"Lisa is amazing. Give her the right song and she’s on her feet faster than you can say hocus pocus and will take no prisoners. Anyone in her path is free game. Your brother just happened to be talking to her when the last song came on," Kristen explained. She was sitting between JC and Justin waiting for one of them to ask her to dance. I wish I was like Lisa and could ask a guy to dance. She continued to watch her friend longingly until she felt a hand tap her shoulder. She looked up and found Justin standing next to her.

"May I have this dance?"

"Well, Mr. Timberlake, it took you long enough to ask." Kristen let Justin lead her to the dance floor.

"I wanted to see you watch Lisa dance for a bit more but decided to take you out of your misery."

Kristen raised here eyebrows. "My misery? I’m sure I can found someone else to dance with if I just ask."

"Then why don’t you ask someone else?"

"Honestly? Because I hate asking people to dance."

"So you’d be sitting there all night, beside JC, because you’re too scared to ask anyone to dance?"

Kristen hung her head and it landed on his chest. "Exactly. Now you know my secret. It’s out." She exhaled loudly. "What a relief to have someone know that. I don’t know how much longer I could have gone on."

Justin laughed. "Have a flare for drama do we?" The music changed and Justin raised his eyebrow. "Know how to dance to this?"

"Do cats always land on their feet?"

"No, but that’s good enough. As long as you don’t hit me."

Kristen sighed. "And what if I like to hit you?"

"Then I guess I’d have to get used to it."

Before anymore could be said the words started and they took off across the dance floor. The crowd cleared a path for them and soon they were the only couple on the floor. Everyone clapped to the beat of The Brian Setzer Orchestra’s "Jump, Jive and Wail" as they swung around the room. They sat down breathlessly as people applauded their performance.

"Well, Kristen, I guess you’re okay. Were did you learn to dance like that?"

"I must say that Justin Timberlake can dance. Oh, my sister was in a dance class and they were doing swing and she needed a practice partner and I was there and so it goes."

"I must thank her sometime. I rarely find someone who is halfway decent at swinging."

"So I’m only halfway decent?"

"Did I say that?" Justin asked as they headed to the drink table. "I meant to say that I have never danced with someone as talented as you."

Kristen took the cup of soda from him. "Thank you for the compliment. I’ll be sure to tell the guys you said that."

~~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~~~

"All right everyone present time. JC, get your butt over here."

JC sighed and stood up. "I’m coming, Justin. Just hold your pants up."

"Yes please do."

"Shut up, Kristen," Justin yelled into the crowd. Justin showed JC to his chair. "Now we’re here to celebrate the birthday of one of my closest and oldest friends."

"Wait Chris beats me on that one," JC interjected. His spirits finally lightening.

"After the party I’ll show you how old I am, Chasez."

"Anytime, Chris, anytime."

Justin looked down at JC and raised an eyebrow. "May I continue?"

JC waved a hand before him. "Yes. Go on."

"Thank you." Justin bowed his head to JC and then refaced the party. "As I was saying JC is one of my closest and oldest friends and we’re here to celebrate his twenty-third birthday. I don’t know how he’s lived this long but I’m glad. I needed another heartbreaking lead singer in the group and the others just weren’t cutting it."

"Hey, I thought that’s why you got me. After all I was the last to join," Lance pointed out.

"Lance, that’s like saying we got you for your dancing ability."

"Sone friends you are." Lance pretended to pout.

Gina put an arm across his shoulders. "Don’t worry, Lance, I’ll always love you."

Lance leaned his head on her shoulder. "Thanks, Gina."

"Anytime for you." Gina placed her hand beneath his head and lifted it off her shoulder. "But who told you that you could touch me?"

Justin clapped his hands loudly. "Okay, the faster JC opens his presents the faster we can all get to sleep. We have a busy day tomorrow." There was a round of moans before Justin continued. "Okay, I’m not going to be funny this time. Or try to be funny as I know someone was about to point out. It’s JC’s birthday and we’re holding this party for him and no birthday party is complete without presents. Without further adieu JC’s going to open his presents."

