Forever Young: Tying the Knot
by Karen and LB
© 2002
Number 17 in the series.
Lance fumbles with his bow tie for the third time. He knows how to tie one, but it's just that right now his fingers won't cooperate. And that just gets him more frustrated. When he hears the knock on the door, his first reaction is relief, then panic--is he late? "Come in," he calls out, thinking it's his mother checking on him for the fifth time this morning.
"Hey, baby," JC says, with a warm smile. "You look great."
Lance smiles shyly and glances down at himself. Yep, shoes, black socks pants, shirt, jacket. Everything in place except the tie. "I'd look better if I could tie this stupid thing."
"Yeah, your Mom thought you might need some help." JC steps up behind Lance and faces him toward the mirror again. With hands that are surer and steadier than Lance's, he reaches around him and ties the uncooperative strip of fabric into a perfect bow. When he's done he rest his hands on Lance's shoulders and drops a light kiss on the back of his neck.
Lance is transfixed by the image facing him. JC, slightly taller, so handsome in his own tux, dark hair perfectly brushed, tranquil blue eyes that had more sleep than Lance, strong hands on nervous shoulders. They look like a couple. "I don't usually have trouble tying ties, you know. I don't know why I'm so nervous. It's not like I'm getting married. Um, you know what I mean."
"Yeah, I do. It's easier to get up in front of thousands of strangers than a hundred of your family and friends, isn't it?" JC rubs Lance's shoulders gently, enough to feel good but not enough to crumple the fabric of his suit.
"Weird, isn't it? Man, that feels good. I can't believe she's getting married. I mean, I'm really happy for her--Ford's a great guy. I love him like he's my own brother. But she's my sister; I'll miss her."
"Of course you will. But she'll never stop being your sister, you know?"
Lance turns in JC's arms, so when he stands facing his friend JC's hands are still on his shoulders. "I know." He laughs, hearing how morose he's being. "My mom must be a wreck by now."
"I thought she seemed amazingly calm. She's too busy telling everyone what to do to be nervous."
"She's always been like that; give her something to do and she goes in full force. She's loving every minute of this." Lance takes a deep breath and glances at JC as if noticing him for the first time. "Hey, you look amazing."
"Thanks, you do too. But I said that already." Lance is too close, too tempting, and JC can't resist kissing those soft, pink lips.
Lance welcomes the kiss gladly, returning it with his own. There's something so intoxicating about a guy in a tux, Lance thinks. As he parts his lips to intensify the kiss, there's another knock on the door. "Lance? How we doin' in there?"
Flustered, Lance pulls away, regretfully, and calls out, "Fine, mom. I'll be out in a second."
"Don't take too long; we have to leave for the church."
"Okay." He smiles at JC. "I wish you could be my date."
"I am. Just no one else knows it."
"I can't even dance with you. That sucks."
"I know. Especially with you looking so totally hot."
Lance pushes JC away playfully. "Do not. I'm already sweating and we're not even out of the house yet."
"Someday, I'm gonna give you a compliment and you're just gonna say 'Thank you, JC.' And I'm gonna fall over from shock." JC pulls Lance toward the door.
With exaggerated flourishes, Lance replies, "THANK YOU, JC. Thank you for saying such nice things about a complete dork like ME."
"If you weren't all dressed up, I'd have to tickle you for that."
"Saved by the tux. C'mon, before my mom has a heart attack." When they step outside for pictures in front of the house, Jim Bass nods his approval and Diane attacks Lance with a boutonniere. Chris had been busy chasing Justin around the lawn while Joey was chatting it up with one of Lance's cousins. Somehow, Diane manages to corral them together for a group shot, and Lance ends up next to JC. He tries to keep his eyes ahead, but he can smell JC's cologne and feel his breath on the side of his face. With the pictures out of the way, they pile into the various cars and trucks lined up along the street and head to the church.
