Forever Young: Happy, Happy Birthday, Baby
by Karen and LB
© 2002
Number 4 in the series.
JC had never shopped for a boyfriend before. Okay he'd never had a boyfriend before. If that's what he had. That's how he thought of Lance, but he wasn't quite sure Lance thought of himself in the same way. The more time they spent together, the more confused JC became. One minute Lance would be giving him the most amazing kisses, the next he'd be shying away. JC had promised him all the time he needed, and he intended to keep that promise, but that didn't mean it wasn't frustrating.
At the same time, their friendship had been growing steadily, yet so quietly that the other guys couldn't remember a time when Lance and JC hadn't always gravitated to each other.
So where did that leave him? What do you get for your best-friend/maybe- boyfriend? In a foreign country where you didn't speak the language? And you want it to say enough, but not too much?
Seventeen. That sounded so . . . old. He could drive, but he couldn't vote. And he couldn't drink. Not legally, anyway. But it still sounded old. And the gap between his and JC's ages would be closed up at least for a few months. But JC probably would always see him as a kid, no matter what. JC--every time he thought about him he got this tingling sensation from his feet to the top of his head. They've been having such a great time together, and no one seems to notice anything's different. Maybe because they're all becoming closer. This suits Lance fine, because it makes it easier to sneak off with JC whenever they get a chance. It's become a lot less strange too. Lance is more comfortable with JC, like they're . . . what . . . boyfriend and boyfriend? Lance laughs to himself as he laces up his shoes for the video shoot. The other guys are already warming up, and Lance watches as JC bounces around the studio.
It's days like this that make JC lo-really admire Lance. JC knows how hard he works on his dancing, how frustrating it is for him to compare himself with the other guys, how nerve-racking it is for him to have every move recorded. Yet he's never complained, never been anything but cheerful, never been the one to ask for a break. JC straightens up from the cooler from which he's retrieved a bottle of water and hands it to Lance, who's just walked over, reaching in again for another for himself.
"Thanks." Lance's eyes sparkle as he looks around the room, where cameras, lights, and speakers have been set up. "This is so cool." He bounces up and down, smiling.
"Yeah. Hard to believe that we're actually doing a video, huh?"
"I feel like I'm gonna wake up any minute. This can't be real."
"It's real. We worked hard enough for it. Especially you."
"Me? We all did. I still have to work on some of those moves. I look like goofball."
"You don't look like a goofball." JC grasps Lance's shoulder for a moment. "You've improved a lot. And you should know that someone notices."
Lance shuffles his feet. "Thanks. I want to be as good as you. I know I never will, but it's inspiring watching you. You're so smooth."
"Remember, I've also been doing it for a long time. Give yourself time, Lance."
"I know. It's just that these extra hours of practice can be so tiring. I wish it came as easy for me as it does for you and Justin."
"I know." JC slings an arm around Lance's shoulders as they go to rejoin the others, their break over.
The shoot goes smoother than anyone expected. Lance watches the playback, fascinated at how it all comes together. Some special effects will be added, but the rough cut looks good and the director is pleased. Lance studies his own moves, making mental notes on areas of improvement. He looks over at JC and smiles. He can't help admiring the older boy's fluid movements, his expressive face--Lance wishes at that moment they were alone.
JC feels Lance's eyes on him and glances over. And is glad he's sitting down. Man, the look in Lance's eyes right his moment--wow! He wonders again, idly, why no one else seems to see just how adorable Lance is.
"That was phat," Justin declares.
"We should go celebrate," Joey adds.
Chris comes up next to Lance and throws an arm around his shoulders. "Speaking of celebrating, someone's birthday is tomorrow."
Lance smiles shyly and playfully shoves him away. "It's no big deal," he says.
"No big deal? You're gonna be seventeen. Seventeen is a big deal. Seventeen is one year closer to being legal."
"Not drinking legal," Joey chimes in.
"No, but other things legal. Not that it matters, anyway."
"Chris!" Justin shoves him now. The shoving match escalates and soon, Lance, Justin, Chris, and Joey find themselves in a big pile on the floor, laughing. Lance notes how in such a short time they've all become so comfortable with each other, and even though he still feels like a bit of an outsider, each day their bonds grow stronger. Now, half laying on the floor, he holds a hand out JC.
JC takes Lance's hand, expecting to help him up, but instead finds himself pulled into the pile-up. Sprawled on top of the guys. On top of Lance. And if he doesn't move fast, it's going to be very, very evident exactly how he feels about Lance.
Grinning, Lance grabs JC by the belt before anyone notices and pulls him close, until the other guys start pushing themselves to their feet. Soon, Lynn enters, shaking her head and tells them to get their stuff so they can leave and get something to eat.
The next morning, Lance wakes up, yawning and stretching. He doesn't feel different. He keeps thinking he should feel something. But he doesn't. Seventeen is no different than sixteen. Sighing, he heads to the bathroom to brush his teeth as Justin rolls over and growls.
