The other side of the coin.

Jealousy: Part Two

by Karen and LB
© 2002

Lance kicks the door open with his foot, balancing the heavy box in his hands, and backs his way inside. "Just put that one over there," he instructs JC, who follows him in carrying an equally large box. Lance grunts as he lowers his box to the floor and surveys the room. It's the first official day that the two lovers would be living together and Lance couldn't be happier, boxes or no boxes. "We can put the rest of your stuff here for now, then move it into the spare room until we can get some time to redecorate, okay?"

"Whatever you say, babe. It's your house."

Lance strides over to JC and puts a hand on his friend's arm. "Hey, it's OUR house. OURS. You're not a guest here. You LIVE here."

"Oh, yeah." JC grins. "I'll have to get used to that." JC turns his hand to grip Lance's arm and pull him closer. He leans in for a quick kiss. "There. That's the first time I've kissed you in OUR house."

"You realize, don't you, that we'll have to christen every room?"

JC lowers his eyelids. "All of them? Tonight?"

"It's a big house."

"I noticed." JC pulls Lance in for another kiss, this one not so quick.

Lance pulls away, albeit reluctantly. Slightly breathless, he says, "We've still got a lot of boxes to unload."

"Yeah. Right. Boxes." JC sneaks in one more kiss. "Where do we start?"

"I'll start taking your clothes upstairs; you can start moving whatever you want stored in the spare room, and then we'll unpack the rest."

JC lifts one of the boxes and heads up the stairs. He drops it in the spare room and returns to the head of the staircase. "Babe?" he calls down. "Okay if I move stuff around up here to make room?"

"Go ahead. I already moved Dirk's cage, so move whatever you want."

"That was Dirk's room? I'm taking Dirk's space?"

"We talked it over. He's okay with it since I promised to get him his own phone."

"Next thing you know he'll want the keys to your car."

"Not till he gets his permit. We already had THAT talk."

JC sits down on the top step, unable to hold himself upright. He wipes tears of mirth from his eyes and smiles down at Lance standing at the bottom. "I guess I better get back to work."

"Yeah, because the sooner we get this done, the sooner we can have some fun." Still laughing, Lance heads for the door. "I'm just gonna get the last of your bags from the truck."

"Okay." JC heads back into the spare room and starts shifting things around. While moving a box, he bumps into a shelf, knocking a photo album to the floor, open and face down. JC goes to pick it up, noticing the very expensive leather of the binding. He flips it upright to smooth the pages, and stops, frozen, till he sinks to the floor with the album in his lap.

Lance lifts the last two bags out of the back of his truck and shuts the door. Man, it's a good thing I'm not living with a girl; there'd be twice as many clothes. He smiles and whistles his way back inside. "J, what'd you pack in these things?"

JC is silent, mesmerized by the images in the album.

"Josh, dude, did you fall asleep on me already?" Lance calls out as he ascends the staircase.

"Uh, no. I'm still . . . could you come in here a minute?"

"Yeah, sure. Lemme just throw this in the bedroom." Figuring JC just can't wait for a little tussle, Lance quickly tosses the bags on the floor and scurries into the large guest room. "What up--" but he stops when he sees JC, sitting on the floor with one of his photo albums in his lap.

JC looks up, a bewildered expression in his eyes. "I, um, it fell off the shelf. I wasn't going through your stuff . . . it fell. And I picked it up because I didn't want the pages to get crumpled, and . . . Lance?"

"It's okay, Josh. I told you, what's mine is yours. Man, some of those pictures--I look like a dork." He kneels down beside his friend and sees that JC isn't smiling. "Josh, what's wrong?"

"They're all of you and Joey. Every one. And you obviously took a lot of trouble over the album. Lance? What's going on?"

"What are you talking about? They're not--," and then Lance remembers. He was going to put together albums of all the guys but somehow never got around to it. "Oh, this was just something . . . I was gonna make albums for each of you, but you know we got busy and everything. Some of these are so old." He starts laughing, flipping through the pages.

"Not all of them."

"What--what are you talking about?"

"I don't know Lance. All I know is you've got an album full of pictures-- YEARS of pictures . . . of you and another guy."

"What are you talking about--it's not another guy, it's Joey." Lance studies the pictures. "Wait, you don't think--YOU don't think . . . " Lance falls on his back and bursts out laughing. "You think that me and JOEY? Okay, that's a good one, J. You got me. Me and Joey have been fooling around for the past five years."

JC just stares at Lance, his face blank with shock.

Still laughing, Lance finally realizes his is the only voice in the room. "What? It's a joke, J. You know it's a joke, don't you? You don't think I'm really . . . oh my gosh. You do."

"I . . . no. I don't think you're cheating on me, but . . . were you ever? With him? Is he what you really want and I'm just what you could get?"

Lance is stunned. At first, he thinks maybe he heard wrong. But then he sees that JC is completely serious, and in all the time Lance has known him, JC has never been one to joke around about these matters. "JOEY? You think I had a thing for Joey? Josh, Joey and I are friends. Good friends. Best friends. Just like I'm best friends with Chris and Justin. We're brothers, man. But you and I, we're different. You KNOW that. Me and Joey? Ha!" He tries to lighten the increasingly darkening mood. "With that nose?"

"I have a big nose, too."

"Joey has a big nose; you have a perfect nose," Lance says, and to emphasize his point he runs his finger down the slope of JC's nose to its tip.

JC sighs. "Am I being an idiot?"

"Nah, you're sexy when you're jealous."

"I am?"

"Very." Lance tosses the album aside and shifts to his hands and knees. Bringing his face so that it's millimeters from JC's, he growls, "Very."

"How very?"

Lance brushes JC's lips with his own. "Very, very."

JC leans his forehead against Lance's "I'm sorry. I don't know what got into me."

"It's okay. It's our first day as housemates. But remember, I'm living with YOU. Not Joey." As Lance rises and turns to resume unpacking, he adds, "He's a slob."

"Yeah, he is," JC manages a smile as he, too, goes back to work. But it turns to a grimace as his eyes fall again on the album. It still bothers him, but he's not going to tell Lance that. He's not looking forward to seeing Joey at their photo shoot on Friday, though.

Lance and JC spend the rest of the day unpacking and rearranging; Lance contemplates building more closets for JC's clothes. By the evening they're so exhausted they decide to head out for dinner instead of cooking at home. When they arrive back at the house, Lance leans against the porch railing, waiting. At JC's quizzical look, he states, "Well, it's your house now. You unlock the door."

