Date: Fri, 16 Feb 2001 20:24:08 -0800 (PST) From: Jim Higgins Subject: Flying Without Wings - 4 Greetings everyone, I hope everyone's had a great Valentine's Day and that your Valentine was nice to you. Not much to say here today. I like to add little tests to relationships when I write. Jamie and Justin have overcome several, Lance and JC are going through one now, eventually Chris and Dani will as well. Things have been a little static with our happy couple so it's their turn again. This was suggested to me quite a few chapters ago and I finally found a good way to write it into the story. Be comforted by the fact that I'm a firm believer in happy endings, and that's all I'll say about that! 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 Four "Gin." Joey sighed in frustration. "Again?" He asked Justin who smirked at him from the couch. "Yup," Justin replied mentally calculating the scores. "Seems like you now owe me $45, bud. You wanna stop?" "Let's keep going. You know I'm a glutton for punishment." The bus had stopped for a rest somewhere between Cleveland and Columbus on it's way to Cincinnati. JC and Chris had gone out to round up some junk food. Lance was sitting across the lounge with his cell phone to his ear going over his ever-present paperwork. Phil was at Lance's laptop cruising through the web chat rooms and Jamie was asleep lying between Justin's legs with his head on Justin's bare stomach. Justin looked down at Jamie as Joey shuffled then dealt the cards. Smiling to himself, he ran his fingers through Jamie's hair. The vacation last week was quickly becoming a pleasant memory. Kevin had opted not to come back after the break and Jamie had assumed all his duties. It was tiring being on tour now with both of them working. The only times they had together to look forward to were the bus rides and the occasional overnight at hotels. Justin sighed as he fanned his cards. The stress level had grown for Jamie in the last three days and that worried him. So far Jamie was dealing with it and the nightmares had not returned as of yet, but Justin didn't know how much more Jamie could take. The tour only had a little over 2 weeks left but they were by far the most filled and busy for everyone. Joey saw the look on Justin's face and reached over to pat his arm. "It will be all right, Just. He's a survivor and we're all here for him." Justin smiled at his friend. "I know Joe, and thanks for saying it. He's been so trouble free the last couple of weeks I hate to think about what the last week will do to him. Plus we'll be in New York and for some reason he doesn't feel safe there anymore, and I don't know why." Joey poindered for a minute while organizing his hand. "I've thought about that. I think he connects the city with being away from you and it reminds him of last fall when he had his little melt down just after Thanksgiving. Put that all together and his insecurities just get the better of him there." Justin considered Joey's words before nodding. "I don't care what they say, Joe, you're not the dumb one," Justin smiled. "Well, just don't let it get out. I have a reputation to uphold," Joey smirked. "Besides, this way nobody expects a lot out of me and I like it that way." They continued to play cards and Justin giggled suddenly. "You're awake now aren't you?" he asked. Jamie yawned. "What gave it away?" "When you just started playing with my stomach with your fingers. You know that tickles." With a big smile Jamie sat up and pulled down Justin's shirt. "You make a nice pillow," he smiled at his fiance. "How much does he owe you now?" he asked kissing Justin lightly on the lips. "Forty-five big ones" "How did you know I was losing?" Joey asked with a pout. "You always lose to Justin, Joe. You think you'd learn. How much time we got left before we pull out." "About 10 minutes or so," Justin said looking at his watch. "Ok, I'll be back, I need to use the bathroom and a hamburger sounds really good. Want me to get you guys one?" "Count me in," Justin said. Phil added his order as well. "Chris is getting me something, but thanks anyway," Joey answered. Jamie made his way off the bus and was stopped by Lance's voice. "Jamie if you see those two tell them time is running out and I want my chicken!" "Will do, Lance." Jamie left the bus and stretched in the sun. "Just, is he always so sleepy?" Joey asked. Justin nodded. "You usually don't see it. Most nights he takes his medicine after dinner so he's over the grogginess early in the morning. Last night he didn't take it until we went to bed so he's a little sleepy." Joey nodded. Lance had taken a break and was watching