Joey looked out of the corner of his eye while the group finished their before show prayer. It was the first time he'd really seen her in last two days. Every time he'd get anywhere close to her, she'd turn around and leave. Avoiding him. He wondered if it was just him or if it was something he'd done or said. Joey had thought back to everything the past week and couldn't think of anything to set her off. His eyes narrowed as she hugged Justin, laughing at something he'd said before briefly meeting his eyes, a slight frown coming to her face. “What the hell is her problem?” he muttered, trying to shake off the nerves and adrenaline a bit before they took the stage.

“Joey!” a voice called out, and he inwardly tried not to cringe before he turned to answer. It wasn't a cringe out of despair, just that Kristen's voice had become more bubbly and giggly as the week had progressed. The sight that met him, however, was one he liked. His girlfriend stood there in a tight form fitting dress, looking like a million bucks.

“You look good, Kris,” he said, stopping so one of the stage people could apply a bit more make up, knowing he'd sweat most of it off. His eyes left hers for a moment to watch the woman he had been looking at leave. He nodded to the stage hand in thanks, giving Kristen a quick kiss.

“I told my friends you'd wave to them,” she said, giving him a big smile, pressing her breasts against him.

Joey stopped, enjoying the moment before heading on, practically running out the door. “Mel!” he yelled, looking both ways but not seeing her. “You seen her?” Joey asked one of the security guys, hoping he had.

“She went towards the catering room. You got five minutes,” the guy yelled after Joey.

Joey got to the door that said catering and opened it, sending up a silent prayer that it was empty, save for her. “Hey,” Joey said, watching her jump at the sound of his voice, dropping the knife that had Miracle Whip on it and smiling at her cuss word. “You aren't coming to the show?” A very different woman than Kristen, dressed in a pair of jeans and a green t-shirt from Old Navy, a lanyard around her neck admitting her anywhere she wanted to go with the hard card hanging from it. Her favorite Nike's on her feet and glasses, her hair up in a messy ponytail. Joey watched her stand there, hating the silence between them.

“I've seen the show about twenty times now, Fatone,” Melissa finally said, not turning around as she bent down to wipe up the spilled condiment. “What makes this one different?” she'd tried hard the past few days not to be mad that her best friend had been otherwise occupied, and the shade of green she was wearing for jealousy didn't fit her well. So she'd done the only thing she could think of, which was avoid Joey all together.

“I've tried to talk to you for two freakin' days, Mel. You just give me the silent treatment like I killed your dog or somethin',” Joey spat out, hating to be ignored- more so that this was a person he'd known for years.

“Maybe you did kill my dog,” she said back, emphasizing the 'aw' sound in the word dog so it came out much like his New York accent instead of her southern one.

Joey growled, marching up to the table and grabbing the plate of food she had fixed and held it up out of her reach. “Tell me what the problem is, or the sandwich gets it.” A faint smile came to his face when his brown eyes caught her green ones and she smiled slightly before stomping her foot.

“Damn it, Joseph!” Melissa yelped, pushing Joey and trying to get her food before he dumped it into the garbage. “You're an ass, if you want to know the problem!”

Joey stopped fighting her and tossed the food in the trash. “You're lying. Your right eye twitched, babe,” he huffed, folding his arms over his chest, watching her glare at him and mutter under her breath. The term of endearment pissed her off more, much like hearing Joseph come from her mouth. “Do I have the plague or is this something more along the lines of a lover's quarrel that I am getting blamed for?”

Melissa seethed, about to jab him in the chest with her finger when she stopped. “You think this is about me and Travis? Why would I bring you into that? He and I are fine! I mean, I have to listen to you and Kristen practically having phone sex...”

Joey's eyebrow raised as he heard her voice change at the mention of his girlfriend's name. “You're jealous...” he said, smirking. Joey wasn't sure how to feel about the look that momentarily crossed her face, waiting for an answer.

“Kiss. My. Ass...Why would I be jealous of her? She has to put up with you,” Melissa tried to act indifferent about it.

“Then try not to act like a bitch, Mel. It doesn't suit you. You can do a lot better than Travis anyway, if you want my opinion. He sleeps with anything that walks.”

“He does not! How do you freaking know? Like you're much better anyways!” she yelled. “You can do a lot better than Kristen!Wearing clothes that fit small teenagers so her tits fall out of the shirt! And you act like a dick when she's around.”

“Like I said, you're jealous.”

“Shut up!” Melissa's voice got louder and she took a step closer to Joey. Everything about him made her mad, from the red in his hair to his goatee and Superman jersey he was wearing tonight. “You piss me off, Fatone. You don't have any idea what you're talking about!”

“Then you wouldn't be getting so mad about her being here. You didn't care about wearing make up last week, and now it's like you went and bought the whole fucking Clinique line.” Joey said quietly, taking a step closer to her as well, his voice getting a pissed off tone. He didn't mind make up on women, but in his mind, his best friend didn't need make up.

“It was on sale,” she replied cooly, giving him the evil eye. “Go sing and dance and make girls scream and cry. I don't wanna see you right now.”

“You coming?” Joey asked her, hearing his name beyond the door. He ignored the last statement, even though it hurt.

“Not to watch you, asshole,” she replied flippantly. Melissa saw a momentary stab of pain in Joey's eyes and she turned around, looking down at the table with food. They'd fought and argued before, but she'd never resorted to calling him names.

Joey stood there for a minute, then let out a curse in Italian, slamming the door as he left.

“Dude, where the fuck have you been?” Justin asked, shoving Joey playfully. He frowned when his bandmate just glared at him. “What's up, Superman?” he asked quietly, all of them bringing their hands in for the usual 'NSYNC' yell before they went on stage.

“I'll deal with Mel later,” Joey replied, his voice low. She'd pissed him off, but he was going to get through the show. He had other things to worry about besides Lance's little sister. Other things, but what she'd said really tore him up.

“Oooo, so you had a fight. Who won, dawg?” Chris chimed in, getting a slap in the head from JC. “What? He must have tried to kiss her or some bull if she's pissed at him.”

“Will you shut up,” Justin hissed, the mics coming on in a few seconds.

Joey just shook his head, taking his place on the lift to raise the group up on the stage. He could tell you every note to every song and dance move, every part he talked at. He gave a smile to Kristen, finding her down in the pit. His eyes wandered over to the empty chair a few seats over. Joey looked over at JC, who gave him a raised eyebrow as they both sang and he gave a small shrug. He couldn't get away from that side of the stage, so he just sucked it up.

The sounds of the concert could be heard, the crowd singing along to the songs, shouts and screams of fans, the muffled talking of the guys. Melissa Bass stayed in the catering room, picking at her food until she finally threw it away, disgusted. Travis would still be working and there wasn't anywhere she wanted to just sit, so she walked around. Pausing at the door that would lead her around to the pit, she sighed. Two more shows and Kristen would be back in her hometown of Pittsburgh. Things could go back to normal. Or as much normal as a tour could get. She smiled at one of the security guys.

“Sup, Mo?” she said, high fiving the guy who dwarfed her, all muscles and mean looking until he smiled.

“Not much, sister. You're missing your boy...”

“Whatever. He's being a jerk,” she said, shaking her head. Melissa heard a pause in the show and moved then, opening the door. She could maneuver around between the costume people and backup dancers quick enough.

It was dark and a hand caught Melissa's shoulder before she got all the way out to the pit. “Apologize to him,” a deep voice whispered to her. “Now.”

Melissa turned to see her brother looking at her. “I didn't do anything,” she said quickly, hearing a cough behind Lance, realizing she was standing in their way. Her brother squeezed her shoulder hard. “You got a minute and a half.”

Pressing herself up against a beam under the stage, Mel watched her brother, JC, Chris and Justin walk by with Joey bringing up the rear.

“What did you tell them?” she asked Joey, making him stop. It was close quarters and she could feel his chest rise and fall, his scent a little stronger since he was sweating. A mix of his cologne and deodarant and just...him.

“I didn't say shit. What do you want?” Joey was still pissed and this was not where he wanted to talk at. “We can do this later, Mel. I'm working.”

“I'm sorry, Joey,” she said quickly, swallowing. Melissa wasn't going to cry, but her voice got raspy and thick with emotion. “I hate it when you're mad at me.”

Joey sighed, not ready to talk about it. He was mad and there was no time. “Later,” he bit off, moving past her in a hurry.

Melissa watched him go, sighing deeply. She made her way to the buses, climbing on the one that was for her brother and the rest of the group. There were four more that held the band, back up dancers, crew and opening act. It was a spacious bus and she wandered back to the bunks, taking her shoes off and shoving them in her bag, getting in her bunk and closing the curtain. It was dark, but the noise of the bus engine running kept her awake. As if she could sleep anyway. It would be at least another hour before the guys made it back.

Melissa flipped on her light laid there, staring at the pictures on her wall, most of them of the guys. Taking out her sketchbook, her pencil made lines, finishing up a picture and signing it before she flipped through the book. One picture was taped to the front cover and it made her smile. JC had taken a picture of her and Joey asleep on the couch in the back of the bus. They'd been up playing video games and had fallen asleep. Somehow they'd both ended up under a blanket with her face pressed into Joey's neck, his hat still on backward, his arm around her, controller in his hand. It was one of her favorite pictures, but as far as she knew, Joey hadn't seen it. JC had played it off, giving it to her with a stack of pictures. Turning the light off, she laid there in the dark, her mind a mess.

It did make Joey feel a bit better she'd apologized, but it wasn't what he wanted. He wanted them back to how they were. It was comfortable, and had been that way almost since they met. “Bye Bye Bye,” started and Joey let his mind wander a bit.

Six months into being 'NSYNC, Lance came into the studio with a girl behind him. She was short and blonde, same green eyes as Lance and laughing at something he'd told her. They'd been recording and were taking a break.

“Nice of you to make it back, Lancey poo,” Joey said, thumping him goodnaturedly on the shoulder. “Who did you bring with you?”

“This,” Lance said, bringing his sister in front of him, “is my little sister, Melissa. Mel, this is Joey..Justin, JC, and Chris.”

She blushed and shook their hands, finding a seat to watch them. She was sitting there with a notebook out, her pencil going as she looked and sketched. Joey was the first one done, coming out to sit and watch.

“You're good. Do you draw stuff for money? Or in art class?” he asked, impressed that she'd caught them all in a quick sketch, going back and adding in shading here and there. Joey was lucky to draw a stick figure.

“Just art class. It's all for fun. I'm in choir too, this is my spring break,” Melissa replied, the conversation easy between them until Joey heard his name again.

“Well, we'll have to all go hang out sometime,” he told her, shrugging off the feeling he got when she nodded at him, a small smile on her face.

Joey's thoughts were broken when he realized Justin was looking at him, a raised eyebrow as he was being drug back under the stage to change. “What?” he asked, not sure what had happened.

“You zoned the fuck out, dawg. You were singing and dancing, but it was f-ed up. Like a zombie. If Kristen needs someone else to entertain her while you get some sleep...” Justin didn't finish the sentence, grinning as he changed shirts and pants.

“Stay the hell away from my girlfriend, Timberlake.” Joey took a deep breath and let it out, knowing he couldn't let his mind wander again. Changing clothes as well, he got ready to sing the last set of songs, grinning at Kristen when they got back on stage, pushing other thoughts to the back of his mind.

“Good show, people! Damn good show!” Justin crowed as they got on the bus. He was juiced up from the show, making noise as he went through the bus. He goosed Melissa's bunk, laughing when a scream came from it and a blonde girl came out, huffing at him.

“You're gonna get yours Timberflake,” she seethed, not hearing the others come in. “Don't make me go all kung fu on your ass.”

Justin grinned more, seeing JC approach Melissa. “Bring it on cup cake,” he taunted, putting up his fists. He watched her raise hers, getting ready to fight him when JC picked her up and tossed her over his shoulder.

Melissa screamed again, beating on JC with her fists. “Put me down! I've had a crappy night- I just want to be left alone by y'all!” she kept beating until she was plopped down on the back of the bus on the couch. She crossed her arms and glared at both guys. “You suck.”

“You missed the show,” JC said, sitting down next to her. “You gonna start skippin' out on us or what?”

“Like you care?” she retorted, still mad. “You've got thousands of girls and women that would absolutely do anything to be in my seat...”

“Oh shut up, woman,” Justin said, handing JC a Playstation controller. “You never miss. Did your period start or what? Get a zit or something?”

Melissa ground her teeth. Justin was a genuis on stage. And as a friend he was great, but he never pulled punches. And he had the mouth of a sailor, which didn't come out until the show was over. Her eyes went to him and back to JC. “How was the show?” she asked, playing off what Justin asked.

JC and Justin's eyes met, and JC shrugged. “Oh you know...it was alright. The same ol' same ol'. Glad Kristen was here to keep Joey on his game,” JC said, his eyes on the tv screen. “You suck ass Justin,” he said, going through NFL teams.

“Kiss my fuckin' ass, Chasez...” Justin cast a glance at the girl next to JC, grinning. “Yeah, that Kristen is something else...”

Melissa rolled her eyes. “Yeah, I get it. She's the best thing ever,” she said sarcastically, getting up. “I have better things to do than talk about Joey's girlfriend. If you two like her so much, you should hang out with her and her boobs falling out of her shirt.”

“Whose boobs are falling out of what shirt?” Chris asked, his eyes wide as he got to the back. “What did I miss?”

“Someone's missing their Joey time,” Justin sang the last words, laughing when he got the bird from Melissa. “I thought you'd never offer.”

“I'm not and I'll thank you to shut the hell up.” Melissa got up off the couch. “I've heard enough about Kristen and Joey! I'm going back to bed and the next person who bothers me is getting a kick in the nuts.” She stomped out of the back and back to her bunk, getting in it and breathing hard, letting tears fall. She'd never cry in front of them, the teasing making it seem like she didn't like Joey as much as she did. He wouldn't know, she wasn't about to ruin their friendship over feelings he might not have. Melissa loved how they were together, able to tell him anything.

The three guys looked at each other and Justin whistled. “She needs to get laid. Quick.”

“She has a boyfriend. I'm sure they've done the deed,” JC replied. “Or if not, it's not like we're keeping her from anything.”

“How long has Mel been mad now? Three days...and how long has Joey been MIA?” Chris chimed in.

“Three days,” the other two replied in unison.

“The next week is going to suck ass unless we get them together. They're like peanut butter and jelly...one without the other is just..wrong,” Chris retorted, flopping down in the spot Melissa had been sitting in.

“You should really go into philosophy, dawg. Billionaire type shit comes out of your mouth,” Justin said with a laugh.

“Shut up and play so I can play winner.” Chris got up and went to a cabinet, pulling out some chips. “Lance should be here in ten. Joey was after him in the shower.”

“There was an image I could've lived without,” JC muttered, sighing. They were all friends with Lance's sister, as well as Joey. They always knew the two of them had a bond, but another week of the silent treatment was going to drive them crazy being on the bus.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

Joey sat on the couch in the back, not able to sleep. The bus was rolling towards Baltimore, their next stop from Chicago. He should be asleep, like the rest of the bus, but his mind wouldn't shut off. The tv replayed in an infomercial and Joey changed it, smiling when he caught “Blues Brothers” on. The smile was short lived however, when he thought back to the words his best friend had hurled at him. He'd never been talked to like that by Mel. He got up, wanting to talk, to resolve what was wrong before the next show. He wasn't going to tell her, but he needed her watching. He needed the goofy smiles and stupid faces she'd make to try and mess him up. He went to her bunk and pulled the curtain back, climbing in.

Melissa felt movement in her bunk and jerked awake. She almost panicked before she realized it was Joey, the scent of his soap reaching her nose. “You're in the wrong bunk,” she said quietly, pressing herself against the inside, but not able to get away from him. Her heart hammered in her chest when he didn't say anything, instead pulling her to him, resting his head on the top of hers. Her ear was pressed into the top of his chest, listening to the thump thump of his heartbeat.

“We need to talk, Melly,” Joey said softly, letting himself relax. Kristen was finally asleep in his bunk, after complaining that it was too small and cramped, but that she'd deal with it. Joey had just let her gripe, not wanting to inform her this is the way he lived for so many weeks out of the year. “Why have you been avoiding me?”

She forced her eyes open, trying not to fall back asleep, being warmer than she was with his body heat filling up the space. “Your girlfriend's here,” she replied, reaching up and around to grab Joeys hair, running her fingers through it. A small smile came to her face when she heard him groan in pleasure. “You're only here cause I play with your hair.”

Joey sighed and closed his eyes, moving to where she could reach his scalp. “You know you can still hang out with me, Mel. Whether Kristen's here or not...” his voice trailed off when her fingers started massaging at his temples. “God that feels good.”

“You're spoiled Fatone,” she replied, praying Kristen wouldn't wake up. As innocent as this all was, it still would look suspicious. Biting her lip, Melissa wondered if she should apologize now, or wait. A part of her, the mean part, wanted to keep taking out her feelings on Joey until Kristen was gone. However, that didn't seem right. “I'm sorry...about earlier.”

“The show sucked,” Joey told her, goosing her side. “Plain ol' sucked.”

“The whole show can't suck, Joseph,” Melissa told him with a small smile, reaching the front of his head and making his hair stick up in the front. “I mean, no one was mad that I know of getting back on the bus. And you can still sing right?”

Joey chuckled, nodding. “I haven't gotten laryngitis yet. The whole show sucked ass cause I was pissed at you. And you weren't there...”

From another bunk they heard Justin softly singing “and I will take you in my arms, and hold you right where you belong...”

“Til the day my life is through, this I promise you,” Melissa sang back, kicking her bunk, getting a knock from underneath her as she laughed. “He's a dork. You sing the next part,” she told Joey, having quit messing with his hair, her arms around him comfortably.

“It's JC's part,” Joey said quickly, not sure his heart and head wanted to be in that space right then, suddenly getting uncomfortable. “I better get outta here, ya know, in case Kristen wakes up.”

Melissa was glad he couldn't see her disappointment as she nodded, letting him go. “Yeah, maybe some other time. Hope you get some sleep, Fatoney.” She smiled at his harrumph at his nickname.

“Sleep well, Melly,” Joey said, untangling himself from her, and getting out of the bunk as fast as he could without it seeming awkward. He closed her curtain afterward, not sure what was wrong. In his mind, he was confused, a thought had come to him and left just as quickly. One he'd never had before. He'd wanted to kiss his best friend. That was wrong, wasn't it? He had a girlfriend and he didn't see Mel like that. Or so he thought. Then when she asked him to sing, the words hit him like a dash of cold water, making him panic.

“Dude, you okay?” Justin asked, looking confused at seeing Joey stand there, a dazed look on his face.

“Yeah...I'm good man. I'm gonna go crash out on the couch in the back,” Joey said, turning to leave.

“You know your hair looks like it got molested. You and Mel had hair sex, you whore,” the other man teased, laughing when Joey tried furiously to flatten it down some. “Just admit it, you have a hot girlfriend and a best friend and can't decide between the two of them.”

Joey stopped mid rub and raised an eyebrow at Justin. “You're delusional, go back to sleep. Besides, Mel has a boyfriend.”

“It's a cover up,” Justin told him, listening to the other man walk off. He laid in his bunk, listening to Melissa try and get comfortable again. He wasn't sure of either of their feelings, but he could see there was something there. He grabbed his headphones and put them on, smiling as music filled his ears, drifting off.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

“Hurry up! Some of us don't take five hours to get ready,” Chris yelled, knocking on the bathroom door. It had only been fifteen minutes, but he needed to pee. The female voice that answered him told him a couple more minutes.

Melissa was furiously trying to hurry, putting her contacts in and brushing her hair and teeth between putting on a shirt and pulling on her mesh shorts. The day was going to be spent on the bus and then in the hotel. She'd change before the show. Pulling the door open, she flattened herself against the wall as Chris pushed her out of the way and shut the door. “You could have said thank you!” she yelled.

“Thank you for getting the hell outta the bathroom!”

Melissa went and put her stuff up, squeezing into Lance's bunk. “Wakey wakey eggs and bakey,” she told her brother, grinning when he opened one and and groaned.

“Go. Away,” Lance mumbled, turning around to face the wall, jumping when his sister found his ticklish spot. “Damn it. Go bother someone else...”

“There's no one else to bother. Justin's a bi-atch to wake up. We're stopping for breakfast in a bit...Reggie said something about IHOP or Denny's.”

“Good for him,” Lance said, pulling his cover over his eyes, “now go away and let me sleep.”

Melissa laid there a few minutes, getting up after listening to her brother's breathing even back out. She went to the back where Chris was watching television, Joey still sleeping on the couch. “You feel better?” she asked him, grabbing a chair that was next to the couch, Chris having claimed the recliner.

“Yeah, after you took forever, I thought my bladder was going to burst,” he replied, nudging her playfully. “How long you staying on tour with us?”

Melissa shrugged. “At least a few more weeks. I wanted to go to NYC and then down the East Coast. I have to go back home and get registered for my college classes.”

“Lance said something about you majoring in Art,” Chris said, the two of them talking through whatever show was on. “You gonna take all the other classes too?”

“Yeah, I got all the info and my mom's gonna turn it in next week and get me enrolled. I am taking online ones for now for my English and Math and everything. I won't actually go to class for a couple semesters,” she explained to him, watching Joey frown in his sleep and then mumble, turning over.

“I love it when he talks in his sleep. He says some funny stuff,” Chris told her with a grin, getting up to go bother Joey. Or at least see if he would talk where they could understand it. “Joey...” he said softly.

“Take a message,” Joey mumbled into the couch cushion, letting out a snore, flopping over.

“Joey...wake up,” Melissa said, going over to sit by him on the couch, messing with his hair a little, surprised when he pulled her down by him.

“Not up yet, sleep....Hair sex..”

Melissa looked at Chris who had his hand clamped over his mouth, trying to breathe and not laugh at the same time. “What are you dreaming about Fatone?” she asked a little louder, watching Joey sleep, grumbling when she tried to get up.

“Nothin,” he said softly, pulling her closer his eyes still closed. “Chicken and waffles.”

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

Melissa stepped of the tour bus and stretched, glad to be out of something moving. The other buses had people exiting as well, and she made a b-line for the bus with the stage crew on it. Her smile that she had widened when she saw Travis step off, hugging him and giving him a quick kiss. He'd been with NSYNC for as long as she could remember, thinking he was handsome. Dark blonde hair and blue eyes, an accent since he was from Minnesota. “You sleep well?” she asked as she walked with him, her arm around his waist as he pulled her closer.

“Yeah, you?” he asked, smiling at her, then looking at Joey coming off the bus with his girlfriend. Travis James had never minded his girlfriends friendship with the rest of the guys in the group, having seen them all together for so long. He knew Melissa and Joey were close, but with Joey's attractive girlfriend and him having her, there wasn't an issue.

“It was alright. It was bus sleeping,” she told him, heading in the door with the others. With the number of people, they were just taking drink orders and making the breakfast bar available to make the line move faster in paying. Melissa grabbed her wallet and started to get money out.

“I got yours,” Travis said, handing over the money to the cashier before she could finish.

“Thanks. I could have paid...I try to tell you and Lance and Joey that, but you all go deaf,” Melissa told him as they grabbed plates and utensils. “Don't eat all the cantalope you bum,” she told Joey, bumping him a little as he stood at the part of the food bar that held the fruit.

“No one put your name on it, Bass. I could go buy this place and it would be mine.”

Melissa rolled her eyes at him, laughing, “Don't be a show off.” She watched where Travis was sitting and took the tongs from Joey that he had with his food. “Thanks, Fatoney.”

“Just for that, I'm making you sing later today,” Joey told her, pretending to pout. “You better be ready. You never know when or where.”

People moved around them, josteling them and Melissa just smirked. “Bring it on, Joey.”

“Fine.”

Melissa left Joey where he was, making her way over to her boyfriend. She sat down and sighed. “Sometimes, I think he's got the brain of a ten year old.”

Travis raised an eyebrow at her, seeing Kristen look their way and frown. “What now?” he asked, having gotten used to the fact that his girlfriend was always in some sort of limbo with the other man, joking and kidding around was like breathing to them.

“A sing off. Again,” Melissa said, spearing the piece of fruit and eating it, grinning at Joey who just glared at her from where he was.

“What are you doing?” Kristen asked, watching Joey glare at the blonde over from them. She'd avoided Lance's sister as much as she could. She didn't dislike her, but there was still something that just didn't set right. She looked at her plate, figuring she wasn't going to eat a whole lot, then at Joey's. “Are you going to eat all that?” she asked him, her stomach doing flip flops.

“Yeah, I planned on it,” Joey said, unconcerned as he cut into a belgian waffle. He was hungry and didn't apologize for eating, burning off more calories than he consumed, thanks to singing and dancing every night, not to mention the practices, photo shoots and everything else.

“So I wanted to do some shopping today...” Kristen said, pressing up against Joey, wanting him to get a good view of her cleavage. “I'm sure there's a mall in Baltimore...” her voice trailed off and she let that sit with him.

“Malls are a bitch to be in,” Joey told her, stopping a minute to explain. “Security has to be tighter and then if fans find out you are there...” he shuddered a little bit. He loved the fans, didn't mind the autographs, but if he wanted to shop and do his own thing, he didn't want to be stuck IN somewhere. “Downtown has some cool shops,” he said by way of a counter offer. “And some good places to eat,” he added, looking hopeful.

“What time are you gonna be done today?” Melissa asked Travis, listening to other conversations around her, but focusing on him. “Maybe we can go eat before the show.”

“Should be around three. I'll call you if we get done earlier than that.”

Melissa nodded, getting up to get a small plate of fruit. Walking by Joey, she thwacked him on the back of the head, laughing when he growled.

Joey turned and looked at Mel, having been right in the middle of a conversation when he'd gotten thumped. “You know I hate that, Mel,” he snapped, his voice having an edge to it. “Play with my hair, drop ice down the back of my shirt, but don't fuckin' hit me on the back of the head.”

Melissa stopped, surprised at his attitude, holding her hands up in defense. “Sorry. Damn. What did she do? Ask to borrow your credit card?” she shot back, not noticing more people get quiet.

If the hit to the head didn't piss him off, the words that had been said the day before came back. Joey's eyes darkened and he got up, looking at Kristen. “I'll be back,” he said, grabbing Melissa's wrist, pulling her along. He ignored the snickers and whispers as they went out the door. He took a couple deep breaths as he walked towards the busses. “What. The fuck. Was that?” he bit off, turning to face her and let her go.

Frowning at him, she put her hands on her hips and glared. “I forgot. I'm sorry! And then you get pissy. We were fine twenty minutes ago. What the hell is your problem?” she exclaimed, gesturing to him.

“I suddenly remembered we didn't have our fight out. And you pissed me off so damn bad last night..I'm not an asshole, Mel. I'm a nice guy. And yet you get your panties in a wad when Kristen comes. Can't you two just get a long?” Joey didn't want them to be best friends, but he knew how women were. Men were almost as bad, but he wasn't going to admit that.

