Disclaimer: This is a work (or attempt at least) of fiction. All names and characterizations here are of people both make believe, living, dead, or somewhere in between is just that - fiction. If they happen to have the same name, characteristics, or overall similarities like someone from a Boy Band or two, than it's completely coincidental with the people that I have within my twisted little head!

Please Note: You will not find any gratuitous, superficial, or hot monkey sex in this story. This is going to be a romance, not a beat off story so don't expect two characters to meet, say hi, and rip each other's clothes off and screw their little brains out. There will be sex, but I will infer it and leave most of it up to your dirty little minds.

Lastly, if it is illegal for you to read this here attempt at a story where you may live, move the hell out of where you live to a more tolerant part of the world. If you are too young to read this where you live, move or get a fake ID to prove your age. If neither of these are practical, get the old pervert down the street with all the porn on his computer to print it out for you and sneak it in your house. Just don't get me involved!

Legal Info: This story and all it's contents is copyright (c) 2001 Jojoe@nycap.rr.com. Rights are granted ONLY to the Nifty Archive Alliance (Nifty.org) for the sole purpose of posting to their archives for others to read. ANY unauthorized posting without the author's expressed WRITTEN consent will be dealt with legally. Another words, if you want to share the story ASK ME FIRST!

Author's notes to follow at the end of the chapter. Please visit my website at: www.slashstories.com. I post a chapter here at least 24 hours before it appears at Nifty. Please support myself and other authors. The fee is cheap, all you need to do is e-mail us with a quick note saying thanks, liked the story. See, simple!

Chapter 9 - Dine the Dinner of Kings with Friends

I woke up the next morning a little disoriented and confused. I was disoriented at first because it took a second or two to remember that I'd spent the night with James, and confused because I was presently lying on my back. I never sleep on my back. What I saw next made my heart swell and forget about my sleeping position. James was laying partially on me with his head on my chest and with his left hand draped over me, on his stomach. He looked so totally at peace and rested that I couldn't help but watch him sleep. Looking over at the clock on the other nightstand I noticed it was a little before 9:00 a.m. Damn. I was never up that early if I could help it.

I just lay there content to watch him sleep. About fifteen minutes later I started to notice a subtle change in his breathing. His eyes fluttered open and he gave me a cute sleepy smile. "Good morning Booboo, I hope you slept well last night," I said as I leaned over and kissed his forehead.

"Slept well? I never slept so soundly before in my life. You make a great pillow. I could definitely get used to sleeping like this," he stated as he leaned up and gave me a proper good morning kiss. Morning breath or not, neither of us gave a damn. Hell, he could have breath that smelled like something died in his mouth and I wouldn't care. How could you not kiss that face?

After a proper good morning James just put his head back down on my chest and snuggled in. Hell, who was I to complain? We just stayed snuggled up like this not having to say a word to each other for another half-hour or so until the call of nature became too insistent and my bladder was screaming for relief.

"James I could stay here like this for hours with you but if I don't let me get up soon to go to the bathroom you're going to have a wet bed." (If I were standing up I would be doing the peepee dance. You know the one I was referring to, where you go from foot to foot? Yeah I thought you would.)

He rolled off me and with a smirk on his face said, "Oh damn, not into watersports are we? Too bad" He saw the dumfounded look on my face and starting laughing his ass off. "Got ya babe! You should have seen the look on your face!"

I just gave him the evil eye and ran to the bathroom. Finishing my business, and after washing my hands (hey, we all have to practice good hygiene. Kill those germs damn it!) I walked back into the bedroom wondering if James started getting ready for the day yet or not.

He was still lying on the bed, and with a smile patted the area where I was just a few minutes ago, clearly telling me to join him on the bed again. No need to ask me twice I thought. Climbing in he leaned over and kissed me. "Feeling better? I kept the bed warm for you."

"Yeah" I said, "feeling much better thank you." I gave him one of my patented little kid smiles. "Maybe next time you can give me a hand?" Now it was his turn to give me a shocked look. "Touche love. Two can play at that game."