Phil chat online from over his shoulder. "How can you say something like that?" He commented with a warning in his voice. "Easy, but nobody will believe it anyway," Phil replied. They waited a few seconds. "See I told you they wouldn't." "What did you say?" Joey asked. "He said that his brother just woke up from sleeping on Justin," Lance replied. "What!!?" Justin yelled. "Easy, Curly," Lance soothed, "they didn't believe a word of it. This is pretty funny." "Phil, we need to be more careful," Justin warned. "It's all under control, Justin. I always like to shake up a room like that, but at least now they're all talking about the possibility of one or more of you being gay and that's what we're trying to do. You know, Lance, you could come out tomorrow and nobody would really be all that surprised." Lance went and sat back down. "I hate being the gay one all the time," he muttered to himself with a pout. ------ Jamie had finished his business and was washing his hands at the sink when he heard a strange noise in the bathroom. "Hello?" He was answered by silence. Peering around cautiously he quickly dried his hands and left. Reaching the hallway he saw JC and Chris leave through the doors outside. Shaking his head at his imagination he headed over to the fast food place and ordered six hamburgers knowing that Justin and Phil would want more than one and Joey would try to scam one as well. Except for the kids working behind the counter, the rest stop was fairly empty with only a few business travelers moving around. Jamie paid for the burgers and grabbed some candy from a vending machine. He turned to leave and bumped into someone behind him. "Oh, excuse me, I didn't see you..." Jamie started. The older man smiled at him and patted his shoulder. "Don't worry about it, I wasn't watching where I was going either." He continued smiling at Jamie which made him very nervous. "Well... um... ok, bye," Jamie said uncomfortably and walked briskly out the doors. The man's smile faded slightly and he shook his head. 'Nervous little fella,' he thought to himself and got some gum from the machine before heading off to search out some coffee. Jamie got on the bus still a little shaken. He dropped the burgers and candy bars on the table and went into his and Justin's bunk without saying a word, shutting the curtain behind him. Justin stared at his back as he passed while curious glances passed among the others. "Did anything happen in there?" he asked Chris. "Not that we know. We didn't even see him inside." JC nodded in agreement. Justin stood and went to the bunk. He parted the curtain and peeked in to see Jamie sitting with his arms around his knees, tears staining his cheeks. "Sweet pea, what's wrong?" Jamie looked up and sighed. He told Justin about hearing things in the bathroom and bumping into the man at the vending machines. "I'm just so tired, Justin. Tired of being scared all the time." Fresh tears rolled down his cheeks. "When will I not be scared anymore!?" he sobbed. Justin sat beside him and pulled Jamie's head onto his lap and ran his fingers through his hair. "He can't harm you, baby, not without going through me first. Nobody can or will." "I can't live like this. Something has to give and I'd prefer it wasn't me." "I think I'd agree with that. Have you talked with Leslie lately?" "My appointment is before the Foxboro show, she's coming and bringing her kids. I'll have my session with her while they are at the meet and greet." Justin nodded and leaned down and kissed his forehead. "I love you." "I love you too," Jamie replied with a sigh. "Look at us, a teen heartthrob and his mental patient boyfriend," he added morosely. "Don't you say that," Justin said loudly, shaking Jamie slightly at the shoulders. "Don't you ever think that. Sure you're having some problems, but that's to be expected. I don't ever want to hear you say that about yourself again. I love you unconditionally, troubles and all." Justin huffed and crossed his arms on his chest. Jamie lay still in his lap not quite knowing how to react to Justin's outburst. "I'm sorry," he said softly looking Justin in the eye, "it just gets to me at times. And sometimes I worry about your reputation when we do come out, they'll find out about my past and me." "I'm not worried about that. We'll be completely honest about it and let them think what they want. You... did... nothing... wrong." Justin emphasized his last words with squeezes to Jamie's shoulders before pulling him up and into a crushing hug. "Now let's go get some of those hamburgers before Joe eats them all." Jamie smiled and kissed him. "Thanks for making me feel