"Have I told you how cute you are?" JC smiles as he reaches into his pocket for the shiny new key.

"Not today," Lance smiles back, and as they enter the house he stands behind JC, wrapping his arms around the taller man's waist, and holds him tight. "Welcome home."

"Feels good to be home," JC agrees, as he drops his arms to Lance's and squeezes.

"It feels good to have you home," Lance purrs, pressing his body against JC's back, allowing him to feel his arousal. "What do you say we start in the bedroom?"

"Sounds like a plan. Did you make up the spreadsheet on your computer so we can keep track?"

"It's in my palm pilot. I figure if we start tonight we can have the whole house done by the end of the week. Of course, that doesn't include the exteriors . . . "

"Then do we start all over again or just pick our favorites?"

"With you, I have a feeling every room will be my favorite." Without letting go, Lance begins walking them toward the staircase.

"Baby, we're gonna kill ourselves if we try to get up the stairs like this," JC says, making no move to let go.

"Not a good way to start off our new arrangement. But hey, I carried boxes all day, I can certainly carry you." And with that, Lance lifts JC by the waist and proceeds to run up the stairs.

"Have I told you how crazy you are? Still cute, but also crazy."

"You wouldn't want me any other way," Lance grunts, collapsing at the landing, pulling JC down with him.

"You're right. I love you because you're crazy. Among other reasons."

Lance lays back, with JC sitting between his legs. "What other reasons?"

"'Cause you sing like an angel even though you don't know it. 'Cause your eyes show everything you're feeling. 'Cause you're nice to little old ladies and puppies. And your mom and your ferret. 'Cause you're the most giving person I know. 'Cause you're so unbearably cute." JC leans back, rubbing his back into Lance. "'Cause you've got a really big . . . heart."

Lance is glad JC can't see his face, because he's torn between laughing, blushing, and crying. One reason he loves JC so much is the man has a way with words and knows exactly what will make him melt. Lance kisses the back of JC's neck and mumbles, "Well, you know what they say about the size of a man's heart."

"No, why don't you tell me, Lance?"

"I think this is something I better show you." Lance slides out from under JC and helps his new housemate to his feet, then leads him into the large master bedroom.

As they pass the spare room, JC manages to suppress a shudder. What he found today is still bothering him, and he can't say why. He absolutely trusts Lance. But for some reason, he still feels uneasy.

Lance cups JC's face and places soft kisses on his lips. He pulls back, puzzled. "J, are you okay? You don't regret moving in, do you?"

"What? No, no. I just got distracted for a minute. Um, weren't you going to show me something?"

"Yeah," Lance says slyly. "I'll show you mine if you show me yours." He backs up toward the bed, pulling JC with him. When his legs hit the edge, he falls back, pulling JC on top.

JC smiles down at his lover, then drops his head to kiss Lance, sure that the physical contact will wipe the foolish thoughts out of his mind.

There's something incredibly exciting about the prospect of making love to JC in THEIR bed. Lance makes a mental note to buy a new mattress; he has a feeling they're going to wear it out real fast. "Make love to me, Josh. Make love to me in OUR house."

"Nothing I'd rather do, baby." JC claims Lance's mouth again, this time opening the full lips with his tongue and slipping it past Lance's teeth, exploring his mouth as if for the first time.

Lance welcomes JC in as he welcomed him into his home. As he tugs at JC's shirt, he wonders why he didn't ask JC to move in sooner.

JC pulls back to take off his shirt, and is frozen for a fraction of a second by the image of one of the photographs, a summer beach shot where Joey is taking off his shirt while Lance stands to one side. JC shakes himself imperceptibly and plunges for another kiss, desperately trying to wipe the image away.

Lance thrusts his tongue in JC's mouth while his hands travel JC's smooth back; it suddenly hits him that he and JC can do this whenever they want on their time off--no more traveling back and forth between house and apartment, no more packing bags. He holds JC almost desperately, afraid at any moment he'll wake up and this will all be a dream.

JC feels how tightly Lance is holding him, how passionately his kisses are and finally starts to relax and get into it. After all, this is the beginning of a new dimension for his and Lance's relationship. Why should a few pictures freak him so much? He trusts Lance, and he knows what they have is real. He begins unbuttoning Lance's shirt, caressing each bit of skin that's exposed as the fabric separates.

Lance watches JC's long, slender fingers work each button from its hole. He sighs contentedly, but when he looks up JC's eyes don't meet his.

JC drops his head to kiss Lance's chest as he separates the fabric even further. When he feels how fast Lance's heart is beating for him, he's sure everything's going to be all right.

"Mmmmm," Lance murmurs, knowing how JC likes to feel the vibrations his voice makes. He brings a hand to JC's head, toying with the soft, brown locks.

JC lifts Lance to a sitting position to remove his shirt. He drops kisses on Lance's shoulders as he draws the fabric off them, pushing away the images of Joey's arms around Lance's shoulders, Joey's hands in the very places he's kissing now.

Lance brings his hands to JC's chest, absorbing the warmth and feeling the desire build through his skin. He arches his neck to give JC better access to the place he loves to be kissed.

He's like a cat, just begging to have his chin rubbed, JC thinks as he nuzzles into Lance's neck, warm and delicious and smelling of good cologne and Lance's own scent, so much more enticing than anything out of a bottle. As he kisses and nibbles, he lowers Lance to the bed.

The heat from JC's body warms Lance more than any fire ever could. He presses his palms against JC's chest and moves them over the surface, over each muscle and the hard buds of his nipples. Lance's knees come up as he tries to alleviate some of the increasing pressure in his jeans caused by his growing erection.

JC licks his way up to Lance's ear, tracing its shape with his tongue. He breathes "Lance" right into his lover's ear, then freezes for a second when he remembers a photo of Joey whispering in Lance's ear. Pushing the thought away, he takes the ear lobe between his teeth and nibbles lightly, then whispers right into Lance's ear again: "I love you."

Smiling, Lance presses his hips against JC and whispers back, "I love you too, J. My roomie, my housemate . . . "

When JC feels Lance's hardness pressed against him, he smiles, too. "Hmmm. I might have to do something about this," He murmurs, still against Lance's ear, as he slips his hand down to cup the hot bulge.