“Whatever.” Melissa sighed, shaking her head at him. “I hate it that I haven't seen you for three days and she'll be here until Friday. I have nothing to say to her. All she talks about is shopping and clothes.”

“You might take some tips from her.” Joey instantly regretted his words, seeing Melissa blink a few times. “Melly...” he started, taking a step toward her, “I'm sorry.” It was disheartening when she didn't turn around to look at him. The show tonight was going to be bad if she didn't show up and Joey knew he had to think fast if he wanted her there. “You can't stay mad at me,” he said, pulling her back to face him. “I need you in your seat tonight.”

Melissa looked at him then, listening to the traffic and noise around them, tears coming down. “Why? You just called me ugly and bitched me out in front of everyone. Why do you need me there? You have your beautiful girlfriend here with you..” her voice trailed off as she looked down.

Joey swallowed hard, pulling her face back up. “I could have everyone else I know and love there, but I need you there. I just do...” he faltered, kissing her coming back to the forefront of his mind. He squashed that thought once more. “I'm not sure what I'd do if you wore make up and heels and a dress. I mean, you always look good...” Joey mentally slapped himself again. “Just accept my apology before you decide to go on tour with the Backstreet Boys.”

Melissa's mouth twitched as she reached up to wipe her face with the back of her hand. “You make that a tempting offer. I guess I'll forgive you. I'm not gonna hit you in the back of the freakin' head again. I really did forget you hated that. And then you went all ass hat on me.” Melissa knew there was more to it than that but she wasn't about to tell Joey what she was thinking, which was something along the lines of sneaking back to the bus and making out. That wasn't going to happen, at least not between them and she wasn't about to think about Joey and Kristen making out.

“I know, I know,” Joey said, pulling her into a hug. “Let's go back and eat. I'm sure Justin will send someone out to see if we're fighting.”

“One of these days I'm going to tell him to mind his own business,” Melissa said, sniffling, using the hug as an excuse to soak up some of Joey's cologne.

Joey chuckled, standing there another minute. “We cool, Melly?” he gave her a grin, pulling at her ponytail.

“Copastetic, Fatoney. Next time you should throw your napkin down for a more dramatic effect.”

It went on in a joking manner back into Shoney's both of them going to sit down in their respective seats and continuing to eat as if nothing happened.

“What the heck was that?” JC whispered to Lance, watching his friend look at his sister.

“Some people fight because they hate each other. Others fight because that's all they can do.”

JC looked at Lance, confused. “Did that slap to the head hurt you too?”

“I give it til Christmas,” Justin chimed in on the other side of Lance. “Something will happen. Good. Bad. The end of the world...” he said, a sly smile coming to his face. Justin claimed to be the busy body of the group, knowing more than most. He'd not gotten the whole story yet, but he would.

“Do I even want to know?” Kristen asked harshly, folding her arms.

“It's over. Don't worry about it.”

Kristen's eyes went over to the other woman, watching her talk with Travis, gesturing towards them. “If you say so,” she told Joey with a sigh, putting on a smile and going on to talk about plans for the next town, glad when Joey suggested a nice date.

“We'll go out to dinner somewhere nice, go see a movie or something,” he said, reaching for her hand under the table, giving her a small smile. Joey reminded himself that Kristen was the woman he loved, that he wasn't going to sacrifice a relationship for something he had a fleeting thought about, best friend or not.

“So is that going to happen again?” Travis asked, looking at his girlfriend as she finished eating, having thought about going outside to see what they were fighting about.

“Nah. Just over stupid stuff,” Melissa explained, giving him a smile. People were getting up and going to the restrooms and looking around a bit before going to get back on the bus. She moved her plate to the end of the table and looked at Travis. He'd been a great boyfriend so far, enjoying her time with him and that they had some things in common. She'd known him a long time, and he'd not ever asked her to change who she was. “You ready to go?”

Travis nodded, getting up, leaving a tip. He pulled Melissa to him and kissed her soundly. He smiled when someone wolf whistled. “I just had to kiss that pretty face before I get to work in a little bit,” he told her, his arm around her as they left.

The smile on her face said it all, loving to be told that as Melissa walked out feeling wonderful. She missed Joey's momentary look of surprise as they passed the other couple, for once not worried about anyone else. “You just wanted to kiss me like that in public to see if you could do it again,” she countered, kissing him much like she did her in front of the busses.

“Get a room,” someone said, making them break apart and laugh.

“See you in a little while,” Travis told her, going to step on his bus. He'd not seen the look she was giving him before, but he was encouraged by it. He wanted as many brownie points as he could get, wanting the girl and everything else that came with it, some things that hadn't happened yet physically between them. “Maybe?” he asked, giving her a bigger grin and inuendo.

“You're a lot closer than you were before breakfast,” Melissa told him, stepping up to give him one more kiss. “See you in a little while.” She practically skipped back to the bus she'd been riding on, finding a seat to sit and watch television, lost in her own thoughts.

Melissa opened one eye when her hotel phone rang, reaching over for it. “Hello?” she mumbled, having gotten to the hotel room and crashing out.

“Hey, we got done a little early, Travis said, listening to his girlfriend try and wake up. “You want to get up and go do something and then eat?” He waved at a couple of his buddies on the crew as he walked around back where the equipment was.

“Sure. Give me a bit to get ready and then I'll grab a taxi and come down to the arena and we can go.” They talked a few more minutes before getting off the phone and making herself get out of bed. She'd be coming back there tonight, which was nice. No unpacking and packing back up in the span of a few hours. Flipping the light on, she opened her suitcase and sighed, seeing her toiletries bag open. Her toothpaste was missing. “Joey,” she mumbled, grabbing her key card. He'd told her he'd gotten into her stuff while they were on the bus.

Joey heard a knock on the door and barely opened his eyes. “What? Go away...” he said, the room dark and freezing cold. The person knocked again and he got up, barely opening the door. “Yeah?” he said, looking at Melissa looking disheveled as well.

“I need my toothpaste, Fatone.” Melissa felt a blast of cold air when he answered, goosebumps coming up on her skin.

“Oh. Yeah.” Joey opened the door wider for her to come in. “Kristen is shopping,” he said by way of explanation, turning on the bathroom light, going back to bed. He listened to his friend rummage around. “You find it?”

Melissa sighed. Joey was a hair product whore, and with all his other stuff, she just ended dumping it out on the counter. “It was on the bottom,” she said, going to put everything back, smelling his cologne. “You're almost out of smell good stuff.”

“Yep. Get more later,” he grunted, his eyes closed. He felt the bed move a minute later and he sighed. “Melly, I want sleep.” Joey was really tired and knew he'd be grumpy later if he didn't get rest. Her hands found his hair and he smiled, relaxing as she rubbed and messed with his hair. “You're one in a million.”

“More like one in a googleplex,” Melissa said, scooting closer to him to get warm. She listened to Joey get back to sleep as she rubbed his head, smiling when he started snoring. She made it back to her room and got ready, excited about going out with her boyfriend. Travis was more serious than her most of the time, but they got along well. It took her about half an hour to shower and get ready, calling a cab. She waved at her boyfriend when the cab pulled up to the back of where the show was going to be. “Hey,” she said, giving him a kiss after he got in. “What do you want to do?”

“I don't care, long as it involves food sometime in between now and then,” he replied, the driver suggesting restaurants as they drove along. “You want to go look at some shops?” Travis smiled as Melissa nodded. They got out downtown, going in a few different places.

Melissa bought some things for her mother and some of her friends and relatives. She spotted a t-shirt store and drug Travis in. She snickered when she saw an old NSYNC t-shirt. “Lance hated that photo shoot. He was sick and they kept telling him to smile. He told me he wanted to give the guy the finger.”

Travis laughed as they looked through shirts, each of them grabbing a couple they liked. He raised an eyebrow when Melissa cheered, pulling out a Superman t-shirt. “I take it you're feeding Joey's obsession?” he asked, shaking his head.

“It's an unwritten rule,” she said, pulling out another shirt as well. “I know he doesn't have these.” It didn't bother Melissa at all to shop for Joey or any of the other guys, grabbing the rest of them a shirt as well. “I know they can get most of their stuff for free or whatever, but it's fun to shop.”

“Women and shopping should be considered a sporting event,” Travis said as they went to the register. He grabbed the bags and they continued on. All too soon it was time to head back to the arena. “Dinner was good...” Travis said, his arm around his girlfriend, a smile on his face.

“That was great. I'm glad I got that recipe from them for the dessert.”

Travis looked at her, a little confused. “You told me you didn't like to cook.”

“I don't. My mom will make it,” she replied, shrugging. Melissa didn't mind cleaning, and could cook, she just preferred not to. And if truth be told, when she and Lance were home, Lance cooked. Or Joey came over and cooked, but she had yet to tell Travis that. They'd been together a couple of months, but she still wanted to keep her friendship with Joey separate from her and Travis' relationship.

Travis nodded, grabbing some of the bags as they got out. They showed their passes and got into the back where people were already milling around, getting things ready.

“I'll see you later?” Melissa asked him, taking the bags when they got to the door marked NSYNC. She could hear voices and knew at least part of the guys were there.

“Yeah, I'll call you when I'm done.” Travis leaned in and kissed Melissa, deepening the kiss, neither one of the them hearing the door open.

Melissa kissed Travis back, jumping when she realized they were being watched. She blushed furiously and told her boyfriend bye.

“Ooooo...Melly was kissing a boy...” JC said, grabbing a bag and looking down in it. “Where's my present?” he asked her, pouting like a little kid.

“I didn't get you nothing, JC,” she said, taking her bag back, then rummaging through it. “Here, you big baby,” she said, handing him the t-shirt.

“What about me? I want one,” Chris said quickly, hopping over the couch. “You better have brought enough to share.”

“I did,” she told him, pulling out their shirts. She looked around, not seeing Joey and frowned. “Where's Fatone?” She raised an eyebrow when they all suddenly wouldn't look at her and Lance's face reddened.

“When we knocked on his door...uh..” Lance stammered, shrugging, leaving it for someone else to tell.

“They were doing some horizontal mambo shit,” Justin chimed in, kissing her cheek quickly. “Thanks for the shirt, chica.”

“Ah. Okay then,” she said, biting her bottom lip. She took out the Superman shirts and laid them over the chair he'd sit in for make up. She kept telling herself not to get upset, that it's what couples did when they were in love and in a relationship. She and Joey had never kissed, but they were always touching in some way, however nothing romantic. “I'm gonna go watch Brit practice,” she told them, leaving her stuff by Lance's chair.

The four men watched the younger girl leave and then looked at Joey's chair.

“If he sucks tonight, I'm kicking his ass,” Justin said after a minute, going over and looking at Joey's shirts. He whistled at one. “How many friends buy you a shirt that's seventy five bucks?”

Lance was busy messing with his phone when his head snapped up. “I can't even get her to buy a pair of jeans for fifty,” he looked at his shirt, seeing the price tag. It wasn't cheap either. His sister didn't get paid to come on tour but he always put money in her account, since she did so much stuff for them that others didn't have time for. Especially running to the store for day to day crap. Not that they didn't go shopping, but when you just needed deodorant or toothpaste, it was easier to send her in rather than cause a riot. “She bought herself some stuff too,” he said, looking in the bag next to his chair.

Melissa was sitting in the front row watching Britney Spears warm up and dance, singing along softly to “Oops I Did It Again”. She waved to the blonde girl when Britney waved at her, then shook her head when she motioned for her to get up on stage.

“Come on,” Britney said, waiting for Lance's sister. “You know the moves right?” she said, teaching her a bit for continuing, having fun goofing off.

Melissa didn't know all the moves but enough to keep up when they were going slow, knowing there was no way she would do this if people were watching, or the crowd that was going to be there later, filled to the last seat with screaming fans.

“We're late,” Joey told Kristen, aggravated that he'd told her they didn't have time to have sex but she wouldn't take no for an answer. He paused when he saw Melissa on stage with Britney, shaking her hips to “I'm a Slave 4 U” then singing the chorus with Britney as the other girl laughed. Joey swallowed quickly as one of Brit's back up dancers grabbed her to dance with them. He found Kristen glaring at him.

“What are you doing?” she asked, watching Joey watch them on stage. “I asked you if we were doing something after the show...”

“It will probably be a group thing,” he told her, giving her a kiss. “I gotta go get ready and then we'll be out to warm up.” His eyes drifted back to his best friend, wondering what the hell was wrong with him. “What's up?” he asked the rest of the group when he got into the dressing room, watching them all get quiet.

“I tried calling you five times,” Chris said, sighing. “Glad you could freaking make it.”

“Don't bust my balls,” Joey retorted, grabbing the shirts off the back of his chair. “Where'd these come from?” he asked, grinning at the shirts.

“Mel. She got us all something, so don't go getting the big head. 'Cept she didn't spend a hundred and fifty bucks on anyone else,” Justin said with a grin. “I guess she figures we can all go shopping, other than you of course. Your clothes matching skills suck.”

Joey laughed, playing off the fact, but he was stoked to have some new threads, especially ones he would wear a lot. “Cool,” he said, taking the button up and slipping it on over the t-shirt he had on after removing the tag. “You should know your sister was up on stage with Britney,” he told Lance. “Shaking her hips,” he added, chuckling at his friends astonished look.

“And the worst part is, dawg, that you noticed,” Justin told him before they left the dressing room.

“I have a girlfriend,” he reminded the rest of the guys as they went towards the stage.

“I just want to know if you're reminding us or yourself.” Justin's voice was quiet, close to Joey's ear. “You can be in love with two people at once. That's all I'm saying, dude.”

Joey just nodded, his eyes going to the front row where his best friend was, giving a big grin and pulling her up onto the stage when she came bounding up to see him. “Thanks for the shirts,” he told her, pulling her in for a hug.

Melissa wrapped her arms around Joey, laughing when he tickled her, trying to get away. “Sing my song,” she said between breaths, finally getting away.

“You heard the lady, Justin. She wants her song,” Joey announced, grinning.

“What's it worth to you?” Chris asked, raising an eyebrow as they sang rounds of do-re-mi.

“I'll let Joey dye part of my hair purple,” she told them, a smile spreading across her face. Joey had been begging her to let him take her to dye her hair some outrageous color. He'd done his all red before, and he always had teased her about coloring her hair.

“Purple hair,” JC replied, looking at the other four, nodding. “You do that and buy us dinner one night and we have a deal.”

“Yep. Sing.” Melissa watched them pull up stools around her. She couldn't help it, blushing a little when they started. “I Thought She Knew” was her favorite song to hear them sing with no back up from the band, just their five voices. Her face flushed a little more when it came to Joey's part, him giving her a wink. When it was done, she clapped, hugging them all. She hugged Joey last, kissing him chaistly on the cheek. “You're the best.”

Joey chuckled, shrugging the kiss off, ignoring the buzzing feeling it gave him. He looked out at the arena and saw that Kristen had made it, standing there with a snarl on her lip. He gave her a wave with the hand holding Melissa at her back, letting his friend go. He'd deal with his girlfriend later, watching the other girl get off the stage and make her way to her usual seat before turning back to them.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

Joey winced as Kristen slammed her purse down in the hotel room, cursing when it fell off the table in into the floor. She'd given him the evil eye the rest of the night and announced that she wanted to go straight to the hotel and to bed, not out with everyone else. Joey resigned himself to this fact and told them he was turning in as well. “You gonna tell me what the problem is?” he asked, flopping down across the bed to lean up against the pillows, his hair still damp from the shower after the show.

“Like you don't know!” Kristen huffed, shoving stuff back in her purse. “This whole week, that girl..Meredith, Megan..whatever her name is, Lance's sister, has been hanging on you like she's afraid you're going to run away and never come back. And then she kissed you tonight.”

Joey grabbed the remote and turned the television on, muting it. “Her name's Melissa. I've known her for five years, now, Kris. And before you get huffy, it was a kiss on the cheek. I don't want her romantically...we hang out a lot, we goof off, we have fun.”

“You should tell her that, cause she looks at you like you're George Clooney or Brad Pitt,” Kristen said as she stood up and went to sit on the bed beside Joey. “I'll tell her to back off if you won't.”

Joey snorted and resisted rolling his eyes, turning his head to look at Kristen. “She has a boyfriend she likes a lot. If you can't handle me having friends that are female, then we can end this shit right now. I don't throw my friends away for a piece of ass, and if you'd like to be referred to as more than just that, you better change your attitude really damn quick.” There was only so much bullshit he'd put up with, and he wasn't going to listen to her fume and piss and moan all night.

Kristen's mouth opened and then shut, and Joey could hear her grinding her teeth, taking a deep breath. “Let's order some room service or something. Does that sound alright?” she tried, glad when Joey nodded, grabbing the room service menu. “Sorry, Joey.”

“Yeah. I'll talk to her if you want. We don't realize how stupid we act sometimes,” he said after a minute. Kristen was smart and very pretty, and Joey was first attracted to her body and looks when they met. He didn't really want to break up with her, so he'd just deal with the less volitale relationship. Mel would always be there for him, she'd never had a problem with one of his girlfriends before. Besides that, he reminded himself begrudgingly that she had Travis. He thought Travis was okay, but somewhat of a tool, but if he treated Melissa good then that's what mattered, he reminded himself, grinning as he watched Kristen undress to put on some sleep clothes.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

It was very early in the morning when Melissa made her way back to the hotel. Travis had decided he didn't want to come out, not feeling well after the show. That left her with the rest of the group to go out and eat and hang out. She'd even managed to stop at a Super K-Mart that was open all night. She grabbed her keycard and went to open her door when she heard another open. Smiling, she looked at Joey who was rubbing his face. “Morning. Well, sorta.”

“Hi. I couldn't sleep,” he said, shuffling over to where she was. Joey grunted when Mel messed with his hair, his eyes half closing.

Melissa played with the red tips and then opened her door, holding it open for him. “Come in and I'll get you your stuff. I even got you more toothpaste so you wouldn't steal mine.”

Joey chuckled, going in behind her. “That's half the fun of using yours,” he said, sitting down on her bed, watching her go through stuff. He laughed when he realized he was holding toothpaste, cologne, and a bra. “Uh, Melly..I don't think I need this,” he held it up with one finger, the purple undergarment hanging in front of his face.

“What?” Melissa said, distracted until she turned around, blushing deep red as she snatched it up from him. “Sorry..I..I'll just put it up,” she stammered, shoving it back into a bag. She'd bought a red one too, both of them lacy, but with a little padding. “You weren't supposed to see that.”

“You get embarrassed at the funniest shit,” Joey told her, shaking his head. “I have a girlfriend and a sister...I've seen a bra before.”

“Shut up. I've seen underwear before, that doesn't mean I want to see yours,” she replied, turning around to face Joey, her eyes falling to the shorts he was wearing, her mind churning with the burning question of boxers or briefs.

“Briefs, if you were wondering,” Joey told her, watching her squirm more like he'd read her mind. The conversation he'd had with his girlfriend about telling Melissa to back off a little went to the back of his mind. He loved having someone he could embarrass and harass and not worry about how she was going to take it. That other conversation could wait for another day. Besides that, Joey's mind had wandered to where it wasn't supposed to go again.

“You do not have that many good cards, Chris. You suck at poker,” Melissa told him, eyeing the remaining cards and the ones laid down. They'd been on the road for an hour, headed to New York. She'd gotten suckered into playing the game when Lance got up and left.

“I'm calling,” Chris said, laying his cards down, “read 'em and weep.”

Melissa glared at him and laid hers down, shaking her head. “That was just dumb luck.”

“Or just dumb,” JC said with a laugh. “I'm out, Justin needed me to look over a song he was writing.”

Chris, Joey and Melissa watched him leave, then started shuffling the cards back in the deck. Melissa was relieved that Kristen had said she was going to find a quiet spot and call her friends and her mother, not wanting to spend four hours on a bus entertaining Joey's girlfriend.

“So,” Chris asked, dealing out cards again, looking at the both of them,” how about we play truth or dare poker.”

“Really?” Joey asked, shaking his head. “That's the dumbest thing I think I've heard today.”

“Just because you're too much of a chicken shit to do anything. Mel will do it, won't you?” Chris asked, a big smile coming to his face. He knew the one downside to being the only female on the bus most of the time was that she tried to prove herself. And going along with their stupid antics was one of the things she did. Not to fit in or to prove anything, but because it was actually fun.

“Whatever,” she replied. “You haven't come up with anything yet that I haven't done, so this should be a piece of cake.” Melissa fiddled with her hair, pulling it back and securing it with a ponytail and adjusted her glasses.

“If she's in, I'm in,” Joey told them, watching Chris deal the cards. He picked them up and grinned. If he won, he'd give his buddy hell.

The game ended quick though, with Chris winning. His eyes narrowed at them, a sly grin coming to his face. “Truth or dare, Fatone.”

“Dare,” Joey replied, not worried in the least.

“I dare you to kiss her,” he said, pointing to Melissa. He grinned wider when they both just looked at him as if he'd asked both of them to drink poison. “You two aren't attracted to each other right? So it shouldn't be a problem.” He leaned back in his chair and watched, waiting.

“Fuck this,” Joey spat, getting up quickly. “I'm going to the back.” He wasn't about to kiss his best friend, especially not on the bus or in front of anyone. The thing that made it worse was that he did want to kiss her, and Joey was afraid if he did that he might not want to stop.

“It's just a kiss, Joey. I mean, it's not going to hurt anything.” Melissa, got up, standing in front of him, her hands resting lightly on his chest. Her green eyes met his brown ones and Melissa prayed her hands wouldn't start trembling.

“She wants you to kiss her, man. You better do it before she decides she wants nothing to do with your ass and becomes my best friend...it's a dare,” their friend told them both.

Joey swallowed hard, looking around before looking back down at Melissa. His undoing was her biting her lip, a nervous habit that she did as she gave him a small smile. “What's one kiss going to hurt?” he rumbled, pulling her closer. “It's just a stupid game.” The rest of Joey's body and his brain weren't on board with the thoughts coming out of his mouth. His hands did what they wanted in a span of a few seconds, one hand holding Mel's cheek, his fingers brushing her ear while the other was resting on the small of her back.

Melissa's heart was jackrabbiting out of her chest once her body was flush with Joey's. All the noise of the bus had left and all she saw was her friend. Her arms went around his neck. “One kiss,” she whispered, waiting for him to make the first move.

Joey barely nodded, brushing his lips against hers. Her lips were soft, and warm and he looked at her, not waiting before claiming Melissa's mouth once again. This time he didn't hold back, kissing her long and hard. Joey didn't care that Chris was watching, groaning a little when he felt a tug on his hair, moving his head to where she had better access.

Melissa smiled against his lips, returning Joey's kiss with fervor. This wouldn't ever happen again, so she was going to enjoy it. Her hands found their favorite spot, making Joey's hair a mess. She opened her eyes once or twice just to peek and make sure she really was kissing her best friend.

“What the fuck is going on up in here?” Justin exclaimed, ignoring Chris' nonverbal cues to leave them alone, not sure what to think himself. He grinned wider when the couple jumped apart. “Tell me what the hell that was, dawg.”

Joey's eyes met Justin's and then went to Melissa's. He couldn't do this right now. As much as his heart told him to just jump, he was holding back. His girlfriend was on the bus and his best friend was...he wasn't sure. “It was just a damn game. Chris dared me to kiss Mel, so I did. It didn't mean anything.” His heart twisted at those last words, knowing it was an outright lie.

Melissa swallowed hard, her eyes glossing over. “Yeah,” she said, her arms holding herself, nodding slightly. “It was nothing, Justin,” she quickly wiped away a tear and made her way to where the bunks were before more tears fell.

Chris and Justin both watched Melissa leave and then both of them looked at Joey. “You might wanna go, uh, take care of that,” Chris said quietly, getting up. He wasn't sure what was going on, but the twilight zone seemed to be a safer place than the bus right now.

“Take care of what?” Joey asked, his brain still a little fuzzy from the kiss.

“Dude, I'm Switzerland. Nice boner, Fatone. Looks like it didn't mean anything to the rest of you either,” Justin told him, folding his arms over his chest. “I gotta say though, I've never seen you kiss a woman like that before. That was fuckin' epic.”

“Screw off,” Joey growled at Justin, making his way to the bathroom. He wasn't embarrassed, but it was awkward, especially now since he had kissed Mel. They'd always been comfortable with one another, always touching or goofing off physically. He'd put his arm around her,hug her and kiss her cheek in telling her goodbye. The feel of her lips on his came back to his mind and he felt the bulge in his pants harden a bit more and he slipped a hand down in his underwear, readjusting. God help him if someone knocked on the door in the next fifteen minutes.

Kristen didn't hear what was said or know exactly what was going on, but the look on Joey's face as he stomped toward the bathroom and then the look on Chris' face was enough to make her curious. She pursed her lips and paused, hearing sniffling coming from the bunk across the narrow hall from where Joey's was. She pulled the curtain back slightly. “You alright?” she asked, her hand on her hip. “I hope Joey talked to you and you decided to back off. He's mine, he doesn't want anything to do with you.”

Melissa blinked, wiping tears. She scooted out and got out of the bunk, crossing her arms. “It wasn't anything like that,” she said, her voice soft. “And besides that, I'm not doing anything with Joey, he's my friend.”

Kristen laughed, circling Melissa. “Oh honey, don't lie. Beneath those frumpy t-shirts and jeans you want to be beautiful and you want him to notice you. You wish you had the looks and body, but it's just not going to happen. He's happy with me.”

JC stopped, hearing women's voices. It was like watching a trainwreck waiting to happen and he wasn't sure what to do, standing there. He'd been on the receiving end of a verbal bash and knew how his friend felt as the insults went on.

“If he was happy with you, then he wouldn't have kissed me!” Melissa yelled at the other woman, listening to all she could. “That's right, he kissed me!” Melissa couldn't believe she was telling Kristen this, for a second watching the other woman get mad. The slap to her face shocked her and she stood there in shock, her face stinging.

“Even an ugly tramp gets lucky once,” Kristen spat out, unwilling to listen to anymore after slapping the shorter girl. She wasn't about to be swayed by something like that, not willing to lose Joey to some girl who was just his friend. “You better leave us alone.”

Joey stopped behind JC, feeling better than he did a bit ago, frowning when he heard voices. “What's going on?” he asked JC, the other guys getting up as the voices got louder. When JC rushed forward, Joey did too.

“Fucking that's enough!” he yelled before the women could get in an actual fist fight, holding Melissa off from behind him. Joey glad JC was there, hearing his friend grunt, probably from a kick. Kristen tried to get around him, but Joey shoved her back. “What kind of bullshit brought this on?” he said, his voice dripping venom. Joey's eyes narrowed at the two women, keeping them apart. “Jesus freaking Christ, we're on a goddamn bus and this is not some damn wrestling pay per view! Now what happened?,” Joey asked loudly, shaking his head when they both started to talk. “Ya know what, I don't wanna know!”

