Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2001 02:01:14 EST
From: Bangoremail@aol.com
Subject: Flying Without Wings - Ch 1

Greetings everyone,

First off, thanks to everybody and anybody that has written me about the
story.  All the mails I've gotten have been a great boost for me.  It's so
good to hear that people enjoy reading the story as much as I enjoy writing
it.

Book one (Jamie's Romance) told of how Justin and Jamie met, fell in love
and became a couple and pretty much followed a day to day account of their
times together.  Book two (The Dreams That You Dared To Dream) concerned
the growth of their love for each other and the pledge they made to each
other.  In this book, I moved away from the day to day somewhat and
concentrated on major points.  So here is book three of Jamie's Romance,
titled Flying Without Wings.  Book three will highlight the major events
even more over the day to day account.

Book three will be the final part in this tale and cover their life after
the proposals up through happily ever after (and happily isn't a given -
evil laugh) Is Jamie too dependent on Justin, does Justin use Jamie too
much as a security blanket, what will happen if and when Justin comes out,
what's wrong with JC and how will it affect Jamie and Justin's relationship
and -will- they live happily ever after?  I hope to fully answer all these
questions, except maybe the JC one.

A major theme of the email I get is that more is wanted on JC and Lance.
I've kept their story line sketchy on purpose because I'm planning on a
Lance story that will companion this one and all your JC and Lance
questions from Jamie's Romance will be answered there, I hope.  I've been
writing it along side of this story for a little while now and I won't
start posting it until Jamie's story is mostly done.

As usual:
This story is purely fiction and is not intended to imply anything about
the true sexuality of 'N Sync or anyone associated with their organization.
It is meant for those over the age of 18 only and those who wish to read
stories with sexual content.


******


Flying Without Wings - Chapter One


Justin quietly walked into the hotel room suspecting that Jamie was taking
a nap and he was right.  His boyfriend, no scratch that, fiancé, was
laying on his side wearing only a pair of loose sweat pants.  Justin smiled
to himself and walked into the room.  Busta lifted his head and looked at
Justin from behind Jamie's knees.

"Here boy," Justin called quietly.  The small dog hopped down to the floor
and pranced over to Justin with it's tail wagging a mile a minute.  Justin
led the dog into the hallway and pointed at Chris' retreating back.  "Go
get 'im, fella."

Busta sneezed once and shot down the hall toward Chris.  He heard the
running footsteps and turned just in time to see his dog take a long leap
into his chest.  Chris caught him with ease.

"Hey, doggy.  Did you have fun with Uncle Jamie?"  Busta yipped once and
started happily licking Chris' face.  Chris looked down the hall to Justin
and waved before going into his room.

Justin paused for a second and watched JC follow Lance into their room with
a worried frown.  Something wasn't right with his best friend and he had no
idea how to help.  Jamie had tried to get JC to talk about what was
bothering him and had been no more successful than the rest of them.  This
last week JC had withdrawn even more.

With a sigh, Justin closed the door behind him and stood over Jamie,
watching him sleep.  Sinking to his knees beside the bed he thanked God
once again for bringing Jamie into his life.  Carefully he brushed a lock
of reddish hair off of his forehead.  Every time Justin looked at the man
now sleeping in the bed his heart sped up.  A glance from Jamie's hazel
eyes made his head swim and the light touch of his fingers made him shiver.

>From everything that he'd ever read, seen, listened to or sang, he knew he
was totally and irreversibly in love.  Justin smiled, relishing the
feeling.  He'd known from the minute they'd been reunited in January when
they kissed in that club bathroom that Jamie was definitely the one.  Jamie
did something to and for him that he could barely describe.  He was a balm
that made Justin's life make sense, gave it a true purpose and meaning.

It constantly surprised him that every day his love grew.  He would get to
the point that he knew he couldn't love Jamie any more but it still grew.
It was wonderful and scary at the same time.  His mother had laughed and
hugged him when he mentioned it to her.  "That's how you know your love is
real," she had reassured him.

Jamie in his life was a given at this point.  Justin wanted and needed
Jamie on many levels and it was mutual.  Justin was there for Jamie and
Jamie was there for Justin, it was just that simple.