"PLEASE," Lance begs, squirming under the hand. His fingers encircle JC's nipples and give them a quick pinch.

"Ooh, begging. I LIKE begging."

"In that case, PLEASE PLEASE make love to me, JC Chasez. I'll do anything," Lance urges, pouting.

"Anything?" JC slides his mouth across Lance's cheek to find his mouth as his hand deals with the button of Lance's jeans and reaches for the zipper.

"An-y-thing," Lance repeats emphatically. He's burning now, and JC's slow, easy movements are driving him wild.

JC dips his hand inside Lance's open jeans and rubs his erection through the thin cloth of his boxer briefs. Lance's passionate reaction is enough to make him forget about the stupid album, for now.

Lance moans and reaches for JC's face. He needs to touch those full, luscious lips, to kiss all the passion they convey. He brings JC down to him and engulfs his mouth with his own lips, tasting the sweetness and hot passion that is JC.

JC slips his hand inside Lance's boxer-briefs and wraps it around the hot, hard member, stroking the silky skin as he leans into the kiss.

Taking a deep breath, Lance relaxes against the motion of JC's hand. He wants this to last. This is their first night living together, and Lance wants it to be special. He knows he's placing a lot of importance on a relatively trivial event, but he also knows that life is too short and you have to savor every moment with your loved ones. He looks deeply into JC's eyes, his own eyes sparkling with desire.

This time JC manages to meet Lance's gaze, knowing that his own is just as lust clouded. He's caught, as always, by the beauty of Lance's pale, pale eyes. His hand on Lance's erection is insistent, and he's urged on by the increasing hardness. He pulls away, briefly, to pull off Lance's pants, boxer- briefs and shoes. He crawls back up the bed stopping when his face is level with Lance's crotch, and breathes on Lance's twitching erection.

Lance grips JC's head loosely. "Oh, Josh, you're killing me," Lance moans.

"Can't have that," JC murmurs, then runs his tongue up Lance's erection from base to tip. He pauses, then repeats the action, very, very slowly.

If Lance continues to hold JC's head, he'll crush it; instead, he reaches for the bedding and bunches the cover in his fists. JC takes one of those clutching hands and entwines the fingers with his own. He takes the tip of Lance's erection into his mouth and swirls his tongue around, still keeping his movements very slow and deliberate. He focuses his attention completely on the head, teasing over every millimeter, listening for Lance's reactions.

Without being aware he's doing it, Lance squeezes the hand holding his each time JC's tongue touches his engorged erection. His head whips from side to side as he fights for control.

It's moments like these when JC knows that Lance is all his. The way he lets go so completely, the sounds he makes. JC intensifies his efforts, as if to wipe any possibility of thinking of anyone else from Lance's mind.

Lance lifts his head, watching intently as JC's tongue snakes out over the length of his throbbing cock. He feels the cry well up in his throat, and he forces it down. "Josh, please, Josh."

JC plunges down on Lance's erection, taking it in as far as he can. He grips the base and, mouth and hand working in tandem, he strokes Lance's heat in a practiced rhythm he knows Lance loves. He keeps his tongue moving everywhere flicking and swirling over the sensitive flesh.

Lance begins to thrust into JC's mouth. He feels himself near the brink. "Josh," he pants, "Josh, stop."

JC pulls back and looks up, incredulously, "You want me to STOP?"

When JC does stop, Lance bites his lip. "Yeah, come here," he groans.

JC crawls up next to Lance, and with an arm on either side of his lover, looks down at him. "Here?"

"That's a start." Lance pulls JC down for a long, intense kiss.

JC practically falls into Lance's arms, throwing himself into the kiss with all the passion he can muster.

Lance reaches for JC's zipper, sliding it down with such ease it's like his hands are acting on their own. In seconds, he has JC's pants down around his hips and has freed the heated erection. His hand wraps around the long shaft, and Lance begins slow, steady strokes. "Make love to me, J," he purrs.

Unbidden, the thoughts come to him again. Does Lance call him J because it makes it easier not to confuse Josh and Joey? No! He trusts Lance. He trusts him. He trusts him.

And yet . . . something still doesn't feel right. JC rolls away from Lance, lying flat on his back. "I'm sorry, babe. I just . . . I don't know."

Stunned, Lance lays there, not knowing what to do. "Josh? What's wrong? Did I do something?"

"It's me, it's me. I--you KNOW I trust you, I really do, but I can't get those damned pictures out of my head."

"WHAT? What are you talking about?" Then Lance remembers. "You can't STILL be harping about that stupid photo album?"

"I don't want to be. I don't mean to be. But I just keep getting these flashes. It's making me crazy. Or maybe I'm already crazy."

Lance rolls onto his side, more than a little frustrated, and throws an arm across JC's chest. "Definitely crazy. But also very tired. I think we're both tired--we've had a long day and maybe we just need to sleep it off." He pauses, then with a grin adds, "So, you gonna tell me about these flashes?"

"It's stupid. When I was touching your shoulder, all I could think of was all the pictures of you with Joey's arm around you. I--I even just wondered if you were calling me J 'cause it was easier not to confuse the two. And I know, I KNOW you would never cheat on me. I don't understand why this is bugging me."

Lance is speechless. He's frozen for what seems like several minutes. "You can't be serious. I don't even know what to say. If I didn't know you better I'd think you were high. ME AND JOEY??? That's the most insane thing I've ever heard!" He's trying to maintain his cool, but the idea that JC, his best friend, his LOVER, has even the slightest suspicion that Lance would cheat on him with their bandmate of all people--it's taking all his effort not to scream at JC. "I call you J because that's what I call you--there's no way I'd confuse you two. Believe me." He laughs at the idea. "You're much better in bed."

"Cut it OUT. Now you're deliberately making me crazy." JC sighs and searches for words. "I just don't know why this is getting to me. I know you're not cheating on me. I know you used to hang out a lot with Joey. I know all these things. I've never been a real jealous type before, you know? But when I have been jealous, it's been more like an angry feeling. But I just feel scared. Scared I'm gonna lose you."

Lance's face softens at these words. "Oh, Josh, you're not gonna lose me. You think I would want you to live with me if I wanted to break up? Look at me." He cups JC's chin in his hand and turns his face so he can see his eyes. "I . . . love . . . YOU. I know it's scary, what we're doing. This is a big step for both of us. But you have nothing to worry about, okay?"

