Date: Mon, 5 Jun 2000 17:53:19 +0100
From: Jonathan Arnison <trueblue86@cwcom.net>
Subject: I Should Be So Lucky (Part Three)

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Here is the third installment of my first story. Again, thanks to all those
lurvely people who have been giving me and continue to give positive
feedback!!! It is ALWAYS appreciated.  YOU can do it TOO at
TrueBlue86@cwcom.net - I love getting e-mails :)

Oh, the usual disclaimers apply - This story has no relevance to anyone in
real life and bears no relation to the sexuality of any members of N Sync
whatever it may be. I take no responsibility for anyone reading this
underage - please make sure your town/ state/ country laws allow you to be
reading this. This story is meant for mature people who can make their own
descisions about what they read. If love between members of the same sex
makes you uncomfortable, please get lost :) Oh and, if you ARE underage and
you get caught, you're on your own, baby, okay? :) - Sorry, but I have to
say it :)

One last thing, please read these great stories: Search and Rescue, Brian
and Me, The Warmest Eyes and Josh and Just - they're all excellent stories
with great plots and development. And, once again (PLUG PLUG PLUG) remember
what I told you boys and girls...  do service to America... buy Madonna
CD's :) (And Kylie if you want to get laughed at like I do)

Umm... I think that's it - so keep reading all the great stores. Write me
at TrueBlue86@cwcom.net and have fun! Oh yeah, Britney Spears is definitely
going to have to be in this story - and let's just see if I can't get
Madonna in somewhere too ;)

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CHAPTER THREE

"No WAY!"

JC looked worried. He walked over to Chris and started to talk, but before
he could, Chris leapt on him and gave him a huge cuddle. And I mean a
cuddle. It was full of love,

"Now maybe you'll stop looking so depressed all the time," he laughed, "We
were getting worried you'd never find anyone. Hey, you kept the straight
act up though." - That last phrase made me cringe. I hated "the straight
act" - there's no act. You don't suddenly change when you come out. I
remembered back to the time when I had confessed to Lia I felt I was
bisexual. She gave me a huge cuddle, kissed me on the cheek and told me
that I was the same person she had known five minutes before I told her,
and it would never matter to her. As if on cue, Lia jumped over to me and
kept kissing me over and over.

"Girl, please stop slobbering all over me like a dog." I laughed, "You're
going to make me sick." It didn't help, she just did it even more; but
that's just Lia. You have to get used to it.

"You little shit." She laughed, "Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because it happened about twenty minutes ago." I said,
matter-of-factly. She always asked the most stupid questions when she was
happy.

"Oh, I see how that could pose a problem!" she laughed, and once again,
kissed me. Then she walked over to JC and started kissing him too, "Ooh,
you're a sweetie" she said, still laughing, "But why not me?" That only
gained a look from Chris and a giggle from me. Lia could always relieve
tension from a situation.

Coming back to reality, I asked "Where are Lance and Joey anyway?"

"They decided to say on a little more. There wasn't really much point in
them coming back with us, was there?" stated Lia, "Anyway, why do you want
to know?"

"Well, we've told you two that we are dating, so now we have to tell them
too. I just hope they react like you did." Said JC, answering Lia's
question which was meant for me.

"Oh they'll be fine." Laughed Chris, "I mean, this isn't some story with
cliffhangers and overactive characters, it's Joey and Lance. They'll be
absolutely fine with it."

I jolted awake once again and realised that everything was dark, except for
a little light from the television. I scanned the room, looking for where I
was, when everything flooded back again. I always hated that first second
of waking, when you completely lose orientation.  I looked around and I saw
JC asleep on the couch, and I was sat on the floor - I must have been
sitting with my head resting on his legs. I noticed the television was on,
from what I could make out there was some film on. My eyes were extremely
dry; I'd left my contact lenses in and it was nearing three in the
morning. I ripped them out, tossing them to the floor. I knew I had an
extra pair in my carry-on bag anyway. I moved closer to the television to
get a better look at what was happening on screen and I suddenly realised
it was a favourite of mine, "Desperately Seeking Susan" Knowing that I
couldn't pass up an opportunity like that I made my way even closer to the
screen and sat with my legs crossed and started laughing at Madonna's
portrayal of the feisty New Yorker.

"You know, I never *got* this film" came a very husky, half-asleep voice. I
spun my head around and saw JC sat there with the most angelic expression
upon his face, "It just confused me."  That made me laugh and I had to try
and surpress it.

"What? Why are you laughing" he said, smiling at me.

