Just You and Me

By: Stefani

Rated: NC17/Slash

Disclaimer: I don’t own *Nsync, as much as I’d like to ;)

Distribution: DreamLand, all others must ask

Pairing: JC/Lance [Basez]

Story Banner: http://www.boomspeed.com/stefani/justyouandmebanner.jpg

Notes: Alright, sorry if some of the actual events aren’t true or not in order or whatnot… I tried to stay as close to how things happened, but I’m not sure, so… if I’m wrong about something… oh well, lol

 

Chapter Five

 

            “You’re all I ever wanted…” Justin sang as they spun around.  Lance bent and touched the ground, clapping his hands and walking forward, counting off the steps in his mind, while trying to jump in on his parts.  JC was beside him, and he was trying his hardest to concentrate on the moves and not the way JC’s ass moved when he bent over.  Their last show of the Europe tour was tonight, and they were huge.  Lance never imagined a fan base this large before.  On just the trip from the car to the arena today, they were chased down the road, and it took four bodyguards to hold back the people after that.

 

            “You’re all I ever wanted, you’re all I ever needed…” Justin went on, everyone chiming in on their parts.  Lance and JC had slipped into a utility room earlier to make out before practice, and Lance smiled as he turned, doing the last move, thinking about that.  He’d felt so dirty at first, but this passion he had, it was an unstoppable force.

 

            “Okay guys, sound check went great,” A voice came over the loudspeaker, “Go on back to costume and makeup, the doors open in an hour.” Lance walked beside JC as they went back, their hips touching.  JC smiled out of the corner of his mouth while they all slipped back into the room, the racks of their clothes ready for them.  Lance sighed at his rack, looking at JC.

 

            “We don’t need to change quite yet.” He said walking out, JC walking behind him and talking loudly about one of the songs, as to advert the guys.  The doors opened in an hour, and then they had another hour until the opening act, and then they went on; plenty of time.

 

          “I don’t want to talk about the songs.” Lance said as they sat behind a crate and smiled.  He gave JC a peck on the cheek and rested his head against him, “Wake me in fifteen minutes?” JC sighed and smiled, wrapping his arm around Lance who was sleeping lightly on his shoulder. He kissed the top of his head, as he heard Lance slipping into a sleep.  JC sighed and leaned his head against the crate, finding himself getting a little tired.

 

            Justin walked across the dressing room over and over again with his arms crossed, Chris trying to tell him to calm down, telling him how he was wearing a hole in the floor from all of his damned pacing.

 

            “Calm down?  Show starts in 15 minutes, where the hell are they?” He demanded.  Justin had been really edgy about the past few shows, and Chris was worried if he freaked anymore, one of his pretty little curls would pop out of place.

 

            “Joey is out looking, don’t WORRY.” Chris said.  Justin sat down with his arms still crossed in a chair and crossed his legs, his foot shaking back and forth. 

 

            Meanwhile, Joey walked down the hallway, finding them sleeping.  He sighed and kicked Lance, who shook a little bit, and then kicked JC.

 

            “You better get up, Justin’s about to flip in there.” He said.

 

            “Hmm? What time is it?” Lance said as he got up.  JC’s arm had fallen from his, and it just looked like they had just fallen asleep back there.

 

            “You’ve got fifteen minutes.” Joey said.

 

            “Oh shit!” Lance ran off down the hallway, JC after him.  They flew in the room and threw their clothes on, the whole time, Justin yelling at them.

 

            “Where the HELL were you?”

 

            “We’re sorry, we fell asleep!” JC said as Justin threw his arms up.

 

            “You fell ASLEEP, ya know, we have a show, our LAST Europe show!”

 

            “Calm down Justin!” Chris said, pushing him back to the seat as Lance zipping up his pants and pulled his shirt on.

