Date: Sun, 02 Jan 2000 22:12:49 -0500
From: Rachel Lewis <rachelelewis@hotmail.com>
Subject: Choices 10 and 11

Hi everyone. Can I start off by saying I'm sorry? I know I promised to
be more prompt with this, but the holiday break turned out to be a
little more jam packed with stuff to do then I had planned for.
Unfortunately, writing did not play a part in that. But hey, I'm back
at school now, so I hope to have more time to write.

This one leaves off right at the end of the last section of Choices and
also at the end of chapter 27 of Escape. What's going to happen now is
a couple chapters of Choices with a small break in Escape. Aka, I am
having a little trouble with the chapters of Escape I am working on.
Choices is writing itself much easier. But trust me, it'll be worth it
when I finally get it out.

So without further ado: Choices


Chapter 10


	Chris pushed the door open slowly, not knowing what he was going
to find. Joey was curled up on the bed sobbing loudly. Chris walked
over to him and wrapped his arms around him.

	"I lost him Chris. I lost him." Joey buried his face in Chris'
shoulder.

	"No you didn't. That's why I'm here. To give you Josh's message.
He loves you Joey. He's not mad."

	Joey looked up at Chris in disbelief. "What?"

	"Josh isn't mad. He just wants to talk to Kimmie. He loves you
Joey. God you'd have to be blind not to see that."

	"He's not mad?"

	Chris rolled his eyes. "Do I have to spell it out for you? He's
not mad. He loves you."

	Joey jumped up. "I gotta go find Kimmie and Josh!"



	"Kimmie will you please stop?" JC bent over and tried to catch
his breath. He noticed that she had stopped, but only because the
bodyguards wouldn't let her on the elevator.

	JC grabbed Kimmie's arm and pulled her down the hall towards his
room. He pulled her inside as she fought him the whole way.

	"Let go of me Joshua Chasez. I never want to see you again."

	"Kimmie, I'm sorry. I thought Joey had told you."

	She turned to JC with her eyes blazing. "You thought Joey had
told me? Did you think to ask if he had told his girlfriend that he was
fucking you at the same time he was dating me? Do you have any idea
what that feels like JC? To see your boyfriend kissing someone else?"

	"Actually I do Kimmie. And I know how much it hurts. That's why I
am here talking to you instead of comforting him."

	"Why does that scumbag need comforting?"

	"Kimmie he's not a scumbag. Until a few minutes ago, you loved
Joey. Just like I love Joey."

	Kimmie looked at him again.

	"Do you really love him JC? Or are you just using him to get your
kicks?"

	"I can't believe you could even think that. I love Joey. I don't
know why or how it happened, but it did. And I don't want to lose him.
So if you want to fight for him, I'm willing to fight. Be prepared to
lose."

	JC and Kimmie stared at each other, eyes locked. Justin and Lance
watched as the two of them faced off.

	"Kimmie come here." Joey pushed past Lance and Justin to get into
the room. Chris was right behind him.

	Joey wrapped his arms around Kimmie tightly, pulling her to his
chest. JC turned away, his eyes glistening with tears. Chris pulled him
out of the room, motioning for Justin and Lance to follow them.

	"He loves you Josh. He just wants to talk to Kimmie on his own."

	JC smiled happily, trying not to giggle. He pulled Justin into a
hug. "He loves me!"

	"We know goofball. Let me go." Justin grinned at him.

	Lance turned and looked at Jean-Michel. "How did Kimmie get
here?"

	Jean-Michel dropped his eyes. "I am pretty sure it was Britney.
Joshua said it was her and I tend to believe him."

	"Go get her."

	"Fuck you Joseph Fatone! Go fuck JC for all I care. I hate you!"
Kimmie pushed past them and rushed down the hall. She stopped and
screamed loudly, falling to the ground crying.

	Chris rushed over to her, hugging her. "Where am I going Chris?"

	He stood her up. "We are going to go to my room and you are going
to go to sleep. Tomorrow everything will look a little clearer."

	"No it won't Chris. Tomorrow my boyfriend will still be fucking
another man. That's not going to change."

	Chris sighed. "No it won't. But tomorrow you will wake up and
move on with your life."

	Kimmie dropped her head and looked at the ground. "Can I get out
of the hall now?"

	Chris led her down the hall to his room. He looked back at the
guys grouped in the hall. Chris shut the door behind them.

	"Group meeting in five minutes in my room. Britney will be
there." Lance unlocked his door and walked inside, leaving the other
three in the hall.

	"I'm going to go tell Casey that I'm going to be gone for a bit.
What should I tell the other guys?"

	"That we have a Britney issue and we will fill them in later."
Jean-Michel turned away and headed down the hall to the elevator.

	JC walked back into the hotel room and saw Joey standing in the
middle of the room, staring into space.

	"Hello." Joey blinked and turned to him.

	"Hi Josh." Joey smiled timidly, almost expecting JC to blow up at
him.

	"We're having a group meeting in a few minutes with Britney. I
know she is responsible for this. She'll pay Joey. I promise."

	JC walked over to him and gently stroked Joey's cheek with his
hand. "I love you Joey."

	Joey smiled happily now. "I'd almost thought that Chris had told
me you weren't mad as a ploy to get me to talk to Kimmie. I'm glad
that's not true."

