Date: Fri, 25 Aug 2000 11:30:35 EDT
From: Garrett Sparks <xander874@hotmail.com>
Subject: Next Window Please - Chapter 4

Once again, thanks for all the positive feedback I've been getting, as well
as the suggestions.  They really help to keep me motivated.  I love writing
(especially this story) and will continue to do so as long as you guys want
me to!

You know the drill: underage, homophobe - go away!  Lance and JC gay?  Don't
have a clue - this is fiction.  I don't know the guys and no even less about
who they spend their nights with.  And please e-mail me with questions,
comments or confusions!  Enjoy!

Chapter 4 - When you finally get to love somebody

	"What were you smiling about last night?"
	Lance and Joey were loading up limo that would take them to the airport.
It was Friday morning and the Florida heat was already causing Lance to
sweat.  Lance had never asked Joey what he was grinning about after he and
JC had come out to them and figured this might be the only time they were
alone for awhile and wanted to know.
	Joey responded, "You don't see it, do you?"
	Lance looked perplexed, "See what?"
	Joey put his hand around Lance's shoulder, "Well, you're gay, Josh is gay."
	Lance backed away, "Me and Josh?  Just because we're both gay doesn't mean
that we have to date".
	Joey smiled, "Aw, come on, you haven't thought about it just a little?"
	The truth had, Lance had - a lot in the last day.  "I don't know.  I mean I
like Josh a lot, but that's really just a brotherly kind of love.  I think.
Don't get me wrong - he's hot and all."
	Joey jumped in, "I'll take your word on that".
	Lance laughed and the two guys headed went in the house.

	Inside, JC was finishing his packing.  As usual, he was the last one to get
up and
therefore, the last one to finish packing.  Justin walked in, "Aren't you
ready yet?"
	JC threw a dirty sock at Justin, which stuck in his curly hair, "Give me a
minute!  I'm, almost done."
	Justin sat next to him on the bed, "That's not what you said last night".
	JC raised his hand in a joking fashion, as if he were about to strike his
friend.  Justin laughed at him and JC smirked.  He returned to his packing,
and before Justin could ask, he stated, "I haven't decided what I am going
to do about Lance yet, in case you were wondering".
	Justin nodded, "I just think you need to be careful.  I mean, last night
you tell me you've been in love with the guy for the last four years.  Even
if he feels that way too, you have to be careful."
	"I know that Just," JC said.
	Justin patted JC on the back, "I just don't want you to get hurt, but it's
up to you.  I do think you'd make a cute couple, though".
	Justin left the room and JC shook just his head.

	As the plane took off from the airport. Lance sat alone.  JC and Justin
were seated in front of him and Chris and Joey shared a first-class row next
to him.  But, he was glad he was by himself.  He had asked for it.  He had
some thinking to do.  Primarily, he was thinking about his parents.  He
hadn't talked to his mom since Wednesday, and he was worried because she
hadn't called him.  Lance figured he and his parents both needed a little
time to sort things out.  He had decided if his parents couldn't accept him
and love him for what he was, then maybe they couldn't be a part of his
life.  He knew it was harsh to feel this way, but he didn't see the
alternative.
	It wasn't like he wanted to flaunt it in their faces, or make them march in
a gay pride parade or anything.  He just wanted to be able to come home at
Thanksgiving and, if he had one, bring a guy home.  He knew that was way too
much to ask for this November, but one day he wanted that.  Maybe Stacey
would talk some sense into them.
	He decided he would e-mail home just to let them know his plans.
	He logged onto his computer and typed in his parents address: DoubleBass98.
  This was the addy for both of his parents - they shared an account.  So,
he was careful what he said as he typed:

		Mom and Dad,

		Hope you are doing well.  I just wanted to let you know that I am okay
		and we left today for L.A.  I'm actually on a plane as I write this.
We'll be
		there for a few days and then we shoot our next video.  Then, we fly back
		to North Carolina for the last leg of the tour.  We're gonna be in Alabama
		at the end of October.  I would love for you to come to the show.  I know
		you've seen it, so don't worry if you can't.  Just let me know.