Justin looked over Jamie's sleeping form.  He admired the clear,
blemish-free skin, the hint of ribs on his side, the slightly fuzzy spread
of hair surrounding his navel, the firm curve of his butt in the clingy
sweatpants.  Justin looked at Jamie's slightly parted lips and felt the
overwhelming desire to kiss him.  It was a desire that was there
constantly, no matter where they were.

That gave him a small twinge of sadness.  Justin was completely serious and
sincere in his promise to Jamie when they proposed just one week ago.  He
yearned for the day when he could kiss Jamie or hold his hand wherever and
whenever he wanted.  He wanted Jamie next to him on red carpets and at
award shows.  In a few days during a four day break, the group would be
spending some down time in Maine with Jamie's family and start the
discussion and planning.

Justin pushed it all out of his mind.  He stood quickly and stripped down
to his boxer briefs and carefully climbed onto the bed facing Jamie.
Gently, he reached over and started rubbing Jamie's back.  Jamie rolled
onto his stomach, sighing in his sleep.  Justin smiled, this was one thing
that Jamie really liked.  He continued rubbing along his shoulders and down
his back while Jamie murmured.

It always amazed Justin that he could touch Jamie like this and he'd remain
peacefully asleep, but if it was anyone else he'd be up and out of bed in a
flash.  Justin still didn't understand how Jamie knew the difference.  It
was this trust that Justin cherished above everything else.

He leaned down and kissed Jamie's shoulder while still rubbing.  Jamie
moved a little and started waking up.  "How were your interviews," he
asked, his voice heavy with sleep.

"They went fine.  Did you get all the recording done?"  Jamie nodded then
sighed as Justin pressed a little more firmly on his shoulders.  Tony at
the studio had been more than understanding when Jamie had told him the
news.  In fact they found that Jamie had only another couple of hours left
to go anyway.  Justin paid for a studio rental in Buffalo where they were
laid over and flew Tony in to finish Jamie's session that morning.

Jamie looked over at Justin and smiled.  "That feels really good, you
know."

"I thought it would.  Want me to stop?"

"No!"

Justin sat up and straddled Jamie's hips and started working Jamie's
shoulders and back with both hands.  Jamie moaned in pleasure under him.
Justin continued until Jamie was completely relaxed then leaned down and
kissed the back of his neck.

"Mmmm... that feels even better."

Justin kissed and nibbled Jamie's neck until he was shivering under him.
He moved to his shoulders then started licking his shoulder blades.  Jamie
broke out in goose bumps as he gasped.  Justin smiled and licked down the
center of Jamie's back until he reached the top of his ass.  Justin reached
down and took off Jamie's sweats and his own briefs.  Jamie smelled of soap
from his shower and Justin did what came natural to him.

Jamie gasped loudly as Justin started kissing and licking down his ass.
"Uhhhh..." he moaned.  "Oh, Justin."

Justin smiled and spread Jamie's cheeks and carefully stuck his tongue out
to Jamie's hole.  He licked around and across it as Jamie groaned loudly
above him.  They had done quite a bit together but this was something new
for the both of them.  Made bold by Jamie's enthusiastic response he pushed
in closer and licked and probed with his tongue.  Using his saliva he got
Jamie as wet as he could.  By the time he was done, Jamie was a shaking
mass on the bed.

Moving up, Justin rubbed his growing erection into the crack of Jamie's
ass.  "Come on, baby, talk to me.  Tell me what you want me to do," Justin
goaded.

Jamie's response was a long, shuddering moan.  "I... want... you," he
gasped.  He took a deep breath trying to control himself.  "Please, I need
you in me."

Justin reached over for the lube they had left on the bedside table the
night before and made himself slick.  "Your wish is my command, my love."
Pressing firmly, his long cock slowly slid into Jamie.

"Yessssss," Jamie hissed in pleasure.

When Justin felt that Jamie was accustomed to him he leaned over and
planted his hands on either side of Jamie's shoulders.  Using his hips, he
jabbed into Jamie with slow, even thrusts.  Justin reveled in the hot,
tight feeling.  It always amazed and excited him to feel Jamie around him
like this, but he'd be hard pressed to decide which he liked more, this or
Jamie inside him.

