Date: Fri, 16 Feb 2001 20:24:08 -0800 (PST)
From: Jim Higgins <bangoremail1@yahoo.com>
Subject: Flying Without Wings - 4

Greetings everyone,

I hope everyone's had a great Valentine's Day and that your Valentine was
nice to you.

Not much to say here today.  I like to add little tests to relationships
when I write.  Jamie and Justin have overcome several, Lance and JC are
going through one now, eventually Chris and Dani will as well.  Things have
been a little static with our happy couple so it's their turn again.  This
was suggested to me quite a few chapters ago and I finally found a good way
to write it into the story.

Be comforted by the fact that I'm a firm believer in happy endings, and
that's all I'll say about that!


As usual:
This story is purely fiction and is not intended to imply anything about
the true sexuality of 'N Sync or anyone associated with their organization.
It is meant for those over the age of 18 only and those who wish to read
stories with sexual content.


******


Flying Without Wings - Chapter Four



"Gin."

Joey sighed in frustration.  "Again?" He asked Justin who smirked at him
from the couch.

"Yup," Justin replied mentally calculating the scores.  "Seems like you now
owe me $45, bud.  You wanna stop?"

"Let's keep going.  You know I'm a glutton for punishment."

The bus had stopped for a rest somewhere between Cleveland and Columbus on
it's way to Cincinnati.  JC and Chris had gone out to round up some junk
food.  Lance was sitting across the lounge with his cell phone to his ear
going over his ever-present paperwork.  Phil was at Lance's laptop cruising
through the web chat rooms and Jamie was asleep lying between Justin's legs
with his head on Justin's bare stomach.

Justin looked down at Jamie as Joey shuffled then dealt the cards.  Smiling
to himself, he ran his fingers through Jamie's hair.  The vacation last
week was quickly becoming a pleasant memory.  Kevin had opted not to come
back after the break and Jamie had assumed all his duties.  It was tiring
being on tour now with both of them working.  The only times they had
together to look forward to were the bus rides and the occasional overnight
at hotels.

Justin sighed as he fanned his cards.  The stress level had grown for Jamie
in the last three days and that worried him.  So far Jamie was dealing with
it and the nightmares had not returned as of yet, but Justin didn't know
how much more Jamie could take.  The tour only had a little over 2 weeks
left but they were by far the most filled and busy for everyone.

Joey saw the look on Justin's face and reached over to pat his arm.  "It
will be all right, Just.  He's a survivor and we're all here for him."

Justin smiled at his friend.  "I know Joe, and thanks for saying it.  He's
been so trouble free the last couple of weeks I hate to think about what
the last week will do to him.  Plus we'll be in New York and for some
reason he doesn't feel safe there anymore, and I don't know why."

Joey poindered for a minute while organizing his hand.  "I've thought about
that.  I think he connects the city with being away from you and it reminds
him of last fall when he had his little melt down just after Thanksgiving.
Put that all together and his insecurities just get the better of him
there."

Justin considered Joey's words before nodding.  "I don't care what they
say, Joe, you're not the dumb one," Justin smiled.

"Well, just don't let it get out.  I have a reputation to uphold," Joey
smirked.  "Besides, this way nobody expects a lot out of me and I like it
that way."

They continued to play cards and Justin giggled suddenly.  "You're awake
now aren't you?" he asked.

Jamie yawned.  "What gave it away?"

"When you just started playing with my stomach with your fingers.  You know
that tickles."

With a big smile Jamie sat up and pulled down Justin's shirt.  "You make a
nice pillow," he smiled at his fiance.  "How much does he owe you now?" he
asked kissing Justin lightly on the lips.

"Forty-five big ones"

"How did you know I was losing?" Joey asked with a pout.

"You always lose to Justin, Joe.  You think you'd learn.  How much time we
got left before we pull out."

"About 10 minutes or so," Justin said looking at his watch.

"Ok, I'll be back, I need to use the bathroom and a hamburger sounds really
good.  Want me to get you guys one?"