	JC frowned slightly. "I wouldn't do that. Neither would Chris. I
love you too much to fuck with your mind like that." He wrapped his
arms around Joey, holding him tightly.

	Joey pressed his body against JC's, relishing the feeling of JC's
arms holding him. The warmth and comfort was undeniable. If he had any
reservations about choosing JC, they were all gone now. He knew JC was
the one he loved.



	Britney grinned as she rummaged through Kevin's bag looking for
anything incriminating. She had gotten to Joey and JC and now she was
looking towards everyone else. Kevin and AJ were an easy target as
well.

	Her eyes narrowed as she thought about what she was going to do
to Justin. She was saving him for last. And Casey was just going to
have to pay because she took Britney's place.

	She wanted to make a list of who to get. Nick and Allison had to
pay. They introduced Casey and Justin. Britney would have to play her
cards carefully with that one. Allison's family was a wild card.
Britney was actually intimidated by Marilyn Manson.

	Britney began to giggle as she flipped through a book at the
bottom of Kevin's bag. Perfect! Taking one last look in the bag, she
moved on to AJ's stuff.

	What was this? This was better then Kevin's journal! And she
could hurt all five of those simpering Backstreet Boys with this.
Better keep the journal too. She never knew when she would have to hold
something over Kevin's head.

	"Go get her!" Britney heard Lance shout. Uh-oh. That meant Jean-
Michel was going to come looking for her. Britney listened carefully as
Kimmie screamed and then she heard nothing. She slid the books under
her shirt and opened the door a crack. No one was around. The hall had
cleared out quickly.

	Britney sprinted down the hallway and pushed open the door for
the stairs. One of her bodyguards was standing there waiting for her.
The two of them raced up the steps.

	Britney pushed open the door to her floor and ran down the hall.
The elevator buzzed and opened just as she shut her door behind her.
Her bodyguard watched her as she shoved the books under the mattress.

	"I've been here all evening okay. You saw nothing."

	"Of course Ms. Spears. Have I ever let you down before?"

	Britney walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Of course you haven't Rodney. You would never let me down." He wrapped
his arms around her and the two of them kissed passionately.

	Rodney was the only person she still trusted. He had been with
her for the past three years and had taken care of the unpleasantness
that Kelly Bale had caused. Naturally she had taken care of him very
well for that little favor.

	There was a knock on the door and Britney let go of Rodney. She
straightened her hair and sat on the bed. Crossing her legs, she nodded
to Rodney. He opened the door for her.

	"Britney Jean Spears! You have gone too far. Come with me now."

	Jean-Michel grabbed her arm and pulled her off the bed. Rodney
placed his hand on Jean's shoulder menacingly.

	"Rodney. Do not do this. She must come with me."

	Britney pulled away from him and stood next to Rodney. "Jean I
don't have to do anything you say. I am my own person."

	Jean-Michel glared at her. "If you want a career after tonight, I
seriously suggest joining me."

	Britney exchanged glances with Rodney. "I'll only go if Rodney
can come too."

	"Fine. Just come with me now."

	Britney followed Jean-Michel down the hall with Rodney close
behind.



	"But what's going on Justin? You guys ran out of here with no
explanation."

	Nick slurred his words together as he took another drink of his
beer. "We're just having some Britney problems. I'll tell you tomorrow.
Have another beer Nick."

	Justin handed Nick a beer and pulled Casey aside. "I'll be back
soon. I promise. Are you staying with me tonight?"

	"Of course I am Justin. Can I have the key?" He handed her the
key and gave her a kiss. "See you later."

	Kevin grabbed Justin as he tried to leave. "What did she do to
Joey and JC?"

	"How did you know it was them?"

	"Everyone else was in here when Jean-Michel rushed in."

	Justin looked around him and leaned in. "Kimmie's here. Joey
never told her."

	Kevin let out a small gasp. "Do you need me?"

	Justin shook his head. "Lance has everything under control. We'll
see you at breakfast." Kevin nodded and let Justin leave.



	"Okay. I'll be there." Chris shut the door softly, turning back
to Kimmie. "There's a meeting in a few minutes. I need to be there."
She nodded.

	Chris handed Kimmie a T-shirt and a pair of boxers. She clutched
them tightly, still crying softly. He turned his back as she undressed
and changed into his clothes.

	"Can I use the phone Chris?" Her voice quivered slightly as she
hugged her knees to her chest. Chris stared down at the broken creature
in front of him. His heart went out to her.

	"Of course you can. I have to go to the meeting anyway. Are you
going to be okay?"

	Kimmie shook her head. "No, but like you said. Tomorrow I will
wake up and go on with my life. Will Dani be awake if I call now?"

	Chris looked at the clock. "Most likely. Give her my love." He
kissed Kimmie's forehead softly like he did to his daughters when they
were crying. Kimmie closed her eyes and held back tears, wishing her
own father was there with her.

	Chris left the room, shutting the door softly behind him. He
watched as Britney stalked past him, her head held high as she was led
to the slaughter by Jean-Michel. Her personal bodyguard Rodney followed
her closely. Chris shivered slightly. Rodney scared him.

	He followed them down the hall, being joined by Justin. The two
of them shut the door behind them, closing the eight of them in the
room together.