Jamie was moaning under him, his arms and legs moving slightly in pleasure.
Without warning, Jamie grabbed Justin's wrists and pulled his arms from
under him making him fall fully down onto Jamie's back.  Jamie cried out as
Justin was buried deep in one quick thrust.

"Are you ok, sweet pea?"

Jamie was panting.  "Yes...  that feels... soooo good."  He grunted as
Justin thrust with his hips.  "Hold me, baby, please."

Justin smiled and worked his arms around and under Jamie.  One hand went on
Jamie's chest while the other snaked down to grab his throbbing erection
that was trapped between his stomach and the bed.  Justin continued with an
even rhythm.  Jamie grunted with each inward thrust as Justin poked his
prostate repeatedly.

"Justin, don't ever stop doing this," Jamie pleaded.

Justin looked and saw that Jamie's face was flushed and sweaty and his eyes
were unfocused.  He continued to grind into Jamie while kissing and licking
his ear.  Jamie was moaning loudly under him which turned on Justin even
more.  Soon Justin felt his orgasm rapidly approach and there was nothing
he could do to stall it.  It hit him in a crashing wave as he jerked his
hips down into Jamie with each shot.

Suddenly Jamie cried out.  Justin felt him stiffen under him and the cock
in his hand pulsed over and over.  Justin held him tightly until his spasms
eased.  They were both still breathing heavy.  Justin rolled them to their
sides as he slipped out of Jamie who sighed at the loss of the intimate
connection.

Justin kissed his neck and started rubbing his cum covered hand up and down
Jamie's chest and stomach making him giggle.

"Now I'm gonna have to take another shower."

"That was on my mind."  Justin leaned down and Jamie turned so he was on
his back.  They kissed as they held each other.  Jamie pulled away when he
felt Justin's warm tears dropping on his cheeks.

"JuJu, what's wrong?"

Justin smiled and sniffed.  "Absolutely nothing.  While I was watching you
sleep I was thinking about how much I love you.  I just realized I love you
even more this very second."

Jamie reached a hand up and cupped Justin's cheek.  "There's more to it,
isn't there?"

Justin nodded.  "You know me too well."  He took a deep breath.  "It always
overwhelms me just how much you trust me.  It scares me sometimes."  His
tears started fresh.  "I get scared that I might do something to lose that
trust and if I ever lost it, it would kill me."

Jamie pulled Justin down against him and wrapped his arms around his
shoulders.  Justin pressed his face into Jamie's neck.  "Justin, nothing
you could do would ever make me not trust you or love you."

"But how can you be sure, I'm not."

"Because you said it, I know you too well.  You care too much to treat
anyone with anything but respect and kindness.  Don't start buying into the
image that's floating around of you.  I know it's hard but I know the real
you.  I can understand where those who don't know you would see ego and
attitude.  It's all too common in your business.  When I look at you, I see
a confident performer who owns the stage when he's on it, who loves what he
does and wants to be the best he can be doing it."

"I really try hard not to listen or become like they make me out.  It's so
hard sometimes.  That's why I need you so much and why I get scared because
if you weren't here I worry what would happen to me.  I know the 'NSync
Justin isn't really me and I don't want that Justin to take over."

"He won't, sweetie, because deep down inside he isn't you.  This reminds me
of a talk Dan and I had in January."

"Oh?"

"We were just getting together and I was thinking about how perfect you
were.  I was scared about what I wasn't seeing, that maybe you were too
perfect to be true."

"What was the verdict?"

"That as wonderful as you are, you are only human and not perfect."

"Gee, thanks, I think," Justin smirked.

Jamie smiled and tickled Justin's side.  "You know what I mean, nobody is
perfect.  My mom gave me this piece of advice.  She said that the test of a
relationship is not that you can love someone for who or what they are but
that you can also love them for what they are not.  You love their
strengths and weaknesses, their virtues and faults."

"I'm gonna have to give your mom a big kiss when I see her."

"So you ok now?"

Justin nodded and tightened his hold on Jamie's waist.  "You bet.  It's
just that these feelings build up and they just come out.  We talk and it's
all under control again."  Justin was quiet and thought for a minute.
"That's probably what's wrong with Josh, isn't it?  He's just not talking
about what he's feeling."

