I can do this..."
The teenager was suddenly awake, and very aware. "NO! YOU PROMISED!" He thrashed around in the bed, rolling over to face Terry, then roughly hugged him. Justin held on tight and whispered in his ear, his voice filled with pleading urgency. "Please, you can't back out now. You can't."
Terry let himself relax into Justin's surprisingly powerful embrace. 'He'll be strong for you if you let him,' he tried to reassure himself again. "I won't, Jus, I'm coming. It all overwhelmed me for a second, that's all. I had a little panic."
"It'll be okay. Of course I'll be there, and the other guys too, and they all like you."
"I guess I'm also a little worried about what you said last night, about the 'different' you. And as far at the other guys, I'm not so sure about how much they really like me."
Justin relaxed his hold a little and sighed. "I'd be lyin' if I said that Chris was thrilled. And JC wants to protect me from everything -- and it didn't help when you walked out."
"I know, it's my own fault."
"I think they understand though. And I know Joey likes you, and Lance knows you didn't mean to hurt my feelings. Once we're all together chillin' on the bus, it'll be cool."
"Until Lonnie breaks my neck." Terry smirked.
"Lonnie's a pussycat -- or a big black bunny rabbit" He added with a smirk. "And Chris is okay, just let him win at Mortal Kombat."
"I don't think I'll have to let him win; I suck at video games."
"Lance will love you then, just cause there will finally be someone there worse than him!"
They lay tangled together in comfortable silence for a minute, arms around each other. Then Justin let out a long sigh. "I missed you so much." He whispered, then nuzzled his head into the crook of Terry's neck. "I never thought about how great it could be jus' sleepin' with someone."
"I missed you too." Terry gave the blond a little squeeze. He couldn't remember feeling this close to anyone. He wanted to trust; he had no reason not to trust Justin. But he had a lot of old demons to fight off; demons who kept warning him that trust only set you up for betrayal... and pain. But Justin would never betray him, not after what he's done... would he?
Then Terry felt lips against his neck: kisses starting out feathery light but growing more forceful. He felt himself getting aroused and he shifted uneasily. Justin clamped his mouth down on Terry's neck and sucked, and the same time sliding his hand up along his thigh to roughly fondle his balls and hardening dick. He made a noise, something between a gasp and a moan as the blond began to stroke him. "Justinnn... please." He whined.
Justin raised his head, and looked down at him in annoyance. "What?"
Terry smiled sadly and reached around to massage the back of Justin's neck. "You are making me crazy! But you have to stop."
Justin pouted. And squeezed Terry in his most sensitive area.
"Hey!" The brunet squawked and jerked part-way into a fetal position. "That hurt! You know we need to get going. I won't have you blame me if we miss the flight." He nudged the blond. "Hit the shower."
"You go first." Justin flopped on his back in exasperation..
"You go. I need to make coffee."
"Yuck! I hate coffee. You and Lance and your coffee."
"Quit stalling."
"Yes, mother!" Justin muttered, his tone sarcastic. But he flung the covers off and sat up.
"That's my boy." Terry smiled. Justin only shot him a glare before sliding out of the bed and teetering towards the bathroom. Terry got to admire the blond's cute little ass as he turned on the bathroom light before the door closed.
Terry started coffee and returned to hear the shower running. He slipped into the bathroom. "Can I join you?" He asked tentatively.
"Okay." Came the toneless reply.
"Are you sure?" Terry pulled off his t-shirt and stepped out of his boxers.
"Yah, sorry." Justin pulled open the shower curtain a bit and peeked out. "It's just early, okay?" He managed a fleeting smile. He seemed a little bashful.
Terry stepped in with him. "I remember reading in some teen mag that you don't talk before having your cereal." He managed to get a slightly better smile from the blond then. "But you always seemed pretty chipper in Hawaii and LA."
"Don't believe everything you read 'bout us. And besides, that was later time zones, and it IS like before five in the morning right? I'm on permanent west-coast time I think." Justin answered before sticking his head under the spray.
