Part 6


“C, how you holding up, man?”

Panting, Joey collapses next to JC in the sand on the sidelines of the games and eyes him closely. “You’re looking a little green around the gills there, sweetheart.”

“I’m fine,” JC rasps back sharply.

But he’s not, and he knows it. His clothes, although he’s only participated in one event, are completely soaking-wet, and not because someone playfully drenched him with water. He can feel streams of warm sweat rolling down the center of his chest and dripping off the sides of his angular, scruffy face. He’s still nauseous too at random intervals, and his head aches with a dull throb. His back, of course, remains the same, searingly on fire, a stabbing pain that seems to permeate every pore of his body, even when he’s not moving at all.

Lonnie’s look of disapproving concern had deepened to all-out worry when he’d come to check on his charge the second time. And JC knows that the next time will be the one that finally pulls the plug on him and this excruciating public appearance. If he doesn’t break down and do it himself first.

“JC, you’re pumping out the sweat by the buckets, and I can see you shaking from here, dawg. That’s a long way from fine. What are you trying to prove out here?”

JC hunches his shoulders and shudders again with the singe-like sensations attacking him. “Nothing. I’m just watching.”

And his bloodshot eyes narrow behind the smoky lenses and begin their desperate search for Justin’s form once more, lighting up with a unique, undeniable glow when they finally find him. That alone — the joy of Justin — has made all the scorched misery bearable for JC on this very loud, very action-filled, very muggy afternoon.

“I think you’re pushing on the envelope a little too far, man,” Joey tries to warn again quietly.

“Joe, please, dude. I appreciate the love and all, but lay off, would ya? I’ll make it.”

“Testy, testy. Tsk, tsk. Look, C. Lemme get you another cold drink. You gotta be dehydrated, sitting there and dropping all that sweat. You gonna bitch at me if I go and get you a Gatorade, man?”

JC turns his head slowly to the bigger guy. “Why, that would be lovely. A blue one, please.”

When Joey settles down beside him again, roughly but taking care not to jostle any part of his friend’s wounded body, he hands JC the icy plastic bottle and holds another one to his own neck for a bit of cooling comfort. JC is gracious but sitting very still and staring straight ahead of them as if in a dream-like trance or something.

“Jace, me thinks that hot sun has done gone and numbed your brain too, man.”

“Don’t you wanna just reach out and touch all that beautiful charisma, all the magnetic energy that makes him shine so gorgeously? Don’t you ever have the urge to embrace forever that surreal heat and unearthly magic he’s made of?” JC asks aloud, but in that distinctive whispery, cashmere sound he’s so capable of, absently focused on the love of his life in the distance.

“Um, no, man. Not particularly. But it’s cool by me if *you* want to. So get your homeboy and have yourself a ball. Or two.” Joey laughs wildly and hopes up again to rejoin the bustling fun.

JC smiles to himself as Justin cracks up in giggly spasms over there at something ridiculous Lance has just done or said. And he isn’t surprised at all five minutes later to see Lonnie’s hulking shadow again fall over where he sits in the baked sand.

“Time to ride, JC. Yo Pops says you need to be indoors man. Ready?”

JC squints upward at him and groans. “I gotta?”

“Yep. You gotta. You fading fast, man. C’mon. Gimme yo hand. I’ll help you up. And yeah, I know. Don’t dare fucking touch you. I know.”

~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~

Justin’s caught up in the heat of the beach, the energy of competition, and the overall electricity of so much frenetic activity. He’s having a general good time without all the hassles of constant tiring obligations and tough time schedules. And he has something specific, something very special in the forefront of his mind to look forward to. To anticipate passionately……….

Downtime with JC.

And during all the whoops, splashes, squeals, and collective rivalry madness, he’s been keeping an eye on JC and exchanging a few clandestine smiles between the two of them, which have served to keep him energized and going. He’d even felt his stomach flip over twice as he’d watched JC slowly raise up the hem of his immaculately white shirt to reveal a glimpse of the blood-red landscape of his back for some salivating, screaming freaks in the stands who pathetically begged to see it. And then actually fucking *took pictures of it!*

*Jesus H. Christ, Junior. Damnit. Poor sweetness. What a total ass I am for not being there to keep that shit from happening to him. He wouldn’t be burned and suffering like that if I’d been better to him. Fuck me. Fuck me. Fuck me.*

However, his ultimate, ice-cold moment of alarm comes when he casts his eyes over to the other team’s area and cannot locate JC anywhere in the vicinity. Not sitting “on the bench” in the sand and coolly observing. Not grabbing a bottle of water from the huge insulated tub. Not milling around the pool outskirts in hopes of getting splashed.

No JC. Gone. Vanished.