"That would be my guess."

They were interrupted by the phone.  Jamie was closer so answered it.  "Hey
Lance," he said knowing who it had to be.

"Jamie, we need to leave for the stadium in about 45 minutes, are you guys
almost ready?"

"We just need to take a quick shower then we'll be all set.  See you in a
few."  He hung up with a smile.

"I guess cuddle time is over, huh?" Justin asked with a pout.

Jamie smiled and kissed him.  "But we have a half hour for shower time."
Justin's answer was a wicked smirk.

------


"I never imagined that it would be so beautiful," Jamie said with wonder.

Jamie, Justin, Lance and Mel were standing shoulder to shoulder at the
railing of the Princess of the Mist, sailing slowly toward Niagara Falls.
The mist from the falling water coated their faces and felt good in the
noonday heat.  They, and the other passengers on board, were covered in
hooded ponchos.

It had been a wonderful morning.  They had done the tourist thing and
explored all over the American side of the falls.  They had walked across
the bridge to Canada but were turned away because they hadn't thought to
bring their birth certificates.  After a quick lunch they decided to top it
all off with the boat ride to the base of the falls.

The boat slowly turned and they found themselves now behind everyone
looking at the falls.  Justin pulled Jamie to him and kissed him while
Lance and Mel stood look out.  They were fairly safe.  If anyone looked the
hoods hid everything.  Jamie felt a little uncomfortable in such a public
place but the feel of Justin's lips against his clouded his reason.

"There, now I can say I kissed my love at Niagara Falls," Justin stated
proudly pulling away.

Mel smirked at him.  "-You- be careful," she said with a laugh.  "There's
way too many people around for my comfort for you two to be pulling that."

Jamie smiled at her.  "We'll behave, promise."  Justin stood close to him
and they held hands, the ponchos hiding it.

Looking over to Lance, who was standing deep in thought while looking at
the falls, Jamie felt bad.  Lance had wanted JC to join them but he had
begged off saying he was tired, had a headache and wasn't feeling well.
Although it may have been the truth, it still hurt Lance, he wanted to
share this with JC.

Jamie squeezed Justin's hand and released it then moved closer to Lance.
"Lance," he said hesitantly, "how are ya doing?"

Lance glanced at Jamie and gave him a small smile.  "It really makes you
feel not quite so important, doesn't it?" he asked ignoring Jamie's
question.  "The size and majesty of all that rushing water is just
amazing."

"I'm sorry, Lance."

Lance looked at Jamie and his smile slipped.  A small tear formed in his
eye which he quickly wiped away.  Putting a hand on Jamie's shoulder, he
took a deep breath.  "I'm fine, really.  A little disappointed, but I'll
get over it."  He paused for a second.  "There'll be other times," he said
firmly then walked into the cabin where there was a canteen.

Jamie, Mel and Justin shared a look then sighed.  "I swear I'm gonna beat
him until he's black and blue," Justin vowed.  "This was too much.  Even if
he doesn't want to talk he'll at least listen."  Jamie knew that nothing he
could say would deter Justin from what he was gonna do, so remained silent.

The ride back into Buffalo was a quiet one and they entered the hotel's
back door, skirting the small crowd out front waiting to catch any glimpse
of the group.  The elevator ride was very uncomfortable as Mel and Jamie
cast sad looks at Lance who ignored everyone in a detached way.  Justin
stood fuming, his temper had only grown more hot the closer they got to the
hotel.

When the door opened Lance thanked Mel for playing tour guide and headed to
his room.  "Ya, thanks Mel, we had a great time.  Really," Jamie said with
a smile.  He held onto Justin's hand so he wouldn't go storming off right
away.

"My pleasure, guys.  Would you remind everyone that dinner is at 6:00 in
the private dining room downstairs and we'll be pulling out right after, so
put all your luggage in the hall before you come down."

"Sure will."  Jamie watched Mel go to her room, then looked at Justin.

"I know what you're gonna say but I'm still gonna do it."

"I know, Justin.  I just wanted you to cool down a little before."  Justin
nodded and let himself be led to their room.  "Let's pack up first then you
can go and -talk- to Josh, ok?"