*****
At the church, there's little time for Lance to spend with the guys, since all his family and friends are here, but as the ceremony begins, Lance glances down at the pews and catches JC's eye. He smiles and blushes, knowing that only a handful of people in this room know why. As Stacy and Jim Bass begin their long walk down the aisle, however, Lance's attention is focused on his sister, who looks more beautiful than he's ever seen her. His father has tears in his eyes as he lifts her veil and places a soft kiss on her cheek, and Lance notices his mother already has a wad of tissues in her hands. By the time the ceremony is over, Lance himself is wiping his eyes, knowing the guys are going to rag him about it later on, and not caring one bit.
Now, Lance stands in the receiving line, and when JC approaches, Lance throws his arms around him as he has with his other friends, but he squeezes him tightly and manages to sneak a small kiss on his neck.
JC is grinning as he proceeds through the rest of the receiving line, and at least a couple of Stacy's bridesmaids fall immediately in love with the handsome, smiling boy.
*****
Before Lance can take a sip of his Coke, he's dragged onto the dance floor yet again by Keri. He's glad he has her to act as his "date" rather than some girl who would actually expect him to ask her out after. He'd told Keri a few months ago, and she was cool about the whole thing. She even approved of his relationship with JC, telling him he couldn't have found a nicer boyfriend. As they dance, Lance notices that JC is surrounded by a gaggle of his cousins and friends from high school, and he laughs. And they're not even famous.
JC feels eyes on him and grins across the room at Lance. He feels a less friendly glare and discovers himself to be receiving death rays from Joey, who's been trying to talk to the very girls surrounding JC for hours. He beckons Joey over and starts introducing him around, looking for the opportunity to slip away.
As the song ends, Lance uses the opportunity to head for the men's room. He glances over at JC and nods toward the door.
"You know Joey used to be the Wolfman at Universal Studios, right?" JC says, smiling as he introduces the prettiest of Lance's cousins to Joey and walks casually to the men's room.
Lance waits around the corner and as JC steps into view he yanks his arm and pulls him into a secluded nook. "Hey."
"Hey." JC follows willingly. "It's a good wedding, huh? Stacy looks so happy."
"Yeah, she does. Ford's real lucky. Of course, someone had to take her."
"Of course someone would take her. She's the girl version of you."
"That makes me the boy version of her. But she looks way prettier in that dress than I would. And don't go getting any ideas."
"Not when you look like THAT in that tux, I won't."
Lance leans against the wall and traces the line of JC's lapel with his hand. "You look better. But you'd look even better with it off."
"You have a dirty mind. I like it."
"How much do you like it? This much?" Lance moves in for the kiss, but his lips never make contact because his uncle's voice calls from the hallway. "More pictures," Lance mutters, thumping his head against JC's shoulder. "It's like being at work, isn't it?"
"Worse."
When they return to the main room, Lance is pulled into another round of family pictures, and then the wedding cake is brought out. As Lance watches Stacy feed her new husband, he once again looks over at JC and smiles, remembering their first date, when they shared desserts.
JC is actually having a good time, but in the back of his mind is sadness. Sadness that they can't be here as a couple. Sadness that they'll probably never have something like this themselves. Sadness about their impending separation--JC is going home for Christmas in a couple of days--his first visit since the big explosion.
Lance sees JC's face change from mild amusement to melancholy. He makes his way through the crowd and stands behind his friend, whispering, "May I have this dance?" he giggles, but then stops. "Did I tell you how happy I am that you're here? Even if we can't dance together, or hold hands, or any of that. Just having you in the same breathing space is enough."
"Thanks, baby. I know it's a special day for you, and I'm glad I could be here, too."
"Come here," Lance orders, pulling JC aside. "You seem kind of sad."
"I'm just missing you already."
"I'm not going anywhere."
"I am. In two days."
Lance looks down at his feet. "I know. I don't want you to. I wish we could spend Christmas together." He shifts his gaze back to JC. "I wish I could be there with you. I know how hard this is for you." Lance glances over at the happy crowd, dancing and singing and laughing, and realizes how lucky he is to have such a supportive family.
JC drapes a casual arm around Lance's shoulder and gives a quick squeeze. Nothing that anyone would think twice about. "I have a feeling I'm going to be calling you a lot."
"Any time, any day. I mean that. And before you know it, we'll be back in Germany. Together."