 

            “Here, we’re ready.” He said as he spread gel throughout his hair, looking at JC who did the same.  They headed out, hearing the screaming fans already, as they got in their positions.  The show went well, and Justin calmed down, everyone running through their moves perfectly.  Lance’s shoes slid across the floor perfectly as practiced.  He kept his eyes off of JC, knowing one glance and he’d be thrown off for the whole show.  Lance reached out and touched a young girl’s hand during a song, feeling her palm grip his, and she wasn’t letting go.

 

            He kept singing, throwing a glance at Joey and tugging, smiling lightly as she snatched his arm.  Lance tried to remain smiling, his head freaking out, hoping his eyes were pleading with the lady.  She finally let go and screamed loudly.

 

            “Lance looked at me!!” Lance rolled his eyes, and tried to get back into line, but it took him a minute to get back in, his anger boiling a little as they sang.  He had enough troubles with the dances without a fan getting him off count.  But soon enough, the show was over, and they walked back out.

 

            “Hey Lance, got ya a groupie, huh?” Joey said laughing as he threw a towel at him, and Lance rolled his eyes.

 

            “She wouldn’t let go!” He said as the others laughed at him, “And y’all just stood there and laughed.”

 

            “Okay guys, we’re flying home tomorrow at five.” Justin said as he ran his hand through his curls.

 

            “Home…” Joey said in a sing-song voice, “There’s no where quite like… home…”

 

            “Can it.” JC said with a smile, “Enough singing for now.” Joey smiled as they walked off, and Lance turned to the curtain.

 

            “Goodbye Europe.” He added. After the show, they showered and went out to a fancy dinner, sitting around and joking.  And Lance actually felt nice; he felt like he belonged.  He had bonded with the others; they were a giant family. Lance felt JC’s hand on this thigh under the long tablecloth.  Well, JC was a little more then a brother. He looked at his lover as he took a sip of his drink and chatting with some others; his eye peaking out of the corner and looking at Lance, his hand sliding up Lance’s leg a little. 

 

            Lance felt himself blushing as he tried to advert his attention and talk to Justin, and JC’s hand was gone.  Part of Lance, the part that didn’t want to stand up with a hard-on, the part that was still scared of their relationship, that part was glad.  But the part that was getting turned on, the part that was all riled up and excited now, was very, very upset.  

 

            Dinner ended, and the boys all rode back in the limo to their hotel, signing autographs for some waiting fans, and going in.  Chris said he was going to go out, Joey insisting he went with him.  Justin looked at JC, almost asking if he could hang out with his eyes, Lance looking at JC, his eyes shaking no.  JC looked back and forth.  Trapped.

 

            “Hey Jace and Lance; all the others are going, and I can’t go out with them, they’ll probably go to a club… you guys wanna go watch a movie in your room?” Justin said quietly, almost shyly.  JC looked at Lance who smiled lightly.

 

            “Sure Justin, we’ll meet you in there.” He said.  Justin smiled and walked to his room. Lance grabbed JC’s arm and quickly pulled them into the room.  He pressed JC against the door, pressing his mouth against his boyfriend’s as hard as he could, letting his fingers run where ever they could, before Lance pulled back and panted, JC doing the same.

 

            “What was that for?” He gasped.

 

            “Just… I needed it, before… Justin…” Lance said in-between breaths, kissing JC again, letting their tongues quarrel against each other’s.  They heard a knock at the door, and Lance pulled back, wearing a small grin, as JC walked to the bed and Lance opened the door.  Justin, being his usual cheerful self, came in. He had apologized at dinner for how upset he was about the show, saying he was just tense. 

 

            “Hey guys, I brought some snacks from our room.” He said as he held up some food and walked over to one of the beds and sat in it, Lance closing the door, and sitting beside JC.

 

            “So, what do you want to watch?” JC asked as he lay on his stomach and turned the TV on.

 

            “It doesn’t matter to me.” Justin said as he opened a bag of chips, the popping sound loud.  JC flipped through the stations, there was nothing on.  Frowning, he put on I Love Lucy on TV Land.  He knew Lance loved to watch it.  Other nights when it was on late, they’d lie together in bed, spooned together, and JC would give Lance a massage, or leave soft kisses during the show.  JC wasn’t a particular fan of it, but he enjoyed getting to touch Lance while he watched it.  He turned it down as Lance lay down like JC, and rested his chin on his arms.