better." "You do the same for me all the time," Justin said taking Jamie's hand and leading him to the lounge. ------ The bus had arrived at the arena in Cincinnati with plenty of time to spare so they used it to stretch and get a little exercise. Deciding to take it somewhat easy, they set a brisk walk and circled the arena while talking casually. Lance was lagging behind while on the phone. Jamie and Justin held hands and led the pack around the upper tier. JC was just ahead of Lance and reading a newspaper. Everyone stopped at a cry from JC. "Holy shit, look at this!" JC folded the paper over and held it out for all to see. Lance finished his call and jogged up to join them. "The New York Times, Josh, I'm impressed," Phil kidded good-naturedly. "But it's from Monday. Couldn't you get one a little newer?" Chris joined in. "I bought it at the airport in DC and haven't read all the way through it yet, bozos. Now quit it, look at this article." JC pointed to a small headline down on the lower half of the page. 'Teen heartthrobs to tie the knot?' Justin grabbed the paper and quickly read the article aloud. "Oh man, could they ever get this more wrong!" Everyone was giggling at the situation. The article outlined a meeting between Justin and Britney where he was seen getting down on one knee apparently proposing to her in a New York deli. "The sad thing is it did happen," JC commented with a smirk, "sorta." "But they didn't even mention that Lance and I were there," Jamie remarked, "and it happened in Cleveland when you had that morning off, not New York." Lance quickly got on his cell phone. "So what exactly happened?" Phil asked intrigued. "We met Britney at the airport during her layover and treated her to lunch. Joe and Chris didn't go because they were too hung over from their little party the night before and JC wasn't feeling good," Justin explained. "She oo'ed and aah'ed over the rings and wanted a demonstration about what happened. So I knelt down and told her what I said." He shrugged and handed the paper back to JC. "I did the same, but obviously nobody noticed," Jamie said with a snicker. Lance ended his call. "Our PR publicly denied it as false gossip on Monday afternoon and so did hers. Funny nobody told us about it." "They probably thought it was nothing. Besides, Mel has been flooded with work and hasn't left her bus much," JC added. "We have that meeting tomorrow when we get to Pittsburgh, she'll probably tell us then." The article visibly troubled Justin. "How does it affect our plan? Why now?" Lance thought for a second. "Actually, it may help. When the time comes we can use Britney and tell the real story. Up until then the denial that you're a couple only helps especially when the reason why comes out." Justin looked at Jamie who gave him an encouraging smile. "This will work," he whispered into Justin's ear. "We just have to keep our cool." Justin smiled took Jamie's hand once more, nodded and the group continued their walk. ------ The afternoon passed quietly until Wade arrived and insisted on brushing up some of the routines before the sound check. Jamie supervised the roadies as they set up the band while Phil helped with the multitude of cables and patch cords. Every so often either or both of them would watch Wade put the guys through their paces, changing a step or placement here or there. He would be with them until New York, tweaking the show so it looked the best it could for the HBO special. As the last amp was being placed and put into position Phil tugged on Jamie's sleeve. "Hey, what do you know about Wade?" Jamie smiled, his brother had always been transparent to him. "Well, he's single, no boyfriend that I've seen. I don't even think he has the time to date much." Phil's eyes widened as Jamie stressed the boy in boyfriend knowing what he was implying. "You think he might like some water?" Laughing at Phil's behavior, Jamie poked him in the shoulder. "What about Jason?" "We kinda decided to cool it for the summer," he replied nonchalantly, apparently not caring. Phil caught Jamie's frown and gave in. "Ok, -he- decided when I talked to him on Wednesday that we should see other people for awhile," he sighed. Jamie put his arm around Phil's shoulder. "I'm sorry, squirt. I know you liked him." He lowered his voice and spoke softly into Phil's ear. "You know, Wade is your age. I think you'd look cute together." Phil pulled away from Jamie and slapped his shoulder. "Stop it. Like I have a snowball's chance but I think he's interesting. Look at the way he moves." They watched Wade demonstrate a few steps. "You never know unless you try," Jamie shrugged. "He's