Date: Tue, 26 Mar 2002 22:48:33 -0000 From: Tris Subject: Under Management Chapter 8 Author's Note: Hey everyone, this is my first submission to the Nifty Archive. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I am writing it. I'm trying to get as much realism as is possible in a story of this type, so the characters will need to get to know each other before there is any sex. It's also not exactly a 'two guys fall in love, and live happily ever after' story, there are going to be a few bumps in the road. If you have any comments or constructive criticisms or whatever then e-mail me: mystories@btinternet.com Disclaimer: This story is a work of fiction. I don't know or own any of the celebrities mentioned in it. I also don't know anything about the personalities or sexual orientations of any of the members of *NSYNC, and the purpose of this story is not to imply anything about them. Secondly, this story contains adult themes and content as well as gay relationships. If you're too young to, or don't want to, read what's contained within, then leave now. Everyone else, enjoy... Under Management by Tris Chapter 8 "Quiet on set!" The director yelled, "We're rolling!" I was standing in a crowd of make-up artists and hair stylists, behind the camera, watching one of the monitors. The temporary set that MTV had brought down with them was quite impressive. As far as I was concerned, there was no way of telling that *NSYNC hadn't taken a trip up to MTV's New York studios. Justin, JC and Chris were sitting on a modern looking sofa, and Lance and Joey were on stools behind them. The interviewer, who the guys seemed to know, was sitting in an arm chair to the right. The interview progressed smoothly and rapidly. There were a few times when the guy asking the questions got tongue tied, so they had to re-shoot a few of those. Thankfully he was polite and not too probing, although one question caught me off guard, "Justin, rumors are rife that you may be looking into a solo career. Care to shed any light on them?" "I... uh..." He paused and composed himself, "Honestly, I've haven't yet caught wind of those rumors." He glanced at me, I nodded him encouragement. "But... uh... me? Going solo? I can officially confirm that I won't be leaving the group and that we won't be splitting up any time in the near future." He gave his patented smile, showing his white teeth. I, meanwhile, was wondering just how many PR employees could be fired in one afternoon. The remainder of the questions were fairly run of the mill. However, worryingly enough, it was perhaps the most common question that caused me the most heartache. "Now, how about the love lives... as healthy as we would expect for millionaires and famous pop-stars?" The guy asked. The group laughed at the question, but I now knew them well enough to tell that they were groaning on the inside. "I think everyone knows about me." Justin stated. "Still going strong?" The interviewer, who had identified himself as 'John' at some point in his conversation with *NSYNC, said. "Stronger than ever." Justin grinned. "And how about the rest of you? Any budding romances?" John persisted. "I think we're all single at the moment." Chris answered for them. "No... No... wait!" JC butted in. "Aren't you forgetting about a certain someone?" He nudged Lance. My breath caught in my throat. "Lance, do you have something that you want to share?" John asked, as though he was speaking to a child. "Uh... me? N... Nope... No girls for me..." Lance stuttered out. "That'd be right." JC whispered slyly to Chris, just loud enough for his microphone to pick up. Chris, who was sitting next to him, didn't react. "Um... Ok then..." John said hesitantly "How about we move on?" He glanced at the director. "We'll cut it." The director agreed, causing my heart to finally begin to beat once more. Several questions later and John wrapped up the interview; a few stage hands ran onto the set and directed the guys into a dressing room. I left them to it for a while and made my way over to the director, who was chatting with John. I talked with them for a few minutes. The 'problem question' came up in our discussion, John agreed that it should be cut out of the final version as he thought that it made him appear incompetent. After a few minutes I bade my farewells and made my way to *NSYNC's dressing room. I knocked twice and walked in, five pairs of eyes looked towards me. Lance's were red from unshed tears; JC's were cold, daring me to do something. I ignored the others and stepped up to him. "JC can we talk?" I asked, but it was more of statement than a question. He did not respond. I frowned, and not taking my eyes from JC's, said, "Guys could you give us some privacy?" They filed slowly out of the door. When I was sure that they had all left, I stood to my full height and noted that I was a few inches taller than JC. "Sit!" I barked, pointing to bench. He did as he was told. "What the hell is wrong with you?" He hung his head. "I thought the whole reason that you were opposed to Lance was because he was endangering the group!" I yelled. "You'd better count yourself damn lucky that they are cutting that section!" "Stop shouting at me!" JC screamed back, standing from the bench. "It's his fault! He's asking for it!" "What?" I asked, confused. "Maybe if I scare the shit out of him, he might see that life ain't as simple as 'I'm gay' and living happily ever after!" He bellowed. "Uh... JC..." I began, my voice returning to