Disclaimer:

This story is the sole property of its author and may not be copied in whole or in part without the  permission of the author.  The posting of this story on any web site must be with the  author's prior knowledge and permission. 

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

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




My New Life
by James



Chapter 37
Predictably 

The rocking of the bus made sleeping an easy thing for Lance and Marc.  Time seemed to be suspended as they rocked back and forth in each's other arms. They woke when Pete came back to the bunk area to  announce the upcoming breakfast stop.  "Come on guys, up and at em breakfast in fifteen minutes," Pete called out.

Mumbling and groaning could be heard coming from the bunk area.  Lance rolled over and looked down at Marc.  He ran his finger down the bridge of Marc's nose then lightly ran his finger over Marc's lips.  Marc's lips parted and sucked the finger into his mouth where he nursed on it.

Lance laughed as he pulled it out and replaced it with his own tongue drawing Marc into a deep kiss.  Marc's arms moved around Lance pulling him tight.

Breaking the kiss Lance said, "We need to get moving.  You know how nervous Pete gets at a meal stop."

"Yeah, I know," Marc sighed.  "How much time do we have?"

"Just enough time to get dressed," Lance said as he climbed out of bed.


The tour busses pulled into the parking lot of the truck stop.  Everyone stretched as they stepped off of  their vehicle.  The advance security was already waiting for them at the back door to the restaurant.  The group entered through the kitchen and was escorted to safe dining area. 

The group made their way down a narrow hallway, slowing as everyone funneled into a private dining room.   Marc was behind Britney who was standing behind Justin waiting to enter the room.  Brit had hooked her thumbs into the belt loops on the side of Justin's hips. 

"Curly, what's holding up this conga line?"  Marc impatiently asked.

"Just waiting for everyone to get in step," Justin grinned as he started to do the conga steps.  Britney laughed as she joined him. 

Lance leaned in from behind Marc, "You're not going to are you?"

Grinning over his shoulder Marc agreed, "Why not!"and joined in placing his hands on Britney's hips.

Shaking his head Lance said, "I don't believe I'm doing this."  Grabbing Marc's hips he joined them as they danced into the dining room.

Chris nudged Joey in the ribs pointing at the entering group.  "Those four have way too much energy for this time of the morning."

Everyone finally got seated and their breakfast orders were taken. Marc leaned into Britney softly saying, "I hear you are looking for a boyfriend for Lance."

"Yeah, you have any ideas where I can find one for him," Britney said with a devilish smile.

"You don't need to find anyone for Lance," Marc said.  "He, belongs to me."

"So, Lance belongs to you."  Brit said with a raised eyebrow.  "You own him?"

"No.  We are together.  But my heart does belong to Lance."

"And I'm sure his belongs to you," Brit said with a warm smile.  "I'm so happy you found each other."

Breakfast soon arrived and everyone dug in.  Conversation remained light until Pete started to go over the day's agenda. 

"Pete, is it possible that I could have the day off?"  Marc asked.

All eyes turned to Marc with questioning looks.

"Lynn sent me some reports I need to go over.  And I'd like to be able to get some practice time in.  I've been neglecting that a lot lately."

"Don't you rehearse most every day with our band?"  Chris asked.

"I do. . . .  But that's not the kind of practice I need to get in.  I have my senior recital I need to prepare for.  And the music for that is a lot different," Marc pointed out. 

"I don't see any problem," Pete said.  "Will you be available if you're needed tonight?"

"Sure."


It was another two hours till they reached Atlanta.  The caravan of tour busses pulled into their safe area.  The semis had arrived before them and the crews were hard at work setting up for that nights performance.  Everyone got off the buss stretching their legs and heading into the arena to check on the setup. 

Marc had his backpack with him, hoping to find a quiet place to spread out and work.  Walking with Britney, Justin, and Lance, down an open hall way, Marc was startled when someone called out, "Newman, you fucking cheese head, is that you?"

Looking up Marc spotted a grinning red head leaning over the third floor railing. "Damn it, Rusty, don't you know you can't use that kind of language when there are ladies present?"  Marc shouted back.

"Sorry," Rusty shouted down.  "Marc, you have some time to talk?"

"Sure," Marc said looking around.  "How do I get up there?"

"Stairs around the corner," Rusty said pointing the way.

