Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2001 11:46:02 EST
From: Pete1211@aol.com
Subject: Lance JC and Astral Fan-14

Here we go with part 14. Just in time for the holidays. No time for fanfare
onto the usual stuff:

This is a work of fiction. It doesn't even remotely bare (sorry) bear a
resemblance to real life. I have no knowledge that NSYNC is gay, was or
will ever be. Explicit Sex? Sorry, not in this part. But if you're going to
stop reading, then I'm lying. Checkout page nine. Five guys, a head of
lettuce, a dozen tomatoes, a bunch of bananas and a gallon of olive
oil. "Can I toss your salad for you?" (For you loyal readers: don't believe
it. I just hate to be spurned) Read on.


	JC stepped from the bathroom with a towel around his waist. Lance
was already dressed.
	"Morning, lover." Lance gave JC a peck on the cheek. As JC walked
away Lance slapped JC's butt.
	"Lance!"
	"What?" Lance was trying to look innocent.
	"Have you been watching football again?"
	"No." Lance shrugged. "I don't know. I just felt like it." Lance
looked at JC. "Did it turn you on?" Lance asked eagerly.
	"Lance, when a little ass slapping turns me on, you'll be the first
to know."
	"Justin and Peter seemed to enjoy it." Lance started to pout.
	"We are not them and it was only a few slaps apiece. Besides you
hate pain."
	Lance faced JC. "Are you saying I'm a wimp?"
	JC fought back the urge. "No. You just have a low tolerance for
pain."
	"Says who?"
	"Lance, you need Novocain to get you into the dentist's waiting
room."
	"I'm just trying to expand our sexual range."
	"Really?" JC moved close.
	"Yes."
	"You mean you'd like to try a little bit of this." JC slapped
Lance's ass.
	"Ow! JC!"
	JC smiled. "You have pants on Lance. Can you imagine that against
your bare skin?"
	"Okay, I just wanted to try it. I found it very, ah, simulating."
	"So did I." JC took Lance in his arms. "But not for us. I can't
even think of causing you pain."
	"It was so hot watching them." Lance lay his head on JC's
shoulder. "I'm glad they've fallen in love."
	JC pulled back. "Well, we will see."
	Lance stared unbelieving. "You saw the aura. They're in love."
	"I'm sorry. But something in me wonders if it is truly love."
	Lance sat on the bed. "What do you mean?"
	"I mean Justin was Peter's first lover and it was Justin's first
time with a man." JC removed the towel. Lance was distracted for a
moment. JC slipped on his underwear. "You saw the care Peter was taking
with Justin.  That could have easily been mistaken for love."
	"I thought the care showed love."
	"Okay, maybe from Peter's side. But I still have a problem with
Justin falling in love so fast. I not so sure that it's more about love
here," JC pointed to his crotch, "then love here." He pointed to his heart.
	Lance got off the bed. He put his arms around JC resting his chin
on JC's shoulder. "I thought I was supposed to be the worrier between us."
	"You must be rubbing off on me." JC faced Lance. "It's just that
we're leaving this afternoon. I guess it would be easier on them if it
wasn't love."
	Lance kissed JC's cheek. "Speaking of rubbing off on you," Lance
pressed his crotch against JC's. "Remember when I did a lot of that? It was
our first time together."
	JC pulled Lance's hands around him. "Ah, yes, I remember it well."
	"We'd gone to a movie and you asked me back to your place to see if
we could catch our videos on TV."
	"Pretty pathetic excuse, wasn't it?"
	"It worked. You offered me a drink. Bourbon, I think." Lance
wrinkled his nose.
	"You said you wanted me to surprise you." JC stuck out his chin. He
took on a posh accent. "I thought Bourbon was so sophisticated."
	"I almost choked. The seven-up helped a little. I don't know how
you could drink that stuff."
	"Me? You downed that drink so fast and you were so gone. You
couldn't even sit up straight. You kept leaning against me." The light
dawned. JC peered suspiciously at Lance. "You weren't tipsy at all, were
you?"
	"I was only pretending. I wanted to be close to you." Lance
confessed. "When you weren't looking I poured the drink into the potted
plant on the end table."
	JC laughed. "That's why it died."
	Lance blushed. "I wasn't even thinking about sex. I just wanted you