its normal volume, "...you can't scare someone into being straight. It doesn't work that way." "He deserves it." He snickered. "JC this may seem like a bit of an overreaction but if that fiasco ever gets aired it may irrevocably damage the group's reputation. I'm going to issue you with a verbal warning. You put the band at risk, and in accordance with your contract I'm fining you a month's wages." I warned. "You can't do that... you need Johnny's permission." He laughed, but I could tell he was worried, "He'll want to know the reason for you doing this - do want to be the one to tell him that one of his pop stars is a queer?" "Lance will tell him. If it stops you from terrorizing him then he'll do anything." I informed him. "No. Lance isn't strong enough." JC laughed. I was disgusted with his attitude, and didn't think that I could keep my cool for much longer. I turned on my heel and exited the room. I stomped down the hallway pushing past the aides and assistants. I bumped shoulders with one young girl, who couldn't have been much more than 16, "Hey! Watch it mister!" she shouted as we collided, I flipped her the bird and continued on my way through the maze of corridors that made up the Jive compound. Once I had cooled down sufficiently and my brain began to work rationally once more, I thought about trying to find the rest of the guys. I needed to talk to them, not about this incident; I was hoping we could put this behind us as soon as possible, but I was still their manager and I needed to talk business with them. I went to the cafeteria to get myself some coffee, after all that shouting with JC my throat was as dry as a bone. The Jive cafeteria was very similar to one that you might see in any high school. There was along stainless steel counter where a line of people were queuing up with trays. The place always seemed to be full of people, although strangely enough I had never seen any celebrities in here. Perhaps they all went out to lunch or maybe there was another place where they could eat, that was a possibility since I knew there was an executive dining room, why shouldn't there be a celebrity one? Of course, today was to be the day that would prove me wrong. After I had gotten my coffee I wondered towards the edge of the room, in search of an empty table. Out of the corner of my eye I caught sight of a blonde girl; I noticed that she was sitting on someone's lap and thought nothing more of it. That was of course until a little voice inside my head said, 'That was Britney Spears stupid!' I glanced back over my shoulder towards her and saw that she was giggling happily. She swayed backwards to reveal the face of Justin, whose lap she was still sitting on. I stood and walked over to them, taking my coffee with me. When I was closer I saw that the other guys were sitting with them, talking quietly and that Justin was wearing a goofy grin. "Hey guys." I said as I neared them. "Do I know you?" Britney asked quizzically, as I was greeted warmly by the four members of the band. Justin whispered something in her ear, which caused her eyes to brighten. "Hi! Justin tells me you're their new manager. It's nice to put a face to the name." She offered her hand, and I shook it enthusiastically. I took a seat next to Chris and placed my Styrofoam cup on the table. "I need to talk to you guys about some things." I began. Justin glanced worriedly at Lance and then back at Britney. "Brit could you give us some space for a few minutes?" He asked her politely. But before she could respond I butted in. "No. It's Ok, it's nothing that serious. I just wanted to tell you something that I've already told Lance." I explained. Lance, who wasn't particularly paying attention, suddenly began to. I smiled and realized that he thought I was going to come out to the guys and Britney. I subtly shook my head at him, and then continued, "So anyway, in six weeks time you're going on tour, a world tour to be precise. But it's only a short one, sort of a revenue generator in between albums, as well as a PR exercise." "Isn't that kinda short notice?" Chris asked. "You're telling me," was my answer, "but that's what the execs want, so that's what the execs'll get." "What about support acts?" Justin asked, grinning at Britney. "There are no Jive high-publicity artists available, that's the problem with the lack of preparation time. So you'll be going it alone." I replied. Justin's smile sank. "As you're so knowledgeable on this subject are you going to be our tour manager?" asked Chris, causing me to laugh. "You've got to be kidding! Your regular manager and your tour manager? Are you insane?" I snorted. "You'll have a tour manager who'll go with you and sort out the day to day problems, Johnny is conducting interviews for the position next week." "You're not coming with us?" Lance questioned, with a hint of sadness in his voice. "No, I'm not." I smiled warmly, "Now, more urgent issues, we're going to announce this tour with a press conference on Monday. But, I only want three of you to be there." "Only three? Why only three?" Britney joined the conversation. "JC has already told me that he is... otherwise disposed." I lied, but I think the guys caught on, "I don't want it to seem as though he's been excluded for any particular reason, it'll look better if another of you is missing - sort of spread the intrigue." I explained, yet I was still confronted with five puzzled faces. "Actually, that might work quite well..." Joey started "...I was