Forever Young: In/fidelity
by Karen and LB
© 2002
Number 16 in the series.
The nightclub is dark and smoky, but it's a great party. Chris and Joey make their way through the crowd, led by Joey's unerring sense of where the food is. "Wow," Joey marvels. "This looks great."
"That doesn't." Chris says grimly.
"What?" Joey follows Chris's glance, squinting in the dimness until he sees what Chris is seeing: JC leaning against a wall, smiling down at a very cute girl, who stands on tiptoe to say something right into his ear. JC laughs, and Joey feels as if he can hear the sound, even over the cacophony of the crowded, noisy room. "Whoa! Is that the same girl from the restaurant?"
*****
"YES!" the three young friends scream in unison, sprawled out in the Bass living room. They're on their second movie of the night; popcorn bowls and cookie boxes are strewn everywhere, and when Lance hears his mother call from upstairs he giggles at Darren and Keri. "Oops, I guess we're being too loud."
"Lance, phone call for you," his mother says from the stairs.
Lance quickly rolls off the couch, thinking it's JC. "Anyone want anything while I'm up?"
"No, thanks," Darren and Keri say in unison. "But hurry up," adds Darren, "you're gonna miss the best part."
Lance takes the cordless phone into the kitchen. "Hello?"
"Hey, dude." Joey's friendly voice comes through the phone. "How's it goin'?"
"Joey! Wow, what's up? How are things in Orlando? Let me guess: You need some dating tips."
"Maybe later. You got a minute? I have something serious I want to talk to you about."
Lance rummages through the refrigerator and pulls out a can of Dr. Pepper. "Yeah, sure. What's wrong. Did something happen?"
"Yeah, sort of. Look, there's no easy way to say this so I'm just gonna say it. We think JC's cheating on you."
Lance stares at the phone as if it just bit him on the ear. He takes a seat at the kitchen table. "Sure, Joey. Okay, who put you up to this, Chris?"
"Dude, I wouldn't joke about something like this. We saw him with this really cute girl in a restaurant and then last night, we saw them again, in a club. I'm really sorry, Scoop."
"He's not cheating on me, Joey. Look, I know you probably think you saw him with a girl, but there's probably a perfectly good explanation for this. He's gay, Joey. Why would he even be interested in a girl?"
"He went with girls before you."
"Before me, Joey. He's going out with me now. He has no reason to cheat on me."
"Lance, people don't need a reason to cheat. They just DO."
"Maybe you do, Joey. JC doesn't. You probably saw someone who looks like JC."
"I've known JC for HOW long, dude? It was him."
"So, he was talking to a girl. He's allowed to talk to other people. Did you see . . . did he kiss her?"
"Well, I didn't see them kissing. But they were pretty close to each other."
"See? I've stood pretty close to you and TOUCHED you and we're not going out."
"Fine, Lance. We just thought you should know."
"Listen, Joey, I know you're just doing this 'cause you're my friend, but I trust JC. I love him. If he wanted to stop seeing me he'd tell me. Look, I'll see you tomorrow, okay?" Lance hangs up the phone, his mouth set in concentration. But then he shakes his head, laughing, telling himself that Joey is crazy. He knows JC wouldn't cheat on him. He KNOWS it.
When Joey hangs up from Lance, he checks to see if he got any calls while he was on the phone. He did, and he dials in to get his messages. There's only one, and it's from JC. "Joe, listen, I need you to do me a big favor. I need you to pick up Lance tomorrow. I'm, um, totally busy, and I won't be able to make it to the airport. I'm counting on you, dude."
Lance decides there's only one way to settle this. Still holding the phone, he dials JC's number. JC, on his way out the door, runs back to grab the phone. "Hello?"
"Josh, it's Lance. What's up?"
"Hey, baby! Man, it's good to hear your voice."
"Same here. I miss you so much."
"Me, too. What have you been up to?"
"Me and Keri and Darren are watching movies. We went to the mall and had a party yesterday. It's been really great seeing them. I wish you could've come."
"Me, too. But I got tons of studio stuff done. And I even got that trim you wanted painted in the bathroom done."
"You did? Thanks! Guess I owe you one. And I'd like to pay you back."
"You will. Oh yes, you will."
"Hmmm, what do you want?"
"What do you think?"
"I think I wish I was in Orlando right now."
"I can't wait."
"I'll be back tomorrow. So, did you get a lot done?"
"Yep, so when you get back I'll be able to give all my attention to you."
"Are you saying I'm a distraction?"
JC laughs. "No way. Everything else is a distraction."
"Did you at least have some time to go out?"