His eyes narrowed at Kristen as she grumbled, glaring at Melissa. “I'll drop you so fast you'll be in Pittsburgh before we get to New York. I can make it happen.” Joey turned to look at Melissa, not missing the fact that her cheek was very red with a handprint on it. “Don't do this to me, bambina,” he said softly, hating it when a tear ran down her cheek. Joey blew a breath out, looking at both women. “I see so much as you glare in the other person's direction, you're both on my list.”

Melissa felt utterly stupid, leaning back against JC. Her face hurt, her pride was hurt as well as her heart. She was fooling herself in thinking that the kiss meant anything, only in her mind it did. It was a fantasy, something that wasn't real. She was too old to believe in that sort of thing, this confirmed it. “Let me go,” she told JC, going to the back, not even looking at anyone. She stood on the couch and got the first aid kit out of the cabinet above the couch, sitting back down with it. Sniffling, Melissa sat there a few minutes, letting tears fall.

“You know we love you, Melly,” Justin said softly, sitting down next to her on the couch, pulling her in for a hug. “You're our girl.”

“Thanks Timberlatke,” she said, chuckling at butchering his last name. “It was just stupid. I feel stupid..” Melissa's voice trailed off, listening to the television play the news. She wiped tears that threatened to fall, giving her brother a small smile as he walked into the back.

“Forget about her,” Lance told his sister, putting his arm around her comfortingly, “we're going to be in New York City in a couple of hours and we'll be doing a show. You'll be front and center for it all.”

Melissa nodded, biting her lip and sighing. She knew Lance was trying to distract her and get her mind on something else. She thought about what she'd want to do in the city and wished it were winter so they could go ice skating at Rockefeller Plaza. However now it was the end of July, so that wasn't going to happen. As her grandmother would tell her, she had to buck up.

Letting her thoughts weave in and out as she listened to the conversation between the guys coming and going, Melissa did frown about one thing. Joey hadn't shown up in the back, which meant he was with her. The little green monster was still not gone she silently acknowledged. Getting up, she paused. “I'm taking a nap. No messing with me,” she eyed Justin with a glare.

“Wouldn't dream of it. Scout's fuckin' honor,” he replied, saluting her.

“That's what I'm afraid of,” Melissa muttered, making her way to her bunk and climbing in, shutting the curtain.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

The rest of the afternoon and the show seemed to last forever. Not that it was a bad thing, but Melissa Bass just wished for once in her life she wasn't where she was right then. She'd have gladly been at her and Lance's house they shared, or working a job or even visiting relatives in Mississippi. Anything was better than standing there looking at something you couldn't have. And the kiss she and Joey shared made it all that worse. Those feelings fought to rise to the surface, but were squashed every time Kristen came into view. As much as she wanted Joey, she'd take the friendship. It was worth much more than a stupid kiss.

“What was that you said?” Travis asked her, looking at his girlfriend oddly over the noise of the crowd. He'd been told that he was off tonight after the show, so he grabbed a seat next to Melissa to enjoy the concert, not having been in the front very much to see what all the screaming and noise was about. His girlfriend was acting a bit off, but he figured it was just the tour and maybe woman stuff he knew nothing about. Then she started muttering to herself and he had no clue. “You said something about a kiss...” he prompted, shrugging when she shook her head and shrugged.

“I have no clue,” Melissa told him, wondering what the hell she was doing talking out loud “Damn you Joey,” she said even quieter, sticking out her tongue at her friend as he sang to that side of the stage, getting a grin from him as she found Travis' hand and grabbed it

Joey watched Melissa talk to her boyfriend and smiled at her gesture, then moved on before he could think too much. Thinking was always bad for him, especially if it was about something serious. The serious part of it was that he didn't like his best friend holding Travis James' hand. Even more he didn't like it when she kissed the other guy. That wasn't right, he told himself thinking of his own girlfriend. He and Melissa were both seeing other people. That didn't mean they couldn't be friends, it just meant he couldn't kiss her anymore. He glared at Chris across from him, wondering if the other man had a clue about what he'd done. Joey doubted it, trying to pay attention to what song they were singing instead of his feelings.

“I've loved you forever, in lifetimes before. And I'll promise you never will you hurt anymore,” he heard JC sing, glancing back at his best friend and then his girlfriend. Justin was right, but he'd never admit it. You could love two people at the same time, but Joey's problem was that one of them didn't know how he felt. And that person wasn't the one he was with.

The club was loud, the music beating as people danced and others sat around and drank. Melissa rubbed her eyes and sighed. She'd forgotten her glasses case at the hotel and was suffering for it. The group had went to eat and then decided to go out clubbing. She'd wanted to bow out, but Travis had practically begged her. Actually begged wasn't the right word, telling her that everyone else was going and that he wanted to spend time with her while they were in New York City was right, making her to feel guilty. Now Travis was at a table with some of the guys from the setup crew while she was at a booth away from the music. Melissa ordered a Coke and looked through her purse and got out her bottle of Aleve, praying that it would work.

Joey held up his drink and weaved between people. He'd quit drinking almost an hour ago and barely had a buzz. His brow furrowed when he spotted Melissa, her hand over her face as she sat at the table. “What's wrong?” he almost yelled, sitting down across from her. Joey watched as she winced, looking at him.

“My damn glasses are at the hotel and Sir Drinks A Lot isn't ready to go yet,” she said loudly over the music, nodding to where Travis was. “If I take my contacts out, I can't see and my head is about to split wide open.” Melissa looked Joey over and noted he looked tired. “You look worn out yourself, Fatone.”

“I wouldn't bitch if I had went to bed about two hours ago,” he confessed, taking a drink of his Dr Pepper. “Let's get out of here. Our significant others can fend for themselves. I lost Kristen to Britney's dancers anyway and Travis seems to be having a good time.” Something about the way Travis left Melissa by herself irked Joey, but that didn't come out of his mouth. He looked back at Melissa, watching her take out her contacts. “How many fingers am I holding up?” he asked with a chuckle as she pursed her lips.

“Jerk,” Melissa said with a smile as she saw his fingers switch, blurry. “It's between three and four. Three and a half.” She put her contact case up and got up and waited for Joey. Lacing her fingers through his, Melissa tried not to sigh at the feeling. She couldn't see anything far away. Reading anything unless it was close up was out of the question. “Take us home, Joey.”

“As you wish,” Joey told her, unwinding his fingers from hers to put an arm around her and get them through the crowd. He wasn't going to bother telling his girlfriend or Travis they were leaving, but he did catch Lance's eye and motion that he was out. The air was still warm at almost two A.M as they stepped out the door in the back.

A taxi was waiting, not particularly for them, but for a customer in general and the two of them slid in. “Where to?” the driver asked them after they shut the door.

“Waldorf-Astoria Hotel,” Joey said, sighing and laying his head back on the seat, closing his eyes. “You're going with me tomorrow right?” he asked, smiling when Melissa leaned on him and sighed.

“What are we doing tomorrow?” she asked him softly, listening to the noise of New York City.

“Shopping, dinner, comic book store not in that order,” Joey replied, his fingers finding Melissa's and winding through them. “I don't care if Travis wants you, you're with me. Kristen is on a plane in the morning.”

Melissa snorted at his tone, poking Joey's side making him open his eyes and look at her. “I hope you're never that happy when I leave,” she told him, her heart flip flopping when he shook his head.

“I'll always miss you when you leave. Unless of course you've been pissy for a week and then I'm glad you leave for at least the first hour,” Joey told her, laughing when he heard her gasp.

Melissa glared at him, pursing her lips together. “You know that hat from the video shoot you lost? And your light blue Superman shirt? I know where they are...”

Joey sat up a little and looked at her, shaking his head and pulling Melissa to him in a hug. “Oh Melly...” he half sang, messing up her hair then leaned down to where his mouth was next to her ear, “I knew you had those four months ago,” he whispered, grinning widely at her surprised look. “And my other favorite Superman necklace.”

Melissa rolled her eyes at him, sitting sideways in the seat on his lap. She wondered if she should say anything; deciding it was time to tell Joey what she'd neglected to tell Travis. “You know Travis doesn't know that you are at our place most of the time. I mean, you have your own toothbrush in my bathroom. And sleep clothes...regular clothes...” her voice trailed off. Melissa realized that her face and Joey's were only a few inches apart and he was staring at her.

Joey watched his best friend swallow quickly as she got nervous. “You worry way to much. I mean, you aren't gonna change the locks on me are you?” His brown eyes met her green ones and he smiled at her shaking her head. “It's not like we're at your place making out or something.”

Melissa was thanking God the taxi stopped right then, letting her almost face plant as she tried to scramble off Joey's lap and out of the vehicle. She caught herself from falling, goosebumps breaking out when Joey grabbed her from tripping over her feet.

“You okay there, bambina?” Joey asked, concerned that she'd all but lept out of the car. He noticed that her mouth tightened and she nodded, not looking at him. “Talk to me, Mel,” he said as they went through the back straight to the elevators. “You've been acting weird all day, ever since we were on the bus...”

“I've not been weird. I've just been...thinking.” Melissa hoped he'd buy her lie as they got on the elevator and he pressed the button. Shoe sizes, recipes, stupid jokes were running through her mind as she tried not to think about kissing Joey.

Joey could tell when he was purposely being ignored. It aggravated him and he was tired of playing these games. Kristen had done it enough the past week and he wasn't going to start with her. He found the all stop button and hit it, the elevator stopping. “Don't start this, Melissa Nicole,” he warned, crossing his arms. “I'm too tired to listen to you jerk my chain and you're eating your bottom lip,” Joey watched her cower a little and look down. “Talk.”

Melissa knew she was in deep trouble when her middle name came into play from Joey. If she didn't talk it would escalate into a fight. Besides little disagreements, they'd only fought a couple times she could remember, and neither time was anything she cared to relive. “I...was...thinking about..kissing you,” she finally finished, looking at him. “Iwasjustwonderingifyoulikedit,” she said so fast she wasn't sure if she even said it right, blushing.

That wasn't what Joey was expecting to hear, much less what he'd been thinking about. Of course he'd thought about them kissing, trying to shuffle it to the back of his mind. He blinked a few times, a sly smile coming to his face. “Did I like it?” he asked her, surprised she would ask. Joey closed the space between them, his arms going around her. “Did you like it?”

For a moment, Melissa forgot to breathe as she nodded slowly, then stopped. A frown came to her face and she reached up and played with the back of Joey's hair. “I shouldn't have liked it,” she said quietly, trying suppress her fears. She didn't want to hurt her best friend, or be hurt by him. “I mean, we..we're not together, and..” she licked her lips, shaking her head more, scared of what might happen.

Joey caught Melissa's head with one of his hands. “And what, Mel? You're my best friend..you're my buddy's sister?” He felt his phone vibrate in his pocket and ignored it, studying her face. God knew he wanted to kiss her again, to be the man he and the rest of the guys sang about. That thought stopped though when he saw the panic in her eyes. He wasn't going to force himself on her. Joey leaned in and barely touched his lips to hers. “I won't kiss you again, a'ight?” he told her, holding her close, her ear pressed against his chest. “Not til you ask me.”

Melissa closed her eyes and listened to the familiar thump of Joey's heartbeat and nodded, trying not to cry. “Turn the elevator back on. I want my glasses,” she said softly, letting him go when it got to their floor. “You gonna come over and watch tv or something?” she asked him, digging for her key card to her room, praying things between them would go back to normal.

“Sure. Gimme ten minutes, bambina.” Joey watched her nod and ran a hand over his face when her door finally shut. He turned to find Justin standing at his door, the door open and a huge smile plastered on his face. “What?” he said, sighing.

“I just wanna know when the wedding is, dawg. Or when we should expect Mel to hatch a little mini you,” he joked, laughing harder when Joey gave him a double dose of flying the bird.

“Friends,” he ground out, going to his door next to Justin's. “We're with other people, Justin. Not happening with me and her.”

“Too fucking bad,” Justin said, glancing at Melissa's door. “Least one of us poor saps could be happy. I mean like “over the rainbow every day's coming up roses” bullshit. When she leaves in a few weeks, you'll be wishing you'd have stolen her away from that dipshit.”

Joey rolled his eyes at Justin, opening his door. “Go screw your girlfriend, Timberlake and leave me alone. I'm tired and all I want is to go change clothes and watch some tv.”

“Not in your room, dawg.”

“So the hell what? Are you my mother?” Joey said, going into his room, letting the door shut between him and Justin. Joey pulled his shirt off and then undid his pants after kicking off his shoes. “Fuck,” he ground out as his phone vibrated again. He tossed it on the nightstand, watching Kristen's name flash on caller ID. He grabbed a pair of shorts out of his bag and a t-shirt, putting them on and grabbing the keycard.

*^*^*^*^*^*^

“Where in the hell is he?” Kristen hissed, looking at her phone again as Joey's voicemail came on. She was inebriated and upset that her boyfriend left her at the club without so much as a goodbye. The thing that made her the most mad was that Melissa was no where to be found either. “I am so going to give him a piece of my mind,” she said out loud to nobody in particular as the group she was with left the club. It was close to three and she had no intention of being left out of whatever was going on, enjoying the attention she got from being with this group. “You know they're together right?” she drawled out to Travis when she bumped into him, smiling at him and batting her eyes.

Travis just shrugged, feeling a good buzz. “They're usually together. They aren' doin' nothing ya know,” he replied as they walked down the street to another club.

“They kissed earlier today,” Kristen took the surprised look on his face as an opportunity to keep talking. “I think they both liked it. I told her to stay the hell away from Joey.”

Travis didn't say anything, looking Kristen over. He'd all but begged his girlfriend to have sex and she wouldn't but she'd go kiss Joey. That pissed him off, especially since he'd talked to the guys that were there from NSYNC and no one had mentioned anything. Travis sat down at the bar and ordered another Corona, his mind thinking as much as it could with alcohol running through it.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

“I'm in New York City at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in a King size bed and the only thing you can find to watch is Star Wars? You suck, Fatone,” Melissa said, yawning. She was laying with her head on Joey's shoulder, trying not to fall asleep.

“It's either this or Jeepers Creepers,” he teased. Joey knew she hated that movie and it scared her. “Go to sleep if you're tired.”

“You go to sleep. Turn the tv off,” she mumbled, her eyes closed, scooting closer to him, one of her hands finding his hair. “You staying?” the question Melissa posed turned out like a sigh.

Joey shifted to where he could grab the remote, turning the television off. It made the room dark and he sighed deeply. He thought about telling her yes, but knew that wouldn't be good for either of them. “You know Kristen would be pissed right? And Travis wouldn't be happy,” he reminded her, watching her roll over to look at him.

“So we tell them both to piss off,” Melissa told him sleepily.

Joey sat down on the end of the bed, patting Melissa's leg under the covers. “It would be nice to do that, Mel, but you know I'm not that type of guy. I mean if you make me mad, yeah....but I like Kristen. She's a good girl. Let's not get carried away with one kiss.”

That doused any kind of feeling Melissa had, making her sit up and stare at Joey. “Well I hope you and Kristen are very happy together. Don't worry about me ever bothering to want to kiss you again,” she said quickly, her voice shaking a bit. “I won't ever ask you to kiss me, Joey, so just forget what I said in the elevator.”

“Melly...” Joey began, but stopped, throwing up his hands. “I give up, ya know that? I'm sick of this crap between us. You'll always be my friend, but I have a girlfriend and I don't want to sneak around acting like there's something going on between us. I was just acting that way so you wouldn't be hurt.”

The light came on and Melissa all but shoved Joey off the end of the bed. “Get out of my room! All of this acting so I wouldn't get hurt?” she shouted, getting off the bed to get in his face, her finger jabbing his chest. Melissa didn't bother to wipe away the tears that came. “I thought you were one of my best friends! What was I going to get hurt about? That you had a girlfriend or because I wasn't dating you? Get over yourself, Joey. ”

Joey's nose got close enough to touch Melissa's. “You've pouted, and bitched. And moaned. I thought that maybe if I gave you a little more attention that you might decide to act decent.” Joey growled when Melissa's hand met the side of his face, hauling her up to him. “Is this where we're at now?” he hissed, tightening the hold on her wrist, watching her wince. “I'll tell you exactly how I feel about you if that's what you want.” He watched Melissa nod and he smirked.

Melissa's wrist hurt and she wanted to get away from Joey. The more she twisted, the tighter his hold got. “Just tell me,” she finally said, feeling the back of her legs hit the bed. She was shocked when Joey kissed her, his lips firmly planted on hers, his fingers dug into the back of her head and hair. She tried to get a breath and move, but Joey was having none of it. It wasn't a kiss like on the bus and it killed her when she realized what he was doing.

Joey's mind had snapped. He was trying to give her the most unfeeling kiss he could, but his body was trying to do otherwise. His lungs were protesting that he needed oxygen so he broke off the kiss, glaring at her. “Our second, and last kiss. We're done. You don't have to worry about me being over for Travis to find out about. Just pack my stuff up and drop it off at my place,” he told her, turning and heading for the door. He paused, his hand on the doorknob. “Leave the key too.”

“You know what, Fatone? Fuck you.”

“Fuck you too, Bass. Not that it ever does a guy any good...so the rumor goes,” Joey knew he'd crossed the line when he heard her sob. He left her room and stood there a few minutes outside the door, unable to move. Five years had just came and went in the span of fifteen minutes. All because he was running away from his real feelings.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

Travis sat at the table in the hotel with his girlfriend, watching her push around the food on her plate. “So'd you have fun last night?” he finally asked, watching her nod. “Kristen told me what happened on the bus...between you and Joey.”

Melissa dropped her fork and looked at Travis. She'd spent the rest of the night crying, not caring that she looked like hell that morning. “So what? Me and Joey...aren't friends anymore.”

Travis sat there a minute, soaking in the news. Something big must have happened. He scooted out his chair a little and pulled his girlfriend to him. “I'm sorry, Mel. Do you want to talk about it?” Travis wasn't surprised she shook her head no, but was surprised when she leaned in and kissed him.

“Thanks, Trav,” she said softly after breaking off the kiss. “I did have plans...” her eyes tracked Joey over by the check out counter, carrying one of Kristen's bags and then went back to him. “I don't know what I wanted to do today.” Her mind was still numb, trying to figure out what exactly went wrong the night before.

“How about you go get some sleep and then we'll go do something fun. Go to Central Park or something,” he suggested, smiling when she nodded yes. In his mind, Travis had won the war, because if Joey wasn't there to be a distraction, Melissa would focus on him.

*^*^*^*^

Joey's eye twitched, his mood had not improved after leaving Melissa's room. Kristen had come back drunk and he'd had to babysit her. The only thing he told himself that helped was that he and Melissa could function without each other. He'd been fine without her his whole life before NSYNC, and he could be that way again. He carried Kristen's bags, intending to go with her to the airport, but not get out. Even with Mo coming as security, he wasn't going to get stuck there.

Kristen ran her arm through the crook of his elbow and smiled, walking out with him to their waiting taxi. “I'm so glad I could come stay with you guys for a week. I had a lot of fun,” she told Joey as they got in. Mo got up front with the driver and she frowned, wishing it just could have been them.

“I did too, baby,” Joey told her, looking her over and giving her a smile. Even though she'd been drunk this morning, she still looked hot. “Maybe you can come stay another time. There's the American Music Awards coming up in September if you wanted to go, be my date. It's one where we dress up really nice.” Joey saw her eyes light up at the thought of being with him for that. His heart hurt, but he was going to fill that void with something better than what he had. Or so he hoped.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

Lance knocked on his sister's door once again, waiting for her to answer. When she did he came in and saw that her bags were packed and sitting on her bed, still open. “You going on a vacation we don't know about?” he asked, sitting down in one of the chairs by the table. When she didn't speak, he got up. “Talk to me, sis.”

“There's nothing to talk about. I'm ready to go home...I thought I wanted to stay but I need to go back and get my classes straightened out. Or find a job..something,” Melissa told him quickly, folding up a shirt before pulling it back out. It was one she'd kept from when Joey was at their place, one that she slept in. She handed it to Lance. “Give that back to Joey.”

“What, are you two not speaking anymore?” Lance asked, surprised at the look of pain his question brought.

“Something like that. We just decided that it was better if we drew a boundary where our friendship was. Apparently Joey was afraid I would be too hurt if he told me he was in love with Kristen. Who cares.”

Lance wasn't sure how much his sister cared, but he took her bags down to the hotel lobby anyway, giving her a long hug. “Have fun today. Call me when you get home,” he said, feeling her squeeze him hard. “Love you, Mel.”

“Love you too. Break a leg tomorrow night.” With that, Melissa took one more look around the hotel and walked outside to meet Travis. She prayed that the numb feeling would go away once she got back to Florida. It was another couple of months before the tour ended. Surely her heart would be fixed by then.

Joey wandered around FAO Schwartz in a funk. He'd went to see what was new, even checked out the aisle holding the NSYNC dolls, shaking his head at the craziness of it all. In his head he could hear Mel's voice teasing him about his plastic fantastic red hair and about Justin's fro. He took a deep breath and sighed. Over on another aisle, he could hear voices. Security was with him, letting him shop by himself.

“Momma, it was Joey from NSYNC...I know it was,” a little girl's voice said on the next aisle.

“I know, honey..but the workers said he was shopping. He probably doesn't get to do it much by himself...” an older woman's voice replied. “We have a lot of other things to do today, Ashleigh.”

Joey couldn't help but step closer to the end of the aisle, listening. He knew what an excited kid sounded like, and this was one, but something in her voice stopped him from just going on to the next aisle, figuring the kid's parent could get a concert ticket. He wasn't heartless, but he'd learned a few years ago that being in a music group came with a big sign that made him a target for those who would take advantage of him.

“I..I know,” the little girl's voice said softer. “I just wanted to say hi.”

Hearing the disappointment, Joey raised an eyebrow at Mo, making him follow as he went around the end cap and to the aisle where he stopped in his tracks. It was indeed a little girl, looking at him with wide eyes and a grin spreading across her face from ear to ear. His heart beat faster as she looked at him. Joey could see she was sick.

“Hi, sweetheart. What's your name?” he asked, kneeling down in front of her wheelchair when he got to it, studying her short brown hair and light brown eyes.

Ashleigh blushed profusely, the smile on her face getting wider. “I'm Ashleigh. This is my mom, Kelly.”

Joey looked at Kelly and smiled, “Nice to meet you,” he told them both and then went back to Ashleigh, peppering her with questions about her life and how old she was, what she liked and why she was in New York. He found out she loved purple, the race car driver Jeff Gordon and that she could sing every song off of their albums.

“I'm gonna be on Maury later today, so Mom said I couldn't get too tired out. I know you don't get to come places by yourself...sorry if I ruined your shopping,” she said, looking a little downcast.

“No...not at all,” Joey assured her as they walked around to the end of the aisle and back to where he'd been, the aisle of Barbies and NSYNC dolls. It was a little girl's paradise. “How about we do some shopping? I mean, the rest of the guys wouldn't let me live it down if I didn't help you get all of the new stuff out. He went and picked out the newest things, all of the NSYNC dolls, plus a brown haired Barbie and the Corvette to ride them around in. It was fun and by the time they were done, Ashleigh was laughing at him being silly, singing words to songs that didn't match.

“What's your favorite song we sing?” Joey asked her, wanting to know so he could tell the rest of the guys.

“This I Promise You,” Ashleigh told him, giggling as she hugged her toys to her, ripping the boxes open with the help of one of the employees that had come down the aisle to 'help'.

He stepped back for a moment to Kelly, watching Asheligh arrange her Barbie-now named Ash- to ride between the dolls of him and JC in the front of the Corvette. “How sick is she?” he heard himself ask quietly, hating that kids had to go through things that adults couldn't even handle with grace and dignity.

“She's pretty sick. It's a brain tumor... The chemo keeps her tired, but her spirit is so willing, Joey. Ashleigh loves life. This made her day, probably her year,” Kelly said, watching her play, grinning at her daughter.

Joey hated to leave, but Mo was getting edgy with people crowding around and he knew he had sound check to go to. “Thanks for meeting me, Ashleigh. I had a great time,” he said, hugging the little girl after giving her a quick kiss on the cheek, swallowing a lump in his throat when she hugged him back tight.

“I'm gonna call my Aunt Susie tonight and tell her I met you. She'll never believe I met you,” Ashleigh told him, hugging him once more.

Joey said his goodbyes, getting out of the store after paying for the little girl's toys and back into the car he'd come in, Mo getting in next to him.

“That was great, huh?” he told Mo, shaking his head at how he could make someone's day just by meeting them for a little while and getting them a toy or two. It wasn't that he had to do it or she asked, but it was what he wanted to do. He was just being Joey. A frown came to his face as he quickly flipped his phone shut, open to call Mel and tell her what had happened. She'd have loved to hear the story, but he wasn't going to call her. He could do this, he told himself, watching the hustle and bustle of New York pass by.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

Melissa sat her suitcase down on her bed with a thump. She didn't bother opening it, or her carry on bag, leaving them both on her bed. She looked around her room and took a deep breath. Pictures of her and Joey took up a lot of the space. Stupid pictures, funny pictures, serious pictures. All of her and the man she thought she'd known inside and out.

Pulling one down that was stuck to her mirror, she let out a muffled sob and a tear fell. One of them six months after they'd met. Joey's hair was blonde on top, and he was whispering something to her, making her laugh, a smile on his face, his head turned towards her ear, his arms around her as her hands were trying to hold on to him. She let that picture fall to the floor, then pulled others out.

She worked for a couple of hours, putting pictures up in a drawer. When she was done, the remaining pictures were re spaced and she went and got a black trash-bag, opening up two drawers in her chest of drawers. Men's socks and underwear, shorts and shirts were in there. Melissa pulled one out and sniffed it, letting more tears fall. Joey had his own laundry detergent at their house, using Tide, while she used Purex. It smelled like Tide and his soap..him. Her heart twisted as she threw the shirt in the bag. “Jerk,” she said, angry tears coming down as she cleaned out the drawers, calling him very ugly names before going to her bathroom and getting rid of things in there too.

Two full trashbags later, Melissa hauled them out to her car and was getting in when her mother's ringtone came up on her phone.

“Hi, Mom,” she said, trying to keep it from sounding like she'd been crying.

“Hi, baby. How's New York? I haven't heard from your brother...he probably forgot his phone on the tour bus again...” her mother went on about things before she stopped. “I don't hear your shadow trying to get the phone. Where's Joey?”

“I..I'm at home, Ma. In Orlando,” Melissa said, pursing her lips together. “I decided I needed to come home and do school. It was going to be too hard to do all the classes online.”

“Oh,” Linda Bass' voice sounded a bit odd, like she wasn't quite buying the story. “Well then, you'll have to come and meet me at Chico's for dinner. Six is good right?”

Melissa rolled her eyes at her mother's request. She would tempt her with her favorite Mexican place. It was a ploy to get her to talk. “Six is fine, Mom. I will text Lance and tell him to call you.”

“Okay, sweetie. I will see you in a little while.”

She breathed a big sigh of relief when her mother hung up, making her way over to Joey's. Melissa could drive it with her eyes closed, and got there in the usual time of fifteen minutes. The longest part was waiting for the guard at the gated entrance, who always tried to flirt with her.