	JC and Joey sat on the couch holding hands. Lance stood by a
chair, his arms crossed and his face set in stone.

	"Sit Britney." She tossed her hair and sat down in the chair next
to him with a annoyed look on her face.

	"I was taking a nap. Why am I being interrupted for whatever this
is?" She glared at each of them, trying not to show how upset she was
that Joey and JC were still holding hands.

	Chris and Justin flanked the ends of the couch, making Britney
swallow slightly as she realized it was six against two. At least she
had Rodney on her side.

	"It didn't work Britney. All you've managed to do it hurt
Kimmie." Joey said softly, not even looking at her as he spoke.

	"What are you talking about? What didn't work? Why would I hurt
Kimmie? How could I hurt Kimmie? She's in Florida."

	"No Britney, she's in my room crying because you called her up to
supposedly surprise her boyfriend on his birthday, knowing full well
that Joey was with JC. How you knew that she didn't know is beyond us."

	Britney rolled her eyes. "Tell me why I would go to all that
trouble to hurt two people I care nothing about?"

	"Because you're mad at all of us for what has happened to your
career. And you are mad because you lost Justin."

	"I wouldn't spend my time worrying about losing Justin. And my
career will be fine. Lance promised me that."

	The guys all glanced over at Lance, signaling that it was time
for him to speak up.

	"Britney. I promised I wouldn't let the guys ruin your career.
And they haven't. You have. Tomorrow morning you will be flying back to
the US. You are released from your contract at FreeLance. Have a nice
life."

	Britney jumped up, her eyes blazing. She smacked Lance across the
face, leaving a red mark on his pale skin. Jean-Michel restrained
himself as he saw the look of shock cross Lance's face. Lance reached
up and placed the palm of his hand against his cheek.

	"You can't do this to me. I'll sue you for everything you're
worth you little bastard."

	Lance crossed his arms, never losing his cool as he faced the
furious woman.

	"I'd like to see you try. You breached your contract Britney. You
can't sue me."

	"How did I breach my contract?"

	"Three days ago, you participated in an unauthorized interview
with a British paper, thereby breaching the gag order as well as your
contract which clearly states that all interviews will be set up by
FreeLance."

	Britney's mouth opened and closed as she realized that Lance was
right. Her face turned bright red and she looked around at the smug
faces of the men in the room with her. Her anger just rose.

	"How the fuck did you find out about the interview?"

	"You tell tales Britney and they eventually come back to haunt
you. The office was contacted to corroborate some of the things you
said. You made your bed Britney. Now lie in it like an adult."

	Britney and Lance glared at each other, neither of them moving,
daring the other person to back off. Britney had no plans to actually
lose to Lance.

	Lance stared at the woman in front of him, thinking back to all
the good times they had with Britney and how much she had changed. His
eyes lost focus, making it easier for him to stare.

	Britney growled slightly and turned away from Lance.

	"I don't need to take this shit. I am BRITNEY SPEARS!" She
shouted as loud as she could. No one moved.

	"Yes I did call Kimmie and bring her here. And I would do it
again in a second. Only this time I would make sure that little bitch
didn't fuck up."

	"Don't call Kimmie a bitch Britney." Joey looked up at her, his
eyes blazing.

	"Aww, how cute. He's protecting his ex-girlfriend. But shouldn't
his new little girlfriend be jealous? JC aren't you upset that your man
is protecting another woman?"

	JC held himself back, not wanting to give Britney the
satisfaction of antagonizing him. He squeezed Joey's hand tightly
knowing that by nature Joey would fight back, only making things worse
for all of them.

	"Britney shouldn't you be leaving now? I'm sure you and Rodney
would much rather be fucking now, just like you have for the past two
years." Justin asked her smoothly, causing any semblance of restraint
Britney had inside her to crumble.

	"You are all going to pay for this. Just you wait."

	Britney turned on her heel and stalked out of the room, Rodney
following close behind. The six of them collapsed, not knowing what
they had just brought on themselves.

	There was a knock on the door. Kimmie pushed it open and slowly
walked in, watching the six guys movements.

	"Is it okay if I come in?" She asked them softly. Chris jumped up
and walked over to her, putting his arms around her and directing her
to an open chair.

	Kimmie lowered her eyes, twisting her hands together, looking
small and vulnerable in the chair, wearing Chris' clothes.

	"Joey, Josh. I'm sorry for the way I acted. I don't hate you two.
I'm sorry I said that you were just using Joey for sex Josh. And I'm
sorry I told you to go fuck yourself Joey."

	Kimmie took a deep breath before continuing. No one said
anything.

	"I wish I had never taken Britney up on the offer to fly me over
here. I could have gone on believing that you loved me Joey and I
wouldn't have to be facing this right now."

	"I do love you Kimmie. I'm just not in love you. I'm in love with
Josh."

	Kimmie shut her eyes tightly, holding back tears. She sniffled
loudly, opening her eyes.

	"I know that. And I can respect that and move on. I just need to
know one thing before I put this all behind me."

	"What?"

	"Why didn't you tell me?"

	Joey was quiet. He looked around at the six other people in the
room. They were his best friends, all of them, even Kimmie. He couldn't
lie his way out of this.