'That almost makes sense.' Terry thought as he soaped himself, trying not to get too distracted by the sexy naked boy next to him. He was mostly successful until they switched places so he could wash his hair. He put his hands lightly on Justin's slender hips and the blond's perfect butt brushed against his crotch. He couldn't resist pulling Justin against him, his hands sliding over his wet, tight flesh. Justin didn't fight it, instead leaning back into the embrace. Terry's lips closed on his neck and he kissed Justin, his lips moving lightly from freckle to freckle on his shoulder. The blond rolled his head to the side and moaned softly.
Terry ran his hands up over Justin's soap-slick, defined chest, then just held on for a moment. "I love you." He whispered into the blond's ear, the words escaping his lips almost before he knew it. He had said it before, but this time it had just come out of his mouth without him thinking; it scared him a little. It wasn't something he'd said much before, ever. He remembered when he was much younger swearing he would never use the word lightly. And here he had blurted it out...
Justin tensed in his arms and for a second Terry was afraid he had said the wrong thing. But the blond turned around, eyes half- closed in the spray and steam, and hugged Terry tight, taking the wind out of him. Then Justin kissed him hard, strong hands roaming over the brunet's back.
Terry surrendered to this passionate embrace, though he felt himself -- and Justin -- getting aroused.
Then just as suddenly, Justin loosened his hold enough to face Terry, and with a shy smile he whispered. "Thanks man. I... I love you too. Very much." Then he pulled Terry into a quick hug again. "Hmmm! Okay! I'm done!" And he jumped out of the shower and closed the curtain behind him before Terry could even react.
By the time Terry got out of the bathroom Justin was dressed and was finishing his cereal. It was so cute how he still held his spoon in a fist like a little child.
"I see you found breakfast."
"Yah." Justin mumbled as he lifted the bowl to his mouth to drink the remaining milk. SLUUURP. A trickle ran down over his chin.
"Nice table manners."
"Wait till you see Joey eat. It ain't pretty!"
"I'm scared." Terry shook his head and poured some coffee.
Justin volunteered to warm up the car and start scraping, a preparation that hadn't even occurred to the designer. He gratefully accepted and managed to slurp down some coffee and listen to the radio for weather updates while he checked to be sure he had all his computer equipment. Most of the city was shut down; a good thing because then there would be very little traffic.
By the time he had locked up and made it down to the street Justin was sitting in the toasty-warm car, ready to go. It was still dark and the city seemed almost deserted as they drove slowly towards the airport. Most of the main roads were at least partly cleared and they made good time until they neared the airport, where traffic suddenly got much worse; they weren't the only ones with an early flight.
As they waited at a red light, suddenly Justin reached over and clamped his hand on Terry's thigh. "Let's promise each other something." He said with a strange urgency in his voice.
"Um, okay." Terry glanced over at him.
"We both got caller ID on our cells."
"Yah." Terry turned to look at Justin again as he felt the grip tighten.
"We won't be together every minute; maybe apart for hours depending on our schedule. I want you to promise me that if I call, you answer no matter what if you can, and if you miss my call you call me right back? I promise to do it for you. Promise me." Justin held his gaze in the dimness of the traffic lights and his grip tightened a notch more; it was downright painful.
"I promise." Terry swallowed hard.
"Even if we fight, even... if anything. I can't take you shutting me out again." Justin's blue eyes demanded truth, and Terry somehow knew that in his mind he would see those eyes boring into him if he ever hesitated again.
The light changed. The reddish glow across Justin's face turned to green.
"I swear. I won't shut you out again."
"Good!" Then Justin's expression relaxed; he leaned forward and kissed him... then they kissed again...
HONNNK! They were jolted apart by the rude sound of a car horn behind them. Terry hit the gas and the car leapt forward.
"Learn to drive, man!" Justin joked.
They dropped off the car with half an hour before the flight was scheduled to leave, but as they got in the baggage check-in line Justin suddenly stopped and got a terrified look on his face.
"What's wrong?" Terry looked around for screaming fans; though surely no one would recognize the blond in the sunglasses and goofy stocking-cap he'd borrowed from Terry (though he did look odd wearing sunglasses while it was still dark out).