Pulling up into the driveway, Melissa got the two bags out and carried them to the garage door, punching in the code and waiting for it to open. There was another code to disarm the house alarm and her key to get in. She put the bags on the table, along with the key. His house was spotless, since the housekeeper came, along with Joey's parents, to make sure it was being looked after.

She flipped open her phone, shaking her head as she did. It pained her to call, even if it wasn't Joey she was calling.

“What's up my baby chica?” Justin answered in a very bad Spanish accent.

“Tell...” her voice got a little tight, and she swallowed, “tell Joey I put all his stuff on the table with his key. And I'm getting my stuff from his place.” Melissa heard Justin do something and then more voices. She put a hand to her forehead as she heard him hiss meanly to Joey that his shit was at his own casa and the goddamned key was on the table and he hoped Fatone was fucking happy. “He wants to talk to you,” Justin came back on the line, the joking tone his voice held when answering was gone.

“I don't have anything to say to him,” Melissa told Justin, hanging up before the conversation could go any farther.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

Justin looked at Joey, closing his cell phone. “You screwed the fuck up. I don't know what you did, Joseph Anthony Fatone, June-yer,” Justin drawled out the last part of his name, shaking his head, “but you'll be lucky if she ever gives you the time of day again.”

“I don't see why you fucking care so much, Mister Superstar. You're dating Britney Spears,” Joey snapped back, turning to leave before Justin turned him back around, shoving him back a few feet.

“The two of you made sense! All of those goddamn songs we sing...you had that with her! Even if you were too stupid to realize it. I mean, shit..I love Brit. I love her, man..but we don't have quite the same connection as you and Mel. She loved you.”

Joey raised an eyebrow at his friend, wondering if Justin had gone crazy. “She has a boyfriend. She didn't love me. Girls that love guys tell them. They act all stupid and giggly, not like she did.”

Neither of the men noticed that they now had an audience of Chris and JC, who had slipped into Justin's hotel room, finding a spot on the wall to stand.

“She wouldn't tell you! You were worth more to her than that for just some half baked fling or just a stupid fucking kiss in a game. You know what? I'm glad she went back to Florida. I don't give a shit if the rest of the tour sucks ass. You fucking deserve it, dawg,” Justin yelled, then saw JC and Chris, staring at them. “If Mel calls my phone, answer it, but don't give it to the dumb fuck,” he told them, handing them his cell phone as he slammed the door to his bathroom.

Joey looked at the both of them, pissed off, hurt and wishing he could crawl under a rock. “This is your fault you know! If you hadn't dared me to kiss her, we'd have been fine!! She'd still be here!” he yelled at Chris before leaving and going to his own room. He wouldn't admit things had been fine until he'd opened his big mouth. He had an hour or so until they were supposed to be at sound check and practice. Laying down on his bed, Joey threw his arm over his face and laid there, trying to not think about Mel, his thoughts turning to Ashleigh and her condition. His heart ached for both situations and he let a few tears fall silently, knowing the first was his fault. Now there was nothing he could do about it.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

“So you came back to go to school because...” Linda asked her youngest child, watching Melissa push food around her plate before taking a bite of her chicken enchiladas covered in white sauce so she wouldn't have to answer. “I will call your brother and find out. Or better yet, call Joey.”

Melissa swallowed her food and shrugged, digging into her rice. “It's Joey's fault. He...he told me that the reason he was being so nice to me, that he kissed me,” she looked down at her plate, “was so that he didn't hurt my feelings that he was in love with Kristen.”

Linda looked at her daughter, surprised. She knew Melissa and Joey were close, but not that any romantic feelings were there. “And so that warranted you coming home? Travis was there..your brother and the other guys,” she said and raised an eyebrow.

“I was basically told that I was a prude...and I told Joey something similar but that he could go do it to himself...And that was the end of it. He told me to pack his things and drop them off, so I did. Let's talk about something else.” Melissa took a drink of her Dr Pepper and continued eating, hoping that she could get to a point where everything didn't make her think about Joey.

Linda went on to other subjects, watching her daughter pretending to be interested. “Just give it some time,” she said, putting her hand over Melissa's. “you'll be busy with school before you know it. The guys are busy. Time heals all things.”

“Sure, Mom. Just keep telling yourself that,” Melissa muttered when the waiter came with the bill. She wasn't interested in time healing anything, she just wanted to forget the last few years of being in love with someone who she couldn't have, who would never feel the same. It felt like betrayal that she didn't feel that way about Travis as well, knowing that she should since he was her boyfriend. “Thanks for dinner, Mom,” she said, scooting her chair out and grabbing her purse, hugging her mom tightly. “I got stuff to do at the house.”

“Okay. Come over tomorrow to the house so you can get your stuff and go register for classes. I was going to do it, but since you're home...” Linda told her daughter, hugging her back, smoothing her hair and then the worry lines in her forehead. “I love you.”

“I love you too, Ma.” Melissa turned and left quickly, making it out of downtown before the tearrs fell. The radio station was playing an NSYNC song and she couldn't make herself change it.

“Why didn't I know it,” JC's voice sang, “why didn't I show it, when I had the chance...oh I had the chance.”

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

Joey felt the glares to his back. He'd felt them the whole practice, ignoring them for the most part, except when Justin had purposely almost knocked him over during Bye Bye Bye, apologizing with a wicked grin on his face. He'd tried to catch Lance's eye, but the other man wouldn't even look at him.

“Okay, break time,” JC announced, going to grab one of the bottled waters out of the cooler sitting at the back of the stage.

“Lance,” Joey said, wiping his head where sweat was, glad when Lance turned to him. “Have you talked to your sister?” he asked, giving Justin the finger.

“She texted me and told me to call my Mom,” Lance replied with a shrug. “She probably won't call...least for a few days. What did you do?”

Joey sighed hard, running a hand over his face. “Opened my big fat mouth and said something I shouldn't have.”

“Apologize,” Lance told him, putting down his phone to look at Joey, staring hard at him. “You mean to tell me you said something to my sister you can't tell her sorry for? Or it's bad enough she was serious when she told me you two weren't friends?”

Joey swallowed hard and halfway nodded, not meeting Lance's face. “I told her to take all of my stuff back to my place and leave the key,” Joey's voice got louder as Lance started walking away. “I have a girlfriend! She was just a distraction...trying to get me to break up with Kristen,” he explained, sighing heavily when he realized his other best friend had quit listening to him. Flipping his phone open, he saw one missed call. Joey frowned, hitting delete. It wasn't from who he wanted it to be from and he was damned if he was going to call her. His Italian streak was coming out, and he wasn't about to be the first to apologize. It would be a cold day in Hades, he decided, shoving his feelings down when JC barked out it was time to practice once more.

“What song we doing?” Chris asked once they all had microphones, pulling up a stool.

“I Thought She Knew,” Lance said, not missing the pained look on Joey's face. “We keep it in the songlist.”

“You all are bastards,” Joey growled, giving them all the middle finger.

“Takes one to know one,” Justin snapped. “I am glad at least your black beating heart was nice to that girl in the toy store. Good to know you're nice to perfect strangers.”

Joey took that verbal insult, closing his eyes. He reminded himself that he didn't need Lance's sister. He had a girlfriend, family and friends that loved him, no matter what. For the first time in a long time, Joey felt nothing while singing, other than that his heart was empty.

Joey shoved the guys from his room and leaned back against the closed door. He pressed the palms of his hands into his eyes and his head fell back with a light thud. He groaned out loud and rubbed his hands over his face before raking them through his hair; causing it to stick up on ends. He could feel the water dripping and knew it was making a puddle on the floor where he stood.

His sleep clothes, now wet, hung against his body. His anger at JC had now faded and he realized he hadn't been acting himself lately. How was he to know this would happen? How was he supposed to know when Melissa left, his life would change this drastically? That it would become this dull, bleak, gray existence?

At first he blamed it on Mel. It was the easiest thing to do since she was the one that left. Joey threw himself into work. The concerts, sound checks, practices came and went. All while not caring about any of it. Until it came time to sing “This I Promise You”. He'd told the guys about Ashleigh and it was the one thing that made his world a bit better; made him not feel like such a bad guy. He looked over at his open suitcase and wondered if there was any clean clothes in there. He'd washed them sometime in the last week. Mel was always the one grabbing their dirty clothes, sitting at a laundromat or in a hotel laundry room to make sure nothing was stolen; her excuse was that she had the time. And that one of them didn't turn a whole load of whites some horrific color.

The night before came back to him somewhat. Mostly it was just like the previous one, sitting in his room with a meal from room service, flipping channels. Four o' clock in the morning came and went when Joey figured out he needed to get to bed. Now he stripped his shirt off and shorts, leaving them by the bed, grabbing the first clean shirt and pair of jeans he came to, along with socks and underwear getting dressed.

Looking at his reflection in the mirror, Joey picked up the razor and stared at it a moment. There was no one here to impress. Kristen wasn't coming for another couple of weeks and Mel wasn't there...He growled and turned the water on and grabbed the shaving cream.

“You ready?” he heard Lance ask when the door beeped that a key card was being used, seeing his friend come into his line of site.

“Almost,” Joey replied, wiping his face off with the washcloth to get it clean, grabbing some aftershave.

“Be glad Mel's not here,” Lance said, suddenly wishing he hadn't mentioned his sister's name, seeing the look on Joey's face. The pained one that seemed to be a constant when he and Joey were around each other. “Sorry...I just..you know how she was about your goatee.”

“Yeah, that's why I shaved it. She's not here, is she?” Joey snapped, throwing his razor and stuff into his toiletries bag. “I'm not gonna go cry like some little damn girl every time you say her name. You all act like I can't function without her.” Joey knew it was true, but it made him mad to think his friends knew it too.

“I didn't say that,” Lance told him, holding his hands up in defense.

Joey sighed and shook his head. “I know, man. Sorry. Just seems like nothing's going right.”

Lance had no answer for his friend as they headed out the door and found the rest of the guys waiting. They had a radio station interview and then a photo shoot. Lance's phone buzzed, playing a song before it stopped.

“You talked to her?” Joey found himself asking, kicking himself for wanting to know. He'd willed his phone to ring, praying it would. It had rang in the past month, but it wasn't who he wanted to talk to.

Lance shook his head. “Not for a couple of days. Mel's busy, trying to get her classwork done. She hates math...” he sighed when his phone beeped, then rang. “Hey,” he said, looking at Joey and then turning away. “Yeah, he shaved...how did you know?” Lance smiled and shrugged, hitting Chris on the shoulder figuring Chris snapped a pic of Joey. “They have tutors for that sort of thing, Mel. I suck at College Algebra.”

Joey held his hand out for the phone, not taking no for an answer until it was finally given to him. “What's the sitch?” he asked, keeping his voice even.

“I was talking to Lance, not you,” Melissa said with a sigh, looking at her Math book. “It's just a stupid math problem, Joey.”

“And I'm good at stupid math problems. And I'm good at saying stupid shit.” It wasn't an apology, but it was a sorry of sorts, an admission that Joey was one of those guys that knew he said the wrong thing at the wrong time.

“Really? So you're admitting to being a jackass.”

Joey held his tongue and sighed, rubbing his eyes then raking his hair. “Do you want help or not?” He would have begged if he'd been by himself, said anything to keep her on the phone.

“No...I'll figure it out,” she said after a few minutes, clearing her throat “I'll talk to you later. I gotta get ready for work.”

Joey listened to the dial tone in his ear and handed the phone back to Lance, not looking at any of them. “She had to get ready for work,” he muttered, folding his arms and burying himself down in the seat. The gray existence was back, coupled with the few seconds of normal. He hated it even more now.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

Melissa let a breath out she hadn't even realized she was holding. She couldn't pretend that it was normal, just talking to Joey about math. A few tears fell and she wiped them away quickly. The past month had been hard. She'd done everything to keep her mind occupied, to not think about the man that had insulted her and broken her heart. It hurt more than she thought it would after leaving. Travis had called quite a bit, and she was glad she had him, but he wasn't the same as Joey. Melissa tried hard to put Joey out of her mind and had mostly succeeded until she heard his voice on the phone.

She'd lied to him too. Work wasn't until this afternoon, but it took her a while to get ready, to get up the want to for getting a shower and dressed, even putting on make up. It was just the same thing over and over again, including the math homework she didn't understand.

There was a buzz that announced someone was at the house, then a few moments later the doorbell rang. Melissa was in the middle of gathering up dirty clothes to find clean ones when she went to answer the door, a big smile coming to her face.

“Rach!” she yelled, opening the door and dropping the clothes, hugging her friend tight. Rachel Weatherly was her best friend since their freshman year of high school. “How was The Hamptons?”

Rachel hugged her back, laughing. “Oh you know, rich people trying to be snobby. It was alright, but I'm glad to be home. Why aren't you on tour? Your mom wouldn't give me any details,” she said, coming in and making herself at home, going to the fridge and grabbing a Pepsi before turning back to her best friend.

Melissa shut the door and gathered up the clothes. “You have three guesses and the first two don't count,” she said, going to the laundry room. They had someone to come clean one day a week, but she and Lance had both agreed they could do their own laundry and cooking.

“What did your Fatoney do now?” Rachel asked, following and hopping up on the wooden table that was for folding clothes on.

“He's not mine. He has a girlfriend with big tits that likes to wear tight clothes,” Melissa informed her, putting soap in the washer, groaning when she realized she'd grabbed the Tide. “See what you made me do? This isn't even mine.”

“So your clothes smell good. That doesn't answer why you are home.”

“I'm taking classes for college and I got a job. That's why I'm home.” Melissa didn't look at Rachel, watching the water fill up in the washing machine. She'd rewash the clothes later in Purex.

Rachel narrowed her eyes at Mel, taking a long drink. “I know when you're lying. If my grandparents hadn't made me go on our family vacation, I would know what the hell was going on...so spill it, Bass.”

Melissa sighed, haltingly telling her the story. She didn't leave out any details, even the kissing part and the hotel. “It's been a month, Rach. He hasn't called and I'm not sure I want him to. It's easier to just pretend that he's just another guy.”

Rachel had listened, getting down to hug her friend. “I love you, ya know. And Joey's like the little kid that rides the short bus you can't help but love, but there are times I'd love to just smack the crap out of both of you.”

“I know. That's why you're my friend.”

Melissa felt better than she had in a while, joking and talking with Rachel as she picked up her stuff around the house and then got ready for work.

“You know since I'm back, we need to go to lunch,” Rachel informed Melissa, pulling a drawer open and shutting it when she saw pictures stuffed in there. “You know, those should go in an album. Stuffing them in a drawer makes it cluttered.”

“Thank you, Martha Stewart,” Melissa said, deciding there was nothing else she could do to her hair. She tucked in her shirt and grabbed a belt.

“When did you get so fashion forward?” Rachel asked, noting the new t-shirts that had the Aeropostale logo and jeans of the same.

“Shut up. I work there, so I have to have the clothes. And lunch sounds good. I get out at one tomorrow,” Melissa told her, sticking her tongue out.

Rachel rolled her eyes and shoved her friend out the bedroom door. “I'll meet you at Mr. Chow's,” she saw a look cross Mel's face. “Jesus..you can't just not go eat Chinese because it's the restaurant you and Joey always go too. You go there with me, him, your mom, Lance...”

“Do you have to say that name?” Melissa asked, looking around for her purse, ignoring Rachel.

“Joey..Jooooey...JOEY!” Rachel sang the last name loudly, ducking as a magazine flew past her head and landed with a thud on the floor. “What the fuck?” Rachel glared at Melissa, picking up the magazine. “Seriously, you throw this at me?” It was a magazine of Victoria's Secret.

“It was the first thing I came to,” Melissa replied, finding her purse and keys. “See you tomorrow night, I'm going to go see about a math tutor.”

Rachel watched as her friend left, sitting back down on the couch. Lance had always told her she could come and go as she pleased, even though she didn't have a key. Their house was nice, as nice as her parents where she lived. Looking around, she could see the different elements of decorating and then wandered back into Melissa's room, pulling the drawer back open that held the pictures. “You stupid idiot,” she muttered, picking up a picture of Joey her friend had taken, him giving a goofy smile and thumbs up. Taking out the photos, Rachel grabbed the photo album that was stuffed in her friends closet, still with the price tag on it. “I needed a reason to not go home yet,” she told herself, wondering if Melissa realized what she saw in the pictures.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*

“Mister Chow, we're here!” Melissa announced as she and Rachel went into the small Chinese restaurant. There were a dozen tables to the whole place; an older Chinese man came to see them from the back, a big smile on his face.

“You not on world tour?” He grinned, hugging her and then Rachel, wagging a finger at her taller friend. “You tell me last time wontons were no good. I make fresh just for you.”

Melissa laughed at Mr. Chow, putting in her usual order and listening to Rachel give him a hard time. They sat down in their usual corner booth. The whole restaurant smelled wonderful and it had been a while since she'd been here. Lance's birthday in fact. It was where she'd come since she was little on her birthday and for any major milestone. Mr. Chow had even thrown her a graduation dinner.

“So what are we doing tonight? Should I be afraid and go get some bail money?” she asked Rachel who was stirring sugar into her iced tea.

“No bail money needed. You worry too much,” Rachel replied, the girls talking about different things as their soup and wontons were brought out. It wasn't too long before they were in Wal-Mart in the toy section.

“I can't believe they made these,” Rachel made a face at the Britney Spears doll before grabbing one of JC. “Come on,” she said, handing Melissa one of Lance and Justin.

“What are you doing?” she hissed, grabbing Chris and Joey's figures and following her to the Barbie aisle. “If we open these, we have to buy them, Rach.”

“Shut up. A drop in the bucket, my young padawan learner.” Rachel opened all of the NSYNC dolls and then a couple packages of the Barbies and began to arrange them in precarious positions, along with a bucket of army men fighting Mr. Potato Head, taking pictures with her phone, sending them to Lance.

The best part was when Rachel got Melissa to do a wrestling style announcing of the whole event starting with the announcement of “Attention Wal-Mart shoppers...” from the loudspeaker PA.

Melissa laughed so hard she cried, wiping tears as little kids drug their parents to see the toys, making up stupid stuff. They left the whole display there in the middle of the toy aisles, going to snag a couple of bikes and ride around the store before they were asked to leave.

By the time the night was over, Melissa and Rachel had danced across crosswalks and on sidewalks, and sat and made fun of girls that would walk by and oogle over the picture of Justin Timberlake in the mall in the music store.

“He looks like a poodle if he doesn't gel his hair,” Rachel yelled at a couple of girls who stopped and were making kissy faces at the picture, laughing when Melissa almost fell off the bench they were sitting on.

“See, I got you laughing,” Rachel told her as they left the mall a few hours later, bags in hand. They'd went shopping and enjoyed themselves, trying on clothes and being girly. “Did you ever find a tutor for your class?”

“They are looking for one for me. I'm just SOL til then.”

“You know someone who aced math,” Rachel said, looking at her as she started her car.

“I know. He's like a freaking Einstein with that. But he's still a jerk.” Melissa said, surprised when the car came to a quick stop at a red light. “So you'd rather fail than ask for help? Who helped you pass Algebra, It certainly wasn't the damn teacher.”

Melissa leaned back on the headrest and sighed. Joey had been her saving grace in high school. He'd patiently listened to her gripe and complain, even cry, about her math teacher, then proceeded to show her how to work the problems. The teacher accused her of cheating until Linda had informed him she hired a tutor. Even though the tutor was in Europe touring at the time.

“I'll call him if I need help,” Melissa told Rachel, biting her bottom lip. “What?”

“You swear on your fedora hat you'll call him?” Rachel asked, watching her friend huff and cross her arms. “It's still hanging on your headboard. I will take it and cut it into little tiny pieces.”

“It's not my hat!” she finally relented and nodded, knowing Rachel would do just what she said. “Sometimes you are a bi-atch, Rachel Weatherly.” Melissa got her phone out and looked at the time. “He's working. No..changing. Justin's doing his beat box bit then they'll be singing “It's Gonna Be Me,” she said quietly, glad when Rachel turned up the volume on the radio so she wouldn't have to keep her mind on Joey.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*

Lance looked at the pictures again on his phone and shook his head. A part of him was really glad Rachel was back in Orlando. Another part of him wished his sister was here. They'd all missed her. He'd always just thought of her as part of the group. He snickered at the picture of Mr. Potato Head holding up an Army man, other's scattered with body parts around him.

“Who in the hell sent you that?” Justin asked, seeing the picture, stopping to look closer at it.

“Mel and Rachel,” Lance said, closing his phone. “Those two need a warning sign.”

“They need the National Guard and the SWAT team,” Justin fired back, sitting down on the couch. They were backstage getting a shower before they left again on the bus. Joey was in the shower now his cell phone laying on the table. It rang, playing “It's Gonna Be Me” and Justin snatched it up. “Melly's calling.”

“What's up babydoll?”Justin asked, not caring to answer Joey's phone.

“I..” she looked at her phone, making sure she dialed the right number. “Justin?”

“The one and only. Joey's in the shower. What you need?” Justin asked, flopping down on the couch.

“Rachel made me call,” she told him, punching Rachel in the shoulder. “Apparently I need help..”

“She's failing math!” Rachel yelled beside her.

“I'm not failing yet, you diphead,” she told her, before talking to Justin again. “I need help.”

“Two plus two equals four,” Justin told her, getting up when Joey came in. “The bald faced one is done. Love you Melly!” he sang, handing Joey the phone mouthing 'don't fuck this up'.

Joey looked at the phone and then smiled. “Hi,” he said, ignoring the kissy faces Justin was now making.

“Hi.” Melissa felt herself get nervous, hating that she couldn't just forgive Joey, that she was trying to push him away. “I need help with math. I mean, just until they find a tutor at school.”

“When's your math class?” Joey asked, wanting to say so many things other than that, but sticking with what he was given. He listened to her tell him her schedule and then her work schedule. “You send me a picture of your homework and I'll work on it and get back with you, but I'm not doing it for you.” He couldn't help but laugh and her grumbling.

“How else do you expect me to learn if you don't do it first? It's like Italian or Greek,” Melissa said, rolling her eyes when he started talking in Italian.

“Just stupid stuff,” Joey told her when she asked what he was saying, chuckling at Lance who was giving him a weird look. “Send your homework.”

“I will. And just for the record, I'm still mad.”

“Point taken,” they talked a few more minutes and Joey hung up, surprised to see his four bandmates all staring at him intently. “What? I'm helping her with math homework.”

“You have to call her every damn day, dawg,” Justin cheered, pumping his

“I was thinking I would come down Thursday if you weren't busy,� Travis told Melissa, sitting in his hotel room in Charlotte, North Carolina. He had all of Thursday off and had to fly back to catch the show in Raleigh. He'd spent a lot of time on the phone with his girlfriend when he could, trying to find a time to go to Orlando. They'd talked about her coming back on the tour, but since school had started, Melissa was determined to stick with it.

“Thursday?� Melissa said, surprised. She was happy that he'd be coming, having missed him. She looked at her room that was halfway clean, save for needing laundry done and papers put away, her desk covered in her books. “What time? I have my College Algebra class, but I'm free the rest of the time. Even have off work.�

“Earliest flight puts me there around ten in the morning, then I fly out around midnight. That'll give us time to visit,� he said, a smile coming to his face.

“Sounds good. If I can't come get you, I'll send my friend Rachel.�

Travis nodded, having heard about her friend a few times. “Sounds good. We'll go paint the town red.�

“Sounds like a plan,� her phone beeped and she looked, seeing it was Joey. Glancing at the clock, Melissa realized that it was time for him to help her with her math. “I hate to run Trav, but my math tutor's here,� she blanched at the little white lie, but didn't feel too bad. She and Joey kept it strictly education related.

“Alright, smart girl. Love you.�

Melissa replied in turn and quickly went to the other line. “Joey?� she said, hoping she hadn't missed him.

“I could have got up and went pee, got a Coke and came back to the table before you answered the phone,� Joey chided, a smile in his voice, looking at the paper with the math on it he'd done.

“Oh shut up, Fatoney. It takes you longer than that... Why do I even know that?� Melissa mentally slapped herself. It was so easy with Joey to talk about the stupid stuff. The funny things that no one else cared about.

“I don't know. Why the hell do you know that? How long it takes me to pee... Are you writing a damn stalker book?� He asked, watching Lance shake his head as he walked by to sit in the recliner.

“They don't know, do they?�JC said as he laid on the couch, listening to the conversation shift to something about math. This was almost the only time Joey acted like, well, Joey.

“Nope,� Lance said as he took a drink from his soda. He ignored the glare he was getting from Joey, pretending to watch the television that was in the corner playing low on a news channel.

'What are we talking about that who doesn't know?� Justin asks flopping down on the couch. JC was quick to move his legs and sit up, shooting his younger band member a look.

“Joey and Mel,� Lance told Justin, his eyes not leaving the tv.

Justin nodded knowingly. He grinned at Joey still on the phone. “They're never gonna figure it out, dawg.�

“Nope,� JC and Lance said in unison.

Joey cut his eyes at his friends, grabbing the paper and going to the front of the bus to sit at the other table. “All you do is find the inverse function,� he explained listening to Melissa work it out, with him coaching her.

Melissa looked down at her paper, sighing. They were halfway done, but it had taken an hour. “This sucks, Joey.�

“I want to go to college. I want to take math classes and English....� Joey's voice mimicked hers. “I told you..It's school.�

“I can do the rest of school. It's just math that I hate. When am I ever going to use the inverse of something? I can add and subtract and all that other stuff. That's why we have calculators with lots of buttons.�

“Oh ye of little math comprehension...all will be well. The Force is strong with you,� Joey said, getting a laugh from her. “I think you pretty much have it's ass whipped. I need to get off here and help JC with a song. He's writing something for the next album.�

“Alright,� Melissa was about to say goodbye before she remembered. “I'll be busy Thursday, so I'll just have to wing it on the homework. Er..no..there's a test..no homework,� she told him, putting her pencil in her book and closing it, wanting to shove it off the bed.

“Busy? You got a date or something?� he asked quickly, wondering why he even cared.

“Actually, yeah. Travis is coming to visit for the day after classes.�

Joey swallowed hard, the color in his world going back to a grayish one. It had never mattered to him before who Mel dated, it shouldn't now. He was better than this. “Yeah..have fun. I need to go, JC wants us to go over some stuff,� he told her, hanging up quickly. Kristen was coming in that weekend, and he was looking forward to seeing his girlfriend.

