Full Circle

by Karen and LB
© 2002

Inspired by the smiles and looks exchanged at the Miami and Atlantis concerts.

Every morning, JC wakes up reaching for Lance and finding cool, empty sheets. It's the only bad moment. Most of the time, he is perfectly reconciled to their break up, but in sleep, his treacherous body tells a different story. After a few moments, he always shakes the dreams out of his mind like pretty, gossamer cobwebs and gets on with his day.

*****

It had to have been the least acrimonious breakup in relationship history. They had made it through the frequent separations necessitated by Lance making his movie. It wasn't until they were on the road that they realized that now that they COULD spend time together, they weren't. It was no one's fault, really. They were just into different things lately, in different places. As JC said when they finally talked it out, "Just because I was what you wanted when you were 17, doesn't mean I still am. And that's okay."

Their friends tried to make it into something more, something ugly, when they found out. Needing to find fault. "The bastard!" Justin had screamed. "He thinks he's this big movie star or something now?"

"Don't talk about him that way," JC had replied. "He didn't do anything wrong. We're both fine with this. You should be, too."

In almost every breakup, one or both of the parties says they'll still be friends. Lance and JC were actually doing it.

****

Lance would find himself stealing glances at JC--they'd be trying on clothes for their next appearance and Lance would marvel at how graceful JC would be doing the simplest thing, like putting on socks. Sometimes, they'd have conversations about nothing important, and Lance would be reminded of the nights they sat up, a scrabble board between them, and talked about anything and everything.

But that was before. Now they were just friends who sang together. Good friends. Close friends. But friends nonetheless. And that was important, especially now, after what happened on September 11. They were all involved in various benefits and charity efforts, and with the concerts in DC and Miami looming, there wasn't much time for anything else.

*****

A couple of days after Lance's movie premiere, the boys are rehearsing for the DC show. A very uncomfortable rehearsal. Lance is hurt that Justin and Chris weren't at the premiere. Justin is still blaming Lance for breaking up with JC, although JC is clearly fine and has explained over and over that it had been a mutual decision. When Justin yells at Lance for missing something he'd done perfectly correctly, Lance walks out of the rehearsal room to cool off, and JC follows him. Joey is already there, and they sit against a wall, sipping water. "I'm sorry," JC finally says.

"For what?" Lance asks. "You didn't do anything."

"For...I just want everyone to get along. Be normal."

"We're normal. It's the Baby who's not," says Joey. "It's okay though, because we're gonna have a case of diapers delivered to his house."

"Justin Pampers-lake," JC says, giggling. He looks at Lance. "Ready to go back?"

Lance nods, pushing himself up and grateful to JC for checking up on him. For the next several hours, he, Joey, and JC exchange private giggles, and Chris makes faces behind Justin's back, sending them all into a fit of laughter.

Finally, Justin gives up. "That's it," he declares. "Obviously, we're not gonna get anything done today so we might as well go home."

"Gee," JC says innocently. "I thought we got a LOT done." He looks to Joey for agreement.

"Sounded good to me."

"Good isn't good enough," snaps Justin.

"Just, come ON, dude," JC says calmly. "We got lots done today. We'll get lots done tomorrow. We're doing a short set on Sunday. It's all good."

"Whatever. But we're back tomorrow EARLY. And no messing around."

"Whatever," JC echoes, seeing Chris walk over to Justin. Chris, for some reason, seems to be able to soothe him these days. He turns to Lance and Joey. "What are you guys doing now? Wanna get a bite?"

Lance looks at Joey and shrugs. "Sure." It's been a while since the three of them hung out and Lance thinks this is just what he needs right now. Someplace fun. Someplace where they can be boys.

"Cool. How about that pizza place by Joey's. We never get recognized there..."

"That sounds great." In fact, JC could suggest eating maggots out of a garbage bin and it would sound great. The place is small but it has the best pizza in the area. They grab a table outside and talk and laugh and sing along with the music playing from the restaurant's speakers. That night, Lance sleeps better than he has in weeks.

The days before the DC show pass quickly. Lance knows how important it is for JC to perform in what he considers his hometown. And the show is hugely successful. Even though Lance and Joey have to bolt after the show, Lance looks forward to the next time they can all be together.

It was a good night, JC thinks. They were part of something important. They all got along. Justin is finally starting to chill.

JC hasn't said anything, but he's worried about Lance's movie, which is coming out this weekend. Lance and JOEY's movie, he corrects himself. And even though Lance hasn't said anything, either, he knows Lance knows that Miramax hasn't put much behind it. He wishes he could be there for Lance. Not just because they used to be together, but because they are and, JC is sure, always will be, friends.

The day the movie comes out, JC goes to the nearest theatre where it's playing, hat pulled low on his brow. He gets in unrecognized, and looks sadly around at the handful of people who have also chosen to attend. He spends the rest of the weekend avoiding phones. Wanting to call Lance in Vegas. Not doing it.

After the movie came out, Lance laughed off the reviews. He knew the movie was good; the fans liked it and that's all that mattered to him. He was pissed at Miramax for dropping the ball, but there was nothing he could do about that. He practically had to promote the movie himself. Every experience was a learning experience, and he'll make sure the next movie gets the attention it deserves.

With the movie out of the way, Lance knows it's time to focus on the concerts coming up. He's looking forward to Miami, to seeing his friends and fellow performers. To...being with JC. But that's silly-- he's not WITH JC. Although sometimes, like now, he wishes he were. He's not even sure anymore why they broke up in the first place.

It's like deja vu. One show to do. Rehearsals. Justin being demanding and exacting because it's HIS song that's being debuted.

Lance looks...different since he got back. Older. He says he's fine, but JC still wants to hug him. A lot.

Lance can see it in JC's eyes. The sympathy. He can't let on that he's any way disappointed with how the movie was received, so he tries to be as up and positive as possible. Even when Justin bitches him out during rehearsal. More and more, he's looking forward to being in Miami, going to the clubs and hanging out by the pool.

They end up taking only one bus to Miami. It's only a couple of hours, after all. It reminds JC of the early days, when they all traveled much longer distances in one cramped bus. He remembers squeezing into one tiny bunk with Lance back in the days when Lance still got homesick. That was how they'd gotten started--those long, whispered conversations.

It's a blast, really. Even Justin seems to be having a good time on the bus ride down, so by the time they pull into Miami they're all in good spirits. "Anybody wanna hit the town?" Lance asks, as they exit the bus and are ushered through the hotel lobby.

Joey says he's going to get Kelly and Brianna settled and maybe he'll hook up with them later, but everyone else us in. Deciding on where to go is harder, and by the time they finish discussing it, JC is ready to curl up and go to sleep. But he doesn't. He showers and changes and heads downstairs to a waiting SUV.

Lance is already at the designated club with Justin and Chris, but when JC walks in he excuses himself and approaches JC to show him where they're sitting. "Want a drink?" he yells over the music.

"Yeah," JC shouts back, knowing that Lance will know what to get him. Liking that they still know these things about each other. He waves at Chris and Justin, not even bothering to try to be heard in the din. The din begins to resolve itself into music. A beat. And JC's whole body responds. He's moving toward the dance floor before Lance ever gets back with his drink.

Lance dances his way over to JC, drink in hand, and manages not to spill a drop. They dance that way for a few minutes, and soon JC is making up one of his crazy dances, the other guys jumping up and joining in. Lance is laughing so hard he can barely breathe. It reminds him of the night they were in their hotel suite in some city in the middle of nowhere, so to combat the boredom JC cranked up the music and did a strip-tease for Lance.

The combination of the heat of the club and JC's fatigue makes the drink go straight to JC's head. Somehow there's another drink in his hand, but JC keeps dancing. Dancing with whoever's next to him, in front of him. He spins and finds himself facing Lance. "Hey, there," he says a little unsteadily, but with a smile that's still sweet and incongruously sunny in this dark, strobe-lit place.

"I think soooooomeone's ready for bedtime," Lance slurs.

"Me? Nah! I'm DANCING!"

"You're falling. Falling..." Lance starts singing.

"Not falling," JC says, stumbling a little. "Just....leaning."

"Lean on me," Lance sings.

"Dance with me," JC replies, leaning only a little.

Lance wants to take JC in his arms and swing him around. He wants everyone in the room to disappear so he can float with JC across the floor. Instead, he bumps JC with his hip.

"You call that dancing?" JC says with a mock pout. "Maybe I should find a boy who WANTS to dance with me."