		I love you both.  Say hello to Stace for me.  I better go.  Write me if
you
		can or call my cell.

		Love,
		James

	He hit sent and shut his computer.  He didn't expect a response.  He had
reached out and the ball was now in their court.  He just hoped it worked.
	Someone sat down in the seat next to him and he was about to complain when
he looked up and saw JC.  He still looked preoccupied, the way he had ever
since he came out to everyone.  He wondered if JC was having a hard time
dealing with it.  Some people hated themselves for being gay.  He just hoped
JC could deal.  It had taken Lance a long time to get over his upbringing -
one that told him he would burn in hell for this - and be happy with
himself.  He knew he had to be there for JC.  And as he looked at him now,
he couldn't help but sympathize.  He also noticed for the first time just
how handsome JC really was.
	He kicked himself mentally for thinking this, especially when his friend
was hurting, but JC was dressed in a pair of jeans and a tight T-shirt and
he looked really good.  Lance knew JC was "hot" - he even said that to Joey
this morning.  But, he wasn't thinking about the sexual aspect of it.  JC
was handsome and good-looking and just very, very attractive.  Even when he
had a crush on the boy, he hadn't really studied his looks.
	Lance shook it off and asked JC what was up.
	JC smiled at him, "How's it going, Scoop?"
	"Fine.  Just thinking."
	"What about?"
	Lance sighed, "I have a lot on my mind.  Mainly my parents".
	JC lowered his head, "Yeah.  That's something I'm gonna have to deal with
one of these days.  Not looking forward to it".
	Lance joked, "Why didn't you come out to me last week?  It coulda saved me
a few tears".
	JC looked genuinely sad, "I'm sorry about that".
	"Hey, no problem.  We got each other now.  And know that I'm here for you
for whatever you may need."
	JC nodded his thanks and turned to face the front of the plane.  Lance
stared at him for a minute, wondering if he was going to stay or go.  Not
that he minded.  The thing was, he and JC hadn't talked all that much and he
knew there were so many things to discuss.  Lance had never had someone to
talk to about himself.  At least not anyone who understood him so well.  He
looked forward to talking to Josh.
	And then, as if the guy was reading his mind, JC turned to Lance, "So, I
was wondering if, once we get settled in tonight, we could go out to dinner
or something".
	Lance answered, "Yeah, we should all go out.  Enjoy L.A."
	"No," JC said, "I was thinking just you and me.  Without the other guys".
	Lance thought for a second, "You mean, like a date?"
	JC looked up, "Well, kinda I guess.  I just thought we could talk - about
things, you know?"
	Lance leaned into JC and grabbed his hand, "Sounds great".
	JC smiled and got up, "Great.  I'm gonna go back to my seat then.  See ya
when we land".
	Lance smiled back and JC returned to his seat with Justin.  He looked over
and saw Joey sitting in his chair, smiling at his blond friend.  He made
kissy sounds to Lance.  Lance rolled his eyes and smiled back.
	The truth was, Lance didn't know if this was going to be a true date or
just a friend thing.  Josh had been acting like a nervous schoolboy, so it
led Lance to think it was the date thing, but he wasn't sure.  He thought he
would just let things happen.  He closed his eyes and, to his surprise and
enjoyment, thought of JC.