Turning back to the others he found them all grinning at him.  Marc felt himself blushing.

Lance laughed, "Go play with your friend."

Grinning broadly Marc said, "Thank you."  Then mouthed `I love you.'

Dashing around the corner, Marc bound up the stairs. 

Chris and Joey stopped to see what Lance and Justin were looking at.  Looking up they saw Marc approach another guy and pull him into a hug.  Chris and Joey immediately looked to Lance to see what his reaction was going to be. 

Lance was looking up, grinning and shaking his head.

Part of the conversation from above could be heard.

 ". . . what are you doing in Atlanta?"  Marc asked.

 "I'm with the symphony."

 "It's a good thing you were out here or we never would have seen each other again," Marc said.

 "Actually I knew you were coming."

 "You did!"  Marc said with some surprise.

 "I still have contacts with the Scouts, and I knew who you were working with," Rusty said.  "I'm kind of here to ambush you."

 "Oh!"  Marc said a little confused.  Then it dawned of him.  "You're working on Winters End.  Aren't you?"

 "Yes, and we need your help."

Chris leaned into Joey and whispered, "Fifty bucks says Marc doesn't get to do any of the things he wanted today."

"I'll take that bet,"  Joey said as Marc disappeared from sight.


Dressing rooms were assigned and everyone dropped off their bags in their dressing room and headed off for the first of four TV interviews.  The morning was spent being shuffled from one interview to another.  Each of the local network affiliates had set up in different parts of the arena.  While *Nsync was talking to one station, Britney was talking with another.  And so it went through out the morning.  Justin and Britney would wave to each other as they passed in the hall. 

After the final interview they met again in the hall and just stopped looking at each other not sure where to go next.

"Ah, does anyone know where we go next?"  Chris asked.

"Usually Marc's here to tell us," Justin pointed out.

"Well, I hope someone was listening to Pete this morning at breakfast," Joey said.  "I wasn't quite with it."

All eyes turned to Lance who had a big grin plastered across his face. 

"Well, Scoop, where are we suppose to go?"  Chris asked.

Laughing, Lance said.  "Marc is going to love this.  You all didn't pay any attention to Pete this morning and without Marc to tell you where to go you are lost."

"Marc or Pete are always here to make sure we get to where we need to be," JC said in their defense.

"Where is Pete anyway?"  Justin asked.

"Right here," Pete said leaning against a door.  "And I get such a warm, fuzzy feeling just knowing how much you all listen to my morning meetings."

"We know where we are suppose to be," Justin said.

"Oh!  Where?"

"Ah, rehearsal hall," Justin said.

"Right," Pete said with a devilish grin.  "You all better get a move on."  Pete turned and walked down the hall.

Lance stood there with his eyes closed shaking his head. 

"What?"  Chris asked.

"We were to go to lunch," Lance said.  "Rehearsal after."

"Shit, Justin!"  Joey said as he stomped his foot.  "Now we have to miss lunch." 

"Don't blame me.  None of you knew where we were suppose to be," Justin shot back.

"Lets do this," JC said with a sigh.

The group turned to head for the rehearsal hall.  Then Pete's voice called out, "Unless you all plan to rehears on your own, since your choreographer wont be there for at least an hour, why don't you all hit food service."

"Yeah," they all cheered.


Britney and Lynne joined the boys for lunch where they compared notes on the interviews.  As they were eating a member of their security came over to their table and whispered something to Chris.

"What's up," Justin asked.

"Found out what Marc is doing," Chris said.

"Well?"  Justin prompted.

"He's been working with the symphony all morning," Chris said giving Joey a cheesy grin.

"Do you know where?"  Britney asked.

"Third floor," Chris said as he took a drink.

"Can we go watch?"  Britney asked.


The six of them followed the sound of music once they got to the third floor.  Turning a corner they found two doors.  One marked studio and the other marked control booth. 

Joey went to the one marked control booth and slowly opened the door finding the room empty and dark.  "This way," Joey said softly motioning everyone to enter.

Thru the dark glass they could see Marc on the podium giving instructions.

"I can't hear anything," Britney said.

JC looked over the control board and found the switch he was looking for.  Flipping the switch a speaker came to life. 

"Let's try it again from measure 205," Marc said.  Raising his arms Marc resumed Winters End.

