Date: Fri, 3 Dec 1999 20:35:14 EST From: lictor (at) aol (dot) com Subject: NSYNC-lance-n-jc 17 'N SYNC: LANCE 'N' JC CHAPTER 17 ---------- Usual disclaimer applies: This is a work of fiction. It is not meant to imply anything about the orientation, beliefs or anything else about the real members of 'N Sync, the Backstreet Boys, or anyone else depicted here. If you are under 18, or are offended by graphic depictions of homosexual relationships, please go back now. Story content copyright 1999 T. Kevin. Comments please email me at lictor (at) aol (dot) com ---- Tears in his eyes, Nick plowed through the throng of dancers. 'I fucked up again! Why do I keep doing this! Justin was my friend and I've embarassed him, and I've pissed off Kevin too... god I want to die!' Half- blinded, he felt strong hands grip his arms even before he realized that he had run smack into Kevin. The blond's pleading gaze met the angry, hurt glare of his lover, and suddenly they might as well have been alone in that club full of people. Neither spoke for a long moment, then Kevin's expression softened ever-so-slightly. "Left's go home, Nick." He said tiredly. He led the youngest Backstreet Boy off the dance floor, ignoring the stares as they passed. When they got to a quieter spot near the bar, Nick managed to venture a question. "Where's Howie and AJ?" "Howie's upstairs. I don't know where AJ is, but he can go to hell for all I care." Kevin looked past Nick out at the crowd. "Don't blame AJ, Kev, I asked for it!" "He should know better by now. Once you start drinking -- or doing other things -- you don't know when to stop. That stuff is dangerous. Do you realize what you were doing? Practically fucking Timberlake right there in front of everyone!" "Uh, we could say I was trying to disprove those rumors that our groups don't get along?" Nick smiled crookedly up and him and sniveled. But Kevin only rolled his eyes. "That's not even funny. I want you to stay away from them! And jeez, clean yourself up -- your nose is running!" He pulled out a handkerchief and shoved it at Nick. "Well, at least Brian wasn't here." "He'll hear about it, I'm sure. And he'll be back in town tomorrow." Kevin was not looking forward to facing his cousin's infamous temper. ---- Tired of getting mauled by the crowd, JC leapt onto the dance platform with Joey and Gray. After introducing himself to the young woman, he turned to Joey. "So what went down here?" He asked his red- headed friend, having to yell as 'Tribal Dance' segued into a heavily remixed version of 'Total Eclipse of the Heart.' "What is this, oldies night?" Gray asked no one in particular. "Hey I like this song!" JC protested. Did you ever see the original video with Bonnie Tyler? It rocked!" "Let's go to the bar where it's not quite so loud, okay?" Joey shouted. They made it to an upstairs bar and sat down. JC ordered a water, Gray got a coke and Joey got something that sort of glowed blue. "So, spill." JC urged. "Well... Nick was acting kind of crazy, and Justin let him get a little carried away." Joey shrugged. "I guess I should have done something before it got as bad as it did." "How bad was it -- I didn't see." JC looked from one to the other. "Well, they were kind of..." Joey trailed off and looked at Gray. "Uh, well, it was sort of... Justin was dancing like this..." She stood up, closed her eyes, held her arms up and started gyrating her hips. "And, uh, Nick came up behind him like this..." Joey danced up behind Gray and put on hand on her waist, and they started rocking and hip-thrusting in unison, both smiling at JC's increasingly alarmed expression. "Then, Nick started to put his hands on Justin, uh and they..." Joey hesitated, grinning. "STOP!" JC held up his hands. I don't want to see or hear any more!" "I'm thinking we'll need to crank up the 'Justin dating Britney' rumors again after this, big time!" Joey laughed. "No doubt!" JC grimaced. "Well, I hope Justin is okay. I guess he was rebounding from the Terry thing." "He really does like Terry a lot." Joey said seriously. "I know." JC pressed his lips together. "But I don't think they've spoken in a couple of weeks. Johnny wants to go forward with this web journal thing, and if Terry isn't on board we need to get someone else, fast. "Maybe it's none of my business..." Gray interjected, "But who is Terry? Does Justin have a girlfriend for real? I assume it's not