"I know. And someday we're gonna spend Christmas together."
"Next year. I promise. Somehow, we'll do it. But I tell you what: Until then, how about we make a date for when we get back to Germany. Just you and me. We'll play Christmas music and open presents and drink cocoa and stuff."
"You're on." JC glances around and drops his voice. "I love you."
The urge to kiss to JC is so painful a lump forms in Lance's throat. "I love you too," he croaks, suddenly angry that he can't show it here.
"Hey, you two! I've been looking everywhere for you." Justin comes running over. "Lance, your mom wants you to dance with your sister so they can get pictures or something."
Rolling his eyes, Lance pushes himself away from the wall. "Man, don't they have enough embarrassing pictures of us? She's probably going to put this next to the ones of us in the bathtub." Before he leaves, he turns to JC and touches his arm. "We'll talk more later, okay?"
*****
"Real people don't dance like this, you know."
"I know, but it makes for a good picture. C'mon, just humor me, okay?"
Lance flashes a goofy smile, and Stacy smacks him on the arm. "Lance!" she chides, laughing in spite of herself.
"I'm sorry, I'll behave," Lance says humbly. But he uses the distraction to tickle her waist. "Hey, you're gonna ruin the picture!" he scolds. He sees his mother out of the corner of his eye shaking her head and he straightens up. "Okay, enough fooling around. This wedding stuff is serious business."
"It's gonna happen to you too, someday."
"Me? I hope so." He locates JC, still looking so sad, and his heart melts. "I really hope so."
"You really care about him, don't you?"
"Yeah. I love him so much. I just wish I could be there for him all the time."
"I know. Just make sure he knows that."
****
JC feels like he's been standing around for hours and hours, although a half hour is more like it. He's tired, though, tired of watching couples dance together, hold each other, heck, even LOOK at each other without having to think twice about it.
JC jumps when he feels a hand on his arm and turns to see Justin. "Come with me."
"Nah, Just. I told Lance I'd wait."
"Lance won't mind. Just come."
Justin leads him to a small room behind where the band is set up. The music is still only slightly muffled by the wall.
JC looks questioningly at Justin. "What . . . ?" He breaks off when Joey leads Lance in the other door. "What?" he says again.
Chris steps into the room. "We figured you guys should get at least one dance. We'll watch the doors."
Lance stumbles into the room, stunned by what his friends have done. And suddenly feels self-conscious. All day he's been yearning for such a moment like this, and now that it's here he feels like it's their first date all over again. He cautiously approaches JC, tugging at his jacket and running a hand through his short hair, as though that will make a difference. "Can I have this dance?" he asks, blushing and smiling sheepishly.
Wordlessly, JC takes Lance into his arms and they move together in time to the music.
The walls disappear and for one perfect moment it's just the two of them, two people deeply in love, two heartbeats, two souls swaying to the one thing that brought them together: music. They move in the perfect harmony that is their trademark. Lance doesn't take his eyes off JC; he wants to memorize every detail of their dance.
"This was so worth waiting for," JC says softly, tightening his hold around Lance. "We must have the best friends in the world."
"We owe them big for this."
"They can all be best man when WE get married."
Lance raises his eyebrows. "Yeah, and my dad will give me away." He laughs, shaking his head.
"Don't you think about it at all, Lance? I mean, I know it's a long way off and all, but I'd really like to, someday."
Shrugging, Lance averts his eyes for the first time since they joined hands. "Sure, I think about it. But we're so young, and . . . it's not the same as when a guy and a girl get married."
"No, not the same, but . . . something." JC looks away as well, sorry that he spoke since Lance doesn't seem to feel the same way.
"Hey," Lance says, cupping JC's cheek in his hand and turning his face back to him. "I love you, you know that, don't you?"
JC looks into Lance's eyes for a long moment, as if evaluating what he sees there. "Yeah, I do."
"But you don't believe me, do you? Look, it's just . . . we're so young. I'm only 18. I think we should take this one day at a time. Okay?"
"I know. I wasn't proposing, Lance. I just said I think about it, for someday."
"Okay. I'll think about it too. And you think about this." He kisses JC, softly, gently, full of all the love he feels at this moment.