The group watched Marc as his symphony played out.  Once in a while Marc would shout "Yes!" when they would finish a particularly difficult passage.
 

The speaker went dead. 

"What happened?"  Justin asked.

"We have to go," JC said.  "Rehearsal.  Remember?"


Rehearsal was three solid hours of torture for the guys as they worked on new choreography for Tearin' Up My Heart

Britney worked with her people working on numbers that she wanted to add to her own upcoming tour.  They broke at four to get cleaned up for their meet and greet.

Going into their dressing room Lance expected to find Marc there and was disappointed when he was not there.

Joey saw the disappointment on Lance's face.  "What's wrong, Scoop?"

"Nothing," Lance said softly.

There was a soft knock on the door and Joey answered it.  Joey stepped out into the hall to talk to whoever it was. 

"What's up?" Lance asked, when Joey returned.

"That was John in security.  He has been keeping an eye on Marc," Joey said.

"What's he doing?"  Chris asked.

"He's still working with the symphony," Joey said.

"Yeah!" Chris said.

Lance gave Chris a questioning look.

"Oh, Joe and I have a bet going," Chris said.  "I bet Joe that Marc isn't going to get any of the things done he wanted."

Lance shook his head while grinning.  "Did John say whether Marc has had anything to eat today?"

"Yeah, he said Marc went to lunch with the conductor and his staff."


Britney joined the guys for their meet and greet.  Afterward they all met in at food service for something to eat.  Lance sat watching the door as he picked at his food.

John from security stuck his head in the door and announced, "He's headed for the theater."

"Shit!" Chris said. 

"What's going on?"  Lance asked.

"Marc's headed for the theater," Joey said with a big grin as he got up.  "The theater has an organ.  And Chris is about to lose a bet."


Britney, Lynne, Pete and the guys entered the theater on the first balcony.   Quietly making their way down to the front of the balcony.   Marc was already at the organ going through warm up exercises. 

The guys spotted the guy Marc had talked to that morning.  He was sitting in the middle of the front row.  Justin and Britney took a shortcut down one aisle and came up to him from the other side.  Chris and Joey took up position right behind him while JC and Lance sat to the left of him.

Rusty didn't notice the people sitting down around him as he was so interested in what Marc was doing.  Sitting back in his seat Rusty glanced to his right and saw Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears smiling at him.  They both said, "Hi."

Rusty's jaw dropped.  Glancing to his left he saw Lance Bass, and JC.  Noticing movement behind him he turned to see Joey Fatone, and Chris Kirkpatrick. 

"Hi," Joey said.  "It's Rusty, right?"

"Ye, Yeah," Rusty stammered as his eyes moved from face to face.

Lance leaned in and softly said, "Relax.  We won't bite."

"Speak for yourself," Britney interjected with a evil grin.


Pete had to call everyone back to the arena to prepare for the concert.  The normally boisterous group seemed subdued as they made their way to wardrobe and makeup.

Back in their dressing room they all sat around.  JC pulled on his last shoe then looked at Lance.

"Lance, you and Justin have heard Marc play before."

"Yeah, when we were in Chicago."

"That last piece he played.  Have you heard it before?" 

"Not exactly," Lance said.  "What we heard was all Marc.  He was making it up as he went."

"I have never heard so much raw emotion," Josh said.  "I have been thinking about what I heard.  I think he was telling a story."

"What kind of story?"  Lance asked.

"His story. . . . . . .  The first part was kind of in turmoil, showing fear and uncertainty. . . . .  Then the music moved into a very stricter, almost academic form.  And the last part had a probing medley that blossomed into a burst of joy and happiness."

Lance thought about what Josh had said.  A blush rose as he started to grin.

Chris, who had been sitting quietly while Josh was making his observations, added, "Marc is amazing.  I feel honored to be able to call him my friend."


The show that night seemed to have a new element thrown in.  Musically, they were in top form.  It seemed like they put extra effort into their singing.  Their harmonies were never tighter and their voices were never clearer and the audience was never louder. 

Entering their dressing room they found Marc stretched out on the couch sleeping with printouts spread out around him.  Lance squatted down next to Marc, leaning in he kissed him softly on the lips.

Marc sucked in a long breath.  Slowly opening his eyes, Marc smiled.  "Hi."