"I want to dance with you," Lance says, maybe a little too loudly.

"Good, 'cause I wanna dance with you," JC smiles happily.

Back at the table, Justin scowls. "What they hell do they think they're doing?"

"Dancing?" Chris says, as he looks approvingly at the couple on the dance floor. "Dude, just let them be happy."

"They better not get TOO happy out there."

"Justin, there are people making out 5 feet away from you. No one's gonna notice if two people get a little close on the dance floor."

JC's at the stage of buzzedness where he's no longer flinging his limbs around. He moves slowly, sensually, never taking his eyes off Lance. "I miss...this," he says, just loudly enough for Lance to hear.

"Me too," Lance mouths. He pulls JC's head close so he can talk in his ear. "You wanna get out of here? Get some air?"

"Yeah," JC says with a little laugh. "Air's good."

Lance signals to one of the bodyguards to get the car, and soon they're heading back to the hotel. "Come on," Lance commands, taking JC's hand and leading him through the hotel lobby to the rear doors leading out to the pool area and the beach beyond.

"Wow. So pretty. And quiet." JC squeezes Lance's hand. "You always know just what I need."

"You? It was so noisy in there!" Lance laughs and pulls JC toward the stairs leading down to the beach, and at the bottom he kicks off his shoes and rolls up his pants. "When was the last time we took a walk on the beach?"

JC follows suit. "I can't remember. A long time ago."

"Seems that way." Their feet touch the cool, grainy sand. In the distance, they can see the lights of the stage being constructed. "Wow, look at it. You can see it all the way from here."

"Right on the beach! I mean, I KNEW that, but I hadn't really pictured it."

"You think people will really be this far back?"

"Maybe not THIS far back. Although it would be less crowded back here. You could put down a blanket and lay back and snuggle and look at the stars and listen."

"That's really romantic. Maybe someone will do that. Maybe when we sing This I Promise You some couple will be back here making out."

"Maybe," JC says dreamily. "Maybe someone who's just decided they should try it again..."

Lance stares at the stage, then turns his eyes to JC. "You mean..."

JC glances away and then back at Lance. "I've been thinking about it..."

"Me too. But hey, no pressure."

"No. No pressure. Just...something to think about," JC reaches for Lance's hand. "Let's walk some more."

And they do. They walk, they talk, they listen to the ocean. Lance ventures out into the water, letting the waves lap his toes and pulling JC with him, laughing with delight as the waves splash JC's long legs. Soon, they head back to the hotel and, shoeless, ride the elevator to their floor. They reach JC's room first. Lance bites his lip and says quietly, "Well, um, goodnight. I guess I'll see you tomorrow for the press conference."

"Yeah. I'll see you then." JC pauses, then lifts one hand to brush Lance's windblown hair back from his forehead. "This was...this was nice."

"Yeah." Lance finds himself leaning in, but stops himself. It's too soon. He smiles, then turns to leave.

*****

The next day, the boys meet with the mayor of Miami and attend a press conference to unveil their latest merchandising effort, the Bobbleheads. Lance sits next to JC and the boys play with their new toys, holding them up to the camera and teasing each other good- naturedly. Lance notices how easily he and JC slip into the old habit of flirting with each other.

Funny how the most mundane tasks, like doing yet another press conference, become exciting when there's an undercurrent of anticipation, of possibility. JC has way more fun than a press conference should afford. When it's over, they're free until sound check that night. "Anyone up for shopping?" he asks, addressing the group but looking at Lance.

"You don't have to ask me twice."

"Cool. There's lots of great stores around here. It'll be fun."

They climb into an SUV and hit the strip of stores off the main drag. Armani X, Kenneth Cole, even The Gap. Lance buys a pair of jeans and a tee-shirt, and makes JC try on a pair of funky faded jeans. They try on hats and sunglasses and strike poses for each other. Lance had forgotten how much fun it was to shop with his boyfriend. Finally, Lance decides he wants ice cream, so they walk around the corner to the Ben & Jerry's stand.

They egg each other on to larger and larger ice cream dishes and laugh at each other when neither can finish. To JC, it's almost as if they never broke up--they're so comfortable with each other. Yet there's also the excitement of a first date.

When a drop of ice cream drips down JC's chin, Lance has to fight the urge to lick it off. "You wanna go back to the hotel and lay on the beach for a while?"

"Do I get to put sunscreen on you?"

"You need a bribe? Yeah, okay, you get to put sunscreen on me."

JC grins. "What are we waiting for?" They head back to the hotel and soon they're lying side by side on lounge chairs, enjoying the beautiful day.

Lance brought down his discman and two sets of headphones so they could both listen to the music. It's like the never broke up. Soon a shadow falls over Lance and he opens his eyes, shading them with one hand, to see Justin looming over him. "You know we have full rehearsal tonight."

"Yeah, we know. Wanna join us?"

"Nah, I'm gonna go work out for a while. Just wanted to make sure you knew the schedule."

"I know the schedule, Justin." He puts the earpieces back in his ears and lays back down, letting the music wash away the momentary tension Justin brought with him.

JC touches Lance's hand and when he looks up, JC gestures for him to take off the headphones. "I don't know what his problem is. I've told him a million times that you didn't do anything wrong."

"Thanks. You don't have to do that, though. He just needs someone to take it out on. He's been riding Joey too, but Joey just makes faces behind his back. I guess it's hard for him not having Britney around, but he really is being obnoxious."

"Yeah, he is. But I can't even THINK about being that way. Not on a day like this." JC's voice makes it clear that it's not just the blue sky and ocean waves he's talking about.

Lance looks at JC, at the lean, lithe body stretched out so sensually in the beautiful sunshine. "It's a great day," he says with a smile, then pushes Play on the discman. Dido's "Thank you" comes through the headphones.

JC pushes his headphones back over his ears and starts singing along, lightly. It IS a great day.

And it gets better. Until rehearsal. Once again, Justin is in a mood. They're at the stage and it's dark out. They were driven over from the hotel, knowing full well the entire beach would hear them once they started singing. It was like giving everyone a private concert. Lance loves the beach at night, the waves crashing on the shore, a breeze blowing JC's hair every which way. The moist ocean air makes JC's hair even curlier than it usually is, and Lance imagines running his fingers through the tresses like he used to.

But he snaps back from his fantasy when Justin insists on doing Gone AGAIN.

Doing Gone again isn't SO bad. JC gets to sit next to Lance and think about pretty much whatever he wants to. Which means Lance.

Gone is great for Lance. There's lots of time when he doesn't sing so he can watch JC. They share secret smiles and make faces and by the time the song is done the second time they're holding back their giggles. Then it's on to Girlfriend. This is the first time they'll be performing this song live and Justin has been a slave driver. And he doesn't let up now and insists on doing it again. And again. When Justin suggests they do it a fourth time, the guys ALL rebel. Finally Chris whispers "Dude, if you think it's that rough, maybe we better not do it." THAT slows Justin down.

They manage to get through the last song but by then they're so punchy that if they had to do one more they'd probably all break into a four-part harmony "I'm a Slave 4 U" just to annoy Justin.

"You wanna get something to eat?" Lance asks JC as they're being hustled to the cars.

"Yeah," JC says. At the same moment, Justin declares, "We should ALL go get some dinner. Who's in?"

"Um, I gotta check in on Kelly and the baby," Joey says. JC is still smiling at Lance and doesn't answer. Chris steers Justin to another SUV. "I'll have dinner with you, dude."

"Do you think we're being too obvious?" Lance asks JC when they're alone in the car.

"You mean the goofy grin I get on my face whenever I look at you? Nah!" JC laughs, then says. "We don't have anything to hide, right?"

"Not as far as I'm concerned. At least not from the guys."

"They we're cool. Justin's just gonna have to get over his ...pissiness."

They find a relatively quiet restaurant and spend hours talking like they're old friends catching up. In a way, they are. Catching up, finding their way back to that place they were before they drifted apart. Only now, it's even better.

By the time dessert arrives, they're holding hands discreetly under the table, releasing one another only to spoon chocolate into their mouths, to offer forkfuls to each other.

Contrary to his image, Lance decides he'd rather head back to the hotel than spend the night out on the town. There will be plenty of partying at Atlantis, and Lance wants to see if maybe what they've begun can go just a little bit further.

Lance gets no argument from JC, who's content to go wherever he and Lance can be together. Still, he's a little nervous as they get on the elevator together.