hoping I could have next week off, I want to go visit my family." "Um... well before I agree, I should probably warn you that you need at least three songs written before you go back into the studio." I advised. "That shouldn't be a problem... JC's got one finished and Wade and I are about halfway through one, so that leaves one more... we could get together one day in the week and work something out." Justin suggested. "I've got a song." Lance blurted. "You wrote a song?" Justin was shocked, but quickly composed himself, "Good for you Lance... but... uh... it is sing-able... not too low or anything is it?" This caused us all too laugh, and Britney to playfully hit Justin in the chest. "Ok then, since that's settled... you can have your week off Joe." I smiled at him. "Thanks Alex!" He screamed happily. We continued to chat for a few minutes, I got to know Britney a little better and I think all of the guys were trying to cheer Lance up, who still seemed a little down. *** "C'mon Alex! Dance with us!" Chris shouted over the loud thumping of the music. I looked around the dance floor for Lance, and saw him grinding into a brunette girl. I grinned at Chris, if Lance could do it, why couldn't I? Standing from my bar stool as a signal that I would dance, Chris began to pull me into the middle of the club. Lance smiled at me when he saw us nearing him and then went back to his dance partner. Chris then tapped me on the shoulder and pointed at a pair of girls who were dancing together. They were kind of good looking, you know, for females. I followed my friend over to the pair; we cut in between them and paired off. I let myself get lost in the music, but tried to pay enough attention to the girl I was dancing with so that she wouldn't get pissed. Justin was spending the night at JC's place, trying to make him see sense. Joey was in New York, visiting his family. Lance, Chris and I were here, in this club, dancing to the music. Lance was still not back to being himself - the MTV incident had made him realize just how much he was hated by JC. I think it might have scared him back into the closet, if that's possible. I was hoping that this night out would cheer him up and maybe make him feel good about himself once more. My thoughts were interrupted by a warm, wet set of lips being pressed against mine. The girl was kissing me! I pushed her off me, coughing and spluttering. I pushed through the crowds of people, wiping my mouth on my sleeve. I broke free of the dance floor and could see the table that one of the waitresses had kindly kept free for us. Grabbing another drink from the bar, I went to sit at the table, where I now found Lance, who was gulping down another vodka. "Chris just left with his girl." He told me, as I sat down. Then he sighed, and brought his glass to his lips, taking another sip. I placed my hand on top of his on the table in a gesture of support, but quickly removed it when I realized the action's connotations. He smiled at me, "Wanna dance?" he grinned. I inwardly groaned thinking that he was coming on to me. "Sure." I answered, despite myself. Taking my beer bottle with me, I stood and followed Lance into the center of the dance floor. We began to dance, I kept my distance from him, but he insisted on moving closer to me. He bumped and ground against me, and I subtly continued to avoid him, but it was no use. The general public seemed to think that Lance had difficulty dancing, I had never had the opportunity of comparing his skill against the others, but he was damn good at shaking his body tonight. He was attracting quite a lot of attention, and just a few songs later we had a large crowd of people surrounding us. At least he was enjoying himself, I thought, while trying to imitate him. When were both slick with sweat he took my hand and pulled me back to our table. "Want another drink?" he asked, still not letting go of my hand. I pulled it free. "Would you mind if we called it a night?" I asked, stifling a fake yawn, "I worked all day and wasn't planning on staying up all night." "Sure, why didn't you say something earlier?" He became concerned, and pushed me towards the exit. After Lance had said a few goodbyes to the barman and bouncers, he directed me to follow him out onto the street. The cool night air hit me as we left the humid club, and I felt myself shiver as we walked along the sidewalk. Lance must have noticed it as well, "Are you cold?" He asked, his forehead creased with concern, "Do you want my jacket?" "Such a gentleman," I grinned "But I'll be fine." He nodded and went to take my hand, but quickly stopped himself. I think he hoped that I didn't notice, I did but chose not to make a big deal out of it. I put it down to the alcohol. We walked in silence, looking for a cab, eventually one drove past us. I hailed it, shouting "Taxi!" It pulled onto the curb, allowing us to get in. We rode in silence. I stared out of the window, watching the city go by. At times during the journey I turned to see Lance looking at me, I smiled at him, but he offered no response. I watched the cityscape fade into the Florida countryside as we neared Lance's house. At that point I wondered why I was even sharing a cab with him, as it probably would've been quicker for me to get my own. No sense worrying about it now, I thought to myself. We passed under a streetlamp; I caught Lance's reflection in the window, he was looking at the back of my head again, with a sort of wistful expression on his face. The