Beach Boys

by Karen and LB
© 2002

"Josh, it's nothing to be embarrassed about. It happens to everyone at some point." Lance rolls over and wraps his arms around his lover. When there is no response, he adds, "You can't be expected to come up with two more songs under this kind of pressure."

JC appreciates Lance's attempts at comfort, but he still feels frustrated and dissatisfied. "But I've ALWAYS been able to . . . "

Lance tightens the embrace. "And you will again. Jive wants two songs, you'll give 'em two songs. But you just have to relax and take it easy. We've all been doing too much lately." An idea begins to form in Lance's mind as he hears his own words. He pulls himself up and leans on his elbow. "Listen, why don't you go to the studio and play around. Don't go there to write something, but just to . . . I don't know . . . BE there. I'll come get you later." He hops out of the large bed and heads over to where he left his laptop.

"Yeah, you're right. I've been wanting to work on some of the mixes, and that'll at least make me feel useful." JC gets up, stretches, and looks around for his keys. "Thanks, babe," he says as he drops a kiss on Lance's head, bent over his laptop.

Lance smiles to himself. That was too easy. He thought it would take more convincing to get rid of JC for the day.

Lance spends the morning making arrangements. It never ceases to amaze him what you can do with a phone and the Internet, and you never even have to change out of your pajamas.

Hours later, he pulls up to the building housing the studio where JC is currently working. He whistles while he strides down the hall, flipping his keys in the air and catching them one-handed. When he reaches the door to the recording booth he enters silently, nodding hello to the engineer and listening as JC works out some bars to the song he's working on on the keyboard. Lance leans back against the door and just watches. He can see the stress lines on his friend's face and the tension in his neck. He only hopes his plan will work.

When JC looks up, Lance smiles and waves.

JC returns the smile a bit sheepishly. He'd tried to follow Lance's advice and just work on other stuff. It had been GOOD advice, but somehow, he just kept getting drawn back to the keyboard. Where he's about as successful as he's been the past few days.

Lance motions with his head for JC to come to him. When JC opens the door, shoulders slumped, face drawn, Lance just wants to pull him into a hug. But they're still in "we have to be discreet" mode, so instead he commands, "Grab your stuff. We're getting outta here."

"But I've gotta . . . " JC gestures at the keyboard and the scribbled over papers half-heartedly.

"You've gotta come with me." Lance grabs the taller man by the arm and half- pulls him out the door and down the hall. When they get outside, the bright sun stings their eyes and Lance flips his sunglasses open and covers his eyes. He unlocks the passenger door of his truck and gestures to JC to get in. "When I said we're getting outta here, I meant we're getting OUTTA here." He quickly glances around and, seeing no one, kisses JC.

"You're crazy. You know that, right?" JC grins and feels some of the tension seep out of him. "Do I get to know where we're going?"

"Since you called me crazy, no. Besides, you're right. I am crazy. I'm crazy for you." He shuts the door, skips to the driver's side, and climbs in. As he starts the car and peers behind for any oncoming cars, he says, "Sanibel Island. The whole weekend. Just you and me. Your stuff's already packed, and everything's taken care of."

"But we can't just take off like this . . . can we?" It sounds crazy-- impossible. But then, why did JC feel so, so HAPPY when the words came out of Lance's mouth?

"We can, we will, we are. Don't worry, I've called everyone who needs to know, and I have my phone for emergencies." At JC's stern glance he adds, "Which we will NOT need, and I've packed all our stuff. You need to get away from here, to clear your mind and just . . . I dunno . . . do whatever it is you do that gets you inspired."

JC can't think of any more protests. And he really doesn't want to. "Thanks, Lance. I DO need this." He pauses for a moment. "You take such good care of me."

Lance reaches over and touches the back of JC's neck. "We take care of each other." He gives the neck a gentle squeeze, then turns on the radio. They drive for hours, singing along, sometimes talking, sometimes just enjoying each other's company. JC dozes off for a while until they reach the ferry that would take them to the island. They stand on the deck, hanging off the rail, watching for dolphins.

Not long after that, they arrive at the bungalow Lance had rented that morning. It's small but comfortable, and it stands on a private beach. The owner had assured Lance that they would not be disturbed.

"This is amazing. How did you do all this? You're amazing."

Lance fidgets, putting his hands in his pockets and shuffling his feet explains, "It was easy. There's nothing that a fast modem can't do these days. C'mon." He leads JC to the wraparound porch, where there are comfortable wicker chairs, and opens the back door. The owner left the keys inside, and Lance had arranged to have the kitchen stocked in case they decided to eat in once or twice. What looked to be small on the outside was sprawling on the inside. The rooms are large and airy, and the view of the ocean is spectacular; it's only a short hop to the water's edge.

Lance tosses his bag on the floor and stretches. It had a been a long drive and he had been fine doing it, but now he feels effects of sitting for so long.

JC steps up behind Lance and massages his shoulders. "Thank you," he says softly.

Lance tilts his head back and leans into the touch. "You're welcome," he purrs. But Lance reminds himself that this is not about his own pleasure. This is about helping JC. He takes JC's hands in his, removes them from his shoulders and leads him to the kitchen. "Want something to drink? I'm so thirsty." He opens the refrigerator and removes two cold cans of soda. Once again, he takes JC by the hand and leads him to the deck, where the late afternoon sun is dipping toward the horizon. "Tonight, I'm gonna take you out to a nice, quiet dinner. There's a place right on the water; I hear it's great. Then, we'll come back here, grab some beers and sit out on this deck until we fall asleep. How does that sound?"

"Perfect. Just what I need. WE need. I can't have been easy to live with lately."

"The things I put up with." Lance rolls his eyes in mock exasperation and pulls JC into a hug. "I'd rather live with you the way you are than not at all." He squeezes his friend tightly, then says, "I'm gonna take a quick shower and change out of these sweaty clothes. The restaurant's within walking distance, and I could sure use the stretch."

