Date: Fri, 27 Oct 2000 14:31:45 EDT From: Garrett Sparks Subject: Hold the Pickle - Chapter 3 I realized that I didn't write anything with the last chapter - I was just so anxious to get it out, it slipped my mind. So, anyway, thanks for the feedback on the last chapter and please send me more - even if it's just to say hello. And check out NSync's new video on MTV. TRL is the logical place to see it and also vote for 98 Degrees' song - it's a great video and has disappeared from the countdown (I feel bad for them) Okay, you know it by heart, but once again: no illegal viewing, please. I also do not know any of the people in this story and therefore, cannot truthfully comment on their lives. Meaning, this stuff is all made up. Enjoy! Chapter 3 Joey was trying to put on his tie when Drew walked into the room. Both guys were dressed in suits, in anticipation of their upcoming dinner with Joey's parents. Joey had invited his sis along, but she couldn't make it. So, he somewhat dreaded having to do this three times, considering Steve would also be coming shortly. At least that one could wait until the tour started. Joey hated ties and rarely wore them, so he was having trouble putting it on. Drew noticed this and went to him, turning him around. He smiled and grabbed the tie from Joey's hand and began tying it for him. Joey just stood there, tapping his foot. As Drew knotted the tie, he commented, "Calm down. You're fidgeting and I can't get the knot straight". Joey stopped his tapping, "Sorry, I'm just a little nervous about tonight". Drew finished the knot and straightened the tie, "There, you look great," he kissed Joey on his chin, causing the beard to tickle his lips slightly. "I'm gonna be there with you and no matter what happens, I'm not leaving." Joey grabbed Drew's hand and squeezed it, "Thanks. I'm glad you're coming with me." Drew grinned and hugged Joey. After a minute, he backed away and led Joey out into the living room. Lance and JC were there, snuggled on the couch watching Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Joey laughed, "You like this show?" Lance leered at Joey, "We don't want to get invested in anything since we probably won't be watching TV for long". "Man, and I thought I was horny all the time," Joey joked. JC smirked, "Well, after this week, we won't have much time to just hang out. So, we need to get in some quality lovin' before then". JC's statement hit Joey as he realized that he had precious little time with Drew before they went back out on the road. He seriously doubted Drew could come on the road with him, and he wondered when he would see him. He knew Drew would make time to visit - he had said so. Still, Joey knew he was going to be hurting during those long stretches when Drew wasn't around. He pushed those thoughts out of his mind and said goodnight to the guys before leading Drew to the elevator. He was nervous about tonight, but Drew was a nice calming force and when he held his hand, the butterflies tended to settle down a little bit. Of course, Joey's parents had suggested they meet at Malducci's, where Joey had taken Drew that first night. Joey and Drew arrived early and were seated in the back, away from the prying eyes of others. Joey was secretly glad he wouldn't have an audience tonight. He would hate for some reporter to be sitting there and overhear this. Still, Joey thought, he would have loved to seen the management's faces when this came out. Their looks of horror would be priceless. A few minutes later, Phyllis and Joseph Fatone, Sr. walked in the door and were shown to the table. Joey kissed his mom on the cheek and hugged his father, "Mom, Pop, this is Drew Lachay. I mentioned him, right?" Phyllis nodded, "Yes, good to meet you Drew". Joseph shook Drew's hand, "You know, I think it's great that you guys from different bands can be friends." Drew replied, "It's not easy with the way the media pits us against each other". Everyone sat down and Drew felt Joey put his hand on his knee for a second and then remove it. The dinner went well, but Drew could tell that Joey was getting more and more nervous as the meal progressed. The closer it came to 'D-Day', the more fidgety Joey got. When their tiramisu was served, Joey could barely hold his fork. Drew wanted to calm him down, but didn't know how without being overly affectionate. Phyllis caught on, however, and asked as she sipped her coffee, "You know, honey. Something is troubling you. I can tell. What's wrong?" Joey hesitated, looked over at Drew, and then turned to his parents, "Well, there's something that's been on my mind lately and I need to tell you". Joseph looked intently at his son, "Is everything okay with you?" Joey nodded, "Yeah, things