The kiss pushes all doubts, all thoughts from JC's mind, and he gives himself up to it completely.
The music stops long before the kiss does, and it's the sound of a throat clearing that causes Lance to break it.
"Um, sorry guys, but they want us back in there--they're leaving." Justin says, poking his head in the door.
"Yeah, um, thanks Justin." Lance's face is burning both from the kiss and being discovered doing it.
"Thanks, guys," JC says as he straightens his already perfectly placed tie. "That meant a lot. A LOT."
"Yeah, no prob, C." Justin ducks out, trying not to snicker.
Lance turns to leave but then spins around one last time and, taking JC's hands, gives him a long, deep kiss.
JC's head is spinning from the intensity of the kiss. And from the emotions. One minute he's feeling, well, a little rejected, and the next, totally, utterly loved. Lance tilts his head to see JC's eyes. "Hey, are you okay?"
"Yeah. Crazy in love with you, but otherwise okay."
"Maybe just crazy." Lance kisses JC quickly once again before darting off to say goodbye to his sister.
JC follows Lance out of the room, going over to stand with Justin and Chris, who are making a bet about whether Joey will actually pick up any of the many girls he's talked to.
"You'll be okay, baby brother," Stacy says affectionately, hugging Lance tightly.
"I'm gonna miss you."
"I'll be back before you know it. Besides, you'll be away for a while. But I know someone who'll be happy to keep you company." She smiles and motions to JC.
Lance smiles too. She's right--as long as he has JC he won't be homesick. It's almost like . . . JC is home.
"No WAY," JC informs Chris. "Lance warned all his friends and all his cousins."
"Yeah, but Joey's pretty persuasive."
"I told you, Chris," Justin crows.
JC glances around the room, which is thinning out since the bride and groom have gone. He sees Lance standing with his parents, and silently observes how much he resembles each of them in different ways.
"Just one more day, that's all I ask," Lance begs his parents. "He's really scared about going home, and it would really help if I could spend some time with him. Separate rooms--I promise."
Diane and Jim exchange a look. They know Lance has been responsible since he came out and started seeing JC, and if they refuse him now he'll be depressed. Jim nods, and Diane speaks for both of them. "He's welcome as long as he wants." Lance hugs them then, not just because they agreed to his request but because he loves them more than anything. "Thank you." He scurries off to find JC and tell him the good news.
When JC glances up from his conversation with the guys again, he sees Lance walking toward him with a beautiful smile on his face.
Lance takes JC by the arm and pulls him aside, in spite of the snickering from the two other boys. "I've got some good news. My parents said you can spend an extra night at our place. I'll drive you to the airport tomorrow."
JC looks over at Lance's parents and back at Lance. "They're the best. The best."
"Yeah, they are. And someday, that could be us."
A slow, sweet smile spreads over JC's face. "Someday."
"But for now, we have to help load up the cars. What, you thought you could stay for free?"
"What, in these suits?"
"Here." Lance moves behind JC and peels off his jacket. "Better?"
JC grins. "Gee, I wouldn't want to get anything on this shirt."
Knowing very well that JC is wearing an undershirt, Lance nevertheless glances around nervously. "It is a nice shirt," he concedes and slowly begins to undo the bow tie.
JC puts his hands over Lance's. "I'm kidding. And I think your Uncle Vern is looking at us funny."
Even more embarrassed that he took JC seriously, Lance drops his hands. "Um, yeah. Just grab that stuff over there."
"Hey, I was only part kidding. But I have more class than to ask you to strip me in front of your extended family. But later . . . " JC grins and walks over to pick up several parcels.
Lance follows JC with his eyes. Maybe it's the stress of the day, maybe it's the way JC moves so confidently. But suddenly, Lance feels the need to loosen his tie. He runs to catch up with his friend, and together they quickly and efficiently load up the cars with Stacy and Ford's gifts.
"Is that everything?" JC asks, slipping back into his jacket. "Who are we riding back with?"
"We're taking my dad's car."
"Okay. Do they need us to do anything else?"
"No, everything's pretty much taken care of here, and we'll meet everyone back at the house."
