Lauren could only sit, frozen still, staring at the man who had just walked in. Her eyes were wide, her jaw slightly dropped in shock. Justin had the exact same expression on his face, only he was more obvious in his nervousness.
"What don't you want me to know?" JC repeated, looking between the two confused.
'Oh crap, crap, crap, crap, crap!' Laurens thoughts wouldn't go much deeper than the word crap at that moment. 'How much did he hear' Oh, wow! A word other than crap!
Justin regained his composure first, blurting out the first thing that came to his mind. "Lauren and I were playing 20 Questions, and we promised anything we told each other wouldn't leave this room. So she told me a secret, that not even you know, and she was just making sure that I didn't tell anyone. Not even you" Oh God, he sucked at this. He didn't even believe himself!
JC looked over at Lauren, who was still staring at him with a deer-in-the-headlights look drawn on her face. "Seriously?"
"Yeah," Justin answered, as it seemed Lauren was temporarily mute at the moment. "I know somethin' you don't know!" he taunted, hoping to distract from the tension.
"Lauren, I'm shocked at you! You would actually tell Justin something that you wouldn't tell me" JCs smile, and playful hurt expression made it clear that he bought Justins sorry excuse for a lie.
"Um....I, um.....it was part of the rules." That's the best she could come back with? She was a sad, sad, woman.
"Okay, fine. See if I care." JC walked over to the unfolded couch, hopping over the edge to sit with her and Justin. Pretending to ignore them, he grabbed a bowl of popcorn, carelessly popping pieces into this mouth.
Lauren shot Justin a shocked, terrified glance, which Justin returned. Obviously JC hadn't heard anything preceding Laurens request that Justin didn't tell JC about Jimmys continuing threats, but the fact that if he had walked in a few seconds earlier........
"So, whatcha doing?" JCs question broke them from their thoughts.
"Um, Justin complained last time me Janssyn and Brit went out that he never got to have a girls night, so we're having one now." she answered, unable to meet his eyes. Instead, she played with a string on the blanket under her.
"You wanted a girls night?" JC turned his curious eyes to Justin, who immediately defended himself.
"Hey, just because Im in touch with my feminine side, doesnt mean you gotta go hatin' on me." Justin replied, flicking a limp wrist at JC, speaking with a lisp.
"J, youre not in touch with your feminine side." JC taunted. "Youre mauling it!"
"Bitch" Justin lisped.
"What are you doing home?" Lauren asked, finally looking at JC. "I thought you weren't coming home until tomorrow night?"
"Yeah, but we got done quicker than we thought, and I wanted to come home." he replied, stretching his legs out in front of him. Justins crossed legs were in his way, so he just placed his on top of Justins. Looking down at JCs legs like they were offensive, Justin pushed them off of him. "What did you guys do while I was gone." JC continued, shooting Justin an annoyed glance.
"Not much." Justin offered. "I taught her to play basketball without tripping over the ball." Lauren punched Justins shoulder playfully. "Whatever, Lake. You're the one who tripped over his own foot!" she whined.
Warding off another blow from Lauren, Justin continued. "Just hung out. Nothing too exciting."
"Any problems?" JC asked, looking between the two. Lauren and Justin knew exactly what that question really meant, even if it was indirect. He wanted to know if there had been anymore problems with Jimmy.
"Nope." Justin answered, nonchalantly. May as well play it down so JC didn't get suspicious. Justin felt bad about not telling JC what had happened, but he promised Lauren. Breaking a promise to her was not an option. She would never forgive him if he did.
JC looked them over carefully, and upon deciding that he believed them, for now anyway, he stretched his arms over his head. "Welp, I think I'm gonna go to bed." Standing on the couch, JC carefully stepped over the back. He was almost over, when his foot caught the edge, causing him to fall on the floor with a loud thud.
Lauren and Justin peeked over the edge, looking at JCs crumpled form. It was all they could do to hold back their laughter.
"Okay, its bad enough I just fell." JC said, staring at the ceiling above him. "But who the hell left a tub of ice cream back here?"
"Me." Justin confessed, staring down at JCs sprawled body. "Why?"
Glaring at Justin, JC growled "Cause I think its all over my back."