“Have fun?� Chris asked Joey as he sat down, raising an eyebrow at his silence. “Sounded like you were fine to me a minute ago.�

“I'm fine. Just get on with whatever we're doing,� he muttered as Justin and JC started talking about a song they were working on. Joey shoved his feelings deep and got into work, glad for the distraction. Until Monday.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^
“So, Rachel's gonna pick you up in the morning,� Melissa told her boyfriend, laying back on the bed. She'd worked part of the day and then had been studying her math. Or trying to study it, getting frustrated and getting a headache. “I might be done with my test by ten, but it'll take me twenty five minutes to get back home.�

“Not a problem, baby. Have I told you again I'm excited to be seeing you?�

Melissa smiled at his words, looking at her clean room. “Yeah, I'm excited too. Rachel even made me pick out a couple of outfits for our date tomorrow,� she rolled her eyes at that, preferring to be in something comfortable. Not the cute dress her friend insisted she wear. Mel had put her foot down to get sandals and not heels, but had agreed to doing her make up a bit more dramatic instead of just the foundation and some bit of blush.

“You'll look gorgeous no matter what,� Travis told her, walking backstage. He'd had a few minutes before they had to start tearing down things, so he thought he'd call and get the last minute details. “I'm being told to hurry up, Mel. I gotta get to work,� he said, smiling at one of the backup dancers as he passed to get to the stage area.

“You men and your work. See you tomorrow Trav. Love ya,� she said, letting him go. Melissa stared at her phone a minute, sighing. She would be up for a while and tried to get focused, praying that tomorrow would be a good day.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*

“You must be Travis,� Rachel said to the guy who raised up a hand in greeting to her. She gave him a smile as he shouldered his carryon and introduced himself, shaking her hand. “I'm Rachel Weatherly.�

Travis nodded, until the name sank in. “Weatherly? Like related to the oil tycoon Weatherly's?� he asked, his voice changing to awe and his eyebrows raised.

Rachel bit her inner cheek, giving him a smile and nodding. She'd be nice for her friend's sake, but that was strike one. Yes, her grandfather was loaded, her parents loaded, but she still had to work for things and put on her big girl pants like everyone else. “Yeah. Grandpa's living the dream,� she told him, leading her out to her car.

“So how's the tour going?� she asked him after he put his stuff in the trunk, unlocking the doors and getting in.

“Be glad to have a break in a month. Going to try and convince my girlfriend to come up to Minnesota to visit for Thanksgiving.�

“Ha!� Rachel laughed out loud, then looked at him apologetically. “Sorry...I'm sure she'll try, but Thanksgiving is hallowed ground for the Bass family. You get invited to their shindig. It's like getting invited to the Playboy Mansion for the pool party.�

“Oh, okay,� Travis said, not sure he liked being rebuffed, or what he'd heard about a big family gathering. He and Melissa had talked about all sorts of things and this had never come up. “We can talk about it, though..�

Rachel and Travis made small talk as she drove them towards Lance and Melissa's house, neither one of them sure about the other.

“Mel said she had a test today,� Travis said, looking at his phone to see if his girlfriend had texted, wishing she would.

“Yeah, an Algebra test. She felt good about it so we'll see,� Rachel replied, getting to the gated entry and punching in numbers to get into the neighborhood.

“From what she told me, her tutor must be good.�

Rachel nodded, pointing out houses as they drove past them to different people. She wasn't going to touch that issue with a ten thousand foot pole. “Here we are,� she told him, getting out and letting him in. Rachel watched as he went into the house and looked around, grabbing a Pepsi out of the fridge.

“This is nice,� Travis said, sitting down on the couch. “Doesn't Mel get bored being here by herself?�

“Nah, I'm here a lot. The guys are over a lot when they're all home. Joey practically lives...lived here,� she amended, turning her head to close her eyes and mouth 'shit'. She couldn't go back and tell him anything different, so Rachel let it play out.

Travis blinked a couple times. This was new information to him and he just shrugged. He knew Melissa and Joey were close, so why wouldn't they hang out. Before anything else could be said, Melissa came in the house, a huge smile on her face. Travis got up, pulling her into a hug and kissing her on the lips a few times. “Hey, baby,� he said, grinning, putting what he'd just found out at the back of his mind.

“Hey yourself,� Melissa told him, leaning on him and sighing happily. “I see Rachel doesn't have you staked to a tree in the yard, so that's good...� she teased, sticking her tongue out at her best friend. “Thanks for picking him up, Rach.�

“You know me, always happy to help,� Rachel sang out as she said her goodbyes. “How was the test?� she asked before she got out the door, not missing the fact that Travis looked her up and down. Strike two.

Melissa turned around so she could look at her friend, grinning. “I made almost a B. Got a 78%..but my homework was an A. I got mixed up on a couple things.�

“You rock. Have fun you two,� Rachel told them, smiling as she left, her mouth in a tight line when she got in her car. There was just something about Travis she didn't like, but she was trying hard to spin it. She didn't know him like her best friend did and she hoped that was just the case.

Melissa leaned in and kissed Travis again, deepening it now that they were alone. “I missed you,� she told him, letting the touches of mouths and hands wander a bit before she pulled away, still smiling.

“I missed you too,� he said, letting her go and following her to her bedroom. He was surprised to see the artwork and pictures, looking at them as she told him who was in the pictures, mostly family, some of the guys. There was one picture of her and Joey, Travis noted, stuck to her mirror. A silly one that looked like it was taken a while back. Joey was holding up a shirt that said 'Got Crabs?' while Melissa was holding up her steamed crab legs, pointing at it while they both grinned. “Rachel said Joey had his own room or something...� he said, missing the panic look on her face.

“Uh..yeah, he used to,� she said, glad she'd filled the two drawers with clothes from another drawer. “What do you want to do while you're here?� she changed the subject, hoping it would work.

“I wanted to take you out on a date,� Travis told her, not minding the subject change at all.

**^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*
“You're sure you don't want to go somewhere nice?� Travis asked once more as he carried the basket of food, looking around at the park they were at. “I mean, that's the point of a date, go somewhere you usually wouldn't.� The ominous clouds that had started gathering made him frown.

“I thought the point of a date was to have fun spending time together.� Melissa was uncomfortable in her dress, but was glad for the sandals, getting out the food.

“It is, but you picked a hell of a time to decide you wanted to do this.�

Melissa didn't say anything, frowning a bit. “The weather said cloudy but the rain was going to go around us.�

Travis just nodded, sighing. They'd gotten halfway done, when the first raindrops fell. “Shit!� he exclaimed, gathering up the stuff and tossing it in the bags they'd brought it in, running for the car.

The downpour soaked them both before they could get in, and Melissa sat there, dripping water, her clothes stuck to her, water running off her hair. “S..S...Sorry,� she said, starting the car, trying to shake off the sudden chill.

“Let's just go back to your house for now,� Travis said, watching the rain came down.

The radio was on low and Melissa's mind went back to the last time she was in the rain. It was a very different situation, one that brought a small smile to her face as they drove in silence.

“We can't do this,� Melissa said, laughing at Joey standing in the rain just outside of the rooftop of the barn. “We'll get soaked getting back to the house.�

“Your grandma's gonna be pissed if we miss dinner, Mel. Besides, it was your idea to come out and look at the old barn,� Joey said, his clothes starting to stick to him. They'd been close enough on tour to stop to visit, with Lance and Mel's grandmother not taking a no for them to stay for dinner. The rest of the guys had went back to the house before the sudden summer storm hit. “You aren't afraid of a little rain, are you?� he teased, watching her glare at him.

“Kiss my ass,� Melissa told him, stepping out into the weather. She laughed when Joey grabbed her and started dancing. “What are you doing, Fatone?�

“I'm singing in the rain, just singing in the rain, what a wonderful feeling I'm happy again,� he sang, his baritone voice loud even with the sound of the rain coming down.

Melissa shook her head at him as they made their way to the house, laughing harder at the looks on everyone's faces when they got in the door, standing on the rug dripping wet, Joey still singing.

The light changed and Melissa shook her head at herself, the shower now over and the sun peeking out. “What do you want to go do now?� she asked Travis, hoping his mood was improved as they pulled into the driveway.

“Let's go change clothes and find a nice place to go to,� he said, “what I wanted to do in the first place.�

*^*^*^*^*^*^*

Melissa smiled at Travis, slipping her fingers in his. Their second attempt at dinner had went well. Travis was the attentive romantic guy she remembered, having a wonderful time. Now they were back at the house, sitting on the couch watching television. There was still a few hours before she had to take him back to the airport.

“You know you look good dressed up,� Travis told her, leaning in to kiss her. He made his intentions known as he slipped his tongue in her mouth, one of his hands copping a feel. They'd been sitting close together, a touch here or kiss there.

“Trav, I don't know...� Melissa started, then was cut off by his mouth again. Her mind was telling her this was a bad idea, while her body was willing her on, wanting to be paid attention to. She told herself this was because she was in love with Travis, that they hadn't seen each other in a while and that they were alone. No one knocking on a hotel door. She broke off the kiss and smiled at him. “Let's take this somewhere more comfortable,� she said, getting up and leading him back to her bedroom.

*^*^*^*^*^*^

Rachel flipped her phone open and shut, her mind in a dilemma. She didn't want to open her mouth and say something that wasn't possibly true, but at the same time she didn't like Travis. Sure, he was cute and Mel seemed happy with him and they'd been dating a while. He just had the underlying karma of 'assclown' she didn't like. Hitting send on her phone, she smiled big when Melissa's brother answered the phone.

“How can you let your sister date a jerk?� she said, after telling Lance hello.

“You think everyone's a jerk, Rach. What did he do?� he asked, standing in the dressing room. He listened to Rachel's recount of what had happened, and her reasonings behind it. “He's a good guy...� Lance finished, rubbing a hand through his hair.

“I'm throwing the bullshit flag on this.�

“You can't make Mel do what you want. You and I both know that.� Lance nodded to the guy telling him he had to be in the makeup chair in five minutes for the second show in Charlotte. “Just keep an eye on her.�

“Ten four, and I'll make sure to restock the Pepsi in your fridge,� she told him, hanging up a few minutes later. She bit her lip, wondering what would have to happen for Melissa to admit her feelings.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*

“I'll call you tomorrow,� Travis said, kissing his girlfriend, a big smile on his face. They'd had sex, laid there and talked until it was time to get dressed and get him back to the airport. Now they'd called boarding for his flight to Raleigh. “Did you have fun?� he asked, watching her nod.

“I had a lot of fun. I'm so glad you could come down,� Melissa told him, wrapping her arms around him. It was a comforting feeling, making her insides not knot up as much. “I love you, Travis.�

“Love you too, baby. I gotta go. I'll tell the guys you said hi,� he told her, giving her one last squeeze before letting her go.

Melissa watched him give the airline worker his ticket and then walk down the terminal. She bit her lip and sighed heavily, her feelings in a jumbled up mess. Her phone buzzed, reminding her that it was midnight and it was time for Travis to leave. She wondered if it was bad she was somewhat relieved he was gone.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

“Hey woman, I didn't hear from you.� Rachel picked up a shirt that was stuffed in a cubicle at Aeropostale and looked at it, watching Melissa fold them all neatly where ones had been unfolded and put away haphazardly.

“I went home after dropping Travis off and went to bed,� Melissa shrugged, “what's to tell?�

“Did you have fun?� Rachel asked, following her, shopping so that they could talk.

Melissa nodded. “Other than being caught in the rain. We had to go home and change, then went out to dinner at a nice place Travis found.�

“You're being very obtuse, Mel. Usually I can't get you to shut up about the stupid shit you've done with every detail. Please tell me you didn't have sex with him.�

Eying Rachel, Melissa just turned, ignoring her. “He's my boyfriend, Rach.�

“Oh. My. God. You did!� Rachel said loudly, making other people look at her. She grabbed Melissa's arm and drug her over to the corner. “I hate to sound like your mom, but what the hell were you thinking?�

“I was thinking that I was with my boyfriend and that he wanted to be with me like that. You don't have to like him, Lance doesn't have to like him...He's not Joey!� she hissed loudly, sticking her finger in Rachel's face before she could reply. “Don't meddle, Rach! If Joey wanted me, any at all, he would have said something long before now. He has a girlfriend and he and I are done being friends. Now would you please leave?� she said softer, trying hard to keep her composure.

“Oh Honey, you didn't have sex with him for that reason did you?" Rachel felt like flying to wherever the guys were and dragging Joey by the ear out behind a woodshed and beat the shit out of him. 'Fucking Moron,' she thought to herself. “Fine. You and Joey can just go be lonely and pining the rest of your lives because you're too stupid to see how you are with each other. I'll come over after you're done with work.�

“Go away, Rach,� Melissa told her friend, turning to ignore her and hang jeans on a rack by size. She heard footsteps fall away and stood there. She wasn't going to apologize for having Travis as a boyfriend, but she did regret the way she still felt about Joey. And that the whole time they were having sex, she was thinking of other things.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

Joey smiled wide as his girlfriend got in the car beside him, leaving her bag for the airport attendant to put in the back, leaning in and kissing her. “I missed you Kris.� Yes, he'd missed her. Someone of the opposite sex that was glad to see him, and he noticed she purposely wore a low cut shirt, giving him a good view of her cleavage.

“Missed you too, Joey,� Kristen replied, leaning in to kiss him. “What are we doing tonight? You said you were free.�

Joey nodded as they took off back towards the hotel. “I figured we'd go back and chill for a little while, then go grab some dinner somewhere. There's a great place downtown, they have killer barbeque.� They'd stopped in Charleston, South Carolina, for a show the next night, then moving on further south to head towards Florida.

“Barbeque?� Kristen said, wrinkling her nose a little bit at him. “I was hoping for...something a bit better than that. I got a couple new outfits to wear. I don't want to get sauce on them. Besides, you can get barbeque anywhere.�

Joey looked out the window at the traffic, letting out an unheard sigh. He didn't want to dress up and go to someplace fancy. He wanted to relax, but Kristen was wanting more. He'd broken down and done laundry, actually paid to have it done, so he knew he had clothes clean. One night of a nice dinner wouldn't kill him. “Huh?� he asked, turning his head back when he heard his name again, looking at Kristen.

“Did you hear me? I asked if what's her name...Melanie..was here.�

“No. Melissa's not here. She went home for school and stuff,� he replied, getting irked at the fact Kristen would ask, still getting the name wrong.

“Like she got a job?� Kristen asked, surprised, missing Joey's jaw clenching as he nodded. “I mean, why would she need a job? You all make enough money...I mean, she doesn't have expensive tastes in stuff, you can tell by her clothes...�

“Are you done?� Joey snapped, trying to cover his feelings with a heavy sigh, running a hand over his face. “Sorry. I just..I wanted to talk about us, you know. Mel's not here..her own decision.� He let his eyes linger on Kristen's clothes and could picture what Mel would be wearing. Jeans and a t-shirt, probably some tennis shoes, dressed a lot like he was. She wouldn't care to go eat barbeque, knowing next time she could choose where they'd go. He derailed that train of thought, wishing it would set on fire.

“Okay, sorry. I'm done..only talking about us now.�

Joey listened to her start on her family and what was going in in Pittsburgh, trying to enjoy her company. They got back to the hotel and he changed, into some cargo khaki's and a button down blue shirt, slipping on some different shoes and leaving his hat on the dresser of the hotel room. “Better?� he asked Kristen as he turned around, watching her look him up and down and nod, then say something about a belt and tucking his shirt in. “Yeah...be right back.�

Joey left and went over to Lance's room. He'd left his belts in Lance's stuff when they'd been tossing stuff in bags. He knocked on the door and was relieved when his friend opened it, his phone to his ear.

“No Rach, it's Joey,� Lance told her, letting him in and digging through his own stuff. “I am not telling him that. I'm not!�

“Telling me what?� Joey asked, putting his belt in his teeth and tucking in his shirt. With Rachel it could be anything.

“They slept together. I'm sure they've done it before he went to visit...� Lance told her, exasperated. His face changing to another emotion, one that Joey couldn't read. “Just leave it alone. We'll be home in a couple of weeks..Love you too.� Lance hung up the phone and threw it on the bed.

“What are you supposed to tell me?� Joey asked again, ignoring the jealous streak that went through him thinking about Melissa sleeping with another guy. He'd never slept with her, so it shouldn't matter to him. They were just friends..well, used to be anyways.

“Nothing. No one knows how to mind their own business,� Lance said, grabbing the remote. “You look nice..a little too nice to eat barbeque.�

“Let's just agree to not talk about it,� Joey told him. “Any of it.�

“Fine with me,� Lance said, giving Joey one more glance. He'd agree with Rachel to lock them in a closet together as soon as they got to Florida if he thought it would help, listening to his friend leave. He had his own issues, leaning back on the hotel pillows, intending not to get up and do anything.
*^*^*^*^^*

“What's wrong?� JC asked Joey, watching him hold his hand over his forehead and eyes. He blanched when Joey looked at him, his friend's eyes were bloodshot.

“Migraine from hell,� Joey muttered laying back on the couch. It was between sound check and performance. The drinks from last night, coupled with more when he and Kristen got back to the hotel and the long night and little sleep made the small headache/hangover turn into something worse as the day wore on. His girlfriend was still sleeping at the hotel, leaving him to deal with it himself. He'd taken four Aleve and then some Motrin, waiting for it to work.

“You better be ready to sing in a couple hours,� Lance said, coming in to sit beside Joey in a chair.

Joey just groaned in response, his arm across his face. He couldn't even think of the stage lights and dancing, the thought of even moving made him feel sick. “I want someone to rub my head,� he groaned in a muffled voice, knowing there was no one that would.

“Tough shit. You lost your hair sex,� Justin said as he came in and heard, making the other guys raise an eyebrow. “What? He looked like his hair got molested when he had it done. Had this stupid look on his face too.�

“It was fucking relaxing! Have you ever had it done?� Joey sniped, moving his arm and shooting Justin a dirty look. “It was just Mel rubbing my scalp.�

“Have Kristen do it. She's your girlfriend,� Chris told him, as if that was the simple solution to everything.

“Thank you, Captain Obvious.� Joey sat up and groaned more. “Just give me an hour..I'm going to see our physician.� They had a doctor that traveled with them, in case of sprains and small things. Joey made his way down to where he was and twenty minutes later was feeling surprisingly better, although he'd never admit that he got a shot in the ass. The pain wasn't completely gone, but having sat in a dark room for that amount of time made him able to open his eyes and not feel like he was going to be sick.

Kristen showed up while Joey was changing for the first set of songs. She was dressed to kill, the pass hanging around her neck letting her into where they were. She was wearing a short skirt and a tank top, looking more like a teenager than a woman. “Hey, babe,� she ignored Justin rolling his eyes, sitting down next to Joey who was buttoning up his shirt over his t-shirt.

“Hey,� Joey said, leaning over to give her a kiss. Whatever perfume she was wearing made his head pound and he winced. “What are you wearing?� he asked, stepping away as the throbbing started over his eye.

“My perfume?� she asked, watching him nod, naming off the expensive brand. “Why?�

“My head's killing me, and that's not helping,� he said with a sigh, moving to the make up chair, telling the girl just to leave his hair alone instead of spiking it up.

“Did you take something?�

Joey clenched his jaw, trying not to get mad. She wasn't here when he had, so of course she would ask. “Yeah, took stuff.� It was going to be a long night. They all had their hands in for the NSYNC yell when the shot really kicked in. Joey just prayed it would work for the next two hours, at least long enough to get back on the bus.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

“What do you mean we're not going out?� Kristen asked, putting her hands on her hips and sticking her lip out at Joey, watching him slip his shoes off and put them in his bunk. They still had a few hours until the bus left and everyone else was going to get something to eat.

“Let me rephrase that. I'm not going out. I've spent the whole time I was awake until two hours ago sick as a dog with a migraine. I was dizzy the whole performance and all I want to do is sleep, Kris. If you want to go out, by all means, have at it,� Joey told her, his voice having a bite to it.

“No, I'll just stay here,� she said, putting down her purse beside Joey. “Why are you acting like this?� Kristen was surprsied when he gave her a look and started muttering in Italian.

“Go eat with them. I don't want to see you right now. Just let me have a few hours to sleep,� Joey bit off his words, getting up long enough to give her a peck on the cheek and get her off the bus. He sighed when the curtain was pulled on the bunk, making it dark and the engine of the bus doing it's usual hum. He knew he was an ass when he didn't feel well. Joey laid there, groaning when he felt his phone buzz beside his head. He let it go to voicemail before he opened his phone and hit the button that would let him listen.

“Hey Joey, it's Mel,� he gave a small smile at the sound of her voice, “I meant to call you a couple days ago.. Made a 78 on the test and an A on the homework. Hope you're having a good weekend and...�she hesitated as if she was going to say more, but didn't. “Talk to you later..�

He'd said they weren't friends anymore, but he couldn't just forget. Joey knew he needed to apologize, but he wasn't sure how. And he wasn't sure if she'd let him. Melissa was stubborn about things when she got it set in her mind. Joey closed his eyes and his mind drifted off, letting his jealous monster out now that he was alone. He let it come out and swallow him, knowing the way his lips felt against hers, the fantasy of it taking over, his heart twisting that Travis would touch Melissa like that, even more than she'd let him.

Joey had it planned out as he laid there, half asleep, his head at a dull throb. He'd apologize. He'd beg if necessary, anything to get his best friend back to being his best friend again. Then when the time was right he'd tell her how he felt. It was the first time in six weeks that Joey actually saw a little color come back in his world.

The buses taking NSYNC and their entourage rolled into Orlando early in the morning. The sun gave off a nice light glow as it broke over the horizon, making Joey smile. Home. As much as he loved touring and singing and dancing with his friends, he was thankful it was over. He looked over and nodded when JC sat down on the opposite side of the table from him, watching the scenery for a minute, with Joey looking back out the window.

“You've been quiet the past few days,” JC said, looking at Joey. They'd all been relieved at Kristen's departure from the tour bus, glad when his phone rang the next day with Melissa on the phone asking him about her classwork.

“Just thinking, Josh...” Joey told him, sighing heavily. “Not going into record and the holiday season without trying to make things right with Mel. Not sure how to apologize..”

“You say you're sorry,” JC said, giving him a small smile.

“I know that,” Joey said, running a hand through his hair, “ just trying to figure out if I should bring flowers or what. She'll probably tell me to piss off.”

“What did you say anyway?” the other man asked, then held up his hands. “Nevermind. None of my business.”

Neither of them heard Justin until he scooted Joey over. “Whatever it was, he should have kept his fucking mouth shut. Mel told me the other day she tried to cook eggs.” Justin made a yikes face.

Joey blinked a couple times, remembering the last time she'd announced she was cooking him breakfast. He'd gotten up a few minutes after her and ended up doing it when smoke was coming from the toaster. “Did she burn the kitchen down?” he asked, trying hard not to laugh.

“No. She said they were barely edible though. Rubbery...I'm buying her cooking classes for Christmas. That and an apron and some dishes,” Justin announced, a grin on his face.

JC and Joey chuckled, then Joey looked at Justin. “I love you, man.” He pulled Justin to him in a brotherly hug.

“What did I do? Get off me, dawg!”

“I know how I'm apologizing,” Joey said, letting Justin go, grabbing his phone. He thought about what all they had to do today before the show and knew he only had a little time between all of his obligations and the show. It was early, but he knew someone would answer the phone at his parents house. “Hi Pop,” Joey said, sitting down in his bunk.

“Morning, Joe, what has you calling so early? Is everything alright?” Joe Senior asked, putting down the morning paper and leaning back in his chair out on the patio.

“Yeah, everything's fine. I need Mom to do something for me. I need her to mix up some bread dough for me. You know, the Fatone recipe,” Joey requested, giving his dad a list, excited about what he'd had planned. When his father asked, Joey just gave it as the excuse about wanting to surprise Melissa. He hung up a little bit later, laying back on his bunk. It wasn't that Joey was a chef, but he wasn't bad around the kitchen. He'd even helped Mel whip up stuff for Thanksgiving, simple stuff she couldn't mess up. It always made him laugh that he liked a girl that couldn't cook. He'd asked her once why she didn't like it, and he found out that she just wasn't good at it. She didn't pretend she was to impress him, and that made it that much more endearing.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

Melissa groaned as she hit the alarm clock. She laid there in bed, waiting until the last minute to get up. She had classes and then work, then running back home to get ready for the concert. She might not have been on tour, but she never missed the Orlando show. The guys were more relaxed and it always made it the best show of the tour. That and they always took a couple weeks off to go so family and get away, from each other and their 'other life' as they called it while on tour. She got up and made her way to the shower, letting the hot water hit her and wake her up. A part of her was excited to see the guys, especially Joey, even if she was still hurt. A conversation with Rachel came back to her, making her frown as she shampooed her hair.

“Ya know Mel, maybe Joey's jealous. Ever think of that while you sit here, pissed off that he hurt your feelings?” Rachel said out of nowhere as they watched Law & Order: SVU.

“Why would he be jealous of Travis? He has a girlfriend.”

“That horse has left the stable a month ago. Maybe he just doesn't know what to say to you. I mean, what if he's scared?”

Melissa laughed at the thought, shaking her head. “I think you've drank too much Pepsi tonight. Joey's never been afraid to tell anyone how he feels. I think you and Justin should start a club for people that like to meddle. Busy Bodies Anonymous. Timberlake's worse than another woman.”

The two of them watched television until the show was over and Rachel got up, tossing the remote on the couch next to her friend. “All I'm saying is that you should give the guy a chance to say he's sorry. He's not as heartless as you make him out to be, Mel. Maybe there's something else there.”

“I think you need professional help, but I'll think about it.”

Grabbing a towel, Melissa stepped out of the shower and sighed. It had been emotionally draining this whole time not being happy with her friend. Her heart ached at not being able to talk to him like she had before; the closeness. It had come out in moments while they were on the phone as she went through her math homework.

The cleaning lady was coming today, so as she got dressed, Melissa picked up things and put them up so it would be easier on her. It was nice to have someone to come in and dust and things like that. The same woman cleaned Justin and Chris' houses, knowing how they all were. The clothes were thrown in the hamper and her bed made, she gathered up her keys and phone, messaging Rachel about tonight. They were going to get something to eat and go over to the concert venue and watch sound check and hang around backstage.

Her phone rang as she was attempting to fix her hair and she answered it, putting it on speaker.

“Hi brother,” she said, grabbing a piece of hair with her straightener. “Are you glad to be home?”

“More than you know,” Lance told her, sitting on the tour bus. “You're coming tonight, right?”

“No, I thought I'd go watch a movie,” she replied lamely. “Dang it!” she cursed, the flat iron getting her ear. “Yes, I'll be there. Send Rachel a text to grab her hard card. She always forgets the damn thing and has to be interrogated before they let her through. Mo does it just to piss her off.”

Lance laughed, taking a deep breath. “I'm telling the rest of the guys, Mel. Before the next tour..I mean, I'm sure they suspect, but Joey's not saying anything. I'm not going to come out though until we're done, ya know. No sense in letting it ruin what we have.” Lance had been thinking hard the last couple of weeks. He hated hiding this part of his life, especially to three of the four guys he considered brothers. He wasn't worried about how they would take it, at least too much. The fans, the press, the public in general worried him more.

She stood in the kitchen, her hand on the counter, listening to the change of subject. Her heart had ached for her brother. The world expected him to be a heterosexual guy, interested in girls. She knew how hard it was for him, maybe not personally, but being her brother, she knew it bothered him. “I'm proud of you, Lance. And I love you. Not for that, but for being my brother. You have the biggest heart of anyone I know...” she couldn't help it, she sniffled as a tear fell down.

