Date: Wed, 20 Dec 2000 15:06:23 -0500 From: Garrett Sparks Subject: Hold the Pickle - Chapter 8 Well, here is the long awaited (mostly by me!) next chapter and I am sad to say, the final one of this story. Don't worry, there's no cliffhangers of anything. I have several reasons for stopping now, mostly because time isn't as abundant as before and I don't know if I'll have lots of time to write in the new year. So, I end now as a Christmas (or Chanukah, or Kwanzaa, or Winter Solstice or whatever) present to you. Thanks to all those that supported me an I intend on writing again - probably a new story or maybe I'll continue this one with a new title - who knows! And please write me letting me know what you think of the two tales and this ending. I still love feedback! One last time, no illegal readings of this and both 98 Degrees and NSYCN are strangers to me, so these writings are strictly fiction and not meant to imply a damn thing. Enjoy! Chapter 8 Lance was in a funk. In fact, the whole band was in a funk. And it was all started by Joey. Not that Lance could blame him for being depressed and upset. He had screwed up royally and it had cost him dearly. Lance could feel for him, but at the same time was a little pissed at him. He had blatantly cheated on Drew (with Jeff of all people) and he didn't really understand it all. Drew was such a nice guy and Lance knew that Joey played the field, but he thought he could keep it in his pants while he was involved with someone. Someone who was nearby too. Lance didn't want to dwell on things and he sure as hell didn't want to be judgmental. He had had enough of that in his own life over the past few months. But, JC had been poisoning his mind against Joey and it was starting to take effect. Of the four other guys in the band, JC had been the most upset about this whole mess. Lance figured part of it was because it was affecting the band and the whole tour and part was because it may have hit home, because of the whole Lance and Drew kissing debacle. Lance told himself it was much more of the first, since JC was so business minded - especially on tour - but, in the back of his mind, he couldn't help but wonder if this would open old wounds with his relationship. At first, Lance played the peacemaker and tried to defend Joey to him whenever the topic arose, but this always led to an almost-fight, and Lance soon realized that no amount of talking would make JC okay with this - at least not right now. Lance wanted to be sympathetic, but this was tearing the band apart. Chris, as Joey's best friend, stood behind him from the start and on more than one occasion in the last two weeks since this had happened, he had gotten into it with JC. Lance and/or Justin always had to break things up. Justin was like Lance, in that he tried not to take sides. But, from the simple fact that Lance was with JC, it had hurt things with Joe and Chris. Joey avoided Lance as much as possible and Chris was merely civil to him. The guys had fought before and Lance knew that time would heal this rift. But, it would take time and this caused Lance to cringe every time he walked by his friends and got the cold shoulder. This particular night, was the last show before Thanksgiving and the guys were getting ready to go their own way as soon as the concert ended. Lance thought this might be a good idea for them to spend some time apart and think about things without being confronted by the others constantly. The shows had been going well and on stage, no one could tell. It was the one time of the day that Lance felt relaxed. For the first time ever, he actually preferred to be performing. JC and Lance were going to his parents for the holiday. Lance had talked to his mom about bringing JC down, but is whole family was going to be there and questions would be asked and Lance didn't feel like getting in an argument, so he dropped it and opted to go see Josh's family, who were glad to have him. So, Lance had packed he and JC's stuff up when Joey walked in the room, "Hey man," he quietly commented. Lance looked up pleasantly surprised to see Joey, "Hey! What's up?" Joey sat down on the bed, his head still hung low, "I wanted to say I was sorry for being so distant with you lately." Lance sat down next to him, "I understand. This thing has taken it's toll on everyone and" Joey interrupted, "Yeah, but you shouldn't have to take sides. And I hate that I'm causing problems with you and Josh." Lance nodded, "Well, I won't say things are easy with this, but he just needs time to get over this. He loves you, man. He'll get over it." Joey seemed a little comforted by this. This comfort disappeared, however, when JC walked in the room and his somber expression became a scowl upon seeing Joey sitting there. He walked past Joey and Lance, not saying a word. He went into the bathroom and shut the door. Joey got up, "Guess I'll go then," he walked to the door and turned around to Lance and smiled, "Thanks for being so