"Not really. I was trying to get my stuff done, you know?"
"So you didn't go out at all?"
"Sure. I was around. Nothing special. The studio. Your place. The paint store."
"Oh. Um, you didn't have to do that, you know."
"I wanted to. I want it to be perfect for you when you get home. Besides, you would have picked some boring color."
"Me? Boring? Gee, thanks. Wait, what color did you pick?"
"Green and purple stripes."
"Green and purple? I'm never leaving you alone in my apartment again."
"Baby, I'm just teasing. It's white, just like you wanted it."
"Aw, here I thought I was gonna come home to a looove den."
"You will be. Trust me on that."
"Uh oh, now why am I suddenly scared again that I left you alone in my crib? I knew I should have made you come back to Mississippi with me."
"It's not what it looks like, baby. It's what's gonna happen there."
"Ooo, now I can't wait to get back. I'll see you tomorrow, right?"
"You couldn't keep me away. I love you."
"I love you too. I can't wait."
"Me neither. Bye, baby."
As Lance hangs up the phone, he laughs, but there's also a part of him that's mad at Joey. Why would Joey stir up trouble like this?
JC grabs his keys again and heads for the door. He's glad he got to talk to Lance, but he's now VERY late to meet Miranda.
*****
Lance juggles the shopping bag full of stuff from his mother and friends, and his carry-on as he deboards the plane. He smiles as he remembers what a great weekend he had with his friends, but he's also anxious to be back in Orlando to see JC. He wished his boyfriend could have come home with him, but JC said he had to work in the studio and Lance told himself when they got involved that he would never trample JC's space. Now, as he enters the waiting room all he wants to do is throw his arms around his boyfriend. But his smile fades when he sees Joey.
"Hey, buddy! How was your flight?"
"It was fine . . . what are you doing here? Where's JC?"
"I, um, I don't know. He left a message that he wouldn't be able to make it to the airport and asked me to pick you up. He didn't say why."
"Oh. That's strange. Oh wait, he probably had to go back to the studio and couldn't call me."
"Yeah, maybe. Hey, do you want to go out? We could get something to eat. Or do you wanna go straight home?"
"I...um . . . " I wanna see my boyfriend, Lance thinks, but he doesn't want to give Joey any more ammunition. "Yeah, I guess I could go for something to eat. Lemme just call JC." He pulls out his cell phone and dials JC's number, but the voicemail picks up, so he leaves a message.
Joey sees the look on Lance's face. "Hey, you look kind of tired. Why don't we go to your place and we can order in, okay?"
"Yeah, that would be great, Joey. I am kind of beat. And I'd like to be home in case JC gets done early."
Joey grabs Lance's carry-on and they start to walk out of the airport. "Did you, um, think about what I told you?"
"Yeah, Joey, I did. And I think you're crazy for even thinking that JC would cheat on me."
"I just don't want you to get hurt," Joey says as he unlocks the car. "You know that, right?"
"I know, and I appreciate that. I do. You guys are like my brothers. But you know JC. You KNOW he wouldn't do that to me. I...love him, Joey."
"I know that, Lance," Joey says. "But you didn't see how he was smiling at that girl."
"Stop it, Joey. He was smiling--so what? I trust him. I'm not going to start doubting how he feels about me just because he was talking to someone. I start doing that, I might as well end it now. He had friends before I came along, and I'm not going to stop him from having friends now. He loves me. I know that. And that's all I'm gonna believe."
"Fine, Lance. I'll shut up, but I'm NOT going to stop watching out for you, you know?"
Lance rolls his eyes, smirking. "Whatever. But I can take care of myself. And if you don't let this go I'm NOT gonna let you have some of the pecan pie my mom baked."
Joey holds up both hands, palms out. "Not another word." He grabs the wheel before they crash into a minivan.
Lance pushes his anxiety down for the rest of the ride, singing along with the CD in Joey's player and telling stories about his friends. He refuses to give in to Joey's suspicions, but he also doesn't want to be mad at him. If he has to, he'll ask JC point blank about this supposed girl.
*****
Justin and Chris walk around Lance's living room amazed. "Wow," Chris says. "I thought it was weird when JC called us to come over instead of wanting to be alone with Lance, but I never expected this."
"Yeah," Justin replies. "Who would have thought JC of all people could organize a housewarming? But I still don't get why he didn't tell us till the last minute. Are we really that bad at keeping secrets?"
"I guess maybe we . . . " Chris trails off. "What the hell is SHE doing here?"
"Who?"
"That girl over there. She's the one me and Joey saw with JC. Twice. He's got some nerve, bringing her here."