	"I was afraid. I didn't know how things were going to turn out
with Josh and I didn't want to be alone if they went bad. I didn't want
to break up with you in case I needed to go back to you."

	JC gasped in shock. The other guys just watched in silence as
Kimmie's face turned pale white.

	"So I was your back-up. Thank you for telling me the truth Joey.
I'm going to go to bed now. Maybe I will see you guys when you get
back. Josh, best of luck. I hope he doesn't find anyone that makes you
be his back-up."

	Kimmie shut the door behind her, leaving the six men alone
together. No one said anything for a moment.

	"That slap fucking hurt." Lance touched his cheek again. Jean-
Michel quickly got him a cold washcloth and pressed it against his
cheek.

	"How did you know she's been sleeping with Rodney Justin?" Chris
asked him as he flopped back onto the couch again.

	"I didn't know while I was with her. I only found out a couple
months ago from Christina. Apparently Britney had bragged repeatedly to
her about how she was pulling a fast one on me."

	"Bitch." Chris laughed at the word. It just wasn't powerful
enough to describe Britney in all her glory.

	"What do you think she meant by punishing us?" Lance sat down on
the couch next to Chris. Jean-Michel took the chair Kimmie had been in.

	"Well she tried to break up Joey and JC. I doubt she'll go after
them again since she didn't succeed."

	Joey turned away from JC, ashamed of what he had done. Justin
noticed that and the cold look on JC's face.

	"She didn't succeed did she?" He asked them both, his voice
filled with concern and a hint of fear.

	Both Joey and JC were quiet for a moment. The other four guys
awaited the answer with trepidation. Finally JC opened his mouth.

	"No she didn't."

	Everyone in the room, including Joey, breathed a collective sigh
of relief.

	"We can't let her win, ever. If she wins then she has something
to hold on to. We can't let that happen." Justin said seriously.

	Lance stood up. "Everyone stand." The other five obliged and
stood up as well. Lance put his hand out, palm down. No one moved for a
moment and then finally, Joey put his hand on top of Lance's. Everyone
else quickly followed.

	"We all promise to fight Britney every step of the way. For our
family, for our friends, and for our careers." The others all murmured
their agreements.

	They stood still for a moment and then Lance removed his hand
from the bottom of the pile and stepped back. "We have a long day ahead
of us tomorrow. It's time for bed."

	"I'm going to go say our good-byes at the party and get Casey."
Justin left the room.

	"I'm tired and I should go see how Kimmie is." Chris excused
himself, leaving the two couples alone.

	"Are you two okay?" Lance asked them with concern. They were both
so quiet. Joey looked up at him.

	"I'm drained." JC nodded in agreement. Lance sat back down.

	"Okay. We'll see you guys in the morning. Sleep well." Lance
yawned and leaned back.

	Joey and JC walked out of Lance and Jean-Michel's room, heading
for their own. They both stopped just inside the door.

	"I think I'll sleep on the couch tonight." JC said quietly, not
looking at Joey.

	Joey's eyes filled with tears. He bit his lip, trying to hold
them back. "Please don't Josh. I need you with me, especially tonight."

	JC lifted his head and looked deeply into Joey's eyes.

	"I love you and I'm not going to stop loving you, but I need to
sleep on the couch tonight. I can't hold you in my arms right now."

	Joey let out a quiet sob. He nodded his head and walked into the
bedroom, leaving JC alone in the living room. He curled up on the
couch, hugging his knees to his chest and began to cry softly.

	Joey stretched out on the bed, letting the tears run down his
face as he thought of what he still might lose.




Chapter 11


	"What do you mean by that?" Justin glared at Brian as the two of
them drank their coffee. The rest of the guys were milling around Kevin
and AJ's living room eating as well.

	"I just meant that maybe you should stop using the CD player. Use
the microdisc system then you won't have so much trouble finding new
stuff on CD."

	"I like CD's Brian. They sound better."

	Howie snorted in laughter. "That is not a good reason to listen
to CD's. Microdisc's capture much more of the sound. The quality is
just not there with CD's Justin."

	Justin glared over at Howie now. "Well at least I don't listen to
tapes anymore."

	Chris looked up from his plate. "What do you mean by that?" He
said defensively.

	"I just said at least I don't listen to tapes anymore. It's not
my fault that you still do Chris. It wasn't directed at you."

	"Well okay then." Chris continued eating without missing a beat.

	Kevin walked back into the living room holding his empty cup of
coffee. He and AJ were on the phone with Denise in the bedroom trying
to get some wedding plans straightened out.

	"Hey Kev!" Kevin jumped slightly, but turned towards the voice
that shouted his name.

	"You got a minute Kevin?" JC asked him as he and Joey headed over
to him.

	"Actually AJ and I are on the phone with Denise. Can we talk
later?" He filled his coffee mug again, adding a little cream and a
spoonful of sugar.

	"Okay, that's cool. But we really need to talk to you." Kevin
nodded, taking a sip of the steaming coffee. He closed his eyes,
relishing the taste. Joey and JC watched as a blissful expression
passed over Kevin's face.

	"Ok, now I can face more of Denise and AJ plotting against me. He
is really stuck on the magenta and fluorescent green color scheme."
Kevin shuddered at the thought.