Justin patted his shirt pockets. "Oh my god! The tickets!" He gasped.
Terry's eyes went wide. "Uh, well, since the original flight was canceled, maybe they'll give us a break..." But he knew that without the old tickets to trade in there would be trouble; and this flight was sure to be booked solid. Justin was going to be in so much trouble, all because of him...
Then a smile slowly appeared on the blond's face and he drew the tickets out of a pocket in his jacket. "Scared yah!"
"You are evil!" Terry sighed in relief. He grabbed Justin by the arm and hauled him into the line in front of him. "Just for that, you get to talk to the clerk."
"Aw jeez."
They got their gate assignment and Terry's bags checked (all Justin had was a carry-on which now held his FedEx uniform) with little time to spare. Justin did manage to finagle them an upgrade to first class, and when they got to the gate they were able to walk right on.
As they got settled in, Justin gave Terry a worried look. "How are you doing?" He asked as the stewardess offered them pillows and blankets.
"You mean about flying or about going back?" Terry glanced out the window. Beyond the glare of the airport lights it was still full night.
"I was thinking about flyin' but either one." Justin grinned as he started unfolding a blanket.
"Between the two I'm paralyzed, how's that?"
"Well, I'll forgive you if you have a drink."
"Will you hold my hand too?" Terry asked with a little pout.
"Oh all right, yah big baby!" Justin teased, but he was already slipping his hand into Terry's under the blanket. "I should warn you..." He added under his breath with a little smirk.
"What?"
"There's kind of a big hickey startin' on your neck."
"You bastard!" But Terry was smiling. He thought leaving hickeys was tacky, but it was gratifying somehow. Justin had left a mark that everyone would see today. There would be no question about the nature of their relationship.
"You bettah start watchin' that potty mouth. We 'N Sync boys don't swear, you know. That means our tour entourage doesn't either."
"Excuse me, I forgot. You guys are pure as driven snow."
Justin shot him a look and squeezed his hand. "Chill the sarcasm, bro, or no nookie for you latah."
The flight was otherwise uneventful; Justin fell asleep soon after takeoff, his head lolling onto Terry's shoulder -- not that the designer minded. He wished he could sleep, but he was too nervous. Between imagining the engines falling off the plane and Justin's mother coming at him with a cleaver, his mind was kept quite occupied.
When they were about a half hour out of Orlando, the blond woke up with a start.
Terry met his shy smile as he checked the corners of his mouth. "No, you didn't drool." He grinned.
Justin kicked him and turned, squinting at the sunlight now coming in through the windows. "It's too early!" He reached for the airphone, and after swiping his credit card, started dialing. "Lance is gonna kill me..."
"Hullo?" A deep, sleepy sounding voice answered.
"Morning Scoop!" Justin did his best to sound cheerful.
"What time is it?" Lance groaned.
"Seven-thirty! We'll be landing in about a half hour. Can you come pick us up? Pleeeeze?" He grinned and winked at Terry.
"Yeah, sure of course." Lance muttered, then in the background Justin could hear JC: "Tell Curly to get a damn cab!"
Then there were a lot of rustling sounds, then Lance saying "JC! Stop that! STOP IT!!" Then a lot of giggling.
"Lance! Pay attention! The usual pickup in an hour, okay?" Justin raised his voice a little.
He was answered by another fit of giggling and some growling sounds, then Lance said "oh-ohhhkay! JC! I mean it! STOP IT!!! An hour! Bye!"
"How's Lance?" Terry asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Fine I guess. I have a feelin' he'll be late."
Lance was actually right on time, zooming up to the private exit from the VIP lounge in JC's Jeep and screeching to a halt. Lance seemed shy in person but he certainly didn't drive shy.
It was a chilly morning for Orlando, but the sun was out and it wasn't too uncomfortable as Terry and Justin emerged with their bags.
Lance got out and gave the designer a quick hug. "I'm glad you're back." He smiled, then took Terry's suitcase.