The panic begins to swell and rise into Justin’s windpipe when he notices that Karen sits alone in the stands now too, stoic and unreadable behind her sunglasses. She’s no longer accompanied by her faithful mate, comfortable up there watching and enjoying all the playful antics of their son and the others. And Roy’s nowhere to be seen socializing on either sideline either, as he had been at one point.

Justin knows enough about appearances and making situations look like what they’re not to understand all the significant signs of something being askew. JC is no longer visible. Neither is his bodyguard. And neither is his father.

Definitely askew.

“Yo, Bass!” he calls out to get Lance’s attention and draw him aside.

“Whassup, J?”

“JC disappeared. I don’t see him anywhere, bro.”

“What?” Lance can’t quite comprehend the anxiety Justin’s exuding. “Maybe he’s taking a pee. Or changing his shirt or something. Maybe he just got over-heated and needed a rest. Take a chill pill, man.”

Justin shakes his head quickly. “Nah. None of that’s feeling right. Feels like something else is up. His dad’s gone too, man. AND Lons……….I’m gonna run back there and check it out, ‘kay?”

“Sure. But keep me posted.”

“Cover me. Be right back.”

~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~

That irritating sandy grit still rides between JC’s toes and his flip-flops once he ambles slowly into the shaded porch area and then through the double glass doors of the backstage pavilion. But it’s air-conditioned and dark in here — Heaven in South Beach for the weary JC — and he sighs with the precious relief that cascades over him.

“Fuck. That feels awesome,” he hisses softly.

“What?” Roy spins around, not minding the obscenity but anxious to make sure his son is still following behind.

“Sorry. I just said it’s tons better in here……….Wow. I can even breathe like normal again.”

“We’ve got a Dr. Grayson waiting to see you, Josh. He’s a specialist in this skin disorder stuff, and he’s going to make sure you’re okay.”

JC glances toward his dad and stops, confused. “We’re……….going somewhere?”

“Yes. The hospital. One that’s close by. You don’t need to be here, son. You’re clearly not well.”

“But I thought I was just escaping the sun and humidity.”

“Dr. Grayson just wants to look at you, Josh, and make sure it’s not that sun poisoning thing.”

“But……….but I can’t……….I didn’t……….” JC trails off. He’s suddenly freezing cold and shivers.

“I talked to Johnny, Josh, and he agrees. He’s concerned too. He’ll let the others know. It’s okay. Don’t worry. You’re good to go,” Roy coaxes while Lonnie looks on silently.

JC wraps his arms around himself and winces audibly. “Wait.”

“What is it, son?”

“Justin……….I didn’t tell Justin……….I can’t just leave without —”

~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~

“Jace! You okay?”

Startled by the breathy yell, JC turns to see Justin stop jogging in from the door and pull up right before him, mere inches away. He’s instantly warmed again by the sight of glistening beaded perspiration along Justin’s upper lip and down the creases in the sides of his long nose. He’s aware of the tiny tingle in his gut that has nothing to do with any nausea but everything to do with Justin’s mere presence alone.

“Um, I don’t know. Maybe not. Dad and Lonnie are taking me to the, well, hospital. Some doc’s gonna look me over.”

*I should have told him. I should have. Now he’s standing here dying to know more, worrying like hell, exactly like I knew he would. And that’s why I kept it from him. But I should have told him.*

“I’ll come along if you want, Jace. You know, to be there. I want to.”

JC shakes his head and slides his shades off completely. “Not necessary. But thanks. I’ll be fine. You’re needed out there, J.”

“But I need for you to be okay,” Justin says softly. And JC hears that low-key vulnerability in the voice again, that yearn to say more/do more for someone else. “I wish I’d known, C……….I’m sorry. If I’d just been around like I was supposed to……….”

“Justin, don’t……….Don’t be sorry. And don’t do the regret thing either. I should have told you about the it……….And it’s not a big deal. Sunburn. That’s all. It can be fixed.”

*Just like we got fixed.*

Justin sighs and fumbles for something to do with his idle hands. Desperately aware, of course, that he and JC are not alone in this room. “What can I do? I so want to help, Jace.”

JC smiles. It’s weak and pained, but still heart-stopping, promising. “I know, J……….Come back to where I’m staying when this Skills thing is all over. I should be there by then. If I’m not, I’ll get word to you. Okay?”

Justin seems somewhat relieved. Temporarily salved. “Will you leave me a key?”

JC groans in the throes of his fiery torment as he turns to Lonnie. “Give him my room pass, man. We’ll get a spare from the desk.”

With a simple nod, Lonnie complies, reaching in one of the many pockets of the jacket he holds instead of wears. And Justin seizes the lull in the conversation to step forward and hug Roy affectionately.

“Nice to see you again, sir.”

Roy embraces Justin warmly and holds onto him a little longer than he might hold someone not quite as significant to his son as he knows this boy is. “You too, Justin. You’ve been too scarce of late, son. We miss you.”