are going great. Better than great actually and that's what I need to tell you". Phyllis smiled, "You want to tell us you're happy? Well, I guess that's better than telling us you're dying or something". Joey took a bite of his dessert, "Well, it's the reason I'm happy that I need to talk to you about". Joey's parents said nothing and just looked at their son. Drew brushed his hand against Joey's thigh and Joey coughed before finally spitting out, "Well, Drew here is more than a friend. He's actually my - umm - boyfriend". Joey's parents sat there for a second before Phyllis burst out laughing. Joey glanced at Drew in confusion and Drew simply shrugged. Joey turned to his mom and asked what was so funny. Phyllis stopped laughing, "It's just that I thought you were going to say something really bad." Joey was still perplexed, "Well, it comes as a shock to some people". Joseph stepped in, "What your mom means, is we were thinking you were going to surprise us with some news. Something we didn't know". Joey stood up, "You knew about this?" Phyllis reached across the table and put her hand on Joey's, causing him to sit back down, "Honey, it's okay. I mean, we didn't know for sure, but from Steve's reports, it seemed pretty obvious". "How does Steve know? I haven't told him," Joey asked. Joseph answered, "Well, he does work on the tour and he's seen the two of you and how close you seem and other crew members have made comments". Joey looked away, "Great. We're just the centerpiece of some gossipers with nothing better to do than speculate on my sex life". Phyllis calmed her son, "Joseph, it's okay. You're father and I don't have a problem with it. It's okay that your gay. We still love you". Joey corrected his mom, "Well, I'm not totally gay. I do like girls too". He glanced over at Drew, who looked a little hurt at his statement. Joey smiled at him, "But, now, I am with a guy. A great guy." This placated Drew. Joseph continued, "Well, whatever you do with your private life is fine, and as long as it's not hurting anyone else, I don't care. Your mom and I raised you to be happy. That's all we want." Joey was glad. This was going better than he could've asked for. Joey asked, "What about Steve? Was he cool with it?" Joseph thought for a second, "Well, I don't think he really cares. I mean he actually was pretty happy when Joshua and Lance got together," Joseph saw the stunned expression on Joey's face, "Yes, he knows about them too. Anyway, I don't think he cares, but he is a little worried about this leaking out and hurting your career". Joey understood, "Well, if it comes out, then we'll deal. I'm sure the management has a thousand contingency plans for that in case it happens." Phyllis laughed again and turned to Drew, "Drew, I'm a little confused. Do you like girls too, because I thought I heard you were married." Drew shook his head, "No, ma'am. I only swing one way". He couldn't believe he said that, but he felt comfortable around Mrs. Fatone, but he still didn't know exactly what to say about the marriage thing. Joey jumped in, "It's okay mom. It's a long story." Joey went on to relate what had happened and his parents fully understood. Drew was glad Joey explained it and happy that he seemed so comfortable talking about it. It made Drew realize that Joey had come to terms with the whole thing. Joey finished and dove into his food. As he took a bite, another question arose, "What about Janine?" Joseph responded, "We can tell her if you want. Or you can wait. I don't really want to lie to her, though". Joey agreed, "Well, if it comes up, fine. Otherwise, I'll tell her when I talk to her next." The family finished their sweets and talked for a little whole before leaving the restaurant. Drew felt so relaxed around Joey's parents and never once thought he was being excluded. Mrs. Fatone treated him like she had known him for years. Eventually, Joey and Drew bid the Fatones goodbye. As they stood on the sidewalk, the tall New York skyscrapers looming over their heads, Joey turned to his boyfriend, "I'm not tired at all. Wanna go dancing or something?" "Sure, sounds like fun," Drew replied. Joey pulled out his phone, "I'm gonna call Josh and Lance and see if they wanna come too. Okay?" The hotel suite was quiet. Lance and JC were the only ones there and now they were lying in bed, celebrating what JC had once heard termed 'post-coital bliss'. Usually sex with Lance wore him out, and tonight was just as good as other times, but he still felt full of energy. So, when the phone call from Joey came a few minutes later, JC was enthused. "Hey Josh! How's it going?" Joey asked on the other end. "I'm a little spent," JC punned as Lance nibbled on his shoulder. Joey's