"You just make me laugh, that's all." After saying that, I knew that now
would be a good time to start talking serious, "JC, you do know I have to
get back to Chester sometime?"

"I don't care." came the stilted reply.

"Well, you should. I need to leave... we could never..." I was interrupted
by JC's soft laughter,

"I don't care because we're about to do a promotional tour in the UK. We'll
be leaving in two days. We're going to Manchester and then London but
before that we were going to do some sightseeing. I guess we can do it in
Chester, that's if, Chester is the kind of place you can experience the
good old UK in." He said, his face full of hope.

"You mean, you want to stay with me?" I began to get pissed off again, It
didn't take me much to get pissed, especially when people just decided to
tell me things like this, "When the fuck were you going to tell me you were
going to the UK? I hate surprises. I really hate surprises.  Any kind. Good
or bad."

I did something I didn't want to do. I started crying. I was rocking back
and forth on the floor. JC immediatley jumped off the chair and put his
arms around me, but I was hurting. I shrugged him off, "Sorry, this isn't
against you," I said through my tears, "But I've just built up something
about surprises. I was surprised too many times by too many people. And now
I hate it."

"I'm so sorry," he said, and I could tell he was really upset, "I just
didn't know"

"I know JC," I cried, "That's why I'm not *really* mad at you." This was
the first display of my fucked up head, and I sure as hell wasn't going to
tell JC on our first day as a couple, "Look, just forget I did this. I want
to be held now, please hold me." I pleaded with him.  He obliged, holding
me very close and kissing my neck. As much as I didn't want or need that
right at that moment, I didn't say anything. It felt good, but it wasn't
want I wanted, "I didn't ever tell you JC, that my childhood and school
years weren't the best you could have.  I won't go into detail, but I warn
you that you'll have to break down the barriers I put up.  I've developed
too many..." I trailed off. I didn't want to reveal any more, but somehow
talking to JC made me think it was okay. That just confused me more. I'd
only told Lia everything after a year of friendship and here I was with JC
on our first night together.  It wasn't something that could harm our
relationship. I'm not the kind of person who ever dwells on the past but
sometimes it just takes over me. Coming back to my senses, I now
appreciated the kisses I was receiving from JC, and to show my gratitude, I
moved to him and kissed him back.

"Sorry about that." I said, feeling guilty, "It's just sometimes I get so
carried away.  I really like you and I will make this work. It's just
sometimes I can't get things out of my head, it's like my..." I felt a
finger on my lips

"Don't tell me any more," whispered JC, "I don't need you to go there right
now. Just come and lie on me on the couch and get some rest. You need
it. And we'll discuss the UK thing tomorrow"