understanding." Lance smiled back and Joey left. A minute later, JC emerged from the bathroom, a sneer still on his face. He spat at Lance, "Is he finally gone?" Lance had had enough and stood up, "Stop it!" he stated quite loudly. JC was taken aback, "What's up your ass?" Lance spoke, "You know, I've tried to remain neutral in this thing, but I am not gonna let you or anyone else turn me against my friends." JC was getting angry and Lance wanted to back off, but didn't. JC started throwing things in his bag, "I'm not doing that, Lance." "Like hell you aren't," Lance retorted, "Every time you make a snide comment about Joey, you expect me to agree with you. Well, you can be mad at him, but I'm over it. So, don't expect me to jump on your Joey-hate bandwagon." JC zipped up his bag and stood there silent. He plopped down on the bed and Lance sat next to him. JC put a hand on Lance's thigh, "I'm sorry." Lance was sort of shocked to hear this, but glad, "You are?" JC nodded, "Yeah. It isn't fair of me to dump my problems on you. It's just that what happened was bad and I can't believe Joey would do something like that." "People do wrong things all the time," he said thinking about his kiss with Drew, "But, if they're your friends, you get over it and accept them for what they are." JC smiled, "I will get over it. I'm sure by the time we get back together after Thanksgiving, I'll be fine." Lance pointed to the door, "That's great, but I think Joey would like to hear that." JC kissed Lance on the forehead, "I love you so much, you know that?" Lance patted his knee, "Of course I do. That's why you put up with my meddling so much." JC laughed and got up. He went into the living room where Joey was sitting. He sat down next to him and sat there quiet for a minute before saying, "Joey, I need to talk to you." Joey looked at him, but said nothing, so JC went on, "I'm mad right now about what happened, but I have no right to be so cruel to you. I wasn't there and God knows I shouldn't judge the events. I love you like my brother, Joe and nothing that happens is worth losing that. I just need some time to get over the anger and I'll be fine." Joey smiled at JC, "I know. And I want you to have time. Take all the time you need. It's just good to hear you don't hate me." JC smiled back, "You know I can't hate you. I need you so I have someone to make fun of about his hair." Joey smirked, "I was thinking about dying it blond. What do you think?" JC just shook his head, "We need to get going to the show." The guys all assembled in the lobby and took off to the arena. On the way, Chris and JC talked things out and made up. For the first time in weeks, the guys were acting pretty normal around each other. The show went off great and afterwards, the guys split up and headed on their own to go home. Joey was sitting in the airport, ticket in hand, when he suddenly got an idea. He went up to the ticket counter and approached the agent, "Hi, I know this is last minute, but I was wondering if I could exchange my ticket for one headed to Los Angeles." Drew wasn't talking. In fact, he had barely said a word to any one of the guys in the band since he had returned home a couple of weeks earlier. Sure, he had put on his "show business" face when they made appearances, but behind the scenes he was really quiet. Justin Jeffres didn't really understand why he was being so cold to him. He knew why Drew was mad at Jeff (and Justin was a little peeved about that too), and he knew Drew and Nick were not exactly getting along, but he didn't have a clue as to why he was getting the silent treatment. So, when he knocked on Drew's door, he was determined to get an answer. Lea answered, "Justin, hey!" Justin half-smiled back and asked, "Is Drew here?" Lea looked hesitant, but finally stepped aside to let him in. She showed him into the back bedroom that Drew used as an office. He was sitting there, staring at a computer screen. He turned around when Justin entered and stood up, "Justin, hi." Justin frowned, "Man, your wife gave me a more enthusiastic greeting." Drew shrugged, "Sorry, I'm not really feeling energetic these days." Justin just jumped into it, "Can I ask why you're avoiding me?" Drew's expression changed to surprise, "Oh, man, I'm sorry. I don't want you to think I'm ignoring you. I just really have issues with the band right now and since that's when I've seen you, I've been a little closed up." Justin sat down on the couch in the room, "Well, we used to talk outside of the band. You remember - hanging out and stuff?" Drew sat next to him, "Guess I haven't felt much like socializing. I'm sorry." Justin patted his friend's knee, "No problem. Just wanted to make sure I didn't do something to piss you off." They sat in silence for a minute, before Justin asked, "You aren't thinking about leaving the band again are you?" Drew looked over at Justin, "Again?" Justin explained, "Well, I knew you had mentioned it before. Jeff told me," Justin stopped when