Justin had kept his promise. He never told JC anything that Lauren had told him that night. About the additional threats, or her other confession. The threats were JCs business, because he cared about her and was only looking out for her best interest. The other, was no ones business but Laurens. Justin felt a little guilty about practically forcing it out of her because of the rules of their game, but he knew that if she really didn't want to tell him, that there would be no way she would have. It made him feel good that she trusted him in that way. They were always pretty close; nothing that her and JC, but the second closest of all the guys. But since she had moved in next door, they had grown closer. Lauren liked the idea of having Justin there to talk to, if there was something she felt she couldn't really tell JC. Justin was like the brother she never had.
It was now Sunday afternoon. The guys were scheduled to go back in the studio the next morning, so they decided to get together and have one last day of fun in the sun. Britney was still out on tour, so Justin had been sulking for the last week. Everyone knew how hard it was for Justin when Britney had to go out on tour, or travel for promotions, so they went easy on him.
Janssyn had come over with her sister, Taryn. Janssyn joked that she couldn't bare the thought of leaving Lauren alone all day with five, handsome, young men. Taryn was a lovely girl, with long dark hair, and a sweet smile. She looked nothing like Janssyn, but had a younger, more innocent appeal never the less. She was only 2 years younger than Janssyn, but she looked a lot more so. Janssyn had tried many times in the past to get her little sister into modeling, but Taryn never really took to the idea. She did a couple little things back in high school, but it wasn't her passion. She was studying psychology at school, which took up most of her time. It was a hard program, but she loved it.
Taryn had flown over to Orlando to visit Janssyn for a couple days over spring break before heading home to visit their parents in Cincinnati. When Janssyn asked Taryn if she wanted to go to a little gathering, she didn't think much of it. It wasn't until she walked through the front door of Justin Timberlakes house that she realized who this 'gathering' included.
"Oh, Lordy, please tell me your not a miniature version of your sister?" Justin whined when Janssyn introduced him to Taryn. "I don't think my butt could handle the additional abuse."
"In your dreams, Curly." Janssyn retorted, slapping Justin on the ass for emphasis. "I'm not letting you corrupt my little sister."
"Well, how about letting me corrupt your little sister?" Joeys flirtatious remark caused Janssyn to smile. Wrapping an arm around Taryns shoulders, Joey led her away from her sister and into the back yard. "Don't worry, Jannie, Ill take good care of her." he promised before disappearing out the door.
"That's what I'm afraid of, Joey!" Janssyn called to him. "And dont call me Jannie!" She wasn't sure if he actually heard her, but oh well.
Joining the rest of the group outside, Janssyn immediately found Lauren sitting by the pool. She was wearing an oversized white t-shirt over her black string bikini. Ever since she started dating Jimmy, Lauren had never shown off her body. Except in front of the camera, only because that was her job. If she ever wore a bathing suit, she covered it up with a shirt. Even though she knew she didn't have to worry about that anymore, it was a hard habit to break. She was a little insecure about her body to begin with, and didn't like showing it off too much. Sunglasses over her closed eyes, and her hair pulled up into a high ponytail, she looked like she was peacefully asleep.
Sneaking quietly up beside her, Janssyn sat on the lounge next to her friend. Just as she was about to reach over and poke her, Lauren spoke. "Don't bother, Janssyn. I'm awake." a small smile appearing on her lips.
"I wasn't going to do anything." Janssyn lied.
"Sure."
Janssyn flaked out on the lounge beside Lauren. Wearing a black spaghetti strapped shirt and demin shorts, she knew she wouldn't last long before showing off her swimsuit.
"So, Taryn come with you?" Lauren asked, turning her head to face Janssyn.
"Yup. Joeys already staked his claim."
"Oh Lordy. Did you warn her before you got here?"
"No. I thought it would be more fun to surprise her." Turning to face Lauren, a pleased smiled pressed Janssyns lips. "You should have seen her face when we walked in and she saw Justin coming down the stairs in his trunks." A light laugh escaped her. "I swear, I thought she had stopped breathing."
"You're too bad sometimes." Lauren commented, turning her face back towards the sun beating down on her. It had been way too long since she had been able to sit out and enjoy the sunshine.