Lance watches the numbers on the panel light up as the elevator ascends. Lonnie looms behind them and Lance remains silent, thinking only of what's going to happen when they reach their rooms. Finally, the elevator stops and Lonnie exits first, a deterrent to any prying fans.

It's like a repeat of last night. They pause outside JC's door, uncertain. JC slips his hands around Lance's waist, and draws him closer.

Lance puts a hand on JC's chest, gesturing to Lonnie, whose back is to them. "Maybe we should..." Then his turns his eyes to the door.

"Um, yeah." JC fumbles in his pocket for the key, then fumbles with the lock. On the third try, he gets the door open and holds it for Lance.

Lance thrusts his hands in his pockets and looks around the room, but doesn't move past the entryway. He leans against the wall hungry to kiss JC, but afraid to make the first move. "Listen, JC, I'm sorry about what happened. I'm not even sure why we broke up."

"Lance, don't apologize. We both agreed it was for the best at the time." JC sighs and leads the way over to the couch. They sit. "I think..." JC begins uncertainly, then continues with more assurance. "I think we needed to be apart for a bit to figure out if we really wanted to be together or if it was just...habit. We were so young when we started."

"We're not kids anymore. I think the time apart made me realize how much I need you in my life. I mean, as more than just a friend or bandmate."

"Yes," JC breathes. "Yes." JC reaches again for Lance's hand. "It's like, like breaking up let us be even closer friends. And being closer friends will make us be even better...together."

"I want us to be together. I missed this."

"Me, too. I missed us." JC raises Lance's hand to his face and rubs it against his cheek.

Lance takes over easily, as though they'd been together all this time and never lost their rhythm. He caresses that sun-drenched, sculpted cheek before pulling JC close and kissing him softly.

It's like two puzzle pieces fitting together. Like perfect harmony. They fit together perfectly.

Lance kisses JC as though it's their first kiss. He moves closer and takes JC's face in both hands, parting his lips and letting his tongue slip out.

JC welcomes Lance's tongue eagerly, meeting it with his own and coaxing Lance's into his mouth. His arms wrap around Lance as if he's never going to let go.

Lance leans forward, easing JC down onto the seat cushions while exploring JC's warm, delicious mouth.

JC sighs against Lance's hot mouth and lets his hands slide up under the hem of Lance's shirt, pressing against the warm skin.

Lance presses his body against JC's hands, the touch so familiar yet so new since their separation. His body responds almost immediately, and the kiss changes from sweet to passionate.

They know each other's responses so well, each other's bodies so well. They know where to touch, and how, and how long. Adding that knowledge to the excitement of their reunion brings them both quickly to a higher level of arousal than either has ever experienced before.

Their lovemaking is quick, intense, passionate. Clothes are discarded, kisses exchanged, and before long Lance is coming inside JC, two sweat-soaked bodies moving together on the couch as though they were one.

With a cry, JC follows Lance into ecstasy, their movements, their breathing, their heartbeats perfectly synchronized.

The next day, Lance practically floats outside to the pool area where he's meeting with Wendy to go over some Happy Place stuff. Wendy sits back in her chair and eyes him over the rim of her glasses. "You wanna tell me about it?"

"Tell you what?"

"You're glowing."

Lance looks up at the bright blue sky. "It's a beautiful day, isn't it?"

"You're not gonna tell me."

"So what did you think of that script?" And so the morning goes, Wendy shaking her head at Lance's evasiveness.

JC, after sleeping late, calls Justin and asks him to go for a run on the beach. He understands that some of his friend's anger is about feeling left out.

They're forced to stick to areas where Lonnie can follow them in a golf cart, but they don't care. The exertion, the glowing day, and the camaraderie combine to help mend the rift they've both felt. When they're done, they run up to the pool and collapse on the deck next to Lance and Wendy's table. JC, his hair windblown and his highlights a shade lighter, his muscles warm and bulging with exercise, smiles up at Lance.

Wendy observes the exchange and smirks. "Oh, now I see--you're getting some."

"Wendy!" Lance exclaims.

"Oh, c'mon, you can tell me. I'm your partner."

"BUSINESS partner."

"Yeah, and this is about you getting busy, so tell me."

"Don't we have some story ideas to go over?"

"Listen, Golden Boy, there's only one story I want to go over."

Lance rolls his eyes and then glances over at JC, who's trying his best to look like he's not looking at Lance. "I give up," Lance decides, letting his head fall to the table.

The banter seems to stir up some of the anger that had dissipated in Justin, and he says, in his most innocent tone, "So, when is Laura joining us? Is she flying with us or meeting us in Atlantis?"

JC, who'd been running his hand up Lance's calf in the protectiveshadow of Lance's chair, freezes.

Lance doesn't even look up from his glass of water. "Atlantis. She's flying down there tomorrow."

"Good," JC says softly, looking hard at Justin. "It will be good to see her." He squeezes Lance's foot.

Lance remains calm. He detects JC's insecurity at this twist, but JC knows Laura and knows the whole thing has been a publicity stunt for On the Line. He doesn't understand Justin's animosity toward him, but he's not going to let it ruin what he and JC have now.

JC grabs the arm of Lance's chair and hauls himself up. "I, um, need to shower. I'll see you upstairs, okay?"

"Okay." Lance follows JC with his eyes as his friend disappears into the hotel, then looks back at Justin and shakes his head. A few minutes later, he excuses himself and goes to JC's room, knocking softly but with determination on the door.

JC answers the door wearing a towel around his waist and carrying another. "Hey," he says softly, opening the door wider to admit Lance. As he walks back into the room, he starts toweling his hair.

"Look, about what Justin said. You know Laura's just, um, you know she's my friend, but she's JUST a friend."

"I know. I was just...surprised, that's all. I mean, you set this up before we ever even talked about getting back together, right? And we've been kind of, well, occupied just lately, right?"

"Right. I was gonna tell you. Or maybe I wasn't because it was so unimportant. She's just another friend joining us for a gig. That's all. She knows it and I know it. And however it looks, it's just for show. I'm with YOU now, right?"

"Right. Does she, um, know about us? No, wait, of course she doesn't. There wasn't an us until, like, yesterday." JC knows he's babbling and can't stop.

Lance puts a hand on JC's shoulder. "It's okay. She'll be okay with it."

JC wraps his arms around Lance's waist and presses his head against Lance's chest. He nods, almost desperately. "I know."

Lance kisses the top of JC's hair, breathing in the sweet scent of his shampoo. "You smell nice."

"Thanks," JC whispers. "You FEEL nice."

"I feel...horny."

JC simply turns his face upward and looks into Lance's face, his expression open and loving and vulnerable.

"You have nothing to worry about, JC. When I said I wanted to get back together, I meant it." As reassurance, Lance kisses JC.

JC puts everything he's feeling into that kiss, giving Lance his love and trust and passion.

Lance backs JC toward the bed and sits him on the edge. Still kissing JC, Lance kneels between JC's legs and slides his hands up his strong thighs, then tugs open the towel. He kisses his way slowly down JC's chest, taking time to tease each nipple before descending farther, until his tongue traces the line of hairs to JC's now erect member.

"Lance," JC sighs, waiting for the warm wetness to engulf him. Reveling in the aching moments of anticipation.

Lance licks the sides of each thigh before running his tongue up JC's length and taking the hot organ in his mouth.

This time the sound is more like a moan. JC takes Lance's head in his hands, touching his hair gently even as he urges Lance on.

Lance begins a slow steady rhythm, a familiar rhythm, one he's used on JC so many times in the past.

How had he gone so long without this? JC wonders. Not just THIS, but all of it. The closeness, the touching, the time together. JC drops one hand to grip the bedspread instead of Lance's hair, then reaches again to touch Lance, this time finding his hand.

Lance grips JC's hand as he takes JC in, as far as he can, then swirls his tongue up the shaft, only to plunge back down again. JC's heat fills him as he increases his tempo, savoring the sounds coming from JC's throat as though it were a special music that only they share.

Lance's sweet mouth fairly coaxes JC's orgasm from him, and the sound that he makes when he comes is soft and contented. And he never lets go of Lance's hand.

Lance waits a moment, taking in JC's satisfaction, then raises his eyes. "Now, I want you to think about THAT the next time you see me with Laura."

JC grins lazily. "That could be dangerous."

Sitting back on his knees, Lance wipes his mouth with the back of his hand. "Yeah? Well, think about that while we're doing the SHOW tonight."