he realized he had said the forbidden name. Drew's whole demeanor changed and he immediately withdrew. Justin tried to repair the damage, "I didn't mean to open any wounds." Drew looked at Justin, "You know, you're friends with him and I can't expect everyone to walk on eggshells around me about it. I'm gonna hear his name and that's fine. I'll deal." Justin didn't want to hurry Drew into anything, but he knew he had to say the next statement, even if it meant getting his head bitten off, "He's your friend too, Sprout." Drew became somber, "I'm not going there, Justin." Justin wanted to back off, but he couldn't. The band was suffering and this needed to be discussed and unfortunately, he knew he was the only one that Drew might listen to. "Look, Drew. I'm not saying this as your friend. I support your decisions. But, as a co-worker, you have to find a way to get past this. You need to have it out with him." "I said my peace when I punched him," Drew replied, with a tone Justin thought was a little too happy." Drew got up, "Look, I don't know what I am going to do. I'm so angry, and I want to forgive Jeff, but right now, I can't." Justin got up too, "Look, our schedule is kinda light until the beginning of the year, so maybe you should use this time to just think about things." Drew went to the window, "I will." Justin went up to him, "You miss him?" A tear fell down Drew's cheek, "I can't turn off my feelings for him, Justin. He hurt me, but I love him." Justin responded, "You need to talk to him too." Drew turned to his friend, "I know. But, you know me. I have too much pride to call him. So, unless he comes to me, it's gonna be a long time." Jeff Timmins opened his front door to a shock. Joey Fatone was standing in front of him. Joey had his suitcase in his hand and a winded look on his face, "I know I'm probably the last person you want to see, but I need your help." Jeff let Joey in, "This is a really bad idea, Joey." Joey set down his stuff, "Look, I spent all night on a plane to get here. And then I realized I don't really have a clue as to where Drew lives. I've never been to his house and I've never had to mail him anything." The age of technology, Jeff thought. Out loud, he said, "But, you found mine." Joey nodded, "I had your address from that Halloween card you sent me." Jeff looked away. What had he been thinking about Joey? He liked him sure, but it was a silly crush and because of his hormones, he had crushed a great love. In five minutes, he destroyed so much. Looking back, he had been stupid, with his cards and cutsie e-mails. He just craved attention and Joey the Flirt had playfully given him that. It wasn't real and as soon as Drew walked through that dressing room door, he had known that. Too bad it took that to make him wake-up. Now more than anything, he wanted Drew and Joey to get back together. He didn't even care if he and Drew ever talked again, but he wasn't about to let this wonderful thing end. Jeff looked at Joey, "I'm sorry." Joey looked perplexed, "About what happened? I'm as much to blame as you are. I was an idiot. I was mad at Drew and responded in the only way I knew - by hurting him back." Joey went to Jeff's couch and sat down, "But, if anything came out of this, I realized one thing. I love him, Jeff. I really do. I hurt so bad inside and it's because he's not there. I took him for granted." Jeff smiled, "Then maybe he should hear that from you." Joey shook his head, "He probably doesn't even want to see me." Jeff got up, "You're telling me you flew all this way and you're going to just turn around and head back?" He pulled Joey up off the couch, "I know you Joe, and you're not gonna let that happen." Joey was feeling more confident, "Yeah, you're right, he has to hear what I have to say." "Like hell he does!" a voice cried out from the doorway. The guys spun around to see Nick Lachey standing there. He glided into the room, "You hurt him buddyboy and you lost him and I'll be damned if I'm gonna let you get him back." Jeff protested, "Stay out of this, Nick." Nick looked at Jeff, "You know, at first I was kinda happy this happened, cause I don't think Drew should be with a guy at all, but I saw how sad he is and I'm not going to let you have the chance to do that to him again." Jeff turned to Joey, "542 Evergreen Terrace. I'll drive you." Joey looked at Jeff, "You think that's a good idea?" Nick laughed, "Yeah, the two sinners can go rub it in my brother's face. I think not." Jeff looked at Nick and calmly stated, "Nick, I'm only going to say this once. You need to shut the fuck up and butt out. You are a heartless, cruel bastard who only cares about his own image. I know you love Drew, but this is none of your business and frankly I'm tired of even discussing this with you." Nick was shocked, which gave Jeff the opening to lead Joey out of the door. They shut it behind them and climbed into Jeff's car. Joey looked at Jeff, "You think that was wise?" Jeff shrugged as he pulled