“Don't cry, Melly. I love my life. Wouldn't change anything..well, almost anything,” Lance told her, a smile on his face. “I'm home! Now we can sit and watch Survivor,” he said, making her laugh. “I love you, little sister. Get out the door before you're late. I gotta get off here and go do some press stuff,” Lance got up from the couch, knocking Joey playfully in the shoulder. “Bye, Mel.”

“Bye, Melly, I love you!” Chris yelled at the phone, laughing when Joey started singing Bye Bye Bye before Lance could hang up, Justin chiming in with him.

“They're all crazy,” JC muttered, slipping on his sunglasses, a wide smile coming to his face. He was in agreement. It was so good to be home.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

“You look tired, honey,” Phyllis Fatone told her youngest son, giving him a hug after she opened the door and let him in. “Are you glad to be home?”

Joey enveloped his mother in a hug, not answering about being tired. “Very glad. Thanks for going shopping for me. We got done early, so I'm going over to Lance and Mel's and hang out. Where's Pop?”

“Your father's over at the neighbor's..something about a grill,” she threw her hands up in an 'I Don't Know' gesture.

The two of them talked, Joey looking around the kitchen of his parents home. He sat on one of the stools at the bar after inspecting the bags to make sure he didn't need anything else. “Mom, you like Mel right?” he asked, fiddling with his hat, not looking at his mother.

Phyllis watched her son and smiled, sitting down beside him. “You know we love Melissa. She's practically part of the family. You two are attached at the hip...Why do you ask?”

Joey sighed, running a hand over his face. “I think I'm in love with her. I mean, I think I have been for a long time, but just now realized it. And I said something I shouldn't have,” he gave his Mom a look and smiled. “You women are complicated.”

Phyllis laughed, kissing Joey's cheek. “Then apologize to her first. Make sure she knows you mean it,” she admonished him, cupping his face. “Just be the charming man I know you can be. Not what all those girls want screaming to you from the barrier. The one you are when you're with her.”

“I will. Wish me luck,” Joey replied, kissing his mother before grabbing the groceries and leaving, giving her a wave before he backed out of the driveway.

Phyllis waved back and went back inside her house, a smile on her face. Three years. She sent up a quick prayer that things would go well between them.

^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

Joey smiled when he heard the buzz that announced someone was in the driveway. The bread was in the oven and the homemade cheese tortellini was also in there with the sauce simmering on the stove. He went and looked, seeing Melissa get out, knowing she wouldn't think he was here. He and Lance had met up and traded vehicles.

He heard the door open and went to meet Melissa, chuckling at the surprised look on her face to see him there instead of Lance. “Surprise,” he said, looking her up and down, aching to pull her to him.

Melissa swallowed hard, trying to play it off that she was not as happy to see Joey as she really was. She raised an eyebrow at him, coming into the living room. “I thought you had stuff to do,” she said, spotting flowers on the coffee table. Not just one bouquet, but there were three different ones, all full of her favorite flowers. “So you bought flowers and something smells wonderful...” Melissa walked over to him, looking Joey up and down.

“I got done early,” Joey told her, watching her look around. He felt nervous for the first time ever around her, mostly because of his feelings he felt. He knew that part would have to come later, but for now he wanted to apologize. “Come sit with me while I finish up?” Joey pulled a chair out from the bar and sat it by the dishwasher so they could talk and he could cook.

Melissa nodded, sitting down. “You made me Italian...I called to see if you wanted to go to Mr. Chow's...” she trailed off, not sure of what to say first.

“If you want Chinese, we'll go later tonight,” Joey told her, stirring the sauce and checking the bread. Turning off the oven and sauce after getting everything out.

“Joey I-”

“I'm sorry, Mel,” Joey said, interrupting her, coming to where she was sitting after pulling out another chair. “I don't know why I said what I did. You're right, I'm an asshole. It's killed me to not have you talk to me like we used to. That you're here and I'm off wherever...I need you,” he said. The other three little words had almost surfaced, but he held those back. “Yeah, I came and made you dinner and bought flowers to apologize, but I wanted to do it too.” His voice broke a little, looking away from her. “I'll beg if you want me to,” he said softly.

Melissa blinked back tears, biting her lip. She pulled Joey's face back to look at her. It didn't matter what anyone thought, she wanted her friend back. “Don't beg,” she replied, giving him a smile. “I...I've missed you too,” Melissa wrapped her arms around him, letting herself hug him, burying her face in his chest. His scent made her sigh and she felt better than she had in two months when his arms wrapped around her.

Joey held her close, sending up a thanks to God that she hadn't thrown him out. “So what's this I hear about you fixing eggs the other day?” he said after a moment, a smile coming to his face.

“Shut up! Justin doesn't know how to keep his trap shut,” Melissa said, pulling away from him and looking embarrassed. “I just..got the pan too hot or didn't stir them or something. Your best friend can't cook worth a crap, Joey.”

“That's why you have me, bambina. I won't let you starve,” Joey told her, pulling her to him once more. “I'm sorry,” he repeated, wanting to make sure she knew he was.

“I know. I am too...I shouldn't have gotten so mad. I mean, neither one of us seems to think good when we're mad and I just hated that I was so jealous...” the word slipped out of her mouth before she could stop it and she looked at Joey, pulling herself out of his arms. “I need to go change clothes,” she said quickly, not sure what she was doing, or feeling. She knew what it was, but Melissa wasn't going to open her mouth. Not so soon.

“Wait..” Joey said, following her and grabbing her arm gently before she could shut the door to her room, “talk to me.” Joey watched the gauntlet of emotions cross her face, feeling his own breath catch. When she didn't and just bit her lip, he smiled. “Why were you jealous of Kristen?”

“Just..because..she had you..and I hadn't seen you in six weeks.” Melissa stammered, shrugging.

“You'd have been on the next flight out if you'd have called,” he informed her, letting her go and sitting on her bed. He saw a photo album laying on her dresser. “You finally got around to using my Christmas present,” he said, watching Melissa pick it up and hand it to him.

“Actually, Rachel said she needed a project. I just had all the photos,” she told him, sitting next to him on the bed. Melissa had flipped through it so many times she had it memorized. Rachel had went OCD on it and put all the of the pictures in order of when they happened, even sticking in pages of drawings with dates. They were all of her and Joey, some group pics, but mostly them.

Joey flipped through the pictures, a funny look on his face. He got about halfway through and pointed to a picture of them at his sister's house. They'd been washing dishes since the dishwasher was already full and going with holiday dishes. Joey still had his brother in law's “Kiss The Cook” apron and she was giving him a kiss on the cheek as he held a dirty pan a surprised look on his face,, her holding the dish soap. The next picture was Joey with Ajax on his apron and in the pan,laughing. “That was the first time I realized you were my best friend,” he said, giving her a smile.


Melissa smiled, taking the album from him and flipped over to one of the whole group, but she was next to Joey as they were doing the before show prayer. Everyone had their eyes closed but them, giving each other a goofy grin. “The show in Toronto. Where we snuck out after the show and ran around downtown. Rachel told me she'd been replaced as my best friend. And I told her no, that you were my guy best friend. I think you had been before that, but ya know...”

The space between them lessened as Joey leaned in, giving her the softest of kisses on her lips. “Let's eat before it gets cold,” he said, winding his fingers in hers, sliding the photo album out of her lap.

“Yeah, food sounds good.” Melissa's lips felt like they were on fire and she tried desperately not to over-think it. She smiled at the flowers, going to smell them. “These are absolutely gorgeous, Joey. Gonna have to tell Lance his version of flowers sucks,” she said with a smile, going to grab plates, handing them to him. “Speaking of my brother, he's thinking of telling the other guys about his sexual status.”

Joey dished out food, pausing a moment at that statement. “I think they pretty much know, but, I mean, we're here for him. You know that. He deserves to be happy and be who he is.”

“I think he's scared of what everyone else will think. Or that if he came out before NSYNC was done..what it might do. I mean, he'll probably just want to wait for it go public until after then,” Melissa said as they sat down. She took Joey's hand as he said a quick grace.

The meal was delicious, both of them eating until they couldn't eat anymore, both of them cleaning up. “How long do we have?” Melissa asked, looking at the clock.

“Sound check's in an hour. So we have thirty minutes,” Joey told her, pulling her back for one more hug. “We still never had our sing off. And your hair is still blonde.”

Melissa laughed, playing with his hair, getting a groan from him. “You should go blonde and I'll go purple.”

“I'll call tomorrow and get it set up.”

There was a buzz and a minute later the door opened, both of them hearing Lance and Rachel's voices. Their friends stopped and looked at Joey and Mel close together, both of them grinning like the cheshire cat.

“Good thing we didn't wait to come back, they might have been naked,” Rachel said, chuckling when Mel gave her the finger. “Sorry you aren't my type.”

“Whatever. We talked, that doesn't mean we're getting married.”

Lance smiled and nodded a hello to Joey as the girls went to Melissa's room. “Nice flowers. I see you were channeling your inner florist.”

“More like I was channeling whatever I could do to get her to talk to me,” Joey said, grabbing the vases and setting them on a couple of the end tables. “I think we're okay. I told her I was sorry and a jackass.”

“Just make sure you don't hurt my sister, Fatone. I'd hate to have to bury you with the fishes,” Lance said, making Joey laugh.

“You forget I'm Italian. That's old school. And it's sleep with the fishes,” Joey said replied with a laugh. It was going to be a good show and he was pumped up.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

“You look hot, woman,” Rachel told Mel a little bit later as they finished getting ready. She'd pulled out her friend's closet, finding a white tank top and then a capped sleeve shirt that was navy blue and some ripped Aeropostale jeans and paired them with some cute shoes. Make up and hair done, she shoved Melissa in front of a mirror. “See? It never hurts you to dress up a little. Impress some guy.”

“You could impress a guy wearing a mu-mu and curlers, so I'm not listening to you.”

“Says the woman who has three vases full of beautiful flowers and a man who cooked you dinner. A man doesn't cook dinner unless he wants to,” Rachel informed her, grabbing her own lipstick and putting some on.

“He was apologizing,” Melissa retorted, grabbing her keys and shoving her wallet and debit card in the back of her pants before grabbing her hard card that let her get everywhere. “You riding with me?” she asked, watching Rachel nod before they went out to the living room where Lance and Joey were sitting watching baseball.

“Ewww..you watch this?” Rachel asked, gesturing to the television.

“It's the national past time,” Lance replied, shrugging. He didn't mind baseball, watching the other sports stats run on the bottom of the screen.

“You girls watch all sorts of stupid stuff and we can't watch baseball? It's tied at the bottom of the sixth,” Joey told them, looking over at Melissa when she flopped down beside him. “You smell good,” he said, catching a whiff of perfume. Nothing overpowering, and noticing she had on make up. “You look nice too. What's the occasion?”

“See Rach! I told you he'd ask,” Melissa said as Joey and Lance both laughed.

“No, you said I could impress a guy in nothing but a night gown and curlers. Then earlier you asked what color eyeshadow you should wear.” Rachel laughed as she watched her friend pretend not to be pleased. “Don't we need to be leaving?” she asked, making them all look at the clock.

“I'll ride with Lance, since it's the last time we'll sing together for at least two weeks.” Joey hugged Lance, pretending to be upset. “I don't know how I can go on....”

Lance stood there, rolling his eyes but with a smile on his face. “You'll live, Fatone. You'll be over here bugging the shit out of me in a few days. Or you'll have my sister at your house, making her watch Star Wars for hours on end.”

Joey stopped, lifting his head and looking at his friend. “She never complained.”

“That's because you fed me chocolate and let me use the jacuzzi tub,” Melissa said, pulling Rachel out the door. “JC will be pissed if you are late.”

Joey looked at Lance, surprised. “I never told her she could use the jacuzzi tub.”

Lance laughed, “That's what you get for being best friends with a girl.”

Joey grinned evilly, “Your sister was naked in my house,” he laughed more at the awful look Lance gave him, his mind wandering to somewhere it shouldn't as they got into Lance's car, looking out the window as traffic went by. “So did you and Rachel have fun?” he asked, breaking the silence, save for the radio.

“Yeah, we went to Bluto's Diner,” Lance told him as they got on the interstate. “I think I wanna tell the rest of the guys tonight after the show. I don't want to keep it a secret, at least from them. I told Rachel she could be there too..since she's going to be my cover at least until NSYNC is done.”

Joey blinked a couple times, letting the words sink in. “I love you, man. You got more balls than the rest of us...and no matter who you're with, you're still my best friend,” he gave a chuckle, “so what made you and Rach decide to do this? I mean, is she sure she wants to?”

Lance looked at Joey and nodded. “She told me she wasn't ready for a relationship again like she'd had before. She knows it's for show, and we get along well. I asked if she minded doing PDA or kissing me maybe,” he smiled a bit, “she asked if she could grab my ass.”

Laughing, Joey shook his head. “Sounds like Rachel. She's intense, that's for sure. A no bullshit type person when it comes to what she wants. I'm happy for you in your pseudo­ relationship.”

“Thanks. It means a lot. I keep hoping the rest of the guys will take it as good...I mean, the media, the fans...” he sighed. “Do you ever wish all this hadn't have happened?”

Joey thought about his answer. “Sometimes. Especially the days where we're so busy it's insane or so tired I just want to tell everyone to kiss my ass. Then I get to meet people like Ashleigh...make their day a little brighter.”

Lance nodded in agreement and the two of them went on to talk about other subjects as the traffic made it's way towards downtown Orlando.

*^*^*^*^*^*^

“You should have let me drive,” Melissa told Rachel as they weaved in and out of traffic, trying to keep up with Joey and Lance. “You drive like we're at a NASCAR race.”

“Will you shut up? You drive like an old woman. I'll get us there in time,” Rachel said, giving the car more gas.

“In time for what? We aren't performing? I'd like to get there, not be going to the morgue.” Melissa grinned brighter when she spotted Lance's car. She made stupid faces at him as they drove past, blowing kisses and sticking her tongue out at Joey, laughing as Rachel slowed back down to get behind them.

“See, it was worth it right there. You worry too much,” Rachel said, looking over at Melissa. “Lance and I had an interesting conversation while you and Joey were playing house...” she smiled as Melissa gave a snort and continued. “He wants to tell the guys..about being gay. But he doesn't want it to come out yet. So we talked about me being his girlfriend. I told him, sure...What do you think about it?” Rachel chewed on her lip, wondering how her best friend would feel about her pretending to date her brother.

“I...If that's what he wants. And if you don't mind. Might be kinda nice to be with a guy who doesn't think about sex all the time. At least with a female,” Melissa said with a chuckle, then got serious. “I love you both. If that's what you want to do, then I'm for it. I still don't see why you aren't married and have three kids by now.”

“Men are so over-rated, Mel. Other than you and Joey Wan Kenobi, most men are stupid little kids. Joey's a stupid little kid, but he's your best friend. So he gets points for that.”

“Good to know,” Melissa said, the girls talking about it a little more. She was confident the rest of NSYNC would be okay with the news, maybe a little shocked, but nothing they couldn't all talk about and handle.

They pulled in to park and all got out at roughly the same time. Joey went over to Melissa's car and pulled her out and to him. “I missed you!” He grinned at her and hugged her hard. “I was so lonely...”

“Can't breathe...Joey,” Mel said, letting out a breath when he let go, slipping her arm through his as they walked into the back of the arena. “Shall we?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Joey nodded as they both started singing 'Barbie Girl' loudly, laughing as they changed up words.

Rachel watched them and looked at Lance. “Are you sure it's safe to go in there after them?”

“They'll get it out of their system in a few years,” Lance replied, holding the door open for her. “I see you got my text,” he said, pulling at her hard card and looking at it before letting it go to hang around her neck.

“Yep. You only texted me five times,” Rachel told him with a grin. Going in, she could still hear Joey and Melissa singing, but now it was 'Baby One More Time'. “Britney's gonna love that,” she muttered, rolling her eyes, but still with a smile on her face. “You nervous?” she asked Lance, watching him sigh deeply.

“A little..but..thanks. I mean it, Rach.” Lance pulled her in for a hug. “I don't know what I'd do without ya.”

Rachel hugged him back. “That's what I'm here for. Damage control. Oh my God,” she said, stopping at the door marked NSYNC.

“My loneliness is killing me, I must confess, I still believe...” Melissa sang, shaking her hips like Britney did, only Joey was doing it too as Britney was almost laying on the couch, along with Justin, JC, and Chris, all of them laughing so hard they were crying. “When I'm not with you, I lose my mind, give me a sign, hit me baby one more time.”

"Think we can talk your mother into putting her in a psychiatric hospital?" Rachel murmured as she stared at the scene in front of her.

"Not unless they'll take them both," Lance replied, shaking his head.

"Maybe we can get a two for one?" Rachel whispered, hopeful.

"They already gave Joey back, you saw the video."

That atmosphere was loud and crazy at the Orlando Arena. The boys jogged off the stage after performing the last song of the night, Bye Bye Bye. They could hear the roaring crowd as they clapped, screamed and stomped their feet.
"Wow," JC breathed as he used a white towel to mop his face. He took the offered bottle of water and gulped hungrily.

It's great to be home," Chris said as took a seat on one on of the trunks used to store the stage equipment. He took a big drink of his own water. No matter where the band had performed, there was no better place than performing in your home town, in front of friends and family. There would never be anything more satisfying.

The crowd still carried on and the guys finished their water and picked up their microphones. They took a moment to calm their breathing from the fast-paced two hour performance.

"Ready?" Justin asked the group. At their nods, the group made their way back out onto the stage, much to the delight of the crowd.

The crowd screamed louder then before, screaming with delight. They yelled, clapped their hands, pumped their fists in the air, waved their hands around. It was quite a ruckus. They guys loved every minute of it. The tiredness from the show forgotten as the fans screamed their names.

Lance touched a few hands as they reached out toward the group, noticing as the rest of the guys did the same. He smiled and winked at a couple,chuckling as he noticed their reactions. It still amazed him every time a girl cried when he smiled at her or touched her hand.

"Orlandooooooo" Justin yelled into his microphone causing the crowd to go wild. "You know we couldn't leave without at least one more song."

"You guys have been awesome tonight," Joey followed. "It's always great to come home."

"I don't know," JC started, looking at over the thousands of people standing. Flashbulbs flickered wildly. He wiggled his fingers at a girl waved desperately at him. "You think we should perform another song?"

His questioned garnered more screams and yells in affirmation.

"I don't know," Chris answered after the screams and yells as somewhat quieted. "It doesn't sound like it."

"I think Orlando can do better than that," Justin's voice rang out and the band grinned as they listened as the crowd got even louder. "Orlando sure knows how to make you feel loved." He grinned as he heard two female voices distinctively scream out, 'We love you Justin!'. "I love you too." That made the crowd cheer louder.

The band members looked at each other and nodded and the music started and JC started to sing.

"Lie in your arms, so close together, didn't know just what I had. Now I toss and turn, cause i'm with out you, how I'm missing you so bad."

Joey looked out into the crowd, smiling and winking at Melissa as he sang. Of course it garnered screams for him from other fans, watching her mouth the words. He couldn't help it that he thought it was funny to think of her as a fan as well, being able to separate him from the music. That he was a real person. The past two months had made him realize that he'd missed that more than anything. The woman that saw him just as Joey.

“He is so obvious,� Rachel leaned in and said, watching the guys say their goodbye's to their fans.

“Obvious what?� Melissa asked, trying to make Lance laugh now that he was on her side of the stage.

“I am locking the two of you in a closet and throwing away the key,� Rachel muttered, a slight smile on her face. She'd had a great time at the concert, and was still amazed at the amount of people that were packed in there, mostly preteen adolescent girls and quite a few older teens and their moms who had come to see NSYNC. It was absolute craziness. Her mind wandered to Lance and what she'd agreed to do. The being affectionate part and genuinely liking Lance wasn't going to be the hard part. She was just afraid of things coming out before he wanted them to. What it might mean for him, for the group. “Let's head backstage,� she told Melissa, as the two girls headed towards security to be let back as the last strains of the song was ending.

“I think I will be deaf in the morning,� Melissa said, her ears ringing, a huge smile on her face. She screamed when she was grabbed from behind, turning around to smack whoever it was and being pulled into a hug by Joey. “You jerk,� she said playfully, smacking him on the shoulder.

“You know you like it,� he responded, holding her for a second and then letting her go. “Meeting in twenty minutes,� Joey told her, moving past her, giving her arm a squeeze.

Melissa watched him go into their dressing rooms where the showers were, knowing they'd all want to be clean and a little more relaxed before they got down to what Lance wanted to talk about, as well as the schedule for recording.

“I'm gonna go see if they have a Pepsi and something to snack on over in catering,� Rachel told her, seeing Travis coming towards them. She put on her best 'good girl' face and walked past him, saying hi. She still didn't miss him look her up and down, rolling her eyes when she heard him speak to Melissa.

“Hey babe,� Travis said, pulling her close and giving her a kiss. “You want to go get something to eat when we're done?� he asked, looking her over, hoping she'd say they could go back to her place or do something.

“I would, but I have a meeting I got asked to be at,� she replied, winding her fingers through his. “How long are you staying now that the tour's over?� She knew he'd been talking about going back home for a while before the new tour started, having to reapply for the job before the new tour started.

“I'll be here until the end of the week, depending on everything. You need to show me around some more, maybe we can go to Disney World or Universal Studios,� he suggested, leaning down to whisper in her ear, “and maybe some alone time.�

Melissa gave him a grin, not sure how she felt about the sex, but not wanting to shut him down right then. “I'll see if they'll let me off a day or two. I'm supposed to go with Joey tomorrow to get my hair done...� it was a totally innocent comment and she was surprised when Travis glared at her and shook his head. “What? I told him way back I'd go have my hair done...�

“I thought you were fighting with him, that you weren't speaking,� Travis told her, letting her out of his embrace most of the way.

“He apologized,� Melissa replied, stepping back. “Don't be jealous, Trav.�

“Jealous? I'm not jealous, Mel. The guy reads comic books and dyes his hair stupid colors. I could care less if you're friends with him...but it seems funny to me you weren't talking to him and now you're going on a date,� he snapped, folding his arms across his chest.

“It's not a date!� she hissed. “You're the only guy I'm dating! I hardly think going to get my hair done qualifies as a date.�

“Then it must qualify as something. Are you going to spend the whole day with him?�

“He never said. Why are you acting like this? Are you pissed because I can't come see you in Minnesota until Thanksgiving break?�

“Something like that. I realized you'll be with everyone else except me. It pisses me off that you don't seem really worried about it, about us. How do you think that makes me feel?�

“I don't know,� Melissa said, looking him over, swallowing hard. She was confused, wanting to break up with him, but knew that was only part of her problem. She hadn't told Joey how she felt, not going to guess how Joey felt about her. Plus the fact he was still dating Kristen.

Neither one of them heard the door open to the dressing room and Chris stuck his head out.

“Uh, Mel...� he said, looking at her and Travis, neither one of them looking happy.

Melissa sighed, listening to Travis' walkie talkie go off, asking where he was. “I'll wait for you to get done and we can go to dinner,� she said softly after he'd answered, telling them he'd be there in a few minutes.

Travis nodded, kissing her cheek. “Just remember, you're my girlfriend.�

Melissa stood there a few seconds, then looked at Chris. “Yeah?� she said, pushing down the emotions she was feeling, knowing it was probably time for the meeting.

“We heard voices, I was sent to make sure you were okay,� he replied, coming out to where she was, pulling her to him. “What was the problem?�

“Nothing, Kirkpatrick. Just stupid stuff...�

“You wouldn't be fighting if it was stupid,� Chris told her, raising an eyebrow, pulling her along to the room where catering was. “Help me grab stuff.� They joined Rachel, gathering up drinks and snacks and the three of them walked back to the dressing room. “I found the girls,� he yelled like Melissa and Rachel had been lost.

Rachel shook her head at him and sat down between Lance and JC, giving Lance a smile. “You okay?� she asked softly, watching him fiddle with his phone.

“Yeah, for the most part,� he replied softly. His hair was still wet from the shower, in clean jeans and a t-shirt, much like the rest of his buddies. “Thanks again, Rach.�

“What are friends for?� Rachel took a drink of her Pepsi and looked around the room. She was sure that the guys in the room were all going to take the announcement in stride.

“Let's start this,� JC said, waiting until they were all settled. “We have a couple weeks off and then come back to record. We've all had a chance to listen to the demo's and what's been written and agreed on the song list.� There was discussion of studio times and other things pertaining to recording and performing, including starting to look at venues for shows.

“I want some time off to see family this year for the holidays,� Joey said, watching as they all nodded. “I don't care to go sing for something, maybe take a day, but I'm not killing myself. If we all talk to management and they don't listen, I'm going to pitch a bitch.�

“No shit,� Justin said, sitting back. “Recording, cool. Practice, fine..time away from my homies...No bueno. Going to Memphis this year and you fuckers better come for bowling night. It's the night after Christmas and they close the place down. Bring friends if you want, just be there.�

The discussion went on a bit longer on official business and then Lance cleared his throat. He was nervous, giving Rachel a glance, relieved when she took his hand. “I..I gotta tell you guys something. Well, part of you...it might be something you know already,� he eyed them all, blowing out a breath. “I'm gay...And I'm tired of you all not knowing. Or at least me being out with it with all of you. I don't want it to go farther than us. I'm not sure I'm ready for that yet..That's why Rachel's graciously agreed to be my girlfriend. Well, in theory only.�

“Wow,� Justin said after a few moments. “Can't say it's not a total surprise but at the same time...We got your back, dawg.� He got up and hugged Lance. “No one disses on my brother from another mother, you feel me?�

Lance laughed, hugging Justin back, before JC hugged him and Rachel both. “Just let us know if you need anything...�

“Like a date night or time alone,� Chris told them with a smile, hugging the two of them. “I mean, what's a good relationship without a date night.�

“You've never been on a date, how would you know?� Joey teased Chris, taking the punch to the kidney before hugging Lance. “I love you, brother. You know that.�

“I know,� Lance told him, feeling better than he had in a long time. They all talked about it, agreeing that Rachel should try and come on tour some after it was underway, and that any media coverage with her would have the same back story. She was his sister's best friend and they gradually fell in love over the years, finally making it a relationship.

“Ya want to go out with us to get something to eat?� Lance asked Rachel as the guys rounded up their stuff. It would give them time to get to know one another better, not that they didn't, but just a good chance to hang out.

“Yeah, love to,� Rachel told him, standing up and grabbing her Pepsi bottle to throw away. She shouldered her purse and looked over at Melissa who was playing thumb wrestling with Joey. “Shall we go gather up thing 1 and thing 2?�

“Nah, they'll leave when they figure out they're the only ones here.� Lance laughed, hollering at Joey, making him lose.