Britney Spears." "Uh, well, no." Joey looked at the floor. "It's really kind of private." JC tried to nod and smile in a friendly manner. "Okay, sorry. It isn't any of my business, you're right." She smiled. Hey Joey, I need you to go with me tomorrow to run an errand." JC changed the subject quickly. "Sure, man, where are we goin?" "I'll tell you later." JC smiled. Gray finished her Coke and looked around. "Well, I had a wonderful time, Joey, but I should be getting back to the hotel before my family thinks I was kidnapped by 'N Sync." "I'll walk you to the tram." Joey stood up. "I'm ready to go too. Joey; I'll meet you at the main entrance, ok?" JC stood with them. ---- Sunday morning Lance and Justin were up early and went to church together while Chris and JC slept in. Lance felt a little guilty that he hadn't been to services in a while, and his mother had been gently scolding him about it lately. He could tell that she also knew that something was going on in his life that he wasn't telling her about, but she was waiting for him to share. He felt guilty about that, too; he always felt he could talk to his mom about almost anything, but he just wasn't ready to tell her he was gay. On their way to the church he made some phone calls for Justin, then for a while they rode in silence. Finally the younger boy spoke. "Do you think I'm doing the right thing?" Lance thought for a moment. "Your method is unorthodox, but I think what you are doing is the right thing for you. You have to know, one way or the other." "Thanks, Scoop." Justin glanced over at his friend with a smile. "And thanks for helping me out; I owe you." "Hey, you'd do the same for me." "Are your parents coming to see us off Wednesday for the tour?" "No," Lance frowned, "Mom can't get away from school. And you know my dad, he's just not as into it. If mom doesn't come, he won't" "Do you know when you are gonna tell them?" "You mean about me and Josh?" Justin nodded, frowning absently at the traffic as he zipped through a yellow light. "No. I'm scared, especially about my father. I have a feeling that mom already suspects, deep down, that I might be gay. But dad.... I don't think he is going to take it well at all. He's more conservative." "I'm sorry, Lance. I think I was lucky with my mom." "Yeah, she was great. And she has been so cool about JC and me. And, Curly, so have you." Lance touched Justin on the shoulder. "I wanted to tell you how much I appreciated how you've treated us lately. You're a great friend." "Thanks, Scoop, that means a lot. I'm happy for you guys, I really am. Well, here we are. Maybe we can sneak into the balcony without too much of a commotion." They got out of Justin's vehicle and straightened their clothes. "How do I look?" The curly-headed youth held out his arms. "Very nice, you look good in a suit. Armani?" Lance cocked an eyebrow appraisingly, then straightened Justin's tie. "Yup yup!: "Shields?" Lance pulled out his Ray-bans and put them on. "Shields up!" Justin whipped out a pair of Oakleys and placed them on his head. Together the friends made their way to the church. ---- Sunday night, after a day of just relaxing with their friends, JC and Lance had turned in early. But when they got to the bedroom, JC wasn't in a mood to sleep. "Poofu, Poofu, where are you? Please come out and play..." He playfully tickled Lance the moment the door was closed "Josh-Josh! Don't start with that!" Lance giggled, trying without much success to defend himself from JC's fingers. JC slid his hand over the front of Lance's sweat pants and grabbed his cock through the soft material. "I found Poofu!" he crowed triumphantly. "Stop it, man!" Lance shuddered in with pleasure, despite his objections. JC grinned wickedly. "I think it's a perfect name. Now I can sing the song and it will have a whole new meaning. "Look, Poofu is happy and wants to play!" He stroked Lance's hardening dick roughly through his pants. They both burst out in giggles as JC pushed Lance backwards onto the bed and straddled him, then they grew quiet as they looked into each others' eyes, both smiling. "You know what?" JC asked, leaning down so his face was inches from Lance's. His fingers interlaced with the blond's and he pulled Lance's arms over his head. "What?" Lance asked, still smiling. "I think you..." He wriggled himself against Lance's hardness. "...are just about the cutest guy