Part 2


More Than Friends

It just can ‘t be true. There was no way that Justin is gay. After all these years there was no way for so long he was with Britney Oh but wait that was just a cover. Still none of that mattered. Justin was never going to be his, he came out for a reason and that reason is probably a guy. A guy that can’t possibly be me. It’s just not fair he’s not getting married but can it get any worse than this. He doesn’t like me like that and probably never will . Ok pull it together Chazes, get a grip he’s still your best friend so what- you’re in love with him He doesn’t have to know that so enjoy what you get man and deal he’s still your friend so don’t complain that’s better than nothing.

JC’s mind was a battle of emotions. Justin had come out to the group, told them all that he was gay. None of the guys were upset about it really, they knew that it must have been difficult for Justin to finally tell them, all of them wondered why exactly he chose now to do it but none of them would push him for answers because anyone could take a guess. And they did. Justin only did things with good reason and for him to do this it had to be big  and what could possibly be that big? Breaking up with Britney big? Coming out of the proverbial closet big? A relationship not just any relationship though he had to be in love.

This reasoning hit JC as he was sitting on the TRL stage a few days after Britney and Justin’s press release/appearance on TRL. The guys were on to talk about the tour and upcoming projects that they were involved in. Normally JC was focused when on camera but now all that he could think of was Justin. While that wasn’t a drastic change in routine for JC since he figured he spent more time daydreaming about his friend than anything else, what was different was that he couldn’t stop thinking sad things. Where he once looked forward to being around Justin, the small touches they would share, the smiles and gestures that he relished once upon a time now he only saw as the most difficult moments in his life. He loved Justin, there was no convincing himself otherwise, but he hurt every time he saw him, touched him, heard his voice, because now he was off limits. Before he could daydream and hope freely for what could never be without any guilt but now he couldn’t risk it. Undoubtedly Justin was happy with whoever this guy was he couldn’t let himself entertain these thoughts because it would hurt Justin but more importantly, the more he did, the more his heart felt it would explode out of his chest and start doing a little dance mocking him chanting  ‘You love him, he doesn’t love you we’re best friends as friends could be’

Man I knew watching Barney with Jonathan was a mistake  now I’ve got little warped images of my internal organs singing twisted versions of the Barney song! UGH!

JC shook his head from his thoughts as he once again brought his attention back to the show.

„So guys how’s it going so far?“ Carson asked.

„It’s going well so far it’s always great to be getting out there for the fans“ Justin spoke up.

„Yea, we’re all excited to perform the new stuff.“ Lance said.

„Cool cool so how much down time have you guys had lately?“ Carson asked.

„We’ve had more down time than we’re used to which is good but for a little while there we were all callin’ each other up like ‘hey man what are you doin’ today.’? because we didn’t know what to do by ourselves.“ Joey laughed. JC pasted on his fake smile realizing that if he looked even the slightest bit off Carson would notice and inevitably ask what was wrong. Trying to occupy his mind away from thoughts of Justin he started tapping his fingers to a song playing lightly in the background. It was a special 2-hour long taping of TRL that day with all audience requests.

Could someone request a worse song?! He thought as he began to hear the words to the song. Words that seemed to mirror his feelings exactly, and unbeknownst to him, Justin’s as well.

That’s Right...........That’s Right........... Sometimes I wish we were more than just friendsI know that I’m dreaming cause you’re crazy about herSometimes I wish all the time thatyou spend with her was with me insteadI wish we could be more than friends

It was true JC wanted to be with Justin. He’d spent countless nights tossing and turning wondering when and if he would ever get over his friend because back then Justin was straight and with Britney. He let himself get lost in daydreams of Justin and himself together back then but now things were different. Yes he still felt for Justin, he loved him. But now that Justin had come out to the group he was confused. Confused because now he didn’t know which way was up in his world. Everything had been so set before. He was able to lust and love Justin from behind the safety of knowing his friend was straight but now that was shot to hell and back because Justin wasn’t straight. No Justin was gay.

It’s time to let you know just how do I feelAbout that day (that’s right) you drive me crazy (that’s right)If she ever let you go then you know the dealBoy you will be mineTill the end of time

JC had barely slept last night. All he could do was think. Lance had asked him repeatedly if he was ok, if he wanted to talk but he honestly didn’t even know what to say. There was just so much going on in his brain he couldn’t really deal so he just said he was fine.