"Count me in," Justin said.  Phil added his order as well.

"Chris is getting me something, but thanks anyway," Joey answered.

Jamie made his way off the bus and was stopped by Lance's voice.  "Jamie if
you see those two tell them time is running out and I want my chicken!"

"Will do, Lance."  Jamie left the bus and stretched in the sun.

"Just, is he always so sleepy?" Joey asked.

Justin nodded.  "You usually don't see it.  Most nights he takes his
medicine after dinner so he's over the grogginess early in the morning.
Last night he didn't take it until we went to bed so he's a little sleepy."

Joey nodded.

Lance had taken a break and was watching Phil chat online from over his
shoulder.  "How can you say something like that?" He commented with a
warning in his voice.

"Easy, but nobody will believe it anyway," Phil replied.  They waited a few
seconds.  "See I told you they wouldn't."

"What did you say?" Joey asked.

"He said that his brother just woke up from sleeping on Justin," Lance
replied.

"What!!?" Justin yelled.

"Easy, Curly," Lance soothed, "they didn't believe a word of it.  This is
pretty funny."

"Phil, we need to be more careful," Justin warned.

"It's all under control, Justin.  I always like to shake up a room like
that, but at least now they're all talking about the possibility of one or
more of you being gay and that's what we're trying to do.  You know, Lance,
you could come out tomorrow and nobody would really be all that surprised."

Lance went and sat back down.  "I hate being the gay one all the time," he
muttered to himself with a pout.

------


Jamie had finished his business and was washing his hands at the sink when
he heard a strange noise in the bathroom.

"Hello?"  He was answered by silence.  Peering around cautiously he quickly
dried his hands and left.  Reaching the hallway he saw JC and Chris leave
through the doors outside.  Shaking his head at his imagination he headed
over to the fast food place and ordered six hamburgers knowing that Justin
and Phil would want more than one and Joey would try to scam one as well.

Except for the kids working behind the counter, the rest stop was fairly
empty with only a few business travelers moving around.  Jamie paid for the
burgers and grabbed some candy from a vending machine.  He turned to leave
and bumped into someone behind him.

"Oh, excuse me, I didn't see you..." Jamie started.

The older man smiled at him and patted his shoulder.  "Don't worry about
it, I wasn't watching where I was going either."  He continued smiling at
Jamie which made him very nervous.

"Well... um... ok, bye," Jamie said uncomfortably and walked briskly
out the doors.  The man's smile faded slightly and he shook his head.
'Nervous little fella,' he thought to himself and got some gum from the
machine before heading off to search out some coffee.

Jamie got on the bus still a little shaken.  He dropped the burgers and
candy bars on the table and went into his and Justin's bunk without saying
a word, shutting the curtain behind him.

Justin stared at his back as he passed while curious glances passed among
the others.  "Did anything happen in there?" he asked Chris.

"Not that we know.  We didn't even see him inside."  JC nodded in
agreement.

Justin stood and went to the bunk.  He parted the curtain and peeked in to
see Jamie sitting with his arms around his knees, tears staining his
cheeks.

"Sweet pea, what's wrong?"

Jamie looked up and sighed.  He told Justin about hearing things in the
bathroom and bumping into the man at the vending machines.  "I'm just so
tired, Justin.  Tired of being scared all the time."  Fresh tears rolled
down his cheeks.  "When will I not be scared anymore!?" he sobbed.

Justin sat beside him and pulled Jamie's head onto his lap and ran his
fingers through his hair.  "He can't harm you, baby, not without going
through me first.  Nobody can or will."

"I can't live like this.  Something has to give and I'd prefer it wasn't
me."

"I think I'd agree with that.  Have you talked with Leslie lately?"

"My appointment is before the Foxboro show, she's coming and bringing her
kids.  I'll have my session with her while they are at the meet and greet."

Justin nodded and leaned down and kissed his forehead.  "I love you."