"Sounds good. Want company, or do you actually want to get to the restaurant sometime tonight?"

Lance grins and rubs the back of his neck. "There'll be time for 'that' later. I think we should at least get some food in our systems, don't you? It'll give us energy."

"Yeah. Food." JC grins "You go ahead. I'll just sit here. It's so peaceful."

Lance showers quickly, not wanting to leave JC alone for very long. He might fall asleep and I'll never get him out, Lance thinks, laughing as he dries himself off.

They walk a short distance to a small, candlelit restaurant down the road. Because of the hour, there are few diners and no one recognizes them. They're given a table on a wide patio facing the water and have a quiet, relaxing dinner. They talk about everything, Lance trying to keep the conversation light, making jokes, trying to keep JC smiling.

They walk back in the dark, Lance kicking small stones on the side of the path, JC gazing at the stars. When they reach the house, Lance tells JC to get comfortable on the deck while he retrieves cold beers from the refrigerator. When Lance comes back, JC is leaning on the deck's railing, looking out at the water. "It's beautiful here, Lance. Really beautiful."

Lance places the bottle in JC's hand and stands next to him, gazing at the moonlit beach. "It is beautiful. So are you."

JC shifts his beer to his other hand and slips his arm around Lance's waist, tilting his head to lean against his lover's.

Lance puts his own arm around JC's shoulders, giving it a gentle squeeze and kissing the top of his head. "Feeling better?"

"Yeah, it's great to be able to think about nothing. Nothing but you."

Lance takes a sip of his beer. "Me? You're thinking about me? Gee, Josh, you sound like a stalker." He smiles and leads JC over to one of the lounge chairs. Suddenly, he's very tired. The long trip down wore him out, and he just wants to sit with JC in his arms.

"Stalker? I'll try to refrain from boiling your bunny." They settle comfortably in the chair, arms around each other. "Mmmm. This is nice."

"Very. But if you keep talking like that my bunny is gonna get real hot, real fast." Lance has both arms wrapped around JC and kisses the side of his head.

"And all this time, I thought it was a ferret . . . " Smiling, JC shifts himself downward in the chair so he can lay his head against Lance's chest.

"Hey, leave my ferret out of this," Lance pouts, then grins and tilts JC's face up so he can kiss him. It's a soft, gentle, quiet kiss. When he pulls back, Lance cradles JC in his arms and closes his eyes. The warmth from JC's body is so soothing, and the sounds of the ocean waves beating against the shore so rhythmic, that Lance is soon lulled into sleep.

Sometime during the night he must have awakened and brought JC inside, because they're in the large bed and the first rays of morning are just hitting the floor. Lance opens his eyes, stretches, and sees that JC's back is to him; his lover is curled up like a sleeping child, so peaceful that when Lance rises he barely breathes for fear of waking him. Then Lance remembers who he's dealing with. It would take more than a breath of air to wake JC, and he smiles as he pulls on a pair of shorts. He walks through the main room to the sliding door to the deck. The sunrise is beautiful, and Lance decides to take an early morning walk on the beach and give JC a chance to sleep. He hasn't slept much lately, what with worrying about the new songs and all.

Sanibel Island is known for being a large repository of washed up shells. When Lance reaches the shoreline he sees hundreds of pearl-white clam shells, conches, and other assorted shapes and sizes. He gathers a few of them and finds one perfectly formed spiral, knowing JC would like it. Maybe it would inspire him. Who knows? Anything could kick-start JC's imagination. He's written songs on airplanes, on their bus--anything could trigger it. So Lance is determined to help him in any way he can.

The sun is up in all its brightness when Lance heads back to the house carrying his newfound treasures. He wants to start breakfast before JC gets up.

When JC awakens, he feels truly refreshed for the first time in longer than he cares to remember. He rolls over, reaching for Lance, and discovers he's gone. Secure in the knowledge that Lance hasn't gone far, JC hugs Lance's pillow, breathing in the scent of him. He lies that way for a while, content, until he realizes that there's another scent making its way into the room--a cooking scent. He crawls out of bed, pulls on some sweats, and goes to investigate, sleepy-eyed.

Lance is working the spatula around the eggs in one pan while keeping an eye on the bacon sizzling away in another. He already cut up the fresh fruit and put it in a bowl on the table, and the french toast he made earlier is staying warm in the oven. When he turns around to get the orange juice from the refrigerator, he sees JC padding his way to the kitchen, rubbing his eyes. "Good morning," he says, grinning. What a sight; he can never get enough of JC in the morning--barely tousled hair, shirt that should be rumpled but somehow looks like it's just been pressed. JC has to be the neatest sleeper Lance has ever seen.

"Hey, baby." JC wraps Lance in a warm hug, forgoing the kiss until toothpaste has come into play. "Look at you, all domestic."

"Just don't get used to it," Lance fires back, playfully snapping his friend with a dishtowel. "You sleep okay?" Lance asks while he starts to put dishes and glasses on the table.

"I slept great," JC says as he heads for the bathroom and soap and water and toothpaste. "How about you?" he calls through the open door.

"Never better. I love the ocean. Puts me right to sleep." Lance has set the table and everything's ready, so he makes a plate for JC and one for himself. "I'm glad you got a good night's sleep. If you're up to it, there's a stable nearby where we can ride horses on the beach. I thought we could pack a picnic lunch and go for a ride."

"Sounds great." JC returns to the table and sits, starving. Must be that ocean air--it's not like he's done anything to work up an appetite since dinner last night. "This is terrific," he says, after sampling the french toast. "I know I probably sound like a broken record, but thank you. Thank you for knowing what I needed even when I didn't."

Lance digs in hungrily. "That's what friendship is all about. I know you'd do the same for me."

"Yeah, I would. So, horseback riding on the beach? I haven't done that since the 'For the Girl' video shoot. Forever ago."

"Yeah, that's what I figured. At least I know you won't fall off the horse like Justin."