"Have a hard day?"  Lance asked.

"Long one," Marc said with a nod.  As a frown spread across his face, "You're all sweaty."

"Some of us did have to work tonight," Lance said with a chuckle.

"Oh. . . .  How did it go?"

"Great," Lance said cheerfully.  "Did you get all your stuff done?"

Nodding, "Barely."

"Ok Chris, pay up," Joey demanded.


Marc sat up with a groan making room for Lance as Justin dashed into the shower room. "Why the groan?" Lance asked.

"My shoulders are sore.  I haven't used some of those muscles in a while."

"Turn around," Lance said.  "I'll rub your shoulders."

Slipping off the couch Marc moved between Lance's legs with his back to him.  Lance started to knead Marc's shoulder and neck muscles.

"This too hard?"

"No.  You can do it harder," Marc said with his head slumped down and eyes closed.

"Ohhh, yeah," Marc moaned softly.


It was almost one in the morning when the caravan of busses and semis moved out heading for Little Rock.  Everyone settled down quickly trying to spend as much of the long trip in an unconscious state.

After the breakfast stop Justin joined Britney on her tour bus for the remainder of the trip.

Lance was sitting up in their bed studying his textbook.  Marc was lying with his head on Lance's lap dozing.

The door opened and Joey and Chris stick their heads with hesitation..  Lance looked up with a questioning look.

"Ah, we don't want to disturb you," Chris said.

"You're not.  What's up?"  Lance asked.

"We wondered if it would be ok if we played with the play station?"  Joey asked.

"Sure, you don't have to ask.  This is everyone's lounge," Lance said.

"Great," Joey said with a big grin.  "We'll try to keep the noise down."

"That will be a first," Marc said as he stretched.

Chris and Joey were well into the game when Lance noticed Marc's one eye looking up at him from under the book.  Smiling, Lance closed the book putting it aside.  Leaning down Lance kissed Marc.  Placing his hand on the side of Marc's face he rubbed it lightly.  Chuckling Lance said, "You need a shave."

"I kept getting side tracked yesterday.  I'll try to remember to shave tonight."

Lance kept rubbing Marc's face.  "I wonder what it would be like to kiss you with a beard.."

"We can find out. . .   Hey, Joe.  Lance wants to know what it feels like to kiss someone with a beard.  Want to show him?"

Lance's mouth dropped open at Marc's question.  Joey's head snapped around, "No way.  If he wants to find out maybe Chris will do it."

"Forget it," Chris said.  "I'm not into sucking face with another guy."

"Looks like you're out of luck," Marc said.  Reaching for the bottom of Lance's shirt he pulled it up and started rubbing his prickly face on Lance's belly.  Lance squealed with laughter and tried to get away.  Marc kept rubbing while holding on to Lance. 

The door flew open and JC yelled, "What the hell is going on in here?"

Lance and Marc looked up at JC and said together, "Nothing."

"It didn't sound like nothing."

"It's Joey's fault," Marc said.

"Yeah, Joey's fault," Lance echoed. 

 "What!" Joey exclaimed.  "How is it my fault?"

"You wouldn't kiss Lance," Marc said.

Closing his eyes, JC said.  "I really don't want to know what was going on in here do I?  Just keep it down in here. . . .  All of you."

"Yes, daddy," Marc said with a laugh.


Marc gave up watching Chris and Joey play their game and Lance had returned to reading so he made his way up to the galley.  Josh was at the table working on something.

"What you working on, Josh?"  Marc asked as he sat down.

"An idea for a song."

Marc picked up a supermarket tabloid that was sitting on the table.  Noticing the headline, End of the World Prophecy Coming True.  "Are you into reading this trash?" Marc asked with a raised eyebrow.

"You never know where a good idea for a song can come from," Josh said with a grin.

"What kind of inspiration did you get from this?"

"Well, . . . . it's just a start," Josh said as he showed Marc his notebook.

                                        Here it comes, millenia
                                 And every body's talking 'bout Jerusalem
                               Is this the beginning or the beginning of the end
                                  Well, I've got other thoughts my friend
                                   See, I've got my eyes on the skies
                                      The heavenly bodies up high
                                 And if you're in the mood to take a ride
                                   Then strap on a suit and get inside
                                   WE don't need all these prophecies
                                   Tellin' us what's a sign, what's a sign
                         'Cause paranoina ain't the way to live your life from day to day
                                So leave your doubts and your fears behind

"Interesting," Marc said handing the notebook back.  "It needs a hook."