on earth." Feeling himself redden at the compliment, Lance could only smile and close his eyes in embarrassment. "And I think..." JC lowered himself so his lips were brushing Lance's ear and continued in a softer, breathier voice, "It's time for you to be the top guy." Lance didn't respond verbally, but JC could feel his lover's cock pulse even harder against his thigh. He undressed Lance slowly, teasing off each article of clothing. At the same time Lance caressed JC through his t-shirt and shorts, tenderly kissing his neck and arms and hands. Finally Lance was down to his boxers and JC stripped quickly to his underwear, then crawled onto the bed next to his blond lover. They pulled each other close and kissed, their tongues battling playfully as they enjoyed their closeness. Both were fully hard, and their cocks rubbed against each other, though still separated by layers of cloth. Finally Lance couldn't wait any longer: he reached inside JC's boxers and wrapped his hand around his lovers hard dick. He gently milked it with one hand while yanking Josh's boxers down with the other. "Oh James, yeah that feels nice..." JC whimpered, his dick swelling under Lance's ministrations. Then the blond went straight for his manhood, taking the head in his mouth while still stroking the shaft. "Ohh god..." JC groaned. Not to be outdone, he freed Lance's cock and twisted around so he could take it in his mouth at the same time. They pleasured each other this way for some time, teasing, licking, stroking, until JC raised his head to look at his lover. "I want you. I want you inside me James." He growled. By now Lance was so worked up he didn't argue. Instead he moved to face JC and kissed him. "I'm ready." He whispered. JC fumbled for the tube of lubricant, then pushed Lance on his back. He put a generous amount on Lance's cock, stroking him slowly to spread the liquid. Lance whimpered as the cool lube coated him. JC lubed his ass as well as he could, then pulled Lance on top of him. He spread his legs, feeling Lance's huge cock slide under his balls and between his ass cheeks. "Make love to me James." He whispered. Lance raised up and put JC's legs on his shoulders, then aimed himself between his lovers as cheeks. He was trembling, though whether from nervousness or excitement, he wasn't sure. The thought of fucking JC was exciting... he aimed his flaring cock head at the tiny pucker of Josh's ass and pushed. There was a moment of resistance, then he felt the head pass JC's sphincter. JC winced; the pain was terrible. But he willed himself to breathe, to try to relax. This was James, the man he loved more than anything. He opened his eyes and saw the worry in Lance's expression. Lance stopped when he felt JC tense and gasp. "Josh please, let's not do it if it's going to hurt you so much." He whispered, placing his hand tenderly on JC's cheek. He could feel moisture from tears of pain. "No, babe, it's okay, I think the worst is over. C'mon, give me some more." He played his hands on Lance's muscular glutes and pulled. Lance allowed himself to be guided forward and a few more inches slipped into JC's stretched ass. "Ohhhh, yeah." JC threw his head back and groaned. It still hurt, but already there was another feeling too. Encouraged he kept urging his over on... and on... until he felt Lance's hips against his ass. James was all the way inside him. They both took a moment to rest, the room silent except for their labored breathing. Lance thought for a moment that he would either cum right then and there or just pass out, the feeling was so intense. Entering him had been incredible as his length passed along JC's tight anal ring, and now his ass was like a warm sleeve wrapped around his penis. But it was more than that Ñ much more. To look down into his lover's eyes, see the emotions play across his expressive face: love, desire, and unfortunately even some pain. Lance hated to see that he was hurting JC, but part of him was also thinking 'he loves me so much he's willing to feel some discomfort for my pleasure'. It made the experience even more emotional for Lance. He didn't know for how long he stayed like that, but then he felt JC's long fingers tracing across his heaving chest, then around to his hips. "Are you going to stay like that all night or are you going to fuck me, lover?" JC asked teasingly. Lance was glad for the dim light because he could