"Yeah, I think I can at least manage that." He drinks some orange juice and goes back to enjoying his breakfast.

They eat in relative silence for the next half hour, and JC helps Lance with the dishes and packing a picnic lunch for them to take on their ride. Sometimes, it's these simple, domestic moments that make Lance smile. It's so rare they have quiet time that even doing something as mundane as dishes becomes valued time spent with the man he loves.

Lance showers quickly, and they're off. They are given two beautiful, large horses, and they ride for a few hours, stopping here and there to walk on the sand, finding a secluded, shady spot to enjoy an afternoon lunch. By late afternoon, they're heading back, tired but content at having spent the entire day together without anyone asking for anything or demanding anything or needing anything.

"This is the best day I've had in a long time," JC asserts as they walk, hand in hand, toward the bungalow. "But, boy, do I need a shower. Horses and a hot day'll do that for you."

"Yeah, I noticed," Lance jibes, smiling wickedly. "I could use one too."

"I know, Stinky."

"Who you calling Stinky, Smelly? Boy, it could take hours to get the smell off you."

"Yeah, and you're gonna need a hammer and chisel to get it off you."

"Let's just hope there's enough soap in there for you. It could take days to scrub you down."

"They're gonna have to haul in an entire tanker full of soap for you. But we don't have to worry about water. We'll just dump you in the ocean."

"Oh, you think you can dump ME in the ocean? If we dumped you in the ocean, you'd scare off all the fish."

"Oh, I KNOW I can dump you in the ocean." JC grabs Lance and starts dragging him toward the water.

"Hey!" Lance shouts, knowing it's futile to struggle with JC, but also loving that they can still act like boys. Lance kicks his legs out; JC has his arms wrapped around Lance's chest and is half-dragging, half-carrying him. "You're toast, Chasez."

They're almost in the water when JC stops. "You really don't want me to throw you in?"

Lance, still kicking, pulls on JC's arms, but that just makes his attacker tighten his grip. "No," he says, laughing.

"What do I get if I don't?"

"You don't get me dunking you."

"Like you could."

"Try me."

"Fine. I dare you to dunk me."

"You asked for it!" Lance swings his legs as hard as he can and ends up pulling them both into the lapping waves. They lose their balance and tumble into the water.

Can a grown man drown in a foot of water? Possibly, if he's laughing this hard. JC disentangles himself from Lance, only to re-entangle them both, pulling Lance into a salty, giggly kiss.

Lance rolls them over, so he is sprawled on top of JC, giggling into the kiss as they are sprayed by another splash from an oncoming wave. When the water recedes, Lance looks down at JC. "You're all wet."

"You're wetter."

Lance peers down at his clothes. "You're right." Without warning, he rolls over again, pulling JC on top and then once more so they are both drenched by the next wave. He pulls JC onto his knees, laughing. "Since we're already wet," he says, removing his shirt and hurling it onto the sand, "why don't we go for a swim?"

"You're on." JC peels off his soaked shirt.

Lance had only skinny-dipped one time before; it was in camp and it was many years ago and he was with a bunch of his friends at a lake. But he'd never skinny-dipped with someone he was attracted to, on a secluded beach at sunset. He lowers his body chest-deep into the water and removes his sneakers and socks, then his shorts, then his underwear. Soggy clothes are scattered all over the water's edge by the time he's done, like small, beached marine life.

The warm water laps against Lance's bare skin; he's never felt freer in his life, and as he watches JC undress the hues of the sunset glint off his lover's skin.

JC never takes his eyes of Lance as he strips off his own drenched clothing. He's loving every minute of this. He and Lance have become adept at making time for each other, and at making the most of stolen moments, but it's so seldom that they can just PLAY. He follows Lance into deeper water, floating in the warmth.

Lance dives into an oncoming wave, letting the salt water splash his face and hair. When he emerges, he sees that JC is right behind him, and he dives again, this time coming up quietly behind JC.

JC had never realized what a creature of the water Lance really is. Oh, sure, he knew Lance loved it--and they'd had enough bathtub and shower encounters to convince JC of that, but he'd never seen Lance so in his element before--playful and downright sensual as he cuts through the water.

Submerging once more, Lance finds JC's dangling legs and swims between them, positioning his shoulders at JC's crotch, lifting him up out of the water and flipping his friend backward with a splash.

JC struggles to the surface, coughing and gasping for air, hands flailing.

Lance rushes to JC, not realizing that his little prank would backfire this way. He comes up behind JC, hooking his arms into JC's armpits and lifting his head up out of the water. "Josh! I'm so sorry! I've got you, I've got you!"

JC waits until Lance is completely supporting his weight, then twists, flipping Lance neatly over. "No, I think I got YOU."

Lance struggles to the surface and when he emerges brings his hand up and flicks it, spraying JC with a large volume of water. "You sneak!" he shouts, grabbing JC's head and trying to dunk him.

"Not this time." JC is ready for Lance and locks his hands onto Lance's shoulders, and when he pops up from Lance's attempted dunk, his mouth slams into Lance's, tongue deep inside before Lance even knows what hit him.

It's the saltiest, wettest most exciting kiss Lance has ever experienced. He feels a rush of heat slam through him as another wave sloshes against them and JC's tongue probes his mouth. Lance wraps his arms tightly around JC as though he were a life preserver--in a way he is, because Lance knows that he would drown right here and now if JC wasn't in his life.

JC feels himself getting hard, and he slides his hands down Lance's wet body to grasp his ass and pull their hips together. Another wave washes over them, and he finally breaks the kiss to say "We're both gonna drown if we don't move soon."

Lance has his legs wrapped around JC and can feel JC's growing erection against his own. "I'd die a happy man. But you're right, this isn't exactly the best place for," he reaches into the water and gives JC's hardness a gentle squeeze, "this." Sliding off his lover, he adds, "C'mon, I have a better idea."