"I'm still looking for one.  Have any ideas?"

"Lyrics are not my area of expertise.  I can take someone's lyrics and write the music."

"Weren't the songs you gave Lance all yours?"

"Yeah, I wrote the words as part of a poetry class my first semester."

"So you can write."

"It's just not easy."

"Maybe you just need some inspiration," Josh said with a grin.

"Maybe, . . . . if I can find the right inspiration," Marc softly said.

Josh sat looking at his friend.  "Marc, how are you holding up with all this madness?"

"I'm ok."

"Just ok?" Josh quizzed.

Marc sat back in his seat and gazed out he window.  "You know what the hardest part of this summer for me is?"

"Not seeing your family?"

"That's part of it. . . . . but the hardest part is the lack of freedom."

Josh frowned, not understanding.

"Josh, being cooped up in this bus has been the hardest.  It's been weeks since I've been running.  With the schedule we've been keeping I haven't found any time.  At times I feel like I'm going to explode if I don't find some release soon."

"Then we need to schedule in some running time," Josh said.  "George, how far out of Little Rock are we?"

"About twenty miles."

"Is there an exit coming up soon?"

"Yeah, a couple miles."

"Can you pull off at the next exit and have one of the security vans follow us."

"Sure.  What's up?"

"Marc needs to go running.  Security can follow in the van.  When he gets it out of his system they can bring him to the venue."

"Sure thing," George said picking up his radio microphone.

Turning to Marc, Josh asked, "Shouldn't you be getting changed?"

"Right.  Thanks," Marc said with a broad grin.


Marc quickly changed into his running shorts and was pulling on his shoes when he felt the bus pulling off the expressway.  The lounge door opened, the three wanting to know what was going on.  "What's up?"  Chris asked.

"Josh is kicking me off the bus," Marc said with a straight face.

"He's what?"  Lance almost shouted.

Laughing, "I'm just kidding.  I need some exercise, so I'm going to run the rest of the way."

"That's not going to be safe," Lance said with some concern.

"I'll be fine.  There well be a security van following me."

"Do you want some company?"  Joey asked.

"I'd love to run with you Joe, but you have a full day planned."

"Oh, yeah, that's right,"  Joey said with disappointment.

Lance looked Marc up and down then sighed, "Just be careful.  And wear a shirt, I don't want to get a call having to bail you out of jail because you got yourself arrested for indecent exposure."

"Do you think I'm indecent?" Marc asked softly.

"When you are dressed like that you are."

"I thought you liked the way I looked."

"I love the way you look.  When we are alone in our room.  I just don't like the idea of everyone else seeing you dressed that way.  Besides I don't want you tempting anyone."

Sighing, Marc said, "Ok.  I'll wear a shirt."  Grabbing one out of the upper bunk he pulled it on.

"Much better," Lance said as he put his arms around Marc's neck and gave him a kiss.  "Now have fun and be careful."

Marc grabbed a couple bottles of water as he went through the galley.  Thanking Josh for the idea he bound off the bus.  As he stretched he told the driver what he wanted to do.  After glancing at a map and deciding on a route Marc turned to wave as the bus pulled out.

Chris and Joey were watching out the back window when Lance and JC came in.  Chris muttered "shit" then handed Joey a ten-dollar bill.

Lance looked out the window just as Marc handed his shirt to the driver and started to run.  Lance sighed, "Oh, well, I tried."


By the time *Nsync's tour bus pulled into the venue their crew was at work unloading the trucks.  There was a little over six hours till the concert.  Justin and Britney were waiting for them as they got off their bus.

"Why are you the last to arrive?" Justin asked.  "And where is Marc?"

"We stopped to throw Marc off the bus," Chris said with a grin.

"You what!"  Why the hell did you do that?"  Justin practically yelled his anger rising.

"Hold it there Justin," JC said stepping between them.  "Marc was just getting restless being cooped up in the bus so much.  We stopped and let him get off so he could go running."

"You left him all alone?"

"No.  Security is following him in a van," Lance said.  "They will bring Marc here when he gets this out of his system."