in my arms and I ached to kiss you. I didn't know how you would react. I
could always blame it on the drink. Actually, I was scared to death."
	JC smiled. "So was I. I thought the drink might help. First to give
me courage and then to make you a bit more open. If you got mad, I could
say I was just fooling around." JC kissed Lance's forehead. "But when you
made the first move I couldn't believe it."
	"Was it that obvious?"
	"Obvious? You said, "JC, you that shirt looks good on you." You put
your hand on my chest and said. "Nice pecs. How often do you work out?"" JC
struck a pose. "Do you see any pecs?"
	Lance ran his hands over JC's chest. "You have all the definition I
could want. Besides, I thought you'd be flattered."
	"I was. But right then I was too busy being totally turned on by
you touching me. But you gave me an opening and I took advantage of it."
	"You said the most romantic thing. "I workout as often as you do
smart-ass. Let's check out your pecs" and you reached over and touched me."
Lance rested his head on JC. "Your voice might have been joking but I could
tell by your eyes that you were serious."
	"It seemed like we sat like that for hours with our hands on each
other's chest. I could feel your heart beating."
	"Then I couldn't stand it any longer. I threw all caution to the
wind and leaned over to kiss you. I couldn't believe my luck when you met
me half way. I still remember how soft your lips felt against mine. I'll
never forget our first kiss."
	"I thought I was going to explode." JC said. "I had you in my arms
at last and I was kissing you. I can't describe the joy I was feeling."
	"You said, "I love you" right then and there. It was like a dream
come true."
	"I had to say something. We both had already gotten to second base
and we were heading to third."
	"JC!" Lance gave him a slight slap. "You always have to joke when
I'm being romantic."
	"But you look so cute when you're riled." JC tapped Lance's nose
with his finger. Lance tried to bite JC's finger. "Okay. No more jokes." JC
looked into Lance's eyes. "Back to the very first time I said, "I love you,
Lance.""
	Lance smiled. "I said "I am so in love with you, JC.""
	"It was then that I began to feel that I wanted to do more than
just kiss you."
	"You took my hand and lowered it until I could feel that you were
turned on. Then you reached over to me to see if I was. When you touched me
I almost came."
	JC nudged Lance gently. "You did."
	"Really? Everything after that was just a blur of your blue eyes,
your naked body and pleasure like I had never felt before. Well, that is
until the first time you did me. But that was weeks after. Then the time
you let me do you."
	"You actually came six times that first night. I was quite
impressed."
	"You made it so easy."
	JC smiled. "Isn't that what Peter said to Justin last night?"
	Lance grinned. "New lover lingo."
	Lance pulled JC to him. They kissed. After they parted Lance
nestled closer. "JC, you don't think its possible...?"
	"What?"
	"Forget it. It's a dumb idea."
	"What, Lance?"
	"You remember that first night we met Peter and we sang to him."
	"Yeah."
	"Chris said that Peter was thinking of "This I Promise You" and we
had somehow tuned into it."
	"Yea, what of it?"
	"What if it is Peter who is in love and Justin is just "tuning"
into Peter's emotions?"
	"Lance, I don't think that's possible. I doubt if Peter is
unconsciously brainwashing Justin. Besides, we know how stubborn Justin can
be. He's not that easily swayed."
	"I said it was a dumb idea. It's just that since we met Peter
anything seems possible." Lance straightened up. "So you don't really think
they're in love."
	JC gave Lance a squeeze. "I guess I want to believe it. But there
is a lot that they will have to go through. It won't be easy."
	Lance just nodded. He stepped back and let JC get dressed. He
changed the subject. "I'm so looking forward to this. I really miss going
to church."
	"And a gay church at that."
	"Just think of it, JC, all those people gay like us. We could hold
hands. They wouldn't care."
	JC turned to Lance. "If what Peter says is true about the
congregation..." JC stopped.
	Lance looked warily at JC. "JC, what are you thinking about?"
	"Lance, I want your opinion on something."