	"Give 'em hell Kevin." JC patted his shoulder reassuringly. Kevin
gave him a withering look. "I will succeed in having a nice tasteful
wedding no matter what my fianc says."

	Kevin walked back into the bedroom. Joey sat down on the couch
next to Lance and Jean-Michel.

	"So how are you two feeling?" Lance looked over at him, blinked
once and shut his eyes again.

	"Why didn't you two stay in bed?"

	"Tony called really early this morning regarding Britney and some
details about her release. Things aren't going well. Since we were up,
we just stayed up."

	"Do you want anything to eat?" JC asked them both. "No way. The
last thing I ate barely touched my throat before I puked it back up."

	"Pleasant image James. What about you Jean?" JC wrinkled his nose
slightly. "No thank you Joshua. I am not hungry at all."

	"We'll leave you two alone to nap as long as possible." Joey
stood back up, motioning for JC to follow him.

	Joey wrapped his hand around JC's, squeezing softly. "Love you
Blondie."

	"Love you too Scruffy." Joey grinned at the stupid nickname JC
had come up for him. They had been laying in bed the other night and JC
had rolled over and looked at him.



	"Can I call you Scruffy?" Joey was slightly taken aback. "Why
would you want to call me Scruffy?"

	"Because you always look a little scruffy no matter how much time
you have spent in the makeup chair or shaving. I think it's sexy."

	Joey shrugged. "Well in that case I guess you can call me Scruffy
all you want, Blondie."

	JC giggled. "Now where did you ever come up with such an original
nickname like Blondie?"

	Joey tickled him. "Just watch that sarcasm Blondie. Or I'll turn
you over to Nick in a moment."




	"What are you two giggling at?" Nick looked up from his coffee,
his eyes still bleary and his short hair sticking straight up.

	"Nothing Nick. Just drink your coffee like a good boy." JC
grinned at him.

	"Oh shut up. If I wasn't so tired I would beat your ass for
calling me a good boy."

	"We all know Nicky isn't a good boy." Howie grinned from across
the way. Nick stuck his tongue out at him, sending Howie into a fit of
laughter.

	"Come on Nick. If you were a good boy, would you have a hangover
right now?"

	"Okay no fair picking on the guy with the hangover."

	Joey and JC slid out of the room without anyone noticing.

	"Hmmm...now whatever are we going to do until we have to get back
on the bus?" Joey grinned at JC slyly.

	"I don't know about you, but I could really use a shower." Joey
leaned over and sniffed JC.

	"Phew...you are getting a little ripe babe."

	JC laughed and smacked Joey lightly. "Just for that you don't get
to shower with me."

	"Well in that case you smell like roses. Can I shower with you
now?" Joey grinned at him. JC couldn't resist his goofy grin. He
grabbed his arm and dragged him into their room.

	"Of course you can shower with me. How can I ever say no to you?"

	Joey leaned over and kissed him softly. "I'll have to remember
that."

	"I'm going to check the messages, then we can hop into the
shower." JC walked over to the phone and hit the message button.

	"You have one message." The automated voice droned loudly. "Hey
it sounds like Justin in the morning." JC grinned and waited for the
message to begin.

	"Buttons, it's Mom. I was hoping to catch you or Joey before you
went to breakfast. Oh well. I wanted to know when you two were coming
to visit. Grandma and Poppy want to meet Joey so I have to let them
know when you are coming. Call me later if you get the chance. I love
you honey. Give Joey a hug for me. Bye sweetie."

	JC grinned as he listened to his mother's voice. He had called
her up the very next day after he and Joey began dating and told her.
She had always been very comfortable with his relationships and had
been thrilled for both of them.

	"It's weird to know that your mom is totally cool with this."
Joey sat on the bed next to JC.

	"Why is it weird? Mom's been cool with everyone I've dated. Why
should you be any different?"

	"It's not weird that she is cool with it being me. It's weird
that she is cool with you dating guys at all." Joey was quiet as he
looked down at his hands.

	"Honey, I promise you that your family will be fine with
everything. Your parents are great."

	Joey nodded. "I guess you're right. It's just they were all so
thrilled that I had settled down with a nice girl like Kimmie."

	"And now you've settled down with a nice guy like me. They are
just going to be glad that you are happy Joey. Trust me."

	JC hugged Joey tightly. "Let's go shower. Last one in has to
sleep with Chris!"

	Joey grinned and jumped up, following JC into the bathroom,
stripping on the way, leaving a trail of clothing behind him. JC had
waited to get undressed until he was in the bathroom. Joey jumped into
the shower and turned it on. JC jumped in right behind him.

	"Chris snores by the way." Joey said as he reached for the
shampoo. "I was just joking about sleeping with Chris."

	Joey wagged his finger at JC. "Oh no you don't. If I had lost you
would have made me sleep with Chris. It's only fair that I make sure
you keep your word."

 	JC pouted. "But Joey honey, if I sleep with Chris, you'll have to
sleep in the big, cold bed alone."

	"I can rough it for a night babe."

	JC pouted some more. "Okay well hand me the shampoo then. I'll
ask him in the limo."

	Joey handed him the shampoo, laughing in his mind. He was going
to let JC pout for a few minutes because he thought it was really cute.
Then he was going to turn and kiss him, a lot.