JC takes Lance's hand and follows. "I like when you have ideas . . . "

As they near the shore and splash their way to the sand, Lance points to his head. "Always thinking." He glances around, making sure no one is watching, then gathers up their clothes in a soggy bundle. He pulls JC along quickly; it's one thing for his lover to see him naked in the open air. It's another to have complete strangers, and the risk of an undetected camera, to spot them. They have the advantage of the last rays of daylight seeping away, though, but the cool night air urges Lance to quicken his steps. Lance deposits the clothes on the deck, figuring they'll dry over night, then leads JC inside, shivering. "I think we could both use a nice, hot shower."

"Isn't that how this all started? Needing a shower . . . Stinky?"

"That's it, someone needs a cool-down." Lance pulls JC toward the bathroom, and when they get inside he turns on the cold water full blast and shoves JC under the spray.

"OW! You are so gonna pay for this!"

"You started!" Lance laughs, stepping back and holding his hands in front of his face to keep from getting sprayed.

JC fakes a splash to distract Lance, then grabs his arm and pulls him under the frigid spray, spinning them around and pinning Lance against the wall so he can't get away. "I love you even if you DO do mean things to me."

"Bully!" Lance is still laughing as he turns his face away in a futile attempt to avoid the cold water. He screams, "Turn it off! You win!"

JC instead reaches to adjust the temperature to something more pleasant. "We still need to shower, right?" he says reasonably, stepping back so he's no longer holding Lance to the wall.

"Yeah, we do," Lance replies, pushing JC away playfully so he can get the water just right. He snatches a washcloth from the towel rack and rubs some soap on it, then turns to JC. "You first, gorgeous."

"I'm all yours."

"Good, because this could take a while." Lance waves his hand in front of his nose, and brings JC under the shower spray. He brings the cloth to JC's chest, unable to wait any longer to touch it, and gently rubs large circles of lather across his muscles. He pays particular attention to JC's nipples, already erect from the water, and rubs them gently with both hands.

JC puts one hand out to steady himself, fanning his fingers against the tiled wall. "Mmmm. That feels so good, Lance."

"Good. Because it's only gonna get better." Lance brings the soapy cloth lower, to JC's tight abs, lingering there as he traces the contours of each muscle. Before moving even lower, Lance decides to take care of JC's arms, figuring that once he gets started on more . . . intimate . . . parts he won't want to stop. He runs the cloth down one long, lean arm and brings it to his shoulder, washing the underside with the same care. He leaves the arm there as he washes the other arm, and when he's done he pulls JC into a wet kiss.

The cold shower of a few minutes before might never have happened. JC is already so aroused that it's taking all his control not to slam Lance against the wall and take him. But he wants this to be good for both of them, so he channels all his passion into the kiss, exploring every inch of Lance's mouth with his tongue.

While JC is busy with his mouth, Lance slides his hand down the strong torso in front of him and lightly touches JC's already hard erection. He uses the washcloth to work up a lather, then strokes it the length of the shaft and back down, cradling JC's balls. He switches the washcloth to his other hand, which travels down JC's back to his firm, round buttocks. He rubs these vigorously while continuing to stroke JC's member.

JC breaks the kiss. "God, Lance, what are you doing to me?" He pulls the younger man closer, trapping Lance's hand and both erections tightly between them, and he can feel that Lance is every bit as hard as he is.

"If you want me to stop, I will," teases Lance, as he slides his hand between the crack of JC's tight ass.

"Don't even think about it, " JC growls, grinding their hips together and capturing his mouth again.

Their tongues battle while Lance's hand goes further into the crevice, finally coming into contact with the small, puckered opening. "See, this is the problem, Josh," he says, when they finally part. "I think about this all the time." Lance's hand is still slick with soap and, nudging JC's legs apart, slips one finger inside while tightening his grip on JC's erection.

JC moans into Lance's mouth as he thrusts into his hand. He own hands slip around to grasp Lance's ass, kneading the firm muscles.

Lance pulls back. "Are you touching my bum?" He laughs nervously and returns his attention to JC's heated erection.

"If you want me to stop, I will," JC manages, completely caught up in the sensations of Lance's finger inside him and his hand stroking JC's erection. "More, Lance. I want more." Lance pushes another finger inside his lover. "You can have anything you want, Josh. Anything," Lance whispers into his ear.

"I want you, Lance. In me, Now."

Lance grins; after all this time, he's still surprised by the effect he has on JC. JC, who is admired by thousands, who could be with anyone, is telling Lance that he wants him. That makes Lance love him even more. And Lance reminds himself why they're here in the first place; to help JC. To do whatever it takes to get him back on track. And if that means making love right here in this shower, then that's what he'll do.

Gently removing his fingers, Lance kisses JC tenderly, sweetly, conveying all he's feeling in that one kiss. He eases his lover around, out of the shower spray, and, taking JC's hands in his own, places them against the smooth tiles. The warm water hits Lance's back now, soothingly, and he kisses JC's neck and ear. He bends his legs between JC's and carefully pushes his throbbing erection upward and inward, gauging JC's reaction with all the concentration he gives to important business matters.

JC feels Lance filling him, and he just can't believe that anything could possibly feel this good. He tilts his pelvis back, inviting, urging Lance to enter him more deeply. "You feel so good, Lance. SO good," he moans.

Lance groans against JC's back, throwing his weight into every thrust. "Josh," he pants, "you're delicious, you know that?" He brings one hand to JC's neglected erection and begins to stroke it from the base to the tip, pausing at the base to tighten his grip while thrusting deeply inside his lover.

Everything works together to bring JC to the edge. It's not just Lance thrusting inside him and stroking him exactly the way he likes it. It's also Lance's thoughtfulness in arranging this whole weekend, the great day they had today, the playfulness that JC had never expected to recapture. Everything about Lance combines to bring JC to his explosive orgasm as he cries out Lance's name.