	Justin walked up behind Peter and put his arms around him. "I have
it all arranged.  There's still a vacant room booked through the rest of
the tour. They hadn't cancelled it yet. You'll have free room and board
during the tour. On the road you can stay on the bus and take the extra
bunk now that Lance and JC bunk together or sharing my bunk." Justin
nestled close. "I hope you choose my bunk. No hanky panky, but it will make
the hotels stays all the nicer." He stood up and crossed to the chair and
sat down at the table. He took Peter's hand. "John will be more that happy
to hire you on as... Well, he'll think of something." Justin beamed. "That
way we can still be together." He squeezed Peter's hand.
	Peter tried to draw shapes with his fork in the maple syrup left on
his plate. The shapes were always covered over as the syrup ran back
together. He told himself to stop delaying. He hated what he had to do.
	"There's just one snag."
	"What?" Justin asked still smiling.
	"I can't go with you."
	Justin let go of Peter's hand. "What do you mean? It's all worked
out."
	Peter looked at Justin. "I have a job, obligations, bills and an
apartment. I just can pick up and run off for a month."
	"Its only three weeks," corrected Justin. Already his cheerful mood
was gone.
	"Justin, please believe me, its a dream come true. But, I can't
afford it."
	"Then I'll pay your way." Peter could feel Justin was clutching at
straws. "Its no big deal."
	"It is to me."
	"Don't tell me." Justin said with a tone of anger in his
voice. "You'll feel like a whore."
	"You wouldn't want Bill to be right."
	"What does Bill have to do with it? I thought you'd want to stay
with me after last night. I thought you loved me. At least you "said" you
did."
	Peter winced. It was starting. Peter reached for Justin's
hand. "Justin, I do love you." Justin snatched his hand away.
	Justin took on a snotty voice. ""And last night was so special to
me. I'll never forget it. But it would never work out." I thought you were
different. But you're just like the others." He turned away.
	"If you really believe that, I'd better go." Peter said softly. He
stood up.
	Justin turned back. "No! Please, stay. I'm sorry. I guess I just
don't understand."
	Peter took Justin by the hand. "Come here." They walked to the
couch. Peter sat down. Justin determined to be defiant remained
standing. Peter looked up at Justin. "Okay, say I did come with you, what
happens when the tour is over? You bundle me onto the next plane for home?"
	"No, I'm sure we can find you a place to stay and a job."
	"And then? Do I stay in seclusion waiting for your covert visits or
would you want to be seen with me in public?"
	"Peter, I not ashamed of you." Justin said firmly.
	"Good. Then you can introduce me to your friends, your family and
your parents." Peter stressed the last word.
	 Justin dropped onto the couch. "My parents!" Justin bowed his
head. "I never thought that far ahead." Justin looked up. "I've changed my
mind. Can I stay here with you?"
	"They can't be that bad."
	"They'll never understand this."
	"I'm not that much older than you."
	"Not you. Me! They'll like you. They'll blame it on touring or on
being around Lance and JC. If I was so freaked at being BI, they will be
even more so. Their own son in love with another man. They'll go through
the roof."
	"I don't believe that."
	"How do you know? You've never met them."
	Peter took Justin by the chin. "No, I don't but I know you. And
they raised you." Justin smiled at Peter. Peter continued. "Together we can
face anything."
	Justin looked surprised. "Together?"
	"I do have some vacation time coming, if I give them enough
notice. We can arrange it so after you get back from the tour I could come
for a visit. I could be there with you when you tell them. Or at least be
close. If you want me to that is."
	"You'd do that?"
	"I love you, remember?"
	Justin threw his arms around Peter and kissed him. "Peter, I do
love you."
	Peter rubbed Justin's back. "Maybe this time apart will be good for
us." Justin sat back puzzled. "It will be time for us to really think about
us and our future together. Then when we do see each other again, we may
have a clearer picture of what we both want."
	"But last night you said you didn't know what to do?"
	"That was because there was another head doing the thinking."
	Justin smiled. "You are right about that." Justin paused. "I might
not like it, but I think you could be right. Time apart might be best."
	"But remember, it's just a breather. Soon, we will be together
again." Peter took Justin in his arms. He could feel the sting already and
Justin hadn't even left yet. "I going to miss you, Justin."
	"Are you sure it's me and not the best sex you have ever had?"
	Peter blinked away a tear and smiled. "It's the only sex I've ever
had."
	"Oh, thanks! You had to mention that. I thought it was because of
how good I was."
	Peter brushed Justin's cheek with his fingers. "It is how good you
are. And I don't mean the sex."
	They held each other tightly not wanting to let go. Peter finally
pulled back.
	"I have to get going. I think it would cause less of a scene if we
got to church a little early."
	"Is that invitation still open?"
	"Of course.  If you want to come with."
	"Yeah. Now there's something I really need to pray for."
	Justin reached over and wiped a tear from Peter's eye.
	"Justin, it's just not fair, don't you ever cry?"
	"You're the emotional one." Justin's voice broke. "But just wait
until our bus pulls away and with you standing there."
	"Don't think about that now." Peter gave Justin a smile. "Come on."
He patted Justin's knee. "Believe it or not, you will feel a whole lot
better after church."
	Justin managed a smile. "Okay. As JC would say, let's go get
churchified."