JC is glad it was his turn to have a room by himself, because he was up most of the night. He'd realized that almost any gift he could give to Lance would raise too many questions, so he'd gone in with the other guys on a group gift--a leather jacket that they'd seen Lance coveting. But he still wanted to do something special for Lance, so he'd worked for hours at the keyboard, finally falling into bed for some much needed sleep. Breakfast time came WAY too soon.
Lance is chewing on a forkful of eggs when JC enters the hotel restaurant. Justin is being his usual early-morning cranky self, and Chris and Joey are talking about some rugby game they saw on TV. Lynn and Diane are busy going over the day's schedule at a separate table, leaving the boys to themselves.
Just seeing Lance makes JC forget he's tired. There's an empty chair next to him, and he drops into it. "Hey! Happy Birthday, Lance!" He quickly drops a hand to Lance's knee, squeezes it and releases it before anyone notices. He really wants to kiss Lance, but THAT will have to wait.
Blushing, Lance looks over at JC. "Thanks."
"Hey, yeah! It's your birthday, Lans-ten!" Joey yells. "That means you get your birthday smacks." He's sitting on the other side of Lance and begins punching Lance's arm. "What is it, sixteen, seventeen? One, two, three . . .wait, I lost count. One, two--"
"Ow! Lance yelps, laughing at the same time. "Just wait till yours Joey, you're WAY older than me."
"Hey, aren't you supposed to get spanked on your birthday? We should get one of those cute German girls from the video to do it." All eyes turn to Chris. Even Diane, overhearing the conversation, raises her eyebrows. "Oops, sorry, Diane." Chris waves and covers his smile with his napkin.
"So is there a party on that schedule?" Joey calls over to Diane.
"There might be." She replies with a pleased smile. Lance had never said anything, but she knew with a mother's instinct that he'd always felt like an outsider. This trip to Germany has been good for them--all the boys seem closer, and they take a real interest in Lance now.
"Aw, we don't have to have a party," Lance mumbles.
"It's not for you, dude, it's for us!" Joey chucks a strawberry at Lance, hitting him in the face. The berry bounces onto Lance's plate, and he picks it up and throws it back. Joey moves back, and the fruit lands in Justin's lap.
"Hey!" Justin picks up the offending berry and hurls it at Lance, but Lance quickly leans back, and the fruit hits JC this time.
JC grabs the now battered berry, but Lynn snatches it out of his fingers. "You boys know better than that."
Wow. They didn't even hear her get up. JC looks up at Lynn with his most sincere expression. "We're sorry, Mrs. Harliss." The effect is lost when he cracks up laughing. "Joey started it."
"I did not!"
"Did too!" Justin fires back.
"Boys! Enough! Am I gonna have to send you ALL to your rooms?"
Lance sneaks a peek at JC. That wouldn't be so bad. But his fantasy is broken when Lynn orders them to get moving so they can make the shoot in time. The boys head up to their rooms to get ready and they're soon crammed into the van and heading out.
"So how's it feel to be seventeen?" Justin asks. "I'm so jealous."
"There's nothing to be jealous about. It feels the same. It's not like being old like Chris."
"Hey, watch it. You're supposed to respect your elders."
Lance smiles and stares out the window. How IS he supposed to feel? Is something momentous supposed to happen? No. It's just another day, like any other day. Except that they're in Germany. On their way to finish a video. With his boyfriend sitting next to him.
"Well, at least I'm still taller than you!" Justin crows.
"Justin," Joey remonstrates. "You're supposed to be nice to him today. You can be mean to him again tomorrow."
"Joey!" Chris is bouncing up and down on one of the old seats. "You're not supposed to give away trade secrets."
JC shakes his head and turns to smile at Lance. "Looks like you and me are the only mature ones here."
"Yeah, but I'm not getting stuck baby-sitting them tonight."
"Nope. Especially not tonight." JC presses his thigh against Lance's, invisibly. "I'm not even sure they should get birthday cake tonight. I don't think any of them need more sugar."
"Su-gar! Su-gar! Su-gar!" chants Chris.
"Especially not Chris." Lance is about to put a hand on JC's leg but fortunately remembers where he is. That's when it hits him how comfortable he's becoming with JC. When they're alone, which is rare, Lance has been able to relax more and more. As the van enters the parking lot and they pile out, Lance has the feeling that this day is going to turn out pretty well.
And it IS a good day. It's one of those days when everything just seems to click. They're dancing well and are very much together They're enjoying the work and the camaraderie. And, when they're done, they're amazed at the amount of time that has passed--they're not tired, as they had been yesterday--they're exhilarated.
After a short interview with a local radio station, they finally have some free time. Or so Lance thinks. His mother corrals the group and herds them off to a lively restaurant, where she gives Lance a small box. When he opens it, Lance's face breaks into a huge smile. It's a set of car keys; his mother warns that the car is used but that it's his when he gets home. Still grinning, Lance holds up the keys to JC.
The guys gather around Lance, pounding him on the shoulder and slapping him on the back and generally being guy-like.
"Now I'm REALLY jealous," Justin declares, pouting for a moment, then grinning at his friend.