JC quickly unwrapped his presents and was glad when he reached the end of the pile. Something was telling him he was missing something but the table was empty.

"Is that all the presents?"

"What? You want more from us? JC, I’m getting the feeling you only hang around us for our money."

JC gave Justin a weak smile. "Yeah, that’s it. I’m getting this feeling that I’m missing something though."

Lisa and Kristen shoved their shoulders into Gina’s. "Go on."

Gina sighed. "There is something else." She walked up to him and handed him a card. "Here you go. Happy birthday."

"Well you don’t have to sound so happy about giving me a card. It’s my birthday and you can’t treat me decently?"

Gina took a deep breath, resisting the urge to fight him back. "Just take the damn card."

"Swearing to me isn’t any better, Gigi." JC knew calling her Gigi would spark something.

"Listen, JC, I’m trying to be nice here. It’s your birthday and I got you a card. Thank Lisa and Kristen for me not getting you what I wanted to. They said it was totally inappropriate and wouldn’t let me get it. Be happy with the lousy card and shut up."

"You were going to get me something totally inappropriate? What were you going to get me?"

Gina smiled evilly before speaking. "Well I had planned on getting you a-"

Tyler reached his hand in between them. "Phone, JC."

JC sighed and took the phone. "Hello?"

"Hey, JC, I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday."

"Happy birthday to you too, Drew."

"How’s your day been?"

JC looked up at Gina who was staring at him. "It was tiring and repetitive. Very repetitive," JC repeated as he continued to look at Gina.

Drew laughed. "I know the feeling. The guys had a little party for me after the show and now we’re about to turn in but just wanted to give you a call."

"Yeah, I’m at my party now. Actually I was thinking about you earlier and wanted to call but I had to work. I know you understand."

"Of course I do. Why do you think I’m calling you so late? I’ve got a hectic schedule like yours. I’d love to talk but my body is calling out for sleep and the only way it will stop is if I sleep."

JC laughed. "I know the feeling. Thanks for calling, Drew. I think my body just talked to your body because now it’s threatening to go on strike if I don’t let it rest."

"Uh-oh. I’d better go before mine makes that threat. It’s been great talking to you, JC. Talk to you next time."

"Later. Bye."

"Bye."

JC hung up the phone and smiled but it faded as he realized Gina was still next to him. He stood up and placed her card on the chair. "Well, I’m beat. It’s time for bed. Thank you everyone for coming and having fun. Good night."

JC began to walk out of the room but was called back by his brother.

"Hey, Josh, I think you forgot to open something."

JC turned around. "No I didn’t. Anything worth opening I opened." He turned back to the door and went to his room.

Tyler turned to comfort Gina but was shrugged off. "Gina, he didn’t-"

"Didn’t what, Tyler? Didn’t mean it? Of course he did. He always means it." Gina, shocked by the tears streaming down her face, ran out of the room.

Justin quickly made his way to Tyler, Lisa and Kristen. "You two check on Gina and we’ll take JC."

Kristen and Lisa shook their heads and left.

"Hold on a second, TJ, let me just get everyone out of here." After receiving a nod Justin got everyone’s attention. "As you can see the party is now over. Tomorrow we’re back on the road and we all need some rest. See you all tomorrow."

After everyone filed out of the room Justin and Tyler left the cleaning up to Joey, Chris, Lance, Steve and some hotel staff.

Justin," Tyler started as they made their way towards his and JC’s room, "do you think they’ve gone too far this time? He was upset, I could tell, and she was starting to cry. I don’t know if they can do get out of this one."

"Paitience, my young boy, patience."

"Young boy? I’m only a few months younger than you, old man. Here we are. Have any clue as to what you’re going to say?"

Justin shook his head. "Nope. Let’s just take it by ear."

~~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~~~

"What are we going to say, Lisa?"

"I have no clue, Kristen. Lets first asses the situation before we start to panic."

The two girls walked to the bedroom door and heard sniffling.

Lisa looked at Kristen. "Now you can panic."

