Date: Sat, 15 May 1999 13:27:34 CDT From: River Shant Subject: 'NSYNC-Brush With Fame Chapter 2 Disclaimer: This story is fiction. This does not imply anything about the members of *N SYNC. If you do not like it then don't read it. `NSYNC-Brush with Fame I put out what was left of my already dimming cigarette and looked around at the scenery of my front yard. My mind was going a mile a minute. I took a deep breathe in attempts to calm myself from what just happened to unfold in a new chapter of my life. Justin Timberlake of the most famous boy band in the world just altered my life. I would never be the same. I was so confused, but I couldn't help but smile. I turned and walked back inside. By the time I got back into the living room all the guys had changed back into their clothes and were watching the tellie rather attentively. "What's the matter, never seen a television before," I asked. They all laughed. Except for Justin who was too busy smiling at me with the deepest eyes of blue I had ever seen. "No, its just that we don't get to watch much TV on the road," JC explained. All the guys nodded in agreement. "That's too bad. I wish I could pull myself away from my television. It rot's the mind," I joked. We started laughing. Then the doorbell rung and the guys became rather excited because they knew it was their food. I walked over to the door and opened it. The pizza guy stood there telling me my total, which was rather expensive, but I didn't complain. I gave him a big tip for carrying all those pizzas out there. He thanked me and was on his way. We all started grubbing pretty hardcore. Joey, I have to say was probably the sloppiest eater I had ever seen. It looked to me as if hadn't eaten in 10 years. Lance noticed me staring at Joey and started laughing hysterically. He motioned to JC, Chris, and Justin and after one look at my half astonished-half disgusted face, started laughing just as hard as Lance. Joey looked up from his food, with pizza still in his mouth and merely said, "Huh?" I couldn't take it anymore so I started laughing along with the rest of the guys. But it didn't seem to phase Joey, he continued to eat as if nothing was going on. After dinner was over we all decided to hang out in my back yard and chill to some music. I couldn't decide on what to play so I let Lance pick. So he popped in Foxy Brown and we all jammed out to "Hot Spot". I really liked this song, but had to make fun of Lance for it. "Lance," I asked. "Yeah River?" "Did it ever occur to you that you're white and you like Foxy Brown?" Everyone started to laugh. "Well you are to, and you have this CD." The guys gave the occasional "ooh" to egg on Lance's come back. I was seriously in a corner and didn't know how to come back so I started acting dumb. "I, uhh, well that's because, um, I'm not famous, that's it. I'm not famous. People won't make fun of me for it." This wasn't a good enough answer for the guys so they started laughing at me and booing. I bowed in defeat for Lance and he just laughed. We talked about my life and their tour life for another hour or so and soon I was getting pretty tired. Luckily, JC mentioned that he was getting tired also which led to everyone else agreeing. Except for Justin who said that he wasn't tired and asked if I would mind if I would stay up and talk with him for a while longer. Of course I said yes, even though my body said no. I showed every guy to his rooms and they hastily accepted. By the time I got to showing Justin where he would be sleeping when he finally did decide to sleep I noticed that all the lights to the rooms the others were staying in had already gone off. Justin looked at me and said, "Where is your room?" "Right next door to this one. Come on. I'll show you where I hang my hat," I said, as he laughed at my attempt to sound southern. We walked into my room and I turned the lights on. He immediately walked over to my bed and plopped down. I sat on the chair next to the bed. He seemed disappointed. We started conversing about random things. By that time he could tell that I was getting tired. "Come over here and lay down. I can tell that you're sleepy. I'll sit here with you until you pass out and then I'll go to my room," he said. "Sounds money to me," I answered. I walked over to my bed and took off my shirt and my pants. I slipped into my bed with my boxers on. He just kept staring at me. I have to admit that that I loved the attention but I didn't know exactly how to handle it. I looked into his eyes. "What are you thinking about," I asked. "You," was all he said. I blushed and before I knew it, he was kissing me again. This time more passionately. I didn't fight it. But instead opened my mouth so that his wondering tongue had to wander no more. It had found its place in my mouth, making love with my tongue. Our tongues dance for what seemed an eternity. He pulled up and smiled. "You're gorgeous, you know that," I tried to respond but he kept talking, "You're brown hair is perfect, gray eyes to die for, and that body." "Please