	"Take a right at the traffic light." Peter said to the
driver. "It's the first building on your left."
	The car turned right.
	"You can turn in there."
	The car turned into what looked like an alley between two vacant
lots. One lot served as a parking lot. On the other side stood a square
single story building. It looked like a small warehouse. The outside had
been painting in various colors to make it seem less plain. A glass double
door served as the main entrance. At each side of the door was a small
garden area crammed with blooming flowers.
	"Here we are."
	Lonnie got out first and opened their door for them. John had
insisted that Lonnie accompany them.
	"This is it?" Justin said as he stepped from the car.
	"It's not much to look at. But as with a person, what's important
is what's inside."
	JC noticed the paint job and the flowerbeds. They made that square
structure more warm and welcoming. He nodded to Lance. "This is definitely
a gay church."

	They had barely entered the door when a woman came rushing
up. Lonnie and NSYNC braced themselves. She swept Peter into a hug.
	"Peter, I am so sorry to hear about what happened. Are you okay?"
	"Yea, I'm fine, Deb. Thank you. I brought some friends."
	She turned. Her mouth dropped. "Oh, my god!"
	"No, NSYNC, actually." Peter smiled, "Well, three of them. And this
is Lonnie their bodyguard. This is Deb. One of our official greeters."
	"Welcome." She embraced each one. Lonnie just extended his
hand. She shook it warmly.
	"Peter spoke so glowingly about this place we decided we had to see
it for ourselves." JC said.
 	"I could speak just as glowingly about Peter." She handed them
songbooks and bulletins. "Peter does so much for us like ushering and
counting the offering. He's a little shy, but he is dependable."
	Peter was embarrassed as usual. "I think we should sit down." He
stopped by a cardboard box. He pulled a small package from it and handed it
to Lance. "I'll let you have the distribution rights."
	"Tissues?"
	"Trust me. It's your first time. It can get a bit emotional."
	Lance shrugged and slipped the package in his pocket.
	Peter chose a row of chairs. Lonnie took a chair and placed himself
to the left of them against the back wall.
	They looked around. This "church" was just a large room with a
cement floor. There was a door leading to another area of the
building. Folding chairs were set up in a crescent shape around a small
altar. Track lighting illuminated the area. A podium and mike stood on one
side with a piano in the other. Against the wall between them stood a large
painted mural. It was a vast landscape of flowers and hills. There were no
fancy gold symbols and, much to Justin's surprise, no cross.
	"This doesn't look like any church I've been in." Justin said.
	"I know." Lance replied. "That's why I kind of like it."
	The people started to arrive in greater numbers. Lance watched two
men greet each other.
	"Hey, you. How was your week?" said one man.
	"Same old. Same old."
	It seemed much like his home church.
	The two men had a quick kiss then hugged each other.
	Nope, this church was unique.
	There was a high-pitched scream and the sound of running feet. Two
young kids, a boy and a girl scampered by.
	"Christy, Dennis! Behave in Sunday school." The mother said. The
two children went through the door leading to the other part of the
church. She then smiled at the woman next to her and they both sat down
together.
	Justin turned to Peter. "Children?"
	Peter smiled. "I know. I didn't expect them either."
	"Adopted?"
	"Some. Most are biological. Either from insemination or from
attempts at heterosexual marriage. We have about a dozen children in the
church school."
	JC noticed people looking in their direction. But no one approached
them.
	"Oh, I was going to warn Lonnie," Peter said. "There's a place in
the service were we Share the Peace. People go around greeting each
other. You'll probably be inundated. I wouldn't want him to think you'll be
overrun."
	JC shook his head. "He is a professional. He can tell when he is
needed or not."
	Soon a man walked up to the podium. He welcomed everybody and
started the announcements. After a bit he introduced the minister. A man
wearing a rainbow colored stole took over at the podium.
	"First I would like to welcome any visitors with us today. If you
would like to stand and introduce your guests or if someone is brave enough
to introduce themselves."
	Peter stood up. JC could see that Peter was both excited and proud.
	"Yes, Peter. Our little media star."
	"I doubt if I really have to introduce them. I have three members
of NYSNC with me this morning Justin, Lance and JC. Lonnie there is their
guardian angel." Peter smiled at him. Lonnie didn't seem amused. "They
don't get to church much on the road and they were intrigued when I told
them about mine. So they came to check us out." Peter sat down.
	The minister nodded. "Welcome to you." Everyone clapped. "I promise
you we won't ask you to sing. Outside of the normal hymns that is." The
minister said. "And Peter it's nice to see you looking so well after your
assault. You were in all our prayers after we heard. I also would like to
thank NSYNC for their positive actions afterwards. The GBLT community is
deeply touched and very thankful to you." The congregation rose to its feet
applauding. Peter was beaming as he joined the applause. JC, Lance and
Justin stood and acknowledged their thanks. It was sometime before the
clapping faded away. When everyone had resumed their seats they went on to
the other visitors.