Chris pulls out the large box containing the boys' gift, wrapped in German newspapers, of course, and hands it to Lance.
"Wow, what's this?"
"Open it and find out, dufus," Joey says, smacking Lance lightly on the side of the head.
"Ow. Birthdays with you are pretty painful."
"It's gonna get more painful if you don't open your present."
"Okay, okay." Lance tears open the paper, lifts off the lid, and pulls aside the tissue paper to reveal the leather jacket he'd been eyeing for days. "Oh my gosh, I can't believe you got me this. Oh my gosh." He holds up the jacket, then stands and puts it on, sliding his hands over the smooth leather. "This is so cool. Thanks, guys." He hugs each of them, and when he gets to JC, he whispers, "Thanks, Josh."
JC hugs Lance back, hard, but nothing anyone would notice. Inside, he's beaming--Lance has never called him Josh before, and he likes it. A lot. And Lance looks absolutely adorable in the jacket. He can't wait to get him alone, later.
*****
"Hey, Lance, come here." Chris beckons him into the room. It's hours later, and they've just gotten back to the hotel. Lance looks at his friend curiously, and follows him into the room.
Joey shuts the door. "We thought since it's your birthday, you should celebrate properly." He pulls a six-pack of beer from behind his back.
"Wow," Lance exclaims. "How'd you get that past my mom?"
"I think she knows, but she chooses to ignore," Joey says, popping the top off one bottle and handing it to Lance. He passes the rest to the other guys. "Happy birthday, big guy." Joey raises his bottle, and takes a swig.
Lance tilts the bottle to his mouth and takes a long drag. It's warm and bitter, but he drinks it anyway. It's only one beer, and it is his birthday.
JC grins as he watches Lance's nose wrinkle at his first sip of the beer. He must be getting pretty sappy or something, but everything Lance does these days is just so darned CUTE. Or maybe it always was and he was just too blind to notice.
They spend a few hours hanging out and talking, and Lance mentally marks this occasion as the first time he really feels like he belongs. When the guys finally break out in a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday, Lance decides it's time to call it a night. His only wish is that he and JC could have had some time alone. "That's it, I'm leaving," he calls out, over the volume of the voices. "Goodnight."
"But Lance, we're just getting warmed up," Chris calls back.
"If this is warmed up, you have a long way to go," Lance replies, pulling open the door.
"Really," Joey adds. "If BMG could hear us now--goodbye contract."
"Hey Lance, wait." JC says. "You were gonna look at my computer for me and see what I screwed up. Wanna do that now?"
"NOW?" Justin echoes.
"Sure," Lance says. "You're not good enough with computers that you can have messed it up too bad . . . and if it gets too late I'll just crash in JC's room okay, Just?"
"Cool! I get the single! I get the single!"
Lance and JC both roll their eyes comically for the benefit of Chris and Joey, and leave. In the hall, Lance pauses, and keeping his voice low, asks, "You think they bought it?"
"Yeah, totally." JC takes Lance's hand. "They know what an idiot I am with my computer."
"You're not an idiot. Just . . . cyberly challenged." They enter the room, and Lance finally removes the new leather jacket he'd been wearing since he opened the box. He folds it carefully over a chair. "Thanks, Josh. You guys really didn't have to do anything."
"Of course we did. You're very special to us." JC touches Lance's shoulders. "All of us." He moves closer. "VERY special."
Lance can feel the heat generated between their two bodies, and he's afraid to turn, afraid to see the look in JC's eyes. He knows what he'll see, because he feels it too. "Um, you're very special. To me."
JC kisses the tender skin of the back of Lance's neck, letting his lips linger, caressingly.
Lance's fingers tighten on the back of the chair. His feet feel as though they're welded to the floor. JC's kisses are so soft, yet so intoxicating. Each time he's with JC, Lance discovers new pleasures, and this is no exception.
JC slides his hands down Lance's arms and wraps them around his waist. He holds the younger boy close for a long moment, his chin resting on Lance's shoulder. He releases Lance and takes his hand, leading him to the bed. "Sit. I have something for you." He goes to the desk and retrieves a small, wrapped box, which he hands to Lance, sitting next to him. "Happy Birthday, baby."
Confused, Lance stares at the box as though JC just handed him something from outer space. "Josh, you didn't have to get me anything--you already got me the jacket." He carefully peels the paper back, then opens the box. Inside is an unmarked audio cassette.
"That was from everyone. This is just from me."
Lance's eyes dart around the room; finally spotting what he's looking for, he jumps up and grabs the walkman from the dresser where JC left it. "What did you do?" he asks excitedly as he slips the cassette into the tape player and puts on the headphones.
JC sits very still and waits, almost afraid to look at Lance's face as he listens, but not able to resist.