*****
Lance is so lost in thought he doesn't even realize Joey's parked the car. He yawns and stretches when he steps out, fatigue from the journey finally hitting him. "Hey, you want to rent some movies tonight? I mean, if JC's working he won't get here till late anyway."
"Yeah, sure. When I go out to pick up the food, I'll grab some movies, too." Joey lifts both of Lance's bags from the backseat and they head for the front door. "You got your key?"
"Yeah." He fumbles in his pocket momentarily when they reach the door to Lance's apartment. "Hey, Joey--thanks for picking me up."
When the lock turns Lance pushes open the door and steps inside, fumbling for the light switch. When the light comes on, Lance freezes, stunned by what he sees. The apartment is transformed since the last time Lance saw it. The furniture that he had ordered has been delivered and even the curtains have been hung. The place is brightly decorated, and everyone that Lance knows in Orlando seems to be here. Everyone crowds around, but JC steps in and extracts Lance from the group. "Why don't we let Lance freshen up?" he says, leading Lance toward the bedroom, knowing that he can't kiss his boy in front of all these people.
Lance is still in shock by what JC has done, and as he's led away he can feel the goofy smile plastered to his face. He also knows he must be beet red, but he doesn't care. He feels so loved, so...accepted. "I can't believe you did all this," Lance says, when they're safely alone.
"It's your first place that's all your own. I had to do something. So I invited lots of people to wreck the place before you've really lived in it." JC kisses Lance lightly, knowing he can't start anything with all those people out there, afraid that if he really kisses Lance he won't be able to stop. "Welcome home, baby."
*****
Joey goes to find Chris and Justin. They're standing in a corner, talking intensely. "She's here," Chris spits out angrily.
"Who?"
"Her."
Joey looks around until he spots her, standing coolly near the buffet table. "I can't believe he'd bring her here. I'm going to say something to her." Joey stalks off, trailed by Chris and Justin.
*****
JC releases Lance. "I better get back out there. Take your time."
"Wait," Lance pulls JC back. "Thanks. I mean that. I love that you did this. And I love you." He kisses JC back, then pulls away. "Now get out of here before I lock that door and throw you down on this nice, new bed." As he watches JC leave, he sighs. Nothing to worry about. Nothing at all.
*****
"Do you know whose house this is?" Joey demands of the startled girl without preamble.
"Of course. Lance's," she replies, unflustered. "You must be Joey. JC described you. I'm Miranda."
"What are you doing here?"
"Catering."
"You're CATERING?"
"Sure, that's what I do. Why?"
"You're not dating JC?"
"Like I'd have a chance." Miranda drops her voice. "I've never met anyone more head over heels than he is with Lance."
"He TOLD you?"
"I guessed. The way his face lights up when he talks about him."
"What were you doing in the club with him?"
"We catered the party that night. I wanted to show JC what we could do. But he spent most of the time telling me how wonderful Lance is."
"Hey, guys!" JC joins the group. "You met Miranda! Didn't she do a great job?"
"Yeah. Great. Where's Lance?"
"He's getting changed."
*****
Lance sifts through his bag, trying to figure out what to wear. Everyone's dressed casually, but he hasn't seen JC in days and wants to look nice. He finally settles on a plain t-shirt, opting for comfort over style. He does check his hair and dabs on some cologne, and gives himself a once-over. He laughs at himself for being nervous, but JC went through so much trouble that Lance wants to make it worth it. At last, he opens the door and is immediately surrounded by friends from Trans Con. Searching the room for JC, Lance spots him across the room, talking to a woman he's never seen before. Puzzled he excuses himself under the guise of getting something to drink. As he nears JC, he realizes he's being silly and turns to walk away.
It's as if JC can sense Lance's presence. Or maybe he just smells his cologne. He turns and calls out to Lance softly. When Lance turns, he beckons him over. "Hey, I want you to meet Miranda. She did all the food and kept me from poisoning everyone, or burning your apartment up."
Miranda smiles warmly "Nice to meet you Lance. JC told me all your favorites. I hope you like everything."
Lance laughs and embraces Miranda, "It's GREAT to meet you. Thank you for everything. This is so . . . amazing. Actually, JC's a pretty good cook . . . when he's not SLEEPING." He turns to JC and throws his arm casually around the older boy's shoulder. "I can't believe you hired a caterer. You really didn't have to go through all this trouble. But I'm glad you did. You know how much I love a good party."