“Damn it, Bass...� Joey said when he felt Melissa's thumb grab his and she laughed. “Cheater.�

“Whatever you big loser. You going to eat with everyone?� she asked, moving away when he tried to grab her and throw her over his shoulder. Melissa knew it was adrenaline, that he'd be behaved later in public.

“Yeah, you're going too right?� Joey asked her, getting close enough to wrap his arms around her and pull her into him. “Please,� he said, sticking his lip out and batting his eyes. He knew it would work, it did every time.

Melissa looked at him, resting her forehead on his chest. “I can't. I told Travis I would go out to eat with him.� She hated telling Joey no, but knew she'd promised Travis she would go with him.

“Bring him along,� Joey looked to see the other guys not paying attention and let his lips graze her forehead. He did it once more, reaching up to caress her cheek, letting his mouth stay against her hairline, breathing in her shampoo and whatever hair product she had on for a moment.

Melissa pulled away after a moment, giving Joey a smile. “You're just trying to get me in trouble.�

Joey laughed and tweeked her nose gently. “Trouble is my middle name,� he let her go reluctantly. “Go eat with your boyfriend. I'll pick you up tomorrow around ten.� The possessive monster Joey kept under wraps was wanting out. He watched her tell the other guys and Rachel goodbye, grab her purse and go out the door. He wanted it to be him that she was meeting, that was going to drive her home. His train of thought stopped when he heard his name, grabbing his bag and heading out with the others.

“You glad to be home, man?� Justin asked Joey, grinning as the warm night air hit them, all heading for Lance and Chris' cars that they'd driven respectively. JC and Rachel were going with Lance and their voices carried over the almost empty parking lot.

“Always. You gonna stay here or head to Memphis?� he asked, getting into Chris' car as the two drivers talked about where they were going, with Mo and Allan following in another car for security.

Justin hopped in the front seat, turning around to talk to Joey. “Heading to Memphis after the weekend. Trace is itching for us to just go hang out and shit,� he said, referring to his friend since childhood. “Brit's gonna come up too, do some shopping with Mom and whatever. What are you gonna do, dawg?�

“Hang out in Orlando probably. Go see my brother and sister and stuff.�

“Don't lie, Fatone,� Chris said, getting into the car after they decided to go to a local Denny's to eat. “You're going to be over at Lance's sitting on his couch with his sister, laughing your ass off at stupid crap that no one understands but the two of you.�

A smile played at Joey's lips as he shrugged, playing with his phone. “So what are you gonna do about it?�

“You shouldn't be so selfish,� Chris told him as he got into the turn lane, “it's like you wanna keep her all to yourself. It's like you're in love with her.�

Joey didn't answer, just kept the thoughts to himself as Chris and Justin broke into some random song. He didn't know how he was going to pull it off, but he was determined to tell Melissa how he felt about her at a time when he could do it and not make either one of them feel guilty. That meant he'd have to break up with Kristen, which was slowly becoming more clear. His heart was slowly telling his mind that he wasn't in the right place. He chuckled when he realized they were singing Cher. “You need help.�

“Says the pot to the kettle, man,� Justin told him, still singing.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

“You've been quiet back there, JC,� Lance said as they got into the turn lane to go down the street Denny's was.

JC shrugged. “Just relaxing. I'm not one to tell ya what to do, but what if Rachel falls for you Lance? I mean, yeah, so you're gay. Doesn't mean Rach doesn't have feelings in it.�

Rachel turned to look at JC, giving him a small smile. JC was always looking out for the group, and how everyone was doing and how it would affect NSYNC as a whole. He was the perfectionist that drove them all crazy. “I know Lance is gay. I know that his feelings are completely platonic and I'm fine with that. I agreed to do this because I'm not looking for a man who's interested in me like a real boyfriend. We're fine with it, JC.�

“Long as you're happy,� JC told her, getting out when Lance parked.

Rachel gave Lance a smile, “Shall we?� she asked, watching him nod. It wasn't anything they hadn't done before, walking with his arm over her shoulder, but she did note that he held her just a bit closer and tighter, his hand on the small of her back as Lance let her go ahead of him in the door after security had went in first. “Such a gentleman.�

Lance chuckled at Rachel and laced his fingers through hers. “I try. Don't tell my sister that, she'll disagree.�

“Look who she hangs out with,� Rachel said, casting an eye over at Joey who was busy with his phone. “Put that thing down. It gives you brain tumors.�

Joey stuck his tongue out at Rachel and went back to his phone, putting it up after sending a text message, grinning. “There, I'm done. No one should be texting...� his phone went off, the words 'Bye Bye Bye' playing. “Damn it.�

“Give me the phone. I'm not sitting next to you while you play on your phone. Mel can live five seconds without telling you something. If she wanted to talk to you, she should have come with us,� Rachel held her hand out and to get Joey's phone, putting it on silent and handing it back to him with a smile as Joey gave her a sad look, like he got told to put his comic books away. “You'll be alright.�

They were all seated, talking amongst themselves about the tour, about their plans for the next few months during recording when they had free time. Rachel and Lance found themselves in a conversation about weekend trips.

“Grandpa wants me to go up to New York City for a couple days as my birthday present. Stay in a really nice hotel. You could come too, if you wanted. Might be fun, and it would get a little more oomph to the whole relationship part.�

Lance nodded slowly, taking a drink of his Coke. “It sounds fun. Just as long as my sister knows you aren't dumping her for me.�

“I'm not, trust me. We're going to Vegas when I get back from New York. I planned it around her spring break,� Rachel explained, reaching over for his hand. It felt comfortable and knew the more she did it now, that the habit would be in place once it was time for them to be a couple in front of media and fans. “We can stay in Manhattan and run around. Or just hang out.�

“I'll make sure to keep the weekend free then. Don't go thinking you're the only one that can plan dates, woman,� Lance told her with a grin.

“You'll just have to let me check my social calendar, since it's brimming with so many things,� Rachel told him sarcastically, rolling her eyes. “Just let me know when you're free and most of the time I can do something. Unless your sister's planned something.�

Their food came and they all ate, the table growing semi-quiet as they concentrated on their food.

*^**^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

“Sorry about earlier,� Travis said, stealing one of Melissa's fries as they sat at McDonald's. “It just pissed me off when I thought about you not caring that I was only gonna be here until the end of the week. I might not get my job back with NSYNC, ya know?�

Melissa nodded, dipping her nugget into honey and munched on it. When Travis said out to eat she'd been thinking somewhere else, but he'd pulled into McDonald's. “And I told you, it's not a date with Joey. It's getting my hair done..something I get done every few months or so. We'll go out to Disney or Universal before you leave . I still have classes and stuff this week, Trav. I care about us...I mean, I'm missing my Thanksgiving with my family to fly up to Minneapolis.�

“You could have invited me down here,� Travis said, taking a big bite of Big Mac.

“I said something about it and you insisted I come up there,� she told him, eating the last of her fries before they got stolen. “We'll discuss it when it's closer to time. Just make sure your Mom knows I can't cook.�

Travis smirked, shaking his head. “I'll let her know not to let you near the kitchen. It'll be fun, babe. I promise...You gonna drop me off at the hotel after this? You could come up..�

Melissa thought about telling him no, but then she'd have to listen to him gripe. She had an early class tomorrow before she would be home for Joey to get her. It was hard to sort out her feelings, wondering if it was due to all of the emotions and everything with the tour ending, her lack of sleep and everything else. She loved Travis, and was going to miss him once he was gone. “Yeah, I can come up for a few minutes.�

“Good,� he said, their conversation turning to other things, his mind wrapping around the fact that he was there instead of Joey. And he'd gotten her to agree to come to his parents home for a major holiday. “You ready?� Travis asked, grabbing the tray with their trash on it after she nodded. His arm slipped around her and pulled her close for a kiss before he unlocked her door. “Wish you weren't school. Sorta makes it hard to just take a trip whenever.�

“It'll make it more special then,� Melissa told him, kissing him back. At least, that's what she was hoping as she got into her car. She ignored her phone buzzing with a text message, telling herself she'd get to it later.

*^*^*^*^*^*^^*^*^*^

“What are you doing tomorrow?� Lance asked Rachel after they'd dropped JC off. He lived in the same neighborhood as him, and they both waved once more as JC opened the front door of his house, laughing at his yell of satisfaction at being home.

“Nothing, probably. Other than looking over some of the books for Grandpa. See if I can earn some of that money he keeps insisting I have for my accounting degree,� the told Lance with a smile. Rachel worked, mostly from home and on her own hours, but she couldn't turn down her grandfather when he asked, knowing how picky he was. “Why?�

“I was just wondering if you wanted to come over and have dinner. I'm cooking,� Lance offered, hating to cook for just him since he figured Melissa would be camped out at Joey's.

“A man that can cook. My hero,� Rachel told him, nodding yes. “Do you have mad kitchen skills?�

“I'm as good as Joey..which reminds me, if he didn't clean up his mess, I'm kicking his ass. What do you like to eat? I mean, I know pretty much, but anything you want special?�

“Chicken Parmesan with spaghetti and some garlic bread,� Rachel told him as Lance made his way over to her place. She still lived with her parents out of convenience, but had a whole bottom to herself with it's own door like an apartment.

“We can eat and watch a movie or something. Go for a swim in the pool,� Lance said, looking forward to it. “I think I'm going to sleep most of the day. Having nothing to do sounds really great.�

“I bet it will be. Not having to be up at a certain time or answer questions for an interview,� Rachel leaned over and kissed Lance's cheek softly. “I told you it would go fine,� she smiled, “you were so worried. And for the record, the show kicked ass tonight.�

“It did,� Lance replied, grabbing her hand and letting his lips graze it. “See you tomorrow night, Rachel.�

“Sleep well,�she replied, walking over to her door and the flood light came on, allowing her to punch in the code to her security alarm and unlock the door. She waved to him when she was safely in, a smile crossing her face when he waved back. Rachel shut the door and leaned back against it, wondering what she would do without her friends, or the better question, what wouldn't she do for them?

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

1:52 am found Joey awake and staring at his phone. He rolled over in his bed, growling at the last message he'd received. It was from seven minutes ago. 'Just got home' was the text and he'd been awake to get it. He hit send on his phone and listened to the phone ring and a soft hello. “Are you okay?� were the first words out of Joey's mouth, no greeting.

“I'm fine, Joey. Are you okay? You aren't asleep yet,� Melissa sat on her bed and then flopped back on it, trying to snuggle with her pillow. She'd actually gotten home before she sent the text, taking a shower and cleaning up.

“Someone didn't answer me after about the third time. I'm allowed to worry...� his voice trailed off, trying to tramp down the jealousy.

“I'm fine, I'm home..snuggled up with my pillow.�

“Lucky damn pillow,� he teased, trying to relax. “Did you get your homework done tonight?� Joey heard her chuckle, knowing the answer was a no. “Get it done. You're doing good.�

“I'm not failing only because of you...� she yawned, sighing. “Sing me to sleep, Fatone. You haven't done that in a while.�

“Any certain request?� he asked, sitting up a bit more so he could breathe correctly while singing.

“I don't care, just sing.�

A song popped into Joey's head and he smiled, humming the intro music before singing.“She'll only come out at night, lean and hungry tight, nothing to do, I've seen her here before. She's sitting with you but her eyes are on the door...� He sang the rest of the verse and chorus, stopping when he heard her laughing. “What? You didn't like it?�

“Only you would think to sing me to sleep with 'Maneater'. See you in the morning.�

Joey closed his phone and plugged it in and sat in on the nightstand, laying back down with his arms propped behind his head, staring at the ceiling. He'd be lucky if he slept tonight, his mind full. The last time he looked at the clock it was almost four and sleep took him, a soft snore coming from him. “Mel,� he mumbled, rolling over a slight smile on his face, never waking up.

“You look great, Mel,� Joey eyed her and smiled as he clicked a picture with his phone. Her hair was in foil bleaching so it could be colored. At least his was all bleached, waiting for the color to be mixed. The smile became wider when she realized what he'd done, not able to get out of the chair. “What?� he asked innocently, pretending to fiddle with his phone.

“You better not be doing what I think you are,� Melissa told him. “Joey, I will break your phone.�

“I can get another,� he replied, not worried in the least.

“I'll post your phone number on the bulletin board on campus,� she threatened, her mouth dropping when he raised an eyebrow at her and smirked, showing her the picture he took.

“Let's see..Justin needs this,� he murmured loud enough for her to hear, trying hard not to smile at her sputtering. Joey lived to give her a hard time, and it was working.

“Joseph Anthony Fatone, Junior...Don't do it.� Melissa rarely used his full name, but she was pleading. She watched him look at her and laugh, getting mad when she realized he was teasing her the whole time. “Remind me of why I put up with you,� she muttered, relaxing back against the chair. “You are so not going to Mr. Chow's with me later.�

Joey chuckled, looking at the color they had for him. “Nice job, Mike. Check it out,� he told Melissa, watching her grin. He was going back to red on the tips instead of the blonde. It had grown out most of the way. “And as for Mr. Chow's, I drove us here, Melissa Nicole Bass so I guess you're stuck with me.� He stuck his tongue out at her, watching her try her best to ignore him.

“I don't know why you even bother to pretend. You two fight like an old married couple,� Mike told them both, applying red to Joey's hair, knowing that would get something going. He'd done Joey's hair for the past few years, having heard about Melissa, finally meeting her last year.

“He snores like a freight train!� Melissa said loudly, pointing a finger at Joey.

“You sing the theme song to Oklahoma every time we go through the friggin state! You did it for half an hour and got Chris to sing it with you! I thought I was going to have to duct tape your mouth shut,� he fired back.

Mike listened to them trade jabs and kept working, telling Joey he'd have to wait at least 30 minutes to let the color set and deepen unless he wanted pink hair. Then he went to check on Melissa's, grabbing the color that had been mixed. “This is called Purple People Eater,� he said, showing her the deep purple color, “it'll get deep but dry and be bright like Joey's red. You'll have to get some shampoo to keep the color from fading.�

It took them an hour and a half, but when they were done, Melissa kept looking at herself in the mirror. The underside of her hair was purple, along with a strip down her front part. The rest was her blonde color with a few light highlights. “What do you think?� she asked Joey, still not sure what to think since she'd never had anything like this done to her hair.

Joey gave her a thumbs up, letting Mike finish putting some molding wax in his hair. “It looks damn awesome, Mel. I'm gonna have Mike get a picture,� he got his phone out, not surprised at all when she brought out her camera. “You always have that thing.�

“I'm shocked you haven't broken it by now,� Melissa teased, turning it on and showing one of the girls that worked in the salon how to operate it. “A couple with Mike, since he is the genius that did this,� she told both of them, Mike squeezing in between them as they all smiled. Melissa laughed as Mike demanded the camera and for her and Joey to get close and smile.

Melissa mockingly made a surprise face and put a hand over her mouth while Joey pointed to her hair in an over dramatic gasp.

“Okay you two, now act like you like each other, and smile,� Mike told them, snapping the picture. It popped up on the screen. “Perfect.� Joey and Melissa were both smiling, with her looking up at him and Joey gazing at her. “Now flee before me. I have other clients that must be served. You know how it is...�

“Fix my hair and kick me out, Michael,� Joey told him, paying for the services and telling the girl at the front he'd be back in six weeks. They got back to his car and got in. “Mr. Chow's here we come,� he said, watching Melissa buckle up and fiddle with the radio. “You know you're the only one I let touch the radio.� It was true and he'd never thought about it before. He was fiercely protective of his radio and music stations, telling the passenger he was in charge since he was driving.

“I feel special then,� she said, finding one of her favorite stations and turning it up. “Thanks for taking me to get my hair done.�

“You know how we do,� Joey said, sliding his sunglasses on. They rode in a comfortable silence for a few minutes, letting the radio play. “You're coming over after this, right?�

“I need to run by the house and grab homework, but yeah. I don't work today. I work tomorrow through Wednesday, then off Thursday, back Friday, off next weekend.�

“But you'll still have classes?� Joey asked, maneuvering through traffic, watching her nod at his question. He harrumphed at the song that came on, listening to her hum. “You know this song?� Joey raised an eyebrow at the song playing on his radio.

“What? I'm allowed... What are you, the music police?� Melissa turned it up a little bit singing along. “You're just jealous because I know the song and you don't.� She didn't regularly listen to the Backstreet Boys, but she'd heard enough on the radio and did like some of their stuff. She liked all kinds of music and had a CD collection that spanned a few large cases.

Joey laughed and raised an eyebrow. “I don't know it?� He sang two verses and the chorus along with the radio. “Try again, Mel. Pick something harder,� he told her, watching her flip stations to play this game that she started. He sang a gauntlet of songs, from pop, to country, metal and rap. Joey quit when they pulled into the Chinese restaurant. “Anything else you don't think I know?�

So many things came to mind as Melissa sat there with him, trying to bit her tongue. “You're the most maddening person I know. And I love every minute of it.�

“I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy every minute of it,� Joey retorted, getting out of his car and locking it, throwing his arm around her. “Sounds about like us.�

“Speak for yourself, Fatone. I'm perfectly fine,� Melissa replied as they went in. She was happy that Joey was home. She still had to deal with Travis, but she figured that could be worried about another time.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*

Rachel called Lance's phone, listening to it ring. She sighed when it went to voice mail. “Hey Lance, it's Rachel. I'm still stuck working. Let me know about dinner....� her phone beeped and saw he was trying to call her. “Let me guess, you lost your phone.�

Lance chuckled as he shouldered his phone. “No. Had breadcrumbs and flour all over my hands and had to wash them before I grabbed the phone. What are you up to?� He made sure that everything was turned off or covered before moving to the couch.

“Sitting here staring at my computer. I'm almost three-fourths of the way done looking at books for Grandpa. I may be late in getting to dinner,� Rachel told him, clicking on the next page in the spreadsheet.

“Do you have to stay there or can you bring it with you? I have internet here,� Lance told her, waving to Melissa and Joey when they came in.

“I can bring it if you don't mind me working,� Rachel said, hearing voices and Lance telling his sister to come to him. “What's wrong?�

Lance looked his sister over. “Joey's corrupted my sister. Her hair's half purple,� he hugged her and then let Melissa go as she went upstairs and Joey went towards the couch. “Bring your work with you and I'll finish cooking. Then when it's done you're already here,� he suggested, going and sitting in a chair, watching Joey mess with his phone.

“That sounds great,� Rachel said, shutting down her laptop. “I'll be over there in about thirty minutes or so. Are Mel and Joey staying?� she asked, not that she minded, but was curious to what her friend was going to do since Travis was still in town as far as she knew.

“No.� Lance watched his sister come back down with her backpack and duffle bag, “Looks like she and Fatone are headed to his house.� He waved and told them bye before shutting the door after they left. “What else did you want to do tonight? I'm good for whatever since I slept until two.�

Rachel went to her closet and slipped some flip flops on. “Eat, watch a movie, then go for a swim sounds good to me.� She gathered up her stuff and told Lance bye. A small smile came to her face. It was nice to be friends with a guy she knew wasn't going to hit on her, or want just the physical part of the relationship. Most men tended to see the looks first, money next, and her as a person last. She and Melissa had hit it off in high school almost from the start. There was no pressure to act a certain way or be someone she wasn't. Her friend was somewhat in the same boat, careful to pick her friends.

“Going somewhere honey?� Celeste Weatherly asked her daughter, knowing it was a silly question since she was carrying her purse and keys along with a bag, but curious.

“Just over to Lance's house for a little while. I will call Grandpa when I get done with what I'm doing,� she told her Mom. “They all get off tour and want to stay home. Oh, look at this.� Rachel had gotten a picture from Melissa a few minutes ago of her hair.

Celeste looked at the picture and shook her head. “Tell Melissa I said hello. And that her look is very...interesting. How is she doing?�

“Doing good, just work and school. And trying to pretend she's not having feelings for Joey,� Rachel knew she had to leave or she'd hit the start of rush hour traffic. “I'm going, Mom. Love you.� She headed out to hit the light. They lived in roughly the same area of Orlando but different neighborhoods.

“You didn't have to come help, it's not much to carry,� Rachel told Lance as he shouldered her laptop bag and her other bag she brought her swimsuit in. Usually she kept one in Melissa's dresser, but she'd taken it home for her trip.

“It's fine,� Lance replied, giving her a smile as he opened the door. “The sauce is simmering and the meatballs are in the oven, along with the garlic bread. The chicken parm is waiting to find a spot in the oven to melt the cheese on it.�

The smells that met Rachel's nose made her stomach growl. “You know, as a boyfriend, you're doing a kick ass job.� She smiled at him, letting her hand brush his.

“I try. We're still in the new phase where we can't live five seconds without calling each other, right?� Lance gave her a wink, squeezing her hand before putting Rachel's things down on the couch. “Make yourself at home. The password for the wifi is still the same. You want something to drink?� he asked, moving towards the fridge before she even nodded.

“Sure, thanks.� Rachel got her stuff out and took it over to the bar where she could watch Lance and talk while she finished. “In a glass, little ice,� she told him after he asked.

“Seems weird for you to be here without my sister here,� Lance said after a few moments, getting out the salad to toss it and mix in the vinaigrette dressing. “Not bad weird, just different.�

“It's quiet,� Rachel replied, pulling up the programs she needed to finish. “I know what you mean though. I'll just have to come over more often maybe.� She threw him a flirty smile.

“Oooo baby,� Lance said, lowering his voice some, making Rachel laugh.

Lance made their plates and refilled Rachel's drink as she saved what she'd been working on. “Let me send this over to my boss so he'll know I got it done,� she said, pulling up her email, smiling. “He's always asking me when I'm going to get a boyfriend. Guess I should tell him I have one now.�


The two of them ate and talked sitting on the couch, with Lance finding out Rachel hated the movie 'Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory' and she loved the store Melissa worked at. “So what you're saying is, you could spend a small fortune in Aero?�

“Without a doubt. I also like Nordstrom, but only certain things.�

Lance nodded. Most of his clothes were nice stuff, not because he bought it but most of the time; they got the clothes they had for the photo shoots if they liked them. He did have favorite places to shop. “I like Aero some, The Buckle...� he named off a few other places, shrugging. “You might have to take me shopping sometime. Don't guys always need a makeover or whatever it is?�

“You do alright, Bass. Have I told you the food is delicious?� she asked him, enjoying the fact she didn't have to cook and it wasn't going out to eat.

“A few times,� Lance smiled. “I cheated on dessert. Saw the ice cream cake and couldn't resist. You want some now or later?� he asked, grabbing his plate and reaching for hers.

“There's always room for ice cream,� Rachel told him, getting up when a beep sounded to tell that someone was in the driveway. “You want me to get that?� she called out when someone knocked on the door, getting up to answer it when Lance said yes. She could see through the tempered glass that it was Travis standing there. Rachel opened the door some. “Can I help you?� she asked, not opening it wide enough for him to come in.

Travis raised an eyebrow at Rachel, giving her a smirk. “I think you could, but you'd have to not tell Melissa. Speaking of, is she here?� He stuffed his hands in his pockets, expecting to be let in.

“No, she's out at the moment, but I'll tell her you came by,� Rachel said, ignoring the look he was giving her, rolling her eyes at him huffing. “Please,� she rolled her eyes at him. “You knew she was going to be busy today.�

“What are you doing here?� Travis asked her, waiting to see what she was going to say. He wasn't quite ready to leave, wanting answers since his girlfriend wasn't answering her phone.

Rachel didn't hear Lance come up behind her until his hand was on her shoulder.

“She's here because I invited her,� Lance replied, coming to stand in front of Rachel. “As my girlfriend and my sister's best friend, I don't think it really needs an explanation. Do you, Travis?� Lance folded his arms over his chest, leaning back on the door frame.

“Seems like everyone knows more than me at the moment,� Travis said, looking between them both. “I can find something to do while she's out with Fatone. You guys are all the same, so he'll break her heart right? Just like you will Rachel's. Sorry babe, thought you knew better than to date a celebrity.�

Before Lance could speak, Rachel stepped in front of Lance, jabbing her finger in Travis' chest. “I'm not your babe. You're just jealous because your girlfriend would rather spend time with someone she has something in common with than you leching off her,� she turned to Lance. “He's been looking me up and down since I went to pick him up at the airport like I was his next piece of ass.�

Travis sputtered, giving them both a look. “She's a lying bit...� Blood gushed from his nose as he staggered back.

Lance's eyes blazed, his body taunt and ready for a fight as he stepped towards Travis. “Get the fuck out of my driveway and off my property. As far as I'm concerned, stay away from anyone related to me, from her, and from NSYNC. If you can't understand what I'm saying, then I can bring my lawyer in to spell it out in paperwork form.�

Travis stood there, blood dripping from his hands onto the concrete where his nose was still bleeding. “Mel's still my girlfriend,� he told them, shooting them looks.

“Not likely,� Lance told him, standing there until Travis had left, pulling out his phone to tell security at the gate to not let him back in. He hung up the phone and looked at Rachel. “I'm sorry, Rach,� he pulled her to him in a hug.

“I think you broke his nose,� she said, a laugh coming out after a moment. “That was epic. I wish I had gotten a video of it.� It bothered her a bit to be talked to like Travis had done, but more so that her best friend was dating him. “Thank you for sticking up for me.� Rachel paused, not sure what she was doing, leaning up and pressing her lips against Lance's.

Lance was surprised but returned the kiss, holding Rachel in his arms. Her lips felt nice against his, warm and soft. He kicked himself mentally for not being attracted to her romantically, although his body was on board with it. He broke off the kiss and smiled at her. “No problem. I hate men like that...� he sighed, his arm still around her as they went back into the house.

“I'm gonna call Mel and tell her what a piece of shit her boyfriend is,� Rachel told him, then closed her phone. “Actually, you know what? She's probably having the most fun she's had in two months. I'll tell her tomorrow.� She did fire off a text message to Melissa, telling her Travis showed up and closed her phone. “Where were we?� she asked, giving him a grin.

“Dessert and a movie,� Lance told her, ignoring the throb in his hand. They settled on 'Slingblade' and sat back on the couch. Later, Lance intwined his fingers with Rachel's, glad to be home. His phone buzzed and he looked at the message, smiling. 'Dinner at the Fatone house' it said. He was glad Rachel decided to wait, but his frown stayed a little, hoping Travis would stay away.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*

“So it is true, our little brother finally took you to the dark side,� Steven, Joey's older brother said when he opened the door to their parents home. “Looks nice, Mel. I see you still brought this guy with you,� he said jokingly, hugging her and then Joey before they all went in.

“Nice to see you two,� Joe Sr, said pausing a moment. “Phyllis, you've got to come see this. We've got kids who played in koolaid.� He got up to hug Joey and Melissa. “You lost a bet or what?�

“It was bribery to get them to sing my song,� Melissa told him, hugging Phyllis as she made a fuss over her hair.

“Don't forget you still owe us dinner,� Joey said, pinching one of her cheeks as he walked by, getting thwacked on the back. “We agreed to purple hair and dinner.�

“Where's Janine?� Joey asked, not seeing his older sister.