stop complimenting," I pleaded, "Besides you're not so bad yourself." "Why thankee," he said in a southern accent while tipping an imaginary hat. I had to laugh. He then began to remove his shirt and I got my first glimpse of his chiseled chest and rock hard abs. He motioned himself slowly on top of me and began kissing me again. I was really getting into it with my hands rubbing against his back. He let out a little moan that was soon silenced with my mouth. He started his hands down my chest and stomach right to the top of my boxers. That's when it hit me. What was I doing?!? "Justin," I whimpered and I started gently pushing him off of me, "I can't do this. Not yet at least. I just met you and I've learned my lessons from previous girlfriends not to go this fast." He got up and just looked at me. I thought he was going to yell at me and call me a tease but he just smiled. "That's okay River, I understand," He said as he ran his hands through my now messed brown hair, "We can take it as slow as you like. I really like you and whatever makes you happy, will make me happy dawg." I had to laugh at his pseudo ebonics that kinda screwed up this romantic moment. He just looked at me wondering what I was laughing at. I decided not to say anything. "Would you mind if I slept with you though, nothing else, just laying next to you will make me happy." "Of course you can sleep next to me, Justin, I didn't say we couldn't kiss, I just want this to go slowly." He nodded as he took off his pants and got under the covers next to me. I drew up close to him and he put his arm around me. I felt so secure. God, please don't let this end I thought to myself. I kissed him and said, "Goodnight Justin, thank you for making me happy. For once in my life I feel like I belong somewhere. All the times I wished my parents were here to shelter I learned to become independent, but now, with you, I am complete." I looked up to here his response. And of course, he was asleep! Boy did I felt dumb. I shrugged it off and faded into the dreamscape. In the morning I arose to a perfect sunrise. I looked at the person who was holding me and remembered what had happened the night before. I smiled. Trying not to wake my prince charming, I slid out of his arms and proceeded downstairs to the kitchen. No one was asleep yet so I decided to get some breakfast. Since I had no kitchen talent whatsoever I did what any spoiled rich kid would do. I hopped into my car and drove to this quaint ma and pa restaurant and ordered a shit load of food to go. When it was all ready, I hauled it into my car and drove home. When I pulled up I noticed the tour bus. I felt bad for the driver so I knocked on the bus door and offered him some food, which he graciously accepted. I told him he could come inside and relax but he declined because he didn't want to leave the bus. Geez, that man was loyal. He then told me that the guys would have to be leaving in a few ours and asked if I would wake them up. I told him it would be a pleasure. I got back into the house and started setting the table for breakfast. I laid out all the food and dishes. Then I decided it was time to wake the guys up. I walked up the stairs and started at the first room. It was Chris's. I walked in and tapped him on the shoulder. He didn't respond so I shook him. "What," was all he could manage. "Time to get to get up. You guys have to leave in a few hours so I got breakfast ready. It's on the table downstairs. Wake yourself up and go dig in," I said (almost fatherly in a way). He nodded and made his way down stairs. I made my way to Joey's room but He walked out before I could knock. "I smell food," he said groggily. "It's in the dining room, go help yourself," I added. Boy did he fly. I kept walking down the hall and came upon Lance's door. I knocked. "It's open," Lance hollered from within. I walked in and Lance was sitting there on the bed wiping the excess sleep out of his eyes. "Morning beautiful," he laughed when I said that, "You guys are leaving in a few hours so I got some breakfast. Get your ass down there I don't want it to get cold before you eat." "Yes sir," he said as he saluted. I turned to leave and he followed me out of the door and made his way downstairs. I walked further down the hall and came to the room JC was sleeping in. I knocked and received no answer. I knocked again, again no answer. So I open the door and there he was under the sheets dreaming away. I tapped him on the shoulder, which was bare because he had taken his shirt off. I tapped even harder and all the sudden he grabbed me and pulled me into bed with him. He began rubbing me all over and kissing my neck. "Lance, I love you," he said as he kept kissing me. I soon felt something hard pressing into my side, HE WAS NAKED! I tried to keep my composure. "JC it's me, River. It's time to wake up." "What? Riv-OH MY GOD!!! I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to," I cut him off. "That's okay. I understand. Mornings are bad for all of us," I tried to calm him. "But what