This was one of those days everyone hated.  They arrived, set up, did a concert, packed up and were back on the road in less than twelve hours.  Britney and the guys did their interviews, radio and TV.

As they were heading back to their dressing room they spotted Marc coming in.  Marc glowed, his skin was bright pink with a sheen of sweat and he was grinning from ear to ear.

"How was your run?"  Joey asked.

"Great."

"Why were you so long?"  Chris asked.

"He doesn't know what a straight line is," Marc's security said.  "He kept turning down roads trying to get me lost."

"We made it here.  Didn't we?"

"How many miles do you end up doing?"  Joey asked.

"I'm not sure," Marc said looking at his driver.

"Thirty-four miles," the driver said.

"Well I'm going to go get cleaned up," Marc said.  "What are you guys doing?"

"We have a meet and greet in twenty," JC said.

"Ok, I'll see you all after."


Marc found his bag in the guys' dressing room.  Picking it up he turned to go to the shower and found Lance standing in his way.

"You had a good run?"  Lance asked smiling.

"Yeah, it felt good to run again."

"Thirty-four miles.  That's a lot," Lance said walking up to Marc.  Running a finger lightly over Marc's shirt.  "You must have been hot and sweaty running that much."

"Yeah, . . . . that's part of running," Marc said uneasily.

"So. . . . . how come your shirt is still dry?"  Lance asked.

"I ah, . . . . . . . I didn't wear it," Marc said softly.

Lance smiled.  Leaning in he gave Marc a soft kiss.

"What was that for?"  Marc asked a little surprised.

"For being honest."

Smiling Marc reached out to hug Lance but he stepped out of his reach.  "What's wrong?"

"I have a meet and greet.  And you, Love, stink."


Everyone met up after the meet and greet and grabbed something to eat.  Pete nabbed Marc after leaving the food services.

"What's up?"  Marc asked.

"You played all afternoon, now we work."

Pete and Marc headed out to he bus to catch on paperwork.  Hours later, as the last report was transmitted to Orlando, a boisterous group climbed aboard the bus.

"Have a good show?"  Marc asked Lance.

"Yes, couldn't you hear the crowd?"

"I've learned to tune out your fans.  They are always screaming." 

"It was a good show," Justin said.  "Where are we off to now?"

"Kansas City," Pete said.

Groans were heard all around.  "But you don't have a show tomorrow," Marc injected.

"It's still going to be a long ride," Chris said unhappily.

"Cheer up guys," Marc said.  "Tomorrow night you get to sleep in a real bed."

Smiles quickly spread across everyone's face, pleased with the news.

"How long before we head out?"  JC asked.

It should be soon," Pete said.  "As soon as the equipment trucks are loaded we're going to head out.  The staging truck will follow later."

The first of the equipment trucks started to move out.  Chris noticed the movement, "It won't be long now.  The first of the trucks are heading out now."

George had finished preparing the bus for travel and was boarding.  But Marc noticed there was someone behind him.

"Can I help you?"  Marc asked.

All heads turned to the new arrival.  "Steve!"  Joey shouted as he got up and grabbed the young man.

All the guys got up to greet Steve.  Pete glanced over at Marc seeing a perplexed look.

"The new camera man," Pete softly said.

Marc thought for a second then it hit him.  "He's Joey's brother."

Joey noticed Steve eyeing Marc.  "Steve have you met Marc yet?"

"No, not yet."

"Marc this is my kid brother, Steve.  Steve, this is my best friend Marc."

Marc rose to shake hands.  "It's good to meet you Steve.  Welcome to the tour."

"Thanks, Marc.  I've heard a lot about you from our mom.  I think she gets more excited when she gets a call from you then she does from this knucklehead."

"You're calling my mom?"  Joey asked.

"From time to time I talk with all your families.  Don't you ever wonder when I remind you all to call home there is always someone at home?"

Everyone took a seat as they visited with Steve.  Lance and Marc sat together at the table.  Marc laced his fingers with Lance's under the table. 

Steve was glancing at everyone as they talked.  When he looked at Lance and Marc he noticed they were holding hands.  A slight smile came to Steve's face as he looked at them.  Lance realized that Steve had caught them holding hands.  Lance began to blush as he tried to pull his hand away but Marc held tight.

Steve's smile grew as he gave them a wink and turned his attention to the others. 