feel himself blushing. Josh talking that way still shocked him a little but it also turned him on... kind of... "It just feels so good inside you," he growled in his deep voice. "I was letting you get used to me." In answer JC wrapped his legs around Lance's back, forcing the blond youth a fraction even further into his straining tunnel. "I'm ready, James. Make love to me." Not needing any more encouragement, Lance rocked his hips back and pulled partway out, then eased in again. Lance felt JC's tight ass-ring slide along his length as he pushed; the sensation was incredible. Both of them groaned as his hard manhood re-entered JC, slowly going in all the way to his thick base. It took a few minutes, but they got into a slow rhythm of long strokes. JC gripped Lance's ass and pulled with every thrust, determined to show that he was as into it as his lover. The truth was, Lance hurt like hell -- at least at first. As desperately as he wanted to please Lance, Joshua thought he wasn't going to be able to take it when it first went in him. But as their lovemaking went on, the pain faded to a burning, and there was a strangely pleasurable feeling associated with Lance thrusting deep inside him. It seemed like his lover's penis stroked something inside his gut that triggered an extraordinary feeling through his whole body. After a minute or so his own cock got hard again. Lance tried to stroke him, but JC gently pushed his hand away. Instead he pulled Lance down to kiss him. That was enough just then: to kiss his lover and be with him like this, giving him pleasure. A sore butt he could live with. Actually it wasn't more than a few minutes later when Lance started breathing harder, and he started thrusting faster. Then he paused, "Josh, I'm getting close, should I stop?" JC looked up at him with a quizzical expression. "Why? It's not like you're gonna get me pregnant! Give it to me man!" And he clenched his sphincter muscle around Lance's cock, making the blond gasp. He hooked his ankles around the small of Lance's back and pulled. Lance thrust hard into JC's ass and started pumping more rapidly again. They were slamming into each other, grunting in unison louder and louder until with a long guttural groan, Lance collapsed on top of him, gasping for air. JC felt Lance deep inside him, pulsing with his orgasm. Lance was so overcome that all he could do was whimper and hold on to his lover with all his strength. To lie here joined with JC, both of them drenched with sweat and gasping for air... he wanted to keep this perfect moment of oneness. Then he realized... "You didn't cum." he whispered in JC's ear. "I'll cum later, just hold on to me. That's all I want." JC gasped, running his fingers lovingly through Lance's sweat-soaked hair. "But I want you to cum too, man, it's not fair..." Lance frowned. JC laughed, a difficult action with Lance on top of him -- and in him. The blond's huge penis was still hard inside his ass. "I'll get my turn, Scoop, just hold me please. It's really all I want okay?" He looked earnestly into Lance's eyes. "I just want to make you feel good too." Lance pouted. Joshua smiled and closed his eyes, then he shivered from head to toe. "I DO feel good, I feel wonderful. You make me feel... incredible." He still had his legs wrapped around Lance and pulled on him gently. "You know all the right things to say." Lance said, still feeling a little guilty. "Are you cold? Do you want to cover up?" "Oh stop it!" JC playfully wriggled underneath Lance. "I'm fine, please don't worry. Just lay your head down..." He guided Lance's head onto his chest... "And relax. All I want is to feel your hot body on top of me. We have all our lives together, I promise." Lance sighed, his chest aching with emotion. 'Don't cry again, you baby!' He thought angrily to himself, squeezing his eyes shut for a moment. 