"Thanks, Lance, I appreciate that." Terry smiled appreciatively.
"C'mon, let's GO!" Justin called, hopping in the passenger seat and buckling up.
Terry got in back with the luggage and Lance spun out of the lot almost before he got his own seatbelt in place.
"Thanks for pickin' us up!" Justin slapped his bandmate on the shoulder.
"Not a problem. But we gotta stop by Mickey D's and get breakfast for everybody."
Justin looked shocked. "There's no more food at home?"
"Nope. Joey stayed over, and your mom isn't back until today you know, and it's not like any of us are gonna go food shopping."
"'Course not."
"And you know we have that barbecue tonight at Lou's." Lance added, his expression hard to read behind his Wayfarers.
"Cripes, I forgot." Justin threw his head back against the headrest in exasperation. "More like a photo-op with a bunch of media and studio people if I know Lou."
"Britney and Danielle are supposed to show." Lance added.
When Terry heard that his blood ran cold. Britney Spears, the pop-star who kissed Justin... his supposed girlfriend.'
"You got any GOOD news?" Justin whined.
"Let's see... we picked bunks and you are on the bottom."
"I KNEW dat would happen." Justin chewed a fingernail. Then he glanced back at Terry. "And no bottom jokes from you!"
Terry put his hand to his chest and opened his mouth in a melodramatic gesture of 'Me? Never!'
"And there are only six bunks on this bus, so we're not sure exactly what to do since there are seven of us. Steven may switch to the security bus.
"Fine wit me. Though I bet Terry and I could share." He twisted around again to grin at the designer.
"We have to be careful Justin, you know that." Lance warned.
"I know. But on the bus, and in our rooms..."
"Just keep it in mind. The barbecue tonight will be the first big test for all of us. MTV is gonna be there plus a bunch of the teenie mag reporters and photographers. You and I are gonna have to play the girlfriend game at least a little."
"Brit is not going to want to play along like Danielle. She wants me to really be her boyfriend." Justin scowled.
"You can keep saying she isn't, but let yourself be photographed with her to keep the rumors going."
"Jeez Lance, are you on the deception train too?"
"We don't have a choice." Lance said cryptically as he pulled up in the drive-in. Then he twisted around to face the Designer. "Terry, what would you like?"
"Bacon-egg-and-cheese biscuit and large coffee!" Terry reached for his wallet but Lance waved him off before turning to the speaker.
"I think 'N Sync can spring for your breakfast." He grinned.
"Thanks." Terry smiled. "But I DO have an expense account."
"Crunk!" Justin grinned. "Terry's got da cheese! He can take us out someplace shwank!"
"I didn't say it was a BIG expense account. Besides, you guys are the rich pop stars." Terry reached up to tickle Justin -- just as they moved up to the window.
Justin pulled back suddenly, glancing over towards the drive- through and frowning. "Chill bro." He whispered.
"Sorry." Terry pulled back. Justin was right of course, but it still hurt.
"My house is just down this street." Justin waved ahead as Lance made a turn. I'll change while the other guys eat and we'll head to rehearsal. "You want to stay and take a nap or come with us, Ter?"
"I'll tag along and see if you get in trouble because of your little vacation." Terry said with a smile.
"Cool. You can meet some more of the tour staff. And we can check out da bus."
Terry felt himself getting nervous as they pulled into Justin's driveway. Parked next to them was the singer's Mercedes M Class, shiny and spotless in the morning sun. How would Chris and JC treat him? Would Joey be as nice to him as before? He climbed out, struggling with his duffel and two computer bags, until Justin took one from him then put his arm across the designer's shoulders.
"Don't worry man, everythin' be cool." He said with a smile as they walked up to the huge dark wood door with inlaid panels. Lance led the way, throwing the door open and announcing "Guess who's baaack!"
"About time!" Came a voice from down the hall.
"Yeah we were about to die of starvation!" chimed in another.
"Not likely, Joey!!" Justin retorted. "You could live off that belly for months!"