	The landing was a little rough and it woke Lance out of a peaceful slumber.
  The other guys were apparently sleeping too, for he could see them slowly
rising up and getting oriented.  Time shifts always did a number on Lance's
internal clock and he knew he would be ready for bed by 8pm.  He hoped the
nap he had taken would prolong that need for sleep a little bit.  He was
actually looking forward to his "date" with Josh.
	Someone had obviously tipped off people that they were landing in L.A. that
day, because the airport was currently overrun with screaming teenagers,
many holding signs that expressed their love for the different band members,
  The guys used to have a standing bet that every time they came upon one of
these scenes, they would count the signs that mentioned them specifically
and the one with the most would win.  The prize was bragging rights and
Justin seemed to always hold that honor.   Lance wondered if that's where he
got his ego from.
	He laughed to himself as they were escorted the back way to a waiting limo.
  They all climbed in and Justin, Chris and Joey sat on one side, while JC
and Lance took the other.  The other three began gabbing away, but Lance and
JC were quiet.  Lance swore he could feel Josh staring at him, but when he
turned to face him, he was looking away.  Lance smiled to himself.
	About halfway there, they hit a pothole, which bounced the guys around.
JC's hand found itself brushing against Lance's knee.  Lance noticed his
friend didn't move it and frankly, Lance didn't want him to.
	The hotel was just as crowded with fans.  Lance used to wonder how in the
world people could find out where they were staying.  That information was
supposed to remain top secret.  But, Chris, the elder statesman, had offered
that the famous leaks were manufactured by the higher-ups themselves in
order to get some free publicity.  Lance wondered if they would have such
loose lips if they were the ones that had to manuveur through these crowds.
	Luckily, they got in without much trouble and were led through the back to
a service elevator which took them to the top floor.  This floor was
basically one big suite, with six bedrooms, six bathrooms, a common living
room, dining room and kitchen.  It had all the comforts of home; yet, Lance
was uncomfortable.  He never thought himself worthy of being treated like a
god.  He liked the simple life.  It was all he wanted.  The truth was, as
soon as NSYNC's fifteen minutes were up (which they all knew was
inevitable), he planned to be behind the scenes 100%.  He enjoyed working
with FreeLance Entertainment.  Of course now, things might be a little
screwed up with it, since it was a family business.  Still, he was
determined to not let his relationship problems interfere with his dream.
	Each guy grabbed a room and threw their stuff on the floor.  They weren't
sure how long they were going to be in LA, so they didn't bother unpacking.
Chris, JC, and Joey immediately went for the Playstation and began duking it
out over the latest shoot-em-up game.  Justin walked into Lance's room and
flopped down on his bed.
	"Comfortable?" Lance asked as he put his toothbrush in the bathroom.
	Justin rolled over, "Yeah, I think your bed is much more cozy than mine.
Wanna trade?"
	Lance smirked, "Nope.  Your room is next to Joey's and his snoring is bound
to rattle the walls.  I like sleeping".
	"I also noticed your room is next to Josh's," Justin asked in a probing
way.
	Lance shrugged, "And?"
	Justin sat up, "Oh, nothing.  I just heard from a certain bandmate that the
two of you are going out tonight".
	Lance sat next to him on the bed, "We are going out, yes.  But, we're just
gonna talk.  We have so much in common and I think we'd be a good support
system for each other".
	Justin frowned, "Is that all this will be?"
	Lance was silent, then responded, "I honestly don't know.  I like Josh, but
I really haven't seriously thought of him in that way.  I guess we'll see
where it takes us".
	Justin stood up, "Just do me a favor, okay?"  Lance nodded yes and Justin
went on, "Be careful with him.  Just don't toy with his affections".
	Lance was somewhat offended, "You think I would do something so cruel?"
	Justin reassured his friend, "No! I didn't mean it that way.  I just meant
that Josh is in a kinda fragile state right now and I don't want him hurt".
	Lance stood up and walked to Justin, "Josh is the sweetest guy we know.  I
would never do anything to hurt him.  You know that".
	Justin smiled, "Yeah, because you're the second sweetest person I know".