"Seeing you're back from your little trip, you can keep the bed warm for me!" and laughed as he bounded out of bed and made his way to the bathroom. I just lay there laughing at his antics. I have a feeling this was a side of James that not too many people get to see.

By the time James emerged from the bathroom I had propped my head up on the pillows waiting patiently. He crawled back into bed and took the same position he had while he was sleeping. We both took in a breath and let out a sigh of contentment at the same time, breaking out into giggles at both of us doing the same thing.

James was the first one to speak. He looked up and asked "What do you see when you look at me?" He looked so serious but apprehensive I almost laughed, but I didn't. I had an idea where this came from, but I wasn't completely sure.

I just leaned over kissing his forehead then rubbing his back while talking, told him exactly what I saw. "I see a very beautiful man that has the most amazing eyes in the world. You probably hear that all the time, how striking they are and it's all true. I have never seen a shade of green quite like yours. But that isn't the only thing about them that I love. You're eyes are so expressive. Looking into them I can truly see into your soul. One look into your eyes and I can almost see what you are thinking and feeling. I also love your eyebrows, although they can drive me crazy sometimes with the way you move them." This got a chuckle out of both of us.

"I know you sometimes get kidded about it, but I love the color and feel of your skin. It's so smooth, it reminds me of fine porcelain. It's almost like if I touch you too hard you will shatter into a million pieces. Your body is nicely toned but not too muscular and you have the cutest cheeks I have ever seen, almost like a cherub's. Your lips are so soft and perfectly shaped that I want to kiss you every chance I get. I can't forget to mention that you have the cutest little bubble butt I have ever seen as well!" He got a laugh out of that.

I continued on with "That's not all I see when I look at you. I see a lot more. I see a loving and caring man who takes care of the people that he loves. I also see someone who has a lot of inner strength. You radiate an aura of calm and authority that is rare in anyone, especially from someone so young as you, it's what my grandmother calls an old soul. What totally amazes me is I see you do it all without a complaint or expecting recognition other than a thank you now and then. You also take care of and organize most of Nsync's business for the other guys while also running a management company and a production company while still performing and keeping up with all your appearances. I would be dead and buried just being in your shoes for a week, and you have been doing it for years!" That got a laugh and a shy smile.

"But most of all I see a man that I love that has a very strong set of morals and faith in people and God. A man that learned how to be an adult but is not afraid to still be a kid every once in a while when the mood strikes. A man who is not afraid to show his emotions instead of thinking it a weakness. A man that I respect. A man that I proudly call my boss but most importantly my boyfriend and the love of my life."

The last part did it. The floodgates opened and the look of surprise but most importantly love showed on his face. I just leaned over and gave him a kiss on the forehead and followed it up with a kiss on the tip of his nose.

When James found his tongue again he managed to say, "my god, you had me speechless. In the course of a week you saw all that? I don't think most of the guys, maybe with the exception of Joey, and I doubt even he knows me that well. How? How could you get to know me so well in less than a week?

"I can't tell you how I know. I just feel it. I think it's that connection I mentioned when we talked about us dating. I've never felt closer to someone as I feel towards you. I've never been this open with anyone before either. I feel that I can tell you anything. I don't know how to explain it any other way."

"No, I understand" James said. "That' pretty much how I am with you. I don't feel I have to hide, no that's not the right word, I feel that I don't have to protect anything from you, that you would never intentionally hurt me."

"Exactly. Ok, now it's my turn. Same question to you Booboo, when you look at me, what do you see?" While I asked him this I was lightly running my finger up and down his arm as he was drawing shapes and playing with the dark hair on my chest.

He rearranged himself so he could look me in the eyes more comfortably and said, "I see a lot of things. First of all there is your appearance. You're about what, 5'6"? A few inches shorter than me, which to be honest I kinda like that. You also have the most beautiful eyes. I noticed them right away. I love that shade of green they are and I think the brown ring in the center of them really sets them off. Like we talked about last night you're not the thinnest guy around, but I like it that way, more of me to grab and love. It wouldn't be nearly as nice say if you were as skinny as someone like Justin. I can't even tell you how nice it is to cuddle with you. I also think you have the perfect shade of brown hair, it really sets off your eyes as well. And I really like the chest hair, I love running my fingers through it. Not having any chest hair of my own, I really like it, it's so soft."