	The service started. Lance had never felt so at home in a church
before not even his own. There was a casual atmosphere but still a
ritualistic side. Peter said that they had a reverent irreverence. He began
to realize why Peter loved this place so.
	A person from the congregation walked up to the podium. He read
from a sheet of paper.
	"Today's contemporary reading is based on a writing by Guillaume
Apollinaire:

	"Come to the edge." You said.
	"We are afraid." They said.
	"Come to the edge." You said.
	"Its too high." They said.
 	"Come to the edge." You said.
	"But, we might fall." They said.
	"Come to the edge." You said.
	They came to the edge.
	You pushed them
	And they flew."

	JC felt a chill run through him at the words. He looked over at
Lance. He could tell Lance was also moved by the words. JC reached over and
squeezed Lance's knee. He left his hand on Lance's knee. Lance reached over
and placed his hand on top of JC's. They were beginning to feel the freedom
of being in this place.

	They got to the Sharing of the Peace. All four of them were more
than happy to exchange hugs. People did approach them. They shook hands
said a few words of welcome or thanks then moved on. Lance was delighted to
see same-sex couples kissing each other. He'd never seen it before outside
of the gay bar they had projected to. But here it was a true gesture of
love.
	Justin got the others attention. "Look over there."
	People were going up to Lonnie welcoming him. Lonnie seemed uneasy
about it.
	JC smiled. "It's the attention. He's used to being ignored."
	An older woman approached Peter. She was very nicely dressed
different from the casual clothes the majority of the people were
wearing. Her dress was a brilliant blue. It fluttered behind her as she
moved. She gave Peter kiss on the cheek. Her bracelets noisily slid down
her arms.
	Something about her appearance had Justin puzzled.
	"Peter, how are you doing after that dreadful attack?"
	"I'm fine, Lily." Peter gestured to NSYNC. "The guys really
helped."
	She shook each of their hands, bracelets rattling. Justin was
surprised at how large of her hands were.
	"How wonderful. Bless all of you." She put her hand on Peter's
shoulder. She smiled warmly at the guys. "Peter, I envy you your company."
She headed off in a whirl of blue fabric.
	It suddenly struck Justin what was different about the woman. He
spun around to Peter.
	"She's a he!"
	"Lily is transgender." Peter explained.  He stressed the next
word. "She just didn't go through the medical process. She's a very kind
woman. Feel free to talk with her and ask her questions. She delights in
enlightening people about the transgender community."
	JC shook his head. "Peter, you maybe naive about some things, but
you are light years ahead of us on others."
	"You can thank this place for that." Peter said.
	Before JC could say anything the piano player began playing the
introduction to the next hymn.


	The sermon was a surprise and a delight to Lance. He had hardly
ever heard gays mentioned in church before and rarely in a positive
way. Here they were a freely mentioned as part of the sermon.
	"I was flying back from a synod meeting." The minister was
saying. "An other minister about seventy years old was seated next to
me. As we talked I could tell he had a more conservative upbringing. The
topic soon came up of love and marriage. He was happily married with two
wonderful children. Each of these children had "followed God's plan" in his
words and were also married. He then went into a speech about how love and
marriage is a divine gift to mankind that no one was spiritually complete
without it.
	I, of course, was getting nervous. Sooner or later I knew my being
gay would come into the picture. I wasn't going to hide the fact from
him. If it came up, I would tell him the truth. Whether he wanted to know
or not.
	He finally asked me if there was," the minister made quotes in the
air with his fingers, "someone special" in my life. I told him, yes and
that we had just celebrated our three-year anniversary. He beamed happily
at the answer.
	"Any children?"
	"No."
	"Well, keep trying."

	The congregation laughed.

	"He had crossed the line. I turned to him.
	"You probably don't want to hear this, but my "someone special's"
name is Dave. I am gay."
	He looked at me very sternly. I braced myself for his attack.
	"It doesn't matter what I want." He said. "God made you and God
doesn't make garbage."

 	Lance reached over and took JC's hand. JC smiled at him. They
turned back to the minister.