Kristen opened the door and walked to where Gina was curled up on her bed. "Come on, Gina, tell us what’s wrong."

Gina put her face to her pillow and shook her head.

Lisa walked to the other side of Gina and motioned for Kristen to help her. They both grabbed Gina’s side and rolled her over.

"Now please tell us what’s going on in that head of yours. Don’t forget we can tell when you’re lying. I’ve known you since forever and Lisa since freshman year. Now tell us why you’re crying."

Gina took a few deep breathes before speaking. "Well, at first I didn’t know why I was so upset and now I’m just upset because I was upset."

Lisa sat next to Gina. "Let me get this straight. You’re upset and crying now because you were upset and crying earlier? Please explain so I get this right."

"I’m upset at myself now for letting JC get to me earlier. Better?"

Lisa shook her head. "Much."

Kristen sat on the other side of Gina. "So why are you upset that JC got you upset? The way you both were acting if I were either one of you I’d be balling my eyes out."

"I’m upset because after so long of being strong and taking his garbage I just completely broke down. And in front of everyone too. I’m so embarrassed."

Kristen laid on the bed facing Gina and Lisa. "Gina, he was upset also. Anyone could see that. By what you’ve said to me over the past few months it’s been this way since the beginning. Both of you have shot sharp arrows and they’re stuck deep within you two. I think there is some way to take the arrows out but only if both of you are willing."

"I’ll do anything to get JC off my back."

"Anything? Even being nice to him and trying to find something good about him?"

Gina looked at her two friends. "Come on, you two, that’s not going to work. Being nice to him? What was I trying to do when I gave him his card?"

"But, Gina, that wasn’t being nice to him. You walked up to him with a negative attitude and he responded to it."

"I don’t care what you say. I was trying to be nice to him but he ruined it. I’m only here a few more weeks so I’ll just have to grin and bear it. I’ve done it this long. I’m tired of talking about this. Now it looked like you two were having fun with TJ and Justin. Spill."

Lisa stood up. "Before we talk let’s get some ice cream. What fun is it to talk about guys without some food?"

"None. I knew there was a reason why we liked her."

Gina crawled off the bed. "And a reason why I’d want to room with her again."

The three girls walked to the grocery store next to the hotel and got their supplies.

~~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~~~

"JC?" Justin asked as he and Tyler opened the door.

JC whipped around. "What do you two want?"

Justin sat on the desk chair. "Being the two people who’ve known you the longest we know you’re upset and want to know what’s up."

"Nothing’s up. I just can’t believe that girl. It’s my birthday and she doesn’t have the decency to be nice to me. On my own birthday."

Tyler sat on his bed and faced his brother. "JC, she was trying. She got you a birthday card. You want to know how hard that probably was for her?"

"Oh yeah, I could tell she wanted to give it to me. First she "forgets" to put it on the table with the others than just tells me to open the stupid card and be grateful I didn’t get what she wanted to get me. I don’t even want to know."

Justin looked at his friend. I wish she did give you what she really wanted to give you although she doesn’t even realize what that is.

"Do I have something hanging from my nose or something? Why are you looking at me like that, Justin?"

"Do you have something hanging from your nose? Well, I was afraid to tell you…"

"No, J, don’t tell him. It’s a kodak moment."

JC rubbed furiously at the base of his nose. "Is it gone?" Realizing the other two were laughing he lunged at his brother and they began wrestling.

"Come on, TJ, you can beat him. Sure it’s your older brother and it’s his birthday but don’t let him win. You can do it."

JC shoved his brother into his bed and pretended to spit on him. He then turned to Justin with challenging eyes. "You want to be next, young blood?"

Justin stood up and waved his hands back and forth. "Come and get it, old man."

After ducking a few punches Justin grabbed JC and put him in a head lock. "How do you like that, JC? Huh?"

"It could be worse."

Justin loosened up his grip on JC’s neck. "How?"

"Like this!" JC scrambled out of Justin’s hold then preceded to put Justin in a headlock and rubbed his fist along Justin’s hair.

"Enough. Please."