a really nice guy underneath the drill sergeant exterior." Jamie pushed Phil towards offstage with a broad smile. "Go get that water and introduce yourself." Jamie finished connecting the last of the cords and got water and towels for the guys. Coming back onstage just as they were finishing, he nudged Justin and nodded over to Wade. Justin looked and saw Wade accept a bottle from Phil and shake his hand. "What's he up to?" Justin smiled. "Introducing himself. Seems he thinks Wade is interesting and likes the way he moves." Watching as Phil worked his charms on the choreographer, they giggled together when they saw Wade smile widely and put an arm around Phil's shoulder. "He's pretty smooth. I think I've been dethroned." "He certainly is good at it but you're the only Mr. Smooth for me," Jamie smiled and kissed Justin on the neck smelling his cologne, soap and a hint of sweat. "You're all sweaty," he commented pushing him away. "I thought you liked me that way," Justin protested pulling Jamie back into his arms. "Oh, I'll agree I like the way you smell right now but I prefer to be the reason for it." The band came on to make sure all their equipment was ready to go while the guys took a breather. They did the sound check for everyone at the same time going through bits and pieces of the songs. Justin would turn around and look at Jamie constantly and sing to him bringing smiles to both their faces. When everyone was satisfied, they left the stage to see where dinner would be served. Phil came running up to Jamie talking a mile a minute. "Heyyouwererighthe'sreallycoolisitallrightfor metogowithhimforsomepizzabeforetheshow?" Jamie laughed at Phil's enthusiasm. "Of course you can go. Just don't make a pest of yourself, ok?" Phil gave him a sour look. "I never do that!" He then gave Jamie a big hug and ran offstage. "What was that all about?" Joey asked with a chuckle. "Seems my little brother and Wade are becoming friends." Joey smiled then put on a sad face. "He's forgotten all about old wrinkled Joey and gone with the cute, young choreographer." They all laughed. "Why Joe," Lance kidded him, "I didn't think it would matter to you." "Oh, it doesn't. Even if I was interested, he's a little young for me." They all laughed and moved to the playroom. Chris was the first one to the door with Joey close behind when Lonnie stopped them. "Hold on, you guys. Just wanted to let you know that you have some visitors in there. I don't know what they know, so you should be careful." Justin let go of Jamie's hand as did Lance with JC. Plowing through the door, they stopped just inside to see four guys lounging around the room. "Drew? Nick? Is that you?" Chris asked. "Sure is!" The four guys for 98 Degrees turned and greeted them with hugs and handshakes. "What are you guys doing here?" JC asked. "You're supposed to be in LA finishing your album." "It's all done," Nick said proudly. "We came home for a little R&R and found you were in town so just had to come and say hi." "How's Jessica?" Lance asked Nick. "She's doing great and on a mini-tour. I'll be going to meet her in a few days. How are you and the Spaz doing?" "Hey!" JC objected with a chuckle. "Doing fine. You know we got engaged in February?" Nick nodded with a smile and mussed Lance's hair. "I have news too," Drew said excitedly. "I'm getting married this fall!" Congratulations went all around with more hugs and back slaps. "It must be an epidemic," Chris laughed. Drew looked at him funny. "Why do you say that?" "Well, first Lance and Josh get engaged, then Richardson got married this spring. Seems Littrell is getting married around Labor Day and now you." They all laughed at Chris. Ever since the Backstreet Boys had their little hissy-fit on MTV in February, he refused to use their first names. "Oh, and Jus... OW," he said as Joey stepped on his foot. "That -was- my big toe!" Justin looked at Joey with gratitude and threw Chris a heated look as Joey apologized. "So who's your friend?" Jeff Timmons asked ignoring or missing the exchange as he approached Jamie with his hand out. "Jamie Campbell. Nice to meet you, Jeff." "Oh so polite." Jeff smiled warmly and shook his hand. His hand was strong and sure around Jamie's. His sparkling eyes were very attractive and the tight shirt he wore showed off his physique extremely well. Jamie started feeling a little uncomfortable. "That's just Jamie," Joey kidded. "He's taken Kevin's place while he's out with his pregnant wife. He's a good friend." "Nice to meet you, Jamie," Jeff said releasing Jamie's hand. "I look forward to hearing you play." Jamie nodded shyly and was grateful that Jeff had