"I have a better idea.  How about we pack real quick, make out a little,
then I'll go have my talk."

"I like that better.  Sounds like a plan."

Justin pulled Jamie to him and kissed him for a long minute.  "So much for
the plan," he said as he pressed his mouth back down on Jamie's.

An hour later they had packed and kissed their lips to a slightly bruised
red but not necessarily in that order.  Jamie was floating, kissing Justin
was a natural high he couldn't get enough of.  They walked down the hall
hand in hand to the room that had been set aside as a lounge.  They entered
to see JC sitting on the couch writing feverishly in the worn notebook that
he used for lyrics.  Chris was sitting nearby half watching him and the TV.
He saw Jamie and Justin and quickly crossed the room to them.

"I'm glad to see you guys.  He's been like this all afternoon."

"Where's Joey?" Jamie asked.

"He's with Lance.  We heard him crying in his room.  I don't think Josh
even knows you guys are back."

Justin relayed Mel's reminder and Chris went off to check on Joey and Lance
and let them know.  Jamie sat in a chair near the door and watched as
Justin casually walked over to JC.

"What ya workin' on Josh?"

JC looked up and both Jamie and Justin noticed the red rimmed eyes and dark
circles under them.  "Just a song.  Take a look."  He handed the notebook
to Justin who scanned the entry.

"Pretty good.  Got a tune for it?"

"Not yet.  I've got a few ideas in my head."

Justin sat down next to him and looked him straight in the eye.  "Josh, I
have a problem."

"What?  You and Jamie ok?"  JC didn't even seem to have even noticed that
Jamie sat in the room with them only 20 feet away.

"Oh, we're fine.  Better than fine.  It's just that we both have this
friend and we don't know what to do for him."

"What's his problem?"

"Well, he's sorta shut himself away from everybody.  We know that he's
hurting inside but he just won't talk about it and we're getting worried.
What do you think I should do."

JC looked at Justin seriously for a minute.  "You've been reading Chris'
psychology books again.  I told you they'd warp your brain."  He sighed and
closed his eyes.  "There's nothing wrong and I don't want to talk about
it."

"If there's nothing wrong then why are you acting like this?  It's not like
you to completely shut yourself in like you have."

"I just need a little space and some sleep, that's all.  Why can't you all
see that."

"Josh, we've given you all the space you need but it hasn't gotten any
better.  We all love you and Lance is worried sick.  Please tell me what's
wrong."

"Just, I told you, -nothing-."

Jamie admired Justin for being so patient for as long as he had.  He knew
that Justin was boiling underneath and wanted nothing more than to throw JC
around the room.  A blush appeared on Justin's cheeks suddenly and Jamie
knew that his patience had just run out.

"The hell nothing's wrong," he said loudly.  "Josh, your fiance was alone
and crying at Niagara Falls because you needed your space.  You didn't see
what he was like, it broke my heart."

"Lance was crying?  I've got to go to him."  JC made to get off the couch
but Justin held him back.

"In a minute, Joey's with him for now.  You don't want to talk, fine, but
you're sure as hell gonna listen to what I have to say."

Justin's voice rose a little and Jamie saw a side of him that he'd never
expected: Justin the parent.  He went up one side of JC and down the other
like an errant child.  He let him know that in no way was his behavior that
day excusable or even acceptable.  If he insisted on continuing this then
he'd have no choice but to tell the tour doctor and have Greg flown in.

Sometime during Justin's lecture the other guys had arrived and stood in
the doorway.  Lance looked like he'd been crying heavily but was otherwise
ok.  He gave Jamie a lopsided grin.

Justin kept going.  "Josh, the group is in trouble here and you don't even
see it."

"I always hit my marks and sing my parts, nothing has stopped that," JC put
in indignantly.

"Yes, true.  Your performance hasn't suffered so that the audience would
see it.  But the group's has.  We aren't in sync anymore because you've
pulled away from us."

JC sat frowning, tears starting to form in his eyes.  Justin then made a
stern promise.  "I will tell you this.  If things don't change then the
group -will- pull you from the show until you get straightened out."  That
got the response from JC that he wanted.