"Yeah, I do. C'mon. Let's get you some food before Joey eats it all." Lance is delighted by the spread. There's not a thing on the trays and hotplates scattered throughout the room that Lance doesn't like. Not a mushroom in sight. Lance devours shrimp, munches on chicken fingers, and loads his plate high with mini quesadillas. He grins at Joey across the room, who's parked himself by the main table of food. After making his way across the crowded room, he leans over Joey and whispers, "She's the caterer. But I love you anyway."
"I know. And she's really nice too. I'm really sorry, Lance. I meant well."
"I know you did. It's cool that you look out for me." He claps Joey on the back and once again searches for JC. He knows that there are too many people here to do anything, but still, he feels like JC is his "date" tonight.
JC sees Lance looking around and motions him over. "I saved a seat for you." Lance sits down and begins to work on his plateful of food, frequently interrupted as guests come over to say hello. JC notices Joey, Chris, and Justin talking very seriously again and excuses himself.
"So, anyone gonna tell me what's going on?"
"You tell us."
"Me? You're the ones hiding in a corner. Obviously something's bothering you."
"Listen, C, there's something we should tell you," Justin begins, scratching his earlobe. "The other day, we saw you with Miranda. And a couple of nights ago Joey and Chris saw you at the club . . . "
"And we thought you and Miranda . . . ," Joey confesses.
"What?" JC barks out a laugh. "I knew you guys were crazy, but . . . " JC takes in their expressions. "There's more, isn't there?"
Joey shuffles his feet. "I kinda, sorta called Lance. Okay, hit me now." He turns so his shoulder is in direct line of JC's face.
"You did WHAT?" JC whips around to look at Lance, who smiles at him across the room. "He seems fine. He hasn't seemed mad all night."
"He isn't. He didn't believe a word I told him. Not once. He never believed any of it. He kept saying he trusted you--that you wouldn't cheat on him. I guess we should have trusted you more too."
"Yeah. Idiots. I ought to pound you. All of you. But I'm too happy. Hey, guys? Next time you suspect me of being a total prick, ask me, okay? There will always be an explanation, because I would never cheat on him."
"We know that now, C," Justin says, humbly. "We're sorry, man. We just wanted to protect Lance. He's so . . . he really cares about you."
"I really care about him, too, Just. And I'm actually kind of glad you're looking out for him. You know both of us would do the same for you."
"We're supposed to watch out for each other, right? That's what friends do. And C, we really are sorry."
From across the room, Lance eyes them curiously. He doesn't want to interrupt, but at the same time he gets the feeling they're talking about him. So he heads over on the pretense of getting some more food, and says casually, "Hey guys, thanks for coming over."
"We told him, Lance," Joey blurts out. They aren't even touching, but JC can feel Lance stiffen. He touches the younger boy's arm. "It's okay. We're cool."
"I didn't believe it for one minute, Josh."
"Yeah, they told me. It's the main reason I'm not beating the crap out of them."
"So everyone's cool with everyone? 'Cause it seems to me this is a party and no one fights at my parties."
JC and Joey exchange a glance and nod at each other. "Yeah," JC says. "We're cool."
Joey holds out his hand and the two boys embrace. Lance watches, satisfied. "That's more like it. Boy, I thought when my parents moved back home that would be the end of the whole mom and dad thing. Guess I don't have to worry about feeling homesick here."
"Okay," Joey says, picking up his plate again. "So I got a little overprotective."
"We got," Chris adds. "I was right there with you."
"It just makes me feel so good that you have such faith in me," JC says with a smile.
Lance throws his arm around JC, saying, "I have faith in you."
"That's all that matters." JC smiles at Lance until one of the other guests comes over to say goodnight and the little huddle breaks up.
The party starts breaking up in the early hours of the morning, until just Miranda and the five boys are left. Lance is sprawled out on the couch, his feet in JC's lap, Joey on the floor with his head by Lance's stomach.
"Who's cleaning up this mess?" Joey asks the room.
"I'll do it tomorrow," Lance mumbles.
"Chris, give me a lift home?" Justin asks.
"Sure. It's way past your curfew anyway."
"You guys are welcome to crash here," Lance pipes in.
Joey, Chris, and Justin exchange a look. "No thanks, dude," Joey replies. "Five's a crowd."
Miranda comes out from the kitchen to tell them that the kitchen is clean and the leftovers are in the fridge. Both Lance and JC rise to thank her, and JC walks her out. When he gets back, Joey, Justin, and Chris are saying good night to Lance. They file out and JC sits on the couch again with Lance.
Lance falls over, exhausted, his head landing in JC's lap. "Did I tell you how much I love you for doing this?"
"I loved doing it." JC runs his hand through Lance's soft hair. "And I love you."