Never knew just what I wanted Never knew what love could be Didn't know what I was missing Thought I wanted to be free
But that changed the night I kissed you And I held your hand in mine And I knew then all I wanted: To be with you all the time
When I look in your eyes I see all there is to see When I look in your eyes Gazing at me
Never thought about the future Always lived from day to day Never thought I could have someone Right beside me all the way
That was all before I knew you Before you were my best friend Now I dream about forever To be with you till the end
When I look in your eyes I see all there is to see When I look in your eyes Gazing at me
Never thought I'd feel this way Never thought love could be true Always thought I'd be alone That ended 'cause of you
When I look in your eyes I see all there is to see When I look in your eyes Gazing at me
When Lance hears the first notes, he automatically switches into professional mode. He doesn't even realize he's doing it. By the end of the song, however, tears fill his eyes as the realization that JC wrote this for HIM hits him like a tidal wave. If Lance wasn't already sitting, he would have collapsed on the floor. When the last notes fade away, Lance pushes the stop button and stares down at the walkman, unable to look up just yet. Finally, he removes the headphones and sniffs. "You um," he begins, his voice catching in his throat. "You wrote that for me?"
JC reaches with one hand to cup Lance's chin, raising his head. "Just for you."
"This song is . . . it's great. It's amazing. We should record this."
It's JC's turn to look down, embarrassed. "Oh, I don't know. It's only special 'cause of you."
"Are you kidding? This is . . . this is the best song I've ever heard. JC, the things that come out of your brain . . . and your heart," and here Lance boldly puts his hand on JC's chest, "it's powerful stuff. I just can't believe you wrote this for me."
JC covers Lance's hand with his own, pressing it hard against his heart. "It's how I feel."
Lance swallows as he feels the quickened heartbeat against his palm. "Well, this is how I feel," he says, pressing his lips to JC's. JC keeps Lance's hand pinned against his own chest and the other pulls Lance closer, stoking the back of his neck and the soft hair as he opens his lips slightly, inviting Lance in.
Lance's tongue flicks out to lick JC's lips, and soon it's inside the warm, welcoming mouth. The fingers on his neck send a trail of fire through his body, and before he can stop it there's a tingling in his groin.
JC lets his tongue play against Lance's shyly invading one, encouraging him to explore. He lets his hand slide down from Lance's neck to the middle of his back and begins slowly lowering him to the bed.
Lance puts a hand to JC's face and caresses the chiseled features. His other hand is still on JC's chest and when his back touches the mattress, Lance can feel his own heart pounding through his shirt.
JC breaks the kiss and pulls back to look down into Lance's eyes, smiling. "I..." He hesitates--will he freak Lance out? Is he really ready to say this? The light in Lance's eyes decides it for him. "I love you."
Lance never thought this day would come so soon. He always imaged himself being much older when he said the words. But he also never thought he'd fall in love with another guy. He opens his mouth to speak but no words come out. Frustrated, he clears his throat. "I love you too . . . Josh."
JC's smile lights up his whole face. He releases Lance's hand which he's still holding against his own heart and reaches to stroke the soft blond hair back from Lance's forehead. He lowers his mouth to Lance's again in a very tender kiss. Relieved and terrified at the same time, Lance returns JC's kiss. He parts his lips, allowing his tongue to slide out into JC's mouth once again.
JC draws Lance's tongue deeper into his own mouth, sucking on it. He lets his hand play slowly over Lance's small ear and down his neck, dipping beneath the neckline of his t-shirt.
Up until now, most of the time Lance and JC have spent together has been pretty chaste. Now, Lance feels a heat surge through him that he can't--no, doesn't want to--push down.
JC's mouth moves away from Lance's to kiss his way down to the younger boy's neck, knowing how much Lance likes to be kissed there. He can feel Lance's pulse throbbing in his throat and it excites him as the heartbeat pounding against his chest does. As the knowledge that Lance, without prompting, arranged to stay with him tonight certainly does.
Lance's breath escapes his throat in soft, ragged gasps. He cannot believe he's lying here, with his BOYFRIEND. Yes, he can really say it now, especially since he told JC he loves him. And he does. And his body reacts to all that emotion as he feels his pants become uncomfortably tight. Then he begins to wonder if he did the right thing by coming to JC's room--is he sending the wrong message? But then he feels JC's lips on his neck, on his adam's apple--one of the things he's self-conscious about, and he decides to just give in. His hands reach up to cradle JC's head, his fingers entwined with the soft, dark strands of hair.
JC runs his hand down Lance's chest slowly, languidly. His fingers find the hem of Lance's t-shirt, slip under it, start to move upward. All the while his lips and tongue continue to kiss and caress every inch of Lance's neck.
"Ohhh," Lance moans, suddenly embarrassed at the sounds coming out of his mouth. But he can't help it. JC makes him feel things no one else ever has. Their friendship has grown over the weeks, and now it's time for the physical aspects of their relationship to move to the next level. Lance knows that now. He knows that as JC's warm hand makes his skin tingle, and he gazes up at the ceiling and takes a deep breath, willing himself to relax.
JC looks up, his hand still moving against the warm flesh of Lance's stomach. "It's okay, Lance. I like to hear you. I like to know you like what I'm doing to you."