"If you see me break into a goofy grin, you'll know." JC pauses. "Looks like I need another shower."

"You shower, I'm going to get ready. We have to do this thing with the shirts."

*****

"I want the Hope shirt," announces Justin.

"Fine, I'll take Time since I never have any," says Lance.

Chris has already grabbed the $$$ shirt, and Joey's reaching for the Prayers shirt. "I guess I'm stuck with Love," JC says, smiling sweetly at Lance.

"_I want Love," Justin declares.

Lance smiles and shakes his head. He takes the Hope shirt from Justin and exchanges it with the Love shirt. "I hope you make time for me later," he whispers.

"I got time, hope, AND love."

But time is one thing they don't have much of once the show gets started. The boys hang in their bus behind the stage and watch and laugh as Joey's dad performs with Not So Boy Band. They greet each performer and pose for pictures, trading stories with old friends and making new ones. There's a sense that they're all doing something important this day, and by the time the boys take the stage the crowd has reached a feverish pitch and the energy they generate hits the boys in full force.

So when it's time for the slow numbers, Lance and JC seated side by side, Lance takes a moment and looks at the sea of people and then at his boyfriend, and he can't help but smile. At the end of This I Promise You, JC leans over and whispers "I wonder if that couple is way down there..." He nods, indicating the area far down the beach. "Making out."

Lance smiles in that direction and whispers back, "I hope so. Or this concert would be a big waste."

"Um, babe? Charity?" JC teases gently.

And so it goes throughout the next song. The two boys keep catching one another's eyes and smiling, happy being together and doing what they love.

"You're back together again, aren't you," Joey states rather than asks later in the VIP room of the club they've procured for their last night's festivities.

Lance shrugs and sips his drink. "Maybe." With a smirk, Joey nudges him. "Okay, yeah, I think we are."

"It's about time." Joey raises his glass in a toast. "What about Laura?"

"What about her? She's just a friend. You know that."

"But does she know that?"

"She knows I'm gay."

"Yeah, but you know how girls are."

Lance ponders that. She does know. Doesn't she?

JC slips into the seat next to Lance, taking his hand in the shadowy area under the table. "You two look serious."

"Drinking is serious business."

"Yeah, and I don't have enough in my glass so I'm getting another," declares Joey. You want anything?"

"Yeah, thanks. Jack and Coke."

"I'm good," JC says, tapping his own, half full glass. "I'm REAL good," he continues, turning to Lance. "Everything okay?"

"Everything's fine."

"Um, okay." JC releases Lance's hand and picks up his drink.

"I guess I'm just thinking about tomorrow."

"Think about tonight."

"What about tonight?" A small smile forms on Lance's lips.

"That's for me to know and you to find out."

Joey comes back with the drinks. "Here you go."

"Yeah, we're going. See you tomorrow, Joey."

Joey rolls his eyes. "What am I supposed to do with this?" he asks, gesturing with Lance's drink.

"Drink it?" JC says, innocently.

Before Joey can respond, JC leads Lance out.

They go back to the hotel, and, in an echo of two nights ago, they pass through the lobby, this time JC leading Lance. They walk past the pool and onto the now deserted beach. JC stops and turns to Lance. "Right here."

"What? Right here?" Lance looks up at the tall building looming above and then back at the empty beach. "Here?"

JC smiles joyfully. He points at their feet. "Right here is where we started talking about getting back together."

"Oh! That was only, like, last night?"

"Two nights ago, Mr. Hopeless Romantic."

"It feels like yesterday."

"Good save." JC pulls Lance down onto the sand, putting his arm around his boy and looking outward at the dark ocean. "I can't even tell you how happy I am."

"Tell me."

JC takes Lance's face in one long-fingered hand and turns it upward. He brings his lips to Lance's and kisses him long, slow, and sweet. When he finally pulls back, he says, "THAT happy."

Breathless, Lance manages, "That's really happy." A cool breeze blows JC's curly locks across his forehead, and Lance brushes them back. "It was stupid to go so long without this."

"Hey, we can't change that, babe. But we have now. And we have tomorrow."

"And the next day, and the day after that..." Lance murmurs, as he presses his lips to JC's.

Lance's mouth is still sweet with the Coke he'd drunk earlier and his face feels like silk under JC's hand. JC teases at Lance's mouth with his tongue before plunging it inside.

Lance, slightly buzzed from the alcohol, kisses back with equal passion, tangling his fingers in JC's thick curls.

JC lowers them both down onto the sand, then pulls back to look down into Lance's face. "I love you, " he says, the first time he's spoken those words since before they broke up.

"I never stopped."

"That's...that's the best thing you could have said." JC nibbles on Lance's tempting lower lip.

Lance closes his eyes, then opens them to see not the stars in the sky above them but the glistening lights of JC's eyes.

JC meets Lance's gaze and holds it for a long time, biting his own lower lip to keep from smiling too hugely. Finally, he says, "Um, maybe we should...," and nods toward the hotel. "We're kind of...exposed here."

"I'm fully clothed, I don't know about you." Lance laughs, then agrees. "And sand really is a lot harder than it looks."

"And it tends to get into some very uncomfortable places." JC gets up and extends a hand to Lance. "I have an idea, though."

Grinning slyly, Lance allows himself to be pulled to his feet. "I like your ideas."

"C'mon." JC leads Lance back to the hotel, but when he reaches the pool area, he doesn't go in. Instead, he walks around the perimeter of the pool until they reach the most secluded of several cabanas.

"So, this is like an outdoor/indoor type of thing?"

"A compromise. Isn't that what relationships are about?"

Lance looks down at his hands. "Yeah. I guess I wasn't very good at that, was I."

JC lifts Lance's face back up, one hand under his chin. "Baby, that wasn't an accusation. And it takes two to compromise."

"But it was more me than you. And that's gonna change. From now on, we talk about things."

"You got it. We'll talk as much as either of us could want."

"Can we talk now? Like, um, just talk?"

"If that's what you want, that's what we'll do."

They enter the cabana and sit on the plush lounge chair and talk. About themselves, about each other, about what went wrong and what went right. They talk for hours, until at last, Lance sighs. "I gotta pee."

"And they say romance is dead," JC teases. "We should probably, um, get some sleep, anyway."

Lance cocks his head. "You're usually dead tired by this time."

"I had something worth staying awake for."

"You still awake?"

JC tugs Lance to his feet. "What do you think?"

"I think you're pretty up."

"For someone who just wanted to talk, you're kind of saucy, aren't you?" JC says as they head back inside.

"Fine. We'll just go to bed. And sleep. In bed. Together. In the same bed."

"But would we be, you know, in the same bed?"

"Maybe. We could be in the same bed. But I guess we'll have to wait and see when we get there."

"Well, let's go and see. Whether we'll be in the same bed and all."

When they get to the room, Lance swings open the door and sees the message light blinking. "Hang on a sec. Why don't you get comfortable," he purrs, kissing JC before leaping on the bed and reaching for the phone. Laura's voice fills his ear. "Lance, honey, I just wanted to confirm with you that I'm coming in tomorrow. Can't wait to see you. Bye." He sets the receiver in its cradle and lays back staring at the ceiling. It'll be okay. Everyone will get along.

"Everything okay?" JC asks as he emerges from the bathroom.

Lance nods. "That was Laura. She wanted to make sure I remembered she's coming in tomorrow."

"How could you forget? What with Justin to remind you and all."

"He's pissed we're back together."

JC stretches out next to Lance. "I know. I don't get it. He has no reason to be. We're not hurting him."

"It's not us, it's me. He's known you longer and he's just being protective."

"Whatever. I'm not letting him come between us. I'm not letting anything come between us. Not now. Not after discovering each other all over again."

"I just want everyone to get along. Do me a favor, okay? Let me tell Laura before we just go and spring it on her. She's been so good about playing my girlfriend that I don't want her to think that I was just using her."

"Yeah. Whatever you think is the best way. I don't want to hurt anyone."

Lance finally does get up to pee and wash his face, and when he returns to the bedroom JC is half asleep. Lance curls up next to his boyfriend and soon the sounds of the beach lull him to sleep.

The flight to the Bahamas the next day is uneventful, and the airport is full of family and friends. JC watches, amused, as Laura greets Lance effusively. They hug for what feels like an hour. It's always so good for Lance to see a friendly face away from home, and he and Laura have gotten quite close over the past several months. He finally ushers her to the waiting vans, and they talk the entire ride to the hotel.