'But this, this is unbelievable. This must be right,' he thought. Then he whispered "I love you, Joshua Chasez." JC stroked Lance's sweaty hair. "I Love you, too, James. I love you so much." They stayed like that for a while just holding each other. JC kept tightening his sphincter muscles, getting little shivers of pleasure from Lance for his efforts -- and the blond returned to full hardness inside him. "Josh..." Lance whispered, "You're driving me crazy doing that." "I was hoping I was." JC smiled. Can you go again?" For an answer Lance gave a little push, raking along JC's sensitive prostate. "Baby what a stud you are." JC hugged him. Then he started to sit up and rolled forward. He pushed Lance onto his back while he rode up so he was straddling his lover, keeping Lance inside him. "This is fun." Lance smiled up at him. "I can just lie back and let you do the work!" "You got it babe." JC smiled as he leaned back and pushed himself down onto Lance's cock. It went deep inside him and he sighed with pleasure. Lance was even more vocal, letting out a long groan. "Oh god, Josh..." JC grasped his own hardening cock and began to stroke it as he rode up and down on Lance's hardness. The dual sensations were so intense that he had to stop pumping his own dick for fear of cumming too soon. Unable to just lie still, Lance caressed JC's chest and ridged abs, and every time the lean youth would settle down on him Lance would rock his hips up just a little, sending his large cock that much further into his lover. They tried to go slow, but even though it was Lance's second time, it wasn't long before he was breathing in short gasps and clutching at JC's thighs, obviously nearing his climax. Josh began to work his own pulsing dick again. "Tell me when you're close, and we'll come together." He whispered. Lance, his head thrown back on the pillow and fingers digging into JC's muscular legs, could only nod. He was close, and it was more intense than the first time, but it seemed to go on and on... the aching pleasure increasing with every thrust. Finally he knew he was almost there and managed to say through clenched teeth. "I'm gonna... soon..." JC moved faster, and in seconds he felt the orgasm rush through his body. His back arched and his sphincter tightened around Lance. His cum shot over the blond's face and chest in spurt after spurt. Josh forgot where he was and let out a cry of raw animal ecstasy. At the same time Lance thrust up with all his strength and let out a choked gasp as JC clamped down on him, squeezing a load from his aching cock. Completely out of breath, JC collapsed onto Lance. They lay in a sweat-soaked tangle, chests heaving. "Oh my god..." Lance finally gasped. "I think I had a religious experience." "Gee, was I that good?" JC whispered, his lips against Lance's ear. "Indescribable." He hugged Josh against him. "Are you okay?" JC laughed quietly. "Um, in case you didn't notice while you were blacking out, I had a good time too, baby." "Oh, yeah." Lance smiled up at him. "There does seem to be evidence of that all over my chest." "I think it's in your hair too." JC grinned. "Ew! It'll be all sticky!" Lance wrinkled his nose but smiled. "Oh thanks! Come on, we'll wash it all out. "Goody!" Lance wiggled his hips. "I get another shampoo too! I am so lucky!" JC sat up with a little grimace as Lance slipped out of him. "Anything for you James. Of course, I won't be sitting down for a week!" Lance frowned. "I'm sorry! Why didn't you --" "Kidding!" JC held up his hand. "You are just too easy to lay the guilt on!" I'm fine! Let's shower so we can get back in bed... and cuddle." ---- Justin was lying awake in his bed. He could hear Lance and JC going at it from across the hall. Justin felt kind of guilty listening, but at the same time he thought they could at least try to me more quiet. Between the bed squeaking and JC moaning... He wondered what it would be like to have JC make love to him... Justin slipped his hand inside his boxers and wrapped his fingers around his hardening cock. He closed his eyes and began to stroke, wondering how big JC was... imagining Josh on top of him, spreading his thighs... The blond kicked his boxers off. Then as he opened his legs and slid his other hand down to cup his balls, his fantasy shifted. The dark-haired young man was no longer JC but Terry, leaning down to kiss him as he stroked Justin's cock and then began to enter him... "Oh, yeah, Terry..." he whispered, imagining the strong young man gently thrusting into his virgin ass. The singer let out a whimpering moan as he probed the puckered entrance to his anus with a fingertip. He pumped himself faster and pushed the finger in -- the sensation was electrifying. His hand moved over his pulsing cock in long strokes in time with his thrusting finger, and almost before he knew he was close, the orgasm washed over him. His body arched up, every muscle tensing as his dick sent