"I love you too. You know, when Joey told me he saw you with Miranda, I didn't once believe that you were cheating on me. I thought it was some kind of joke they were playing on me."
"Do you have any idea how much that means to me? That you trust me that much?"
"Why wouldn't I?"
"No reason. But people don't always. And it means something that we have that kind of trust between us."
Lance reaches up and places a hand on JC's chest. "We belong together, JC. That's what it means."
JC covers the hand with his own. "Yeah. You're so right about that."
"And you know that IF you ever did want to see someone else, you could tell me, right?"
"Not that I would ever want to, but, yeah, I know. I respect you too much to go behind your back. And I love you too much to want to."
Satisfied, Lance smiles. "You're crashing here tonight, right?"
"Yeah. I was hoping you'd ask."
"YOU have an open invite. Might as well just leave some stuff here from now on."
"Really? I was worried about crowding you."
"You'd never crowd me. You're too skinny." To emphasize his point, Lance playfully pokes JC's flat stomach.
"Hey! You trying to start something?"
"Maybe." Lance pokes JC again.
"Yeah? Like what?"
Lance slips his hand under JC's pullover and up his smooth chest. "Like this."
"I think I could go along with that."
Lance finds one soft, round nipple and starts to play with it. "Good, cause right now I'd like you to crowd my space."
"Is that what we're calling it now?"
"We're calling it whatever you want. Whatever gets you 'in my house' is fine by me."
"Any time you want, baby."
"Is now good for you? Cause I could do now."
"Now's perfect." JC scoops Lance up in his arms, lifting him so their lips can meet.
Lance quickly wraps the arm not inside JC's shirt around his neck, pulling him closer, parting his lips and allowing his tongue to graze JC's, still tasting of beer and some spicy sauce. The kiss is made hotter and sweeter by the days apart. It reminds JC just how good kissing itself can be--not just as a lead in to something else.
Lance lures JC down, never breaking the kiss, but forcing his friend to shift so that he ends up stretched out top of Lance. Now Lance can comfortably take his time, exploring JC's mouth as if for the first time.
JC brushes Lance's hair back from his face as they kiss, enjoying the silky texture on his fingers even as his tongue revels in the hot, succulent mouth it penetrates and caresses.
Lance wraps his arms around JC, hugging him close, needing the contact after days of missing it. He pulls back slowly, taking in each of JC's full, sensual lips, licking the soft, intoxicating surface before capturing the mouth once again.
JC breaks the kiss to look down into Lance's eyes, which look a deep jade green in the dimness of the softly lit room. He smiles before dropping his head again, kissing the tip of Lance's nose and nibbling playfully at his chin.
Giggling, Lance half-heartedly tries to push JC off. "You still hungry? Cause there's plenty of leftovers."
"I'm only hungry for one thing. And it's not in the refrigerator."
"Where is it?" Lance turns his head looking around the room.
"Right here, you goof. Right here."
"Oh! You want to eat ME? I'm kind of fattening, you know. You sure you're not worried about gaining weight?" Lance asks, pinching JC's stomach.
"I'm not worried. I have a feeling you'll give me a pretty good workout."
Lance gazes down between their bodies. "Sure. First, I'll work out these." He slides his hands down JC's toned arms. "Then I'll work out this." He brings his hands to JC's chest. "Then, I'll work out this." He wraps his hands behind JC's back and squeezes his tight ass.
"And let's not forget that all-important cardio-vascular element."
"Are you getting all scientific on me, Chasez?"
"You love it when I use big words."
"I love it when you use something else that's big," Lance growls, rubbing his leg seductively against JC's crotch.
"What would you like me to do with it?"
"I'd like you to use it. On me."
"Here? On your brand new upholstery?"
"It's Scotch-guarded."
"You think of everything." JC nuzzles into Lance's throat, planting a kiss next to his Adam's apple.
Lance bites his lip in reaction to the ecstasy of JC's lips so near a most sensitive spot. He's always been a bit embarrassed at the size of his Adam's apple, but being kissed there is so arousing to Lance that he's like a cat getting his neck scratched. JC feels Lance reacting and reaches out with his tongue to lick the spot he's been kissing.
Lance writhes under JC; pinned against the cushions he can't do anything but let JC have his way. He clutches JC's back, running his hands up and down the curve of his spine.
JC smiles against Lance's throat. Since Lance seems very happy with what he's doing, JC continues, breathing in the scent of the cologne Lance put on earlier, combined with Lance's own particular scent. At the same time, he shifts so he can raise Lance's t-shirt, caressing the warm skin underneath.