Slowly the TRL appearance was winding up. They had been there all day, hanging out with the audience, pulling people with cool signs up from the street to meet them. One girl was really cool. Her sign was huge and hilarious. Just the way the guys liked it. The girl herself was a younger fan about 14 her older sister was about 19 and the two entered the studio facing the cameras looking like they’d bought the entire NSYNC section of one of those girly stores like Claire’s or Afterthoughts. The guys had laughed, teasing the girls about their body glitter. The two had readily admitted that even their lip-gloss was NSYNC.

„They have NSYNC lip gloss?!“ Chris asked shocked.

„Man, they’re selling lip gloss with my face on it cool“

„Yea its good stuff too. I have the Justin lip gloss,“ The younger girl Cameron said.

„Yea, and I have the JC lip gloss.“

„Man, they always get the chicks!“ Chris joked causing the audience to laugh as well.

„Well if it makes you feel better I’ve got on a Chris scrunchie“ the younger girl motioned to her hair tie. The audience cracked up laughing.

JC was able to block out his thoughts for a while letting the girls entertain him with their antics. They’re fans had always been so cool. The one’s he’d talked to had always been funny and great people and he felt that he and the guys were lucky to have them as fans.

After hugging the girls, the show continued. Addressing the ever important girlfriend question was a given.

„So guys, my next question is actually something that a lot of people have been talking about a lot lately, especially about you Justin!“ Carson began.

The guys groaned good-naturedly. The audience chuckled.

„Really, must we go there?“ Chris asked smiling.

„Yea man, its sad enough we have no girls, but we gotta go on national TV and tell everybody all the time“ Lance joked.

„Nah man really, its cool everyone always asks anyway its kind of funny at this point.“ Justin grinned.

„Well then, for the record, who’s dating, and who are the lucky ladies, if any?“ Carson asked starting by looking at Joey.

„I’m with Kelly and Brianna“ Joey grinned proudly. The audience cheered, the vast majority of the girls emitting the ever-popular „Awww.“

„I’m just kind of dating around right now. Nothing to serious yet“ Lance grinned.

„Hmm. What’s this rumor about you and Kelly from DC?“ Carson questioned Lance.

Lance blushed slightly. Smiling he replied with a shake of his head. „There’s nothing to say on that just yet“ causing the guys in the audience to cheer for Lance to get with Kelly.

Laughing Chris readily admitted, „I’m single, dating, nothing permanent yet.“

JC knew that all eyes were on him now. Swallowing he grinned shyly and said „Well there’s no one right now, I’m looking but just not there yet . I’ll keep you posted!“ he finished laughing along with the audience.

„Alright Justin .time to fess up man!“ Carson joked.

Justin laughed glancing over at the guys, JC specifically. „Man as Nelly says I’m ready to ‘strut and feel some butt’, but nah really, me and Brit just broke up as ya’ll all know,“ he began getting a mixed reaction of Aww’s and clapping. „We’re still best friends, always will be, we both want something different in life and when the time comes and I find that special someone I can only hope fans will accept me moving on in life.“

„How has the reaction been from the news of the break up?“ Carson asked him.

„Well at first people were shocked, some people were upset and a lot were weirdly happy, Brit’s a great girl, I hope she finds someone who can love her and make her the happy because she deserves that.“ Justin stated. The audience erupting into applause at his heart felt reply.

„So no one new, rumors have you dating Ms. Jenna, and Ms. Janet-Ms. Jackson if ya nasty!?“ Carson joked. The audience laughing, yet still sitting forward in anticipation.

„No one new, Jenna and I have been friends for a while now, as have me and Janet, I’m not with either of them, not dating anyone right now but let’s just say I have my eye on someone“ Justin said with a smirk. „Oooh!“ the audience exclaimed.

It’s the same dreamOver and over(I can see us walking and holding hands)You and meCloser and closer(If everything was different you’d my man)

JC shook himself out of the slight daydream he was having while watching Justin speak. He was just so perfect, and it seemed like he had no clue how amazing he really was. Everything about him was so genuine. People loved him, because well- he was Justin, and it was hard not to. JC realized in that moment how much he valued Justin’s friendship; he couldn’t stand the thought of loosing him over his silly crush.