out, "I don't know. But, I'm tired of all this bullshit. You and Drew belong together and I'm not letting anything stop you two." Lea got the phone call from Nick. She told Drew, who was still with Justin, that Jeff and Joey were coming over. Nick had made it appear worse than it was, and this only put Drew on the defensive even more. When the car pulled up, Drew was livid and he opened his door, to see Jeff, without Joey. Drew looked around and didn't see him. Jeff looked at the guys, "I see Nick made a little phone call." "Where is he?" Drew asked. Jeff nodded to the door, "Can I come in and talk to you?" Justin leant into Drew, "You need to." Drew let Jeff in and Justin went off to talk to Lea. Drew led Jeff into the living room, "Nick said Joey was with you." Jeff went to the patio door, "I'll get to that in a minute. I need to talk to you first." Drew looked away, "I don't know if I'm ready to talk to you, Jeff." Jeff understood, "Then just listen." He starting pacing the room, "I don't expect you to forgive me right now for what happened. Both of us screwed up royally. I can't try to offer any defense for what happened, although there are reasons. But, the truth is, we messed up and that's that. I don't care about the band and I sure as hell don't care about what people think. What I care about is you, Sprout. I hurt you before when I didn't return your feelings. And I hurt you again a couple of weeks ago. But, Joey has been good for you and sure, he made a huge mistake; but, he deserves a second chance. Don't let me stand in the way. Don't let our past interfere with your future." Drew turned from Jeff. It was true that a lot of this anger was based on the fact that Jeff, the first guy he truly loved, had turned him down and now had interfered with his new love. He had moved on - away from Jeff - and it had come back to bite him in the ass. "You're my first love, Jeff. I still love you, even though it's not in that way anymore. I could never hate you. I don't think I can really even stay mad at you. But, you hurt me." Jeff's eyes welled up with tears, "I did. I know. And I'm not asking you to set that aside. I'm not here for me. I'm here for you and Joey." Drew was now also crying, "And where is he?" Joey looked out of the patio window again and pointed to the backyard. He opened the door and led Drew outside. Drew was amazed at what he saw. The yard had been filled with candles in a giant heart shape. In the center, stood Joey, dressed in a tux. Jeff slowly back away and shut the door. Drew stepped down onto the lawn and went to Joey. Joey held a box in his hand, "I'm glad you didn't run away." Drew smiled, "I couldn't leave. I want to make sure you don't burn down the neighborhood." Joey smiled back, "Drew, I'm not here to apologize for what happened. I could say I'm sorry a million times and it won't make up for what I did. I'm here to let you know that I love you." Drew didn't know how to respond, "So, the fact that you love me means that all should be forgiven?" Joey held his head down, "No. What it means is that I will do whatever it takes and wait however long until we can be together. I fucked up because I couldn't deal with the fact that I'm an adult with real adult feelings. I've always loved you Drew. I just needed a jolt to make me realize that." Drew didn't want to give in so easily, "Too bad the jolt you needed was so hurtful." "Like I said, I can't ever truly apologize to you. No words will do that. I just hope this can," and he held out the box, which Drew took. It was a jewelry box and Drew cautiously opened it. Inside was a small silver band, with the word, "Inizio" etched in it. "What's this mean? Love? I'm sorry? For ever?" Drew asked. Joey took the ring and slipped it on Drew's right ring finger, opposite the wedding band he also wore, "No, it's Italian and it means 'beginning'". Drew looked confused and Joey went on, "I can't change the past, Drew. All I can do is offer you a great future. And I want us to start a life together. Begin anew as two adults, on the same level." Drew looked at the ring and glanced up at Joey, who was crying. This brought tears to his eyes, "I want to forgive you." Joey smiled, "In time I hope you can. But for now, I want to love you the way you deserve. And hopefully, I can prove myself to you. No matter how long that takes, I'm gonna try my best". Drew pulled Joey into a hug, "I love you, Joe." "I love you," Joey replied. Drew backed away and wiped his eyes, "You better put these candles out before my neighbors call the fire department." Joey laughed and hugged Drew again. Drew knew he still had to deal with things and it was far from perfect, but right now he couldn't think of a place he would rather be. Okay, cheesy episode I know, but I had to give the guys a happy ending, right? Please let me know how you liked the ending and if you think it was at all realistic. And as the boys of NSYNC would say - Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays.