Date: 15 Aug 00 11:59:55 MDT From: Starfire Subject: Me and Joey 7 This story is completely fictional, and in no way is meant to say anything about the sexuality of the members of Nsync. All characters in this story are fictional, except for the members of Nsync. If you are not at least 18 years old, or are offended by homosexuality, then DO NOT read this story. Thank you. Me and Joey Chapter 7 The last month and a half of the tour, was simply remarkable for me. I had become greatly at ease with performing in front of massive crowds, and I had learned to actually have fun with Justin, during our little mid-show routine. I was so happy that I had decided to accept the guys offer, to fill in for Billy. I had gotten to know each of the guys a lot better, and I finally had the opportunity to make one of my dreams come true. Life had been filled with several surprises for me over the course of the last few months. The last show of the tour went well. Over all, I think the guys were pretty well pleased with the way the tour had gone. There had been no major catastrophies, except of course for Billy breaking his arm. Unless, you count the night that Chris' harness rig jammed. It was too funny. The guys were in the process of being raised to the ceiling to start the show, when Chris' harness jammed. It took about 20 minutes to get him ready. He was hanging there as pale as a ghost. You see, Chris is afraid of heights. There he was, dangling there, ready to kill the rig engineer as soon as his feet hit the ground. Fortunately, for the engineer, the guys had a great show, and Chris let it slide. It was late, and we were only a few more hours away from home. I had enjoyed every minute of the tour, and being with the guys. However, I would be so glad to get home. The guys were going to have some time off now, and I was really looking forward to some Joey and me time. I still had a lot of things to do, as far as moving, and I still hadn't gotten another car. Joey and I just never had the chance to go look for one. I was looking forward to being alone in the house, with my boyfriend. I loved him, but on the bus, and on tour, there was just no time for us to be together as a couple. Well, we slept together in hotels, and on the bus. We were together, but we were just too busy to enjoy each other I guess. It's kind of hard to explain. The guys were still asleep, and Joey and I were in my bunk. He was sleeping soundly, but I was having trouble that night. I looked at him. He looked so peaceful. I decided to get up, and go up front for a while. I went to the kitchen area, got something to drink and a bag of chips, and sat down at the table. I was sitting there looking out the window, and watching the cars pass by, when I felt someone else's presence. "Hey, mind if I join you?" Lance said, from behind me. "Not at all, grab a seat," I said. "What are you doing up?" "I heard you come up here, I just wanted to see if you were alright." He said. "Yeah I'm fine, I just can't sleep tonight for some reason." I said, looking over at him. "I know what you mean. The tour is over, and we're heading home. The excitement is ending." He said, making an attempt to smile. "That might be it, I don't know. I've had so much fun the past few months, but I'm looking forward to having Joey to myself for a while." I said. "Yeah, I guess you are at that. I'm glad things are going so well for you guys." He said, taking my hand in his. "I am too my friend." I replied, smiling at him. "It's been good having you with us. I can't believe how much you have changed Joey. He's like a different person." Lance said. "How so?" I asked. "Well, for one thing, he's more responsible. He's more open about his feelings. He's commited. That's the clencher, he's commited. Joey has always been afraid of commitment. Then you come along, and he's right there for you." Lance explained, giving me a bright smile. "Joey is so different from any guy I've every dated. He's funny, he's sweet, he's caring, he's cute, and he thinks of me first. It is so wonderful to have someone in my life that cares about my needs, and wants to make sure that I'm safe, happy, and that my desires are being met." I said, letting my love for Joey shine through, in my voice. "You really love him don't you?" Lance asked. "More than life itself, Scoop." I responded, without even having to think about it. "You know he feels the same way, right?" He asked. "Yeah, I guess so. I mean, I know he loves me. I just don't know where he sees us going from here, ya now what I mean? Is this a short term thing? Does he want us to stay together and see how things work out? Does he want us to get married?" I said, pausing a bit after that last one. "Wow, I never thought of that." "What?" Lance asked. "Marrying him." I stated. "Well, I can't answer some of those. I do know that he isn't in this short term. You have no idea how much you've affected his life do you?" He asked. "When you come in the room, he lights up. When you're not around he's talking about you. If he talks to you on the phone, he's all smiles. If he knows he's going to be away from you, it almost kills him inside. He counts the days until he can be with you again." "I don't know what to say," I said, staring into Lance's eyes. "Billy, this guy has got it bad for you, if you can't see that, then, you must be blind." Lance stated, in a truthful yet joking manner. "Thank you for saying that." I told him. "No problem big guy, it's the truth." Lance responded. "What's the truth," Joey said, from behind me. "Do you people ever make any noise when you come into a room?" I asked, as I turned to look at Joey. "No Sweetie, we're all secret ninja agents, I thought you knew." He said, smiling at me. "Ha, ha, very funny. Keep it up, and there will be no good morning kiss for you." I said, grinning at him. Joey made a motion with his hands, as if he were zipping up his lips and throwing the key away. He smiled, as he sat down next to me. "Oh that's much better," I said, as I leaned in and kissed him. "Good, now, what was the truth?" Joey asked, looking from me to Lance. "Oh, Scoop here was just telling me about this great guy, who really likes me. It's really too good to be true. I mean, this guy is funny, sweet, caring, and cute." I said, smiling towards Lance. "Oh, is that so? And, who might this guy be?" Joey asked. "You." I said. "Oh, it can't be me." He said, causing Lance and me to gasp. "What?" I asked, looking at him with a confused expression. "I don't like you." He said, turning towards me. "I love you." I turned to look at him. He was sitting there smiling at me. I looked over at Lance, who had an I can't believe you just did that look on his face. I started to smile back at Joey. "I love you too sweetie. However, if you do that to me again, I can't be held responsible for my actions." I said, kissing him on the cheek. "Gotcha, now what were you really talking about?" He asked. "Well, we were talking about where you and I are heading to be truthful." I told him. "Guys I think I should go." Lance said, starting to get up to leave. "Oh don't be silly, stay right where you are." I said, motioning for Lance to sit. "Are you sure?" Lance asked, looking from me to Joey. "Sure Scoop. I wouldn't say anything to him, that I can't say in front of you. You can hang here." Joey said. "OK, if you're sure." Lance said, in a questioning tone. "Now, why were you talking about where you and I are heading? Are you having second thoughts about being with me?" Joey said, looking at me with concern. "No, sweetie, I guess I'm just not sure what you're thinking." I answered. "What do you mean? I'm happy with the way things are going." He said. "I am too Joey, but where do you see us in a year or two?" I asked. "I don't know. I just know that I see us together, it doesn't matter if we're living together, or if we're married, or whatever. Just as long as I have you with me, I don't care." He said, taking my hand in his. "You've thought about us getting married?" I asked. "Actually, I have sweetie." He said, smiling brightly at me. "I'm not ready to propose to you right now, but yeah I've thought about us getting married. "I don't know what to say." I stated, honestly. "Listen Billy, I don't want you to ever doubt how I feel about you. I love you with all my heart. I don't care how or where, I just want you in my life, for as long as you're willing to be a part of it." He said, rubbing my hand. "For as long as you'll have me sweetie, I'll be right by your side." I said, placing my other hand over Joey's. "Then, you should be thinking about forever, baby." Joey said, looking into my eyes, and giving me a kiss. "Oh geez, Chris was right. You guys are worse than Justin and JC." Lance laughed. "Shut up you." I said, smiling at Lance. "That reminds me Lansten. Did you take care of that little thing I asked you about?" Joey said, looking in Lance's direction. "Sure did, it's supposed to be there by 8 this morning." He said, winking at Joey. "What are you guys up to, what's supposed to be where?" I asked, looking from Lance to Joey. "Just a little surprise I have for you later today sweetie." Joey said, putting his arm around my shoulder. "A surprise, for me? What is it?" I asked, snuggling up to Joey's