A short while later, they're by the pool having a few minutes before Lance has to leave for the first of many filmed segments for the upcoming holiday special. Lance holds Laura's hand across the table and tells her of the latest development. "So, you really are gay," Laura says, softly and a little sadly.

"You knew that, didn't you? You know that I will always consider you one of my best friends."

"Yes, I knew. But I guess I kind of hoped it was just, you know, a phase or something. Like those stories where the guy just needs to find the right woman. I KNOW better, but part of me still hoped."

"If it helps, if I WAS straight you'd definitely be the right woman. Any guy would be lucky to have you. You deserve the best." He leans over and kisses Laura on the cheek.

"Thanks, sweetie. So, tell me about you and JC. He makes you happy?"

"He makes me very happy. I think we're at a point now where we understand where we're coming from and know when to give each other space." Lance tells Laura of the reconciliation, but soon he's called away to begin filming. "I'll catch up with you later. In the meantime, whatever you want just sign to my room."

"How'd it go?" JC asks quietly as they wait for a shot to be set up.

Even after all the years together Lance still wasn't accustomed to being so open about his personal life. "Um, okay. I think she'll be okay. I feel bad about it, though."

"I know. She's so nice. I don't want her to, like, hate me."

"She doesn't. She's really a great lady. I hope she meets someone as great as you."

"I hope so, too." JC blushes as he realizes how he sounds. "I mean, someone as great as you."

Before Lance can respond, they're ready to roll and the afternoon passes quickly. The boys are filmed at various locations, playing sports and even swimming with dolphins in a large tank. This is Lance's favorite activity today, and he volunteers as often as possible to learn new tricks with the friendly dolphins.

JC is beginning to understand Lance's love of animals. When he kisses a dolphin, he feels like something important has happened in his life, something precious. Almost as essential as kissing Lance.

By the time they finish rehearsing the show Lance is near-exhausted, but knows he has a long night ahead. He'd like to hit the casino and see Tim. First, the boys manage to go back to their rooms for a quick shower and change, then Joey, Lance, JC, Chris, and various family members converge for dinner. Justin promises to join them later, after checking in with Britney, whose show has just ended.

JC makes a point of giving a lot of attention to Laura, who's still looking a little sad. It takes a while, but eventually he gets her laughing, telling stories from his Mouse Club days and *NSYNC's early years.

Later, Lance wanders into the casino to gamble with Joey, and there's an awkward moment as he returns to his room, well, his and JC's room, with Laura in tow. "Well, I guess I'll see you tomorrow."

"Maybe we could go for a swim?" Laura asks, the hope evident in her eyes.

"I'll make the time." He hugs her goodnight, then watches as Lonnie escorts her to her room.

By the time Lance gets back, JC has been in their room for a while. He's awake, surprisingly enough, scribbling in his notebook.

"What are you still doing up?"

"I had some ideas I wanted to get down." JC grins. "And I'm 'lowed to stay up late if I wanna."

Lance climbs on the bed and peers over JC's shoulder. "I don't know about that--it's a school night, after all."

"You're younger'n me. So THERE!" JC tosses the notebook away. "And no lookin' at my homework."

"If you're gonna be like that you are NOT staying up past your bedtime anymore," Lance says sternly, wagging his finger at JC.

JC grabs the accusing hand and takes the wagging finger into his mouth, releasing it only to say a penitent "Please?"

"If you promise to be good," growls Lance.

"I'll be SO good," JC promises, dropping his eyes, then looking up flirtatiously. "I'll do anything you want."

"Hmmm. Anything? Take off your clothes."

JC slowly unbuttons his shirt, peeling the fabric away from his tight abs and defined pecs, drawing it down over his slender but muscular arms.

Lance lays on his side, watching intently, chewing on a fingernail.

JC gets up off the bed and stands for a moment, just looking down at Lance. Then he pops the button on his jeans and lowers the zipper slowly. Lance moistens his lips, anticipating the exposure of JC's sweet treat. JC slides the jeans down his long, lean legs, stepping out of them and then kicking them away with one bare foot. He hesitantly slips his thumbs beneath the waistband of his boxer briefs, then swiftly pulls the garment off as if tired of the game. He tosses his tangled curls out of his eyes and looks down at Lance. "You have any more...instructions for me?"

Lance nods. "Dance for me."

"There's no music."

Lance hops off the bed, strolls over to the CD player, and selects a disk. Soon, Alicia Keys' voice fills the silence. Lance returns to the bed and waits.

Feeling a little foolish, JC closes his eyes and listens, letting the rhythms sink into his bones until, almost involuntarily, he starts to move.

Lance watches JC undulate, hypnotized by the swaying of those hips, the muscles of JC's torso expanding and contracting, the ripples in his abdomen like the ocean waves outside. The sensual look on JC's face as he becomes lost in the music arouses Lance almost more than any physical touch could. He's mesmerized just watching his lover dance.

When JC finally opens his eyes, he's surprised and very, very gratified by the rapt expression on Lance's face. He holds out his hand, asking, inviting Lance to join him.

Lance smiles, embarrassed at being caught in such a voyeuristic moment, then takes JC's hand and stands, pulling JC close.

"Mmmm. Dancing's much better with a partner."

"I like watching you."

"You like to watch?"

"Not anyone. Just you."

JC pulls Lance even closer. The sensation of Lance's rough clothing against his own bare skin is stimulating, arousing. "You can watch me any time you want."

Without a word, Lance kisses JC then, hungry for the contact, desperate to feel those lips. He reaches between their bodies and flicks open the button of his pants, then takes JC's hand and places it against his heat in a silent show of desire.

"Hmmm," JC murmurs, fondling the long, stiff organ through the fabric. "I think you missed me."

Lance nods, his lips rubbing against JC's. "A lot. It's hard when you're not around. And even when you are."

JC releases Lance's erection and instead starts lifting his shirt, breaking their kiss only to pull the garment over Lance's head.

Through the sliding glass doors of their suite, Lance can hear the ocean. He kisses JC again, passionately, then takes his hand. "Come with me." He stops by the bathroom to remove one of the plush bathrobes and wraps it around JC, then leads him through the sitting area to the terrace doors. The terrace is private, with barriers that block the view of the rooms on either side, and only a low wall overlooking the expanse of the beach many stories below. They are high up, the warm island breeze blowing JC's hair about as the boys face the beach. Lance wraps his arms around JC's waist from behind and walks him over to the balcony. "My two favorite things," he says softly.

"Beautiful," JC agrees. "We're so lucky to be able to be in such an amazing place. We're so lucky to have each other."

Lance kisses JC's neck and nibbles his fleshy earlobe. "We earned this."

Lance's kisses send a chill down JC's spine, and the low, accented voice vibrating in his ear feels like it reaches right into his soul.

Lance slides his hands inside the robe, feeling JC's nipple pucker at his touch. He presses his body tightly against JC's frame, his desire evident against the soft fabric of the robe. JC rocks his hips backward, pressing hard against Lance's erection, panting slightly as his breathing quickens. He's sure Lance can feel his heart pounding beneath his hand.

Lance licks and kisses JC's neck, the thrum of JC's heart urging him on. Soon, he lowers his pants and removes a tube of lubricant from the robe's pocket before slipping the rob off JC and dropping it. He spreads some of the tube's contents on his fingers. Nudging JC's legs apart, he brings his fingers to JC's opening, teasing it playfully while bending JC toward the low balcony wall.

JC braces his arms against the wall, tremendously excited. Lance is SO creative. And playful. And arousing.

Lance pushes his fingers inside, practically scorched by JC's hot passage. He thrusts gently, working out the tightness while continuing to place hungry kisses on JC's shoulder. His own needs become too great, and soon he's removing his fingers and coating his straining organ with the thick lubricant. He drops the tube on the ground and wraps his arms around JC again, so tightly that when he pushes inside it's as through they are one person. JC bites his lip to keep from crying out his pleasure, but a moan escapes anyway. He arches his back, pushing back against Lance to take him in as deeply as possible.

Lance slides his hands down JC's arms, along the goose-bumped skin, and when he reaches JC's hands he clasps them and places them against the ledge of the wall, so the two lovers are now leaning out, overlooking the ocean, the warm breeze fanning their faces as they move in time to the susurration of the waves against the shore. It's one of those perfect moments that most people dream of but never get. On this moonless night, the stars are vivid against the near-black canopy of the night, and the ocean glimmers softly. Lance and JC move together as one, connected in body, soul, and mind.