I said," again I cut him off. "Don't worry about it, your secret is safe with me. Now get up, oh I see you already are UP," I laughed while I looked down under the sheets he turned flame red, "Just kidding, you guys have to be going in a few hours. There's breakfast in the dining room. Now get some clothes on guy." I then proceeded to leave the room. "River," he called out. I turned. "Thanks for everything," he added. I bowed my head in acknowledgement and left the room. I turned the corner and stepped into my room to see Justin fast asleep. I approached him slowly and began to nuzzle him into consciousness. He responded with a few short grunts and I kept nudging. "Wake up sleepy," he grumbled something about being tired, "Wow aren't you the cranky one? Well it's time to wake up. You guys are leaving soon and I want you to eat something before you go. And fix that hair, it sure is nappy in the morning!" He laughed and got up. He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me in for a kiss. "Well good morning to you too," I said. He grinned. "Now get dressed and go downstairs. I'll see you in a few," I said as I exited. I never was good at good morning with the person I liked. I got into the dining room to see everyone chowing down. They looked from their meals and smiled. I waved in response and headed out onto the veranda. "Where you going," JC asked. "Morning cigarette," I replied. "Well that's not good for you, but I'll keep you company because I've eaten enough," He said as he followed me outside. I lit my cigarette and took my first drag. It felt great. As I exhaled I noticed JC staring at me. "What," I asked innocently. "Those things will kill ya," he said. I shrugged. "At least I met you guys before I die. My life is now complete," I joked. He laughed at my comment and looked around. "It sure is nice out here. I would give anything to be able to stay her for an eternity," he mumbled. I looked at him and laughed. "Well mi casa es su casa amigo," I struggled with my Spanish, "Come over and stay whenever you like or just want to get away." "I'll remember that." By that time my cigarette was long gone so we headed back inside to find Justin at the table eating. "Well, look who finally made it downstairs," I said as I ran my hand messily through Justin's hair. "Hands off of the fro, yo!" I had to laugh at his outburst of poetry and slang. So did everyone else. I sat down at the table and ate some eggs and biscuits. I drank my coffee rather furiously hoping that it would wake me up more. "So are you guys rested and ready for the road," I asked. "Hell yeah," Chris responded. "I am," Joey said. "I wish I could stay longer but a schedule is a schedule," Lance managed to say. "I decided I'm quitting `NSYNC and am gonna live here with River," JC blurted out. We all laughed at his damsel in distress imitation. "I don't want to leave yet," Justin mentioned. I looked at him and then it hit me. He was leaving! The guy I was falling for would be gone in a couple of hours and I would probably never see him again. I wanted to cry but hid my sorrow behind a smile. After breakfast we were all sitting in the living room when the phone rang. "Hello," I asked. "Hey Riv, are you ready for practice?" It was Stellara. I totally forgot about dance rehearsal! We had competition in a few weeks and have been preparing for months. "Oh shit Stell, I forgot all about it! I have company and it slipped my mind," I tried to cover. "Company? Who?" "Well remember last night and,,," "OH SHIT! They're there aren't they? I can't believe you haven't called me yet." "I know and I'm sorry. I've just been caught up in keeping them entertained," I said trying to stay calm. "Well I'm coming over. I can't believe you have been keeping them all to yourself. I'll be over in a few. Bye!" She hung up the phone before I could respond. I walked into the living room and the guys were watching television again. "Who was that," Justin asked. "It was Stellara, she reminded me we had rehearsal," I said. "Rehearsal for what," Lance asked. "Dance," I said trying to hide my embarrassment, " We have a huge competition in a few weeks." "That's cool," Joey said excitedly. All the guys agreed. "So do we get to see your moves," JC asked. I freaked. "No way!" "Aww come on," Chris said. "Yeah show us, I'd love to see it," Justin added. I just smiled at him. "I, uhh," trying to change the subject, "wouldn't want to make you guys look bad." They all laughed. Then the doorbell rang and before I could answer it, Stellara walked in followed by Jane, Kat, and Skyler. "Hi Stell, and what are you guys doing here," I said to my uninvited friends. "Stellara called us," Jane offered. They all nodded. "So where are they," Kat questioned. "They're in the living room, go and say hi, but don't be a nuisance," I tried to act mature. " Whatever," Kat mocked while she made a dash for the living room. Then everyone else did so except for Stell. I walked into the living room and saw that everyone was chatting loudly about everything. Skyler