cab slowed to a stop as we pulled up outside Lance's gates. I turned to look at him; his eyes were bright yet filled with lust. It's the alcohol, it's the alcohol, I kept telling myself. "I'll... uh... walk you to your door." I said. No! Stupid Alex! Why did I say that? I stood from the cab and told the driver to wait for me. Lance got out and entered the security code at his gates. We then walked up the drive together, in silence. But his cursory glances were not missed by me. We reached his doorstep and stood facing each other. "Alex..." Lance began, leaning in close to me, "Thanks for coming out tonight... it really helped." I could feel his warm breath on my face, and smell the vodka on it. He licked his lips slowly, sensuously; his eyes locked onto mine. I felt I should respond, before I did something I would later regret, "It was a pleasure Lance...I enjoyed..." I stopped when I felt his arms snake around my waist. I reacted quickly, in an attempt to prevent the inevitable. "Uh... Goodnight Lance." I blurted, before turning and jogging down the driveway towards the waiting taxi. I didn't stop to look back. *** "Oh hi, sweetheart, come on in." My Mom stepped back from the door and allowed me access. "Hi Mom... Long time no see." I greeted her, kissing her on the cheek. "Oh please, it's been two weeks!" She laughed. "And don't call me that, you know I hate it!" "But Mum..." I whined, in my English accent "...all the kids at school make fun of me." I pouted childishly. "Be quiet, you big drama queen!" She grinned, "Now lunch will be ready in about half an hour..." "Where's Jesse?" I interrupted her. "Upstairs... but you can't go up there... he's doing school work!" She shouted after me, as I bounded up the staircase. "Just call when it's done Mum!" I yelled, as I reached the door to my brother's bedroom. I knocked and went in, not waiting for an answer. I saw him sitting at his desk, scrawling something a piece of paper. He was wearing headphones, and his head was bopping along to the music. I pulled the headphone from his right ear, "Hey, lil' bro!" I shouted, causing him to clutch his ear and pull the things from his head. "You're tellin' me you can listen to that racket at that volume, but me saying 'Hi', hurts?" "You didn't say it, you shouted it." He huffed. "And Mum calls me the drama queen." I laughed. He spun on his chair, and gave me a look that told me he wasn't best pleased with my remark. "Do you know anything about Biology?" He asked. "I'll give it a go," I leaned over his shoulder and studied his notes, and then added a few scribbles to the some of the diagrams. "Oh!" He exclaimed "Thanks." "Uh... Can I talk to you a minute? Its something which I've been meaning to mention for a few months... but I never got round to it." I asked seriously. "Um... Ok..." He answered apprehensively. "Ok, so it's about you're... allergy." I began. "Oh God, why don't I like the sound of this? Did Mum put you up to this?" He blushed. "No. I kinda thought that this was a Dad thing, but well since ours... you know." I tried to explain. "Yeah... so is this gonna be what I think it is. Cos I already know all about the birds and the bees." He grinned. "I guessed that." I laughed. "So, short and sweet." I pulled the box of condoms from my pocket and threw them at him. He caught them. "But you know I can't..." "Non-Latex. Polyurethane or something. I figured buying condoms was embarrassing enough at your age, let alone having to ask for hypo-allergenic ones." "Uh... Thanks." He managed to croak out, he was bright red. It was really funny, but I managed to stop from laughing, so as to save him from more discomfort. "Mind if I change the subject?" he asked. "Go ahead." "You and Lance... are you an item yet?" He grinned, and quickly returned to his regular skin color. "You really don't beat around the bush, do you?" "Nope" "The answer is no, we're not together." I said. He stared intensely at me for a few moments and then broke out into a smile. "You've kissed him though... I can see it." "You're such a freak." I sniggered. "But I'm right." He laughed. "We're just friends." "Friends who've kissed... and whatever else you've done." He pushed. "We've just kissed... Listen, Jesse, we work together, it wouldn't work." I tried to make the situation clear to him. "Alex, it's the only way it could work... you're both so busy... at least you would be together. With anyone else you might only see them a few hours a week... or less." He attempted to convince me. Refusing to admit that he could be correct, I ended our conversation, "I'm going downstairs to help Mum with lunch, I'll shout when we're done." He nodded and grinned, knowing that he had gotten through to me. *** End of Chapter 8 *** Yes, I know it was another short one, but I think I'm getting kind of impatient waiting for the two of them to get together. As a few of you are, judging by the e- mail. Talking of e-mail, it was severely lacking after the previous chapter, I need to know what you think of the story so that it continues to go in the right direction. So send feedback to: mystories@btinternet.com One other thing that seems to have been slightly controversial, is my decision to use JC as the bad guy. Firstly, it had to be someone, and it's never him so I chose to be different, and secondly, I have a plan, and this is the best way that I can think of carrying it out. I know I'm not giving much away, but I wouldn't want to spoil the plot. Anyway, thanks for reading, Tris.