"Are you saying I'm fat?" Joey whined as they trooped into the living room, laden with breakfast. He was watching as Chris and JC struggled mightily against each other in Toshinden 2. Chris scored a flawless victory and threw up his arms in triumph.
"Man!" JC tossed aside the controller in frustration and hopped up. When he saw Terry, he stepped over and gave him a strong handshake, followed the kind of fingers-grip thing the designer had seen athletes do before. "Nice to see you again, Terry. I'm glad Justin convinced you to come back."
"Thanks, that means a lot," Terry smiled with relief. He had to look away after a moment though; JC's gaze was too piercing for him to meet for very long. 'How does Lance do it?' He wondered. 'That guy is so intense.'
"Hey man, welcome back!" Joey grinned messily around a mouthful of Egg McMuffin and slapped Terry on the shoulder.
"Do I know you?" Chris squinted at Terry. He cocked his head to one side, his braids spilling around lazily as he stepped closer.
The designer looked tentatively at Justin for support, but the blond was handing JC his breakfast.
"Ohhh, I remember." Chris' face remained emotionless. "You're my kid bro's new boyfriend. I only got one thing to say to you." He started shaking his finger at the designer.
Everyone else stopped talking as they heard a tone of hostility creep into Chris' voice.
"I expect you boys to play safe, but if I crawl out of my bunk and step on ONE used condom, you are in DEEP trouble, buster."
Terry just stared at Chris, stunned speechless as he felt himself redden.
Finally Justin broke the silence with a giggle. "He's playin wit you, man." He smacked Terry on the arm and walked towards his room. "C'mon Terry, put your stuff in here."
"Um, okay." Terry nodded to Chris. "I promise." He smiled nervously and edged away. Chris still glowered and followed him with his gaze as he hustled after Justin. "Hey nice hickey by the way!" Chris shouted after them. "You behave in there you two!"
"It's sooo good to be back in the crib hangin' with mah peeps!" Justin said with a dramatic sigh.
After they vanished in the blond's room and the door closed, the other four all burst out laughing.
"Man you took him to SCHOOL!" Joey gave Chris a high-five.
"That was gross, Chris! And I think you scared Terry." Lance tried to look serious but he couldn't keep from smirking either.
"If he's gonna roll with us, he better get used to it." Joey said between slurps of Coke. "That was one hell of a hickey though; they' been gettin it on!"
"Okay, enough fun." JC announced. The talk about Justin and Terry being intimate made him uncomfortable. "We gotta roll before we start getting angry calls. Justin!" He raised his voice. "Make it snappy!"
"'Make it snappy'?" Lance looked over at JC skeptically. "Since when did you start talking like our parents?"
"Ever since I became Big Daddy!" JC huffed, stalking off to his room.
"Hmmm." Joey sniffed. "Smell the tension!"
"I thought that was just you farting again." Chris said with a laugh as he headed for his room.
"That is so not funny!" Joey hollered. "You're the one who should be declared a toxic zone after you go to Taco Bell!"
His only answer was Chris' door slamming.
Lance slumped on the couch and dug the remote out of the cushions.
"Hey Lance!" Joey sat next to him.
"No I don't want to play a video game." Lance said tiredly. "You only want to play with me because you can win."
"True." Joey nodded thoughtfully.
Meanwhile, Justin and Terry weren't making much progress towards getting ready. At that moment the blond already was straddling his partner on the bed. "I am so glad you're here." He whispered, then leaned down to kiss the brunet.
"Are you sure Chris isn't mad at me?" Terry asked worriedly between kisses.
"He... only... teases... people... he... likes... mmmm." Justin settled down on top of Terry and started grinding their hips together. They were both quickly becoming aroused.
BANG BANG BANG!
"In this millennium, girls!" JC shouted from behind the door.
Justin raised up long enough to holler back "Five minutes! And who you callin' a girl?"
"YOU!"
"Dammit." Justin sighed.
"We have plenty of time later." Terry brushed the blond's cheek with his fingertips.
"Yah." Justin smiled and reluctantly climbed off the bed.