"Okay. Ready whenever you are."
As Lance drives down roads so familiar to him, he sneaks a glance at JC and smiles. "Detour."
"I was hoping you'd say that."
As the sun begins to set, Lance steers the car onto a quiet, rural street. "We won't have much privacy back home, and we didn't get much of a chance to talk today." He pulls the car into the parking lot of the local high school and turns off the engine.
"This is where you went to school?"
Smiling as the memories flood back, Lance nods.
"Cool. You've seen so much of my stuff in Orlando. I like seeing where you were before the group. Before us."
"That sounds so strange--before us. I almost can't remember what it was like before you."
"You were very cute and very shy and hung around with Joey a lot."
"I'm not that shy."
"You're not?"
"No. Everyone thinks I am, but I'm not. Not really."
"Prove it."
Lance does a double-take and laughs nervously. But then he stretches his arm over the top of their seats and leans in, the smile vanishing from his face as he presses his lips against JC's.
When the kiss ends, JC is smiling. "Not shy at all."
"See? I told you. I don't know where everyone gets that idea," Lance says, as his fingers work the buttons on JC's shirt.
"You do the demure thing so well. When you want to," JC says, pulling the tail of Lance's shirt out of his pants so he can touch the warm skin beneath it.
Lance shudders at the light touch; it's been days since they've been able to fool around, and Lance can feel the familiar twitching in his groin already. He manages to get the last button of JC's shirt undone, and he pushes it open, placing his cool hands on the smooth chest underneath.
JC slides his hands up under Lance's shirt, gripping his back and pulling Lance to him. He finds Lance's mouth, again, and this time the contact is no mere touching of lips, but an intimate invasion of tongue and lips and warmth.
Lance mimics JC's actions, slipping his hands around JC's back so their skin can touch. Even in the awkward setting of the car, Lance feels himself surrounded by JC's love. His tongue becomes entangled with JC's and they stay that way for a long moment.
JC pulls back to look into Lance's lust-hazed eyes, then pulls him into another heated kiss. His fingers run lightly, purposefully up and down Lance's back.
Lance reaches between their tightly pressed bodies and slides his hand between JC's legs, rubbing that hot spot urgently.
JC breaks the kiss, letting his head fall against Lance's shoulder. He turns his head, so his hot, panting breath fans against Lance's neck before he moves closer to kiss the sensitive flesh.
Strange, erotic sounds escape Lance's throat as JC's lips brush his neck. Lance leans over further, avoiding the gear stick, and fumbles with the button of JC's trousers. His own breath quickens in anticipation.
JC smiles against the warm, kiss-dampened skin of Lance's neck. "Not shy at ALL."
Lance takes the initiative and lets his lips wander JC's face as his hand reaches inside JC's pants. His hand nearly burns from the heat generated by JC's throbbing organ as he pulls it free from the constricting garments.
"Lance," JC groans as his own hands dip downward to cup the twin globes of Lance's ass. He turns his face upward to kiss the underside of Lance's chin. Purring like a kitten, Lance cranes his neck, but the limited space inside the car doesn't allow for much else. So reluctantly, he dodges JC's kisses and instead begins working his way down JC's body--first his face, then his neck, then his chest, hotly, hungrily.
Pinned to his seat, JC has no choice but to let Lance do as he will. Not that JC is complaining. Every nerve ending is dancing under Lance's touch.
Lance is lost; it's as though his heart takes over when he's with JC and he loses all coherent thought. As he kisses his way across the ripples of JC's toned abs, down toward that warm, special place, he takes in the scent of his lover and his whole body tingles. And when his mouth passes over the soft curls surrounding JC's heated organ, Lance is reminded of how lucky he is that they found each other, that fate brought them together.
JC's hand rests lightly on Lance's head. Not pushing, not demanding, just there. Requesting, reassuring.
His heart pounding, Lance pauses over JC's length, hovering, taking in the scent, before flicking his tongue at the tip. Once, twice, again and again, then drawing his tongue down the pulsing shaft, wanting to give JC as much pleasure as possible. When he reaches the moistened tip once again, he covers it with his lips, taking it in slowly, leisurely, until finally his mouth engulfs the entire organ and he's moving up and down in a rhythmic, easy motion, one hand on JC's leg, one hand on the seat for balance.