neck. "Well, it wouldn't be much of a surprise if he told you now would it?" Lance asked. "Lance, you're helping me again." I said, in a joking manner. "That's why I'm here." Lance stated, with a small laugh. "And we love you for it." I said, grinning at him. I turned so that my legs were across Joey's. I leaned in and snuggled up to his neck, and began to slowly kiss it. Easing my way up, I took his ear lobe into my mouth and began to nibble, earning myself a slight moan from him. "Joey bear, just what is this little surprise, that you have for me?" I asked, going back to work on his neck. "Umm, well, it's just," Joey began, before Lance interrupted. "Don't you dare Joey. It's a surprise." Lance said, smacking Joey's shoulder. "Don't you have somewhere that you have to be?" I asked, giving Lance a joking glare. "Evidently, right here, to keep Joey bear from spilling the beans." Lance answered. "You are so not fun." I stated. "Trust me. You'll thank me later." He said, smiling at me. "Yeah, yeah, so, what time should we be back home?" I asked them. "Well, if all goes right, we should be back at the compound by 9 this morning." Lance answered. Time just sort of slipped by from there. The rest of the guys began to make their way up front to join us. We sat there and talked, and laughed together. I was still kind of tired, so I decided to go get a small nap before we got home. Joey stayed up front with the guys, while I made my way to my bunk. I snuggled up with the pillow that Joey had been lying on earlier. It still had his smell. It didn't take long before I was asleep. I guess my little talk with Joey and Lance had solved any doubts and problems I was having in my mind. The bus rolled into the compound right on time. The guys unloaded their stuff, deciding to let me sleep a bit longer. "Sweetie, it's time to get up." I heard Joey say. "Where are we?" I asked, in a sleepy voice. "We're at the compound." He answered. "OK, I'll get my stuff," I said, as I slid out of my bunk. "I've already gotten everything loaded sweetie, don't worry about it." He said, giving me a small kiss. "Really? I must have been sound asleep." I said, giving him a hug. "I'll say. Are you sure you're not related to JC?" He said, with a small laugh. "Very funny, Mr. Fatone." I said, smacking his shoulder. "Come with me, but you have to close your eyes." He said, smiling at me. "Why? What's up?" I asked, giving him a strange look. "Just close your eyes. Your surprise is here." He said. "Oh, it's here?" I asked, as I started for the door. "Oh no you don't. Close those eyes, or you don't get it." He said, sternly. "Oh alright, you win spoil sport." I said, giving in to him. I closed my eyes as Joey led me off the bus. Once we were outside, he allowed me to open my eyes. I opened them to see the guys standing around a white jeep cherokee. JC was doing his best Vanna White, pointing to the jeep, as everyone yelled surprise. The jeep had a big red bow on top, and a big card attached. I looked at all of them as if this were some kind of joke. "What's going on here?" I asked, looking at Joey. "Just go over there, and read the card." He said, pushing me towards the jeep. I walked over to the jeep, as the guys clapped and smiled at me. I was still kind of in shock, I guess you could say. It still wasn't registering what was happening. I reached up and took the card. Opening it, I read these words. To the love of my life, with 'no strings attached' love Joey.' The tears started immediately after I read those words. I turned to look at Joey as he came to me and put both arms around me, holding me tight. "You did this for me?" I asked, through my tears. "Of course, I did sweetie. I wanted to give you something special." He said, tightening his grip on me. "I don't know what to say." I said, laying my forehead on his shoulder. "Thank you Joey. You have no idea how much this means to me." The guys gathered around us, putting their arms around us in a group hug fashion. We just stood there like that for a moment. No one said a word they just let us have that moment, and stayed there with us to share it. I don't think I could ever put into words what these guys had become to me. They had gone far beyond the boundries of friendship. They were as much a part of my family now, as anyone could be. We broke the hug, and everyone started checking out my new jeep. It was white, with baby blue interior. It had everything that I could have ever wanted in a vehicle and more. I just could not believe Joey had done this. I have never in all my life had any one do something like that for me. "Do you like it baby?" Joey