He leaned up and kissed me emphasizing what he just said then continued. "That's not even the best part. The best part is what is in here and here." The last part was said while pointing to my head and my heart. "You're very quick thinking and smart, grasping onto things immediately. You're definitely my equal there. You have a quick whit and like to make me laugh and smile. It's almost like you know just what to say to make me smile or lift my spirits. You're loving and caring, and you unselfishly think about taking care of my needs before you even think about taking care of yours, like the massage you gave me last night."

"You're welcome by the way," I added with a smile.

"Shut up, I'm not done yet," he added chuckling. "One of the things I love the most about you is that you listen to me. You'll be surprised how many people don't listen to what I have to say because of my celebrity status. When we talk about anything you give me your full and undivided attention. You make me feel like I'm the most important person in the world."

"You are to me," I said, barely above a whisper. "I love you, always and forever." It wasn't a statement, it was a fact.

"Always and forever" he echoed.

We stayed in bed for another hour or so just enjoying each other's company. We finally got out of bed and ready for the day around 11:30 a.m. I had to get moving as dinner wasn't going to make itself and I had a lot of cooking to do, and besides we were both starving.

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Getting to the kitchen James started to get some breakfast, which was actually more of a brunch, ready and I stopped him right there. "What the hell do you think you're doing in MY kitchen?"

"What do you mean YOUR kitchen" James asked picking up on my playful tone.

"For your information as of yesterday I commandeered it. It is now my kitchen. And in my kitchen I do all the cooking unless I give you permission."

"Fine, fine. I get the picture." He tried to carry off a pissed off look and was failing miserably.

"Good!" I said. "Why don't you go sit at the table and look pretty for me." I just couldn't resist that jab.

"Oh, getting personal now are we!" Jameswas having a hard time not laughing.

I couldn't keep it going, as I was about 30 seconds from laughing my ass off. "Yep, you bet your cute bubble butt I am!"

That did it, we both started laughing. After we got control of ourselves I said, "today is your day off. There is to be absolutely no work for you today. That includes cooking mister. Why don't you go and get the paper and relax at the table while I cook. How does eggs, bacon, and French Toast sound with coffee and orange juice?"

"Sounds great! Ok, you win this time. I'm going to grab the paper, I'll be right back."

"Ok love, I'll start the coffee."

Leaving me in the kitchen James walked out to the front door to grab the paper. Just as he opened the front door he was greeted by Joey as he was about to ring the doorbell.

"Afternoon Joey didn't expect you here so soon. Come on in the kitchen, Jojo is just about to cook brunch."

As they walked to the kitchen Joey said "good afternoon to you as well Scoop. Is it safe to go in the kitchen? I don't need to see Jojo naked or anything."

"No you ass, he is fully dressed just like I am. Get your filthy mind out of the gutter!"

"Why? The gutter is the perfect place to be!" James just shook his head laughing.

I heard James say something but couldn't quite make it out, then he and someone else laughing as they walked into the kitchen.

"Joey!" I exclaimed. "I didn't expect to see you here so soon. Would you like some brunch? I'm making eggs, bacon and French Toast."

"Yeah, sounds good" he said.

"Great, coffee should be ready in a couple of minutes and there's some fresh orange juice in the fridge"

"Damn Jojo, making yourself at home I see. We'll have to keep you around, you'll make the perfect housewife, or househusband in your case. Even did some grocery shopping huh? Hey I also noticed you didn't spend the night at my house last night. Anything I should know about?" Joey asked with his shit-eating grin plastered on that mug of his.

James and I said at the exact same time "Joseph Anthony Fatone Jr. get your mind out of the gutter!"