"I love you too," Jamie replied with a sigh.  "Look at us, a teen
heartthrob and his mental patient boyfriend," he added morosely.

"Don't you say that," Justin said loudly, shaking Jamie slightly at the
shoulders.  "Don't you ever think that.  Sure you're having some problems,
but that's to be expected.  I don't ever want to hear you say that about
yourself again.  I love you unconditionally, troubles and all."  Justin
huffed and crossed his arms on his chest.

Jamie lay still in his lap not quite knowing how to react to Justin's
outburst.  "I'm sorry," he said softly looking Justin in the eye, "it just
gets to me at times.  And sometimes I worry about your reputation when we
do come out, they'll find out about my past and me."

"I'm not worried about that.  We'll be completely honest about it and let
them think what they want.  You... did... nothing... wrong."  Justin
emphasized his last words with squeezes to Jamie's shoulders before pulling
him up and into a crushing hug.  "Now let's go get some of those hamburgers
before Joe eats them all."

Jamie smiled and kissed him.  "Thanks for making me feel better."

"You do the same for me all the time," Justin said taking Jamie's hand and
leading him to the lounge.

------


The bus had arrived at the arena in Cincinnati with plenty of time to spare
so they used it to stretch and get a little exercise.  Deciding to take it
somewhat easy, they set a brisk walk and circled the arena while talking
casually.  Lance was lagging behind while on the phone.  Jamie and Justin
held hands and led the pack around the upper tier.  JC was just ahead of
Lance and reading a newspaper.

Everyone stopped at a cry from JC.  "Holy shit, look at this!"

JC folded the paper over and held it out for all to see.  Lance finished
his call and jogged up to join them.

"The New York Times, Josh, I'm impressed," Phil kidded good-naturedly.

"But it's from Monday.  Couldn't you get one a little newer?" Chris joined
in.

"I bought it at the airport in DC and haven't read all the way through it
yet, bozos.  Now quit it, look at this article."  JC pointed to a small
headline down on the lower half of the page.

	'Teen heartthrobs to tie the knot?'

Justin grabbed the paper and quickly read the article aloud.  "Oh man,
could they ever get this more wrong!"

Everyone was giggling at the situation.  The article outlined a meeting
between Justin and Britney where he was seen getting down on one knee
apparently proposing to her in a New York deli.

"The sad thing is it did happen," JC commented with a smirk, "sorta."

"But they didn't even mention that Lance and I were there," Jamie remarked,
"and it happened in Cleveland when you had that morning off, not New York."

Lance quickly got on his cell phone.

"So what exactly happened?" Phil asked intrigued.

"We met Britney at the airport during her layover and treated her to lunch.
Joe and Chris didn't go because they were too hung over from their little
party the night before and JC wasn't feeling good," Justin explained.  "She
oo'ed and aah'ed over the rings and wanted a demonstration about what
happened.  So I knelt down and told her what I said."  He shrugged and
handed the paper back to JC.

"I did the same, but obviously nobody noticed," Jamie said with a snicker.

Lance ended his call.  "Our PR publicly denied it as false gossip on Monday
afternoon and so did hers.  Funny nobody told us about it."

"They probably thought it was nothing.  Besides, Mel has been flooded with
work and hasn't left her bus much," JC added.  "We have that meeting
tomorrow when we get to Pittsburgh, she'll probably tell us then."

The article visibly troubled Justin.  "How does it affect our plan?  Why
now?"

Lance thought for a second.  "Actually, it may help.  When the time comes
we can use Britney and tell the real story.  Up until then the denial that
you're a couple only helps especially when the reason why comes out."

Justin looked at Jamie who gave him an encouraging smile.

"This will work," he whispered into Justin's ear.  "We just have to keep
our cool."

Justin smiled took Jamie's hand once more, nodded and the group continued
their walk.