enthusiasm dropped, "Oh, I guess you don't wanna go dancing with Drew and me, huh?" JC actually liked the idea, "So, it went that well with the parents?" Joey said yes and JC turned to Lance, "Wanna go dancing?" Lance saw the excitement in JC's eyes and couldn't refuse him, "Okay, but if one of our songs comes on, we're leaving". JC kissed Lance and returned to the phone, "Yeah, we're up for it. Just tell me where". Joey mentioned this small club that was only a few blocks from the hotel. JC had walked by it the day before and agreed to meet Joey and Drew outside. It was chilly outside and JC immediately regretted only wearing a muscle shirt. Lance, of course, liked looking at JC's arms as much as possible and used the opportunity to sniggle with his boyfriend to keep him warm. Lance, not a big dancer, had just opted to wear jeans and a long-sleeve T-shirt. JC, in addition to his tight shirt, also had on tight leather pants, another of Lance's favorites. They met Drew and Joey outside and headed into the club. It was a gay club and the music was blaring so loud JC could barely hear Lance when he asked if he wanted a drink. JC said no and he and Joey headed out to the floor to start grooving. One thing JC had noticed about gay clubs, is that people tended to leave them alone. Occasionally, some drunk guy would try to start grinding with him, but overall he was respected and left alone. For this reason, JC appreciated gay clubs better. Of course, the management hated it when they went to these clubs, but it was always explained that gay clubs just played better music. Everyone who went to these clubs knew differently, especially when JC would pull Lance close to him and get his groove on, but no one said anything. It was actually quite warming to be able to be himself in these places. Lance just sat on a stool sipping his Hard Lemonade, staring at JC as he and Joey danced together. Lance never felt jealous when JC and Joey got this close: they were friends and it would never go any farther than that. JC and Lance loved each other and Lance honestly didn't think anything could come between them. Drew took a seat next to Lance. He liked to dance, but only if the music was something he liked and right now, he didn't. Lance turned to Drew, who had a Coke in his hands, and smiled. Drew smiled back and leaned into Lance, trying to speak to him over the music, "Glad you two could make it". "Thanks," Lance replied, "JC loves clubs and I like to watch him dance". "I hear you," Drew stated. Lance asked Drew, "So, things went really well with his folks?" "Better than I ever thought. They seemed to know already. Apparently, people are talking". Lance took a swig of his drink, "Yeah, I guess we all are a little obvious around the crew and what-not." Drew responded, "Well, as long as they don't care, neither do I." Lance nodded and returned to watching JC, who was now bouncing around (his favorite move). Lance smiled at him and decided to go dance. He asked Drew to come too. Drew set down his drink and looked at Lance as they walked to the floor, "Look, I wanted to also say thank you". "For what?" Lance asked. Drew coyly replied, "For being cool with me and Joey and accepting me into your group, even after what happened". Lance stopped, "Drew, I'm the one who kissed you that night. It wasn't your fault. And JC is cool with it, as is Joey. You shouldn't fret." Drew just nodded and grinned. The guys made their way to their partners and started dancing. "Still chilly?" Lance asked as he put his arms around JC's neck. JC shook his head, sending sweat down his cheeks. "I'm kinda hot now". Lance ground his crotch into JC's, feeling a stir, "I'm sure I can make you hotter". JC stuck his tongue out at Lance and threw his head back. They two danced for a few songs until a familiar tune came blasting through the speakers. Lance stopped as "It's Gonna Be Me" began. It was a good dance mix, but Lance really wanted a break from their music, considering he was going to be singing and dancing to it every night a few days from now. He grabbed JC's hand and pulled him off the dance floor. JC protested, "Aww, come on, Poofu. You can handle this song". Lance pouted, "I told you I wouldn't dance to our stuff, Josh." JC stopped, causing Lance to nearly lose his balance, "Now, why are you being so fishy?" Lance turned to him, "I'm not being fishy. I just don't wanna dance to our music, considering we're going to be doing it for the next two months practically every night". JC let go of Lance's hand, "Well, I want to dance." And with that, he turned away and returned to the dance floor. Lance was upset and headed out into the back hallway, where the bathrooms were. He found a small couch in the