Lance closes his eyes, savoring the dual sensations. He shivers as JC's hands touch his chest, and he can feel the bulge at JC's crotch pressed tightly against his own. JC licks his way up to Lance's ear as his fingers locate one small round nipple. As he teases the puckering flesh, he lets his tongue explore the curves of Lance's ear.
"Josh," Lance moans. "I've missed this so much."
"Mmmmm. Me too," JC murmurs into Lance's ear. "I think I'm addicted to you."
"Do you think we need an intervention?"
"Nope, cause I don't want to get over it. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me."
" 'N Sync's the best thing that ever happened to you."
"Professionally, maybe. Otherwise, you. All you."
Lance pulls JC close, needing more than anything else to just hold him. "I wish we could stay this way forever."
"I know. But we just have to make the best of what time we've got. I made sure we have tomorrow off. We can stay in bed all day if you want."
"Really? How'd you manage that?"
"There was a lot of groveling involved."
"Ooo, you begged?"
"Yep. You know I'd do anything for you."
"You don't have to. I love you no matter what."
"That's why I wanted us to have a little time before stuff gets crazy again."
"Lou must be so pissed."
"Not really. He's out of town, so he's not up on the details, and the studio guys are cool with it."
"You . . . wow, you didn't have to do all this, you know. You're spoiling me."
"Good. I like spoiling you."
"I'm gonna get you back for this."
"You make it sound like a threat."
"Think of it more like a challenge."
"So I just get to keep spoiling you as much as possible?"
"Heck no. You keep doing this I'll turn into a fat, lazy slob who never leaves the house."
"Nope, 'cause I'll keep you really busy IN the house."
"Doing what? Vacuuming? Dusting?"
"Yes. Naked vacuuming. Naked dusting."
"Oh, and I suppose you'll just sit there and watch?"
"Someone's gotta enjoy the view."
"Some view. I'd much rather look at your . . . view."
"Fair enough. What would you like me to do while you're vacuuming? Naked."
"Watch out for my hose."
"I'm always very aware of your . . . hose."
"I feel like such an object."
"You object to being an object?"
"I firmly object," Lance states, grinding his hips against JC.
"Now who's the object?"
"I don't know. Right now all I know is that I'm really horny."
"We'll have to do something about that."
Lance gingerly touches JC's lips. "Any ideas?"
"Uh huh," JC says and turns the fleeting kiss to a passionate, penetrating, plundering one.
Lance's next words are swallowed by the kiss. All coherent thought is purged from his mind as the passion in JC's lips overtakes him and he surrenders completely.
This time JC's actions are not slow and leisurely as they had been earlier. His kisses are hot and demanding as he tugs at Lance's shirt impatiently.
Lance pushes JC's hands away, lifting his own shirt up and over his head; he tosses it to the floor and gazes up at JC with lust-filled eyes.
Lance's eyes are always beautiful, but never more so than when they're lit from within like this. JC stares intently into his lover's eyes before claiming his mouth once again.
A soft sigh escapes Lance's lips before they are once again engulfed. While thus occupied, Lance lifts JC's shirt and slips his hands underneath, nudging JC up a few inches so he can remove it.
JC's hands move over Lance's chest, toying with the already taut nipples as his lips brush over Lance's before moving over his jaw, his neck, and pausing languorously over his collarbone.
Lance pants softly, curling his knees up on either side of JC, hands gliding over JC's smooth back. He both relishes and agonizes over the slow, easy pace with which JC moves, knowing how his lover likes to take his time, but needing him so badly right now.
JC senses Lance's eagerness from the tension in his grip, in every touch. "You want it fast? You want it NOW?" he growls into Lance's ear.
"I...no . . . I want you . . . but I . . . you're so hot, Josh."
"Baby, I just wanna give you what you want."
"You always do, Josh. Always." Lance lifts his head to look at the one person who makes his heart melt.
"And I always will."
Lance cradles JC's head and just nods, because the words get caught in his throat.
"I adore you, you know that, don't you?"
"Uh huh." Lance is mesmerized by JC's intense, blue eyes gazing down at him.
JC smiles. "I'm still gonna keep telling you. And showing you . . . "
"Show me now," Lance whispers. "Please?"
"Anything you want." JC slides both hands under Lance, hugging him closely as he plants little kisses along his jawline, working his way back to Lance's avid mouth.
Lance closes his eyes and tells himself to slow down, take it easy, and enjoy every minute of this. He returns JC's kiss, deepening it with all the passion welling up inside him.