------


The afternoon passed quietly until Wade arrived and insisted on brushing up
some of the routines before the sound check.  Jamie supervised the roadies
as they set up the band while Phil helped with the multitude of cables and
patch cords.  Every so often either or both of them would watch Wade put
the guys through their paces, changing a step or placement here or there.
He would be with them until New York, tweaking the show so it looked the
best it could for the HBO special.

As the last amp was being placed and put into position Phil tugged on
Jamie's sleeve.  "Hey, what do you know about Wade?"

Jamie smiled, his brother had always been transparent to him.  "Well, he's
single, no boyfriend that I've seen.  I don't even think he has the time to
date much."

Phil's eyes widened as Jamie stressed the boy in boyfriend knowing what he
was implying.  "You think he might like some water?"

Laughing at Phil's behavior, Jamie poked him in the shoulder.  "What about
Jason?"

"We kinda decided to cool it for the summer," he replied nonchalantly,
apparently not caring.  Phil caught Jamie's frown and gave in.  "Ok, -he-
decided when I talked to him on Wednesday that we should see other people
for awhile," he sighed.

Jamie put his arm around Phil's shoulder.  "I'm sorry, squirt.  I know you
liked him."  He lowered his voice and spoke softly into Phil's ear.  "You
know, Wade is your age.  I think you'd look cute together."

Phil pulled away from Jamie and slapped his shoulder.  "Stop it.  Like I
have a snowball's chance but I think he's interesting.  Look at the way he
moves."  They watched Wade demonstrate a few steps.

"You never know unless you try," Jamie shrugged.  "He's a really nice guy
underneath the drill sergeant exterior."  Jamie pushed Phil towards
offstage with a broad smile.  "Go get that water and introduce yourself."

Jamie finished connecting the last of the cords and got water and towels
for the guys.  Coming back onstage just as they were finishing, he nudged
Justin and nodded over to Wade.  Justin looked and saw Wade accept a bottle
from Phil and shake his hand.

"What's he up to?" Justin smiled.

"Introducing himself.  Seems he thinks Wade is interesting and likes the
way he moves."  Watching as Phil worked his charms on the choreographer,
they giggled together when they saw Wade smile widely and put an arm around
Phil's shoulder.

"He's pretty smooth.  I think I've been dethroned."

"He certainly is good at it but you're the only Mr. Smooth for me," Jamie
smiled and kissed Justin on the neck smelling his cologne, soap and a hint
of sweat.  "You're all sweaty," he commented pushing him away.

"I thought you liked me that way," Justin protested pulling Jamie back into
his arms.

"Oh, I'll agree I like the way you smell right now but I prefer to be the
reason for it."

The band came on to make sure all their equipment was ready to go while the
guys took a breather.  They did the sound check for everyone at the same
time going through bits and pieces of the songs.  Justin would turn around
and look at Jamie constantly and sing to him bringing smiles to both their
faces.

When everyone was satisfied, they left the stage to see where dinner would
be served.  Phil came running up to Jamie talking a mile a minute.

"Heyyouwererighthe'sreallycoolisitallrightfor
metogowithhimforsomepizzabeforetheshow?"

Jamie laughed at Phil's enthusiasm.  "Of course you can go.  Just don't
make a pest of yourself, ok?"

Phil gave him a sour look.  "I never do that!"  He then gave Jamie a big
hug and ran offstage.

"What was that all about?" Joey asked with a chuckle.

"Seems my little brother and Wade are becoming friends."

Joey smiled then put on a sad face.  "He's forgotten all about old wrinkled
Joey and gone with the cute, young choreographer."

They all laughed.  "Why Joe," Lance kidded him, "I didn't think it would
matter to you."

"Oh, it doesn't.  Even if I was interested, he's a little young for me."

They all laughed and moved to the playroom.  Chris was the first one to the
door with Joey close behind when Lonnie stopped them.  "Hold on, you guys.
Just wanted to let you know that you have some visitors in there.  I don't
know what they know, so you should be careful."