I felt a lot better lying on JC. His body kept me warm, and I felt a lot
safer. Slowly but surely, I felt myself drifting off. I was drifting into a
dream, a beautiful dream I've always had...

~~~~~~~~~~~~ Everything around me was covered in snow. There was a
beautiful forest covered in pure, white snow. I shifted my eyes to my right
and saw it... the clear shimmering pool of frozen water. I tiptoed across
it, seeing my reflection in the glazed mirror of water. I carried on
walking and saw the large log cabin. I knew exactly how to get there, and
that I did, making my way through the thickening forest. Suddenly, as it
always did, the snow melted and the land was covered in lush green
grass. Bright butterflies in sheer, pastel colours fluttered around me and
landed on glittering flowers. The log cabin came closer and I knew what
would happen next. The door would fling open and the shadow of someone
would appear, only I knew I would wake up. I moved closer and saw the door
swing open, and a brilliant white light hit my eyes before the shadow
appeared; this time, however, I saw who it was. I saw who it was and I
cried. I couldn't stop crying. It was pure love, I felt pure love in my
soul. I never wanted to wake up. I ran and I ran from the cabin. I was
scared, but at the time time I wanted to go back to the person in the
cabin. But I couldn't.  ~~~~~~~~~~~~

I woke up and, once again, lost all sense of orientation. I immediately
remembered my dream and started to cry. That must have gained a reaction
from JC because immediately I felt a sharp jolt followed by him nudging me.

"What? What is it?" I asked, not wanting him to see me like this, "What do
you want?"

"You're crying... again." He said, "And I need to know why you're doing
it."

"It's out of happiness," I said, completely meaning it, "I had the most
beautiful dream."

"I believe you." He said, very seriously, "But I don't want you lying to
me."

"Why would I do that?" I asked. Then I stopped myself. I wanted to say
more, but I couldn't.  Every part of my body told me to continue, but I
couldn't. I knew it was wrong to want to say what I wanted. I wanted to
tell him I loved him.

Yes. That's right. In one day, I already knew it. And believe me, for the
first time in my life, I was glad to be in love. I normally stop myself,
but this time, I didn't want to. I wanted to tell him. I just knew I
couldn't, not yet. Slowly I feel asleep again.

Looking at the windows, I realised it was morning, and a look at my watch
confirmed it. It was almost nine am. With that, I stood up and performed my
morning ritual. I ran to the bathroom, pulled out my spare contact lenses
and started to insert them, before JC walked in and interrupted me... which
is something I can't stand when I am putting my lenses in.

"So, how's my baby today?" he asked, putting his arms around me, "Shouldn't
you be in there with me?"

"Joshua, honey" I said, seeing him cringe at the usage of his full name,
"Don't talk to me while I am putting these in, otherwise I'll never get
them in."

"You learn something new every day," he laughed, "I never knew you wore
these things..."

"These 'things' are my livelihood" I laughed back, "Do you want a blind
boyfriend" I shocked myself with that last word, and I think I shocked JC
too. He whispered softly in my ear "Boyfriend" and walked out. I guessed
that he really liked that, and you know, I really liked it too. I then
jumped in the shower and performed the usual washing rituals you do in
there, taking extra care with my hair using the conditioner I brought with
me (I love doing my hair) I jumped out, dried myself, wrapped a towel
around my waist and began brushing my teeth. I then walked out of the
bathroom and was greeted by everybody watching television.

"Hey, you look mighty fine," laughed Lance, "Give me some sugar"

"Yeah Yeah, hilarious I'm sure. If you weren't such a twat I would" I said
back

"What the hell is a twat anyway?" asked Joey, "I never heard that one."

"We use it all the time in Britain," said Lia, again, answering a question
meant for me, as JC had done before, "It's like, you know, a derogatory
term."

"Lia's heard it a lot." I laughed

"Well I love it," said Chris, "You used it with me" he said to Lia, before
moving in to her and kissing her. I was assuming that everyone knew about
them, and that was answered when I saw Lance and Justin looking at each
other before laughing.

"Could you two keep it down, all those kissing noises are making me wanna
puke" laughed Justin, shooting a look at Chris.

"Well, I don't know about the rest of you but I can't stand here half
naked, I've got to get dressed," I laughed, "And no comments from Joey
please?" I waited for a response... nothing came, "Good." I stated.

I opened my suitcase which was on the floor in the lounge area and dug out
a pair of beige trousers and a dark green short-sleeved shirt. I walked
into the bathroom and began putting them on. I noticed I had put my
"Beautiful Stranger" clasps (as I liked to call them) on a shelf in the
bathroom and so I decided to put them on - they were leather cuffs which
went on each wrist. I found a hairdryer and began blow-drying my hair;
something I didn't want anyone to see because it looked very strange to
many people. Finally, I looked in the mirror, accepted what looked back as
myself and made my way back to the lounge. I noticed that Lance and Chris
had gone, and when I asked, I was greeted by a mumbled "Shower" from Justin
- I hadn't known there were more bathrooms, which was quite a stupid thing
to have thought really, because with 5 male members of a pop group you'd
need at least three bathrooms. I told JC to switch off the crap that was on
the television (It was some chat show) and he did.  I instructed him to put