	A few hours later, the hotel suite was eerily quiet.  Justin, Chris and
Joey had all gone to grab some dinner and maybe go clubbing.  JC and Lance
were in their rooms, getting ready.  Lance looked at the pile of clothes on
his bed and fretted over what to wear.  He was somewhat embarrassed that he
was wasting so much time deciding his look for the evening.  After all, JC
had seen him at both his best and his worst.  It shouldn't have mattered
what he wore.
	Still, he wanted to look nice, so he settled for a pair of tan cargo pants
and a blue button down shirt.  He got dressed and was fixing his spiky hair
when there was a knock at the door.
	He opened it to find JC standing there.  He was dressed in a pair of slacks
and a button down shirt also.  He had a big smile on his face and a single
rose in his hand, which he handed over to Lance.  There was no doubt in
Lance's mind now that this was indeed a romantic date.  And it didn't bug
Lance in the least.
	The guys silently walked to the elevator and headed down to the lobby.
	"So, should we decided where we're going, so our limo driver doesn't have
to wander around LA?" Lance asked as they stepped into the lobby.
	JC smiled, "Don't worry.  I already made reservations at a place.  You like
Mexican food, right?"
	Lance smiled back, "It's my favorite and you know that". Although he wasn't
sure Mexican was the best idea for a date, given what it could do to his
stomach.  Still, it was sweet of JC to think about him.
	They walked out to the limo.  JC said as they climbed in, "I just wanted
this night to be perfect for you".

	The restaurant was more of a Tex-Mex place, which suited Lance just fine.
He thought about ordering the fajitas, but opted not to when he thought of
the awful onion breath he would have.  He scolded himself for thinking that
there would be any reason for clean breath, but he still wanted to make
sure.  So, he got a chicken and rice dish.  JC ordered some type of
blackened steak.
	While they waited for their food, they began discussing their lives.  JC
opened the conversation, "So, are you gonna call your parents?"
	Lance sipped his Coke, "I don't know.  I sent an e-mail to them on the
plane.  I figure I'll let them sort through this and wait for them to call
me".
	"Yeah, I'm really worried about my parents too.  Their pretty religious too
and I don't know if I can handle the rejection".
	Lance placed his hand over JC's in a discreet manner, "Josh, whatever
happens, you have me and the guys.  And it's not like you have to tell them
today.  You come out when your ready.  It's a very personal thing and
shouldn't ever be forced".
	JC smiled, "You mean like when Chris blabbed about me and made me tell
everyone".
	Lance laughed, "Something like that".
	The food arrived and both guys realized they were incredibly hungry.  The
ate in silence.  Lance noticed JC look at him a few times during the meal.
As the tables was cleared, he glanced at JC, and more specifically his eyes.
  Lance had a thing for eyes.  He was never really happy with his pale green
eyes, although many people commented that it made his unique.  But, JC had
these blue eyes that, when matched with his dark hair, really made them
stand out.  He stared at them on and off, not wanting to make JC
uncomfortable.  And it was at that moment that he truly realized that he
liked Josh in more than a brotherly way.  And this time, it was no crush.