When we both realized we said the same thing, James and I burst out laughing. Joey on the other hand had a look of shock and kept looking from James to myself and back again. When he found his voice he said "Oh my god there's two of them! My life is going to be hell. They even think alike!"

James and I lost it. We couldn't have planned it any better if we tried. I just put my hand on his shoulder and said "Joey don't worry, I'll be easy on you, at least in the beginning anyway."

"Oh god, I'm dead. Why does this happen to me?" The mock hurt look on his face definitely didn't become him.

I just had to throw in "Joey, if that is the best acting you can do then you need to take more lessons."

"Ouch. Hit me below the belt why don't you. It wasn't that bad?"

James piped in with "yeah it was Joey."

By this time the coffee was ready, the bacon was frying, and the eggs and French toast were ready to go in the pan as soon as the bacon was almost done.

"So" Joey started changing the subject, "what happened last night? Did you finally christen the bed there Lance? Did Jojo rock your world? Huh? Details man, I want details!"

I let James field this one. "Joey get your mind out of the gutter. Yes we slept together last night, but that's ALL we did. Not that it's any of your business, but for your information we DIDN'T have sex if that is what you were getting at."

I added my own little bit as well with "and Joey, we don't plan on having sex for a while yet. We won't until and when we make a lifetime commitment to each other."

"Wow Lance, you found a guy with the same values that you have. You guys sound like you're made for each other," Joey piped in.

James gave me a smile from the table saying, "yeah Joey, I think I finally found the one."

Returning the grin I said, "yep, I know I did."

Joey was nice enough to change the subject and we just started chatting about anything that came to mind while I finished brunch. Joey volunteered to take care of the dishes. I started to protest but he brought up that I cooked brunch and dinner so that was the least he could do. James stayed at the table reading the paper while I started dinner. I also think Joey used it as an excuse to try to see how I made my sauce.

I finally relented and told Joey what was going to be on the menu after he bugged me for a half hour straight. I swear to god he was practically foaming at the mouth when I told him I was going to make baked lasagna with homemade noodles, eggplant Parmesan, garlic bread, homemade spaghetti with meatballs and sausage, and a green salad with homemade Italian dressing.

James just looked at me laughing and said "Hun I think you got him so excited with the menu thathe might just cream his jeans any second!"

I just laughed while Joey moaned out "Oh my god Lance I can't believe you just said that!" Turning to me he asked, "What the hell have you done to our Scoop? A couple of weeks ago he wouldn't even think of saying that!"

I just laughed some more saying "I don't know Joey, but whatever I did I kind of like it!" He just moaned and muttered under his breath as he picked up the sports section of the paper and began reading. James and I just started laughing again. This was fun.

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As you can probably figure out I spent most of the time in the kitchen cooking. It wasn't until around 4:00 p.m. or so that I had a chance to sit down. The sauce was done for the most part and was just simmering and I already had the eggplant and lasagna made and ready for the oven. I had the garlic bread ready as well. All that needed to be done was making the salad and cooking the spaghetti.

All the guys got there by 2:00 p.m. and everyone seemed to gravitate to the kitchen while I was cooking. It seems that they truly wanted to get to know me better. Both Josh and Justin were visibly more relaxed around me, and Chris was having a ball with Joey trying to gang up on James and I. We were keeping up quip for quip with them, and even got a few extra zingers in there as well. After awhile they both gave up in defeat. Chris was totally dumfounded that we out quipped them. After they gave up both Josh and Justin 'welcomed' me to the family so to speak. Justin's exact words were "man, if you could whip both their asses like that then you HAVE to be a part of the family. Maybe the rest of us have a chance now!"

Shortly after 5:00 p.m. Meredith arrived. She went down the line giving all the guys hugs and kisses. When she got to James he picked her up and spun her around when he gave her a hug, Meredith laughing the whole time. As soon as he got done making her dizzy he set her down and introduced me.

"So you're the famous Jojo. Lance hasn't stopped talking about you. All I have to say is welcome to the family and I hope you stocked up on your sleep, because you are going to need it!"