on MTV and to my complete surprise, for the second time that day, Madonna
appeared on the screen, shaking her hips to "Ray Of Light"

"You know Aidan, If you'd have come to the club last night you could have
shown us some Madonna dancing," laughed Joey, "I'm sure you'd have looked
just lovely"

"Hey, I can Vogue, actually, I pretty much know all the Madonna video dance
moves." I responded, knowing it was true and that I had displayed them
before. On cue, once again, Lia decided to inform everyone about 'the time
I did 'Express Yourself' on the stage in a club at home' and more.

"Hey, Aidan, I don't mean to be rude but... well... JC said something about
staying with you in Chester on our week off in the UK and we were wondering
if it was true?" asked a slightly apprehensive Justin, "I'd really like to
see a city like Chester"

"You can stay with me, If you really really want." I said, "I mean, I have
a spare room with two beds in them, plus a pull out couch with space for
two people."

"So where is the fifth member going to sleep?" asked JC, knowing damn well
that it would have to be my bed. I decided to play with him.

"Lia has a spare bed in her flat down the road from me. You can stay there"
I said, very seriously. Secretly, I was wondering whether or not JC or even
Chris had told anyone else about us,

"Why doesn't he just sleep with you?" asked Justin

The look on my face must have been priceless, because Justin not only
cracked up but actually started to roll on the floor. Lia was giggling as
was Chris, and JC was smiling at me.

"I told them about us whilst you were in the bathroom," said JC, "I didn't
think you'd mind...  you don't do you?"

Secretly, I was quite angry that I wasn't a part of it, but I didn't mind
really, and I showed this to JC by shaking my head in a 'no' gesture. I
also didn't understand why JC had been so nervous telling Chris but had so
easily done it this time.

"We caught you two sleeping together on the couch last night," remarked
Lance, still surpressing laughter, "So when we questioned JC about it, he
was more than happy to confess."

"They got me!" said JC, laughing once again at the look that was still on
my face... I had my 'I'm not impressed' look on my face.

"Yeah, well, hilarious as you all are, and the fact that I missed this
whole 'coming out' part two thingy, which by the way loverboy means you are
not in my good books, what's actually going on today with you guys?" I
asked. I didn't really know what they were doing.

"Well, first we have a photo-shoot to attend, then we've got some
rehearsals for a show but after that we'll come back and we want to go out
to a club. And this time, YOU'RE coming" stated Justin, who obviously
couldn't wait until the day was over, "You and Lia can come along if you
want"

"We'll be okay," I said, "We've got stuff to do anyway, like phoning
parents and going shopping for extra presents for those who will be annoyed
at us..." I said, looking at Lia

"Shit, my mum is going to kill me!" She said, and she knew it was true too.

"MUM... M U M?" asked Joey, laughing again

"Yes, mum," I said, "Not... Mom like you say... that's just misuse of the
language - typical Americans." With that, I had three pillows thrown at me.

"Well, anyway, we'll see you later" I said

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I looked at the clock, looked away, and looked back again. Damnit! Why was
it only 5:30.  JC wouldn't be back for 30 minutes yet and, as much as I
hated to admit it, I loved him and I needed him here with me. This whole
whirlwind romance had been stupid and something out of a book, but it was
happening and I was letting down my guard. Lia could tell I was tense so
she came over to me and started cuddling me again,

"In love, huh?" She asked, "I might have known you'd grow up someday."

"Actually, missy, I don't know" I said, lying completely. Lia must have
picked up on that because I got a look thrown back at me. She walked into
the bathroom with her beautiful silver, gleaming dress on her arm, ready to
get changed into it.

"Aidan, you are... you really are in love. I can tell these things you
know. Anyway, he likes you too..." she trailed off, knowing she'd set me
off.

"Excatly... likes. That's why I don't want to let down all of my guards," I
said, knowing damn well I already had, "I'll be cool about this." She poked
her head around the door, smiled at me, a genuine smile, and then went back
in.

"Just remember Aidan, people can't wait forever. Life is just a precious
minute, time waits for no-one. Take your chances while you can. That
means... try a little harder with JC. I've chatted with him this morning
and I think he's in love." She confirmed to me.

"State Lia," I said, "Look, how can you tell?"

"The way he looks at you, the way he smiles when I mention your name." She
answered.

"I won't believe it until he says it," I stated, "I mean..."

I heard Lia singing... she was singing one of my favourite Kylie Minogue
songs, "Time Will Pass You By" - I knew damn well she was doing it on
purpose so I just ignored her and looked in the mirror again. "Damn fine" I
thought to myself. At that moment, Lia walked out in her silver dress. It
clung to her body like a dream. The silver glints were picked up by her
silver bracelet, silver necklace and diamond (fake, however) earrings and
her beautiful glittering silver shoes. She'd been saving the outfit for
something really special, just in case, and she knew this was it. As a
final touch, her beautiful shoulder-length blonde hair was slightly curled
and sprayed with a little glitter.

"Wow," I managed, "You're really pretty, you know?"

"Thank you." She smiled at me. She looked in the mirror, and I knew what