 

            “So wow… we’re leaving.” JC said, trying to make casual conversation.  He could tell Justin wasn’t too interested in the black and white sitcom.

 

            “Yea, and we’re going home… I can’t wait.” He said as he ate a chip, passing the bag to JC who made a small pile in front of Lance and he, giving Justin the bag back. 

 

            “Jace, how come you never go out with Chris and Joey?” Justin asked casually, “You ain’t gotta stick around with the young’ns.” JC chuckled lightly.

 

            “I’d rather stay in,” He said, “I’m just not too big on that sorta thing any ways.” He added, feeling Lance’s foot on his leg.  He was big on this sorta thing; Lance rubbing and purring up against him.

 

            “Oh.” Justin said quietly, his fingers plucking on the bedding casually.  Lance yawned lightly, shifting his head.  It had been a long day, and they were pooped.  JC originally had had other plans for tonight before Justin came along.  He just assumed Justin would enjoy not having to fight over the PlayStation with Joey and Chris for once.  Justin’s feet were swinging on the end of the bed, his eyes looking dead ahead at the TV, laughing lightly at some of the antics. 

 

            Justin was fidgeting.  JC could tell.  He was used to jumping around and going nuts with Joey and Chris, not lounging like boring old Lance and he.

 

            “Sorry we’re not too much fun.” JC said, “It’s just been a long day.” Justin nodded and got a pillow, laying down on it, snuggling close.  Lance was hoping he’d claim tired and go back to his own room, but Justin looked like he was settling in.

 

            “It’s okay, sometimes just laying around is nice, especially after being on the move as much as we are.” Lance nodded, feeling JC’s leg start to rub back on him.  Justin started to talk away about how they’d edit their CD once they got into the US.

 

            “I have to go to the bathroom.” Justin said suddenly.  Lance watched him out of the corner of his eye as he got up and walked towards the bathroom.  The door clicked and locked, and Lance turned his neck, his lips slamming right into JC’s, which were already inching towards Lance’s own.  JC’s hand rested on Lance’s hips as they kissed.  Lance tightened his hand on JC’s butt and pulled him close to him.  Lance was really beginning to wish Justin would leave.

 

            “Kick him out.” Lance whispered with humor in his voice while JC nibbled on his neck. 

 

            “Can’t do that.” He said quietly as they hear a toilet flush.  They pulled apart and went back to the pervious positions as Justin walked out, stretching his arms far over his head. 

 

            “Sleepy?” JC said jokingly as Justin stuck his tongue out at him.  Lance was getting uncomfortable on his stomach, and wiggled onto his side.  JC snickered lightly, knowing why Lance had his sudden shift. 

 

            “I’m just so glad that I talked my way out of going out with my mom,” Justin said, “Lance, you’re so lucky yours really has left you alone on the trip.  My mom even tried picking out my clothes!” Lance grinned as the credits rolled on the TV and allowed his attention to be stolen from the show, to Justin.

 

            “Yea, I guess I am lucky,” he started, knowing he was lucky he could have the moments with JC without her hovering, able to spend all of his free time as he wished.  She was only there for protection, “But you should be lucky, too.” Justin scoffed.

 

            “Really now? How so?” He said, adding a laugh.

 

            “The less I’m with her, the more she’s with your mom, and the less your mom is with you.” Justin smiled and Lance turned sharply, slamming into JC, knocking the thin man off of the bed and tumbling between the two.  Lance looked over and smiled and reached his hand out, latching it with JC’s as he pulled him up.  Lance only let go of his fingers reluctantly, his digits slipping from his lover’s. 

 

            “Sorry!” Lance said with a smile.  Justin reached over and grabbed the remote triumphantly.

 

            “I’m changing it.” He declared with his attention on the TV.  Lance ran a finger down JC’s chest quickly.  There was some foreign movie on, and Justin tried to pay attention.  His eyes started dropping, and he started to settle into a pillow.  Soon enough, his breathing indicated he was asleep.