"And by the way..." Terry said as he propped himself up and looked around the room while Justin changed clothes. "...that James Dean picture with the real little lights in the bridge and his cigarette?"
"Yah? Cool ain't it?"
"It's one of the most hideous things I have ever seen. Where's the velvet Elvis to go with it?"
Justin glared at him. "Don' be going all urban culture fag on me."
"Ouch!" Terry fell back on the bed.
"Sorry. Truce?" Justin sat next to him and gently rubbed Terry's belly.
"Okay, I'm sorry too." The brunet smiled up at him. "You ready?"
"Yah."
"Let me get my cameras." Terry grabbed the bag holding his digital cameras and they went back out into the living room.
They all piled into Justin's car. Car wasn't exactly the right word. It was somewhere between a minivan and an SUV. Terry decided that he liked his Honda better but he would never say a thing to Justin; this vehicle was obviously his pride and joy. "You like?" He grinned proudly as he opened the passenger door.
"It's nice."
"Jeez, I wanted shotgun!" Joey whined.
"You know what you have to do to get shotgun these days." Chris declared.
"I ain't doing that, nuh-huh, no way! I like you Curly but not that much. Terry can have shotgun. I'll just crawl in the back here with Chris."
The designer climbed in, feeling himself blush. "It never stops does it?"
"Nope!" Justin grinned. "It's the Joey and Chris comedy hour twenty-four-seven
Lance just smiled. He was enjoying that someone else was getting the brunt of the gentle jibes for a change. JC seemed lost in thought, though he did reach over to squeeze Lance's hand as they started off.
"You okay?" Lance asked his lover softly.
"Yeah, thinking... about telling my parents. I'm going to do it tonight."
"This will be a night to remember." Joey muttered.
"Or forget." Lance said almost inaudibly.
At the gate to the studio complex they had to sign Terry in as a guest and there was some hassling about giving him 'All Access' status, but in the end Justin got his way.
Fatima greeted them with a raised eyebrow and a glance at her watch. "Fifteen minutes late, gentlemen. Glad to see you back Justin."
"Thanks, glad to be back." Justin took a reluctant Terry by the arm and dragged him over. "Fatima, this is Terry; Terry, Fatima, one of our favorite choreographers!"
"Nice to meet you." Terry accepted her offered hand.
"Same here. I've heard a little about you." She glanced at Justin. "I'd say he was worth a trip to DC, Curly."
"Absolutely." The blond grinned.
"So go warm up! Terry, I hope we get a chance to talk later; will you be at the barbecue?"
Before Terry could answer, Justin piped in "Of Course!"
"Great!" She smiled warmly. "But for now if you'll excuse me, these boys have work to do. You're welcome to watch if you like, there are some seats over there -- as long as you don't distract Mister Timberlake."
"I'll try."
Terry had never watched a dance rehearsal of any kind before, and while he had seen some of 'N Sync's moves from their video, this gave him a whole new appreciation of the amount of work that went into a production like theirs. It was interesting for awhile, and Terry took a few pictures. But, while watching Justin dance was definitely enjoyable, hearing the constant pounding of Fatima's staff and certain fragments of songs over and over eventually started to get to him as the day wore on. Just when he was about to go outside for some fresh air, Fatima called for another break.
"That was good! Take fifteen, guys. Johnny and Alex should be here in a few, and your OTHER favorite choreographer should also be dropping by."
"Darren!?" Five voices spoke almost as one as they all walked over to a table near Terry and picked up towels and water.
"Yes. Try not to sound TOO excited. He's going to go over your other numbers with you, but those you should know by heart by now."
Justin flopped into a seat next to the designer. "Pretty dull stuff huh?" He grinned, drying his sweaty neck.
"It was interesting. You guys sure work hard." As he said it he saw Lance slump forward, holding his head in his hands.
Apparently JC noticed about the same time and rushed to sit next to his boyfriend. He gently put his hand on Lance's back. "You okay baby?" he whispered.
Lance didn't answer right away, but nodded. Finally he said "Just a little dizzy. My low blood pressure I guess. And I didn't eat much for lunch."