Justin let go of Jamie's hand as did Lance with JC.  Plowing through the
door, they stopped just inside to see four guys lounging around the room.

"Drew? Nick? Is that you?" Chris asked.

"Sure is!"  The four guys for 98 Degrees turned and greeted them with hugs
and handshakes.

"What are you guys doing here?" JC asked.  "You're supposed to be in LA
finishing your album."

"It's all done," Nick said proudly.  "We came home for a little R&R and
found you were in town so just had to come and say hi."

"How's Jessica?" Lance asked Nick.

"She's doing great and on a mini-tour.  I'll be going to meet her in a few
days.  How are you and the Spaz doing?"

"Hey!" JC objected with a chuckle.

"Doing fine.  You know we got engaged in February?"  Nick nodded with a
smile and mussed Lance's hair.

"I have news too," Drew said excitedly.  "I'm getting married this fall!"

Congratulations went all around with more hugs and back slaps.  "It must be
an epidemic," Chris laughed.

Drew looked at him funny.  "Why do you say that?"

"Well, first Lance and Josh get engaged, then Richardson got married this
spring.  Seems Littrell is getting married around Labor Day and now you."
They all laughed at Chris.  Ever since the Backstreet Boys had their little
hissy-fit on MTV in February, he refused to use their first names.  "Oh,
and Jus... OW," he said as Joey stepped on his foot.  "That -was- my big
toe!"

Justin looked at Joey with gratitude and threw Chris a heated look as Joey
apologized.

"So who's your friend?" Jeff Timmons asked ignoring or missing the exchange
as he approached Jamie with his hand out.

"Jamie Campbell.  Nice to meet you, Jeff."

"Oh so polite." Jeff smiled warmly and shook his hand.  His hand was strong
and sure around Jamie's.  His sparkling eyes were very attractive and the
tight shirt he wore showed off his physique extremely well.  Jamie started
feeling a little uncomfortable.

"That's just Jamie," Joey kidded.  "He's taken Kevin's place while he's out
with his pregnant wife.  He's a good friend."

"Nice to meet you, Jamie," Jeff said releasing Jamie's hand.  "I look
forward to hearing you play."

Jamie nodded shyly and was grateful that Jeff had to move to allow the
other members of his group to introduce themselves.  They all took seats on
the couches and floor and started in on the food: Turkey sandwiches.

"I don't ever want to see another of these things again," Chris complained.
"Why can't we have Chinese or Pizza."

"Looks like we share a nutritionist.  No sense of what is filling," Drew
joked.

"Are you guys gonna stick around for the show?" JC asked.

"If we're welcome, we'd like to see it.  We've heard all kinds of good
things about it.  You guys staying tonight or moving on?" Justin Jeffre
asked.

"Staying over," Lance answered.  "We have a radio interview in the morning
then we head to Pittsburgh."

"Cool, let's hang out after!" Drew said with a mouthful of chips.

The meal continued with small talk traveling around the room.  Every so
often Jamie would catch Jeff looking at him.  Their eyes would meet and
Jeff would give him a small smile.  Jamie didn't know if he should be
flattered or insulted.  The interest and the intended meaning behind the
flirting were all too clear.

Sure, Jeff didn't know he was engaged to Justin and Jamie just wished that
Justin would tell them and be done with it.  Jeff certainly was attractive
and deep inside Jamie felt complimented that someone so handsome would be
interested in him.  He returned the first few smiles with uncertain ones of
his own.  Eventually he relaxed and let Jeff continue with his flirting but
pretty much ignored it.

When dinner was done, Jamie excused himself to go warm up in a corner of
the room.  He brought out his trusty 12 string and did some exercises to
get his fingers moving.  The guys had heard him do this many times and left
him alone.  The men of 98 Degrees however stood listening with smiles on
their faces.

"He's really good," Nick complimented to Justin.

"He sure is.  We only hire the best!" Justin smiled with pride.

Jamie played some more and lost himself in the music, playing whatever came
to mind.  After a few minutes he was interrupted by a shout from Drew.