JC looks at Lance, into his open, honest, sincere eyes. "I love you, too. I hate that I'm acting like this."

"Well, if helps, you're kind of cute when you're crazy."

"It helps." JC puts his hand over Lance's where it still cups his chin. "I'm sorry, babe. You've never given me a reason to doubt you, and I don't now. Joey, on the other hand . . . "

Lance falls back to the mattress. "Joey hasn't done anything. Believe me. We're just friends. Besides, he's seeing Kelly."

"I know all this. I KNOW all this. I'm insane. You've had a crazy man move into your home."

"Well, then I'm crazy too. Crazy for you." He kisses JC's chest and rests his head, listening to JC's slowing heartbeat. "Let's just call it a night and tomorrow we'll start fresh and maybe . . . christen those rooms."

"I'm not sure that's such a good idea. I mean, I get you all hot and bothered and just leave you hanging. And then I act like an idiot. I think I better make it up to you. Otherwise, think of the guilt I'll be carrying."

Making his face as serious as possible, Lance turns to JC and says, "Well, I wouldn't want you to feel guilty or anything." He looks down at his body. "And I am sort of hanging here."

"I think I can fix that." JC rolls them over so he's on top again and looks down into Lance's eyes. "No more distractions."

"Good, because the only thing I want in our bedroom is you and me. Everyone else can just stay out. Including Dirk."

"Even Dirk? Wow, you must really love me."

"I can say, without a doubt, that I have never slept with Dirk."

"That's a load off my mind." JC moves in for a kiss, finally relaxing enough to really enjoy it.

Lance decides then and there to do whatever it takes to alleviate JC's fears. Lance's only concern is that JC might be looking for an excuse to pull out, so to speak. But Lance knows they made the right decision. And he's going to do whatever he can to prove it. Starting right now, with this kiss.

JC deepens the kiss, putting into it all his love and all his gratitude that his boy can be so sweet and understanding. He shifts to one side, allowing him to slide his hand down to encircle Lance's erection once again.

Lance's fingers glide along JC's cheek and over his soft lips. He gazes up at JC and hopes that his physical reaction is testament enough to JC that he loves only him. Because Lance can't imagine feeling this strongly about anyone else, and judging by the size of his erection, he KNOWS he can't possibly be attracted to anyone the way he's attracted to JC.

This time, it's just the way it should be. JC is able to put all his energy, all his concentration, into pleasing Lance, loving Lance. He rocks his own erection against Lance's hip as he strokes Lance's with his hand, all the while kissing his lips, his face, his hair.

Lance meets every kiss with his own. He tries once again to remove JC's pants, hoping this time that JC will relax enough to enjoy their love making. Once again, JC rolls away, but this time just far enough to make it easier for Lance to remove his pants.

"Now, where were we?" Lance asks coyly.

"Right about here." JC pushes Lance onto his back again, moving in for yet another fiery kiss as his hand cups Lance's erection and then slips lower.

Lance wrestles JC's tongue eagerly as he feels his lover's hand wander to that sensitive spot. His own hands travel JC's body, touching every warm inch of skin they can.

JC caresses the warm flesh a bit longer, then reaches to the night stand for the tube of lubricant he knows is there. He squeezes some onto his fingers, then slides his hand between Lance's legs again, finding the small, puckered opening. He rubs his slick fingers over it, again and again, teasing and caressing but never penetrating.

Lance digs his fingers into JC's arms, trying his best not to hurt him. JC knows exactly what he's doing to him. Lance opens his legs wider, begging JC to give him what he so desperately wants. "You tease," he moans, the ecstasy evident in his voice.

"Tease? ME?" JC thrusts a finger into Lance. "Is this better?"

Lance's back arches as he groans, "Could be better."

JC adds another finger, thrusting slowly and sensuously, making sure to press against the gland with each thrust. "How 'bout that?"

Sweat breaks out on Lance's forehead and he turns his head to one side; it's taking all his effort to keep his legs steady. "Not . . . bad," he moans, knowing that goading JC is just going to make him more aroused.

"Not bad? Just what DO you want, Lance?" Lance turns to look at JC. "You, Josh. I want you."

"You've got me."

"Yeah?" Lance pulls JC closer. "Yeah?" he murmurs as he presses his lips against JC's.

"Yeah." JC gives one final thrust, then rolls on top of Lance. "Ohhhhh, yeah."

****

When they wake up the next morning in each other's arms, JC is sure he's gotten over this crazy jealousy thing. The next two days the boys spend getting settled; Lance helps JC unpack and starts planning the remodeling of his basement to accommodate a small recording studio. He also makes sure they have plenty of time for rest and relaxation before heading back to Orlando by taking JC jet-skiing on the lake and having home-cooked meals by the fireplace.

JC feels more confident now and he's really beginning to feel like he's home, not just a guest in someone else's house. He's glad he talked things out with Lance rather than keeping it bottled up. He feels like it made them stronger. It also feels like it's too soon to leave their little cocoon, but they're due in Orlando for a photo shoot on Friday. After an uneventful trip and settling into Lance's--no THEIR Orlando house, they head to the photo studio. Immediately on arriving, JC gets buttonholed by Justin, who has some questions about the songs for their next album. They stay in the studio while the others head for the dressing room. A few minutes later, he heads into the dressing room and freezes at the sight of Lance and Joey, sitting close together in the otherwise deserted room, talking in a very quiet way that could only be called intimate.

Lance was excited to get back to Orlando for one reason: He has some script ideas for his movie that he wants to discuss with Joey. So here they sit, outlining the plot and talking about possible cast members. Lance is completely focused and doesn't even hear JC enter the room. It's that moment that Joey makes a joke about something, and Lance doubles over, trying to catch his breath.

JC remains in the doorway. He promised Lance he'd stop, but damn! Has he ever been able to make Lance laugh like this? Ever brought that light to his eyes? Maybe Lance WOULD be better off with Joey. He turns to leave, and runs into Justin, who jumps back in surprise. "Where you goin', bro?"

Lance's head snaps up when he hears Justin's voice. "Hey, J, there you are."

"Hey, Jaaaaaaaaaaaay," Joey mocks.

"Shut up." Lance smacks Joey on the arm.

"You shut up." Joey smacks him back.