	JC squeezed the shampoo and began to wash his platinum hair.
Whenever it was wet it turned a golden color, which he liked even more
then the platinum. If only Justin could get it to stay that color.

	JC watched Joey's back as the muscles rippled while he washed his
hair. JC gulped. He turned away, hoping his little problem would go
down by the time Joey turned around.

	Joey turned around and saw JC facing away from him. He reached
out and lightly slid his finger down JC's wet skin. JC shivered
slightly. He turned around to face Joey, smiling slightly.

	"How long do we have before we need to get on the bus again?" JC
whispered as he wiped shampoo off of Joey's cheek.

	"Two hours." Joey's voice shook from JC's touch.

	"Plenty of time." JC leaned in and softly kissed Joey on the
lips, placing his other hand behind Joey's neck, pulling him closer.

	Joey's hand slid down JC's back, resting softly on the small of
his back. Their tongues met and dipped softly in each other's mouths.

	JC pulled back slightly. "Wait. Do you want to do this now?"

	Since the disaster with Kimmie and Britney on Joey's birthday,
neither Joey or JC had pushed the other to have sex. It had taken a few
days for JC to fully accept what had happened and that Joey had really
been keeping Kimmie as a backup while he was telling JC that he loved
him.

	JC had slept on the couch that first night, unaware that Joey had
sat in a chair across from him and watched him sleep all night. JC had
woken up while he was in the shower. JC had taken Joey's superman t-
shirt and curled up in bed with it, enjoying the scent of Joey that
lingered on the shirt.

	The day after the party, everyone had been loaded onto the tour
bus and set off for Greece. Jean-Michel had stayed behind to make sure
that all of Britney's dancers, sets, and Britney herself were loaded
onto a plane back to the US.

	Britney had thrown a fit, hitting Jean-Michel when he tried to
usher her onto the plane. Finally, he restrained her and strapped her
into a seat with Rodney's reluctant help. He ended up flying back with
her to make sure she didn't do anything stupid.

	Lance and Chris had spent the morning filling the Backstreet Boys
in on what had happened, warning all of them that Britney wanted
revenge against everyone. Once the meeting was done, Joey and JC had
locked themselves into the office in the back and talked for hours.

	Joey had promised JC that he wouldn't fuck with JC the way he
Kimmie. In return JC had promised not to push Joey away like he did
with everyone he had ever dated. Already Joey had broken through a
number of JC's barriers that prevented him from having a successful
relationship. It was easy for him to promise to talk to Joey instead of
closing him out.

	But in the days that passed, neither of them had made a sexual
move on the other past kissing. JC wanted to make sure that this was
what Joey wanted.

	Joey brushed JC's hair back and looked deeply into his eyes. "Yes
Josh. I do want this now."

	JC leaned in and kissed Joey's nose. "Then I suggest we get out
of this shower and head to the bedroom." Joey shook his head. "I think
we should stay right here a little longer."

	JC grinned as they kissed. "Mmm...I can agree to that." His hands
softly rubbed Joey's head, pulling him closer to him. Joey's hands
explored JC's back, kneading the hard muscles as he pulled him closer.

	They pulled back slightly, each of them breathing heavily. Joey
pulled JC back into the kiss, crushing his lips against JC's with
passion. JC did his best to please Joey.

	His hand slid down Joey's stomach, reaching his hard cock. JC
grasped it lightly with his hand, causing Joey to moan into the kiss,
his eyes fluttering.

	"Oh Josh." He whispered softly, his voice heavy with lust. JC
slowly ran his hand up and down the length of Joey's penis. JC dropped
his head slightly and began to kiss Joey's neck, sucking on his adam's
apple.

	Joey ran his hand through JC's hair as JC tenderly kissed his way
to his chest. JC nipped lightly at Joey's left nipple causing him to
moan loudly. JC continued his light stroking on Joey's cock as he
sucked on his nipple.

Joey's body quivered in anticipation as JC stooped slightly to
kiss his way to Joey's stomach. He backed Joey up so he was leaning
against the wall as JC began to kiss his pubic bones.

	"Please Josh. Please." Joey moaned softly, his voice begging JC
to take him. JC complied.

	JC lightly licked the head of Joey's cock, swirling his tongue
around it. He licked up and down the sides, getting to know the length
and girth he was about to take in.

	With one hand, JC held Joey's penis gently and with his other
hand, he steadied Joey. He slowly took all of Joey into his mouth,
getting a loud groan as his reward. Letting go of Joey's cock, he began
to lightly brush his balls with his fingertips, pleased as Joey
shuddered in response.

	Joey shut his eyes as he let himself get lost in the sensations
JC was causing. He ran his fingers through JC's blond hair, urging him
on with gentle pressure.

	JC backed off. Joey opened his eyes and looked down at his
boyfriend. JC was looking up at him with a grin on his face.

	Joey groaned. "Don't stop please." To his utter disappointment,
JC stood up. He took Joey hand and stepped out of the shower, leaving
it running as he led Joey back to the bed.

	They were both soaking wet as they laid down on the still messy
bed that they had vacated only an hour or so earlier. Joey pulled JC to
him, kissing him softly.

	"I love you Josh."

	"I love you too Joey." JC smiled shyly, suddenly self-conscious
in the openness of his statement.