seemed a bit jealous of Kat while she chatting with Lance and Joey. But his jealousy faded when he a Chris got into a playstation game very heatedly. They were really going at it. JC had made a friend in Jane and they were talking about the piano or something along those lines. Jane was a world class pianist, or so that's what we thought of her. She went to Carnegie Hall every year for a sold out performance. I guess that's what kept my friends and I so close. Music. Kat the bassist for a band that coincidentally Skyler played the drums for, Jane played rhythm guitar and keyboards for, and Stell and I sang for. But this band wasn't really anything we'd gamble our lives on. Just something to do. Aside from the band Stellara and me were wrapped up in this dancing kick. Stell and I walked over to Justin who was just observing the conversation around him. "Hi there," he said to Stell. "Hey to you to," she retorted. They immediately hit it off and in no time were talking about everything, but mostly about me. Stell had no decorum and was soon telling him about all my embarrassing moments. I was humiliated but took it in stride. "So River here tells us that you guys dance. Can we see it," JC asked. "Yeah. Come on! We want to see if he's as good as he says he is," Chris said. "I can't," I said, trying to think of an excuse, "Besides, my ankle is sprain!" I pretended to limp around the room in pain. Everyone laughed. But kept begging. "Riv, let's just do it. SO THEY'LL SHUT UP," Stellara said. Everyone laughed. "Yeah we haven't seen it either, and we're your best friends," Kat teased. "Well, okay. But it's still kinda rusty, so don't make fun of us. Let's go into the studio," I led everyone into my makeshift dance studio that had one been a garage. My parents never drove so I don't think they noticed. Even if there were construction workers in and out, they were totally oblivious. The music began, Tori Amos's "Spark", we moved languidly to the soft melody in a half- crazed daze. We did most of the technical dance stuff in this section. The leaps, pirouettes, and axles. Then the funk kicked it, it was Britney Spear's ".Baby One More Time", we did a lot of techno funk moves and pop arm movement. It was all so quick. I was already sweating. Then the finale came in. It was a segment from "Forever Young" of "NSYNC's debut European album. Everything went perfect. Stell did her tumbling pass and I did mine. It was now time for our last move that we have never been able to get. Stell would stand in front of me and do a back tuck. While she was in the air I had to catch her half way through the jump so she would be upside down. Stell looked at me to see if I was ready. I nodded. She jumped and tucked. I reached my arms out and caught her. I did it! The song ended and I released Stellara. We looked at everyone and they were silent. "Was it that bad," I asked. "That was the best dance I have ever seen," Justin exclaimed. Everyone applauded. "I've known you guys forever and I didn't know you could dance that well," Jane said. "I loved the songs you chose, especially that last one. Hehe," Joey said. The other guys laughed. "I thought you would," Stell shot back with a grin. "You guys would put Britney to shame," JC blurted out. We all laughed. The doorbell rang. It was the driver; he told me that it was time for the guys to hit the road. I wandered back into the studio to find Stell teaching the guys some of the moves. "You guys, it's time for you to go," I said sadly. "Damn," Chris said annoyingly. They headed for the door and Justin called out to me. "River," he said, " I think I left my wallet in your room. Will you help me find it?" "Of course," I replied. I followed him into my room and there I started looking around. "Where did you leave it last," I asked. "Right here," he said as I looked up and he pulled it out of his pocket. He then pulled me into his arms and gave me a kiss. It was soft and passionate. Our tongues danced to an unheard beat. "I wish this didn't have to end," I cried out. "Me either, but I have an obligation. Here take this. It has my cell phone number and my address. Use it to keep in touch," he handed me a card as he spoke. "I will do that," I said as I leaned in for one last kiss. I walked him out to the bus where everyone else was exchanging farewells. I hugged all the guys and said good bye. I also told them that if they ever needed a place to stay just drop by. They said they would and in no time they were off, with Justin looking out of the window and waving. Was it over, I asked myself as the tears flooded my eyes and overran the dam that was holding them back. Would I ever see my Justin again? That's chapter two, I hope you enjoy it. There is a lot in store for this story but it's gonna take time to get it moving. All the details have to be carefully set. Please bare with me, I know you'll like how it turns out. And of course, if you have any comments or suggestions please feel free to e-mail me at groundwriter@hotmail.com. The next chapter will be up very soon.