"Make me." Lance pushes Joey back on the couch.

"You want a piece of me? You want a piece of me?" Joey grabs a laughing Lance and gets him in a headlock. Lance pulls them both onto the floor and the two boys end up wrestling.

JC pushes past Justin this time and leaves. He just has to be . . . somewhere else. Anywhere else.

Lance isn't even aware that JC left. He's too busy trying to untangle himself from under Joey.

"Yo, what's with C?" Justin asks when Lance is finally free.

Breathless, Lance looks up, blinking. "What do you mean?"

"He just stormed out of here, man."

Lance lets his head fall back and takes a deep breath. Scrambling to his feet, he darts out of the room.

"Trouble in paradise . . . ," Joey sings.

JC finds a dark, empty room and ducks into it, needing privacy before he gives way to the tears. He slides down the wall, hugging his knees, and puts his head down, practically strangling as his gasps for breath and tries to control his emotions.

"Josh? Josh?" Lance calls out, until he finally hears a quiet whimper from the room to his right. He knocks softly, and when there is no answer, slowly opens the door. He feels around for the light switch, and when the light comes on his heart sinks. JC is seated against the wall, his face hidden in his hands, his body shaking. Lance shuts the door, kneels beside his friend, and places a calming hand on his back. "J, what's going on? Talk to me."

JC can't speak for a few moments, then finally chokes out. "You know what's wrong. You know, you almost had me convinced. Until I saw you two together."

Lance feels like he's just been punched. He doesn't know whether to be angry or upset. "You . . . are . . . not . . . serious. Please tell me you're not serious."

"You looked so happy." JC whispers. "I want you to be happy."

Lance rolls his eyes. "Josh, I AM happy. I'm happy being with YOU. Joey is JUST A FRIEND. You've seen me mess around with him hundreds of times before. Why all of a sudden is it bothering you so much?"

"I never had anything I was this scared of losing."

"Aw, man, you're not gonna lose me. What will it take to convince you?" Lance rubs JC's back soothingly and kisses the side of his head.

"I don't know. I keep thinking I'm past this, and then I'm a complete mess."

"Yeah, you are." Lance smiles, tilting JC's face up to his. "But that's why I love you."

"Cause I'm a mess?"

"Yeah--I like taking care of you. And I like knowing that you care so much. But Josh, you KNOW how much I love you. I never had any interest in Joey. Never."

"Never?"

Now Lance is getting annoyed. "How can you even say that? How long have you known me? In all these years, have I EVER acted like I was interested in Joey? And c'mon, he's not into guys!"

"I know all that. But I see him touch you or make you laugh and it's like I'm possessed. It's completely irrational. I KNOW this."

Lance rises, one hand on his hip, one hand ruffling his hair. "So what are we gonna do about this, hmmm? What, Joey's not allowed to touch me now? I shouldn't talk to Joey?"

"No, no. It's my problem. Joey's your friend. OUR friend." JC slouches defeatedly. "I'm the one in the wrong. I just don't know how to get past this."

"I know how to get past this." Lance rushes back to where JC slumps and, taking his face in his hands, kisses him passionately.

JC is so surprised by Lance's sudden change that if he hadn't been held up by the wall, he'd have fallen over. He melts into Lance's embrace, feeling his heart heal. When they separate, he smiles. "So, you're going to do that every time Joey walks in the room?"

"If I have to. And if even if I don't." He brings his lips to JC's once again, this time more tenderly. JC pulls Lance closer, oblivious to the world. Until they both hear a familiar voice in the doorway. "Hey, lovebirds, any chance of getting you into this photo shoot sometime before the NEXT millennium?"

"Yeah, Joe." JC replies, letting go of Lance reluctantly. "We're coming."

"I did NOT need to know that."

Blushing, Lance pulls away and holds out a hand to JC. "C'mon. Let's get this over with so I can get back to showing you how much you mean to me."

JC takes the offered hand and stands. "Right behind you." As the three walk down the hall, Joey moves next to JC. "You okay, dude? You took off awfully fast."

"Yeah. I'm okay, Joe. Just a major lapse in sanity."

"What's up?"

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you."

"Try me," he replies, but then kicks his foot at Lance's retreating butt. Lance spins around, glaring, and grabs the foot. Joey hops along, laughing, "I can't help myself, with that size target."

"You hittin' on my boyfriend, Fatone?"

"Yeah, how can I not? Look at that ass. Sorry, JC, but me and Lance have been fooling around for months now."

JC looks across Joey to meet Lance's eyes. "If I didn't know better, you'd be SO dead, Fatone."

"Hey, I'll fight you for him. Better yet, I'll flip you for him." Before Lance realizes what's happening, Joey grabs him--one hand around his waist, one hand between his legs--and turns him on his head. "Heads, you get him, tails I get him."

"Joey!" Lance shouts.

"Joey. Put Lance down. NOW." JC is really angry at Joey now, not for touching Lance, but for treating him like a toy.

Joey starts carrying Lance down the hall, ignoring JC. "Aw c'mon, lemme borrow him for a little while." Lance struggles to free himself, but he's no match for Joey. He's laughing, thinking things are back to normal.

"Joey, I really think you better listen to him--ow!"

That's all JC needs to hear. His hands are on Joey's shoulders, roughly, and he repeats his command, then adds more softly, "It's not funny anymore, Joey."

Confused, Joey turns Lance upright and stands him on his feet. Lance realizes if he's going to diffuse the situation he better act fast. He steps between JC and Joey, and, putting his arm around JC says, "My hero," and shoots Joey a pleading look.

Joey, still not understanding what's going on but seeing that Lance wants him to play along fires back, "You won this round, Chasez," and punches his friend lightly on the arm.

"You know it, Fatone." JC slips his other arm around Lance and squeezes, hoping to convey by that action that everything's okay.

Slightly flustered, Lance looks at the ground and smiles; he could tell that JC is only half-joking and still seems to think there's something more going on between him and Joey. He just hopes they can get through the photo shoot without any busted noses.

JC leans into Lance as they walk back to the dressing room. "I'm okay. Really."

Concerned, Lance smiles half-heartedly as they enter the room. Chris is already dressed in a typically outrageous Chris outfit, Justin is putting the finishing touches on his own, and Joey is changing his shirt. Lance makes an effort not to look at Joey while he's changing for fear that this might spark another round of harsh remarks from JC.