to move to allow the other members of his group to introduce themselves. They all took seats on the couches and floor and started in on the food: Turkey sandwiches. "I don't ever want to see another of these things again," Chris complained. "Why can't we have Chinese or Pizza." "Looks like we share a nutritionist. No sense of what is filling," Drew joked. "Are you guys gonna stick around for the show?" JC asked. "If we're welcome, we'd like to see it. We've heard all kinds of good things about it. You guys staying tonight or moving on?" Justin Jeffre asked. "Staying over," Lance answered. "We have a radio interview in the morning then we head to Pittsburgh." "Cool, let's hang out after!" Drew said with a mouthful of chips. The meal continued with small talk traveling around the room. Every so often Jamie would catch Jeff looking at him. Their eyes would meet and Jeff would give him a small smile. Jamie didn't know if he should be flattered or insulted. The interest and the intended meaning behind the flirting were all too clear. Sure, Jeff didn't know he was engaged to Justin and Jamie just wished that Justin would tell them and be done with it. Jeff certainly was attractive and deep inside Jamie felt complimented that someone so handsome would be interested in him. He returned the first few smiles with uncertain ones of his own. Eventually he relaxed and let Jeff continue with his flirting but pretty much ignored it. When dinner was done, Jamie excused himself to go warm up in a corner of the room. He brought out his trusty 12 string and did some exercises to get his fingers moving. The guys had heard him do this many times and left him alone. The men of 98 Degrees however stood listening with smiles on their faces. "He's really good," Nick complimented to Justin. "He sure is. We only hire the best!" Justin smiled with pride. Jamie played some more and lost himself in the music, playing whatever came to mind. After a few minutes he was interrupted by a shout from Drew. "Hold on! How'd you know that lick? Play it again." Jamie thought for a second and played something from one of the recording sessions from the beginning of June. "I thought so. You recognize it?" Drew asked his brother. Nick nodded. "Where'd you learn that?" he asked somewhat harshly. NSync stood around completely confused and Justin took a few steps toward Jamie almost protectively. "It's just something from a recording session I did a month ago, that's all," he shrugged. "Play it again," Jeff asked gently. Jamie started in and Jeff led the others and started singing. "Give me just one night, una noche The moment to be by your side Give me just one night, una noche I'll give you the time of your life." Jamie stopped and smiled. "So it was some of your stuff, huh?" Everyone visibly relaxed. "I guess so. That's the first single," Drew answered with a smile. "Anything else?" Jamie played some of the other things he remembered some of which they knew and some they didn't. One last one he had a large portion of and the guys sang with him again. They finished, laughing and clapping Jamie on the shoulders. "You -are- good and you're gonna be all over our album," Justin Jeffre laughed. Justin flushed with pride for his fiance and beamed at him from nearby, he loved to hear Jamie play. Coming to a decision, he was just about to tell Nick, Drew, Jeff and the other Justin the truth about them when he caught the intense gaze Jeff was giving Jamie. An emotion that Justin had trouble recognizing at first bloomed into his head: jealousy. 'How dare Timmons look at my man that way,' he stormed in his head. His face flushed and Jeff would've been dead a hundred times over from the daggers coming from his eyes. Lance noticed the tension and knew that Jeff had taken a liking to Jamie but hadn't counted on Justin catching it and reacting just this way. He moved to head off the inevitable confrontation, he knew exactly what Justin was thinking "Curly, can I talk to you for a second?" "Not now, Lance," Justin said with a slightly heated tone. "Yes now, it's kinda important." Justin looked over to Lance then back to Jamie who was chatting with Drew and Nick. Jeff was standing a few steps away still studying Jamie with bright eyes that Justin didn't like one bit. He reluctantly let Lance pull him to the far side of the room. "You need to calm down before you say or do something you'll regret." Justin sighed heavily. "How dare he, Lance? He's -my- fiance." "But Jeff doesn't know that," Lance said softly. "I think Jamie's caught some of it and I noticed he was a little uncomfortable. Just let it slide for now and stay close, I'll try to