Date: Thu, 20 May 2004 16:11:24 -0600
From: D R <shywriterboy29@hotmail.com>
Subject: Boy Bands - That Day 5

I know I know you all thought I had completely disappeared from the planet
and forgotten about this story.  I assure you I am back, I am writing and
this story will continue as planned.  Life just got very busy and I had no
time to think of story lines let alone sit down and type them out.  I
apologize for taking so long but I promise I'm back for good.

Keep the comments coming!! I would still love to hear from each and every
one of you who want to write me. The more feedback I get the more I know
where to take the story.  Plus I like hearing from you all!!

Please email your thoughts and comments to Shywriterboy29@hotmail.com.

Disclaimer
This story is totally fictional and is not meant to imply anything about the
personalities of NSYNC or any other celebrities mentioned. If you are under
the age of 18, offended by male/male material, or it is illegal to view such
materials in your area, you should be leaving now.  If you are looking for a
story with lots of sex, this is not the story for you then! This is a story
of love and friendship.  Sure there will be sex, but it will not be an all
out orgy every story.

With that said I hope you enjoy the story!!

NOW ON WITH THE SHOW!!!
__________________________________________________________________
PREVIOUSLY ON THAT DAY

I was giggling as I walked past Lance, who was still sitting at the table.

"Hey, Cody," he said standing up

"Yes, Lance?" I replied, turning to face him.  Before I knew what hit me,
his
arms extended, pulling me into a hug. The electricity resurfaced again as
his arms wrapped around my body, squeezing me gently. His face was right
next to mine as we stood cheek to cheek hugging.

"Thanks," he said as I felt his warm breath on my neck.

Very close to the point of melting, I was barley able to squeak out "You're
welcome."

We stood there hugging for about 30 seconds when we heard Josh yelling from
the room "OK, I give, I give."

We released our hug and Lance looked at me smiling. "OK let's go tear those
two apart and go get something to eat."

"Sounds like a plan to me," I said smiling back. "I'm starving."

We walked back into the room and found Josh pinned to the ground with Joey
on top of him.  Lance managed to pry them off of each other so we could go
eat.  We quickly grabbed our stuff and headed out to Joey's rental car.
With Josh and Joey in the front, and me and Lance in the back, we rode to
dinner just chatting up a storm.

I felt very comfortable around Lance, Josh and Joey.  I knew I was in a good
place and that I was supposed to be here. It was surprising to me how life
can take a turn and completely change the scheme of things.  Little did I
know that life was about to take another turn that would change my life
indefinitely.
__________________________________________________________________

That Day
By ShyWriterBoy

Chapter 5

Conversation was far from lacking as we talked about anything and
everything. It didn't matter what subject it was, we talked, and talked, and
talked about it.  It amazed me how much the 4 of us had in common.  Then,
all of a sudden it hit me, the 4 of us? I was no N'Sync expert but something
was wrong with this picture.

Mid conversation I piped up, "Umm guys, I may not know everything about you
but I do know that N'Sync is made up of more than just the three of you.
Where are the other two?"

"What are you trying to say, Cody?" Joey said looking back at me through the
rear view mirror as he drove.  "Don't you think the three of us can make
such beautiful music?  You'd be surprised at how high Josh can go when you
twist the right spot."

Boy, if looks could kill, the one that Josh shot to Joey at that moment
would have vaporized him right there. As serious as could be, Josh retorted
"I thought YOU were the one that liked things twisted and played with. You
weren't complaining last night, now were you?"

The look of shock and sudden embarrassment on Joey's face caused Lance, Josh
and I to burst out laughing.

"You know I don't swing that...what are you trying to...I don't get into that
kind of ...OH NEVERMIND!" Joey said resigning himself back to driving.

Seeing him sputter like that only fueled the hysterical laughter that had
enveloped the three of us.  My sides hurt from laughing so hard and tears
were running down my face.  It didn't help any as Lance piped up through
tears of his own "Oh Joey calm down, don't get yourself all twisted."

That caused another uproar as the three of us, and even Joey, burst out
laughing again.  It was good that Joey was playing along in this and that he
did not take us seriously.

After awhile we calmed down and could breathe again.  It was nice to laugh
but I realized that my question never got answered.

"OK guys, without losing it again, can I ask?  Where are the other two?" I
said out loud for a second time.

"Justin and Chris had to fly back to Orlando to take care of some personal
stuff." Lance said, "They should be back..." he was interrupted by his cell
phone ringing.

"Why speak of the devil." He said flipping open his phone. "Hey, Curly,
what's up?  Oh really, cool.  So you got it all taken care of then?  Good.
Oh, we're just on our way to dinner with our new friend Cody.  Yeah, he's
the one that Josh knocked into La La Land."