"Hold on!  How'd you know that lick?  Play it again."

Jamie thought for a second and played something from one of the recording
sessions from the beginning of June.

"I thought so.  You recognize it?" Drew asked his brother.

Nick nodded.  "Where'd you learn that?" he asked somewhat harshly.

NSync stood around completely confused and Justin took a few steps toward
Jamie almost protectively.

"It's just something from a recording session I did a month ago, that's
all," he shrugged.

"Play it again," Jeff asked gently.

Jamie started in and Jeff led the others and started singing.


	"Give me just one night, una noche
	The moment to be by your side
	Give me just one night, una noche
	I'll give you the time of your life."


Jamie stopped and smiled.  "So it was some of your stuff, huh?"  Everyone
visibly relaxed.

"I guess so.  That's the first single," Drew answered with a smile.
"Anything else?"

Jamie played some of the other things he remembered some of which they knew
and some they didn't.  One last one he had a large portion of and the guys
sang with him again.  They finished, laughing and clapping Jamie on the
shoulders.

"You -are- good and you're gonna be all over our album," Justin Jeffre
laughed.

Justin flushed with pride for his fiance and beamed at him from nearby, he
loved to hear Jamie play.  Coming to a decision, he was just about to tell
Nick, Drew, Jeff and the other Justin the truth about them when he caught
the intense gaze Jeff was giving Jamie.

An emotion that Justin had trouble recognizing at first bloomed into his
head: jealousy.  'How dare Timmons look at my man that way,' he stormed in
his head.  His face flushed and Jeff would've been dead a hundred times
over from the daggers coming from his eyes.

Lance noticed the tension and knew that Jeff had taken a liking to Jamie
but hadn't counted on Justin catching it and reacting just this way.  He
moved to head off the inevitable confrontation, he knew exactly what Justin
was thinking

"Curly, can I talk to you for a second?"

"Not now, Lance," Justin said with a slightly heated tone.

"Yes now, it's kinda important."

Justin looked over to Lance then back to Jamie who was chatting with Drew
and Nick.  Jeff was standing a few steps away still studying Jamie with
bright eyes that Justin didn't like one bit.  He reluctantly let Lance pull
him to the far side of the room.

"You need to calm down before you say or do something you'll regret."

Justin sighed heavily.  "How dare he, Lance?  He's -my- fiance."

"But Jeff doesn't know that," Lance said softly.  "I think Jamie's caught
some of it and I noticed he was a little uncomfortable.  Just let it slide
for now and stay close, I'll try to distract Jeff, ok?"

Justin nodded reluctantly.  "Ok, but I don't have to like it."  Lance
patted his shoulder and they moved to rejoin the group.

>From across the room, Jamie noticed the stormy look on Justin's face as he
talked with Lance and immediately guessed why.  Excusing himself, he
grabbed Justin's elbow as he and Lance finished talking.

"Justin, can I have a word with you in private?"  Justin stayed silent and
let Jamie lead him into the connected dressing room.  Once the door was
closed Jamie put his hand on Justin's cheek.  "You're so sweet, you know
that?"

Justin smiled guiltily.  "I've never felt like that before.  He was just
looking at you and it made me so jealous."

"I saw and yes, I caught his flirting awhile ago."  Justin's anger rose
again and Jamie grabbed his shoulders.  "He's harmless, Justin.  Let's just
tell them, they're ok with Lance and Josh so it won't be a big deal."

"We should."  Justin was still bristling, storm clouds crossing his brow.

"God, I love you, you know that?" Jamie smiled at him.  "Every day, more
and more."  Jamie pulled Justin's head down for a kiss and Justin relented.

Their lips touched and all the anger and uncertainty inside of Justin
melted to nothing.  The world slipped away as they tasted one another
slowly.  Justin's tongue slid against Jamie's lips and Jamie grabbed it and
pulled it into his mouth.  Justin's hands went into Jamie's hair as Jamie
grabbed Justin's belt loops.