asked, putting his arms around my waist from behind. "It's perfect sweetie, just like you." I said, placing my arms over his. You couldn't have sand blasted the smile off my face at that moment. "Nice ride, Billy boy," JC said, smiling at me. "Thanks Josh. I can't believe that he did this." I responded. "Now aren't you glad that I didn't let him tell you?" Lance asked, from beside me. "You're the best Lance." I said, breaking free from Joey, long enough to give him a big hug. "Thank you." "What are you thanking me for? Your boy toy there did this not me." He said, pointing to Joey. "C'mon Lance, you helped me, don't try to deny it." Joey said, giving Lance his due credit. "I just made some calls. It was your idea." Lance said. "Guys, you both did it. Thank you very much, it means a lot to me." I said, to them. "You're welcome baby." Joey said, taking me in his arms again. "Anything for you, Mr. Prescott." Lance said, bowing and tipping an imaginary hat. "Oh get out of here." I said, swinging my foot at him. "Not a bad idea, I think I will." He said, "You guys take it easy, I'm going home." "Bye Scoop," I said, giving him another tight hug. "You take care, and I'll see ya in a few days ok?" He said, hugging me back. "Sounds good." I responded. "Later Scoop," Joey said, giving Lance a hug as well. Lance got in his car and drove away, as the rest of us said our good-byes. I hugged JC and Justin, reminding them to come and visit us. I gave Chris a hug, and gave busta a nice pat on the head. Chris said, he'd see us around, as he and busta headed for his car. Everyone had loaded up and left, except Joey and me. "Sweetie, you take the jeep and follow me back to the house. The key should be under the floor mat on the driver side." Joey said. I turned to him. Walking to stand in front of him, I put my arms around him pulling him to me. I gave him the best kiss that I could possibly give. I put everything that I had into it, in an attempt to convey my appreciation to him. "Wow, what was that for?" He asked. "That, was for being you sweetheart." I stated, giving him my best smile. "Remind me to be me more often then." He said, kissing me once more. I gave him one more kiss, as we got ready to head home. I looked under the floor mat of the jeep, and just as Joey had said, there was a set of keys. I felt just like a kid at Christmas time, as I slid into the driver seat. I could not believe Joey and Lance had done this for me. I needed a new car, but I never dreamed of something like this. These guys, never ceased to amaze me with their generosity, and their kindness. I truly felt as if I were a part of their family. I followed Joey to the house, being unable to stop smiling. We pulled into the driveway, and began to unload the car. I enjoyed the tour, but I was so glad to be home. "Joey, if you can get this bag, I can take the rest of the things." I said, as we divided up the luggage, so we wouldn't have to make extra trips. "No problem sweetie, are you sure you can get the rest?" He asked, looking back at me. "Yeah, I got it." I answered. We took the bags in, and hauled them upstairs. We opted for putting things away later. We just wanted a nice hot shower, and a good restful sleep. We showered together, and headed for bed. Joey didn't say a lot as we lay there. He had a not quite there expression on his face. He looked as if he were a thousand miles away. I didn't know if he was just tired from the trip, or if there was something on his mind. "Honey, is something wrong?" I asked, with concern. "What?" He responded, unaware of what I had said. "Is there something on your mind?" I asked, again. "No sweetie, I'm alright," he said, the uneasiness evident in his voice. "No, you're not. Now, what's the problem?" I asked, leaning on my elbow to look at him. "Do you love me? I mean, do you really love me?" He asked, taking me by surprise. "What?" I asked, still stunned from the question. "It's not a difficult question. Do you love me?" He asked, again. "Yes, I do. Why are you asking me this?" I asked him. "Do you trust me?" He asked, not answering my question. "Yes." I stated flatly. "Now what is going on?" "Then why do you keep doubting me?" He said, causing my heart to sink. I've been thinking about what you said on the bus. If you love me, really love me, then stop doubting how I feel about you. I love you, and I want you with me. I've told you that a million times, but you don't seem to understand. This isn't a game with me, Billy. It's not a short term gig either. I want you with me, for as long as I live. If you doubt that I love you, then this isn't going to work." He said, his