“I know, I know. My sincere apologies. This tour is wearing me down……….But I’m gonna make up for the absenteeism real soon. I promise. Especially to JC. We’re both overdue for some R and R……….And I’m not much good without him,” he prattles on, filled with several emotions at once and not ashamed to be open with them.

Roy smiles and seems to understand perfectly. He claps Justin on the back heartily. “He’s pretty lonesome without you too, Justin. And we got to get him over to that doctor now for an exam. He’s a little ill.”

“Yes, I realize that, and thank you, sir. I hope it’s nothing serious. And you can count on me to take the best care of him when he gets back. I promise.”

“Good. That’s a big help. His mother’s always more at ease about him and his well-being when you’re around.”

“Here, man. Secure it in your brassiere or something, Timberlass,” Lonnie hoarses out from behind, passing Justin the hard plastic key card as he moves on by him. “Don’t lose it.”

“Bugger off, Lons.”

Sneakily undercover, JC slides a slow palm over the round curves of Justin’s lower rump as he slinks past him. “Mmm……….Nice buns, you sexy lil’ ass-kisser.”

And Justin feels his cock harden and his balls tighten instantly at the salacious touch. He lets a tiny whimper escape his mouth as he watches JC wink at him as if in erotic slow motion and then swing around to join Roy and Lonnie who wait ahead at the front door of the building.

“I’ve got the best ass-kisser you’ll ever meet right here, you naughty bitch,” he whispers for only JC.

“Ah, I know, babe. I might be in some hell-pain right now……….But I still remember you.”

“I’ll be there this time……….for you.”

“And you’re dead if you’re lying, you hot piece of ass.”

~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~

It’s early evening already by the time Justin steals in the service entrance of JC’s hotel and leaves his security guys having a drink in the downstairs bar. All the Skills events had lasted well into late afternoon, and he’d hung around for an acceptable amount of time to chat with some other celebs and pose for a few photos.

Per the “decree” from management, handed down via Johnny and Melinda, he didn’t elaborate on JC’s mysterious disappearance except to Joey, Chris, and Lance. Well, okay, to Trace and Lynn too, of course, who’d both seen Justin sprint off just after JC had left the beach area.

And he’d felt a certain wild sense of vengeful satisfaction by refusing to field questions from anyone about Cameron. Nope. Absolutely not. She’s gone. Let the bitch stay gone. Get your mofo publicity at somefuckingbody else’s expense today, girlie.

He’d hurried back to his own suite to shower and change, too nervous with anxious energy to bother with a disguise of any sort. No one followed them in Trace’s rented Mustang, and no one knew where JC was staying anyway.

So Justin slips the key card in the brass slot and eases into the room quietly. It’s shadowy and chilled and silent. Only a couple of glowing candles in the small sitting room flicker.

“Jace?”

“In here.”

Justin follows the muffled sound into the bedroom, which is also dark and cool and soundless, except for an occasional small crackle from the candle lit on each side of the bed. JC, he can see, is lying there uncovered, flat on his stomach, his arms circling a plump pillow, and the expanse of his injured back resting motionless. He’s wearing only some boxer briefs, which are pulled down enough to show the stark contrast of his “tan line.”

Justin swallows back a hushed gasp that has caught in his throat, so shocked he is at being able to see the blistered red and the bordering pearl white so clearly, even in the semi-darkness. He moves closer and gently sits down on the other side of the bed.

“How ya feeling, baby?”

“Burnt up. Please. Don’t. Touch.”

“I know. I wouldn’t hurt you, Jace. Never.”

“I know, Justin. I just……….It’s good right now. I don’t want it to start up again.”

“I talked to your moms at Skills. She was about ecstatic that they ruled out sun poisoning. Said you might live after all. Haha.”

JC whimpers quietly against the pillow as he moves his hips for comfort on the cool sheets. “They gave me a shot too……….to dull the pain……….And it’s finally working……….I’m relaxed as hell. Feels nice.”

Taking great caution to keep the mattress from shaking, Justin inches closer to the too-warm body until he can feel the waves of heat that the exposed crimson flesh of JC’s tensed, raw back gives off. He can’t resist leaning in and tucking one of the loose dark curls behind JC’s ear and brushing the skin there with his lips.

“Too much touch, baby?” he whispers.

JC shifts his head slightly so that both of his tropical blue eyes can drink in Justin’s image. “Perfect……….No, not enough……….Never enough.”

“I’ve got more where that came from.”

Again, JC moans softly, half into the pillow. “And this is the fucking worst……….not being able to enjoy it……….to get more of you, to give you more,” he says, like the sounds of unfolding velvet.

Justin presses nearer, leans forward more still, so that he can slide a damp, cool kiss along the bristled edge of JC’s jaw line. “It’s okay, Jace. Don’t worry about any of this. Just a little more time to build up that massive orgasmic explosion, right?’