Lance feels JC's body bucking against him and wraps the hand not holding his heat around the older man to steady him and keep him from falling. He continues thrusting all the way through JC's orgasm, making sure his lover experiences the most pleasure Lance can give before releasing his own orgasm inside JC. He thrusts as far as he can, burying his face in JC's shoulder and holding him tight, turning their bodies so Lance is leaning with his back against the wall, supporting their weight as JC falls against him. He shudders and kisses JC's neck, spent and exhausted but very, very happy.

JC reaches up and back to touch Lance's face, relaxing into his embrace as they both come down from the incredible high of their orgasms. The water is still pouring over them both and JC thinks again how in his element Lance is here.

Lance hugs JC tight and kisses the side of his face. He returns them to a standing position and turns JC so he is facing him. "So much for getting clean."

"I don't know about you, but I feel fresh as a daisy. A really wet, wilted daisy."

"Yeah, you are kind of limp there," Lance teases, peering at JC's crotch. "Go on, get out before you shrivel into a prune. I'll be right out. I just wanna . . . get cleaned up."

"I love you, you big goofball," JC grins as he climbs out and grabs a towel, drying himself and walking naked into the bedroom to find some sweats and a t-shirt.

As Lance showers, he wonders what JC's thinking--if his mind is clearer and his writer's block is gone. But Lance is not going to pressure him. What he WILL do is cook him a nice meal for their last night together.

JC wanders into the living room and decides to light a fire. Okay, it's not exactly arctic here, but the night air is cool, cooler than last night was. Besides, they both like fires. He busies himself with wood and matches and soon has a good blaze going. He makes himself comfortable on the couch and stares into the fire.

Lance comes out of the bedroom dressed in baggy shorts and a sweatshirt. "Wow, great idea," he remarks, gesturing to the fire. He busies himself in the kitchen, and before long he's laying dinner out. Rummaging around in the kitchen drawers, Lance extracts several candles, lights them, and scatters them around the main room. He doesn't even realize how focused he'd been on getting dinner just right until he sees that JC is sound asleep on the couch. He walks quietly over and leans his butt on the back of the couch. "Josh," he says softly, touching JC's shoulder. "You hungry?"

"Mmmmmf?" JC mutters sleepily, eyelids fluttering. He focuses. "Oh, hey, baby. Um, yeah. Yeah."

"C'mon, sleepyhead." Lance lifts JC's head and kisses him lightly on the mouth. He walks behind his lover, rubbing his shoulders. "Eat now, sleep later." When JC is seated at the small table, still a little groggy, Lance pours them some wine and asks, "So, how do you feel?"

JC stretches a little, becoming more alert by the minute. "Great, actually. More relaxed than I've been in ages and, well, READY. No ideas yet, but I feel--I don't know--open, I guess. Like before I was trying so hard an idea couldn't have gotten through to me, but now . . . " JC smiles gratefully. "How about you? You've been so busy taking care of me."

"I like taking care of you. This weekend was about . . . getting you back on track. And I'm really glad that you're feeling better." Lance reaches across the table and takes JC's hand. "I was worried about you, Josh. I knew you'd eventually come up with something. You always do. But I was worried that you'd work yourself up and start blocking yourself, you know? You put a lot of pressure on yourself. We all do. But sometimes even WE have to take a step back and just . . . breathe, you know?"

"Yeah. Thanks for reminding me." JC squeezes Lance's hand, admiring his eyes, paler and more alluring than ever in the soft candlelight.

Lance picks up his fork and takes a bite, brushing off the comment like it's no big deal. "That's what friends do." Inside, he feels a wave of relief wash over him like the waves that they played in earlier this afternoon. He hasn't seen JC look this relaxed in weeks.

"Well, then, I'm very lucky to have you as a friend." JC sips his wine and then gestures at the table. "This is wonderful. You cooked for me twice today. I could get spoiled."

"I like cooking. And I could cook for you more often if you stayed over more."

"Is that an invitation?"

Lance taps his fork nervously against his plate. Without looking up, he says, "It's more than that. I think you should move in with me."

"Wow. I wasn't expec- . . . I mean, are you sure you could stand having me around all the time? I won't drive you crazy?"

"It drives me more crazy when you're not around." Now Lance does look up. "Listen, I know it's a big step, and I know we'd have to be careful of each other's space. But it's a big house--we could put in a studio for you where you could go and just have some time to yourself. I didn't plan this; it just . . . feels right."

JC considers, rolling the idea around in his mind, finding that he likes it. "You're right. It does."

"Are you sure? Because there's no pressure here. You could take your time and think it over. You're under enough pressure already." Lance suddenly realizes what he's done. "Oh geez, I didn't mean to add to it."

JC reaches for both of Lance's hands. "You didn't. You absolutely didn't. I feel GOOD about this. You hit the nail on the head before-- it just feels right."

Lance gives the hands a gentle squeeze. "I guess it's all about timing. Like writing a song. It'll come to you when it feels right."

"Yep. So, did I ever actually say yes?"

"No," Lance says, looking at his plate again and smiling shyly. "You didn't. But I didn't actually really ask." He gets up from his chair and crouches before JC. "Josh, will you move in with me?"

JC smiles down at Lance. "Yes. And just to prove to you what a good roomie I'll be, I'm gonna take care of the dishes. You go relax for a while."

Lance springs up and pecks JC's lips. "I knew there was a reason I love you."

"Only one?"

"Well, I could list them all, but you'd never get the dishes done." Lance pats JC on the shoulder, sprints over to the couch and takes a flying leap, making a perfect landing on his back.

JC grins and shakes his head. Then he clears the table and deals with the dishes pretty efficiently. When he's done, he heads back to the fireplace, adjusting and adding to the burning wood. Then he turns to the couch. "Got room for me over there?"

"There's room in my house, there's room on my couch." Lance scoots over to allow JC room.

"You're so poetic." JC snuggles against Lance.

"Hey--there's your song!"

JC laughs, a very good sign. Yesterday he would have felt angry at anyone-- even Lance--who could make fun of his problem. "Yeah, babe, Jive will SO go for that." He kisses Lance's hair, very soft tonight because he hasn't gelled it.