distract Jeff, ok?" Justin nodded reluctantly. "Ok, but I don't have to like it." Lance patted his shoulder and they moved to rejoin the group. >From across the room, Jamie noticed the stormy look on Justin's face as he talked with Lance and immediately guessed why. Excusing himself, he grabbed Justin's elbow as he and Lance finished talking. "Justin, can I have a word with you in private?" Justin stayed silent and let Jamie lead him into the connected dressing room. Once the door was closed Jamie put his hand on Justin's cheek. "You're so sweet, you know that?" Justin smiled guiltily. "I've never felt like that before. He was just looking at you and it made me so jealous." "I saw and yes, I caught his flirting awhile ago." Justin's anger rose again and Jamie grabbed his shoulders. "He's harmless, Justin. Let's just tell them, they're ok with Lance and Josh so it won't be a big deal." "We should." Justin was still bristling, storm clouds crossing his brow. "God, I love you, you know that?" Jamie smiled at him. "Every day, more and more." Jamie pulled Justin's head down for a kiss and Justin relented. Their lips touched and all the anger and uncertainty inside of Justin melted to nothing. The world slipped away as they tasted one another slowly. Justin's tongue slid against Jamie's lips and Jamie grabbed it and pulled it into his mouth. Justin's hands went into Jamie's hair as Jamie grabbed Justin's belt loops. "Oh my God!" Drew shouted from the door as Justin and Jamie separated with deep blushes. "Um... I'm sorry, I needed to use the bathroom. I knocked and nobody answered." By this time Nick and the other Justin had crowded behind him. Jamie saw JC and Chris behind them with sad apologetic looks on their faces. "It's ok, Drew," Justin said. "We were going to tell you. Jamie is my boyfriend and we are engaged too." "I thought something was up between you two when I noticed the similar rings," Justin Jeffre commented. Jamie giggled. "Ya, I guess that's a give away isn't it?" "So you guys ok with this?" Justin asked. "Of course, Curly. It's just a surprise." Nick said with a smile. "We're glad you found someone to be happy with." The three members of 98 Degrees gave both Jamie and Justin warm hugs. Where's Jeff?" Justin asked suddenly. "Oh, Lance and Joey took him out on stage to see all the bells and whistles," Chris replied. Justin nodded and glanced at Jamie. Taking his hand, he kissed the back of it. "So you guys set a date yet?" Drew asked. "Not yet," Justin replied. "We're in no hurry." Jamie grinned at him warmly as they went to go find the others. ------ Jamie sat just off stage watching Pink warm up the crowd when Phil and Wade returned. Wade went right to the guys to pep them up while Phil floated over to Jamie. "So how was dinner?" Jamie asked with a smirk. "Sonny, oh!" was all he said sat heavily on the floor with a big smile on his face. "I take that it went well?" "He's perfect, funny, smart, really cute and has the neatest piercing on his belly button. And his abs, ugh!" "Um, what were you doing when he showed you that?" Jamie said trying to sound concerned and mad but couldn't. "We were just talking about it and so he showed me." Jamie laughed. "I'm sure you didn't ask him until he did, right?" Phil grinned. "Maybe a little. So anything exciting happen with all you old people while I was gone?" Jamie slapped the back of Phil's head. "Oh nothing you'd be interested in. We ate dinner with 98 Degrees and just hung out." Phil's eyes bugged out of his head. "You're kidding me?! Are they as cute as they look on TV?" "Cuter." "Damn, I missed it." "Well, if you want you can sit with them in the VIP section." "You didn't say they were still here," Phil challenged getting to his feet. "You didn't ask." Phil ran over to Wade and pulled him away and off to the seating. The guys looked over to Jamie who shrugged at their amused smiles. ------ Jamie was in the place where he could play and let his concentration wander a bit. He loved when he got here. The NSync music wasn't all that difficult to perform which let him follow Justin. He glanced just off stage to see Wade in the wings shadowing all the guys moves. Concerned about his brother, he glanced up to the VIP booth. Phil was sitting between Jeff and Drew and seemed to be in heaven. Jeff was talking to him and was leaning close. For some reason the whole thing bothered Jamie. It was painfully obvious that Jeff was a player and even though Jamie knew Phil could take care of himself the protective big brother blossomed. The break came up and they took a breather as the guys went to a costume change and the living room set was