"No!!" JC shouted suddenly then settled down just as quickly.  Jamie
thought he caught a glimmer of recognition in JC's eyes and hoped that he
took it to heart.  "I'm sorry, J.  Really I am.  I haven't been myself and
it's taking me time to work things out in my head.  I guess I'm so wrapped
up with myself I didn't see how much it was affecting everyone else.  Will
you accept a promise that I'll try not to shut myself off?"

Justin pulled JC into a hug.  "I accept both the apology and the promise.
You know I love you.  We all do.  Now go see your fiance, he needs you."

JC looked up and saw Lance standing next to Chris and ran over to him and
cradled him gently.  "Baby, I'm so sorry."  He put his head on Lance's
shoulder and started crying.

"It's ok, sugar.  Come on, let's go get ready for dinner."  Lance led JC
out of the room with a grateful smile toward Justin.

Justin let out a big breath.  "Wow, that was tough.  I almost didn't have
the heart to make that last threat."

"It's ok, Curly.  It needed to be done.  Maybe now things will get better."

"I sure hope so, Joe.  I really do."

------


Everyone had gathered on top of the parking garage waiting for the some of
the guys on the crew to finish setting up.  Mel and Joey had brought a
cooler of beer and soda and the makeup ladies with the help of security
were grilling hot dogs and hamburgers.  Jamie leaned back against Justin in
the darkness, taking comfort from the arm around his waist.

The past 24 hours had been a little tense on all sides at first, but JC had
made a complete turn around and was almost acting like his old self.  Jamie
had talked to him somewhere in Virginia during their breakfast stop that
morning.  JC had admitted that being himself and being involved actually
did make him feel a little better and apologized again.

Jamie thought back on the talk they had while strolling around the highway
rest area.  JC had promised to talk more when he was ready and insisted
that Jamie keep coming to him and asking.  He said it did help knowing that
someone cared enough to try.  After JC had boarded the bus Jamie found
Lance sitting alone on a picnic table.

"Hey, want some company?"

"Sure.  Where's Justin?"

"He and Joey are playing some video game inside.  It's really old so
they're on some nostalgia kick."

Lance laughed.  "That sounds like them."

Jamie sat and thought for a second.  "Lance, do you think I'm too dependent
on Justin?  I mean, when you just asked where he was it was as if it wasn't
natural for us not to be side by side.  That kinda bothers me."

Lance patted his shoulder.  "Well, it's true that you two are almost
inseparable.  I don't think, though, that means you're dependent too much.
You're in love and want to be together.  There's nothing wrong with that."

"Well, I do want to be with him all the time.  It's just sometimes I get
the feeling that it's a little unhealthy."

"You guys are fine.  You just got engaged so you're closer now than before,
if that's possible.  Josh and I were the same."  Lance quieted then looked
around.  "I want to thank you for what you're trying to do."

"Only doing my job as a friend.  How are you dealing?"

"Better.  He hasn't said much but at least he's not shut himself off
completely.  I think it will all work out."

"Good.  I hate to see the both of you hurting."  Jamie put his arm around
Lance's shoulder and they just sat there until it was time to leave.

A red flash climbing into the sky pulled Jamie from his thoughts and they
all cheered.  A few more went up before a policeman approached the group.
Mel took the lead and met with him then returned with a grim look.

"What's up?" Chris asked.

"He asked if we had a permit and wanted to check that we only had legal
stuff.  He said he'd let it slide for another 15 minutes as long as it
didn't get out of control."

A Roman candle sprang to life spitting out it's multicolored sparks.  A few
more bottle rockets went up and another candle was lit before the cop asked
them to stop.  Everyone was a little disappointed but they went ahead with
the cookout, turned on some music and relaxed in the warm North Carolina
night.

------


Jamie and Justin stepped off the plane, completely exhausted.  It was late
and the airport was almost completely deserted except for two figures
waiting a few yards away.

Phil ran up to Jamie and Justin and gave them both a big hug.  "It's good
to see you guys, but you look like shit."

Jamie smiled and slapped the back of his head.  "Nice to see you too,
booger."

"Dildo."  The brothers started poking each other good naturedly while
Justin looked on in amusement.

"Philip and Jameson, stop that right now," their mother admonished with a
smile.  "And watch your language."  She turned to Justin and gave him a big
hug.  "So how's my future son-in-law.  You do look tired."