"HEY NOW!!" I said acting hurt, "Make me sound like a sissy why don't you."

"Well if the shoe fits," Joey said with a big grin.

"Watch it, Joey.  Don't make me go all twister on your ass." I said
sarcastically causing Josh and Lance to laugh.

I got the evil eye again from Joey.  I just shrugged it off.  I loved every
minute of this.

"Sorry, Justin, I'll explain what that was later," Lance said, getting back
to his phone call. "What?  Yeah, he is pretty cool." Lance said smiling at
me. "We are going to go eat at a BBQ place on the corner of Front and
Waterson Street.  Sure, you two can join us, when are you getting in?  OK,
we'll save a spot for you guys.  Hey Justin, what kind of a mood is Chris
in?  Alright then, well, just keep an eye on him.  OK, then we'll see you in
a while.  Bye, Curly."

I looked at Lance with a puzzled look.  "What kind of mood is who in?"

"Oh, it's Chris. He's been very moody lately and not much fun to be around,"
Josh said from the front.  "He can be a big asshole sometimes."

"Why is he so moody?" I asked.

"None of us really know.  It's been happening for the last couple weeks now
and none of us can figure out why.  Don't worry, I won't let him ruin
dinner.  This is your night and I want you to have fun," Lance said patting
my leg.

Trying the best I could not to completely melt in front of him from his
touch, I smiled brightly at him, "I am already having a lot of fun."

"Good, cause I wouldn't want to have to come back there and kick your butt."
Joey said in his tough guy voice.

"Ha, Ha, Ha Big Man!" I said sarcastically.  I looked over to Josh. "Josh,
would you do the honors?"

"Gladly!" He replied as he reached over and grabbed Joey's nipple through
his shirt and giving it a good twist, causing Joey to yelp in pain.

"Well now, Mr. Fatone," I replied, "Isn't that just a strange TWIST of
fate?"

The four of us erupted in laugher that lasted the rest of the way to the
restaurant.

We arrived at the restaurant and noticed a line of people out the door.  As
we got out of the car, I was worried that we weren't going to be able to get
in and get a seat.  I didn't want to wait and I'm sure that it would not be
good for these guys to be waiting in a packed lobby full of strangers.  What
if they were recognized?

I pulled Lance to the side and asked "Did you call ahead to let them know
were coming?  They look busy. Is it safe for you guys to wait should they be
full?"

He smiled at me, "Don't worry, I have it all taken care of.  Just follow our
lead and you'll be OK."

I nodded to him as we started toward the restaurant.  As we walked, I
noticed that Lonnie and another large man had started to walk with us.  I
guess Lance had informed them that we were going to be here. Though why we
needed security I had no clue, it was just a restaurant.  Lonnie noticed me
and smiled.  I smiled back at him.

As we approached the line of people waiting, I soon found out why we needed
security people there.  All at once the place became a madhouse, cameras
flashing and people screaming.  It all kind of startled me at first. It was
the type of thing you see on television at movie premiers and big fancy
parties.  We were just going to eat at some BBQ restaurant in downtown
Dallas, I didn't understand the whole scene.

We made our way past the line of people and inside the restaurant.  I was
impressed at how the three N'Syncers smiled, greeted people and seemed so
calm.  I was a nervous wreck and probably looked like a damn deer caught in
the headlights.

We approached the Host desk and the lovely lady behind it greeted us warmly.
"Hello Gentlemen, I'm very glad you're joining us this evening.  We have
reserved a dining room just for you and the manager has sent a complimentary
bottle of wine to your table.  Right this way and I'll show you back."

We followed her back to the dining room and we all took our seats.  It was a
very classy place and they made sure that we were very comfortable.  I took
a seat next to Lance, and we were across the table from Joey and Josh.

Lance leaned over and told Lonnie, "Justin and Chris will be joining us
shortly.  You may want to give Justin a call on his cell and let him know
about that madhouse out front so they can be prepared," Lonnie nodded and
quickly left the room.

I sat there with my hands on the table blankly staring into space.  I was
still reeling from that scene outside.  I truly wasn't prepared for what I
went through out front and I was just trying to calm myself down.

I wasn't paying attention as I felt someone put their hand on mine,
startling me.

I jumped as I heard Lance say, "Earth to Cody, are you there?"

"Yeah I'm here, sorry `bout that.  Just trying to catch up with what just
happened out there.  That was crazy.  Do you guys go through that a lot?"

"Just about everywhere we go," Josh said with a smile.

"Yeah it sucks sometimes that just about everyone on the planet knows who
you are," Joey added, smiling as well.