JC pulls one arm from under Lance and trails it down his neck, over his chest and stomach, snaking it between their pressed bodies to massage the slight bulge in Lance's pants into a much more prominent one. They continue to kiss passionately, hungrily.
As if of their own accord, Lance moves his hips in time with JC's hand. His own hands find JC's chest, lightly rubbing the tight, hard nipples, circling them with his thumbs while his tongue works JC's moist mouth.
JC half sighs, half moans against Lance's mouth. He just feels so good, tastes so good. And his reactions are just so unconsciously sensual that they arouse JC more than anything else could.
Lance's hands travel down JC's chest to his slender waist, and when they hit the waistband of JC's pants his fingers fumble for the button, finally flicking it open, and he slides one hand inside, to just graze the swell of JC's erection.
Well, maybe not SO unconscious. JC makes a pleased sound in his throat as his hand becomes more insistent against Lance's bulge. His kisses again trail downward.
Gasping when he feels JC's lips on his throat, Lance presses his back against the sofa cushions. He still cannot believe his reactions to JC's attentions, and he's still embarrassed by how reactive he is. He wants to be the mature, controlled lover, not some eager, out-of-control teenager. He takes a deep breath, and then another, throwing his concentration on giving JC as much pleasure as JC is giving him.
JC works his way down to Lance's chest, licking around but not yet touching one nipple. At the same time, he pops the button on Lance's jeans, then lowers the zipper, reaching inside eagerly.
Lance lets out a long, low moan at the small amount of freedom. He wants JC to take him right then and there, but he's determined to make this last. Pushing up against the invasive hand, Lance brings his fingers to JC's thick, soft hair, needing to touch something.
JC finally closes his mouth over the small tight peak of Lance's nipple at the same moment his fingers slip through the opening of Lance's shorts to curl around his hot erection.
A quiet whimper escapes Lance's throat at the twin sensations: the warm tongue on his chest and the warm hand around his hardness. His body begins rocking against the hand holding him, creating an intense friction. JC smiles against Lance's chest. He loves Lance's reactions, and someday he'll convince Lance just how much of a turn-on it is. He nibbles at Lance's nipple, hard enough to send a ripple of pleasure through Lance, but not hard enough to cause pain.
Lance arches his back and cradles JC's head against his chest, but his pants have become so tight that he reaches down and struggles to free himself.
JC pulls away. "Here, let me, baby." He lifts himself off Lance, slipping off the couch, kneeling next to it. He removes Lance's shoes, then eases his pants and shorts off. JC sits back on his heels, gazing admiringly at Lance. "So beautiful," he whispers.
Needing to take the attention off his naked form, Lance brings a hand to JC's face, tracing the sharp lines of his defined jaw, his chiseled cheeks, his full lips.
JC kisses Lance's fingertips, then his palm. "I mean it," he says quietly as his hand again wraps around Lance's erection. He turns to watch the movement of his hand as it strokes Lance's hardness, then shifts to replace the hand with his mouth.
Lance quickly grips the back of the couch and raises his head. How can this beautiful boy, this sensitive, caring boy, be here with HIM doing THAT? "Josh, oh, that feels so good," he moans, throwing his head back and reaching to touch JC's hair once again.
JC raises his head. "That's the idea," he says with a grin before resuming his activity. As his head moves over Lance, he caresses Lance's balls with one hand, while his other moves seemingly at random over his boy's hair, face and chest.
Breathing in time to JC's stroking hand, Lance lets his head fall back against the cushion, taking in every sensation around him: the light touch of JC's fingers on his skin, the warm mouth surrounding his hardness, the sweet scent of JC's cologne. JC quickens his pace, coaxing Lance to even greater arousal. He pauses momentarily to wet his finger in his own mouth, then slides his hand deeper between Lance's legs to thrust gently into his tight opening.
Lance's body jerks as he's penetrated, and he cries out in ecstasy. He tries his best to contain his excitement, not wanting to come yet. "Josh, stop . . . I . . . I want you."
JC stops what he's doing and looks up with a slow smile. "We can do that. Be right back." JC rises and goes into the bedroom, locating the lube he'd put in the nightstand drawer when he'd unpacked Lance's boxes after the furniture arrived. He returns, dropping the tube on the coffee table and gazing down at Lance as he unzips his pants.
Still panting, Lance manages to sit up and help JC remove the rest of his clothes. As JC stands before him, Lance uses the opportunity to give JC a . . . taste of his own medicine. He grabs JC's hips and runs his tongue quickly along JC's eye-level erection and just as quickly takes it in his mouth.
JC manages to remain upright as a wave of pure pleasure washes over him. He grips Lance's shoulders for balance as he moans happily.