Sometimes I wish we were more than just friendsI know that I’m dreaming cause you’re crazy about herSometimes I wish all the time thatyou spend with her was with me insteadI wish that we could be more than friends

The guys had ended TRL that day and headed back to their hotel The Radisson. It was semi-low key, away from Times Square enough to not draw much attention or disturb normal NY traffic with the fans that always seemed to be camped out front of every hotel they were in. JC was in his room hanging out with Lance for the better part of the afternoon. Lance was trying to get through to JC, telling him that he needed to tell Justin his feelings. JC had fallen asleep not sure what to do, knowing in his heart that if he didn’t at least confess his feelings he’d be plagued with ‘what ifs’ he dropped into a deep sleep filled with dreams of the past few months, the past few years.

FLASHBACK

"Another day in the life." JC mumbled watching from across the room as Justin walked in with his cell phone attached to his ear. It seemed lately every free minute he had would be spent on the phone. That wasn’t what irked JC, it was fine, most of them spent their off moments talking to family and friends back home but Justin seemed to only be talking to one person other than his mother, and that person had his undivided and devoted attention. Britney.

JC had loved Justin for a while now; he could safely say he’d fallen in love with him at first sight. Years before on MMC, that first day the new kids were on set. JC had been off to the side talking with his friends Tony and then girlfriend Nikki. He’d seen the younger kids walk in noticing that three of them seemed to be sticking together. Christina, Britney, and Justin. To JC Justin stood out from the dozen or so other people in the room. He was just a kid but something about him caught JC’s attention. Maybe it was that god-awful hair, so curly, but forcing him to use all his will power not to touch it. It just looked so soft. Maybe it was those eyes. Sure he had blue eyes himself but there was something different about Justin’s they were a darker shade of blue, shining with a curiosity that made JC wish he had the answers to whatever possible question Justin could ever come up with. Maybe it was that smile, so perfect too perfect for just a kid. It made him melt. But more than anything it scared him. He’d realized a while ago that he was ‘different’ he’d questioned his sexuality around the time he started MMC, and was finally to the point where he was comfortable and confident in who he was, even though he didn’t come out and tell the cast, he was in no way confused about who or what he was.

~Fast Forward~

„Hey JC, man this is Justin, you know from MMC?“ As soon as JC heard that voice he knew, he knew and his world tilted ever so slightly because that voice was one he hadn’t heard in months. He’d left for LA almost as soon as MMC had ended and hadn’t spoken to Justin other than the ritual letter he’d promised at least every two weeks. Truth be told he could write everyday if he could be he knew that would rise more than a few eyebrows.

Things hadn’t been working out for him in LA and he’d recently made the hardest decision in his young life. He was going to head back home. At least there he could get a new perspective, the jaded view he’d had of Hollywood was no more. It would be good for him.

„Yea Ju, what’s up man?!“ JC exclaimed. Justin grinned at the nickname that only JC used for him.

„Nothin much, listen man A friend of mine, Chris, remember him well anyways, he’s tryin to start up this group kinda like Boys II Men with dancing and stuff well he asked if I knew anyone who could sing and I thought of you first.“ Justin spoke shyly. JC stood in shock.

~Fast Forward Ends~

FLASHBACK ENDS

JC woke up with a smile, hearing the water turn on in the next room over. Justin wasn’t a morning person everyone knew that but he always was the first in the shower, to get the ‘good water’ as he called it. Swearing up and down that it was a conspiracy by water companies that the water after the first shower was recycled and just plain gross. JC sat thinking about his dreams. For so long he’d wished, dreamed, and been brought back to reality that Justin and Britney were together. Now that that wasn’t the case, JC had a choice to make.

Waking up to the morning each dayI think of you and how I wishI were the special girl in her place (that’s right)Every time you see me with the smile on my faceI just can’t help but wish for the day It’s the same dreamOver and OverI can see use walking and holding handsYou and meCloser and closerIf everything was different you’d be my man

JC and the guys were due for a pretty laid back day, well for them it was more like a vacation. Only two interviews, in the same building no less, and a mini photo shoot. He showered just long enough in case Justin’s theory on the water system of the country was correct, he wouldn’t be in danger from toxic water (AN: lame joke I know but smile and nod people J) As he stood steam rising from his body, the water from the shower hot, soothing his body, helping to clear his thoughts from the past few days. He and Justin had barely spent anytime together, just the two of them, for a long time. Mostly that was his fault. He kept his distance now and then when his feelings for his younger friend became too much. But today that was going to change. He made it a point in his mind that during free time today he’d hang with Justin and get to know him again with this new side to him and be as open as he could to see if this was really a chance he could take.