 

            “Finally.” JC whispered, claiming Lance’s lips for his own as he kissed him.  Lance wiggled close to JC, who turned off the TV, and pulled Lance up to the head of the bed.  They kissed while shedding clothes and crawling under the covers.  JC flipped off the light, the room turning pitch black with only a faint outline of Justin’s bed from the dull moon.  Lance scooted down the bed and reached up, pulling JC’s entire body under the sheets and introducing him to the heat of the night.

 

            Lance woke up first the next morning, as he had expected he would.  JC was snug against him, still very deep in his sleep.  Lance briefly ran his fingers through JC’s hair, not wanting to wake him up.  As he pulled himself away from the tight, warm embrace and into the cool air, JC murmured lightly, reaching out for Lance to come back to him.  Lance placed a quick kiss on his head before leaving to take a shower.

 

            Justin was awake when Lance came back out, sitting up in the bed with cartoons playing on the TV lightly, JC still sound asleep.

 

            “Morning.” Justin said sleepily as Lance smiled.  Justin got up, saying something about Chris and cereal.  He left, dragging his feet behind himself as the door shut.  Lance crawled on the bed, his hair slightly wet from his shower, and snuggled up to JC.  JC mumbled and spooned his arms around Lance.

 

            “When do we have to leave?” He asked.  Lane ran his hand down JC’s chest, who purred lightly against him.

 

            “A few hours.” Lance answered quietly, “Plenty of time to finish what we started yesterday.” JC moaned softly as Lance’s fingers brushed his nipples.

 

Chapter Six

 

            JC sulked in the living room back home at on the couch.  No one knew who they were.  They were nobodies here.  JC remembered stepping off the plane with images of tons of people around, reporters, photographers, women and girls, instead getting off to an empty pavement.  He sighed, Lance saw this coming; Justin had warned him.  But JC hadn’t listened.  They were lying around the living room, Chris and Justin on the PlayStation playing as if their lives depended on it, and Joey on the chair watching.  Lance was on the couch with JC whose face was sulking in his palms. 

 

            “You want a backrub?” Lance whispered quietly into JC’s ears, his green eyes glistening a little bit.  JC contemplated it, before shaking his head no, Lance sighing deeply, “What about… we can go out to dinner, anywhere you want.” Again, JC shook his head.

 

            “I just wanna go to sleep.” He mumbled.  Lance nodded and stood up, looking at the guys, who weren’t even paying attention to them.  He considered telling them they were going back, but decided against it, as JC slowly followed the younger man back. Lance shut the door behind JC, who flopped on the bed, not bothering to take off his shirt like he always did.  Lance sighed and walked over, lying beside his lover.

 

            “Jace…” He murmured, pulling their bodies close, “Come on now…”

 

            “We’re home, and no one even knows who the hell we are.” He mumbled, Lance rolling his eyes.

 

            “But they will, hun, they will… the company is fixing up the CD and they’ll re-release it here… and before you know it…”

 

            “You’ll be back home, I’ll be back with my mom, and no one will remember us next year.” He said, as Lance grunted.

 

            “I’ll always remember us… and don’t say that, this time next year… we’ll be recording a whole new album and going platinum and…” JC put his finger against Lance’s lips to cut him off, closing his eyes.  Lance smiled lightly, and snuggled up to JC.  JC grunted as he tucked an arm around Lance, kissing him on his forehead.

 

            “Don’t worry.” Lance said, “I love you.” He added, pulling a blanket over them.

 

            “Love ya, too.” JC finished as they slipped off. 

 

            The next morning at breakfast, Justin was jumping around and yammering on.  About what, Lance didn’t no.  He just looked over at JC who was still slumped over.  He even ate cereal like he was depressed.  Lance patted JC’s knee softly.  He was driving Lance nuts.