"We also think they're connected by some sort of secret network, `cause
everywhere we go, there they are.  It's even worse when we are on tour like
we are now," Lance said with a laugh.

"How on earth did you guys get used to all that?  It would drive me crazy,"
I replied shaking my head.

"Well, look at it this way," Lance said his hand still on mine. "It only
drives you crazy if you let it.  If you just smile and nod and just keep on
trudging it gets easier to handle."

"Well, no offense, but I'm glad I'm not a celebrity and don't have to go
through that again.  That was horrible," I said taking a deep breath and
putting my other hand on top of Lance's.

As always, the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end just like every
other time I touched him.  `Here we go again', I thought to myself as my
heart started racing.  We were looking into each other's eyes and I was
stunned with what I saw there.  I could have sworn that I saw electricity in
his eyes as well.  Does he feel it too when we get close to each other?  It
couldn't be.  A man like him would never be interested in a guy like me.
I'm never that lucky.

We just sat there staring at each other when the waiter came in.  Snapping
out of our trance and letting go of each other's hands, we ordered our
drinks and some appetizers.  We did not want to go ahead and order dinner
because we wanted to wait for Justin and Chris to get there.  After we
ordered, I politely excused myself and went into the restroom.  I needed
some air, plus I really did need to go.

I made my way to the Men's Room, still reeling from what I just felt between
me and Lance.  I have never had this sort of connection before with anyone.
I cannot explain it, and it's sort of scary, but for some odd reason it
feels right.  `Wait', I thought to myself, `could I be developing feelings
for him?'  Immediately I got very nervous.  I began thinking of my past
history with guys and dating.

It has been the norm for so long that I meet someone, click with them, began
to have feelings and then when I get up enough courage to act on those
feelings I get told "We're better as friends."

Sure I felt electricity like I have never felt before just being around
Lance, but in looking back at my history, our little relationship was
following down the same path as the others.  As much as I wanted to have
feelings for him, I could not allow myself to get very wrapped up in him.
This was just a thank you dinner and nothing more. After tonight I probably
won't ever see them again.

I reached the Men's Room with a sigh that put a period at the end of the
emotional sentence I was reading in my head.  I put all my nervous thoughts
away and went in to do my business.  I really had to pee, but despised using
public urinals, so I headed to the closest stall, went in and closed the
door.

I was sitting there doing my business when I heard the bathroom door open
and two men enter, talking rather heatedly.

"I can't believe he would do something like this, Curly!" a voice said
rather irritated.

"Oh calm down, Chris," the other voice said, "It's just to say sorry for
what Josh did."

`Josh?' I thought to myself, and then it dawned on me just who those two
voices belonged to.  I just sat there, not making a sound.  I wasn't sure
what they were talking about but I wasn't quite ready to leave yet, so I
quietly sat and listened.

"Lance knows nothing about this Cody guy," Chris said even more irritated.
"Why would they take a total stranger to dinner just because he got injured
in the line of duty? Don't you think he should have some plan for skittish
patients?  What all did he do to Josh to cause him to react like that? Hell,
he probably deserved getting knocked on his ass."

"Listen to yourself, Chris, you're sounding ridiculous," Justin retorted. "I
don't think this Cody guy means any harm.  He was only trying to do his job
when Josh reacted the way he did."

"That's bullshit.  He had to have done something else to Josh to make him
react like that." Chris replied rather pointedly. "Like I said before, he
probably deserved what he got.  He is probably some crazed psycho that is
going to milk this situation for all it's worth.  He probably has the same
intentions that everyone else we befriend has had, to gain money,
recognition and to suck as much out of us as he can.  I don't like him
already and personally don't think we should be involved."

"You're impossible, you know that?" Justin replied.

I was in total shock.  I knew they had no idea that I was in the room, but I
was totally taken aback at how Chris could talk like that about someone he
had never met before.  `I deserved to get knocked on my ass? I did something
to make Josh hit me?' I'm usually not an emotional person, but I was on the
verge of tears.  I decided right there that even though I had had a blast
with Josh, Joey and especially Lance, I did not want to be there any longer.

I stood up, made myself presentable again and opened the stall door.  I kept
telling myself over and over again `don't break down, don't break down.'  I
saw both men standing at the sinks washing their hands. They both noticed
me, through the mirror, as I came out of the stall.  I walked right up next
to the one I recognized as Justin and began washing my hands.  Through the
mirror I made sure that I made eye contact with both of them and, as best I
could, put a smile on my face.  I nodded a hello to both as politely as I
could, finished washing and drying my hands and very nonchalantly left the
Men's Room.

I made my way back to the table and took my seat next to Lance.  The three
of them were talking and laughing as I spoke up.  "Hey guys, I need to go."

