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This story deals with the fictional relationship between the members of the musical group  *Nsync, and a male fan.   The sexual orientation of the members of *Nsync are not known by the author and what is depicted in the story came from the imagination of the author.

If you are not 18 years old or it is illegal in your area to view such material please read something else.

Josh stood at the window looking out into the cold rainy night.  The lights of the city were reflected in the wet streets, giving the city a surreal look.  His attention was drawn to the cab pulling up to the front entrance of the hospital as two figures made a dash for the front doors.  Stretching his legs, Josh walked down the hall pass the nurses' station and the chapel toward the nearly empty waiting room.  Hearing the elevator ding, Josh looked up in time to see Joey and Justin exit. 

Justin smiled at seeing his life-long friend pulling JC into a tight embrace.  "Hey, Josh!  It's good to see you, man!  How are you doing?"   .

"I'm doing ok," JC softly said.  Turning to Joey he pulled his friend into a hug.  "It's good to see you, Joe."

"It's been too long, buddy," Joey said as he patted Josh on the back.

"It's been eight years," Josh said.  "The last time we got together was at Chris' funeral."

"I can't believe it has been that long," Joey said sadly.

"We all have lives in different parts of the country," Justin pointed out.  "And after losing Chris there just didn't seem to be any reason to do another reunion show.  It just doesn't feel right doing one without him."

"Yeah, I agree," Josh said with a cracking voice.  "But it's sad that it takes something like this to bring us all back together."

 "How is he holding up?"  Joey asked.

"A lot better than I am," Josh said with a sigh.

"Where is he?"  Justin asked.

"In the chapel.  He spends his time either by the bedside or in the chapel."

Entering the chapel, they found a lone figure sitting in the front pew.  His hands were folded in prayer with his eyes closed.  Josh placed a hand on his old friend's shoulder. With eyes slowly opening and a smile spreading across an age-lined face. "Joey, Justin, I'm glad you were able to make it."

"We came as soon as we got JC's call," Justin said.  "How are you doing?"

"I'm still hanging in there."

The door to the chapel opened and a nurse approached the group.  "Excuse me gentlemen.  Mr. Bass, the doctor said to tell you the time is near."

"Thank you, nurse."

Slowly the group made their way down the hall to a large door marked Infinity Room.

Justin stopped and looked at the door.  "I don't know if I can do this."

Joey placed his arm around Justin's shoulders.  "It's going to be all right Justin.  This will be your last chance to say good-bye."

"Josh, what can I expect in there?"  Justin asked eyeing the door.

"A friend and brother we have known most of our lives.  His body has pretty much failed and he has lost the ability to talk.  But he can hear and understand what you say to him."

"Can he communicate in any way?"  Joey asked.

"Just watch his eyes.  He can communicate so much with his eyes.  You can tell when he is not feeling well or is in pain.  And his eyes seem to dance when he is glad to see you or he is laughing inside."

"This Infinity Room, I've heard of it but I've never seen one," Justin said.

"It's a holo deck," Joey said.  "We used one when my mom passed away five years ago.  It provides the most soothing atmosphere you can imagine."

"The program is written for each person" Josh explained.  "Images of your favorite places, sounds of the music you love best, and the smells you love the most.  In their case Lance and Michael decided on this years ago.  This is how they both want to go."

"They've talked to you about this?"  Justin inquired.

Josh nodded.  "We've remained close over the years.  And when this illness surfaced I was the first one they called."

Justin looked at the door and sighed, "Let's do this."

The three friends entered the room together.  In the center they found Lance and Michael holding hands and gazing into each other's eyes.  All around them was blue sky and fluffy white clouds.  The slight smell of roses drifted on the clouds along with the sounds of a string quartet.

The bed floated in the middle of the clouds the only indication of its true purpose was a small light at the head of the bed that blinked with the heartbeat of the patient.

As they looked over at the entering group the light quickened.

"He's glad to see you."

The trio approached the bed each greeting their long time friend.  As they talked the scene in the room changed to that of one from their past.  Once again they were on stage from a long past performance.  The opening strains of This I Promise You could be heard.  And onto the stage bounded Chris, JC, Joey, Lance, and Justin in their performing prime.  The five old friends were the only audience for this performance from their past. Most everyone was absorbed in their performance, only one of them noticed the light slowing down, then go out.

The funeral was to be a small affair but more than three thousand people showed up for the service at the church.  Josh agreed to give the eulogy.  Taking his place at the front of the church at the head of the casket Josh looked out over the assembled throng.  "Thank you all for coming.  We are here to celebrate the life of our friend, life mate, and father. . .   When I was preparing my remarks I found that it was impossible to separate the life of my close friend from that of his life mate, for Lance and Michael can't be thought of as individuals.  They had become one many years ago. . . .  Their beginning, to say the least, was a little rocky. . . . .