Sometimes I wish we were more than just friendsI know that I’m dreaming cause you’re crazy about herSometimes I wish all the time thatYou spend with her was with me insteadI wish that we could be more than friends

Dressing for comfort he stepped out of the shower pulling on a pair of semi fitted blue jeans, a black button up shirt, with the sleeves rolled up, and a pair of black Nikes Justin had bought him a few days before. Looking in the mirror at his newly grown out hair and realized that he’d dressed in things that symbolized Justin. The shoes obviously a gift from his friend, the shirt one that Justin had helped him pick out on an afternoon shopping trip before an interview months ago, the pants were his favorite, and possibly Justin’s too from what Lance had said one day claiming Justin was checking him out when he walked in wearing the then new purchase. Knowing this he smiled and wondered if Justin would notice.

Justin dressed in a pair of blue jeans; a white fitted shirt and charcoal gray button up over shirt. Looking in the mirror he realized what JC had. He was dressed for JC to notice him. The jeans were his most baggy; something JC had casually mentioned he liked that Justin wore. The undershirt was specifically chosen because it hugged his body, hoping to grab attention that way, and the over shirt was one he’d bought while out with JC that day JC got his black shirt.

JC had already left to meet Lance and the guys downstairs, elevator doors closing just before Justin walked out of his room. Justin waited patiently for the elevator along side one of  ‘Sexual Chocolate’ Mike. „Yo, man does this look ok?“ he asked blushing when Mike looked at him slightly shocked.

Mike chuckled. Too cute! He probably dressed all-nice to impress Josh.

„Yea J, ya’ look good man. Tryin’ to impress a certain somebody huh?“ he asked. Justin’s mouth dropped open.

He wasn’t shocked. He knew he wasn’t obvious about his interest in Josh, at least as far as he could tell, but he was embarrassed that Mike had hit the nail on the head about him dressing to impress ‘somebody’.

„N-no. I just wondered, cuz I uh gotta go on camera with this on I don’t wanna look messed up is all“ he replied sheepishly.

Mike smirked, slapping a hand on his friend’s back. „I know all and see all kid. It’s cool. You look good. JC looked good when he asked me the same thing not long ago!“ he smiled walking into the now waiting elevator.

Justin stepped into the elevator with a dumbfounded _expression.

„W-what are you talking about when JC asked you?“

„Nothin, just that you and him seem to be worried about what you’re wearing to day that’s all“ Mike replied easily. These two are too much; they’re perfect for each other just need to figure it out already! He thought to himself.

Shrugging his shoulders knowing that was all he’d get out of Mike Justin waited as the elevator continued to the lobby.

Stepping off a moment later and heading with Mike to meet the rest of the group in the dining room for breakfast.

Justin walked in almost stopping in his tracks at the sight of JC. H-he’s wearing dude! We match! He thought happily. Yea it was corny but he always thought that couples who matched- looked cute, that is as long as it wasn’t overdone. With him and Josh dressed alike he could fantasize that they really were a couple the way he wanted to be. He took advantage of JC’s back facing him to let his eyes drink in the sight before him. Oh crap, he’s wearing the pants! He always looks so so eatable in those pants! Justin’s mind shrieked in realization.

Joey caught sight of Justin out of the corner of his eye as he sat with Lance and Chris at the table. Nudging Chris he motioned to Justin then looked over at JC. Chris caught on, seeing what was going on he smiled to himself.

„When do you think it’ll happen?“ he whispered.

Lance looked between the two shocked. „Wait. Huh what are you talking about“ he couldn’t imagine JC coming out without telling him. Maybe Justin had said something to them about liking JC.

„Dude. Now that Justin’s come out its so obvious he wants C,“ Joey spoke quietly. Lance didn’t know what to say so he just nodded.

JC turned around from the buffet with two plates one a plate of grits, eggs, and bacon the other pancakes, sausage and orange slices. He almost dropped both plates when he turned and his eyes ran smack into none other than Justin.