"I guess." JC released Justin and shook his hand. "I think there’s enough gel on my hand now."

"Yeah, JC, why don’t you add it to the mound already on your head."

"Okay, you two, what are we going to do now? I vote for bed. After I check my e-mail of course."

JC eyed Justin. "Ooh, I think my brother’s in love with this girl he met over the computer."

"Hey, it’s no worse than you and senorita78."

Somehting clicked in Justin’s head and it did not make sense. "Senorita78?"

Tyler shook his head. "Yup, senorita78. That’s his on-line sweetie."

"Senorita78?" Justin repeated. "But that’s…" A big smile formed on Justin’s face. "We have lift off," he shouted and began to laugh.

"What’s so funny, Curly? And lift off for what?"

Justin shook his head. "Nothing, JC. I just realized something and lift off for something I had no idea how to make happen but now I do. So shall we see if either of your ladies are on tonight?"

They turned on the computer and after a few checks found neither girl on.

"Well, guys, I have to go. Don’t want to sleep the whole bus ride. See you in the morning."

"Bye, Justin." Tyler walked into the bathroom.

"Bye, Justin. See you in the morning. I think I’m going to try one more time. Damn, she’s not on."

"Sorry about that, JC. I hope she’s not out cheating on you."

"I hope not, Justin. I don’t like to admit it but I think I like this girl."

Justin shook his head in amusement. You more than like her, you idiot. You love her. Now if I can only show you two the way to each other. How am I going to do that? I’ll talk to Lance tomorrow. Justin looked at his watch. Or today as the case may be.

~~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~~~

"I can’t believe I’m on *N SYNC’s tour bus and I’m actually traveling with them."

Gina sat down next to Lisa. "Well believe it, sister. You are stuck on this bus for the next few days whether you like it or not but I’m getting the feeling you’re liking it."

"Of course she’s liking it, you silly girl. Who couldn’t have the time of their lives traveling with the five of us?"

"Umm, well…"

Justin shoved Gina’s shoulder. "Very funny, Gigi. I know you’re enjoying your stay in La *N SYNC Fancy Hotella."

Gina laughed. "La *N SYNC Fancy Hotella? Nice name. Okay I’ll admit traveling with four of you has been a blast but the fifth one I might have to disagree with you on." As she was talking Gina involuntarily looked towards the bunk JC was sleeping in.

"You know you’re enjoying the fifth person also. You’re just not admitting it to yourself. You’re not admitting a lot about JC to yourself." Justin stood up and walked to the back of the bus. Lisa and Gina heard him ask to play the winner of the current game.

Gina sighed and looked out the window.

"What’s the sigh for, roomie?"

Gina turned her head and leaned against the window. "I don’t know. I just feel sad all of a sudden. I don’t know what’s come over me."

Lisa paused before continuing. "Could it be that you’re afraid Justin is right?"

"Please don’t tell me you’re joining forces with them too. Why does everyone on this bus believe JC and I belong together?"

"I hate to go against you on this one, Gina, but it’s because you do."

"Whatever. I’m going to work for a bit." Gina pulled out her computer.

Lisa stood up. "All right. I’m going in the back. Have fun."

JC’s curtain moved as Lisa passed his bunk. He had tried to sleep but he kept waking up and hearing the conversations in the front made sure he was not going to fall back asleep any time soon. Knowing this JC grabbed his computer and set it up opposite Gina. He wished he could set it up somewhere else but space limited him.

Gina looked up at JC and after a moment of staring at him returned to her computer and started pounding on the keys.

Without realizing it JC reached over and pulled Gina’s hands off her keyboard. "Easy there. You don’t want to break the keyboard. Those things are expensive."

Gina pulled her hands out of his. "Don’t touch me. And I’ll do whatever I damn well please to my keyboard."

"Sorry. Just trying to save you some money. I’ll keep quiet."

Gina looked to the ceiling. "Thank you."

JC shook his head and turned on his computer. After checking his e-mail he checked to see if senorita78 was on. He was worried because they had not talked in a few days.