corner and sat down. A minute later, Joey appeared, "Hey, Scoop! Whatcha doing back here all alone?" Lance sighed, "Nothing. Just taking a breather". Joey plopped down next to him, "What's up your ass?" Lance felt himself getting angry, "Excuse me?" Joey pointed towards the dance area, "I saw you and JC fighting. He said you were acting childish." Lance stood up, "I just didn't want to dance to our damn song, that's all. Maybe I'm tired of hearing it. Maybe I'm tired of all of it". Joey got up, "This isn't about our song, is it?" Lance shook his head, "No, it's just that I see how open Josh and I can be here about being together. And then, hearing our junk just makes me realize we can't be like that in real life - maybe ever". "Why didn't you just say so?" a voice asked from behind Joey. Lance looked around to see JC standing there. Joey looked at him and then turned back to Lance, "Well, I actually came back her to pee, so excuse me". Joey headed into the bathroom and JC came up to Lance. Lance wiped JC's brow, feeling the moistness across his fingers. JC grabbed Lance's hand, "I know it sucks that we can't express ourselves in public, but as long as you and I know how much we love each other and our friends and families know, then that's all that matters." Lance placed his forehead against JC's, "You're right. I'm just being ridiculous." JC replied, "Your feelings are never ridiculous, hon." Lance looked JC in the eyes and kissed him. JC smiled, "A little drama-queeny maybe, but never ridiculous". Lance pushed JC away. Joey emerged from the bathroom just as Drew appeared, putting his arms around his waist. Joey spoke, "I just remembered I gotta meet my brother tomorrow morning for breakfast, so do you mind if we head?" JC and Lance both agreed and the four guys headed back to the hotel. As they walked off the elevator, they heard loud voices coming from the suite. They slowly walked in to see Chris and Dani in the middle of the living room, screaming at each other. Chris threw up his arms, "Well, here they all are! You wanna tell them?" Dani looked at Chris, her eyes full of rage, "I don't care if they know how I feel. You say whatever to them, Christopher. I have nothing to say about it". Dani turned away and went to the kitchen table, where she grabbed her stuff. She walked past the guys, nearly ramming into Joey. She slammed the door on her way out and the guys all looked at Chris, who sat on the couch and put his head in his hands. Joey went to him, "Man, what was that all about?" Chris muttered, "Nothing." JC walked behind the couch and leaned forward, "Come in, Chris. Obviously there's something bad going on and I'm thinking it involves us". "Is it about the band?" Lance asked. Chris shook his head, "No, it's just about the four of you". JC sighed, "I get it. I assume it's about our lifestyle of choice?" Chris got up, "She seemed okay with it, I thought. But, it turns out she just hadn't said anything because she knew how much I care about you guys. But, tonight, we were watching this thing on MTV about gay marriage or something and she just goes off, saying how wrong it is and how immoral it is." The other guys just sat there as Chris continued, "So, of course I defend you and she goes off on me, saying I shouldn't condone your behavior and all that. She tells me it's been bothering her for awhile and she doesn't think she even wants to be around you guys." "Well screw her then!" JC nearly shouted, which was apparently the wrong thing to say, because Chris shot him an evil glare. Lance tried to smooth things over, "What Josh means, is don't let her influence you, man. If that's the way she feels, then there's not a lot you can do to change things." Chris sat down again, his voice quivering, "It's just that you think you know someone. And I love her so much guys. I really do." Joey tried to be sympathetic, "We know you do and I, for one, would hate to come between that. But, what does she want?" Chris replied, "She wants me to leave the group". Drew nervously laughed, "She's kidding, right?" Chris shook his head, "No. She feels my clothing company is in a good enough place where I could make a good living off of it." Joey stood up, "But, you love performing, Chris. And I'm not trying to be mean, but a lot of the success of your clothing line is because of the band." Chris got up and went to Joey, "You think I don't know? Look, I'm not gonna leave the band. I couldn't do that to you all. But, I do have some things to think about." Chris headed into his room and shut the door. The four guys looked at each other, wondering how this was going to be resolved. And no one had an answer. Well, there is part 3...stay tuned for part 4 soon and keep writing me!