I would like to thank the following people: Shyler...thank you so much for introducing me to slash and N*SYNC...and I miss you more than words can say... Shaun....thank you for being such a great writer and a cool new friend. Dawn/Penelope....thank you for the inspiration, the great emails, and reading this story, you provided most of the plot for this story. All of you have been wonderful. So thank you.
Official Disclaimer: I do not know N*SYNC nor do I know anyone who does know them. This is fiction. Not based in any truth. (That I know of, but one can wish right?)
Feedback is appreciated
Chapter One: A Thin Line Between Love And Hate ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lance burst into the room.
"Hey scoop, what up?" asked Joey.
"Guys, I have something important to tell you. You may not like what I have to say, and you may even hate me for it. But I have to say it" said Lance.
"Okay, man. What is it?" asked Chris.
Justin and JC just looked on, they were both surprised at the way Lance had come in, like a man on a mission. In fact, Lance was a man on a mission.
"You guys have known me for a while now, and we've all been friends. I want you all to know that I cherish that friendship. But I'm gonna tell you this and if ya'll can't accept what I tell you, then I don't want anything to do with ya'll. Personally or professionally" he emphatically stated.
'Geez man, talk about ruin our have a good time mood! What's the deal man? Just say it" Chris yelled.
"I'm gay! There, I said it. I'm homosexual!" Lance ground out.
"Um....you're gay??" asked Justin.
"Wow...I always kinda figured you batted for the other team!!" laughed Joey.
JC's mouth was open, his jaw slack with incredulity.
Chris just grinned.
"Yes, Justin. I'm gay."
"Oh...well....okay," said the surprised but recovering Justin.
"Is there anything ya'll need to say to me? Because now is the time to do it. I will not have any of you throwing this in my face at a later date. I want to clear the air completely. I love you all very much, but I cannot change how I am or what I feel" Lance was in total control. Even now, when he had just revealed a secret that could be devastating to him and made him vulnerable, he was in power.
"Naw man, I'm cool with it....whatever floats your boat!" winked Joey.
"Diff'rent strokes for diff'rent folks!! Y'know what I mean??" laughed Chris elbowing Joey who sat on the couch next to him. Sat wasn't really the word. For anyone who knows Joey, you know that Joey doesn't sit on a couch, he SPRAWLS on the couch.
"I didn't tell you so you could make fun of me. I will not listen to teasing about it. You guys will not abuse me in the name of fun and jokes!" thundered Lance in his oh so sexy rumbling voice.
"Hey man, they were seriously just kidding. I think I speak for all of us when I say, I have no problem with it at all" said JC, speaking for the first time since Lance's hasty entry.
" I'm cool too bro!" said Justin.
"Alright then. I'm gonna go work on some stuff. Don't forget, we have to be up and packed by 8:15. We meet in the lobby at 8:30. If I come by your room and you aren't up by 7:30, you will regret it!" Lance used his authoritarian voice. As usual, the guys basically ignored him. Oh, they never disobeyed that voice, they just didn't acknowledge it.
"Night Scoop" Joey tossed out carelessly.
Lance shut the door behind him and leaned against it. His eyes shut and he breathed a mighty sigh of relief. "Thank you, Lord. Thank you for giving me friends who will accept me." He prayed silently.
He righted himself and went to his room. Opening his laptop and starting another round of emails with his family and business associates.
To Be Continued