"I'm serious," Lance teases, pushing JC away. "Add a hook, some backbeat, and you've got your Billboard 100 hit right there." Lance begins singing, and before JC realizes what's happening, Lance gets up and starts dancing around the room.

"Who are you and what have you done with my boyfriend?"

"What, you don't like my song? Here I am, trying to help you and all I get is criticism." He falls to his knees by the couch and places his hand on JC's crotch. "So hard to please."

"Or just so hard."

"Hmm," Lance prods the slight bulge. "Getting there."

"I'm sure you can help it along."

Lance spreads his palm. "Oh? How?" he asks in his most innocent tone.

"Use your imagination."

"I can imagine a lot of things." Lance starts to rub his palm up and down.

"Can you imagine me leading you to that big, soft bed and making love to you?"

Lance closes his eyes and his face becomes a mask of concentration. "Yeah. I think I can manage that."

"I know it's a stretch, since it's so unlike me and all, but I have faith in your abilities." JC rises and extends a hand to Lance.

Lance lets JC pull him to his feet, and they walk hand in hand to the bedroom. All weekend, Lance has been taking charge and it's something he's good at. When he sets his mind to something, he's all business, whether it's arranging showcases for his new talent or making love to his boyfriend. But now, the roles are reversed and it's JC who is setting the pace. JC brings Lance to the bed and sits him down on the edge. "Wait right here," he instructs, and he goes back out to the main room and gathers several of the candles Lance had scattered about. He brings them back to the bedroom and places them around the room. Then he returns to the bed, drawing Lance into his arms and up onto the soft mattress.

"You're a hopeless romantic, you know that?"

"Romantic, sure, but hopeless? I've got you, haven't I?"

Lance touches JC's cheek tenderly. "Heck yeah."

"I love you, you know. I'm really glad we're taking this next step."

"Me too. I just think it's something a . . . normal couple would do at this point, so why not us? I mean, it's not gonna be easy--I know that. You'll still have to keep the place you're living in now, for press reasons, but people already know you spend a lot of time at my house so it's not like they'll suspect anything's different. We'll tell the guys, sure, but that's it. Justin already thinks we're living together anyway."

"Yeah. Dork." JC slips his hands down Lance's back, sliding them into the back pockets of his shorts and squeezing.

"Hey, he's the one who got me thinking about it and--OH," he exclaims, in response to the delightfully invasive hands.

"So I have JUSTIN to thank for this," JC murmurs, kissing Lance lightly. "I'll have to be nicer to him."

"Just don't be TOO nice," Lance warns playfully, letting his tongue flick out to meet JC's lips.

"Jealous?"

Lance pulls back. "Do I have a reason to be?"

"Nope. Never."

"Would it turn you on if I was?"

"I don't know. Maybe a little. But why would you be?"

"Well, he IS cute. 5,000,000 girls can't be wrong."

"Yeah, I can see where some people might think so. But you're the only one for me." JC tightens his hands again, pulling Lance close.

"Good, 'cause I wouldn't want to fight Justin for you. He's been working out."

"So have you. In fact, I really think we need to take this sweatshirt off you, so I can admire . . . "

"JC!" Lance starts to protest, knowing he's nowhere near as built up as Joey or Justin, but relents when JC lifts the hem of the shirt over his head.

"La-ance," JC replies teasingly, as he discards the shirt and runs a light finger over Lance's toned arm.

When JC uses that voice Lance just wants to melt into the floor. If JC used that voice and asked Lance to clean the floor with a toothbrush he'd do it without question.

So Lance teases back again, this time keeping his voice low and quiet. "Jay- ceeeee."

JC nuzzles Lance's shoulder, moving down to follow the muscles on the arm he's exposed. "So beautiful," he murmurs.

Lance rolls his eyes. "You sure you wouldn't rather be doing that to Justin?" he teases trying to pull his arm away.

"Ew! Incest!" JC keeps a firm grip on Lance's arm, running his tongue over the defined bicep.

"It's not like you're related!" Lance says, laughing.

"We might as well be," JC responds, working his way back up to Lance's shoulder, then his throat. "And if you keep talking about Justin, I'm gonna be the one getting jealous."

"What are you gonna do about it?" Lance asks, running a finger up JC's chest.

"I'll just have to give you something else to think about,"JC says, leaning in for a kiss.

Lance throws his arms around JC, welcoming the kiss with his own eager lips.

JC slips his tongue into Lance's hot mouth, one hand still caressing Lance's toned arm.

Lance starts to pull at JC's shirt, lifting it from the back, exposing his smooth, slightly tanned skin.

JC releases Lance long enough to remove his shirt then gathers Lance close again, claiming his mouth once more.

Lance runs his nails lightly down JC's back, and up his sides, and then brings his fingers to the small, fine hairs on JC's chest.

Lance's light touch sends a shiver through JC, and he moans into Lance's open mouth. He slips one hand once again into Lance's pocket, clasping the firm roundness of his butt.

Their tongues entwined, Lance's hands roam JC's slim, toned chest. When he breaks the kiss, panting, he softly says, "Do you think this is how it will be, when you move in?"

"No," JC says, ignoring the disappointment in Lance's face. "It's gonna be better."

"Better than this?" Lance asks in mock surprise. "Better than this?" he asks again, this time kissing JC. "Better than this?" he growls, pinching JC's nipples gently.

"Mmmm. Better. Cause it won't be my place or your place, my bed or your bed. It'll be ours."

"Ours. I like the sound of that. I'll even clean out half the closet for you."

"You're too good to me." JC kisses the tip of Lance's nose.

"You keep that up, I'll even let you have some drawer space."

"Whoa! You must really like me." JC returns to Lance's mouth, licking the soft lips.

"Can't you tell?" Lance lifts his head slightly, in an attempt to capture the teasing tongue.