eyes filling with tears. "Joey, I do love you, with all my heart." I said, my own tears starting to flow. "I do trust you, it's just hard to explain." "I think, you should try," he said. "Help me understand." "Sweetie, you know a lot about my past, and the things that have happened to me. You are the first person, in a long time, that I have felt this way about. I do love you Joey, but somewhere in the back of my mind, I keep thinking, that you're too good to be true. I keep thinking that you're going to be just like the others. I keep thinking that if I give myself totally, and completely to you, heart and soul, if I let down my guard, that you'll hurt me. It's happened before, from other people that I thought could never do that to me. I just keep thinking, that I'm not good enough for you." I said, as the tears trickled down my cheeks. "Honey, you are more than good enough for me. You're perfect for me, I love you." He started. "I can't take back what happened to you. I can't take back the pain that you went through. If I could, I would, but Sweetie, I'm not those people. I'm me, and you're you, that's all that matters. If we have a chance of making this work, then you have got to trust me. I can't do it alone." "What are you saying?" I asked, afraid of what was to come. "I want you to make sure that you want to be with me. I love you Billy. I trust you with my life, but I can't be with someone, who doesn't trust me, I'm sorry." "I understand," I said, getting out of bed, and putting on a shirt and some shorts. I started for the door grabbing my keys. "Can I take the jeep, I'll bring it back tomorrow." I said, wiping the tears from my eyes. "What? Where are you going?" He asked, getting out of bed. "I think I should go stay with Lance tonight." I said, without looking at him. "Billy, that's not what I meant." He said, putting his hands on my arms. "No, you're right. I have a hard time with trust. I think maybe I should take some time to think some things through. I mean, you and I jumped into things pretty fast. Maybe we should be apart for a while." I said, as my tears became stronger. "Billy, please, don't do this, don't leave like this." He said, looking into my eyes. I could see the pain in his eyes. It was something, that I never wanted to see again. Just the thought, that I was the one who had caused it, almost killed me. "I think it's best right now Joey. If you don't want me to take the Jeep, I can call Lance to come and get me." I said, putting the keys back on the dresser. "Don't be silly, that Jeep is yours no matter what." He said, taking my head in his hands. "I don't want you to go. That wasn't what I meant. Please, stay." "I can't Joey. I know how you feel. I know that you love me, and I know that you trust me. I guess, I just need to make sure, that I know how I feel. I just can't change those feelings in the back of my mind, I'm sorry. I know it hurts you, and I don't ever want to see that look on your face again. Just give me some time ok?" I said, finishing my thought. "Are you sure? Can't you stay? We can work it out together, I love you." He said, as the tears ran down his face. "I love you too Sweetie. You're right though. I need to make sure this is right for us, or at least for me. I think I have to do this, Joey, for me and for us" I said, as I turned and started for the front door. I reached for the door knob, when I felt his hands on my shoulders. "What can I do to make you stay?" He whispered, from behind me. "You can let me go." I choked, through my tears. Understanding what I was saying, Joey released me. I walked out and got into the Jeep, as he walked to the window beside me. "I'll call Lance, and let him know you're coming." He said. "Thank you." I said, as I turned to look at him. "I do love you." I said, through my tears. "I love you too." He answered, wiping his tears away. I backed out of the driveway, taking one last look at him, before I drove away. I loved him with all my heart, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I was going to get hurt. To Be Continued................ Well, that's it for now. This is my first time writing so let me know what you guys/gals think so far. Send mail to starstories34@yahoo.com Special thanks to DLS, author of Brian and Me for inspiring me to do this, thanks for all your help D. I appreciate it. To Matt, author of Search and Rescue just for being you my friend. To my (((Angel))) you know who you are, thanks for the encouragement. To RandyM, author of Maverick, your kind words mean a lot..Thanks Mr. President.....LOL. To all my friends in the chat room, MUCH LUV TO YA! GOODNIGHT!