Gina peaked at JC before fixing a link on the site she was working on. Soon after JC sat down Gina decided she needed a break and turned on her other name in hopes of finding a certain person on. And he was.

~~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~~~

senorita78: hey boy

sleepygoof: hey. i was about to contact you

senorita78: well here I am.

sleepygoof: so what’s up?

senorita78: nothing much. just taking a break.

sleepygoof: you’re working now? how much longer are you going to be working? school starts soon.

senorita78: three more weeks. well including this one.

sleepygoof: you going to get in trouble talking to me while you’re working?

senorita78: nah. it’s all good.

sleepygoof: cool

senorita78: what are you up to?

sleepygoof: well I was just finishing a song i’ve been writing.

senorita78: a song? wow.

sleepygoof: wanna read it?

senorita78: you’re going to let me read it? i feel so special.

sleepygoof: well you are. it might be easier if i e-mail it to you. do you mind giving me your e-mail address?

senorita78: not at all. just let me type it out.

sleepygoof: cool. I’ll wait.

sleepygoof: what’s taking so long?

senorita78: sorry someone’s coming. can you hold for a few minutes?

sleepygoof: anything for you, senorita

senorita78: aww, thanks

~~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~~~

"Hey, Gina, JC, what are you guys doing?"

Gina and JC looked up to see Justin entering their area.

Gina stretched her arms above her. "I’m just taking a break from work and will go back to it soon."

"Well, since I couldn’t sleep I decided to check my e-mail."

"And see if your girl is on, right, JC?" Justin elbowed his friend.

"Yes and to see if she’s on."

Justin shoved JC’s body over with his. "Ooh, let me see. Let me see."

JC turned the computer away from his younger friend. "Now it’s not right to intrude on the privacy of others. How would you like it if I did that to you?"

Justin shrugged as he stood up. He had seen the name of the person JC was talking to before the screen was turned from him. "What’s one more person invading my privacy?"

"Well to begin with I know all the cold hard facts," JC replied as Justin sat next to Gina.

"And who is Miss Gacona talking to?"

Gina also turned her screen away from him. "A friend and, no, you can’t be a part of the conversation."

Justin stuck out his bottom lip. "Oh please, Gina." He turned the screen towards him again and saw what Gina was about to send. Justin knew it was not a good time for the truth to come out and knew he had to do something.

"Hey, what did you just do, Justin?"

"I didn’t do anything. At least I don’t think I did," Justin claimed innocently as Gina typed furiously to get her computer unfrozen.

JC let out a big sigh and started to shut down his computer.

"I thought you were getting hot and heavy with your on-line girl?"

JC stood up and shot Justin a nasty look. "It was not a ‘hot and heavy’ conversation. We were just talking like always and she had to go. I just wish she told me she was going."

"She didn’t tell you she was going? What kind of woman is that?"

"Well she warned me about it but I didn’t know she was definitely going for good. I wish she could have at least said good-bye though."

"Well maybe she didn’t have any choice in whether she was getting off or not like someone I know." Gina gave Justin a pointed look.

Justin raised his hands in defense. "I’m sorry your computer froze, Gina, but I didn’t do anything to it."

Gina rolled her eyes as she stood up. "Whatever, youngin’. Well, I’m going to tell Lisa she can check her e-mail."

"I thought you were working."

"I need to talk to Chris before I continue with what I was doing and with the whole freezing thing I need a break from the computer. Plus Lisa asked me earlier if she could and being the friend I am I told her yes. Does that answer pass inspection, JC?"

"Not really but I know you don’t care what I think." Both Gina and JC missed how hard the edge to his voice was.

"You’re absolutely right, JC, I don’t. Now if you’ll excuse me I’m going to get Lisa. That involves you getting up, Justin."

Justin stood up and saluted her. "Yes, ma’am."

JC turned to the back of the bus. "Gina?" Gina ignored JC and continued on her way. JC sighed.

Justin walked up to his friend and placed a hand on his shoulder. "What did you want to tell Gina? That you can’t imagine your life without her?"