"Oh, I don't think you want to know." He can only imagine what his crotch looks like now.
"I do. I want everything we do together to be good for you."
"What about you, Josh? Is it good for you? You've had more experience--I must seem like such a dork compared to . . . everyone else."
"This is new to me, too. I've never been in love before."
"Me neither." Lance chuckles, relieved that at least they have that much in common. "And I love what you're doing."
"Good. 'Cause I love doin' it."
"Will you do it some more? Please?" Lance turns on his best doe-eyed gaze, smiling shyly.
"Gladly." Does Lance have any idea how seductive he is when he looks up at JC like this? Talks like this? JC brings his mouth to Lance's once again as his hand continues to work its way up under the t-shirt.
Closing his eyes, Lance focuses on the roaming hand. How one touch could feel so good, Lance will never understand. He kisses JC more intensely, already familiar with this aspect of their physicality.
JC's fingers inch closer to Lance's nipple, enjoying the smooth softness of Lance's skin. He brushes a thumb over one nipple, feeling the sensitive flesh pucker and tighten.
Lance flinches and breaks the kiss to see JC's face. He's never been touched like this before and always thought it was something that guys only did to girls. He's amazed at how good it feels. So while his initial reaction was one of surprise, he now bites his lip in ecstasy.
JC grins and rubs his thumb more firmly, more deliberately over the sensitive peak, then takes it between his thumb and forefinger and rolls it gently. He watches Lance's face and is gratified by his open and intense reactions.
Lance finds himself gripping JC's arms, unsure of how and where to touch JC. This is the most intimate they've gotten up to this point, and certainly the most intimate Lance has gotten with anyone.
JC moves to Lance's other nipple, giving it the same attention. He continues to watch Lance's face, but that open, panting mouth is too much of an invitation and he leans in for another hot kiss.
Moaning into the kiss, Lance arches his back slightly and brings one hand up to cup JC's cheek. He draws his knees up against the increased pressure in his groin.
JC begins drawing Lance's shirt up, exposing his stomach and, eventually, his chest. He leans into the kiss, bringing Lance toward him with the hand that's still pinned beneath him.
Reflexively, Lance brings his arms up over his head, allowing JC to remove his shirt. And even though he's half-naked, Lance can feel the heat between their bodies.
JC runs his hand lightly over Lance's chest, touching briefly the cross that lies against Lance's sternum. Then he dips his head down to Lance's chest, just barely licking one still hard nipple.
There's a sharp intake of breath. "Oh, Josh," he moans. Then he remembers the cross. "Wait, Josh, wait." He pushes the older boy off, not meaning to be so forceful. He looks at his friend apologetically as he removes the cross and places it carefully on the nightstand. "I'm sorry, I just needed to . . . "
JC lies where Lance pushed him. "It's okay," he says, but he makes no move to reach for Lance.
"I really am sorry. It's just that right now, I can't do this with that kind of . . . reminder." Realizing what he's saying, he moves closer and quickly adds, "But it's not you. Please don't think it's you. I'd do that no matter who I was with. I mean, if I was with a girl I'd do the same thing. Please don't be mad. When I said I love you, I meant it. I mean, I mean it."
"Then just tell me when something's bothering you, okay? I'll always listen." JC sighs. "But it's hard not to feel at least a little rejected when you push me away like that."
Lance rushes to lay down beside JC. "I didn't mean to. I swear I didn't. It was just a reaction. You know I go to church, and religion is an important part of my life. So all of a sudden it was like this . . . I don't know . . . voice telling me to stop. But I don't want to. I want to kiss you. I want to . . . you know . .. touch you and stuff. It just takes a little time to get used to. So if you could just be patient with me, I promise, it won't happen again."
"I promised to give you as much time as you need, and I'll keep that promise. Just remember that there are two of us with feelings here, okay?"
"I know. I'm so sorry. I got scared. That's all. It won't happen again. I promise." He looks away, at the wall, anywhere but at JC. "I'll go if you want me to." He slowly sits up and looks around for his shirt.
"Of course I don't want you to go." JC reaches out to run his hand up Lance's back.
Lance bows his head. "Good, because I don't want to go."
"Then come here." JC holds his arms out, open, waiting. Raising his head, Lance looks over at JC to make sure he's serious, then shifts over on the bed and timidly allows himself to be enfolded in JC's arms. He's still worried that he's spoiled everything, and he vows to make it up to JC.
JC feels how tentative Lance is again, and silently berates himself for making too big of a deal out of this. "It's okay. We're okay," he murmurs as he holds the younger boy tightly to him, tracing soothing circles against the smooth skin of his back.
Lance sighs, relieved at JC's words. He wants so badly for JC to know how glad he is to be with him. But as JC's hand glides along his back, Lance realizes that JC must know how he feels because there's that twitching in his groin again, and he's pressed so close to JC, how can he not feel it?
JC lets his hand become less soothing and more sensual, while dropping kisses into Lance's soft hair.
Lance responds by kissing JC's neck, similarly to the way JC had kissed his. Emboldened by JC's encouragement, he flicks his tongue out and leaves a small, wet mark.