"So, are you girls just going to sit there all day?" Lances voice caused both girls to jump. He stood behind their chairs, hanging over slightly to look down at them.
"No. In a few minutes, I intend on jumping in that pool. Care to join me, handsome?" Janssyn teased, smiling seductively up at Lance.
"Anytime!" his smile widening.
"Com'on Lauren." Chris' voice joined in their conversation. "You're not gonna keep that shirt on all day, are ya?"
"Maybe." She hadnt really planned on taking it off. She didnt think it was going to be an issue.
"Oh come on! You'll walk down a runway in lingerie for Victoria Secret, with hundreds of people staring at you, but you wont wear a bathing suit in front of your bestest friends?" Justin was all of a sudden a part of this conspiracy.
"What? You're all going to gang up on me now?" she whined, looking around at all the eyes staring at her pleadingly.
"What are they ganging up on you for now?" Oh great, now JC too? He was in the pool already, leaning his arms over the edge in front of where Lauren sat. The small crowd gathered around her smiled down at him. Leaning his chin on his folded arms, he looked up at them.
"Lauren wont take off her shirt and come swimming!" Justin whined, stomping his foot in a pout.
"Well, if she doesn't want to, J, then its not your place to make her." Good ol' JC to her rescue.
"But," Chris started to complain, but JC held up a hand to silence him.
"Leave her alone, you guys." he warned. Pulling himself out of the pool, Lauren took a good look at him. Wearing just black swim trunks, the sun glistened off the drops of water that clung to his chest. Her eyes seemed to glide up his firm body on their own accord. How had she not noticed how amazingly beautiful this man was? Or when had she forgotten?
JC walked over to Lauren, grabbing the towel under her outstretched feet. Drying himself off lightly, he tossed the towel on the ground beside her chair.
Lauren brought her gaze up at his face, and froze. He had a look of pure evil in his eyes. His lips were drawn into a small smirk, his eyes focused on her. He gave a quick glance to Justin, before returning his eyes to her.
Jumping up, she pushed past Chris, knocking him on his ass. There was no way she was going to let them throw her in that pool! Justin bolted after her, with JC right behind. Lauren made a mad dash for the house, but Justins long legs made it easy for him to catch up with her. Grabbing her around the waist, and pulled her off the ground, spinning her to face the pool again. JC slowed to a menacing jog, striding up to where Justin held her captive. She struggled, but it was useless. Justins arms pinned her own to her side. Whenever she would pull her feet off the ground, he would hold her up, but not let go. She swore she could feel him smile behind her.
Justin began to drag Lauren back towards JC, who stood with a pleased grin. Once she reached him, he smiled down at her. "I swear to God, JC! If you dare throw me in that pool...." she warned.
"You'll what?" he countered, broadening his smile. He knew damn well she wouldn't do anything.
Grabbing her arms, he flung her over his shoulder. Kicking her legs didn't make any difference, he would only hold on tighter, heading back towards the pool. Lance, Chris and Janssyn stood watching the specticle. Joey and Taryn had joined them now, and had obviously been filled in on what was going on. They all stood with grins on their faces.
Lauren pounded her fists into JCs butt, but that didn't do any good. He hardly even had a butt! But she had to admit she had a nice view from where she hung.
Finally reaching the side of the pool, he gently lowered her to her feet. The moment she touched the ground, she tried to run again, but he grabbed her around the waist, holding her in place.
"Com'on, Carter. Its pointless trying to run. We've got you outnumbered" JCs breath tickling her ear caused her stomach to flutter. Finally, Lauren stopped struggling.
"Fine. Go ahead. Throw me in. See if I care" she pouted. Maybe a little reverse psychology would work?
"You're wish is my command" With that, JC threw her into the cold pool. When she finally resurfaced, the first thing she heard was a crowd of laughter. Wiping the water from her eyes, she shot them all an unimpressed glare. So much for reverse psychology.
"You're all going to hell." she stated, before swimming to the other end of the pool to sulk.
JC jumped in the pool, followed by Justin. Janssyn stripped off her shirt and shorts to reveal her blue one-piece before joining them. Joey complained that he was hoping to see a little skin, but Janssyn just ignored him. Taryn, Chris, Lance and Joey all went inside to change.