Lance covers JC like a protective cloak as he thrusts in and out. He moans softly in JC's ear as the waves pound the beach, and he wraps one hand around JC's own throbbing erection, wanting to give his lover as much pleasure as he's experiencing.

When Lance's hand closes around him, JC almost loses his grip on the wall. His knowledge that Lance would never let him fall adds to the already intense experience and he feels himself getting close.

"Don't worry, I got you," Lance whispers hotly in JC's ear. He kisses the ear, tracing it's shape with his tongue as his climax mounts.

That whisper does JC in and he's coming, fast, hard, and sweetly.

Lance holds fast, leaning farther into JC, keeping his lover steady as presses inside, again and again until, at last, he too is coming, his face buried in JC's shoulder but his eyes turned toward the sea as the most intense wave of pleasure washes over him.

JC finally allows his arms to relax, letting both of them lean into the wall. When he finally speaks, he asks dreamily, "Can we sleep out here? With the ocean?"

"Mmm hmmm." Lance walks them backward to a cushioned lounge chair and pulls JC down. With his arms securely around JC, he plants sleepy kisses on his cheeks.

"Perfect," JC says drowsily. "So happy."

It's the sun that awakens Lance. Otherwise, he would have been perfectly content to sleep out here all day. He nudges JC awake, then catches the time on his watch. "Oh shit, we're gonna be late."

JC twists Lance's wrist to see. "Yeah, shit. Um, I can go to my own room to shower. That'll save some time."

"Okay. You're right." He kisses JC quickly, knowing how unappealing he must look and taste right now.

JC holds Lance tightly for just a moment, before releasing him reluctantly. "See you in a bit, beautiful," he says as he slips into last night's discarded robe and gathers his scattered clothing.

Lance watches JC stride away, then pulls himself together and gets ready. As he's towel-drying his hair, seated on the bed, he sees JC's book lying on the bedside table. He puts it in his bag to give to JC later when a page flips open. Lance is usually very respectful of his friends' privacy, but he can't resist a peek. And what he reads touches his heart so much that he has to sit.

JC slips quietly out of Lance's room. Or tries to. He hadn't planned on running right into Justin.

"Dude, you know we're supposed to be on the roof for the opening shot? What the hell are you doing?"

"I have ten minutes. I'll be there."

"Why aren't you in your room, anyway? You're--oh, wait. Oh man, does LAURA even know?"

"You think we'd let her do this if she didn't? Look Justin, you got something to say, say it. Otherwise, I need to get ready."

Justin puts a hand on JC's arm. "Yeah, I think he's being a dick. He's using Laura and he's probably using you, too."

JC shakes Justin's hand off. "Where are you getting this? Laura knew exactly what she was getting into. I don't remember you being this concerned about Bobbie." JC sighs and looks his best friend in the eye. "We love each other. We're happy together. Why can't you just be happy for me?"

"I want to be happy. I just don't want to see you get hurt. Lance doesn't exactly have the best track record. Just think about." He hurries off, leaving JC in the hall. JC shakes his head sadly, then hurries to his room to take the world's fastest shower. He makes it up to the roof with seconds to spare and lets the stylists fuss over him. He notes that Justin, after being so adamant about JC not being late, arrives several minutes after he does. And that Lance has already dressed and been coiffed and is juggling his cell phone and his pager.

The afternoon has its ups and downs. Lance manages to squeeze in some time for Laura but he can tell she's feeling neglected. And he keeps getting this strange vibe from Justin, which he ignores, until the evening when they begin the run-through for tomorrow night's show. Justin keeps commenting on his introduction of the next song, and there's an awkward moment when they do the switch for "Lean on Me."

"He's being weird," Lance comments backstage, toweling off his face.

"I know. He cornered me in the hallway when I left your room. He's got this crazy idea about how you're gonna hurt me because of your 'track record.' " JC sighs, looking over at Justin. "I was thinking. Maybe after we're done here, I could see if he wants to do something. Just him and me. Maybe I can get him to see reason. And it would give you a chance to spend some time with Laura."

"That's a really good idea. I do feel like I've been neglecting her. I mean, she knows the deal, but still--she came all this way to see me." They steal a quick kiss before Lance joins Laura and suggests that after he gets cleaned up they have dinner and check out the casino and clubs. "I'd love to, sweetie. But won't JC mind?"

"Uh, just because we're back together doesn't mean we can't do things with other people," replies Lance, making no attempt to hide his irritation at the implication.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that. I just...I like JC. He's nice. I just don't want him to think I'm trying to come between you. That's all."

"He doesn't. He likes you. Really. Now let's go have some fun." And he tries, he really does, to show Laura a good time. He drinks a little too much, and it's Laura who finally calls an end to the evening. Lance is all over her as they ride to the elevator, and since the last song they heard before leaving the club was Britney's "I'm a Slave 4 U" Lance starts singing and murmuring "kitty kitty" in Laura's ear. "I hope your boy's back, because I'm not putting you to bed," Laura says, rolling her eyes.

"C'mon, you know you want to," Lance whispers with a giggle.

"My girlfriend duties end at the door," Laura says, taking the key out of Lance's hand, opening the door and pushing Lance in. "Goodnight, sweetie."

*****

It had taken some persuasion, but JC had finally convinced Justin to go out with him. They manage to get a fairly secluded table in a very expensive, very discreet restaurant. As soon as they order their drinks, JC gets straight to the point. "Talk to me, Just. Why are you so against me and Lance?"

"Boy, you really cut to the chase. I'm not against you, I just don't want to see you get hurt. You know how Lance is always saying he's not ready for commitment."

"He says that, but he was with me for five years before we broke up."

"But how much was he really with you? How much time did you actually spend together?"

"Until this summer, a lot."

"But was he really there? I mean, REALLY there?"

"Yes. What are you getting at?"

"What I'm getting at is that Lance is like a brother to me, and so are you. He's a great friend. But he's not the best boyfriend. And HE knows it."

"We tried it apart, Justin. We were both miserable."

"I just don't want to see you hurt, man."

"Me either. But that's not going to happen. We both...we know what we want. And we...even when we were broken up, we never stopped being friends, you know. I think you can learn a lot about a person from how they treat you when you break up."

Justin studies his drink. "I'm not trying to break you up. I just hope this time he's serious about this."

"We both are. And, Just, you keep blaming everything on him. I've told you a million times, our breakup was mutual. It wasn't like he dumped me or anything."

"If you say so, bro."

"What do we have to do for you to believe us?"

"You don't have to prove anything to me. Like you said, it's between you and him."

"And that's why you've been treating him like shit."

"I haven't!"

"Hello? Lately he can't BREATHE correctly as far as you're concerned."

"That's not him, that's the show, dude. I just want everything to be perfect."

"Justin." JC looks at his friend sternly. "Every one of us screwed up tonight at least once. You only yelled at Lance."

"He's not concentrating."

"It doesn't bother you so much when I'm not concentrating. Or Joey. Or Chris."

"They don't do it as much as he does it. He's too busy thinking about his next movie."

"Justin." There's a warning tone in JC's voice. He doesn't get angry often, but when he does, everyone knows it.

"Whatever. It's your heart that's gonna get broken."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence, Just." JC gets up, almost spilling his unfinished drink. "See you around."

Justin shakes his head as he watches JC leave. He really does want to believe that it will work out.

JC goes back to the hotel alone. He lets himself into Lance's room and curls up on the bed, depressed. Soon he drifts off into a fitful sleep, but awakens when he hears the key in the door. "Goodnight, sweetie," he hears Laura say, and then hears Lance stumble into the room.

Still giggling, Lance almost trips but catches himself, then turns around and throws himself at the door. "Laura, come back! Laura!"

"You tryin' to scare her off?"

Lance turns to face JC and puts his fingers to his lips. "Shhhh, you think I'm trying to scare her?"

"Seems that way. Looks like you had a good night."

"Ah did." He staggers over to the bed, tossing his jacket on the floor and falls to the mattress. "How 'bout you?"

"Not so good," JC says, sadly. "But it's better now."

"Wanna talk about it?"

"Just Justin...being Justin."

Lance rolls over so his head is resting on JC's stomach. "He's just protecting you."

"I don't need protecting."

"You need protecting from me 'cause I'm such a BAD boyfriend. "

"I'll take my chances," JC says, stroking Lance's hair.