"Want me to get you something?" JC's expression was full of concern and his hand slid up to tenderly caress Lance's neck. Chris knelt in front of Lance, also looking a little worried. Joey and Fatima looked over, concern easily read on their faces.
The blond sat up and smiled weakly. He looked very pale. "I'm fine, I'll have a granola bar or something in a minute."
"You don't look too good, Scoop." Justin put a hand on Lance's shoulder.
"Really, it's sweet of you guys to worry, but I'll be all right in a minute. Just a little dizzy spell."
"I think you should go to a doctor, before we start touring." JC urged.
"No, I'm fine!" Lance snapped.
JC was obviously startled by the tone in Lance's voice. "Okay, sorry man!" He sat back with a frown and pulled his hand away. "I'll let you rest." He started to get up.
"Josh, I'm sorry." Lance reached out to touch JC's hand. "I didn't mean to be short with you."
JC sat back down immediately and put his arm around Lance, pulling him close. "We're just worried, James. This is like the second time in a week you've had a spell; maybe it is something serious. If anything happened to you..." He couldn't finish, feeling his throat constrict. It was unthinkable.
"I've had them before; you guys just haven't noticed. It's like when you've been sitting on the floor and you stand up real fast, don't you ever feel lightheaded?"
"Yeah... but I don't turn white as a sheet and almost collapse." Justin answered tartly.
Discussion of Lance's dizzy spell was quickly put aside when Johnny, Darren and Alex entered the room. Everyone stood up as they waved perfunctorily and sat in chairs facing the group. Even Fatima looked a little nervous. "Okay men, let's do a full run-through, with intros and everything!" She punched a button on her tape player.
Darren hurried over next to her and whispered something in Fatima's ear. She nodded but said nothing.
Terry thought he could sense the managers looking at him, and he wished he could turn invisible. Instead, he felt like he had a big glowing sign over his head that said "TROUBLE." They would be happy to get rid of this person who was involved with Justin and therefore threatening the smooth operation of their cash machine. Justin seemed to sense it too, and seemed to make a point of not looking at Terry.
Before taking his position, JC grabbed an energy bar and brought it to Lance. "Eat this for me at the first changeover, promise?" He gave Lance's shoulder a little squeeze.
"Promise." Lance said with his familiar little smile. "I love you."
"I love you too, babe." JC didn't smile back.
Terry managed to forget the managers were there as he watched the show. Even without the stage, the band, the lights or costumes, these guys could put on a performance. They went from a kind of half-assed follow-through of most of their moves that they did when trying to get their sequencing together with Fatima, to suddenly becoming five energetic acrobats. JC was the most amazing of all -- seemingly a bundle of barely restrained energy -- but the others also really put their hearts into it. Lance only made a couple of minor errors but otherwise seemed fine again. Darren and Fatima watched them closely, taking notes and consulting with each other. Johnny smiled and at times tapped his foot and nodded to the music; Alex sat stony-faced, also making a few notes.
As they finished up 'Tearin' Up My Heart' and did their bows, everyone stood up and clapped. Terry found himself doing it without thinking. He heard other applause and noticed that a small crowd had spilled in through the doors at the back of the practice hall.
Alex turned and looked at them in annoyance. "I'm glad you enjoyed the show, now I am sure you all have work to do, the same as us."
They hung their heads, and with a little quiet grumbling the dozen or so people slunk out; the double doors swung closed.
'God, he really is a bastard.' Terry thought.
"Now that we're alone again, I've got a few comments." Alex strode towards them; Johnny hurrying to catch up. Alex proceeded to go through every single number, mostly with minor criticisms of transitions and introductions, which he debated with Johnny and the choreographers while the exhausted performers caught their breath and cooled down.
"Now Lance..." Alex looked over at the blond, a tight smile flashing across his lips that gave Lance a chill. "About your introduction to 'God Must Have Spent...'"
"Yes?" Lance said, a little defiantly. He suspected what was coming.