Justin returned the hug.  "I'm doing fine, Pat.  Tour is like that, not
alot of chances to get much sleep."  He looked over to Jamie and Phil who
were still horsing around as they went downstairs to the exit.  "Are they
always like that?" he asked as they followed.

"Pretty much.  It's one of the ways they show their affection to one
another.  You'll get used to it."

Justin sighed.  "They are all so very close."

"You grew up pretty much as an only child, right?"

"Ya, I have two half-brothers.  Jonathan is 5 and Steve is only a year old.
I love them alot but I'll never have with them what Jamie has with his
brothers."

Pat put her arm around his shoulder while they walked.  "Don't get too
nostalgic, it hasn't all been an even road.  They've had their share of
fights, too.  When Dan and Jamie were in High School and Phil in Middle
School I thought they'd all hate each other for the rest of their lives.
But now they -are- really close which makes me glad.  I know that Dan likes
you alot and Phil does too.  You are a part of our family now, Justin.  So
expect the honeymoon with Phil to wear off soon."  She smiled as they left
the building.

Phil and Jamie had their arms around each other's shoulders and Phil was
looking at Jamie's ring.  He broke away and ran up to Justin.  "Can I see
it?" he asked excitedly.

Justin smiled and held out his hand.  "Sure."

Phil examined his ring closely.  "That is just so cool.  My brother is
gonna be married to a superstar.  You -are- tall, you know?"

Phil's excitement and randomness made Justin giggle and Phil broke into a
wide smile.  "So where are the others?" Phil finally asked.

"We'll pick up Lance, Chris and Joey tomorrow.  JC flies in the next
morning, he had some studio work to do in New York tomorrow," Jamie
answered.

"None of my friends believe that I know you guys.  This is so great."

"Phil," Jamie said in a warning tone.  "What have you said?"

"Nothing, oh Mr. Worrywart.  I just had to tell them that you'd be playing
with the band and that I got to meet them when I was in Florida.  That's
all they know and they still don't believe me anyway.  Wait until the
special on HBO and they see you sitting there, I'll be the most popular kid
in school."

They reached the car and Phil pushed Jamie into the front seat and climbed
in back with Justin.  Pat just smirked at him.  On the ride to the house
Phil wouldn't shut up.  He kept asking Justin questions and telling him
about his friends and about this one guy who he really liked that lived
down the street.  Stopping every few seconds to take a new breath.

Jamie turned around and grinned at them.  Justin had a completely
bewildered look on his face.  "You know you can tell him to shut up at
anytime."

Justin smiled.  "But that would be rude."

"They're your ears.  Believe me, he won't be offended."

Justin giggled and Pat laughed.  Justin looked over to Phil who was still
talking.  "Phil, shut up."

"Oh, ok."  Phil smiled and settled back into his seat.  Unexpectedly he
slapped the back of Jamie's head.  "Goober."

"Freak."

Justin just smiled and shook his head in amusement.

------


The next day Jamie, Justin and Phil met Lance, Joey and Chris at the
airport and headed straight to the family camp.  It was a half hour out of
town on a small pond.  There was only one other camp across one end that
belonged to one of Jamie's aunts.  At first the guys were a little
skeptical but were delighted to find it had electricity and running water.
In fact it was more like a cottage.

Jamie and Phil let the guys explore and poke around the four bedroom one
story building while they got the groceries settled and put everyone's bags
away.  Before long Jamie was circled by a pair of arms around his waist
from behind.

"This place is just great.  It's gonna be a nice treat."  Justin started
nuzzling Jamie's neck.

"Glad you like it.  Did you notice the bedroom in the front corner that had
the great view of the lake?"  Justin nodded.  "That's my mother's room but
we have it for the weekend."  Justin beamed.

"So any chance on getting a private tour outside.  I feel like communing
with nature."

Phil made some gagging noises and Jamie threw a kitchen towel at him with a
smile.  "You'll get used to it, Phil," Joey said coming into the room.
"They're always like this."

Chris and Lance came in next and got some water from the fridge.