 

            “Jace, dude, listen,” Joey said, “It’s not a big deal, we’ll be fine.  The album goes out to the states in a few weeks.” JC rolled his eyes and keep quietly munching.  The other guys had given up on cheering him up days ago, Lance still gently trying to pull JC out of his slump.  Granted, moving from the past stardom in Europe to the reserved boys in Florida was a great change, it wasn’t deathly like JC was making it out to be. 

 

            And, if Lance remembered correctly, it was JC who told him he thought the group was going to be going really far.  Lance finished quickly, rinsing his bowl out in the sink.  JC walked over behind him, glumly, following Lance back to the room where he would change for practice.  Lance shut the door behind JC, staring at him.

 

            “What?” JC said finally, as Lance walked over and held him tightly.  JC stood taut for a moment, his figure hard and straight, before he softened into Lance’s embrace, wrapping his arms around the younger man.  Lance rocked their bodies together for a moment.

 

            “Baby…” JC whispered, Lance ignoring him and holding them tighter, before patting JC’s back and getting dressed.  JC inched closer to Lance, “What was that for?” He said quietly as Lance pulled a shirt on and turned around.

 

            “Even if every teenager in America doesn’t love you, this one always will.” Lance whispered, feeling tears gather in his eyes, quickly turning around to get his pants on, not willingly to face JC.  JC took his arm and spun him around, giving him a long kiss.

 

            “I love you.” The older man whispered on Lance’s lips.

 

            “Same here.” Lance added as he pulled his pants up, sharing one more kiss with JC before the day began.

 

            Music pounded against the cold, crappy cement walls; sweat dripping off Lance’s body into puddles on the floor.  They had been working all day, and the others kept going strong, working through it, Lance felt like he was going to die.

 

            “Keep it strong guys, only one more time!” The choreographer yelled at them, Lance groaning.  It was after 10!  They were granted a concert on the Disney channel.  The CD launched, doing well, but not SUPER well. But they couldn’t complain.

 

            “Lance, you missed that step!” Justin cried, Lance blinking.

 

            “Sorry Justin…” He said quietly as Justin started the song over, the others groaning loudly.  Lance ran through it perfectly, finally, they got released for the night.

 

            “See you guys at 6 tomorrow morning.  It’s our last practice!” The choreographer yelled after then, Lance groaning.  His whole body ached worse then he could ever remember aching, and all he wanted to do was crawl back home, in bed with JC.  Lance got his water bottle, guzzling it down as JC followed him to the car. 

 

            “We’re almost done…” JC reminded him, petting Lance’s arm as they pulled out, following the other car back to the house.  Lance nodded and leaned his head against the window.  Within seconds, JC turned to see him asleep, smiling to himself on the way back to the house.  He saw Justin get out of the car, as it sped off, Justin frowning.  He really did hate being left out like that.  JC watched him shuffle in and shut the door, as he pulled in the driveway.  The living room light flicked on as he shut off the engine.

 

            “Lancey…” JC whispered in his ear, Lance mumbling lightly.  JC sighed and got out, opening Lance’s door and gathering him in his arms, Lance leaning against him as JC led them in the house.

 

            “Hey.” Justin said as JC and Lance plopped on the couch.  JC smiled as Justin curled up in the chair, flipping the channels.

 

            “I hate being young.” He said with a tone of pout in his voice that Justin had mastered perfectly.

 

            “You’d hate being old, too.  You just can’t win.” JC said with a smile as Justin tossed the remote down.

 

            “But I do!” He said, his voice squeaking slightly as he turned red, quickly brushing it off, “I mean, I’m not even done with high school and Chris already went to collage!”

 

            “But Chris also acts 16.” JC pointed out, as Justin rolled his eyes.

 

            “It still pisses me off.” He mumbled, tossing the remote at JC, “I’m going to bed, I’m too tired and mad!” JC watched Justin storm off, looking at Lance who was already sleeping against the couch.  He wrapped an arm around Lance, who curled to JC; lying on the couch, sleep claiming JC as well.  He laid down, pulling Lance close to him.  He got a hold of the afghan that was on the back of the couch, one that Joey had brought with him, and pulled it on them, as they quickly drifted off, Lance nuzzled under JC’s arm, with a hand across his chest.