	After dinner, they debated about what to do.  Neither was really up for
clubbing and the only movie that neither had seen was the new Pokemon film.
And since Chris wasn't there, they knew he would kill them if they saw it
without him.  Not that they really wanted to see the movie, but they liked
to humor Chris.  He had few needs, and one of them was cheesy Japanimation.
	So, they opted to just head back to the hotel.  The time shift was now
starting to catch up to Lance, as he knew it would, and he was kind of
tired.  Still, he didn't want the date to end and suggested they see what
was on TV when they made it back to the hotel.
	The guys were apparently still out clubbing and the suite was dark.  Lance
and JC flipped on the lamp by the couch and sat down.  Lance turned on the
TV and began flipping through the channels.  There wasn't a lot on - it was
Friday night after all.
	JC offered, "Hey, doesn't Skinemax have that Friday after Dark deal where
they show dirty movies?"
	Lance chuckled, "I don't know.  My parents have never been big on cable."
	JC laid his head on Lance's shoulder, "When I was little, I used to fake
going to sleep and then sneak downstairs after my parents were in bed and
watch some bad erotic movie."
	"And did you enjoy them?" Lance asked.
	JC shook his head, "No, there were never enough naked men.  And the ones
that were there were usually ugly."
	They both laughed at this and fell into a comfortable silence.  Lance
lowered his hand and scooted it over towards JC's leg.  He began running his
finger along the side of JC's thigh.  As if that was a cue, JC moved his
hand to Lance's and embraced it.
	Lance  turned to face JC, who raised his head up, "So, does this mean you'd
like to go out again?"
	JC smiled, "No, but this does," and before Lance knew it, JC had leaned in
and placed his lips over his friend's.  Lance wasn't sure what to do - he
had never kissed a guy before - but it felt so right.  He returned the kiss.
	JC backed away, "I've never kissed a guy before Lance.  How was it?"
	"I was thinking the same thing.  My first-time too.  But, I think I like
it.  A lot". Lance replied.  He further responded by kissing JC again, this
time much more passionately.  Before he could think, he felt his tongue slip
between JC's lips.  JC jumped slightly, but never loosened the connection
and soon his tongue was in Lance's mouth.  The kiss went on for a minute
before they parted.
	As they sat back on the couch, JC spoke, "Do you think I could sleep with
you tonight?"
	Lance was shocked at JC's forwardness, "Josh, I don't think I'm ready to go
there yet".
	JC realized what his proposition sounded like and corrected himself,
"That's not what I meant.  I just meant I want to sleep with you -
literally.  I just want to be close to you tonight.  To hold you".
	Lance was touched and longed for the same.  He couldn't think of a more
perfect way to end their date.  And he told JC so, "I would like nothing
more".
	They switched off the TV and headed to Lance's room.  As they walked in,
Lance remembered Justin's words from earlier and turned to JC, "Now, you are
sure about this?  I don't want you to have any regrets or anything".
	JC removed his shirt, revealing a tank top underneath, "Actually, I just
want to sleep here so I can avoid Joey's snoring".
	Lance removed his shirt also, "Very funny.  But, I'm serious."
	JC walked over to Lance, who was now bare-chested.  He placed his hand on
Lance's shoulder, "I have never been more sure about anything Lance."
	They kissed again.  JC excused himself as he remembered to brush his teeth.
  Lance did the same and then began removing his pants.  He wasn't sure if
he should sleep in his normal attire, which was just his boxers; but, he
didn't have any sweats or anything.  Hopefully, JC wouldn't think he was
being too forward.
	His fears were calmed when JC returned to the room, still in his tank top,
but now wearing just his boxer-briefs.  Lance smiled at him as JC closed the
door and switched off the light.  Lance waited in the dark for his boyfriend
(that sounded so weird, yet so cool) to join him.  He felt JC's warm body
slide under the covers.  They were facing each other and Lance had the urge
to kiss him again.  His lips found JCs and they lied there, kissing for a
minute.
	"You have the prettiest eyes, Scoop," JC said.  Lance was glad that the
lights were off, because he felt a tear form in his eye.  This was the first
time that someone complemented his eyes and he really believed them.
	After another quick kiss, JC turned over and pressed his back to Lance's
chest.  He felt a slight stirring in his shorts as JC adjusted, rubbing
himself against his friend.  Finally, JC stopped moving and Lance "calmed
down".  They were now in a spoon position and Lance never felt more
comfortable in his life.
	"Goodnight, Josh," he said as he placed a kiss on the back of JC's neck.
JC reached behind him, rubbing Lance's hair, "Goodnight Lance.  Thanks for
making this evening so great".
	Lance had the best night's sleep of his life.


There is Chapter 4...it's a little long, but this has to last through the
weekend, as I'm not sure I'll be writing again until next week.  So, enjoy
this and please e-mail me at Xander874@hotmail.com with any comments.  It's
those that let me know you're reading
and enjoying them!