"Oh my God!" Drew shouted from the door as Justin and Jamie separated with
deep blushes.  "Um... I'm sorry, I needed to use the bathroom.  I knocked
and nobody answered."

By this time Nick and the other Justin had crowded behind him.  Jamie saw
JC and Chris behind them with sad apologetic looks on their faces.

"It's ok, Drew," Justin said.  "We were going to tell you.  Jamie is my
boyfriend and we are engaged too."

"I thought something was up between you two when I noticed the similar
rings," Justin Jeffre commented.

Jamie giggled.  "Ya, I guess that's a give away isn't it?"

"So you guys ok with this?" Justin asked.

"Of course, Curly.  It's just a surprise." Nick said with a smile.  "We're
glad you found someone to be happy with."  The three members of 98 Degrees
gave both Jamie and Justin warm hugs.

Where's Jeff?" Justin asked suddenly.

"Oh, Lance and Joey took him out on stage to see all the bells and
whistles," Chris replied.  Justin nodded and glanced at Jamie.  Taking his
hand, he kissed the back of it.

"So you guys set a date yet?" Drew asked.

"Not yet," Justin replied.  "We're in no hurry."  Jamie grinned at him
warmly as they went to go find the others.

------


Jamie sat just off stage watching Pink warm up the crowd when Phil and Wade
returned.  Wade went right to the guys to pep them up while Phil floated
over to Jamie.

"So how was dinner?" Jamie asked with a smirk.

"Sonny, oh!" was all he said sat heavily on the floor with a big smile on
his face.

"I take that it went well?"

"He's perfect, funny, smart, really cute and has the neatest piercing on
his belly button.  And his abs, ugh!"

"Um, what were you doing when he showed you that?" Jamie said trying to
sound concerned and mad but couldn't.

"We were just talking about it and so he showed me."

Jamie laughed.  "I'm sure you didn't ask him until he did, right?"

Phil grinned.  "Maybe a little.  So anything exciting happen with all you
old people while I was gone?"

Jamie slapped the back of Phil's head.  "Oh nothing you'd be interested in.
We ate dinner with 98 Degrees and just hung out."

Phil's eyes bugged out of his head.  "You're kidding me?!  Are they as cute
as they look on TV?"

"Cuter."

"Damn, I missed it."

"Well, if you want you can sit with them in the VIP section."

"You didn't say they were still here," Phil challenged getting to his feet.

"You didn't ask."

Phil ran over to Wade and pulled him away and off to the seating.  The guys
looked over to Jamie who shrugged at their amused smiles.

------


Jamie was in the place where he could play and let his concentration wander
a bit.  He loved when he got here.  The NSync music wasn't all that
difficult to perform which let him follow Justin.  He glanced just off
stage to see Wade in the wings shadowing all the guys moves.  Concerned
about his brother, he glanced up to the VIP booth.

Phil was sitting between Jeff and Drew and seemed to be in heaven.  Jeff
was talking to him and was leaning close.  For some reason the whole thing
bothered Jamie.  It was painfully obvious that Jeff was a player and even
though Jamie knew Phil could take care of himself the protective big
brother blossomed.  The break came up and they took a breather as the guys
went to a costume change and the living room set was put out.  Jamie walked
quickly over to Wade.

"Can I have a word with you?" he asked.

"Sure, Jamie.  Um, if it's about Phil, he's a really great guy..." he
began.

"Wade, we're cool.  I told him to go over and meet you." Jamie laughed at
Wade's grin.  "Just don't play him, ok?"

"Well, I don't know if anything will happen or not, but I promise I'll be
nothing but real."

"Good.  But I need you to do me a favor.  Phil's in the VIP with 98 Degrees
and Jeff is getting a little too close for my comfort."

"I gotcha, I can go rescue him if you'd like.  Jeff is quickly getting a
reputation, he's basically a nice guy but doesn't know when to turn it
off."