	"You were born this way because God has a purpose for you as a gay
man. Surely as a minister, you know that?"
	"Yes." I stammered. I was stunned by his positive response. He went
on.
	"I'm delighted that you have someone. What I said goes for
everyone. I'm sorry if you thought I only meant straight people. God's
gifts know no limits. It's us that assign the limits to God. I know that
God is forgiving, still I sometimes wonder if God ever gets good and pissed
at us."

	There was laughter again.

	"We spent the rest of the flight showing pictures and chatting. We
were both different people from when we sat down.  We understood each other
and we grew closer because of it."

	The minister was coming to the end of the sermon.

	"We, all people make up a truly multicolored tapestry. It is made
up of all colors, all opinions and all orientations. I tell you, again. We
all are the children of God and we are most wondrously and fabulously
made. Amen."
	The congregation replied, "Amen!"
	Peter looked at Justin.
	"Wow," was all he said.
	The piano started the hymn.

	The communion was different, too. There were several
servers. People came up as groups or singly. They were giving the elements
and they embraced each other in what JC thought of as prayer huddles. They
got up to get in line. Peter indicated to Lonnie that he could join
them. Lonnie declined.
	Lance didn't remember much of the prayer the server gave. He was so
taken with how wonderful the physical contact between them was. In his home
church a handshake was about as physical that they got. Here for some
reason standing there with their arms around each other in a group made the
experience more personal.
	As they walked back to their seat Lance found himself very moved by
what he was experiencing. Peter was right. This service was emotional.
	"Well, I'll be. Guys, look there." Justin said surprised.
	There stood Lonnie waiting in line for communion.
	"I guess he felt moved." JC suggested.
	"I don't think I have even seen Lonnie leave his post." Justin
added.
	"Well, it's not needed here." Peter said.
	Peter watched as Lonnie approached a server. He had to smile. It
had to be the shortest of all of the people. Lonnie smiled down at the
person warmly then got down on one knee so their two heights were more
compatible. The server timidly put his hands on Lonnie's shoulders, leaned
forward and started to pray. When the prayer was done Lonnie stood up and
Peter saw him say, "Amen." Lonnie didn't even glance at them on the way
back to his seat. But Peter could tell something had touched Lonnie. He
didn't really care what.