"You say 'I look across the audience and can't help but think that God must have spent a little more time on Orlando PEOPLE'? 'PEOPLE', Lance? Doesn't that sound awkward? Why can't you just say 'Orlando GIRLS'? It rolls off the tongue so much better. And all those teenage girls in the audience want to believe that you like them, Lance..." then he added cynically, "...even if we all know it's a lie."
The tension in the room suddenly became almost a tangible thing. Terry felt himself cringing. He had noticed Lance's neutral gender pronouns and had to admit it sounded odd. It really stuck out and he knew Lance must have done it intentionally; it said more about him than it did about the audience. He had to admire the guy for doing it, though.
"We have a lot of guy fans too, you know. I was trying to be more inclusive." Lance met Alex's gaze, his green eyes cold.
"Don't fuck with me, Lance. This isn't about being inclusive, it's about your personal agenda, and I won't have it."
"Don't you dare use that language with me! I do not have to take this kind of treatment. And I will say what I please in my introduction."
"You'll say what you are told and no more. We own you, and don't you ever forget it."
In answer Lance turned his back and walked over to the drinks table. JC shot the manager a glare that could curdle milk and ran after his boyfriend. The others slunk away. Alex swept the room with his glare, turned on his toe and stormed out.
Lance stood near Terry as he leaned against the table with his back to the room. The designer, not knowing what else to do, handed Lance a bottle of water and whispered "That took guts, man."
Lance managed a pained smile, and by then JC was there, his arm across the blond's shoulders. "Are you okay baby? You're shaking."
"Is he gone?" Lance asked through clenched teeth.
JC looked over his shoulder. "Yeah, he's gone."
Lance let out a huge breath he had been holding and almost collapsed. "God forgive me, but I hate that man." He mumbled as JC took him into his arms.
"You stood up to him Lance, and he deserved it."
"What an asshole!" Chris volunteered as he joined them. Joey said nothing and looked worried. Justin sat next to Terry but was also silent.
Johnny joined them a moment later. "Lance, he was way out of line." He said apologetically. "You had every right to put him in his place."
"Whatever place that is." Lance muttered. JC guided him to a seat.
Johnny glanced around the room and waved them all into a huddle. He glanced at Terry warily.
"I can go." The designer volunteered and started to get up.
"No! He's family now." Justin asserted and took Terry's hand. The others looked less certain but they didn't challenge him.
"Okay, your decision." Johnny gave Terry a hard look. "But this is absolutely on the down low. Backstreet Boys are leaving TransContinental and RCA for Jive records."
Five jaws dropped.
Johnny continued. "They've taken their album with them and will be releasing it under Jive's label. Not that this excuses Alex's behavior, but now you understand why he seems even more uptight than usual."
"Yeah he did seem to have a bigger pole that usual shoved up his ass today." Chris joked. Joey smirked and elbowed him.
"This is going to put a lot more pressure on you guys, but it also gives you more clout." Johnny went on. "Lance, I have all the contracts as you requested. Are you sure you want to do this?"
"I just want to have my uncle look everything over and give his opinion as a lawyer. We don't have to do anything... yet. But something smells around here -- and it isn't only Justin's aftershave." He added with a little smile.
"HEY! What? You don't like Abercrombie and Fitch?" Justin leapt to his feet and aped some kind of rapper pose.
"Sure, just not by the gallon, Curly." Lance wrinkled his nose as he stuffed the thick manila folder into his backpack.
"Okay!" Fatima walked up, sensing that the private meeting was over. "That's it for today; be back here at eight AM tomorrow! And I'll see you at the barbecue tonight!"
"I guess Lou will have heard about this by tonight." Lance said with resignation.
"Count on it." Johnny muttered.
End of Chapter 21.
To be continued... next: the barbecue.
Author's note: for those of you who didn't have a chance to see 'N Sync live on their tour, Lance really did do the introduction for GMHS, and each time, he would say "I think God must have spent a little more time on [fill in the city] PEOPLE!" It was very cute. I'm not implying anything about the real Lance Bass by it, except that it seemed very deliberate, and it was a thoughtful, inclusive gesture on his part.
Email me! lictor (at) aol (dot) com