JC dresses in the first outfit that's set out for him, wondering how he's going to convince Lance that rather than making him suspicious, Joey's comments and behavior have made him see how foolish he's been.

The shoot proves to be interesting. Lance is so conscious of every look, every touch, every reaction from Joey that his own face becomes a mask of concentration. The photographer loves it for the serious shots, but when it comes to something more playful he encourages the boys to loosen up and have some fun. That's all it takes to get Joey going. He teases and toys with Lance as he normally would, unaware that Lance is trying his best to avoid such contact. But for the sake of the shoot and his friendship with Joey, he plays along, praying that Josh won't make a scene when it's done.

It's finally over, and the guys are in the dressing room getting back into street clothes. Justin and Chris are making plans for dinner, and JC notices that Joey keeps giving them hopeful glances. "Kelly out of town?" he asks, and when Joey nods affirmatively JC whispers to Lance, "He looks lonely. We could ask him to have dinner with us."

Lance smiles genuinely, for the first time in hours. With those words, such a wave of relief washes over him that he can't do anything but hug JC. He whispers in his lover's ear, "Thank you. This is really big of you." Pulling away, he turns to Joey. "Hey, Joe, c'mon--let's go get something to eat."

Dinner is more fun than JC expected it to be. He's reminded that Joey has always made both of them, ALL of them, laugh, and he sits contentedly, eating and sipping wine and discreetly holding Lance's hand under the table. Things seem to be back to normal. Lance keeps one eye on JC as they eat and talk, looking for any signs of discomfort. He holds JC's hand reassuringly, hoping that JC remembers that he was friends with Joey long before Lance came into the picture. Toward the end of the meal, Lance excuses himself to use the men's room. Joey turns to JC. "So, C, what was going on with you today, man?"

JC sighs. "You're gonna think I'm nuts." Joey looks nothing but sincerely concerned, so JC continues. "I . . . when I was moving into Lance's I found this photo album. All pictures of you and Lance. And it made me completely, insanely jealous. I thought I'd gotten over it, but seeing you two together today just made me . . . crazy."

Joey blinks, then smiles. "You think me and Lance are getting it on?" He starts to chuckle, but then sees that JC is serious. "Man, you have nothing to worry about. I mean, he's cute and all but he's missing those all-important elements--you know, breasts, a . . . you know, girl stuff. Of course, if I was into guys he'd be the first one I'd hit on . . . just kidding. He's my friend, man. Just like you are. And you're lucky to have him--you know that?"

"Yeah, I do. I said it was crazy, didn't I? I guess moving in together just made me realize how much I have to lose, you know?"

Now it's Joey's turn to get serious. "You're not going to lose him, JC, not if you don't want to. But listen, man, you know he takes relationships very seriously--that's why, before you came into the picture, he wouldn't date just anyone for longer than a few times. So don't hurt him. If you're not into this, then break it off now. Because as HIS friend and YOUR friend, I don't want to see either of you get hurt."

"God, Joe, it's just the opposite. I've never been into anything more in my life. I would never, ever hurt him."

"You better not, because if you do, I'd have to kill you." He looks up as Lance returns to the table.

Lance, worried when he sees JC and Joey speaking intently approaches the table with caution. "Um, you guys ready to go?"

JC looks up and smiles hugely at Lance. "What, no dessert? Are you feeling all right, baby?"

"They've got pecan pieeee," coaxes Joey.

"Well, in that case . . . " Lance drawls, taking his seat and rubbing a hand on JC's knee.

"That's better," JC says, closing his hand over Lance's.

"In case you're wondering, I've been telling Joey how crazy I've been lately. He agrees: I'm an idiot."

"Oh." Lance didn't think they'd actually bring this out into the open, and now he looks down at the table and traces a pattern on the wood surface. He smiles, slightly embarrassed. "Um, well, everything okay?"

JC looks over at Joey, who nods. "Yeah. Better than okay. Back to normal."

"You call this normal?" Joey asks, gesturing to the two of them.

"Shut up," Lance fires back, tossing his napkin at Joey's face.

Joey tosses it back. "Oooo, touchy. Not getting any lately?"

Lance wads the napkin and tosses it back again. "More than you, loser."

JC sits back and grins. "Enough of that, kids, or there'll be no dessert for either of you. AND you'll have to sit and watch me. AND . . . " JC glances slyly at Lance. "I'll order something with whipped cream."

"Okay, that was really gross, even for you," Joey says, exasperated, then breaks out into a smile.

Lance smiles at the table, blushing once again. "When's Kelly coming back again?"

"Not soon enough."

"Poor, Joey. Get something chocolate." JC grins at his friend, happy to have recaptured their camaraderie. And if Lance doesn't stop whatever he's doing to JC's thigh, JC is going to have to throw him on the table and make love to him right here.

Finally, Lance bursts out laughing. He gives JC's knee a gentle squeeze and counts the minutes until they can be alone. He's enjoyed spending this time with Joey, but he doesn't know how much longer he'll be able to sit here before his arousal will become obvious.

JC turns to look at Lance, and gets caught in his eyes. They stare at each other for a long moment until Joey speaks up, "Ahhh, there's only one kind of dessert you two are interested in. Let's get out of here before you embarrass me."

Lance has always made a concerted effort to tone things down in front of the other guys, but now he can't seem to hold back. He's so relieved that JC is over whatever it was that made him so jealous these past few days that all he wants to do is get home and show him how much he loves him. They quickly pay the bill and part ways with Joey in the parking lot, then climb into Lance's SUV for the ride home.

Staring out the windshield, Lance speaks first. "Thanks for being so cool with Joey."

"Well, as you kept reminding me, he's my friend, too." JC runs a finger along Lance's denim-clad thigh. "I couldn't just leave this hanging between us."

Lance swallows, keeping his eyes focused on the road even as he feels the tightening in his groin. "It was really big of you. I'm glad you were able to see that Joey and me are just friends. I don't want you to think that when we're riding the bus or hanging out that there's anything more going on. That's all for you. And ONLY you."

"I got the message, babe. Finally. I know you think I was still upset when we were goofing around in the hallway, but that's what did it for me. No one who wanted you could ever joke around about flipping for you. I only got mad at Joey because he didn't put you down when you asked him to."