put out. Jamie walked quickly over to Wade. "Can I have a word with you?" he asked. "Sure, Jamie. Um, if it's about Phil, he's a really great guy..." he began. "Wade, we're cool. I told him to go over and meet you." Jamie laughed at Wade's grin. "Just don't play him, ok?" "Well, I don't know if anything will happen or not, but I promise I'll be nothing but real." "Good. But I need you to do me a favor. Phil's in the VIP with 98 Degrees and Jeff is getting a little too close for my comfort." "I gotcha, I can go rescue him if you'd like. Jeff is quickly getting a reputation, he's basically a nice guy but doesn't know when to turn it off." Jamie nodded. "Thanks, buddy." ------ Everyone was sitting around Joey's room at the hotel surrounded by nearly empty pizza boxes. Chris burped loudly and sat back against Jamie's legs. "Now that's food!" "Hey, there's a bar with a dance room downstairs why don't we go make an appearance?" Joey suggested. They all agreed and made to get ready to go. "I'll meet you down there," Jamie said. "I want to check in on Phil and let him know where we're going." Phil had gone off to his room with Wade to watch a movie. Jamie went down the hall and knocked. He could hear the TV through the door but not much else. He knocked again a little louder and finally Phil opened the door. His hair was mussed and out of its ponytail and his shirt was unbuttoned. His lips had the red, swollen look of long kisses. "I just wanted you guys to know we're going downstairs to the bar if you need us," he said with a smirk. "Um... thanks Sonny. We're just hanging." "Ya, sure," Jamie answered aloud. He leaned into Phil and whispered to him. "Use protection if you go any further, ok?" Phil looked at him shocked then smiled. "You ok with this, then?" he answered quietly. Jamie nodded and gave Phil a hug. "Just be careful, that's all I ask." Phil hugged Jamie back and shut the door with a happy grin. Jamie smiled and turned to head down the hall and saw Jeff standing a little ways down waiting for him. "So Phil is your brother, huh?" Jamie nodded and continued past Jeff to the elevators. "Yes, my -younger- brother," he said coldly. "Hey, I know what it looked like, but I wouldn't do anything without the ok, honest." Jamie turned to Jeff and glared at him. "You just leave my brother alone. I know what you're all about. I don't think the world would take to kindly to someone in your position trying to get some play with a 17 year old." Jeff was a little startled by that. "Hey, dude, I didn't know. Plus you got it all wrong, I was only being friendly." The elevator arrived and Jamie debated getting on it with Jeff but figured he wouldn't try anything when the chance of getting caught was so high. They got on in silence and watched the door close. "Hey..." Jeff started. "Jeff, just forget about it, ok. Nothing happened and I don't want any trouble." "Good, besides, why go for the little brother when the big one is what you really want." Jeff moved closer to Jamie with a large smile. Jamie laughed. "You're too smooth, you know that?" "I do my best." Jeff reached out and brushed Jamie's bangs from his eyes. Jamie backed away and put his hands out. "Jeff, you have no idea." "Oh, I think I do. Come on, I saw you smile at me. I know you find me attractive." Jamie shook his head. "Yes you are attractive but I'm not..." Jeff stopped him by pressing him against the wall of the elevator and putting a finger on his lips. "Shh, just relax." Jamie started to protest again. Strangely he didn't feel the usual paranoia and panic he had around strangers. The flattered feeling returned and he blushed. Jeff leaned over for a kiss and reached over to press the emergency stop button. The elevator ground to a halt just before it reached the lobby as Jeff got closer. Now Jamie was starting to panic. His breathing became irregular and tried to push Jeff away. Jeff's muscular bulk resisted and he pushed his head forward for the much wanted kiss. Jamie turned his head and Jeff's lips came in contact with his cheek and ear. Jeff chuckled and started kissing what he had available. Jamie's thoughts were working a mile a minute as he tried to figure out what to do. He reached over and just barely hit the button to start the elevator again. Jeff grabbed at his wrist but was a second too late. Anger blossomed in Jamie at the feeling of Jeff restraining his arm. 'This is new,' he thought as his let his temper go. The door opened onto the lobby with a loud ding. All Jamie heard was a loud "What the fuck!" from Justin. tbc... There's the latest. Comments and suggestions are always welcome! Jim bangoremail1@yahoo.com