"Mmm," JC sighs, arching his neck to give Lance better access. He continues stroking Lance's back as his other hand trails over Lance's chest again, lightly tracing over the gentle swell of muscles.
Once again, Lance feels his heart pounding as JC's fingers wander around his chest. He begins to kiss JC's neck more aggressively, and pulls gently at his shirt to reach the crook of his neck, his breath deep and warm against JC's skin.
JC teases one nipple to tautness with his fingers, then lets his hand move lower, dipping into Lance's navel, then still lower, following the line of hair that disappears into his jeans.
His eyes wide, Lance wills himself to relax and go with the moment. Blood rushes to his face as he closes his eyes in anticipation.
JC allows his hand to brush very lightly over the bulge he had felt pressing against him. His touch is gentle and teasing, because he doesn't want to push Lance too far too fast. He rests his hand on the boy's hip, waiting to see how he'll react, what his next move will be.
Lance gazes down between their bodies, then back up at JC's face. He kisses JC once again, this time more urgently.
JC can almost taste the hunger in that kiss, and he knows that it's Lance's way of telling him to continue. As they explore each other's mouths, he again slides his hand to the front of Lance's jeans, pressing harder now, rubbing.
Lance squirms under the hand but he doesn't pull away. His jeans are becoming uncomfortably tight now, so he moves a little bit closer.
JC rolls Lance onto his back, and begins kissing his way back down to Lance's chest. His hand continues to rub against Lance's crotch, fingers tracing the heavy seam of his jeans. His mouth reaches one small, round nipple and he closes his lips over it, flicking his tongue over the responsive peak.
"Josh," Lance moans, reaching a hand up to caress JC's hair as he lifts his head to watch JC's tongue play along his skin.
JC can feel that moan before he hears it, deep in Lance's chest. He smiles against the flesh he's caressing with lips and tongue as he reaches for the button of Lance's jeans.
Practically trembling, Lance is surprised at the intensity of his arousal. He wants to scream, and in his head he does, as JC takes his time.
Encouraged, JC proceeds on to Lance's zipper, as his mouth moves to Lance's other nipple. He can feel his boyfriend's heart pounding, and it makes him feel incredibly powerful.
Lance lets his head fall back against the bed. He bites his lip and tries to keep still, not an easy task with the way JC is making him feel. There's part of him that's scared--scared of what he's feeling, scared of how far he'll go.
JC slips his hand inside the open jeans, and cups Lance's erection through the thin fabric of his briefs. His own erection throbs almost painfully, but, with an effort, he ignores it, concentrating on giving pleasure to Lance.
Lance draws a knee up as his hardness is nearly freed from his constricting clothing. He presses his bulge against JC's hand, still not quite believing that this is really happening.
JC is amazed and very, very gratified by Lance's reaction. He expected hesitancy, but instead, he's getting passion. He lifts his head from Lance's chest to gaze down on the flushed, enraptured face, even as his hand seeks the opening in Lance's briefs and slips inside.
Lance turns his head and gasps as he feels the warmth of JC's hand on his sensitive organ. He knows he can't hide the lust that's in his eyes, nor can he hide his lack of experience. He looks back at JC; his whole body feels like it's on fire.
JC dips his head to kiss one hot cheek, then pulls back again, watching Lance's expression as he begins to stroke the hard flesh.
Lance's brow creases at the intensity of the sensation of JC's hand. He moans and without thinking, begins to thrust in time with JC's rhythm. Tentatively, he brings his hands to JC's chest, pressing his palms against the strong muscles through JC's shirt.
JC just has to kiss that furrowed brow. Several times. Then he drops his mouth to Lance's ear and whispers "Don't move a muscle." He moves to the foot of the bed where, with awkward fingers, he unties and removes Lance's shoes, dropping them to the floor. The socks follow, then JC is easing Lance's jeans down over his hips and off.
"You know I wouldn't ever hurt you, right? But we can stop if that's what you want."
Lance hesitates. "No. I don't want to stop. I...I like this. Maybe that's what scares me."
"You're supposed to like it. It's supposed to make you feel good." JC strokes Lance's face.
"It does . . . YOU do. You make me feel so good."
"I can make you feel even better," JC whispers, his mouth close to Lance's ear.
Lance moans and breaths deeply. "Please," he whispers back.
"Kiss me." JC gathers Lance tightly to himself.
Closing his eyes, Lance presses his lips to JC's, taking in first the top lip, then the bottom lip. Then he parts his lips slightly and lets his lips linger, tasting the sweetness that is JC.
JC lets Lance relax for a moment before he resumes stroking his fingers over his barely clad body.
A small smile plays on Lance's lips; he tells himself that there's nothing wrong with what they're doing. He brings his fingers to JC's face, tracing the curves of his defined cheeks.
JC slips his hand under the waistband of Lance's briefs, first squeezing the roundness of his ass before bringing his hand around to the front again to hold Lance's erection once more.