Without removing his mouth, Lance shifts so that his legs are on either side of JC's body. He can now comfortably pleasure his lover for as long as it takes. He slows his pace, drawing his mouth along the length of JC's hardness and then taking it all the way in, as far as his throat will allow. His hands grip each of the firm, round muscles of JC's ass, squeezing and massaging the well-toned globes.
JC tries to loosen his grip on Lance's shoulders, but the shudders of pleasure running through him aren't making it easy. "So good," he rasps. "So hot."
Lance isn't conscious of anything around him except the exquisite taste and feel of JC. He withdraws the pulsing organ and runs his tongue down to JC's balls, and soon his lips and tongue coat the surface, then return to JC's heated erection once again. This time, JC's knees do go weak, and he starts to sink.
Smiling to himself, Lance releases JC, catching him by the backs of his legs and coaxing him back down to the couch. He lays back, pulling JC on top of him. JC drops kisses all over Lance's face as he grinds his erection against Lance's. He fumbles on the table for the lube and quickly slicks some over his own erection. Lifting Lance's legs, he pushes into him, still peppering his face with kisses.
Lance groans as JC fills him, arching his back and wrapping his arms tightly around the older boy, urging him in further.
"How can it just keep getting better?" JC pants as he's engulfed by heat, tightness, pleasure. He begins rocking his hips, pressing deeper into his boy with each thrust.
Lance's brow creases in concentration, as he focuses on the face above him. He meets each of JC's thrusts, inviting him, welcoming him. "It's always going to get better," Lance whispers hotly into JC's ear.
It happens every time. There's one moment when they go from finding one another's rhythm, from merely moving together to moving as one, being as one. And that moment is almost as good for JC as coming. When it happens, it's as if he's melting into Lance, and there's no one penetrating, no one being penetrated. There's just connection. Just THEM.
Lance listens to JC's quiet breathing; he can practically hear their heartbeats, pounding in the exact same rhythm. They've only been this intimate for a few short months, but Lance feels as though he's known JC all his life. He can't imagine his life without JC. As he feels himself close to release, he knows that there's nowhere else he'd rather be than in JC's arms.
JC can feel how close Lance is, and his lips move to Lance's throat, needing to feel as well as hear the sounds Lance makes when he comes.
That's all it takes. As soon as JC's lips touch Lance's throat, his orgasm enflames his whole body, and he cries, "Oh . . . my . . . gosh!"
JC keeps moving in, against Lance, trying to delay his own climax to make sure Lance's is as good as it can possibly be. But that cry, in the world's sexiest voice makes holding back impossible, and he quivers in Lance's arms.
Lance squeezes JC tightly, encouraging him to let it all out. "Yes," he breathes. "Oh, yes."
JC's cry is wordless, primal, ending in almost a whimper. He doesn't stop kissing Lance until they both are still. Time seems to stop as the two boys lay quietly, listening to each other breathing, hearing only their heartbeats. Lance cradles JC's head against his shoulder and finally sighs. "That was . . . amazing."
"Yeah. And that's only the living room. We still have the bedroom, the kitchen, and the bathroom to christen."
"When I buy a house, it's gonna have a lot of rooms."
"That's my boy. Always planning ahead."
"I have to now. I have to make sure I have room for you."
"I love you, too."
Lance gazes around the room, at the remnants of the night's party. "You do, huh? Will you clean up this place?"
"Yep. Tomorrow."
Lance yawns and closes his eyes. "It is tomorrow."
"If you want me to clean right now, I will. But I'd much rather take you to bed and hold you."
"Did I say anything about cleaning? I must be insane. Post-orgasmic insanity. I hope this is a passing phase."
JC peels himself off Lance, standing up and offering his hand. "C'mon. You obviously need sleep. Sleep is good for insanity."
"Mmmmm. You should know," Lance teases, wearily taking the hand and dragging himself to his feet.
"You're so sweet. No wonder I love you." JC leads his sleepy boy to the bedroom.
"Hey," Lance says suddenly and tugs on JC's hand, stopping JC from going further. "I love that you did this, and I love that you feel comfortable being in my place, and I love that you were able to keep all this secret. Thank you." He wraps his arms around JC and hugs him close.
"You're welcome. I'm glad you liked it. And I'm glad Joey didn't mess things up with his helpful little phone call."
"You realize you're going to be able to milk this for at least a month. Guess who's gonna be making the pizza runs now?"
JC starts walking them, still hugging, into the bedroom again. "Baby, we're way smarter than Joey. We'll get more than a month."