"Well, since we're all here you should know that there aren't many people
for a few miles around in any direction except for the camp across the
pond.  They're relatives so if you make it around there just say hi.  Aunt
Tina and Uncle Bobby know we're here.  If you feel like walking there are
three marked trails that leave right from behind the house."

"If you want to swim there are also some inner tubes but if you go into the
water use the end of the dock, don't go in from the shore."

"Why?  What's wrong with the shore?" Chris asked suspiciously.

"There are leaches right along the shore, big ones.  So unless you'd like
to have a little friend or two then use the dock."  Jamie laughed at their
horrified expressions.

"Jamie, that's not funny," Phil said with a giggle.  "There aren't any
leaches.  The reason we use the dock is because the bottom is mucky and
besides being gross feeling you'd sink halfway to your knees if you tried
to walk out."

Jamie poked Phil then started tickling him.  "Sure, ruin my fun.  There's
also a canoe and kayak, so feel free.  Phil will pick up Josh tomorrow
morning so we have the weekend to ourselves.  We'll go in town for dinner
on Saturday then my mom and aunts are throwing a party for us."

"Sounds great.  I plan on sleeping and eating," Joey commented.

"So when do we want to have our meeting?" Lance asked.

"How about on Saturday.  Then we can relax after with dinner and the party
and have a nice empty Sunday."  Everyone agreed with Chris then scattered.
Joey, true to his word, went into his bedroom.  Chris poked around the
kitchen.  Lance grabbed the book he was reading and went outside and
snuggled onto the hammock.

Jamie glanced over at Phil who was talking with Chris.  Suddenly he ran
from the room and to the car.  He came back with his Playstation under his
arm.  Chris smiled and joined him in front of the TV.

Justin grinned at Jamie and grabbed him by the hand.  "You have a nice
place you'd like to show me?"

Jamie thought for a second.  "Sure do.  Grab some bug dope and let's go."

They went out the back door and headed down one trail that skirted the
lake.  They turned off the trail when they reached a small stream and head
up along it.  After walking over and around the trees and rocks they came
to a small clearing.  The stream widened a little here making a small pool.

"This is fantastic.  Did you find this yourself?"

Jamie nodded.  "Dan and I did long ago.  It's really nice."

Justin grabbed Jamie and pulled his head up to kiss him.  Jamie sighed and
clung to Justin's shoulders.  Justin started sinking into the moss and
grass and Jamie followed.  They rolled so Justin was on top.

"I missed sleeping with you last night."

"Me too.  I'm sorry, I figured the rules would relax if we were engaged.
Guess I figured wrong."

"It's ok, really.  I was so tired I fell asleep right away, but I still
missed you."

"You're so sweet."  Jamie kissed Justin and move his hands under his shirt
to rub the skin of his back.

They swiftly lost track of time just laying together and being close but
knew it had been several hours.  Their stomachs complained loudly that it
was past lunchtime.  Hand in hand they made their way slowly back to the
house to find it completely deserted.  A note from Lance sat on the table.


	"Guys,
		Where the heck did you go?  I think Phil knows but
		he's not saying.  If you look out on the lake, we're
		in the canoe and kayak enjoying the water.  Sorry we
		didn't wait for you for lunch, but Joey can only go
		so long without food.

		Leftovers are in the fridge.

		Love Lance

		PS This place is fantastic.  Can we take all our
		vacations here?"


Jamie grinned at the note and got some sandwiches and drinks.  Going
outside they got on the hammock together and ate.  They fell asleep cuddled
in each other arms while waiting for the others to get back.


tbc...


Notes:


On the airport in Bangor...  If you've ever seen the Langoliers on TV (they
show it every so often now on SciFi) then you've seen our airport.  All the
interior scenes were filmed at the terminal.  So when they show them at the
windows, in the lunch counter and at the luggage carriers that's all real.
The exterior building shots are it as well but I don't think they actually
shot the actors right outside the terminal but in another part of the
airport and did some digital magic.

I also pay homage to 'Brian and Me' with the scene at the lake with the
camp.  I loved the vacation that Brian and Nick spent in the woods of
Canada so I had to reproduce it.  But there won't be any vodka and
strawberries here...  if you're confused you need to read that story : )


There's the latest.  Comments and suggestions are always welcome!


Jim
bangoremail@aol.com