"I was just worried you would think there was more going on. He was just messing with me with me like he always does. He really doesn't mean anything by it. I'm glad you see that now. Because if I'm gonna mess around with anyone right now, I want it to be you." He sneaks a sideways glance and flashes JC a wicked smile.

"Can you drive faster?"

Ignoring the speed limit and sending a silent thank you that it's late and there aren't many other cars on the road, Lance pushes down on the gas pedal and within minutes they're home. The car lurches to a stop, and Lance looks over at JC with lust-clouded eyes. "That fast enough for you?"

"Come here and I'll tell you," JC replies, huskily.

Lance quickly unbuckles his seatbelt and scoots next to JC, pressing his thigh against JC's and reaching up with one hand to pull his face closer. He hungrily kisses him, tasting wine and spices and JC's own unique flavor.

JC pulls Lance on top of him and finds the lever with his right hand, reclining the seat completely. He draws Lance's tongue into his mouth, sucking on it, caressing it with his own tongue.

As they fall back, Lance knew there was a reason he loves this vehicle. He's now able to comfortably straddle JC, and as his tongue explores JC's mouth his fingers slip inside the collar of his shirt.

JC slides his hands down to Lance's waist, pulling him tightly against himself. He can feel their already burgeoning erections pressed against each other, and he rocks his hip sensuously against his lover's.

Lance moves his mouth down to JC's neck, breathing his scent, kissing the warm skin. He wedges his hand between their bodies and the twin erections forming there.

JC throws his head back to give Lance better access to his neck. He pulls Lance's t-shirt out of the waistband of his jeans, reaching beneath it to touch the warm skin.

Lance lifts himself up a little to allow JC's hands inside his shirt while his own hand begins to rub JC's crotch, applying more pressure each time his hand comes into contact with the growing bulge.

JC runs his hands up and down Lance's back, then brings them around to the front flattening his palms against the flat stomach and sliding upward until he reaches Lance's nipples, which he teases into hard peaks.

Shutting his eyes at the contact, Lance pops open the button at JC's fly, lowers the zipper, and feels his way inside the undershorts. He caresses JC's trapped member, pulling it free of the constraining garments.

JC moans as he feels Lance's hands on his erection. He pulls at Lance's shirt, wanting to be able to touch Lance's smooth skin unimpeded. Lance pushes himself up to allow JC to remove his shirt, but quickly brings his hand back to JC's hardness, stroking it more insistently. He licks JC's lips playfully, parting them with his tongue and teasing JC's mouth open.

JC opens his mouth to Lance, welcoming, drawing him in. One hand returns to Lance's chest, caressing the hard nipples, while the other drifts lower, pressing hard against the denim-clad erection.

Lance moves against JC's hand as his mouth travels from JC's lips to his throat once again, and then lower, as he begins to unbutton JC's shirt. He slides his hand inside the fabric and across the smooth, toned chest. Soon, his lips replace his hand and he moves out of reach of JC's touch.

JC's fingers flutter over Lance's skin as Lance moves down JC's chest. One hand slips into the soft spiky hair, caressing Lance's head. The other runs lightly over Lance's shoulders and upper back.

Before moving down JC's chest, Lance makes sure to give each of JC's small, tasty nipples the attention they deserve. After licking each hard bud, his tongue trails down to the ridges of JC's flat stomach muscles, over his soft navel, and to the fine line of hairs leading to his pulsing erection. Lance pauses, crouched on the floor of the truck, glad that JC requires so much leg room. He takes a moment to breathe in JC's musky scent before his tongue flicks out to taste the moistened tip of the hardened member.

"Lance," JC breathes, his hand still in Lance's hair. He squirms a bit in the seat, trying to give Lance as much room as possible. Lance flicks his tongue around the tip before covering it with his lips. At the same time, he rubs his hands along the soft fabric covering JC's thighs. He slowly lowers his mouth over the long shaft, but pulls back before reaching the base, then repeats this motion, turning his eyes upward to see JC's face. JC is gazing down at Lance, his eyes blazing in their intensity, even in the dim light. His expression is a complicated mix of love and heat and certainty that they belong to each other, and desire.

Unable to look at JC's lust-clouded eyes any longer--Lance feels the heat rise in his face--he turns his attention back to JC's erection, this time engulfing it in his mouth. Lance hopes that this will allay any lingering suspicions JC may have that Lance has eyes for anyone else.

JC lets his head fall back, letting relief that he has not destroyed what they have with his foolish jealousy wash over him. He moans as he feels the warm, wet mouth surround his throbbing heat. JC's hands both cup Lance's head gently, not gripping but caressing.

Lance swirls his tongue around the hot shaft as he pulls up, then plunges down again, slowly, gently, bringing one hand up to cup JC's balls, adding extra stimulation. He brings JC's heat as far into his mouth as his throat will allow, listening to the quiet noises coming from his lover, pacing his movements with each response.

JC lifts his hips a little in response to what Lance's mouth and hands are doing to him. Not thrusting, not yet. He lets one hand stray down from Lance's hair to grip the smooth muscle of his shoulder.

Lance shudders at the touch. He still feels the pressure in his groin, but this is not about his pleasure; this is about loving JC. And, in truth, making JC happy is the biggest turn-on for Lance. He begins to quicken his motion, sliding his mouth all the way down JC's shaft and up again, sucking gently as he does so.

JC's moans become louder as his hips begin involuntarily to thrust. Lance is just too irresistibly hot, too irresistibly sweet, too irresistibly Lance.

Lance grips JC's hips and moves faster, knowing JC is close. The thrill of doing this in his truck makes Lance want to laugh, but he's so involved with what he's doing that he never breaks rhythm.

JC releases Lance's head and shoulder for fear of gripping too hard, and instead digs his fingers into the upholstery. Lance's mouth and tongue bring him to his climax, and he cries out Lance's names as he comes, tears, joyous ones this time, filling his eyes.

Lance waits until JC's body stops convulsing and carefully releases the softening member. His face flushed, Lance rests his chin on JC's knees and gazes up at his lover. "So, how was dessert?"

JC takes Lance's hands and draws him up until he's lying on top of JC once again. He grins. "You tell me."

"Delicious. Better than pecan pie."

"Let me taste." JC pulls Lance in for a kiss, dipping his tongue into Lance's mouth, tasting himself and Lance's own flavor mixed together. The kiss is long and lingering.

When Lance finally pulls away, he glances around. "You know, I'm really glad I went for the reclining seats."