"Why?" Joey said puzzled.

"What happened?" Josh retorted.

"You OK?" Lance said looking at me.

"I'm sorry, but I'm not OK," I said, trying not to cry.  "While I was in the
Men's Room," I began as Justin and Chris entered the dining room.  I looked
up and the looks on both of their faces were priceless to say the least.
Justin's eyes were wide and the horror he felt was evident.  Chris looked
shocked for a moment then immediately started to chuckle and just shook his
head.

"As I was saying," I began again. "While I was in the Men's Room, I found
out just how much I am wanted here.  It seems your two cohorts don't have a
very good opinion of me and made that quite clear."

The looks that Justin and Chris were getting from their other band mates
would have made even the strongest of men cringe.   Justin seemed visibly
sorry and humiliated for what was said but it didn't seem that Chris was
fazed at all.  He just sat there with a smirk on his face.

I started feeling the tears coming and I knew that I wasn't going to be able
to stop them, so I quickly started talking,

"Joey and Josh, thank you for being so nice to me.  I have had a great time
with you two. I am truly sorry for what I did to you Josh.  I'm just glad
that you're OK."

As I turned to face Lance, I felt a tear stream down my cheek. "Lance, thank
you as well.  Please remember that I'm here if you ever need to talk, and
you know what I mean. You have my numbers, so please feel free to use them.
Thanks again for everything.  I will see if Lonnie can give me lift back.
Goodbye, my friends."

With that I turned and left.  I heard Lance say, "Cody, wait", from behind
me, but I didn't stop, I just kept walking out of the dining room. I bumped
into Lonnie and he agreed to take me back to the hotel so that I could get
my car and go home.

I sat completely silent on the way back to the hotel.  I didn't say a word
to Lonnie and he didn't say a word to me.  The only thing that interrupted
the quiet was a phone call that Lonnie received on his cell phone. I didn't
even react to the break in the quiet, all I could do was think, `I knew this
was too good to be true.  I knew that one way or the other I would screw it
up and it would all fall to pieces.  Why do I do try when I know what the
outcome will be?'  I was completely devastated and just wanted to get home
and lock myself in my house for the rest of the weekend.

When we reached the hotel I politely thanked Lonnie for the ride.  I made my
way to my car, got in, closed the door and immediately began to sob.  I
could not believe that I could screw up such a wonderful night.  I truly
believed what Chris had said.  Maybe I did deserve to get knocked on my ass.
Maybe I was the psycho that he said I was.  I felt like a complete and total
failure. I quickly composed myself and headed home.

When I arrived at my condo, I went in, threw my keys on the table and headed
for my room.  Kicking off my shoes I flopped down on the bed and began to
sob some more.  I don't know how long I lay there, but after awhile I fell
asleep.  I woke up and looked over at the alarm clock, it read 8:30.  I
hadn't slept all that long but I felt better.  I had a new found energy
after my little cat nap and I knew that I wouldn't be able to go back to
sleep, so I decided to spend the evening in the safest environment I could
think of...completely ALONE.

I went to the living room and flipped on the TV.  I surfed through the
channels trying to find something good to watch but there was nothing on.  I
looked at the clock on the VCR and it read 8:45.  `OK', I thought to myself,
`this night is going to be eternal at the rate I'm going.'

Looking around, trying to find something to keep me occupied, I got up and
looked out the window of my front room.  The night sky was clear and the
stars were shining brightly.  The weather had been very warm today and the
night was no exception, so I decided that maybe a nice walk around my
complex would be good to clear my head.  Fresh air always did wonders for
one's body, mind and soul.

So I went back into my room and slipped on my shoes.  Walking out of my room
I grabbed my keys from off the table and headed out the door.  Quickly
locking the door, I turned to start heading down the stairs and noticed
someone sitting with their back to me on the bottom stair.  Paying no mind
to who it was, I walked right past them as I came down the stairs.  I had
taken about 3 steps past the stairwell when I heard a familiar voice from
behind me say "Hey, Cody."

My body and my heart stopped dead.  I slowly turned to see Lance sitting on
the bottom step.  He stood up and walked to where I was standing.  I could
see the tear stains on his face and my heart immediately broke in two.

"What are you doing here Lance?"  I asked looking into his hurt-filled eyes.

"You said that I could call on you any time I needed to talk," he said
taking my hands, "and right now, I think we both could use a shoulder."

He then gently pulled me closer to him, wrapping his arms around me.  I
stood there motionless for a second, not sure of how to react or what to do.
  Slowly I gave in and hugged him back.  All at once it felt like a dam had
broken in my heart, and I buried my face in his neck and just cried.

**To Be Continued**