Lance draws both knees up this time, unable to contain himself. His hands travel lower, to JC's chest once again, only this time they roam lower, to the hem of JC's shirt. He timidly slips them underneath, needing to feel the warmth of JC's skin.
"Feels good," JC murmurs against Lance's mouth. His hand finds a rhythm and begins stroking Lance's hardness again, although still constricted by the briefs.
Lance whimpers as he thrusts against the hand holding him, his palms pressed against JC's chest.
"Can I take these off you? Please?"
"Josh, um," Lance whispers, chewing his lip. Up to this point, he hasn't been completely naked in front of his boyfriend. What if JC gets turned off? Lance feels so scrawny next to JC. His eyes wander, and then he catches the hopeful look in his friend's eyes, so slowly, Lance nods.
JC hooks his thumbs over the waistband of the briefs, and slides them down, sitting up and eventually bending completely at the waist to draw them off completely. He looks up at Lance, who's still biting his lip, a picture of insecurity. "You look . . . amazing," he says boyishly.
"I do not," Lance mumbles, reflexively covering himself.
JC grins, lying down next to Lance again. "Do so."
Lance smiles back. "Do not."
JC moves Lance's protective hands and grasps Lance's erection once more. "Do so," he whispers as he caresses the silky, twitching flesh.
"You must be blind," Lance growls, resigned to the fact that he's not going to win this one. His erection is so hard now he doesn't want to win.
"Trust me on this one," JC whispers as he captures Lance's lips again. His hand tightens around Lance's erection--just tight enough, and he strokes its length, finding a rhythm that, judging by the little sounds he makes, Lance likes very much.
With small thrusting motions, Lance matches JC's rhythm, a feat that surprises even Lance considering how much trouble he sometimes has learning new dance moves. But somehow, he and JC seem to fit together perfectly. As his tongue slips inside JC's mouth, he knows he can't hold back much longer.
JC can sense that Lance is getting close, and he needs, NEEDS to see his face when he comes. He breaks the kiss to raise his head and gaze down at that face, eyes squeezed shut, lips parted, emitting small wordless sounds.
Lance reaches blindly for JC, needing to hold onto something. His fingers dig into JC's shoulders as his body convulses and a strangled cry escapes his throat as he comes, hot and quick, his eyes going wide.
How can it feel this good making someone else come? JC's own erection is throbbing against his jeans, but he doesn't care. All he cares about is that look on Lance's face.
Moaning, Lance lets his head fall to the side as his orgasm subsides; he's deeply embarrassed at his state, but at the same time he's never felt better. Finally, he turns his face back to JC. "Wow."
JC smiles. "Yeah. Wow." He hugs Lance tightly, dropping kisses on his hot, damp face.
"I never thought it could feel this good to have someone else . . . you know." He blushes, realizing what a mess he made. "I'm so lucky to have you as my boyfriend," he says softly, touching JC's face lightly with his fingertips.
JC kisses the fingertips. "I think we're both lucky."
Lance looks up at JC dreamily. "I think someone here needs to get a little more lucky. JC, can I . . . I mean, you've been so good to me . . . can I try, um . . . " he trails off, not knowing exactly how to ask what he wants to ask.
JC smiles again, very tenderly, and from his mouth come words never before spoken by a teenage boy in these circumstances: "I'm okay. You don't have to do anything." He kisses Lance again. "This was about making you feel good."
"Well, I do. Boy, I do. I feel great. But I want you to feel good too."
JC laughs. "Trust me, I'm not gonna fight you on this, Lance. As long as you know you don't have to do anything you don't want to."
Lance props himself up on his elbow, then realizes that's not such a good idea. His stomach is still sticky with the residue from their latest activities, so he quickly fumbles around the bed searching for his shirt. When he finds it, he kneels on the bed and wipes himself clean, then without thinking about it takes JC's hand and wipes it off too. "Um, Josh, why wouldn't I want to? I-I love you. I want to make you as happy as you make me."
"I love you too." JC squeezes the hand holding his. "I just don't want you ever to feel pressured."
"I don't. Not with you. You've been more than patient with me. I know it can be frustrating, being with a kid."
"You know I don't think about you that way."
"Maybe not. But I'm sure it must be hard to be with someone like me who doesn't have as much, um, experience."
"Remember, I've never been with a guy either. We're more even than you think."
Lance gazes down at the hand holding his. "Not right now we're not."
"Yeah? What are you gonna do about it?"
"Well, first I think one of us is wearing too much clothes." Lance reaches for the hem of JC's shirt. "Can I?"
"You can do anything you want."
"Anything? Really?" he asks, lifting the shirt over JC's head, revealing the smooth, lean chest underneath. Lance pauses, staring at the beautiful sight before him.
"Anything." JC looks up at Lance through his eyelashes, wondering what his next move will be.
Lance feels like he's just been given a new toy. And it is his birthday. And he does want to play. But this toy doesn't come with instructions, so Lance knows that he's flying by instinct now. "Can I, um, do this?" He brings his face close and lightly touches his lips to JC's.
"Yeah," JC whispers. "You can do that."