	"Josh, can we...can I...can, ummm...well." Joey blushed deeply.
Understanding him completely, JC smiled and kissed him softly.

	"Of course we can." JC got up and went into his backpack,
retrieving the condoms and lube that Kevin and AJ had bought them for
the birthday evening.

	He climbed back into bed and straddled Joey's chest. Kissing him,
he tore open a condom package and slowly rolled it onto Joey's erect
cock. Joey groaned softly, knowing that he was going to get to make
love to JC.

	JC massaged lube into Joey's condom-covered cock. Joey sat up and
maneuvered JC onto his back, resting JC's legs on his shoulders.

	"Josh...is this okay?" Joey asked, unsure of what he was doing
and concerned about hurting the man he loved.

	JC smiled. "Go slow." Joey nodded and placed the head of his
penis on JC's asshole. Steeling himself, he pushed slightly, feeling
the head of his penis enter JC a little bit. He groaned, already
enjoying this more then he ever imagined.

	JC reached up and pushed Joey's back, forcing him in more. Joey
slid in JC slowly, both of them enjoying the feeling.

	"Oh my god. Josh you feels so good." Joey said, not moving.

	"So do you." JC said slightly breathlessly as he awaited Joey's
movements. He squeezed his ass slightly, letting Joey know he was
ready. Joey picked up on the signal quickly and began to slowly slide
back out again.

	Soon he built up a steady rhythm, causing both of them to moan in
pleasure. JC moaned Joey's name softly as he ran his hands over Joey's
chest.

	"Josh! I'm going to cum!" Joey shouted loudly, thrusting himself
harder into JC, trying to capture every inch of JC in his mind as he
writhed underneath him.

	Joey squeezed his eyes shut and arched his back slightly as he
shot his load. JC came between the two of them, shouting Joey's name.
Joey collapsed on top of JC, his cock still in JC's ass. JC softly
rubbed Joey's neck.

	"Hey Scruffy you look sleepy." Joey raised himself up and looked
deeply into JC's eyes.

	"That was fucking amazing. When can we do it again?" Joey sat up
and pulled the condom off. Looking around, he grabbed a tissue and
wrapped it up. JC laughed at him.

	"Why don't we rest a little? We can do it again on the bus."

	Joey looked at him weird. "On the bus? But won't everyone hear?"

	JC shook his head, sitting up as well. "Have you ever heard Lance
and Jean-Michel or Kevin and AJ for that matter?" Joey shook his head.

	"It's all about controlling the shouting. If we can do that, we
can have sex the whole way to Greece if you want." Joey grinned and
kissed JC on the nose. "Cool. So I guess we should shower again and
pack now?"

	"Yeah, but we should probably do separate showers or else we will
never get packed." Joey pouted slightly but hopped off the bed.

	"You want to go first? You're a little messy honey." Joey pointed
to JC's chest which had cum on it. JC looked down.

	"Maybe I should." Joey tied his robe around himself and began to
put his clothes in a suitcase. JC watched him for a second and then
went into the bathroom to shower.




	Justin poked Nick in the side. "Come on hurry up slowpoke. If we
don't hurry we'll get the crappy bunks next to Lance and Jean-Michel"

	Lance stuck his head out of his room. "I heard that." Justin
grinned. "Just kidding Scoopy. I love you."

	"Whatever Curly. Just make sure you have everything. I'm not
calling hotels because you left Mr. Bunny behind again." Lance shut the
door, leaving Justin alone in the hall with Nick, who was laughing.

	Justin turned crimson red at the mention of Mr. Bunny. Lance had
promised that he wouldn't mention the fact that Justin still slept with
his stuffed bunny. He had only told Lance because he had left him
behind one time and really needed to find him.

	"Shut up Nick." Justin stalked down the hall. Nick shook his head
and chased after him.

	"Wait up for a moment Justin." Nick reached into his backpack and
pulled out a very worn teddy bear. "Meet Bruno. Only Kevin knows I have
him. I left Bruno in a hotel in Australia and Kevin tracked him down
for me."

	Justin smiled. "Thanks Nick." Nick hugged him tightly. "No
problem man. Just don't tell anyone about Bruno and I won't mention Mr.
Bunny."

	"Deal." They shook hands. "Now let's go claim our bunks."




	Chris looked around his hotel room with a dismayed look. He had
done his best to clean up, but he knew that another trashed hotel room
would be added to the bill. The room was a wreck. He'd had another bad
night last night.

	He shut the door behind him and pulled his baseball cap down
further, trying to block out the light and settle back into gloom.
Brian came up behind without him noticing.

	"Sometimes it's easier to just numb your feelings." He looked at
Chris over his sunglasses with a sad look.

	"I guess. Unfortunately I haven't really found out how to numb
them. When I drink I seem to feel everything more." Chris laughed
briefly, a harsh joyless laugh.

	"You would think that I would learn and stop drinking."

	Chris turned and walked away from Brian, heading for the
elevator, carrying only his guitar and laptop. Everything else was
already on the bus.

	He didn't know why he shut Brian out all the time. Brian had
never been anything but nice to him. And if anyone understood how he
was feeling right now it was probably Brian. At least Chris could talk
to Dani on the phone. Brian had said once that he very rarely caught
Shelley on a break.