 

            Lance woke up a few hours later, shifting a little, reaching his head so that he and JC could kiss lightly, totally oblivious to where they were, simply assuming it was bed.  JC groaned in his sleep, putting a hand in Lance’s hair, petting his lover’s back with soothing swipes.

 

            Meanwhile, Justin got out of bed, still pissed off, and walked into the kitchen, not even looking at the couch. He grabbed a bowl of popcorn from the night before, walking back to the bedroom.  He saw the light from the TV still on, and went to turn it off, stopping dead in his tracks when he looked at the couch.  JC’s hand rested on Lance’s backside, their lips locked, and eyes closed.  The air was kicked straight out of Justin’s lungs, as he dropped the bowl, popcorn spilling everywhere.  He swallowed the lump in his throat, quickly walking off to his room and shutting the door.  He dashed under his covers and stared at his ceiling with wide eyes.

 

            “I knew it.” He whispered to himself.

 

            “Lance, let’s go to the room.” JC said quietly, Lance nodding as they got up.  Joey and JC weren’t back yet, much to their please.  They got in bed and locked the door, curling up to each other tightly.

 

            The next morning at breakfast, Justin stared at Lance and JC.  Suddenly everything clicked into place and made sense.  Why they locked the door at night, why went everywhere together, why JC was always so willing to help Lance dance, why they were connected at the hip at times. 

 

            “Justin… what?  Is there something on my face?” JC asked, Justin shaking his head, “You’re staring…”

 

            “Sorry, not at you, I was just dazing.” He said, JC nodding and eating his food, Justin having to work very hard to put cereal into his mouth.  Lance was uncomfortable with the way Justin was staring as he shifted a little.

 

            “Concert’s tomorrow.” Joey said, “Sweet, huh?” They all nodded in agreement, Justin suddenly gobbling down his cereal.

 

            “All done.” He said, standing up quickly.  Quickly enough that he knocked his chair over and nearly tripped over it, spilling milk on the floor.

 

            “Justin!” Chris said, standing up and wiping up the mess, “be careful!” Justin apologized, looking at Lance again, before scrambling up and down the hallway.

 

            “What’s up HIS ass?” Joey said as they finished eating, Lance’s mind going nuts.  He stood up quickly walking down, too, the others looking at him.  They heard two separate doors shut, JC getting up next.

 

            “What the hell is this?” Chris said as JC walked down and pushed open his door, where Lance was pacing.

 

            “He knows, he has to know.” JC rolled his eyes.  Lance was so paranoid.

 

            “No he doesn’t!” He insisted.

 

            “Didn’t you see how Justin was looking at us?” Lance said, his hands shaking, still pacing the room, as JC took him by the shoulders.

 

            “It’s all your imagination!” JC said, Lance quivering, “Calm down…” He added softly, Lance lightening a little.

 

            “You think?” He whispered.

 

            “I’m sure.” JC confirmed.

 

****************************

            “Baby… you don’t look too good.” JC said in the hotel room, leaning over Lance, “Are you okay?” Lance groaned in the bed, throwing the covers off, then shivering and pulling them back on, JC frowning as he got down on a knee, pushing the hair out of Lance’s bright red face.  Lance had been sick for a few days, but tonight it was the worst.

 

            “You’re burning up!” He exclaimed, “Let me get you a cool washcloth.” He walked in the backroom, hearing Lance moaning nearly breaking his heart.  He came back in, putting it over Lance’s face, “Do you need a doctor?” he asked, worried as hell.  Lance licked his lips, his eyes sealed.

 

            “That’s it, I’m getting someone.” He said, opening the door up.  He saw Justin walking out of his room, dressed like he was going somewhere, “Justin!” He yelled as his friend walked over.

 

            “What’s wrong?” He asked as JC pushed his hands in his pockets.