"You should run while you still can," Lance says with a yawn.

"I'm not going anywhere. Go brush your teeth."

"I can't move."

"You know you hate sleeping without brushing your teeth. I'll help you."

Lance holds onto JC as the older boy half carries him to the bathroom. "Is this how it's gonna be when we're old?"

JC is a little surprised. Lance never talks about the future. "I hope so," he says, propping Lance up at the sink.

"This is embarrassing. I can't even stand up."

"Justin's gonna be on the warpath tomorrow."

"I'll shmooze...shmooth...SMOOTH things over with him."

"I know, baby." JC manages to get Lance back to the bed and strips off his clothing, leaving his underwear. After rolling Lance under the covers, he returns to the bathroom and brings back a glass of water and a bottle of Tylenol, which he places on Lance's nightstand. Then he crawls in next to his boy.

Lance knows now what he's missed most all those months they were apart--the sense that someone is looking out for him, taking care of him even when he doesn't realize he needs to be taken care of. The warmth of JC's body next to him. The arms holding him. The soft breathing lulling him to sleep.

When he awakens, the first thing Lance does is reach for the bottle of aspirin that he knows JC put there purposely. Despite the pounding in his head, Lance smiles. "Thank you Dr. Chasez," he whispers as he downs two tablets. As if he can hear the whispered comment, JC smiles in his sleep and wraps himself around Lance, pulling him back down for another hour of sleep.

Lance feels better when they awaken to the phone alerting them it's time to get up and get to the next shoot. They're filming a sequence inside the underground fish tank, where JC discovered the acoustics are amazing. But Lance can't help making faces as the fish swim around them, causing JC to break out in a huge smile.

"I like this," JC murmurs later when they take a break. "It makes me want to do saucy things to you."

"Here? In the fish tunnel?"

"Here. In the fish tunnel."

"Um, what would you do?"

"I think I'll just let you wonder."

And wonder he does. He wonders through the rest of the shoot, then through bits of the concert. Justin notices when Lance isn't quite there and he comments on it. In fact, Justin comments on a lot of things as they run through the concert for the screaming crowd, who could really care less if Lance said exactly what was in the script because 'N SYNC IS RIGHT THERE.

By the time they get to their duets with Tim McGraw, Lance is a little nervous. It's time for his solo and while he loves to sing he's not completely comfortable having a solo. As he and Justin switch places, he focuses on the song, on the words, on why they're singing this. It's over before he knows it and the crowd is screaming and applauding, and soon the whole show is over.

On the way back to his room to shower, JC can't stop thinking about the aquarium and what he'd said to Lance. And the looks they'd exchanged while they were singing. JC could tell Lance knew exactly what he was thinking as he caught Lance's eye. He was surprised the director hadn't made them do it again because he'd practically been giggling.

Lance waits for JC in the casino, Laura nearby for appearance's sake. He didn't even bother showering or changing--he just wants some time alone with JC.

JC hurries through his shower and gets down to the casino in record time. It's their last night in Atlantis and he wants to make the most of it. He enters the casino and spots Lance immediately.

Justin is standing near Lance, but definitely not with him. He's watching him, actually, watching for any transgression that will prove him right. Because of this, his eyes are fixed on Lance when Lance's entire demeanor changes. His eyes light up and his whole face displays a softness that's usually hidden by his business savvy. His smile is sweet, open, welcoming. When Justin turns quickly around, he learns that it's all for JC. And he realizes that maybe he's been a little too suspicious, too protective.

Lance pushes away from the table, not caring how much he lost or won. He stops himself from kissing JC and instead thrusts his hands in his pockets. "You look good."

"You, too. Wanna get out of here?"

Lance doesn't say anything, just nods eagerly. "Where to?"

Justin steps up to JC and whispers "I was wrong. Here." He slips JC a key. "The aquarium. Don't ask how."

"Thanks. I owe you." JC turns to Lance. "Let's go."

Lance stares after Justin, bewildered at his friend's sudden change in attitude. But he's not going to question it--some gifts you just accept. He follows JC down the passageway to the underground tunnel. Now, lit only by the tank's interior lighting, it's even more magical. "Wow," Lance remarks in wonder.

"Yeah," JC breathes. He coaxes Lance down and they lie on the floor of the tunnel for a while, just holding hands and watching the beautiful sea creatures float overhead.

"This is magical. They're so beautiful."

JC turns his head to admire Lance's profile. "I know I sound like a cliche, but so are you."

"I haven't even showered. I must smell awful."

"Yeah. I can hardly stand it." JC moves closer, still flat on his back, still making no move to advance beyond holding hands.

"I'm gonna scare away the fish."

"Dude, have you ever smelled a fish? But hey, if you wanna go shower, I'll wait."

"I'd like to go swim with those fish."

"Babe, there's sharks in there."

Lance rolls over on his side. "I think the only shark I need to worry about is the one right here," he says, poking JC's chest playfully.

"You're calling ME a shark?"

"Uh huh. Look at those teeth." Lance traces JC's lips with his finger. "And these predatory eyes. I feel so helpless. But you know what they say you should do if you see a shark? Stay perfectly still."

"Stay perfectly still?" JC brushes a hand over Lance's crotch. "Or stand at attention?"

"Oh, um, well, whatever keeps the sharks away."

"But you said I'm a shark. You wanna keep me away?"

"I'm paralyzed. I can't move. You can do whatever you want with me."

"So, if I were to nibble on you with my big, shark teeth?" JC demonstrates, chewing lightly on one succulent earlobe.

"Can't...move...a...muscle."

JC brushes Lance's crotch again. "This one seems to be moving."

Lance looks down. "Traitor."

"If you were a shark, too, you wouldn't need to be afraid of me."

"I'm not afraid. Most sharks are harmless. Most sharks."

"You're more like a dolphin. I already kissed ONE dolphin this week." JC lifts his head to plant a light kiss on the tip of Lance's nose.

"You're into dolphins, JC? Very kinky." Lance makes a dolphin noise and giggles, the laughter echoing off the plexiglass walls.

"I'm more into...bass."

"Want to go fishin'?"

"I don't have any bait."

"I got the bait right here," Lance growls, placing JC's hand over his hard bulge.

"Mmmmm. Can we stop with he fish metaphor now?" JC says, a teasing light in his eyes.

"Well, what do you want to talk about?"

"I think it's time for a little nonverbal communication."

Lance rolls onto his back then, pulling JC half on top. Closing his eyes, he kisses JC, his mouth closing over those sensuous lips again and again, his tongue slipping inside the warm sea of JC's mouth like an eel exploring a cave.

JC responds instantly, raking his fingers through Lance's hair as he invites Lance's tongue in deeper. He moves closer, lifting himself to cover Lance completely, grinding their bodies together.

For the first time since they got back together Lance feels really connected with JC. He brings his hands to JC's face, and when they part whispers, "Make love to me, JC. Right here."

"If that's what you want, that's what you're gonna get." JC says, before plunging in for another heated kiss.

"Mmmph," Lance mumbles into the kiss as his words are swallowed. It's the kisses he's missed so much--the wet, sloppy, sensuous, loving, tender, passionate kisses.

JC keeps kissing Lance until Lance is squirming beneath him. Then he starts kissing his way down Lance's neck, licking around the neckline of his shirt.

Lance whimpers, trying to be as quiet as possible given the acoustics in the tunnel. As JC's lips tickle his neck, Lance watches the fish swim around them, cutting through the water in an undersea dance all their own.

JC rolls off Lance, coaxing him to a sitting position so he can remove Lance's shirt. As soon as the shirt has been discarded, he darts in to take an already erect nipple into his mouth, his hands settling at Lance's waist to support him.

Lance watches JC, half embarrassed and half fascinated that something like this can feel so good. He can practically hear his heartbeat resounding in this hollow shell and knows that JC must feel it through his chest.

JC stops for a moment, smiling up at Lance through his artfully tousled hair. Then in another swift, darting movement, he kisses the underside of Lance's throat, finding a sensitive spot instinctively. Lance growls, a deep sound that rumbles up his airway and tingles JC's lips. He claws at JC's shirt, pulling it higher and higher until it clears JC's shoulders.

JC pulls away just long enough to let Lance remove his shirt completely. He pulls Lance to him, crushing their bare chests together, claiming Lance's mouth hungrily.

JC's body heat sets Lance on fire, and he kisses back with equal passion. Every sound they make bounces off the walls, creating a strange, underwater music.