a glob of cum over his body to splatter across his neck. The following pulses went all over his chest and stomach as his entire body shook and writhed with the intense feeling. "Jee-zus!" He whispered, gasping for air. "I'm a big mess." ---- "James... James..." Lance wasn't sure which sensation woke him up: the touch of JC's lips on his cheek, the sound of his lover's soft voice calling his name, or the heavenly smells of bacon, coffee and French toast. He was sure of one thing, though, it was a fabulous combination. He opened his eyes and found himself looking at JC's smiling face. "Hey, breakfast is getting cold." Lance looked down and saw that sitting next to him was a tray with his favorite food set out on it. "Oh Josh... you didn't have to..." "But I wanted to, baby." JC interrupted. "I love doing things for my man. Sorry there's no almond cappuccino; Lynn doesn't have an espresso machine." Lance smiled at his lover and scooted up in bed. "I'm sure I'll be fine. God this is so sweet of you, Josh." He leaned over and gave him a kiss. "I don't know what to say." "Don't speak, eat!" JC grinned, obviously delighted with Lance's happy reaction. "What about you?" Lance asked, concerned. "I had cereal with Justin; He said he had an early errand to run for his mom. I have to admit he helped me with this. I'm not half the cook he is. "He'll make someone a fine wife some day!" Lance smiled as he poured syrup over his toast, silently wishing Justin luck on his errand. "This looks so good, you have to eat some." "Well, maybe if you feed me, a bite or two." JC smiled shyly. Lance cut off a piece and held out his fork to JC. A bit of syrup dribbled on the brunet's chin. "Hm, let me get that." Lance leaned over and gingerly licked up the syrup from JC's chin, then kissed him very tenderly. "Thank you." He whispered. "This reminds me of our dinner in Hawaii." He added with a smile and another kiss. "Funny you should say that." JC whispered back, his gaze holding Lance's for a moment before he looked down shyly. "I, um, I have something for you this morning." "More than breakfast in bed and a sweet kiss from a hot man? Who could want more?" Lance popped another chunk of French toast in his mouth with a grin. "Look behind the coffee pot." JC said, sounding very serious. Then he cleared his throat and looked away. Lance's smile faded as he wondered what could make JC act so strangely. He moved the thermos aside to find a very small black box tied with ribbons. "Thanks, Josh, but my birthday isn't for two months." He smiled, trying to lighten things as he picked up the box. But JC was still looking away, now nervously picking at his cuticles. "If, if you don't, um, like it, I understand, I mean if you..." His voice trailed off and he looked up as Lance untied the ribbon and lifted the lid of the little box. "Oh, Josh." Lance said very quietly, his gaze moving from the object in the box to meet the questioning look of his lover. His eyes brimmed with tears and at the same time his mouth curled into a little smile. JC lifted the breakfast tray out of the way and move closer to Lance. "I feel so stupid, but I'm afraid to actually say it, to ask...I'm not even sure how... or if we can... I mean, if you don't feel comfortable..." His words stumbled out and finally trailed off as he looked timidly at Lance. But Lance was just smiling at him, cradling the box. "I'm overwhelmed. I guess I never really thought that we could, you know..." "Well, legally, I don't know either, but there are ceremonies... I've been looking on the web. And we don't have to actually do anything real soon! We can wait as long as you want! I know we've only been a couple for a month or so, but it just seemed like the right time, before things get any more crazy with touring. I just... I love you so much and I wanted to show it somehow..." JC finished his monologue and looked up again at Lance, his eyes full of hope. "You know what I'll say." Lance said with a reassuring smile. "Well, I hope I do, so why am I so damn nervous?" JC cocked his head and frowned. "I dunno; it's awfully cute though." Lance said softly. He continued to smile at JC, obviously unwilling to help Josh out of his predicament. "Okay!" JC took one of Lance's hands in his and looked into his beautiful green eyes. "Will you, would you... marry me?" ---- Terry sat staring at his monitor, still vaguely unhappy with the latest revision of the web page. His finger twitched over the mouse... undecided what to do. 