"Practical and fun."

"They don't call it a sport utility for nothing."

"I'm not sure these are the kinds of sports they had in mind."

Lance reaches for his shirt. "Well, they'd sell a lot more of these if they did."

"Do you really need that so soon?"

It takes a minute for Lance to realize JC is referring to his shirt. He stares at it, then at JC, and sees the desire in his friend's eyes. "I, um, I guess not."

"Good answer," JC murmurs, brushing another kiss against Lance's full lips.

"Um, JC," Lance murmurs, pulling away again. "Um, maybe we should take this inside."

"Why?" JC says, rocking his hips against his lover's. "I can feel how much you want me."

"Um, I do. Boy, do I." Lance gives in and presses his lips against JC's even as the swelling in his groin grows more insistent. JC opens his lips, licking at Lance's until he does the same and their tongues meet and entangle. His hands slide down Lance's body until they slide into the back pockets of his jeans and he uses his hands to grind their lower bodies together.

Lance kisses JC more urgently, using his tongue to probe JC's hot, wet mouth. His hands once again make their way inside JC's shirt and over the soft skin of his chest.

JC pulls one hand from Lance's pocket, slips it around his hip and forces it between their tightly pressed bodies. He rubs hard against Lance's erection, feeling it grow and harden in his hand, feeling the friction reawakening his own flaccid organ.

Sweat beads form on Lance's brow as he kisses JC's cheek, moving to his ear, which he nibbles. "Josh," he pants.

JC kisses Lance's cheek, and whispers "Lift your hips." When Lance complies, he unbuttons and unzips Lance's jeans and pulls them and his shorts down to his knees. His hand wraps around Lance's erection as he guides Lance's hips back down to his.

Lance gasps when he is finally freed from his constricting jeans. Now, he can't seem to control himself as his lips press against JC's neck, and he sucks gently.

"I want you so much," JC whispers as his hand moves over Lance's erection in a rhythm all its own.

That's all Lance needs to hear. He begins thrusting into JC's hand, grunting against his neck, and gripping the edges of the seat tightly.

"Babe, there's lube in your glove compartment. Can you reach it?"

Lance pushes up, off JC, stunned. He smiles in surprise. "You put a tube of lube in my glove compartment?"

JC shrugs. "It fell out off my bag the other day so I tossed it in there when I found it. And aren't you glad I did?"

"Yeah! You're so resourceful." Lance quickly kisses JC and reaches into the glove compartment, smiling in amazement. He puts the tube on the floor and removes JC's pants and shorts, leaving on the silky shirt. He runs his hands up JC's strong thighs before climbing back up and covering his lips with his own.

JC opens his mouth, welcoming Lance's tongue. He thrusts his hips upward, pressing hard against Lance, and when their kiss breaks he whispers, "Please, baby. I want you so much."

Lance decides to milk this for what it's worth. "Oh, NOW you want me," while he reaches for the lube.

JC grins up at Lance. "How did I fall in love with such a tease?"

"You like the challenge." Lance pours some gel into his palm and rubs it on his painfully hard erection.

"I like everything."

"You like this," Lance growls, pressing his erection between JC's legs, but not yet penetrating.

Lance's voice goes right through JC. "Yes. Please, Lance."

Kneeling between JC's legs, Lance raises JC's hips and thrusts inside, surprising even himself at this aggressive move. He covers JC's mouth with his own, thrusting his tongue inside, searching out JC's tongue and gripping the seat back as he pushes deeper into JC's warmth.

JC pushes up to meet Lance, taking him into himself deeply and groaning with pleasure at the sensation. His tongue grapples with Lance's as they deepen and intensify their kiss. Lance quickens his pace, unable to keep it slow after all this time. The seat rocks with his motion, and he moves his mouth to JC's ear, panting in time to his thrusting.

Lance's hot breath on his neck and ear arouses JC as much as his thrusting, as much as the delicious friction of their joined bodies. JC kisses and licks at Lance's neck, at the sensitive spot where it meets his shoulder, all the while meeting every thrust.

Lance bites his lip while reaching with one hand to caress JC's erection. He smiles at how quickly JC is able to recover from the recent activity and he strokes the long shaft as he thrusts deeply inside JC's tight passage.

JC lifts his mouth to Lance's ear, urging him on even as his body bucks against Lance's. His hands stray to Lance's ass, pulling him even more deeply into himself, pulling him closer to his release.

Groaning louder now, Lance thrusts harder, turning his head away as sweat flies from his hair. He squeezes JC's organ as he comes, pressing his cheek against his lover and convulsing until finally, spent, he collapses against JC's warm, sweat-soaked body.

Lance's orgasm and his tight grip on JC's own erection bring JC to his own release. Wordless noises escape his lips and he enfolds his boy tightly in his arms as they tremble together.

After several minutes, Lance feels himself slip out of JC. He turns his face to his lover and kisses him lightly, tenderly on the lips. "I do not want to think about what this seat looks like right now," he whispers.

"All my fault. Will you ever forgive me?"

"I dunno, you know how I feel about my car." Lance holds a serious expression for a few seconds, then laughs and collapses against JC's shoulder, pulling him into a hug.

"I'll buy you a new seat tomorrow." JC manages, giggling, loving the feeling of Lance's laughter against him. Lance finally pushes himself up and starts collecting their clothes, which are scattered all over the front and back seats. "Well, all I have to say is it's a good thing I'm doing this with you and not Joey. Joey's car is way too small."

"Okay, now you're just taunting me."

Pulling his jeans up, Lance puts his face close to JC's and says softly, "I just want to keep you on your toes." Then he kisses his friend, grateful and happy and so in love. "You know you're the only one for me."

"Yeah, you've convinced me." JC smiles happily at Lance as he misbuttons his shirt. "Although if you want to convince me some more later, that's good too."

"Josh, I'll convince you every night if that's what it takes."

"Baby, the every night part sounds great," JC says as his zips his jeans. "But I want you to know that you don't have to convince me of anything. I love you and I trust you. And that's all that matters."

"Good, because there's no way I'm moving all your crap out of our house."

"Ooh, I love when you talk dirty."

"In that case, let's get the heck out of here."

JC looks down at himself, realizes how badly he's managed his buttons and laughs. "Yeah, let's get inside." They get out of the car and, arms around each other, walk to their door.

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