JC shrugged Justin’s hand off. "No. I was going to ask her to tell Tyler I’m done with my computer and he can check his e-mail but I guess she’s too good to do that."

Justin sat on a couch. "JC, you know it’s just because it’s you. If any of us called her she would have turned around. And you know why?"

"Because she’s an ungrateful spoiled little girl who…"

Justin raised his eyebrows. "Who what, JC?"

"Who can think of no one but herself. Why can’t anyone take my side on this?"

"Because, JC, your side is wrong." The two men turned towards Lisa. "Gina is a kind hearted individual who puts others in front of herself way too often. You just want to blind yourself to the truly great person inside her."

JC was loosing his patience. "And why would I blind myself to a great person? If she truly were a great person I don’t think I’d blind myself to her."

Lisa sat at the table and opened up Gina’s computer. "I think it has to do with the fact that you fell for her before you met her and back then you had a girlfriend so that was a no-no."

JC looked at Lisa then Justin. "So you got her in on this JC and Gina thing too? I can’t believe so many people are so sure we love each other when we can’t even be on the same bus without constantly fighting. Enough of this garbage. I’m going to find my brother." JC turned and went to look for his brother.

Lisa followed him with her eyes and sighed. "How long are they going to deny the most perfect thing in their lives?"

"Not much longer, Lisa. Not much longer." Justin left the area before explaining what he meant.

Lisa looked after him for a moment and shook her head. After she had singed on she felt someone else sit on the other side of the booth.

"Is this seat taken?"

She looked up and smiled. "Yes, it is, TJ. I’m saving it for the man of my dreams."

"Then I believe I belong here."

"I said the man of my dreams, honey. Not my nightmares."

"Well keep dreaming, sugar, and you might find me there in your wildest fantasies."

Lisa placed a hand in front of her mouth to keep herself from laughing. She took one last look at Tyler before returning to the computer.

~~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~~~

"I can’t believe this is my last night with you guys. I feel like I just got here."

"That’s because you did but we’re heading into Cleveland tomorrow and you’re leaving after the concert." Steve walked up to Lisa and sat beside her. "So what do you want to do?"

"Well how about we get one of the hotel movies? I’d love to see "Notting Hill" and it happens to be on tonight."

"Your wish is our command. Come on, guys and Gina, we’ve got a farewell party to attend."

"Oh, Steve, you guys are too much. I’m going to miss you all."

"We’ll make a phone list of all our numbers. You’re going to have to put fake names but you’ll know it’s us."

"I understand. My roommate is not to be trusted with that kind of info. I’m afraid she’ll sell all your numbers on-line like the girl who claimed to have Brian Littrell’s oxygen mask."

"First of all, I’m your roommate. The one who introduced you to these headaches some people call heartthrobs. Secondly, I don’t even want to know how you know about the Brian Littrell thing."

"Okay, we need to start the movie soon because we have a concert tomorrow. Lets get this sappy thing going," Justin whined.

"Aww, poor youngin’." Gina squeezed Justin’s cheek. "He’s afraid we’ll see him cry at a ‘girl movie.’ How sweet."

Justin tried to hide his slight blush. "Come on, ya’ll. Let’s get this party started."

Justin, Lisa, Steve, Joey, Chris, Tyler and Lance spread themselves about the room leaving Gina and JC with Gina’s bed as the only space to sit.

"Hey, Lisa, it’s your last night here I want to sit next to you."

Tyler twisted to face Gina. "You’ll get to see her plenty this year and plus I’m not giving up my spot. It’s too comfortable."

JC looked at his groupmates. "Don’t any of you want the bed. Lance, I’ll take the chair if you want to lay out on the bed." Despite his pleading look Lance shook his head no.

"Nope. It’s all yours. You usually fall asleep during movies so it’s a perfect place for you."

"Now if you two will quit complaining and sit in your seats we can start the movie." Justin waited for their answers.

"Whatever," Gina replied.

"Just start the stupid movie." JC sat on the edge of the couch keeping as much distance between him and Gina as possible.