Looking down at the older boy, Lance brings his hands to JC's chest, barely touching it. "Can I do this?"
JC closes his eyes and puts his hands over Lance's. "You can do that."
Lance watches curiously, as JC's face changes from playfulness to pleasure. He slides his hands out from under JC's and puts JC's hands on the mattress. Returning to JC's chest, he lets his hands wander over the smooth surface until they come into contact with JC's small, round nipples. Lance smiles; he never knew how pleasurable these small body parts could be until JC showed him. So now, he wants JC to experience the same delight Lance had earlier, when JC touched him this way. Lance plays his fingers over the hard buds, teasing them and taking them between his thumb and forefinger.
"Ohhhhh," JC sighs as his breath quickens. His eyelids flutter open as he looks up into Lance's face, seeing assurance growing there.
Now that he sees JC likes what he's doing Lance dips his head and flicks his tongue out at one of the erect nipples. He pulls back, gauging JC's reaction, and dips down again, this time rubbing his tongue over the bumpy surface, then taking the nipple in his mouth.
With one hand, JC caresses Lance's soft blond hair, as he involuntarily arches his back, pressing against Lance's warm mouth. His other hand plays over Lance's smooth back.
Lance smiles to himself, not quite believing that anything he does can produce such a reaction. He kisses JC's chest, working his way to the other nipple, engulfing the neglected bud in his mouth.
JC moans and slides his hand around from Lance's back to his chest, finding his nipple and imitating with his fingers what Lance is doing with his mouth.
When the twitching in his groin begins again, Lance lifts his head and takes JC's hands in his. "No, Josh, this time I want to take care of you."
"The best way is taking care of each other."
Each other. It's those words that really drive home the fact that this is not some casual fling. That they are IN A RELATIONSHIP. That as young as Lance is, he's IN LOVE. "Okay," he whispers, slowly, bringing his hand back to JC's chest.
"Okay," JC echoes, smiling. He's constantly amazed that someone as just plain NICE as Lance exists. Someone so WORTH falling in love with.
Lance's hand travels lower, and he follows it with his eyes. When his fingers touch the button of JC's pants, he licks his lips and raises his eyes to JC, waiting for permission.
JC nods eagerly, longing, aching for that first touch.
Carefully, Lance pops the button and slides down the zipper slowly, using both hands. He hesitates before slipping his hand inside JC's shorts, gingerly touching the already erect member.
JC gasps. The touch, tentative as it is, feels wonderful. JC brings Lance's mouth back to his own, teasing his lips with his tongue.
Lance pushes down the front of JC's shorts, freeing JC's heated erection. He pulls away from JC so he can see better, and he wants to see. He's curious and aroused and fascinated, and he realizes this is the first time he's seen JC naked.
"You like what you see?"
Lance nods vigorously. "Yes, sir." His fingers brush against the soft hair surrounding the hard organ, and he traces the length of the shaft with his fingertips.
The touch is not so tentative anymore, but still light enough to send a shiver up JC's spine. "Lance," he urges.
"What?" Lance freezes. "I'm sorry. Am I doing this . . . um, do you want me to . . . "
"You're doing fine, babe. Better than fine."
"Um, just tell me if there's anything I'm doing that, you know, you don't like." He decides that JC is still wearing too much clothes, so he moves down to JC's feet and removes his shoes and socks, then slides his pants and underwear off. When JC is finally naked, Lance sits back and remarks, "Wow."
"Flattery's always good," JC smiles. "Come here."
Lance obeys, laying on his side and placing one hand by JC's head, covering JC's mouth with his own, and bringing his other hand back to JC's exposed member. He wraps his hand around the length and begins stroking.
JC places one hand against Lance's chest, trailing it down very slowly as he slips his tongue into Lance's mouth, exploring its hot depths.
Lance tightens his grip in response to JC's probing tongue, stroking more insistently this time.
JC captures Lance's own erection in his hand, stroking in time with Lance's strokes.
Smiling, Lance pulls his head back to look down at their twin erections. Lance is pumping harder and faster now, his own excitement only adding to the pleasure of pleasing his friend.
JC follows the rhythm of Lance's stroking, letting him set the pace. The smile on Lance's face is beautiful to behold, making JC smile himself.
It's Lance who comes first. This surprises even Lance; all JC needs to do is look at him and he comes. He squeezes JC's length as he comes, his body spasming against the older boy, and he cries out, elated and embarrassed at the same time.
JC clutches Lance to him, supporting him as he trembles against him. The hot hand squeezing his own erection, combined with the sound and sight of Lance's orgasm triggers his own, and they shimmer and shake in one another's arms.
Still trembling, Lance holds onto JC's organ even after their orgasms subside. Eyes closed, he breathes in JC's scent--sweat combined with his cologne combined with his own unique chemistry.
JC holds Lance tightly to him as they both come down from the incredible high of their orgasms. When he can finally speak, he asks "So, seventeen still no big deal?"
Lance takes a deep breath. "If this is seventeen I can't wait to see eighteen."