"I wish everyone would stop saying that! Are you all trying to scare the hell out of me or what?"

Meredith just laughed. "No, just some friendly advice. I'm still dragging from the last time I went on tour with the guys and I didn't do nearly the shows they did. Blondie over there told me that you were going to be immersed in the Nsync part of the tour for a few months to get your feet wet before he turned you loose on your own so you'll need it."

"Hey" James exclaimed, "don't call be blondie, blondie!"

"Oh shut up James, I'm pumping the talent for information." I gave Meredith a wink when I said this so she knew I was just kidding.

James just stood there mumbling under his breath at a loss for words at the moment.

"Why don't you join me in the kitchen Meredith so we can chat some more while I check on dinner."

We both waked into the kitchen leaving a stunned James and a hysterical Joey in the other room. We both broke out into laughter as soon as we got there.

"How did you do that? You had Lance totally speechless in there. I have never seen him like that before. Damn you're good."

"Why thank you Madame. I do try my best. Always have to keep the boss on his toes you know. It's a gift that's been honed with many years of practice."

"Yeah" she chuckled. "I can see you're good."

Now it was my turn to be shocked when she asked "so how long have you and James been dating?" All I had to say is thank god I already slid the lasagna back into the oven at this point after checking it or it would've been all over the floor.

Now it was my turn to be speechless. James also happened to pick this time to come into the kitchen to see how we were doing. He noticed the shocked look on my face and asked Meredith "ok, what the hell did you do to him now Mer?"

"Who me? I didn't do anything to him. I just asked a simple question. Jeesh you make it sound like I hit him or something."

"James, it's ok. She just surprised me is all." I managed to get this out when I found my voice. One thing I didn't know was if he wanted to tell her about us or not. I know we talked about telling the guys but I didn't know if it also applied to her. I forgot to ask him.

"Ok, what did she ask?"

Before she had a chance to say something I thought I would answer that myself. "She asked me how long you and I have been dating."

James sucked in a breath and exclaimed "Miss Edwards, your momma raised you better than that. I should know sinceI've known you since you were five years old! You apologize to him right now for being so rude!" Damn I have never seen James like this. I made a mental note not to ever piss James off if I wanted to keep my head.

Meredith meekly replied saying, "I'm sorry for being rude to you Jojo. I won't let it happen again."

I gave her a small smile "apology accepted Meredith. By the way James, remind me never to piss you off. I want to keep my head." That seemed to do the trick and diffused the tension. I just got a smile from James.

"Thank you Meredith" James said. "Now to answer your question you so rudely asked, Yes Jojo and I are dating. If you weren't so impatient to know, we would have told you with the rest of the guys after dinner tonight. With that said I also want to remind you that that little fact remains in this room. We will tell the guys later tonight in our own way. You are also to keep this to yourself around any other staff now and in the future."

He went over to her and gave her a hug to show he wasn't mad any longer. "That's all I'm going to say to you now on the subject, but there is more that you need to hear. You will get the rest of the information later with the guys."

Meredith added after James was done with "Ok. I want to say I'm sorry to you as well Lance. It's just the way that you've been talking about Jojo, as well as how happy you've been lately along with the almost silent communication you had going on when we were introduced, I just kinda added everything together. You're like a big brother to me and all I want is to see you happy."

"Thanks."

While this was going on I had put the garlic bread in the oven and was working on the salad. Dinner would be ready in about 10 minutes so I thought I should interrupt and get things going.

"Booboo, dinner is just about ready. Why don't you go in the living room and tell the guys dinner will be served in about 10 minutes and ask them if they wanted to get washed up first. Meredith would you mind helping me get the drinks and dinner on the table?"

James spoke first. "Yeah Hun, no problem. Want me to help you with anything?"

"No thanks, Meredith and I can handle everything. I already set the table in the dining room earlier. You could light the candles for me though if you wouldn't mind."

"Ok, got ya. Guys then candles. I think I can handle that."

I had to laugh. "Thanks love, now get out of my kitchen while the master is at work!"