JC brings a hand to Lance's crotch, feeling the hardening bulge there. "Yeah, I can," he says, then allows his tongue to be caught.

Lance sucks on JC's wet tongue for a moment before taking it in his mouth and moaning as JC's hand touches his growing erection. He moves against the hand, slow, easy movements to let JC know how much he enjoys the touch.

JC deepens the kiss, licking the roof of Lance's mouth and caressing his tongue. His fingers trace the outline of Lance's erection through the fabric of his shorts, pressing hard against the stiff flesh.

Lance circles the tiny bumps of JC's nipples with his thumbs, applying gentle pressure. He takes them between his fingers, toying with them, teasing them. He loves this freedom, this ability to touch his lover wherever his fingers desire.

JC arches his back, pressing his nipples against Lance's strong fingers. He tightens his grip on Lance's erection, stroking the length of it through the fabric.

When JC moves, Lance uses the opportunity to slide his hands down JC's chest and around his back to the firm swell of his butt. He slides his hands inside the sweats and pulls back from JC's kiss, smiling, when he realizes his lover isn't wearing any underwear.

JC smiles as well, when he feels Lance's cool hands clasping him. He eagerly starts working on the button and zipper of Lance's shorts, and drops his mouth to Lance's throat, licking at the prominent adam's apple.

Lance's body jerks as JC's lips come into contact with one of Lance's most sensitive spots. He squeezes JC's butt in reaction, pressing his fingers into the tight flesh.

JC smiles against Lance's throat, enjoying his reaction. He traces his tongue slowly over the sensitive area again, and is rewarded by a growl deep in Lance's throat that JC can feel in his tongue. JC finishes with Lance's zipper, pushing the loose fabric aside to dip his hand inside the baggy shorts.

A quiet whimper escapes Lance's mouth; he can't seem to control himself when JC does these things to him. Especially with JC's warm hand so close to his hot member. Lance brings his fingers closer to the space between JC's tight butt muscles and runs them slowly down the crack.

Lance's caresses just make JC more eager. Unable to wait, he immediately tugs down Lance's shorts and the underwear beneath them, giving him complete access to the hot, twitching organ he's longed to touch.

Lance squirms as a result of his complete exposure, and his hands probe deeper until his fingers find JC's small, puckered opening. He teases it gently, not yet penetrating.

"Lance," JC breathes, his mouth still against Lance's throat. He wraps his hand around Lance's erection and begins making the long, smooth slow strokes he know Lance loves.

Lance's hands slip away as he becomes lost in JC's rhythm. He can only lay there, eyes closed, as JC works his hand up Lance's shaft and back down again.

JC props himself on one elbow as his other hand continues in its relentless caress. He loves to watch Lance's face, his responses. Even in the dim, flickering candlelight, JC can see how gorgeously flushed Lance is, how aroused.

Lance gazes down at JC's hand and brings his own hand to JC's arm, scraping his fingernails lightly against the older man's skin. He lifts his eyes to JC and brings his fingers to JC's mouth, brushing against the soft lips.

JC almost stops moving when confronted by the expression in Lance's beautiful eyes, glittering in the shadowy light. Love, desire, affection, need-- how can one skinny guy with a too-big nose and a gap in his teeth inspire all that? JC closes his eyes against the tears that are threatening and kisses the fingers brushing at his lips, eventually opening his mouth to nibble and tease the fingertips.

"Mmmmm, Josh, you always know how to get me going, don't you?"

"I sure hope so," JC mumbles around the fingertips in his mouth.

Lance thrusts into JC's hand in answer. His fingers glide along JC's teeth and rub saliva along the smooth surface of his lips. JC bites playfully at the fingers, drawing them further into his mouth. His erection presses against Lance's hip and the slightly scratchy fabric of his sweat pants.

Lance wriggles his fingers in JC's mouth playfully before withdrawing them. He brings the moistened digits to JC's chest and circles his nipples, leaving a wet, spiral around each one. With both hands, he reaches for JC's sweat pants, knowing he's waited long enough. JC lets his head drop next to Lance's, nuzzling the side of his neck and his perfect little ear. Lance's teasing touch on his chest leaves his nipples aching and increases the throbbing in his groin.

Reluctantly, Lance nudges JC's hand away. At JC's puzzled expression, Lance orders, "Get up. I gotta get these off you. That is, IF you want to make love to me."

JC complies. "I love when you start giving orders."

"Yeah? Then I order you to take off your pants and make love to me."

"Ooh, baby!" JC strips off his sweat pants. "Hey, you packed; where'd you put the lube?"

Lance sits up, leaning on his elbows. "You say that so romantically. Like 'Where'd you put the phone?' It's in my black bag." He points to a small travel sack on the dresser.

"An hour ago you were calling me a hopeless romantic." JC retrieves the necessary item and returns to the bed. "There, now that's taken care of and I can focus all my attention where it belongs. On you."

Lance rolls over. "Gee, I don't know if I'm in the mood anymore," he teases.

"Oh, okay." JC arranges himself on his back. Two can play this game.

Smiling, Lance curls up, bumping his butt against JC's leg. "Oh, sorry."

"Oh, are you still here?" JC tries, not very successfully, to repress a grin.

Lance nudges JC again. "Yeah. But maybe I should go sleep on the couch 'cause I don't think this bed is big enough for my big ol' butt." Lance bumps JC yet again. "Oops, there I go again."

JC rolls over to wrap himself around Lance. "You're not going anywhere."

"That's more like it."

JC tightens his hold and kisses the back of Lance's neck, low at first, then moving up to press his lips to where his Lance's hair meets his neck.

A low growl works its way from Lance's throat to his mouth, and he presses back, grinding into JC's pulsing erection.

Too much. JC thinks. Too good. He's so aroused that it's surprising he can even think that much. He fumbles for the lube and manages to spread some on his stiffness before he's pressing it into Lance.