JC stops, cocking his head to listen to the echoing sounds. "This is SO cool." He's suddenly eight years old. His eyes catch Lance's, luminous in the lambent, moving light. The passion flares again, and he's most definitely NOT eight years old.

"This...is...VERY. ..cool," echoes Lance, capturing JC's mouth again.

"We're such GEEKS," JC giggles between kisses.

"Geeks don't make love in a fish tunnel."

"They do now," JC declares, serious again, sliding his hands down Lance's bare back to clasp his ass, lifting him up and toward JC.

Lance straddles JC's hips, his arms wrapped around JC's body. He brings one hand up to play with JC's long locks as his tongue traces JC's full, ripe lips.

Generally, JC thinks things like videotaping are kinky, but for a moment, he wishes they were being filmed. He's very conscious of the picture they must make in this place, and he feels an odd sort of pride in their beauty, which is complimented by the dappled, always moving glow of the tank.

Lance pulls back to look in JC's eyes, which even in the dark match the color of the water surrounding them. "You look so beautiful in this light."

JC smiles. "Yeah, I was thinking something like that, too. I wish I could paint representationally, because I'd love to paint you here. Now."

"We should try that sometime. Get some paints, get creative..."

"Yeah? If not creative, then very, very messy." JC plants a wet, sloppy kiss on Lance's waiting lips.

"Very messy," Lance mumbles back, licking JC's lips.

JC deepens the kiss, his strong hands kneading the twin globes of Lance's ass. He loves this-- the long, drawn-out foreplay leading to a passionate consummation.

Lance moans with each squeeze and soon he's grinding his hips against JC, beads of sweat already forming on his forehead.

JC slides his hand between their tightly pressed bodies, releasing the button of Lance's pants and struggling with the zipper.

Lance pants quietly into JC's ear, anxious to be free, anxious to feel that strong hand on his waiting erection.

JC kisses his way over to Lance's ear. "Stand up," he whispers. "It'll be easier."

Lance awkwardly climbs to his feet, nearly stumbling backward but catching himself before falling. He giggles nervously, then watches the fish as he waits for JC to finish undressing him.

JC now easily lowers the zipper, then stops to loosen Lance's shoes, helping him step out of them, then his socks before lowering his pants. He cups Lance's erection through the thin fabric of his boxer briefs before discarding that garment as well.

Now free, with his hands on JC's shoulders, Lance breathes a sigh of relief. Feeling a bit self- conscious, Lance glances around. "I feel like we're being watched."

"Fish don't talk," JC says, rubbing his hand over Lance's heat. "We're safe."

Lance looks around, then down at JC. "I feel safe. With you."

"Good. Now let's see if I can make you feel something a little more exciting than safe." JC backs Lance up against the wall and takes his hot, twitching erection into his mouth.

"Oh!" Lance exclaims as he's hit with the shock of the cold glass against his upper body and JC's hot mouth on his organ.

JC moves slowly, teasingly over Lance. His tongue licks out desultorily, making certain to touch every possible inch of Lance.

Lance throws his head back, thumping softly against the wall, and his mouth falls open as he grunts quietly. His hands play with JC's hair, twisting the locks around his fingers and combing it gently back from JC's face.

In the midst of all the passion, Lance's hands on JC's hair and face are filled with such tenderness that JC could almost cry. To think they'd given this up, had almost lost it forever. His hands equally tender, he slides them over Lance's thighs and with one hand, caresses his balls. The other hand grips Lance's waist almost protectively.

In such a state of complete vulnerability, Lance surrenders himself to JC's care. JC knows exactly where and how to touch him, how much pressure to use, how to work his tongue, like no other lover ever has. Not that Lance has had many. JC has been The One for him. He knows that now. He knows he can't imagine letting anyone else do such intimate things to him or feeling this way with anyone else.

JC knows Lance so well that he recognizes every sign, every sound. He knows how close Lance is, knows when to go faster, when slower, when harder.

Lance turns his eyes upward, at the water, at the fish, at the way the light is refracted through the glass. He bites his lip as he nears climax, and when he comes it's with a loud grunt and tremor of love for JC.

JC takes all Lance has to offer, then finally, breathless, rests his head against Lance's hip, his arms wrapped tightly around his boy.

Panting, Lance gazes around and then down at JC, caressing his hair as he slides down to the floor.

"Hey, you," JC says, smiling, as Lance drops down next to him. He pulls Lance in for a kiss.

Lance tastes the salty remnants of his own essence on JC's tongue. He wraps his legs around JC, knowing how aroused his lover must be right now.

The pressure against his throbbing crotch is almost enough to make JC come right then, but he manages to hold on. He lets himself fall back with Lance on top of him, straddling him. And he never stops kissing Lance. Lance reaches between their bodies and flicks open JC's pants, then reaches inside for JC's throbbing erection. It almost scorches him with its heat, but Lance strokes it anyway as his lips travel from JC's lips to his ear. "I want you," he whispers hotly.

"I want you, too," JC rasps. "But we don't, um, have anything, and I don't want to hurt you."

"I don't care. You could never hurt me. C'mon, make love to me right here in this amazing place."

"Demanding, aren't you?" JC says with a grin, gesturing at his shoes and pants. "Help me get out of these."

"Whatever you want, darlin'." Lance slinks down JC's body, never taking his eyes off JC's face. He quickly removes JC's shoes, then slides JC's pants down his long legs and tosses them aside. Finally, he nuzzles JC's crotch, taking in the distinctive scent before releasing the trapped organ from its undergarments. He kisses his way up JC's legs, leaving a wet trail until he reaches JC's hardness, which he licks and moistens with his own saliva.

Finally, JC pulls Lance up. "You keep doing that, baby, and there won't be anything left." He guides Lance back into a position straddling his hips, and lowers him slowly and carefully onto his own waiting erection. Lance arches his back, bracing himself for the fire. He winces as the pain and pleasure hit him at once, but he doesn't stop. He takes all that JC has to offer, takes it with all the love he feels for JC. With a deep breath, he gazes down at JC and lightly caresses his cheek with his fingertips.

Biting his lip, JC gazes up at Lance. "Okay?" he says softly.

Lance nods, pursing his lips in concentration. Slowly, he moves his hips up JC's length and down again, leaning back for better leverage. For one fleeting moment he wonders how this must look, two boys making love in this dark tunnel, where they're not supposed to be.

JC can feel as well as see Lance getting hard again, and he reaches to caress the organ as his hips thrust upward in their own special rhythm.

Trying to contain himself in this cavernous space, Lance moans as quietly as possible, but being this close to JC with the element of risk attached makes it all the more difficult. He looks down at himself, then a small smile plays on his lips as he looks back at JC.

Even Lance's quiet moan is amplified here, and even without that amplification, JC believes it's the sexiest sound ever made. It always makes him feel wonderful, powerful that he can elicit such a passionate sound from his lover. Lance places his hands on JC's chest, toying with the tight peaks of JC's nipples as he moves faster up JC's length. His heartbeat quickens with every thrust and his own hardness burns in JC's hand.

In a swift movement, JC flips them both over. Once on top, he can thrust more powerful, more precisely, touching Lance as he knows Lance likes to be touched. With a soft cry, Lance lands on his back, raising his legs so he can take in JC fully and completely, so they can be joined together in the most intimate way possible. So he can kiss JC's lips.

As if JC could hear Lance's thoughts, he leans in and claims the tantalizingly parted lips. His hand strokes Lance's erection demandingly as he continues to thrust into his hot, sweet depths.

Lance groans into JC's mouth, practically devouring the sweetness that is JC. He's so close to the edge he can taste it in JC's kiss. Squeezing his eyes tight, he comes hot and hard. With a cry that echoes in the enclosed area and causes at least two fish to dart away, JC explodes into Lance. He continues to thrust until he's completely spent, then collapses into Lance's arms.

"Shhh, you'll wake the kids."

"Goof," JC says affectionately, kissing Lance's cheek.

"Naked goof," Lance says, kissing JC back.

"That's the best kind."

Lance cranes his neck, looking around once again at the schools of fish that seem to be watching. "I think it's safe to say that two people who break into an underwater tunnel to have sex have proven that they're without a doubt in love with each other."

JC giggles. "How are we gonna manage without exotic locations to fool around in?"

"I think we'll come up with something. We managed for years, right?"

JC rolls onto his back to watch the fish. He takes Lance's hand. "Yeah. And we will for lots more."

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