“My boyfriend, Justin Timberlake. Always looking on the fucking bright side. Ever the optimist.”

Dragging his lips around the corners of JC’s mouth and over the tip of his nose, Justin breathes out a warm snicker. “There ya go. Nothing wrong with that, is there? Hey, baby. At least we’re together now……….And you still taste……….so……….fucking……….sweet.”

JC murmurs a quiet giggle at the touch of Justin’s roaming wet mouth. “Ah, and people imagine ME to be the fucking romantic one of us.”

“But you *are*, baby. Romantic as hell………..‘SPECIALLY when we’re fucking. You know what I’m saying?”

“Justin, stop. My cock is starting to ache for some of that hot action from your mouth you’re doing to me……….And this is really NOT the best of times. That doctor was all about me needing to chill on as much physical activity as possible, at least for tonight, if I want to play hoops tomorrow.”

“Okay, baby. I understand. Mine’s been aching for you all damn day too. Sorry for teasing.”

“Besides, I want to get the big, mind-blowing blast out of it when it does finally happen, not hurt like hell through it. You know what *I’m* saying, sexy?”

“I know, sweetness. Sorry again. I can wait a little longer……….And you can bet your fine-as-hell ass — that’s sticking all up in the air here, BEGGING to be plugged — that you WILL enjoy it when it *comes*. I guarantee that, baby.”

Justin moves in for a full-contact kiss that’s only slightly awkward because of their positioning because it’s also so damn incredibly moist and warm and full of two pounding, matching heartbeats. Miraculously, Justin doesn’t grab JC and squeeze him to his chest like he so desperately wants to do.

His eyes heavy and hazy with desire now, JC laughs and sighs simultaneously, a sound from the Land of Beautiful that wafts around Justin’s heart and then shoots straight down to his tingling groin. “Whoa. I’ve been missing those like crazy.”

“Hmm. Me too,” Justin answers and smiles. “The quiet stuff, ya know? When it’s just us. The snuggling, making out, just talking……….Simple shit I didn’t realize meant so much and was so important ‘til I went on the road and didn’t have it around anymore.”

“Damn. Impressive. How smart you’re gonna be when you grow up completely, J,” JC says and winks at him from his immobile, reclining stance.

“Aw, eat me, Jace. You know you dig soft, emotional stuff like that too.”

“With you, yes.”

“Do you miss me when I’m gone?”

“Too damn much. It makes me act insane. Ask the other three.”

“Well, we’re hooked up now, damnit. And that’s what counts.” Justin grins, grazing JC’s cheek with a fingertip.

“I’m sorry I fell asleep out by the pool and did this and wrecked our plans, babe.”

“Sweetness, nix on the sorry crap. And you didn’t wreck any plans. They’re just, um, altered a bit. We’ll have a little more of the quiet time to get into……….before we work up to the — shall we say? — banging, off-the-hook, feel-the-fucking-earth-move climax. Right?”

“Sounds like something I know I’d buy a ticket for.”

“Well, you’re fare’s already been paid. You’re in.”

“I’m fucking horny too.” JC laughs.

“Cut it out. Doctor’s orders……….You sure you’re feeling okay now, baby?” Justin fingers through JC’s messy hair. “Can I get ya anything?”

“I’m feeling better than I’ve felt all damn day. Thanks to you……….my love.”

“Hey. I see cream over there on the nightstand. Hydrocortisone?”

“Yep. Super-strength. Mixed with aloe vera. It’s big-time cool and soothing.”

“Want me to rub some on your back now? We gotta get you healeth up, baby.”

JC smiles. “Hmm. That might be dangerous, J, considering our, um, appetites for each other at the moment. Maybe after dinner and a little clubbing.”

“Oh. You feel up to all that, Jace?”

“I feel like trying. My parents want us to join them for dinner, if you’re down with it.”

“Sure. Why not?”

“AND we should make an appearance at that Krave joint later too. YOU most of all, Mr. No Show Pissing Off My Fans Prick.”

Justin grimaces. “Don’t start with all that. They don’t know what all we know.”

“What I know is that you’ve already ‘healeth-ed’ me up a damn lot……….I love you. I never get to say it face-to-face enough anymore……….I love you.”

Justin kisses his own fingertip and presses it to JC’s plump, warm lips. “I corazón you too, sweetness.”

“Corazón. Pretty.”

“The Spanish word for ‘heart.’”

JC grins the crinkled-face grin. “Ah, my special boy loves me in two languages.”

“I’ll master all of the fuckers all over the world if you give me time.”

“Take all the time you need, babe. I’ll wait……….And I thought of something else you can get for me, like, right now. If you don’t mind.”

“Anything. Name it.”

“How ‘bout another of those kisses I miss so much?”

“Can do, baby. Definitely can do.”



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