	They were singing the final hymn. As they sang the second verse the
piano stopped playing. Instead of tapering off the voices swelled filling
the room. They broke into four part harmonies. As he sang Lance felt a
thrill go through him. Lance had never felt like this in church before. The
spirit in the room was almost palpable. These people, probably outcasts
from the churches they grew up in, had created their own place of
worship. Now Lance knew why he felt so at home. They didn't care that they
were members of NSYNC, they didn't care if they were straight or gay. All
that mattered was that they were there to worship together.
	Lance looked over at JC. JC was singing with fervor. He reached
over and put his arm around Lance. Lance resisted at first. They were in
public. Then he leaned against JC. Lance looked self-consciously around the
room. No one was staring or even seemed to notice. He was standing with his
lover's arm around him for the first time in public. No one cared. Then it
struck him. They were in a church. He wasn't just in public. They were
standing before the divine as well. The connection with the divine was
stronger than Lance had ever felt. Lance let the feeling of freedom and
acceptance wash over him.
	Lance looked at JC. JC stopped singing long enough to smile and
give Lance a kiss on the cheek. Lance stopped singing. He couldn't get the
words out. The tears started to form. Lance reached for the package of
tissues in his pocket. He broke the seal, pulled one free and wiped his
eyes. He was about to put it away when JC stopped him. JC reached over for
a tissue. JC dabbed his eyes.
	"JC, look at us."
	"I know. Holding each other in public."
	"Not just in public." Lance looked upward.
	JC blinked back tears. "He already knows, Lance."
	"I never thought I could feel like this. No dread or fear of what
the public will find out. Just us, free to be our true selves."
	JC gave Lance a squeeze. "So what's you opinion, now?"
	"Yes, please!" Lance nodded enthusiastically.
	"Good."
	JC watched the minister leave the front of the church. He went down
the aisle and made his way to the door. Obviously to greet people as they
left. JC leaned over to Peter.
	"Bathroom?"
	Peter pointed behind them. "To your left." JC excused himself.
	Peter glanced at Lance. He was still wiping his eyes. Peter
smiled. He knew the feeling all too well. It was one of the reasons he
wanted to bring them here. After a few minutes JC returned.
	The last chords of the hymn rang out ending the service. There was
a smattering of clapping. People started to leave.
	"If I can have your attention, please." The minister was back at
the podium. "Our guests have something they would like to say." He nodded
at JC.
	The people started to sit back down.
	Peter looked confused as JC and Lance pushed past him.
	"Come on you two." Lance smiled.
	Peter and Justin followed.
	"Do you know what's going on?" Peter whispered to Justin.
	"We usually do a "Thanks for having us" speech when we appear
places."
	"Oh." Peter nodded.
	JC gestured for Justin to go first. Justin stood at the podium.
	"I want to thank you for your warm welcome. This has been a
wonderful service. Like Peter said we don't get to church much while on the
road. This is a wonderful church. I can see why Peter loves it do
much. Thank you, again."
	Justin stepped down. JC went next.
	"To quote Justin after the sermon: Wow! The last time we were in
town Peter told us of this church. We were unable to make it then. I am so
grateful we are here now. I think I am right to say we have never
experienced anything like this. You are so welcoming and excepting of
people. Here in this church you allow people to freely be who they really
are. I've felt it myself." JC could see heads nodding in agreement. "I
especially want to give you my personal thanks."
	JC moved and let Lance stand at his side.
	"There's not much I can add to that." He waved the package of
tissues. "You obviously know your effect on people." The congregation
laughed. "Since we started NSYNC, we have always tried to show we are just
people not celebrities. We're just guys doing what we love. Here, too, you
are brought together by something you love. Thank you for sharing that love
with us today."
 	JC nudged Lance. "Do it."
	"But there is another bond that we share. And today JC and I got to
experience it openly in front of so many people for the first time in our
lives." Lance scanned the people's faces. "JC and I are gay."
	There was a brief stunned silence. Then the applause erupted. JC
grinned at Lance. JC waved his hands. As the clapping subsided JC leaned to
the mike. "Now tell them the real news."
	Lance fought hard to keep his voice from breaking. He proudly took
JC's hand. "In a little over a week. JC and I will be celebrating our
one-year anniversary as a couple."
	There was no stopping them now. The people stood up cheering and
clapping. A few whistled enthusiastically.
	Lance and JC looked out at the people cheering for them. Lance felt
the tears running down his face. He turned to JC. He was more restrained
but the tears were there, too. Lance threw his arms around JC. Their love
had gone public and these people were rejoicing in it.
	Lance looked over JC's shoulder to see both Peter and Justin
clapping just as hard as everyone else did. Peter was brushing tears away,
too. Lance blew him a kiss. They turned back to the people.
	The clapping had become a steady rhythm. JC looked at Lance. Lance
smiled. They leaned close and kissed. The room exploded with cheers.
	Lance was almost sobbing with joy when he pulled back. JC and Lance
held out their clasped hands and turned again to face the people.
	Peter waved the people to come up front. People left their seats to
hug and give congratulations to the JC and Lance. Peter and Justin moved
off to the side.
	"Well, it has started." Justin said. "But, I've never seen them
happier."
	Peter nudged him. "You want to make a statement. There's still
time."
	"I think I'll pass." Justin smiled at Peter. "For now."
	Peter felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see Lonnie.
	"It was a good idea to come here."
	"Especially for JC and Lance." Peter said.
	"And for me." Lonnie added.
	Peter looked surprised.
	"To tell you the truth, I never felt real comfortable around gay
people, even when it was JC and Lance or you."
	Peter pulled on his angel charm. "You've been very nice to me."
 	"I thought I was bringing God into your life. I thought of it as
saving your soul. It was the way I was brought up, I guess. I can't think
of gays the same way now. This church reminded me of the services I went to
when I was a boy." Lonnie gestured to the room. "God is in this place. God
is with these people. He has already accepted them. I should,
too. They're... You are not so different as I thought."
	"That's big of you, Lonnie." Justin smiled.
	"You I will never feel comfortable with." Lonnie patted Justin's
shoulder. "But with Peter's influence you are getting better."
	"Thanks a lot!"
	Lonnie and Peter laughed.

	The minister approached JC and Lance. "I want to assure you that
what you have said here will remain between all of us. We'll let you tell
the world. When you're ready." He handed them buttons. "Here is a little
something for you to remind you of us."
	JC read the writing on the button. It said in pink letters "Queer
by the Grace of God."
	"Thank you."
	"May God bless you both and may you have happy life together."