After James left Meredith gave me one of those sideways looks and said "you really love each other already, don't you? I can see it in the way you talk and look at each other."

I had to smile. "Yeah we do."

She smiled back. "Good. He's been lonely for so long. He deserves some happiness. So, what do you need me to do?"

I thought for a second. "You could help me with the drinks while I get everything ready. In the fridge you'll see a large pitcher of ice water and a bottle of red wine. Could you please pour them for me?"

"Yeah, no problem."

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Dinner turned out better than I thought. The sauce was one of my best pots yet (and no I will not give the recipe to you. It's an old family secret that has been handed down from generation to generation.) The pasta I had my grandmother make and packed carefully was a huge hit. The guys ate so much I couldn't believe it, almost everything was gone. The way Joey was eating I thought I would have to literally roll him out the door later. The dinner conversation was very pleasant as well. They kept trying to tell me all the new stuff they were doing for this tour and I wouldn't let them. I explained I didn't want to hear about it, I wanted to see it as I didn't want to ruin watching the first concert. After all I am a fan.

When it became time for desert I told the guys to stay put, I had a little surprise for them. I cleared the plates and wine glasses and brought fresh ones and a bottle of Pear wine. All the guys looked at me weird seeing this. I explained that it was a very good wine, nice and sweet and crisp. There is a winery near Manchester Vermont (about 45 minutes from Albany NY) that makes about 12 varieties of wine, all from different fruits and flowers. They all gave it a try (except Josh, he stuck to water that night) and loved it. I told them to hold on, and I would be right back.

Going into the kitchen I took out of the pantry my surprise. It was a birthday cake for James. Seeing they had to spend his whole birthday yesterday in rehearsals I thought this would be a nice surprise. Yeah I know they had a party last week at Justin's, but this was different. This was going to be the private party. Putting in a bunch of candles (no I didn't put in 22, I didn't want to take the chance of burning myself LOL) and got them all lit.

Walking into the dining room I started singing 'Happy Birthday' while setting the cake down in front of James. The guys immediately joined in along with Meredith. While we were singing James just looked at me with a smile from ear to ear and a couple of tears running down his face.

When we were done singing James looked at me and said, "This has to be one of the most memorable birthday parties I've had. Thank you Hun." He then leaned over and gave me a kiss, and not on the cheek either, but on the lips.

Immediately after we heard 3 intakes of breath. Chris, Justin and Josh all had their jaws practically hitting the table and all had shocked looks on their faces. Joey and Meredith were sitting there with silly smiles.

I just grabbed James' hand for moral support while he said "um guys, I, no we, have something to tell you. I was going to tell you all a little later but I guess now would be a good time. Guys..."

(To be continued!)

Author's notes:

Well, here is chapter 9 and I hope that you enjoyed it. For those of you that wanted to get a better idea on how Jojo looks, you got your glimpse here. How many of you pictured him something like how I described here? I purposely made him look the way he does, because the majority of the people alive aren't perfect looking body wise. Most of us haven't walked off of a supermodel set, we are just normal people. We are all just people and that is one of the points I wanted to portray in this story.

Sorry this chapter is a day or so late being posted. After being gone all week with the training, I ended up going out Friday night after I got back with a good friend of mine that I hadn't spent any time with, and didn't get back to real late. Yesterday I had a wedding to go to, as my cousin got married and I ended up staying longer than I expected, hence not getting this posted and sent out until today. I hope that the wait was worth it.

I will be starting chapter 10 tomorrow hopefully, and should hopefully get it out to you next weekend. If any of you have any ideas on what you would like to see in the story, please give me a shout with your ideas. I'm willing to listen to any and all good ideas. I am also trying to keep this story as 'real' as possible. If I stray from this, please let me know.

Finally, a shout out to DJ, thanks again bud for editing this chapter. I am glad that your exams are over and school is finally out of the way for you. Just don't work too hard bud, you need your sleep. Just don't kill yourself working both jobs, it will catch up with you sooner or later. I know from experience!

TTFN,

Jojo