Jamie nodded.  "Thanks, buddy."

------


Everyone was sitting around Joey's room at the hotel surrounded by nearly
empty pizza boxes.  Chris burped loudly and sat back against Jamie's legs.
"Now that's food!"

"Hey, there's a bar with a dance room downstairs why don't we go make an
appearance?" Joey suggested.

They all agreed and made to get ready to go.  "I'll meet you down there,"
Jamie said.  "I want to check in on Phil and let him know where we're
going."  Phil had gone off to his room with Wade to watch a movie.

Jamie went down the hall and knocked.  He could hear the TV through the
door but not much else.  He knocked again a little louder and finally Phil
opened the door.  His hair was mussed and out of its ponytail and his shirt
was unbuttoned.  His lips had the red, swollen look of long kisses.

"I just wanted you guys to know we're going downstairs to the bar if you
need us," he said with a smirk.

"Um... thanks Sonny.  We're just hanging."

"Ya, sure," Jamie answered aloud.  He leaned into Phil and whispered to
him.  "Use protection if you go any further, ok?"

Phil looked at him shocked then smiled.  "You ok with this, then?" he
answered quietly.

Jamie nodded and gave Phil a hug.  "Just be careful, that's all I ask."

Phil hugged Jamie back and shut the door with a happy grin.  Jamie smiled
and turned to head down the hall and saw Jeff standing a little ways down
waiting for him.

"So Phil is your brother, huh?"

Jamie nodded and continued past Jeff to the elevators.  "Yes, my -younger-
brother," he said coldly.

"Hey, I know what it looked like, but I wouldn't do anything without the
ok, honest."

Jamie turned to Jeff and glared at him.  "You just leave my brother alone.
I know what you're all about.  I don't think the world would take to kindly
to someone in your position trying to get some play with a 17 year old."

Jeff was a little startled by that.  "Hey, dude, I didn't know.  Plus you
got it all wrong, I was only being friendly."

The elevator arrived and Jamie debated getting on it with Jeff but figured
he wouldn't try anything when the chance of getting caught was so high.
They got on in silence and watched the door close.

"Hey..." Jeff started.

"Jeff, just forget about it, ok.  Nothing happened and I don't want any
trouble."

"Good, besides, why go for the little brother when the big one is what you
really want."  Jeff moved closer to Jamie with a large smile.

Jamie laughed.  "You're too smooth, you know that?"

"I do my best."  Jeff reached out and brushed Jamie's bangs from his eyes.

Jamie backed away and put his hands out.  "Jeff, you have no idea."

"Oh, I think I do.  Come on, I saw you smile at me.  I know you find me
attractive."

Jamie shook his head.  "Yes you are attractive but I'm not..."

Jeff stopped him by pressing him against the wall of the elevator and
putting a finger on his lips.  "Shh, just relax."

Jamie started to protest again.  Strangely he didn't feel the usual
paranoia and panic he had around strangers.  The flattered feeling returned
and he blushed.  Jeff leaned over for a kiss and reached over to press the
emergency stop button.

The elevator ground to a halt just before it reached the lobby as Jeff got
closer.  Now Jamie was starting to panic.  His breathing became irregular
and tried to push Jeff away.  Jeff's muscular bulk resisted and he pushed
his head forward for the much wanted kiss.

Jamie turned his head and Jeff's lips came in contact with his cheek and
ear.  Jeff chuckled and started kissing what he had available.  Jamie's
thoughts were working a mile a minute as he tried to figure out what to do.
He reached over and just barely hit the button to start the elevator again.
Jeff grabbed at his wrist but was a second too late.

Anger blossomed in Jamie at the feeling of Jeff restraining his arm.  'This
is new,' he thought as his let his temper go.  The door opened onto the
lobby with a loud ding.  All Jamie heard was a loud "What the fuck!" from
Justin.


tbc...


There's the latest.  Comments and suggestions are always welcome!


Jim
bangoremail1@yahoo.com