After a few moments, Justin got up enough courage to swim up to Lauren, who still sulked at the other end of the pool, occasionally sending death glares his way. He didn't want to have her drown him, so he let her cool off a little before he resumed his pestering. "So. You gonna take off that shirt now?" he antagonized.
Lauren didn't answer him. She just swam back to the other side of the pool, and pulled herself out. Walking over to her chair, the pulled the soaked t-shirt over her head.
"Whoa, girl! When did you get that body?" Joeys hormonal voice hit her ears before the shirt was completely over her head. Pulling it the rest of the way off, so looked over to find him, Chris, and Lance staring at her from the steps of the pool. Taryn was already in the water.
"Shut up, Joey. You've seen me in stuff like this before." she commented, tossing the wet shirt at the foot of her chair. She all of a sudden felt very naked, and very self-conscious.
"Yeah, but in magazines. Never live. You wouldn't let me come to the Victoria Secret show, remember?" he whined, kicking the air.
Jumping back into the pool, Lauren swam over to JC. For the first time, she noticed his gaze was locked on her. He just stared at her like it was the first time he had ever seen her.
Reaching his side, she leaned her back against the cool wall of the pool. "What's wrong with you?" she asked, leaning forward to look at him.
He just continued to stare at her. 'My God,' he thought to himself 'Just.........whoa.' For crap sake. She was making his thoughts go retarded! What the hell was wrong with him? This was Lauren, for crying out loud!
"Hello, JC?" Lauren waved a hand in front of his face, trying to snap him out of his trance.
"Huh? What?" He blinked a few times before actually focusing on her. "What did you say?"
"Where were you just now?"
'In heaven' he thought. "Right here." Yeah, like he was actually going to say what he was thinking! Whatever.
"Wow, me too!" she said sarcastically.
JC smiled back down at her, a playful grin crossing her face. He didnt understand why he had never noticed it before, but she had a tiny little freckle on the end of her nose. His smile widened as he looked at it.
He realized just then that he was becoming very aware of her. And in more ways than just being his best friend.
"Did you see the look on his face? Damn! It was like he was raping her with his eyes." Chris joked. He, Lance and Joey sat at the far end corner of the pool, looking around at the others. Taryn and Janssyn were sitting in the water, on the steps leading into the pool, quietly chatting. Justin was splashing around, trying to get anyone to notice him. JC and Lauren were trying desperately to ignore Justin, but he wasn't having any of that. Splashing his arms hard into the pool, sending water over their faces, he laughed proudly. Lauren dunked under the water, grabbing Justins ankles and pulling him under. Justin resurfaced, sputtering, his curly hair sticking out in every direction.
Turning his attention back to the conversation, Lance added. "Yeah. You think he's finally noticing what we all noticed a long time ago?"
"Naw, I think he knew all along she was hot" Joey added, staring at Lauren as she pushed on Justins shoulders, causing him to dunk under the water again. JC just stared at the two, laughing.
"Not that, dumbass." Lance smacked Joey in the back of the head. "We all know that he cares more for Lauren than just as a friend. But he doesn't seem to be catching on as quick as us."
"Well, we never said he was bright" Chris interjected.
"Anyways," Lance continued, shooting Chris an annoyed look. "Maybe her living here and them dealing with this Jimmy stuff will bring them to realize just how much they mean to each other."
"Poofoo, you're starting to sound like a damn Disney movie." Joey commented.
"Better than a porno, Joey!" Lance retorted.
"That's what you think" Joey added with a wink before swimming away to flirt with Taryn and Janssyn.
"You think she noticed?" Chris' voice brought Lances attention back. "JCs reaction, I mean."
"I don't know."
"That would be cool if they got together." Chris smiled at the two, who were now holding Justin under the water, his arms flailing above his head. Finally, they let him up. Within a few seconds he was at it again, grabbing Laurens arm and JC around the neck, and pulling them under the water with him.
"Yeah." A smile came across Lances face. "I think so too."
"HEY! I got a idea!" Justin offered, jumping up and down in the water excitedly.
His enthusiasm only cause a round of groans and complaints from the others.
"Screw you all! Its a good idea!" He pouted, placing his hands on his hips. "Lets play the chicken game!"