Realizing JC was looking at him with barely any hesitation Justin smiled and walked to the table JC standing next to him soon after. „Mornin’ ya’ll“ he said.

„Morning J,“ Joey, Chris, and Lance said with suspicious grins on their faces.

„Mornin’ Ju, you were running a little late so I got your favorite before they started takin stuff out“ JC said smiling at Justin.

Justin felt like his heart was going to melt to the floor and make a big puddle at those words. He got me breakfast. He couldn’t help but smile at JC.

JC was caught a bit by surprise at the bright, beautiful smile turned to him in that moment. All he could think was how much he would do anything to wake up and see that smile every day from Justin directed at only him like now.

„Thanks Josh“ he said still grinning as he sat down, JC sitting across from him.

„No prob. Bob“ he joked.

„Josh you are so corny, it’s too early for that yo!“ Justin chuckled looking down to start eating.

JC blushed slightly catching the look Lance was sending his way.

„So what is everyone up to after all this stuff this morning?“ Chris asked.

„Nothin much, I’ve got some Freelance stuff to handle, but after that I dunno.“

„I’m gonna head over and see Kel and Bri, they’re at her parents a little ways from here.“ Joey said smiling.

„Uh I don’t have any plans so “ Justin started.

„Come out with me today. We can go shopping or something!“ JC cut him off.

Just the two of us?! Justin thought excitedly.

„Well that sounds like a plan!“ Chris spoke up for Justin whose brain was working in dummy mode just then.

Nodding his head to agree Justin realized what that meant. A whole day with Josh! No one else around! Oh yea baby!

More than friends (more than friends)......More than friends (more.... than friends).......More than friends......That’s right.......That’s right.......

After the interviews the guys headed over to where the mini photo shoot was being held a few blocks away. Dressing in the clothes provided. They settled into a routine of picture taking and posing doing group shots for the first half then breaking off to do individuals. When they thought they were done the photographer asked JC and Justin to stay behind, needing pictures of the two together for a special section in the magazine they were shooting for.

Nervously consenting JC and Justin stepped forward. Not used to posing just the two of them without the guys. It was slightly awkward, both trying not to be obvious about touching the other but desperately wanting to. The photographer answered their silent plea telling them to pose one behind the other, funny faces, and just plane best friends silliness since that was what the section was about. Best friends over the years. After the first two shots both JC and Justin relaxed tremendously easing into the comfort of the other’s presence. Justin stood behind JC hands resting on his shoulders both grinning widely at the camera. The next was with each wrapping an arm around the other’s shoulder both unknowingly putting bunny ears behind the other’s heads realizing at the last minute what they each had done.  „Hey that’s not fair!“ Justin laughed along with JC. The two began to play fight each other much to the amusement of the photographer and crew as well as their band mates who had stayed behind to watch the outcome of the two friend’s photo shoot together. Finally satisfied with the pictures he had the photographer dismissed them. Justin and JC retreating to the dressing rooms to change back into ‘street clothes’. Exiting 10 minutes later laughing and still ‘punching’ each other playfully.

„They are just so cute together. So happy!“ Joey cooed watching his friends.

„They’re perfect for each other“ Chris and Lance said together glancing at each other blushing.

Joey cast a glance between the two. Wonder what’s up with that?

Sometimes I wish we were more than just friendsI know that I’m dreaming cause you’re crazy about herSometimes I wish all the time thatYou spend with her was with me insteadI wish that we could be more than friends

 JC and Justin had decided to cruise the big name shops of NY, enjoying the down time, not being mobbed by dozens of fans. The occasional two asking for autographs but all knowing that they were enjoying a day off and giving them space to do it.

Finally walking out of the last store that day with 3 bags each, which they put in the waiting car they decided to grab a quick snack and pick up dinner for the rest of the guys. Heading into a small ice cream shop they went up to the counter. Justin tugged nervously on his white and black NY baseball cap as he looked at the menu. JC doing the same to his solid black one keeping careful tabs on a small group of teenage girls talking animatedly off to one side of the store.

„What do you want Josh?“ Justin asked.

„Um what’re you getting?“ he asked.

„Well you know me cookies and cream in a bowl cant stand cones ugh!“ Justin chuckled.