	Peter approached JC and Lance after the crowd of people had gone.
	"Well, you two are now officially queer. Congratulations."
	Lance swept Peter into a hug and kissed him.
	"How can we thank you for this? This was so incredible."
	"We will never forget this day or this church." JC also hugged and
kissed Peter. "How can we ever repay you?"
	"You already have. I remember a shy lonely man being thanked for a
certain rescue and being made an honorary bodyguard. Everybody shook his
hand and thanked him. So you owe me nothing. I'm just glad I got the chance
to give you something back."


	"But you've done so much for us. That whole thing with Bill and the
sabotage, the media interviews, you helped me with my parents not to
mention Justin here." Lance said. "Are you sure you won't change your mind
and come with us?"
	They were standing in the concourse of the stadium. It was time for
good byes.
	"I'm sorry. Tour life is too hectic. I'm actually looking forward
to work tomorrow. I could use the rest."
	"We're going to miss you, man." Joey said.
	"I miss you already."
	"Peter!"
	Peter turned. Craig came hurrying toward him.
	"I'm glad I caught you before you left. I wanted to give you my
card. The stadium management has almost reached a decision on the
compensation to you for you're assault. Call me on Monday and I will have
all the details."
	"Thanks."
	Craig hugged Peter. "Well, have a save trip."
	"What?"
	"You're leaving aren't you?"
	"Yeah, but I don't have that far to go."
	"But your part of the tour." Craig was confused.
	Peter smiled. "I was a guest of the tour. I live here."
	A smiled spread across Craig's face.
	"Really? Well, then I can call you."
	"Watch it, Justin." Chris teased. "You have a rival already and you
haven't even left."
	"Rival?" asked Craig.
	"Come on, the bus is waiting." JC said. He hugged Peter. "Stay in
touch."
	"Of course."
	"Remember you're coming to our home for vacation. Right?" said
Lance as he hugged Peter.
	"I'm looking forward to it."
	It was Chris's turn. "I'm looking forward to some good sparring."
	"You'd better brush up on your jokes before then."
	"See you on the astral plan sometime."
	Joey patted Peter's shoulder. "Take care, bro. Hope to see you
soon."
	Peter turned to Justin.
	"Take it easy, Timberlake. Don't give them too much trouble."
	Justin pulled Peter to him. His voice broke. "I going to miss you
so much, Peter." After a few moments he pulled back. "I wish you would
chance your mind."
	"Justin, some night you will be thinking of me and it will feel
like I am there with you. I just might be."
	"How will you find me when we're traveling?"
	"You're traveling. I'm traveling. Don't worry. I will somehow."
	Justin smiled and turned away. He had walked only a few steps when
he ran back. He gave Peter a long kiss. "I love you, Peter." He turned and
left the stadium with the others.
	Peter reached for his hanky.

	Peter walked through the door and watched the bus pull away. He
waved. He could see the guys through the window waving back. He felt a hand
on his shoulder. Peter knew who it was. He kept his eyes on the bus as it
turned the corner and out of his sight.
	"You did the right thing. I am so proud of you."
	"Thanks, Hugh."
	"And don't worry. You'll be together again before you know it."
	Peter finally turned away. He looked at Hugh.
	"How do you know these things?"
	Hugh just smiled. "You already know the answer. And yes, if you
keep projecting and learning you can know these things, too."
	Craig had been watching. He touched Peter's shoulder.
	"You and Justin?"
	Peter nodded.
	"I know it must be painful. I wish there was something I could do."
	Peter turned to Craig and smiled. "There is something you can do."
	"What?"
	"Finish my tour."
	Craig grinned. "Sure. Anything you'd like to see in particular?"
	"Yeah, the employee locker room."
	"What?" Craig pointed to Hugh. "I think that's more in his line."
	"No. I don't mean it that way. I just never want to walk into the
wrong locker room, again."
	Craig laughed. "Come, on. Let's finish the tour."

End Part 14.

Don't worry, there's more to come. Thanks to all who have E-mailed. I
always love to hear from the readers. My E-mail is pete1211@aol.com. Good,
bad or indifferent. I can take it. Thanks again for reading. Time to work
on the next part.

And JC, thanks for your reaction to Lance during the Atlantis Concert when
you are singing TIPY in the aquarium tunnel. Have you been reading this? Or
maybe some of these writers aren't far off after all.

For those of you who missed it. NSYNC is in this tunnel fish swimming all
around. They are singing TIPY to check out the acoustics. They're just
standing there singing very seriously. At the line "Every word I say is
true. This I promise you." JC looks at Lance standing just off screen. JC
breaks into this huge grin and turns away. No one else cracks a smile.
Something is going on there. Well, maybe it was a shark swimming up behind
Lance. I know what I am thinking.