Lance's body jerks forward at the sudden penetration, then he sighs and pushes against the length of JC's heat. He wraps his arms around JC's and squeezes tightly. The warmth of JC's body heat sends ripples of pleasure through Lance like the incoming tide crashing against the shore outside.

JC tries to take it slowly, but then Lance pushes back and it's all over--he gives Lance a chance to adjust, then starts thrusting in and out of his lover's tight passage. He disengages one arm from Lance's grip to reach for Lance's erection, stroking it attentively.

Everything hits him at once: The rhythmic sounds of the ocean, the insistent pumping of JC's hand, and the incredibly pleasurable thrusting of JC's hot cock.Lance moans JC's name and bends his knees, rocking in time to each thrust, urging his lover in deeper.

JC kisses Lance's neck, his ear, the side of his face, whatever he can reach with his lips. His lips return to Lance's ear and he whispers his love over and over, his breath hot on Lance's cheek. He struggles to slow the rhythm of his thrusts, wanting to make this last, wanting to make it good for Lance.

Lance nuzzles his face against JC's lightly stubbled cheek, savoring every second of contact with his lover. He can't remember feeling this content, this elated, and he wishes he could make that feeling last forever.

JC continues pumping into Lance, varying his speed and amount of penetration and his hand continues to stroke over Lance's rock hard erection. He knows they're both close and he wants even more contact with his lover. He whispers "kiss me."

Lance turns his head as far as it will go and opens his mouth, taking in JC's full, moist lips. All his senses are alive as he feels himself nearing release.

At the touch of Lance's lips, JC feels the depth of their connection to each other hit him full force, and with that, his orgasm hits as well. He keeps thrusting into his lover as long as he can, his hand frantic on Lance's erection.

Lance bucks against the force of JC's thrusting, and he whimpers into the kiss as his own orgasm explodes into JC's pumping hand. He convulses against his lover again and again, breaking the kiss long enough to cry out JC's name.

JC's final thrust is deep and powerful, and he feels as if he and Lance are truly one person in that moment. His frenzied movement stilled now, he hugs Lance's tightly to his chest, whispering again his name and of his love.

Lance takes a deep breath and shudders against JC as the last ripple of his orgasm courses through him. He holds JC tightly, not wanting to let go. He has never felt such passion with anyone before, and he can't imagine feeling it with anyone else.

JC doesn't move. He just holds Lance as tightly as he can, listening to the sound of the ocean that Lance loves. Finally, he smiles against Lance's shoulder and murmurs, "Romantic enough for you?"

"That's gonna be a tough act to follow."

"I have faith in our . . . abilities."

Lance turns in JC's arms. "Do you have faith in yourself?"

JC considers. "Yeah, yeah, I do. I just needed to be reminded."

Lance kisses JC softly, slowly. He rests his forehead against JC's. "I'll be happy to remind you whenever you need it, Josh."

"Thanks . . . roomie."

"Wow, when you say it like that . . . we're really going to be living together."

"Yeah." JC kisses Lance tenderly. "We really are."

Lance turns around once again so his body is perfectly aligned against JC's. "Good." He yawns, and suddenly feeling very tired, closes his eyes and drifts off to the rhythmic sounds of the waves and JC's breathing.

JC drifts off as well, lulled by the ocean and the good, warm feeling of holding his love in his arms.

Strangely, unprecedentedly, it's JC who awakens first in the morning, his head buzzing. He carefully eases his arm out from under Lance, slipping out of bed without awakening him, and he hurries to his bag, where he knows Lance has packed his notebook. He slips into some sweat pants and hurries to the kitchen, where he makes coffee, then lets himself out onto the deck and settles comfortably on one of the lounge chairs, scribbling furiously in his notebook.

Lance isn't sure when he woke up. The dream melded into reality as the sound of the ocean and birds brought him back to consciousness. He smiles and stretches, reaching for JC, but comes up with nothing but a cool pillow. It's not like JC to rise before Lance, especially on a day off. Puzzled, Lance pulls on his shorts and peers into the main room. No JC. So he heads out to the deck, and before he even reaches the glass door he hears his lover's voice. Lance steps back, not wanting JC to see him yet, and listens.

The song is different from anything he's heard before. It has a catchy melody, and Lance can already hear the harmonies in his head. He waits until JC is finished and watches as his friend writes down something, then cautiously opens the door and steps outside. The morning air is fresh and clean, and a slight breeze fans Lance's hair back. He takes a seat opposite JC and leans forward. "Josh, that was . . . amazing."

JC looks up and grins. "Thanks. It feels really right. And it's you."

Stunned, Lance sits back. "What? Me?"

JC reaches over to take Lance's hand. "My muse. My inspiration."

Lance stares at the hands. "I am not. You've been writing songs long before I came along."

"Sure I was. But you're what inspires me now."

Lance reclines in the chair. "That's a lot of pressure, you know. What happens when the day comes I don't inspire you anymore?"

"Gee, Lance. Nothing like turning a compliment into a philosophical discussion." JC sighs. "Every day I find something new about you to love, so you're endlessly inspiring."

Lance moves to sit on the end of JC's chair. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean it to sound that way. I love you too. I just want to try to keep things fresh for you, you know? Your music's as important to me as it is to you."

JC puts his notebook aside and draws Lance up so they're lying together on the lounge chair, Lance's head on JC's chest. "Thank you, baby. And thank you for helping me get it back."

"You never lost it. You just . . . misplaced it. And anytime you need help with anything--ANYTHING--you let me know."

JC hugs Lance gratefully, then chuckles, "Well . . . did you bring any sun screen? I'm gonna have a heck of a time explaining the Lance shaped tan- line on my chest."

As Lance rises to retrieve the sun screen from the bedroom, he fires back, "You'll start a fashion trend. Everyone will want one." He pauses, taking in the view--the sun glistening off the water, his lover stretched out in the morning light. He takes a mental snapshot, wanting to remember this moment in all its perfection. He looks back at JC. "But you're the only one who gets to keep the original."

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