"We're ready to pull out," George announced.

"I guess I should head back to my own bus," Steve said getting up.

The smile on Joey's face disappeared.

"Steve, why don't you stay," Marc said. 

Looking around the room counting heads.  "You guys look like you have a full house," Steve said.

"He can have my bed," Lance offered.

"Where will you sleep?"  Steve asked.

"Lance can sleep with me," Marc offered.

Chris and Justin started to snicker. 

"I don't want to put you out.  I know there is not that much room in one of these bunks."

Marc looked at Lance.  "We have plenty of room.  Don't we?"

Lance nodded, "I'm not complaining."

Joey nudged Steve in the ribs, "They have been sleeping together for weeks."

"What!"

"Ah. . . They are a couple," Joey said not sure of Steve's reaction.

"Oh, cool. . . .   Where do I sleep?"

"This way," Marc said laughing.

Leading the way back to the bunk area Marc said, "This is Lance's bunk."  Marc reached into the upper bunk and grabbed two pillows.

Steve saw the upper bunk was full of bags.  "Ah, . . . where will you two be sleeping?"

"We sleep in here," Lance said opening the lounge door.

"Wow!"  Steve said looking at the large bed.  "There's room for most of us in there."

"I'm sure Marc and Lance wouldn't mind you joining them," Justin said with a devilish grin.  "But be warned.  Marc likes to cuddle and sooner or later he will have you in his arms."

"That's ok.  I'll just take the bunk." 


At the breakfast stop Steve ate with the guys but he returned to his own bus for the remainder of the trip.

Lance and Marc finished breakfast quickly and went out to the bus. 

"Where are they going?"  Britney asked.

"Probably trying to get some private time," Justin said.


Marc was sitting on their bed with his back against the wall.  Lance was sitting between Marc's out stretched legs with his back against Marc's chest and Marc had his arms wrapped around Lance holding him.

"Heads up!"  Chris shouted.  "We have a female on board."

Lance tried to sit up but Marc held him in place.  "Britney is going to see us," Lance said.

"She'll get over it," Marc said softly into Lance's ear.  "God, James, I love you."

"I love you too," Lance said as he turned his head to kiss Marc.

The door opened as the kissed.  "Ok, break it up you guys.  We have company," Justin said.

Britney laughed, "Don't stop on my account."

"Oh, we wont.  Besides we know it bugs the shit out of Chris," Marc said with a grin.

Chris rolled his eyes shaking his head.

"I like what you did to the lounge," Britney said as she climbed with Justin onto the bed.

"It's functional," Marc said as Justin and Britney got comfortable sitting like Lance and himself.

"Hey!  This is not a make out pad," Chris said.  "You four behave yourselves."

"Party pooper," Britney said pouting.


It was almost one when the caravan pulled into Kansas City.  "What are we going to do the rest of the day?"  Justin asked.

"I want to take a nap in a real bed," JC said.

"Me too," Joey said.

"Why don't we all get some rest," Marc said.  "And we can meet in our room say around six and go out to dinner then dancing."

"That sounds like a plan," Justin said grinning.

"Hotel ten minutes," Pete called back.

Everyone started moving off the bed; retrieving their shoes they made their way forward.  As Marc was pulling on his shoes he felt his cell vibrate.  Pulling it out he saw he had a voice mail. Lance had moved up forward as Marc retrieved his messages.

The bus was pulling to a stop at the hotel when Marc joined the others.  Lance glanced at Marc and knew something was up. 

"What's wrong?"  Lance softly asked as everyone got up to disembark.

Marc sighed, "Voice mail from Lynn.  I may have a visitor."

Lance raised a questioning eyebrow.  Marc indicated Pete was about to speak.

"Ok, people.  You know the drill lets head straight for the elevators."

"The whole group moved quickly into the hotel and headed for the elevators.  Chris abruptly stopped.  "What the hell is he doing here?"

All heads turned to the spot that Chris was glaring at.  The spot occupied by Howie Dorough. 




TBC

Well a little cliffhanger.  Why is Howie waiting for Marc?  And why the hard feelings between Chris and Howie?"   I'd like to say that feedback is always welcome.  This story and others can be found on my web site.  Boy Band Fan Fiction:  http://www.geocities.com/midwestjames/

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