	Chris stopped walking and turned around, looking for Brian. He
was leaning against a wall, looking at a picture with a sad expression.
Chris sighed and walked back over to him.

	"Who are you bunking with?" Brian shrugged. "I kind of figured I
would just pick a bunk and let whoever was unlucky enough not to find
someone else to bunk with join me. That seems to be the theme this
tour."

	"Well, I'm not bunking with anyone. Justin's staying with Nick so
there goes my bunking partner. What do you say? Care to join me?"

	Brian smiled at him weakly. "Thanks. But you don't know what you
are getting yourself into Chris."

	"Well, I guess I'll take my chances. I could use someone to talk
to actually and I was kind of hoping that you would do that for me."

	Brian smiled for real this time. "Actually I could use someone
too. I've been feeling a little isolated lately."

	"Tell me about it."





	Kevin pounded loudly on Joey and JC's door. He hadn't expected to
get this job again, but Lance was sick so he had agreed to make sure
everyone was out.

	"Go away!" JC shouted from inside. "No luck JC. We all have to be
on that bus in five minutes so get your asses out here now!"

	"Fine. Now leave us alone."

	"No way. I know that trick. I've used it a hundred times when I
don't feel like leaving AJ's arms. All you two have to do is grab your
stuff, ride downstairs, climb on the bus, and then climb back into
bed."

	Joey opened the door and looked at Kevin. "Okay we really are
coming now."

	JC walked out carrying his suitcase and a backpack. Joey followed
him, carrying his stuff. Kevin watched them as Joey shut the door
behind him. The three of them walked down the hall together.

	"So how did the talk with Denise go?"

	Kevin groaned. "Our wedding colors are blue and cream. But to get
that, I had to agree to wear a blue and cream tux. I can't believe I am
getting married in a blue and cream tux."

	"Quit complaining Kevin." AJ said from behind them. The three of
them jumped at his voice, not expecting him there.

	"I'm not complaining. I'm telling Joey and JC what we decided in
a very whiney voice. That's not complaining."

	AJ rolled his eyes and took Kevin's arm. "How old are you Kevin?"

	Kevin grinned and held up his middle finger. "I'm this many."
Joey and JC began to laugh at the two of them as AJ stuck his tongue
out at Kevin.

	"Oh like that's mature Alex." They continued to fake argue as
they walked down the hall, leaving Joey and JC lagging behind.

	"Do you ever think we will be like that?" Joey shook his head. "I
hope we are never like that. I would shoot myself if I looked like AJ."

	JC laughed. "That's not what I meant. Do you ever think our
relationship will be like that?"

	"No, because we aren't Kevin and AJ. We're Joey and Josh. Someday
our relationship will be that comfortable and secure, but it won't be
the same as Kevin and AJ's because we're different people."

	JC kissed his hand. "I love you."

	Joey smiled. "I love you too."






	Lance looked around the small room trying to get his bearings.
The bus rocked again and Lance quickly found the toilet, dry heaving
violently since there was nothing in his stomach.

	"Hurry up Lance! There's a line out here." Lance opened the door,
still sitting on the ground. "Can I just sit here please?"

	Howie looked down at him. "Sure, just move over. I'm going to be
sick." With that, Lance watched as Howie turned green and threw up in
the toilet as well. Great another one down. Brian had gotten sick
earlier, but thankfully was asleep in his bunk now.

	Chris peered into the bathroom. "I think I'll just hold it for a
bit. Do you two need anything?" Lance shook his head. Howie just
continued vomiting in the toilet. Chris gulped as he walked away.

	He had never been able to help someone who was vomiting. It was
just too much for him. Chris wandered into the kitchen and found Jean-
Michel resting his head on the counter.

	"How are you feeling man?" Chris asked him as he grabbed a soda
from the fridge. "Am I dead yet?"

	"Nope. Sorry. Want me to drag you back to the bunk?"

	"Thanks Chris but no. That is too far from the sink and since
James has claimed the bathroom, I am stuck with the sink."

	"Well he and Howie are sharing now."

	"Howie's down too? How many does that make?"

	"You, Lance, Howie, and Brian."

	JC walked into the kitchen. "Joey's got it too. He just threw up
all over our bunk. Where's the cleaning stuff?"

	Kevin walked into the kitchen. "Here. I just cleaned up after AJ
and Brian." He handed JC a bucket and sat down on the counter.

	"How many days until our first show in Greece?" Chris asked.

	"Two days. You guys have two singers down and we've got three.
This isn't going to be pretty."

	Jean-Michel propped his head up. "It gets worse. I had not told
anyone yet, but James and I received some very bad news about Britney
this morning."

	No one said anything as Jean-Michel coughed. "We cannot get her
released from the label even though she breached her contract. She
found a loophole and we have to keep her on for one more album. Plus
she also found out that the gag order only pertained to while she was
on tour."

	"Super." JC said dryly. "Well, I'm going to go clean up after my
boyfriend. One of you guys can tell Justin and Nick. They're hiding in
the back room with the Nintendo."



---There it is. If you want to know where to read next, it's chapter 28
and 29 of Escape. If not, don't fret. You'll still understand. If you
didn't understand that, don't fret. I'm really tired and have no real
idea of what I am typing right now. ?