JC nodded knowingly. „Well I’ll get chocolate cookie crumble and we can split em“ JC smiled knowing that he and Justin shared the same love for ice cream.

„Cool man!“ Justin said excitedly and placed their orders. The group of girls had left just as their order was served not even realizing who they were (AN: sucks for them huh? lol)

The two friends headed back to the hotel 3 minutes away, not talking much at all. Mike sitting up front in the passenger seat next to Joe, their other guard eating a cup of Dutch chocolate. It was a running joke since all the guards always had some sort of chocolate ice cream whenever the guys went to a place. Adding more chocolate to Sexual Chocolate they said.

Finally in the hotel the two friends settled their bags down and then sat at a table in the dining area of the room.

JC and Justin sat comfortably looking out a window across from the table. Two big cups of ice cream sitting between them. Taking turns dipping between cups they ate the ice cream and talked.

„So “ JC began.

„I had fun today Josh“ Justin spoke up nervously.

„Yea, me too Ju a lot.“

„We haven’t hung out in a while, it was nice we should do this more.“ Justin smiled at JC.

„Yea we should before I kinda kept my distance cuz I knew you wanted time with Brit or well you know but “

„Well now you know the deal we can hang like the old days---just us.“

„Yea the two of us, that sounds perfect“ JC smiled.

Justin felt a shiver up his spine at his words. „I’m glad, cuz I like being with you Josh“ he grinned.

JC’s hand stilled about to dip into Justin’s cup of ice cream for the last bite. Justin snuck his spoon in scooping up the last bit of ice cream in his bowl. Smiling evilly he held the spoon for JC. „You want?“ he asked in a low voice. Swallowing visibly JC’s eyes widened at the seductive tone to Justin’s voice. Hesitantly moving forward he opened his mouth closing his lips around the spoon of the cool treat, eyes closing briefly savoring the moment. OH MY GOD! Can he be any hotter! Justin shouted to himself feeling a familiar heat rush through his body.

JC pulled back smiling shyly. Opening his eyes making Justin’s breath catch. Blue eyes slammed into Blue. „Thanks .“ JC said glancing down. Ooh! One good turn deserves another right?! He thought wickedly, catching sight of a bit of chocolate crumble in his cup. Scooping up the desert he held the spoon for Justin. OH GOD! Justin thought See this is what happens, you be all hormonal teenybopper and potential for embarrassment goes sky high Justin . Good one! He scolded himself as he leaned forward praying that his brain could still function enough for him to get the ice cream in his mouth and not up his nose or something. Licking his lips, he opened his mouth to receive the treat JC offered.

JC felt his heart stop at the sight before him. Justin’s tongue peaking out ever so briefly, torturing him, because he wanted so badly to be that ice cream right now!

Unconsciously he’d moved forward watching Justin as he had his eyes closed just as he had. Justin opened his eyes. Startled when his eyes two shining blue eyes looking right back at him. So close they both thought.

Moving slightly closer together in a moment that would change everything.

What am I doing?! JC screamed at himself.

Justin could feel JC’s breath on his face, light, a sweet breath of chocolate against his lips.

JC could almost feel Justin’s lips, his own tingling in anticipation of what was to come. Ignoring the voice screaming: This could not be happening . But it is?! He realized shocked.

Justin unconsciously licked his lips; the small gesture was more than enough. Ever so briefly, his tongue touched JC’s bottom lip. JC’s eyes slamming shut at the contact he leaned forward into the touch. Their lips meet in a soft butterfly kiss.

The loud sound of the lock clicking on the door blasted through the peaceful beauty that was their first kiss. They both jumped back from the other stunned to silence.

Joey, Lance, and Chris entered the room stopping in their tracks at the sight before them.

Two men about as far away from each other on a couch as you could get without sitting in another chair. Red faces, shaky breathing, their eyes making them look at the proverbial deer in headlights.

They kissed!!! they all thought glancing at each other knowingly.

Sometimes I wish we were more than just friends (I wish . I wish)I know that I’m dreaming cause you’re crazy (crazy....) about herSometimes I (I...........)wish all the time thatYou spend with her was with me insteadI wish that we could be more than friends (I wish we we could be more than friends)

(Song: 3 Little Woman - More Than Friends)



next

Email: whatweallwishfor@yahoo.com