"So good. So hot. Baby, so good." JC chants a litany of praise, of passion, not even aware he's speaking. His eyes flutter open, and he smiles at the sight of the steamed-up windows, hoping against hope that every cop in town is too busy directing Christmas- shopping traffic this evening. Otherwise, a steamed-up car in the parking lot of the school this early Saturday evening is likely to draw attention. Then he stops thinking again.
Encouraged by JC's words, by the sultry sound of his voice, Lance quickens his pace, taking JC deep into his mouth and drawing him out again, his senses heightened as he registers everything--the heat of their bodies, the taste of his lover, the sounds coming from JC's throat.
JC can't help thrusting now, he's so deeply aroused. He wills himself not to thrust too hard. It's difficult--Lance feels so good--but he manages to stay in control. Even his hand, though it tightens on Lance's head, remains a caress.
Lance matches JC's pace, having learned how fast to go over the past few months, what JC likes. He's still learning, but with each time he feels more confident, more encouraged by JC's reactions. Until JC came along, Lance never imagined how enticing it could be to give pleasure in this way.
"Lance, oh, Lance, oh . . . " The words are barely even whispered, but somehow JC is sure Lance can hear him. When his orgasm hits him, the words become an inarticulate sigh, a whimper of delight.
JC's warm fluid fills his mouth, and Lance holds JC steady while he bucks against him. When Lance feels JC collapse against the seat, he raises his head and moves over to his own seat. The car windows are completely fogged, and JC is drenched in sweat. Blushing, Lance reaches over and caresses JC's cheek. "We better get going."
It's JC's turn to blush. "I didn't get to, um, do anything for you."
"Just being with me is enough. Just seeing you is enough. Just getting to look at you and talk to you is enough. And seeing you smile is better than any sex."
"Have I told you today how much I love you?" Lance reaches his hand out and traces the shape of a heart on the fogged-over windshield. Inside, he writes LB + JC.
JC is grinning like an idiot as he fastens his clothing. "You're so cute. And sweet. And when did you get so romantic?"
"I've always been romantic. I just never had anyone to use it on," Lance replies, tucking in his shirt. "I just wanted to give you something to think about when you're home. I know it's not easy for you."
"It's just--weird. It's like I'm looking forward to seeing them, but at the same time I'm afraid to hope that it will be okay." Regretfully, JC runs his hand over the heart that Lance drew. "Your Dad doesn't need to see that the next time the window fogs up. But we know it's there."
Lance takes JC's hand and kisses the palm, then places it over his own heart. "It's always here."
"Always." JC leans in for a tender kiss. "You better start this car before I forget myself and we freak your parents out by being three hours late."
Laughing, Lance turns the key in the ignition. But nothing happens. He looks at JC, his face growing pale, then breaks out into a smile and turns the key again, this time gunning the engine. "Just kidding."
"You wouldn't be laughing so much if your dad killed me."
As Lance pulls out of the parking lot, he laughs again. "Aw, he would not. You make me happy."
"Do I? Really?"
Without taking his eyes off the road, Lance reaches out a hand and squeezes the back of JC's neck. "Really."
"Good. Cause I really wanna make you happy."
"You do. But you don't have to worry about it so much, okay? I'm not going anywhere."
"Good. I'm gonna miss you a lot. But I'll just think about seeing each other again after . . . "
"Before you know it. The day after Christmas. That's not so long. And I'll call you every day."
"We really HAVE to make it with this album. Just to pay our phone bills."
"Tell that to Lou."
"Do I hafta?"
"Nah, I wouldn't put you through that."
"You're so good to me."
"Tell me that after I wake you up tomorrow morning."
"Depends how you wake me up."
"I'm gonna throw a bucket of ice on you if you keep that up."
"Keep what up?"
"You know exactly what I'm talking about. This Mr. Innocent act don't fly."
"I never could do it as well as you."
Lance flashes JC a wicked grin. "I have everyone fooled, don't I?"