'Nothing like a savings and loan website to make you flex your design skills...' He leaned back and stretched, trying to loosen his sore muscles. He ached all over -- not surprising considering how he had pushed his body the last few weeks. Every morning at the gym, almost every night at the dojo sparring until he was battered and bruised. He knew he was punishing himself, hoping to come home so exhausted that he would go right to sleep and not even dream. It worked, most of the time. He glanced at the calendar. March 1st. In two nights 'N Sync would start their tour in Jacksonville. Justin... The thought of the singer caused a little twinge of pain in his chest. It had been two weeks since Justin had sent him all those roses and they had talked on the phone. Now the flowers were dead and gone, but Terry couldn't get rid of his feelings for Justin so easily. Just then Jeremy came bouncing up to his cubicle. The receptionist had gotten his black hair tipped blond, and today he was sporting big silver hoops in his ears. "Terry, man, here's a FedEx package, morning delivery. I guess it's important." "Thanks, Jer." Terry smiled but barely looked up. "Nice hair." "Thanks!" Jeremy ignored the sarcasm. "Hey, new FedEx guy, a real hottie." Jeremy commented before heading back to his desk up front. "Glad you're getting some scenery." Terry muttered, glancing at the return address. Something from RCA? He tore it open and a CD case fell out. On it was a sticky note which simply said "Audio CD, please play immediately; need your feedback." Inside was a writable CD with no label. Carolyn said he might be working on a new BMG related Classical web site, maybe that had something to do with it, though he couldn't imagine why it was so urgent. 'Beethoven and Mozart have been dead awhile; not like they are about to release a new hit single...' With a shrug Terry popped it in his CD drive, put on his headphones and called up the CD player software. There was only one track, informatively named 'Track 1." He clicked on 'play.' When he heard five familiar voices begin to sing in wordless harmony, he almost stopped the player... but he didn't. He recognized the song immediately, it had always been one of his favorites: 'Together Again,' from the European release of 'N Sync's album. Justin sang lead vocals in a voice full of yearning... "How can I say that I love you When you're so far away. So tell me why you had to go, Was it me, I need to know. "What can I do to make you see That I'm here, here for you. I really hope that you'll come home So we can be... together again "What can I do to make you see That I'm here, here for you. I really hope that you'll come home So we can be... together again..." The tears started almost immediately, and Terry was still silently crying when the music faded. He knew Justin must have sent this song. It was touching, and it was so tempting to give in, to go back to him. But Terry's logical side kept telling him it would never work out. He was wiping his eyes when Jeremy appeared again at the entrance to his cube. "Uh, oh man I'm sorry to bother you..." He looked at Terry with concern, "But that FedEx guy is back and says he needs your signature. Apparently mine wasn't good enough." Jeremy added petulantly, rolling his eyes and flipping his hand back. "Can't you get rid of him?" Terry pleaded. He impatiently swiped at his face with a sleeve. He knew he must look like shit. 'Nothing like crying jags at work, sooo professional.' He thought angrily to himself. In answer, Jeremy only scowled off to his side in the corridor, out of Terry's range of vision. Then a hoarse voice said "Sorry, I need 'Terence McLaren.'" "Oh all right!" Terry stood. He could see the courier's orange and purple hat over the six-foot wall, then stepped into the corridor. Jeremy moved back as Terry reached for the clipboard, not even looking at the courier. The man jerked it away just as Terry was about to take it. He looked up, ready to give the asshole a death-glare. Instead, his jaw dropped in shock. There, in a Federal Express uniform, was Justin Randall Timberlake, grinning like a fool. "I told you he was a hottie." Jeremy smirked, then practically skipped down the hall. To be continued... ---- Email me and tell me what you think! lictor (at) aol (dot) com