was coming next, it was trademark Lia...

"But I'm completely fat..."

At that, I jumped up and started tickling her stomach. I could feel her
punching me on the leg but it didn't bother me. I hate it when she says she
is fat. If there is one thing that never fails to piss me off it is Lia
going on about how "completely fat" she is. In fact, If I had a Madonna CD
for every time she said it...well, I'd have a lot.

Finally it was 6:00. Myself and Lia were cleaned up and the showers and
bathrooms were free for the guys back from rehearsals. As we were watching
MTV, we heard chatting coming from the hall and we both looked at each
other knowingly as within a split second they came bouncing in, chatting
and laughing. Justin immediately ran for the shower, as did Joey and
Chris. JC realised that he had missed out on his opportunity to get cleaned
up and had to wait, as did Lance. JC came over to me and kissed me on the
cheek,

"Ewww... sweetie, you're all sweaty," I laughed, "But from what?"

"They had us dancing for hours and hours and hours and..." he started, but
Lance was quick to interrupt.

"It was not that long, and you know how psyched out you get on stage
JC. Even when there's no-one watching." With that, he walked over to his
door and walked in, shouting from inside, "I'm just picking out my
clothes."

"So, is this what you're wearing?" JC asked me, "You look gorgeous." The
way he said it made me believe it was geniuine and not just a simple
compliment.

"You too," I said, "Even though you're really sweaty.

We watched MTV for a little while longer, myself and Lia really enjoying
the squirming when "Tearin' Up My Heart" happened to come on. JC tried to
turn it off, but I wouldn't let him.  After that, a few more acts popped up
and Chris, Joey and Justin returned dressed and JC and Lance went to shower
and get dressed. After a little more idle chatting and MTV watching, Lance
emerged in quite a cute outfit followed by JC. He looked gorgeous. He was
wearing a silver shirt with black trousers and a great-fitting black
jacket. His hair was gelled back and he had a nice covering of stubble on
his face.

"Hey hun'," I said, "You look wonderful" I meant it too.

"Thanks." He said, smiling at me.

"What about me?" questioned Justin, "You never said anything about me." He
put on a baby pout and I walked over to him and surprised him completely by
kissing him and telling him he looked nicer than JC, I just wasn't allowed
to say so.

"Hey, that's mine," said JC, "Give it back"

"That and It?" I asked, referring to the fact that he didn't use my name,
"Gee, now I know how much you care."

"I guess we should get going now," said Joey, anxious to get dancing, "I
can't wait to request some Madonna. I have to say, were going to make sure
that you're going to get drunk!"

"He always does anyway, regardless of what other people do with him."
laughed Lia, as we made our way out of the hotel room and down to the
lifts. JC grabbed my hand as we walked to the lifts and just as it pinged
open he let go. I felt sorry for him, and I suppose myself. I'd never
really thought about how hard it would be, because he was in the public
eye. I didn't want to at that moment anyway, I was having too much fun with
it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The club was perfect. It was just the kind of club I always loved. The
music was loud and clubby, the decor was tasteful and yet also bright. The
lights were pulsating with the rhythm and it wasn't too full nor too
hot. Immediately, I walked over to the bar and began to order a double
Vodka with lime for myself, when I realised I should get one for JC. Then
it suddenly dawned on me. Here I was with someone I didn't even know what
their favourite drink was.  I got a little upset and decided the best way
to combat it was to down my drink, and order another the same. After ten
minutes, I looked to the dancefloor and realised they'd all been dancing
without me. I turned back to the bar, finished my seventh drink and
realised that I had passed that tipsy limit, and I was now officially
drunk. I walked over to the dancefloor, tapped JC on the back and we danced
together. Lia and Chris walked over and joined in, and soon all the group
were with us, dancing in a circle. I saw Joey dissappear for a while, and
then come back again with drink in hand and smirk too. JC and Chris
dissappeared to get drinks, and then came back smiling even more. Suddenly,
I realised I really recognised what was coming through the speakers too
well. Lia ran up to me and started shouting "Madonna Madonna Madonna
Madonna!" hysterically and dragged me onto a large podium so that I could
strut my stuff.  I soon realised it was a club mix of "Beautiful Stranger"
and I decided that I may as well do the dance, I couldn't make that much of
a fool of myself. I danced like crazy to that one, until I heard it start
to mix into another song. As I got to get off the podium, I realised I
recognised that song too, and my thoughts were confirmed when the DJ said,

"This is from Josh, with love... 'Better The Devil You Know'"

I screamed and ran down to JC who was beaming at me. I shouted in his ear,

"How did you get this Kylie song, and how did you know it was one of my
favourites?"

"I took the CD from the stereo before we left," he said, "You left it in
there. I asked Lia which one you liked"

I gave him a huge kiss on the cheek for being so thoughtful and returned to
*my* podium. I danced and danced until all the songs blended together and
so did the people...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Well, that's the end of that one... I hope you liked it. Remember to mail
me with comments or questions at TrueBlue86@cwcom.net - I don't mind. See
you soon :)