 

            “Lance is real sick… real sick.  I… I don’t know what to do.” He said, biting his lip.

 

            “What kind of sick?” Justin queried.

 

            “He’s all hot… and sweaty… he’s just bad, man.  Can you stay with him while I find someone?” JC asked.

 

            “Sure, my mom’s in it room 307.” Justin said walking in the room as JC ran off. He looked at Lance who wheezed as Justin stepped in, shutting the door.  Lance’s face was covered in a washcloth, his mouth sticking out.

 

            “Jace?” He coughed, Justin walking over and putting his hand on his friend’s shoulder.

 

            “No, it’s Justin, shh, don’t talk.” He whispered, “JC went to find someone.” Lance slumped back a little as Justin pet him lightly, “I hope you’re okay.” He whispered, kneeling by the bed.  JC rushed in a moment later with Lynn.  Lance’s mom had finally laid off and was back at home, Lynn still tagging along. 

 

            “Oh Lance!” She said, Justin going to JC who was watching with concerned eyes.  Lynn put her hand on his forehead, as he coughed again, “Honey, tell me what hurts.” She said gently.  Lance groaned a shifted a little, JC wanted to reach out and hug him and pet him and kiss him…

           

            “Everything.” He whispered, JC feeling tears in his eyes.  Lynn picked up the phone and dialed some numbers, getting her motherly face on.

 

            “Lance is not performing tomorrow.” She said, listening and getting upset, “He’s not!” JC walked over to the bed and got down, looking into Lance’s face, his eyes closed. After a moment, Lynn slammed the phone down, cursing loudly.  Justin watched her bite her lip and look at Lance, saying she’d be right back and walking out.

 

            “That didn’t sound good.” Justin said, JC nodding.  Justin watched JC as he whispered something to Lance.  He hadn’t said anything since he had walked in on them, too embarrassed.  And he hadn’t known how to bring it up. “Hey guys, I saw you making out” just didn’t sound right.  Lynn came back in with a bag with some things in it, setting it by the bed.

 

            “Here Lance, can you take a pill?” She asked.  JC helped Lance sit up a little, his hands supporting Lance’s neck and head, as Lynn put the pill in his mouth, allowing him to use water to drink it with.  JC laid him back down, Lynn and him connecting eyes.

 

            “JC, you’ll stay with him?”

 

            “Of course.” JC said as she ushered him over.

 

            “Basin in case he’s sick, more medicine, give him another in 5 hours.  And here’s the number to my cell phone.” JC set it on the night stand, promising he’d watch Lance.  Justin smiled at JC and followed his mom out, shutting the door. 

 

            “Baby…” He whispered, going right to Lance’s side and rubbing his arms.  Lance moaned.

 

            “Jace… I… back… I don’t want…” He sighed lightly, he looked like his head was swimming, “don’t want you sick.” He finally said, as if one sentence hurt him so bad.

 

            “I wanna stay with you…” JC whimpered.  He kissed Lance’s forehead as he undressed, getting in the bed with Lance.  He stayed on the other side as to not get germs, as he fell asleep. 

 

            The next morning, JC got up, Lance’s face full of sweat and his face flushed.  JC gave him a pill, Lynn at the door as they got up.  JC quickly messed up the other bed and let her in.

 

            “Lance sweety, I talked with your mom,” She said, Lance groaning.  Now he’d never hear the end of it, “She says to keep you on this medicine and she hopes you feel better.” Lance nodded as she left.

 

            “Up.” Lance said as JC reached out for him and got him up. 

 

            “How are you today?” JC asked him softly.

 

            “A little better.” Lance answered, inching towards the hotel’s bathroom, JC going in to make sure he was okay.  Somehow, Lance made it to breakfast, everyone fussing over him.  He ate, as Lynn demanded.  Lou said he had to work the show, even after Lynn bitched him out for what she said, had been hours.

 

            “You gonna be okay, buddy?” Joey said, Lance nodding, feeling like he was burning up under his t-shirt. 