Before anyone had the chance to answer, Justin swam over to Janssyn, ducking under the water. Her eyes went wide and she felt him push her legs apart, and stand up raising her out of the water. She squealed, wrapping her hands around his neck.
"Janssyn, I cant breathe," he choaked. Finally, she gained her balance and loosened her grip. Justin took a few steps forward, causing Janssyn to fall back slightly. To keep herself from falling, she grabbed a handful of his hair. "OW! Damn it, girl! Those curls are attached!" Justin winced.
"Hey, Im just trying to grab a couple. What do you think Ill get for them on e-Bay?" Janssyn asked, leaning forward to smile down at Justin. His only response was a grumble, which Janssyn was sure was a profanity.
Joey placed Taryn on his shoulders, walking quickly over towards Justin and Janssyn. Taryn weighed practically nothing, so this was going to be easy.
Lauren didn't get the opportunity to choose whether she wanted to play. JC ducked under the water, pulling her up out of it as he stood. Placing his hands gently on her knees, she put her hands on either side of his face to steady herself. She was terrified of hights, so she wasnt too sure about this game. "Ive never played this before. What do I do?" she asked, leaning over to look at him. The action almost caused him to lose his balance, but he regained it quickly. "Just try and knock Janssyn or Taryn off. But don't fall off!"
Lance didn't want Chris on his shoulders, saying the last time he did Chris farted on him. Chris pouted, saying Lance wasn't all that rosy either. After an argument that seemed to last forever, they decided they would referee. One stood on either side of the pool, with the couples in the middle.
"Ready......Set.......GO!" Chris called, throwing his arm down like a flag signaling the start of the game.
Janssyn didn't waste any time, immediately going for her little sister. Taryn hadn't expected it, and fell off almost immediately.
"Yeah, baby!" Justin called, puffing out his chest in triumph.
Coming back up to the surface, Taryn looked at her sister in shock. "Janssyn! How could you knock over your own sister!"
"I'm all about the game, hon." Janssyn replied, before turning her attention to Lauren.
Laurens eyes went wide when she realized Janssyn had her 'game-face' on. She got that look whenever they played anything, which usually meant she wasn't going to give up easily.
Justin carefully and quickly walked towards JC. "You're mine, Chasez" he called.
"In you're dreams, Timberlake. You couldn't get with me" he replied, jokingly.
The two girls grabbed each others arms, laughing so hard they could barely keep their balance. Twisting, they almost knocked the guys off their feet. With one good push, Lauren sent Janssyn over, but Janssyns grip on her arms pulled her into the water with her. They both fell into the water with a splash.
Resurfacing, they wiped the water from their faces, still laughing so hard that the were swallowing more water than they would have liked. JC and Justin turned to Chris and Lance, waiting for the final call.
"Justin and Janssyn." Chris called.
"No way, Lauren and JC!" Lance countered, walking across the pool to get in Chris' face. Within moments they were arguing, splashing water in each others faces like baseball players with dirt from the mound.
"Its a tie." Taryn called, tired of listening to the argument behind her.
"Woohoo, that's good enough for me!" Lauren jumped into JCs arms, hugging him tightly. Wrapping his arms around her, he smiled into her neck.
The feeling of his lips against her neck as they formed the smile caused her stomach to tighten. An electrifying chill ran through her body, but it wasnt because she was cold. Her muscles froze, but she was completely aware of every part of her that touched him. He noticed her body tense, and pulled back slowly.
Meeting each others eyes, they stared at each other. For a moment, it felt as if they were the only two in the pool. All Lauren could feel was JC pressed against her, and that was the best feeling she had ever had. She couldnt understand why she was reacting this way to his touch. They had hugged millions of times before. But this time was different. Much, much different.
JC felt the same way. Having her in his arms felt more right at that moment than ever before. No one else fit like she did. Like she was made to be held by him.
They continued to stare at each other, oblivious to the others whose attention was completely focused on the sight before them.
Leaning over closer to Lance, Chris whispered. "You think they know now?"
Looking at the dreamy glaze over the eyes of his two friends, he smiled. "Without a doubt." His smile widened as Chris nodded with a grin. "Now we just have to wait and see what they do about it."