 

They went to the stage for Summer Jam, and did a sound check.  It was so hot out, and JC was sure that didn’t help Lance at all.  Lance was not into it at all, barely singing, his dancing non-existent.  JC saw Lou off in the distance watching, and after they were done, he ran off to him.

 

            “Lou, hey, Lance is real sick…” JC started, hoping that maybe he could phase the man, but only getting an expression from the man that was anything but caring.

 

            “JC, you’ve got to make sacrifices for your art.  You guys are getting big, but you’re going to be huge.  And if you want to be huge, you do every show.  Sick or not.” He said, walking off, leaving JC gaping with his mouth open.  He turned it where Lance was sitting on the end of the stage, Justin beside him, rubbing his back and giving him a bottle of water.  JC ran back as quick as he could, hopping on stage and sitting on the other side.

 

            “Lance buddy, hang in there…” He said, Lance setting his head on JC’s shoulder.

 

            “I’ll be fine… I can do this show.” He said softly, JC rubbing his back; Justin watched them, as JC brought the bottle to Lance’s lips. 

 

            “Come on, let’s go back now.” Justin said, knowing fans would come soon.  JC nodded and went to help Lance up, who pushed JC’s hands away.  Justin walked ahead of them, thinking maybe Lance felt uncomfortable with JC fussing over him with Justin so close.  Justin rushed up far ahead as Lance inched along.  JC watched him, Lance started to feel dizzy, but didn’t say anything, and JC’s watchful eyes were on him.  Suddenly Lance felt himself get completely weak.

 

            “Jace.” He squeaked as he blacked out.  In an instant, JC put his arms around Lance, catching him, and falling down with him.

 

            “Justin!” JC yelled as loud as he could, getting the blonde’s attention up ahead, “Get help!” JC cradled Lance, rocked him softly, trying not to cry.  In a moment, Chris and Joey were sprinting down the cement, sliding down beside JC.

 

            “What happened?” Chris asked, seeing Justin and Lynn come running next, and he waited for them, partially so he only had to say it once, partially because he didn’t think he COULD say it twice.

 

            “We were just walking, and he collapsed…” JC babbled as Lynn got on her phone quickly, JC touching Lance’s face hesitantly. 

 

            “Hang in there, buddy…” Justin whispered, the four band mates solemn. 

 

            “The ambulance that’s at the stadium is coming.” Lynn said, they already heard the sirens, JC looking up as the white vehicle stopped, guys jumping out with a stretcher. Chris, Joey, and Justin moved back, JC helping Lance up, watching.

 

            “I want to go, too.” He said, but he felt a hand clamp on his shoulder.

 

            “You boys have a show.” He twitched at the voice and pulled himself away from Lou.

 

            “No way!  I’m going with Lance!” JC cried, watching the doors shut, Lou’s hand waving off the car as it sped away, JC’s eyes going wide.

 

            “I’m not doing the show!” JC said loudly, Lou rolled his eyes.

 

            “Yes, yes you are.” He said, Chris pushing in.

 

            “We CAN’T do the show without Lance.  That throws of harmonies, and choreography!” Chris said.

 

            “Make it work.  These people are here to see you, and that is who they will see.” JC clenched his fists, Chris putting his hands on JC’s arms so he didn’t punch Lou in the face.  Lou walked away, yelling, “Twenty minutes guys!”

 

            “That son of a BITCH.” Lynn cursed, stomping off.  JC realized he was shaking, as Justin pulled him to a hug.

 

            “It’s ok, Lance is going to be okay…” Justin whispered, his eyes getting Joey and Chris to leave.  JC nodded, knowing he was acting too strongly… none of the other guys felt like they were going to snap.  But he loved Lance.  JC reluctantly pulled away from Justin’s warm embrace, and went back to change.

 

            JC spent all twenty minutes on the phone, calling the hospital over and over again wanting to know what was going on, but they didn’t know anything.  Justin watched JC, huddled in the corner, cradling the phone.

 

            “We’re going on.” Justin whispered as JC hung it up, following Justin out.