Steven was about to answer when the doorbell rang. “That's probably her and David,� he said, speaking of their brother in law, opening the door and seeing it was them.

“Hi guys,� Janine said, hugging her brother and Joey. “Nice hair,� she told him, going in the house in front of her husband.

“You like this, you should see Melissa's. It's called Purple People Eater. It's whack,� he said, shaking hands with his brother in law as the men made their way to the living room.

Janine shook her head at her brother and made her way into the kitchen, stopping at the entry way, staring at Melissa's hair, since Melissa was standing the fridge with her back turned. “Your hair is purple!� she exclaimed, figuring Joey was just kidding.

Melissa grabbed the zucchinis and tomatoes and set them on the counter and shut the fridge and then went and hugged Janine. “I was shanghaied. It's your brother's fault,� she said loud enough for Joey to hear.

“Not me,� Joey half yelled from his seat in the living room.

Melissa rolled her eyes at him and stood in the kitchen. “What can I do to help, Phyllis?� she asked, getting told to sit down and relax. “You burn one pan of eggs and your name is mud,� she said with a sigh.

“Did you spray the pan?� Janine asked, grabbing a knife and slicing the vegetables, getting a nod from the younger girl. “It's the pan's fault. We can say that right? How are classes?�

“They are alright. All but Algebra, but I am holding a B in there right now,� she told her, sighing.

“You have a B because you're smart, not because I helped,� Joey said, coming to stand behind her, resting his arms on her shoulders, smiling when he laced his fingers through hers, letting more of his upper body weight fall on her.

“Stand up, you dork. You're heavy,� Melissa told him, laughing when he leaned over more. “You should be a comedian instead of a singer,� she stuck her tongue out at him when he stood up, making a funny face at her. “ I only keep you around cause you sing good, ya know.�

“And I can cook. I have a killer sense of humor and I'm fu..darn good looking,� he amended, giving her a grin, letting her go, leaning in and whispering. “Why I keep you around, I'm not sure yet.�

Melissa narrowed her eyes at him, fighting to contain a smile and not laugh. “Don't tell lies with your Mom standing right there. It's not nice.�

Joey looked at his mom and sister, watching them watch him and Melissa. “Okay fine. I'll admit it. I keep you around because,� he smirked, a song coming to his head. “You are the sun you are the rain, that makes my life this foolish game, You need to know I love you so...� he sang Lionel Richie to her, making them all laugh as he finished the chorus. Joey knew she wouldn't ever take him seriously doing that. It was one way for him to tell her how he felt without admitting it outright.

Melissa hugged Joey, shaking her head at him. “Help me set the table, songbird,� she told him, dragging him further into the kitchen to get silverware and plates. “I'm glad your mom called and invited us to dinner.�

“Technically she invited me, but since you were with me...� his voice trailed off and he laughed at her dirty look. “Okay okay, she insisted you come too. I love ya, Melly.�

“Love you too, Fatoney. Most of the time.�

Dinner was loud and boisterous even though there was only seven people there. They all laughed and ate and talked, telling jokes and stories, eventually getting up to put the dishes in the sink or dishwasher and make their way to the back porch to sit.

Joey looked over at his Dad, smiling at him as the older man grabbed his Mom's hand before reaching up and kissing the back of it. His eyes wandered to Steven and David who were talking and then to Janine, who was talking with Melissa. Janine and David were holding hands. He inwardly sighed, wondering when it would be his turn, and if hanging on to Kristen was just his own tactic of keeping his feelings hidden. What if Melissa didn't love him back? They'd never talked about those feelings, happy to be best friends and to be with one another in that capacity. Joey smiled at her, lost in his own thoughts as the conversations went on around him, happy where he was at the moment. With the people he loved.
*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

“The water feels great,� Rachel told Lance, getting in and going under before resurfacing. “It feels like warm bathwater.� They'd watched Slingblade and then decided to take a swim in the pool. The pool, typical for Florida, was covered. The landscaping made it mostly private and there was recessed lighting in the roof over the patio, along with lights that were along the ground that lit up when it got dark. There was still the noise of the neighborhood: dogs barking, kids playing, and the occasional smell of a grill. “I bet you miss being home,� she said after a few minutes when Lance jumped in the deep end of the pool and swam over to her.

“Yeah, but by the time we have to tour again, I'll be okay with it. There's always that certain energy that comes with a new album and everything,� Lance told Rachel as they lounged in the water. “You've come for a night or two, but you've never toured with us for a couple weeks,� he smiled at her. “Probably see and know more about us all than you ever wanted to.�

Rachel laughed, splashing him. “It's all part of it right? I've been around you and the guys enough to know I'll be okay. What's the next thing coming up? Besides recording, I mean...�

Lance leaned back, looking up at the sky as it turned dark and stars came out. “The American Music Awards. We're singing a medley to honor the Gibb brothers, the Bee Gees,� he clarified. “It's in September in Los Angeles. Will you be my date?� he asked, giving her a smile. “You get to go buy a really nice dress and shoes and jewelry.�

Rachel grinned big, throwing her arms around Lance in a hug. “You had me at date,� she told him, laughing. “It sounds like a fantastic trip.� They talked a little while longer, finally getting out of the pool when the air started getting cool.

Lance handed Rachel a towel, drying himself off. “What now?� He was up for whatever. “We could always go to Sonic. It's always fun to hear people argue whether it's really me or not. Joey always tells them his name is Tony when he and Mel go.�

“Yeah,� Rachel said with a laugh, drying off. “Tony and Nikki is what she told me. And why is it fun to do that? More fun to just say yes and see if you can score some free food.� Rachel was trying not to laugh at the suggestion. She blew out a breath and looked at Lance. “I know she's your sister, but do you think she'll ever tell Joey how she feels about him? Or do you think he'll have to be the one to do it?�

“Joey will have to do it. Mel's not gonna break him and Kristen up. She'll wait and just be happy like they are,� Lance told her, both of them going in. “So..Sonic and driving around?�

“Sounds great to me, long as you take out your car,� Rachel asked, knowing his Porsche sat in the garage most of the time. Melissa had her Mustang that sat next to it that was currently there. She stuck her lip out and batted her eyes. “Please.�

Lance chuckled, “We'll take the Porsche,� he pulled her close for a hug. “I think you're quickly becoming spoiled.�

“Then it's just as it should be,� Rachel said, hugging him back before she went to Melissa's room to change. As she changed clothes, she smiled at the pictures in the room. Rachel hoped her friend was having fun.

*^*^*^*^*^^*^*

“You get this problem done we can watch a movie,� Joey said, laying across the couch with is head on a pillow that was resting against Melissa's leg. He sighed as she played with his hair with her free hand. He was helping her with her Algebra, which had taken longer because she was stalling since they'd been at his house after coming home from his parents. “You can't fail now that I'm home. I'll take away your Joey time,� he told her with a small smile, groaning when she pulled his hair.

“Take away my Joey time and I'll get rid of the hair sex,� Melissa wrote down what she thought was the right answer and handed it to him, putting her pencil down so she could rub both sides of his head.

Joey grunted and looked at her problem and then up at her. “You're smarter than you think, Bass. You got it right. Now it's movie time...� he grabbed the remotes and started turning stuff on, getting up to flip on the low lights while Melissa went and got some chips and dip with drinks. The DVD came on and he smiled, knowing she'd be surprised. He'd remembered her saying this was one of her favorite movies.

“Junk food, check. Drinks, check. Spending time with your best friend, priceless,� Melissa said, mimicking the Mastercard commercial.

“For everything else, there's Mastercard,� Joey finished, giving her a smile as they sat down beside one another. His phone beeped and he looked at it, seeing a text message from Kristen. He answered it and shut his phone, starting the movie.

“What are we watching?� Melissa asked, opening her Dr Pepper. Her eyes widened and she grinned when she heard the theme to Grease come on. “Yes! You have to sing with me,� Melissa told Joey, hugging him as they both sang the theme song.

It didn't take long for Joey to want to get comfortable on the couch. He grabbed the pillow he'd had, tossing it to the end and laying down, pulling Melissa down with him. She was snuggled up to him, her back to his front. He slipped his arms around her and they laid there, Joey's head next to hers, smelling the hair products in her hair. He smiled slightly at the purple streak that was right in front of his face. “I missed you, Mel,� he said softly as Danny started singing about being stranded at the drive-in.

Melissa turned to where she could look at Joey, trying not to mind that she was now sandwiched between his body and the couch. “I missed you too,� she raised an eyebrow at him, smiling. “We already went over this last night, didn't we?� She let her arms slip around his neck and hugged him. “Being at home by myself sucked, though, just so you know. Rachel was there, but she'd think it was weird if I wanted to snuggle with her.�

“Oooo a girl fest,� Joey teased, getting smacked on the shoulder, goosing her ribs. “You're always smacking me,� he said, tickling her, making her squirm and squeal as she tried to get away. “It's like you live for smacking me.�

Melissa accidentally kneed Joey, hearing him groan. “Oh damn, Joey. I'm sorry...�

He held up his hands in surrender. “It's okay, my fault,� he said, wincing as he rolled back over like they had been. “You keep injuring me and I won't be able to have kids.�

“Might be a good thing,� she teased, patting his cheek, letting her fingers graze over his now growing in goatee. “I mean, another you running around in miniature might be a scary thing.�

“Hey, I was a good kid,� Joey said, both of them getting quiet, watching Rizzo sing. It wasn't hard for Joey to think of how comfortable they were like this, how it might be to lean down and kiss Melissa, but he stopped himself. The thing that kept repeating in his head was that he and Melissa were both seeing other people. When she mentioned a mini him, his mind wandered and he had to clamp his brain down on that thought too. Her pregnant with his baby. That thought alone sent him reeling mentally, wondering if he was going to go crazy. Not that he didn't think about a future with Kristen, but those things just didn't randomly pop into his brain.

Melissa laid there, listening to Joey breathe, enjoying the feel of being in the familiar place with him. She smiled when she heard him humming along with the song near the end. She giggled when he exclaimed “Sandy!�, turning her head to bat her eyes at him. “Tell me about it. Stud.�

Joey laughed, shaking his head at the two of them. The movie ended and he let go of Melissa so she could go change clothes and put her stuff up from school. She came back, wearing a pair of capri cotton pants and a jersey that said BASS on the back. It was one they'd gotten from some game they'd sang the National Anthem at and she'd stolen it from Lance. He looked her up and down, the black capri's and light blue of the jersey. “You match. For once.� Grabbing the other two movies he'd gotten, putting in the original Batman starring Michael Keaton.

“Shut up. You only match because people make you,� Melissa told him, sticking her tongue out. “Be sure to set your alarm for six thirty..it's loud enough to wake the dead,� she called to him after he told her he was going to change. Melissa grabbed the empty cans and threw them in the recycle bin and then got more, rummaging through the fridge. She then went to the pantry and found some M&Ms, grabbing them. “Sexy,� Melissa told him, seeing Joey sitting on the couch in a pair of basketball shorts with no shirt on. She heard the air kick on and knew before they went to bed that it would be about ten degrees cooler in the whole house. Joey kept it like a freezer.

“Whatever,� Joey said, playing off her comment with a smile. It wasn't like he was showing off, he didn't wear a shirt usually when he was at home to sleep, having done so the whole tour. He grabbed some of the candy and the offered drink. Halfway through the movie, they were back to how they'd been before. Melissa had been quiet for about ten minutes and Joey saw that she was asleep. He pulled the blanket over her and tucked it in around her body before turning his attention back to the movie. Joey figured this was a good night, ignoring the buzzing from his phone. He wasn't moving unless it was absolutely necessary.

*^**^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

“Best vacation ever?� Rachel questioned Lance as they sat in the parking lot of Sonic, waiting for their food and drinks.

“I'd have to say Bahamas a couple years ago. A week of nothing but family and friends and fun. You were gone with your family or you could have gone. I'd love to go back, the water is so clear. What's yours?�

Rachel thought for a moment. “I wouldn't say the company was the greatest, but Greg,� she said his name like a poison had went through her body, “took me to Colorado for a long weekend. The Rockies were beautiful. Got to see some snow when it was seventy out down off the mountains. It's beautiful there.� She spotted the girl coming to bring their order and smiled. The girl got closer and stopped a moment and looked hard at Lance before swallowing hard.

“Hi,� the girl said, reading back his order and then telling him the total. It was less than ten bucks, but Lance handed her a twenty and told her to keep the change. “I hate to ask,� she said after a moment, “but you look a lot like Lance from NSYNC.�

“I do?� Lance asked her, smiling. He figured she was 16, working to pay on her car or clothes, a normal looking girl.

“Yeah,� she said, nodding, blushing.

“I get that a lot,� Lance said, smiling a little. “Since I am Lance from NSYNC.� He loved it when a fan was genuine and this girl seemed to be. She didn't scream or cry, but she did dig in her change apron for a pen and had the twenty he'd given her.

“Would you mind signing this? I know you want to eat and everything...� she said, waiting for an answer before she gave the items back to him.

Lance asked her what her name was and grinned when she said it was the same as his sister's name but spelled different. “That's my sister's name. She spells it with an 'e' after the 'm' though,� he said, writing on the money and handing it back to her.

“Thanks so much!� Malissa said, holding on to the money and looking at it. “Have a great night!� she said, giving them both a little wave, practically skipping back into the building.

“I love that,� Lance told Rachel, opening up his burger and taking a bite.

“I think it's hilarious,� Rachel said, popping a tater tot in her mouth, eating before she spoke again.. “I mean, I like it when people are normal, but the ones that act like you're their property... Makes me laugh. Like when people assume just because my last name is Weatherly that everything is just wonderful all the time. I'm a normal person. You're a normal person...�

Lance nodded, “There are days I'd give a lot not to have to worry about going out in public. But for the most part, it's alright. Like this..this is fun.� He winked at her and took a drink of his Cherry Limeade.

“There you go again, trying to score boyfriend brownie points.� Rachel momentarily wished Lance wasn't gay, but reminded herself she'd agreed to this and didn't want a real relationship with a guy. This was going perfect and she wasn't about to ruin it for either of them.

Joey laid in bed, not ready to get up. He'd been awake for awhile but not willing to get out of bed and disturb the woman who was curled up in blankets , now laying with her body flush against his, her head resting in the space on the pillow between his neck and collar bone. How many times had they done this and it didn't seem odd, or weird. Or that Joey itched to pull her to him a little closer and wake her up with kisses to her mouth, along her jawline, trailing back to her ear and dropping down to her neck. Part of his brain told him that was wrong. He had a girlfriend. And Melissa had a boyfriend. The other part of his brain went along with his heart and said it didn't matter, that he was going to tell her sooner rather than later how he felt. A slight frown came to his face when Melissa whimpered in her sleep, her forehead creasing. “Mel,� he whispered, stroking her face gently. “It's a dream, bambina.�

“Joey...no..� Melissa said, shoving at him, as if to push him away. Her eyes never opened and she pushed against him and the blankets.

“Wake up, Melissa,� Joey said a bit louder, shaking her shoulders a little, relieved when she finally opened her eyes and looked at him, biting her lip after a moment. “It was a dream...that's all,� Joey reassured her. He studied her face and brushed her hair out of her eyes. “You okay?�

The dream had been scary. She couldn't remember what started it, just that she'd come to Joey's house and when she couldn't get him to come to the door, she unlocked it and found him shot, laying in the living room floor with blood everywhere. “I...� she teared up and looked away. “I dreamed you'd been shot..and I found you.� Melissa wrapped her arms around Joey's shoulders and snuggled into him more, wanting his warmth and protection. She could hear the thump thump of his heartbeat with her ear pressed to his chest, sighing in relief, trying to get the picture of him laying there out of her mind.

Joey ran his hands over her back, then pulled her chin up where he could look at her. “I'm here, Melly. No one's shot me,� he said softly, sucking in a breath when her lips pressed against his collarbone. It was almost his undoing when she inched up his body, pressing her lips against his neck, her fingers winding themselves in his hair. “What are you doing?� he asked, his own body responding to hers, praying she didn't roll over on him and discover the semi erection he was sporting.

Her green eyes met his brown ones and she thought for a moment. She didn't know. It just felt right. She wanted him, wanted to make sure he was breathing, that she could get rid of the image in her mind. This was her Joey, full of life. Melissa paused, kissing his jaw on his scruff growing in, letting her lips linger there before she tucked herself back like she'd been, the comfortable position they'd been in before. “I know I shouldn't..but..can I kiss you?� she asked, her voice unsure. “Just to know this is real.�

Joey turned his head to where it was even with hers. He should tell her no. This was his best friend. The panicked look on her face when she'd woken up was enough to send a shiver down his spine. “One kiss..to get you back into reality,� he said, knowing it couldn't go farther than that.

Melissa nodded slightly, brushing her lips against Joey's. It was a real kiss, and while she'd meant it to be a peck on the lips, her hands didn't cooperate, stroking Joey's face and one reached up to grab his hair. Her mouth pressed harder against his, letting out a soft moan, her eyes closing.

He was about to break it off when she changed it up and pressed her lips harder against his. Willing lips that he'd wanted to kiss again since the tour bus when he'd kissed Melissa properly. Joey's hands found themselves pulling her more into him, grunting at the tug on his hair, letting out air from his nose so that he didn't break off the kiss.

'Beep, beep, beep, beep.' The alarm clock scared them both, making them jump, breaking off the kiss. Joey reached over and slapped the snooze button, looking at the woman beside him at arms length, giving her a small smile. “Well?�

Melissa ignored the tingling in her lips as well as other places as she looked at Joey, figuring she could play off the kiss. “It was alright, Fatone. Next time we should use some tongue or something. You need some practice.� She shot him a grin before getting up.

Joey's jaw went slack and then he glared at her. “Listen, woman. I'll have you know I'm Italian. I can woo a woman and kiss her to make her putty in my hands. It's in my blood,� he told her, knowing they were back to their jokes, their safe place. He'd keep his real feelings from coming out until the time was right, which he prayed would be soon.

Going into the living room, he heard the bathroom door closed and he grabbed his phone, going through his texts and missed calls. One was from Justin with no voicemail, the other was Kristen as well the text messages. He sent off the general replies, listening to the voice mail. Joey felt guilty for kissing Melissa when he listened to his girlfriend tell him she missed him and she hoped to come see him soon and for him to call when he wasn't busy. Joey deleted it and sat there, not sure what to think. All he wanted was to be happy. And someone would have to be hurt in order for him to do that. With a sigh, Joey got up and went to the kitchen, digging out a cereal bowl and spoon, finding the Lucky Charms and pouring them. “Women,� he muttered, flipping the television over to one of the game networks, seeing The Price Is Right on.


Melissa stayed in the shower as long as she could, letting the hot water drown any bad memories of the dream and then the feelings of kissing Joey down the drain with the suds from the shampoo. She could be friends. Just friends. Travis was good to her, there was no reason to break up with him to persue Joey. Melissa kept telling herself that they were both just on edge from the tour ending and getting back into the swing of being around each other all the time. It was the lie she was going to stick with as she got out of the shower and wrapped the towel around her. “Just maintain,� she muttered, grabbing her face wash and turned on the sink. She could do this. She'd done it for a long time. The thought of Joey's lips pressed against hers dashed that thought, knowing she'd have to do a better job at not acting any different. “Besides,� she told herself, “it's not like he's told you he has feelings for you. It was a kiss. You've kissed the other guys.� It was on the cheek, but still. But none of them was Joey.

“Do you have your homework?� Joey asked, still watching the game network as Melissa gathered up her stuff, going through her book she'd put in her backpack. “Don't give me that go to hell look, Mel. I'll bend you over my knee,� he threatened, watching her flip him off. “You couldn't handle all this,� he said, flipping her back off when she rolled her eyes at him.

“Yes, I have my homework. The Force is with me, and I am going to school now and then work at three,� Melissa told Joey, shoving her book back in her bag. “You're probably going to sit here and do nothing all day.�

“As Bobby Brown would say, that's my perogative,� Joey replied, getting up and going over and hugging her. “Take my Rover,� he said, handing her the keys since her car was still at her house. “I can get it later.�

“Are you sure, it's your car you drive all the time..� she asked, getting an annoyed look that said quick worrying. “You're the best,� Melissa squished his face together and made kissy noises at him. “You'll see me later this week, I'm sure. I'll call you on my way to work.�

“Have a good day, baby!� Joey went to the door and yelled, chuckling when she groaned.

“You too, honey!� she called out before pulling out of the driveway, giving him a wave. Melissa slipped on her sunglasses and wondered if her and Joey would ever have a normal day. Part of her hoped not, loving how they were.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^
Rachel woke up, sitting up and looking around Melissa's room. She'd went to bed way later then she should have, somewhere around 3 in the morning. The clock now said it was almost eleven and she knew she needed to get up and start the day. “Ugh,� she said, grabbing her brush and running it through her hair. She'd go change clothes later, in a tank top and pajama pants. She studied the pictures of her and Melissa and smiled. Their Senior class trip to New York City, where she and Mel had bought souveniers of those foam crowns from the Statue of Liberty. That picture and one of them sharing a footlong coney from a hotdog vendor were up.

Rachel wasn't being nosy, but she grabbed one of the drawing pads stacked up on the desk and flipped through it. A lot of it was from Art class but there was one she stopped at. The assignment paper was there with her grade. It had been to draw her best friend. Mel had split the paper in half and drawn both her and Joey. She'd gotten a low 'A' on the assignment only because she'd used two people instead of just one. Rachel flipped through the rest, shaking her head. She put that one down and was about to head downstairs when she saw 'Joey' written across the next one. “What the hell?� she said, getting it out. Her eyes widened as she flipped through. The date of the first was of the guys in the recording booth, all five faces visible. The rest were Joey. No pictures were paperclipped so they'd been drawn while looking at him.

Rachel took the notebook downstairs, sitting down next to Lance. “Have you seen this?� she asked him.

“No. What is it?� he asked, looking at the look on her face. “You look...emotional.� It was the only word he could think of. He wasn't sure whether she was going to cry or smile, an odd look on her face.

“It's drawings, all of Joey,� Rachel flipped to her favorite, one of Joey in the recording booth singing. Under it was 'I Thought She Knew'. “That's it,� she tapped the picture, a grin coming to her face, looking at the date. “That's when she fell in love with him.�

“How can you tell from a drawing?� Lance asked, studying the page. Joey could have jumped off the paper and been there, the detail was so clear. It was all done in pencil except for the red in Joey's hair. “Damn, she's good.�

“Just trust me. If you ask her, she'll say it was around that time.�
"You should be a detective," Lance told Rachel, chuckling.

Rachel paused as if in thought, "I would look pretty hot with a badge and gun, wouldn't I?"

The grin on Lance's face confirmed her question. He shook his head as if to say, 'you're something else' before speaking, "I was gonna come ask if you want to grab lunch somewhere. Might even call the guys."

“Awww, you miss them already,� Rachel teased him, nodding. “I'll go grab a quick shower and get ready and you can call them. She went and put the drawing pad up and sighed. She wanted her friend happy and decided she was going to tell Melissa how Travis had acted.

She grabbed her phone and pulled up her friend's number and hit send, smiling when she answered. “What's up woman?� Rachel grabbed some clothes and sat on Melissa's bed.

“I'm driving the Range Rover...If I had bazillions of dollars, I'd have one of these,� Melissa told Rachel, taking the long way to school instead of the interstate. “How are you? How was dinner?�

“Don't change the subject, you're driving Joey's Rover he won't let anyone even look at? Did you give him drugs?�

“No, he handed over the keys. He still has his Audi at home,� Melissa explained, loving the car. “So answer my questions,� she told Rachel, listening to her friend tell about her evening with Lance and then about Travis showing up. Melissa's brow furrowed as she thought about Travis, shocked he'd say something like that to Rachel, even more so that Lance punched him. “I'll call him and find out what was going on.�

“Do not go see him, Mel. I mean it...I know he's your boyfriend, but he's a lying piece of crap. Just call and tell him you want to break up with him,� Rachel told her, hoping the direct approach would be best.

“I'm not breaking up with him over the phone!� Melissa exclaimed, her voice getting louder. “I can at least do that in person if I'm going to do it. He deserves that much.�

“He doesn't deserve shit! Lance broke his nose,� Rachel argued. “He hit on me! Then turned around and called me a bitch. Please..don't be the nice person you are and call him and tell him you don't want to see him anymore.� Rachel could see the wheels in her friend's brain turning. “Tell me this, did you think of Travis at all last night while you were with Joey?� The silence made her smile. “That should tell you something. I love you, Mel. Call me later when you've gotten rid of Mister Dipshit.�

Melissa blew out a breath. “Fine. It's not like it matters. Joey's still with Kristen.� She pulled into the parking lot at school and shut off the vehicle. “I have to go to class, Rach,� Melissa heard a beep that someone was calling in. She looked and saw it was Travis. “Travis is calling, I'll talk to you later.�

Rachel heard her friend hang up and then went to get into the shower. Of the two of them, Rachel pulled no punches where Melissa was nice, not wanting to hurt anyone's feelings. She hoped her friend would stick to her guns.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

“Hey, Trav,� Melissa said, trying to sound as normal as possible. “How are you?�

“I'm alright,� he said. “How are you? Did you have fun yesterday?�

“It was nice,� Melissa told him, grabbing her book bag and locking the doors to the Rover. “What are you doing today?�

“Not a lot. Might go out with some of the guys from the crew and hang out. Did you see I tried to call last night? And I texted.�

Melissa could tell he was annoyed, and she frowned. She wasn't going to apologize for spending time with Joey, especially since nothing happened. “I wasn't even paying attention to my phone,� she told him. “We went to dinner at Joey's parents...�

“All I'm hearing is Joey this and Joey that. Is he your boyfriend? You should want to spend time with me.�

Melissa took a deep breath, steeling her nerves. “You know what, Travis? At first this was nice and I thought you were a gentleman. But I need more than that. I want someone who's going to not be jealous, or hit on my friends or call them names. By the way, how's your nose?� she blanched at the names she was being called. “It's over, Travis. Stay away from me, my family, and the guys. Lose this number.� She hung up on him and stood there, leaning against the car, wiping tears. She opened up her phone and called her professor, letting him know she was having issues and that she'd turn in her work, but not be in class. It took her ten minutes to walk to the office, turn her work in and get the next classes work and back to Joey's car.

'Broke up w him' she texted to Rachel, sitting in the Range Rover, surprised at herself. She wasn't sure what to do, being single. Part of her was sad, and another part was glad. Melissa no longer felt guilty for not having the feelings for Travis she thought she should have. And now that she sat and thought about it, Travis hadn't acted like someone that loved her. Her phone rang and she smiled, putting it on speaker. “Hi, Lance.

“I'm proud of you,� Lance told his sister, standing in his room pulling a shirt over his head. “I'm calling management in a bit and having Travis banned from reapplying for a job with NSYNC. We don't put up with that crap...Are you okay?� he heard her sniffle. “There are lots of other fish in the sea. Even ones with red hair named Joey,� he said, listening to her laugh.

“Shut up. He has a girlfriend and doesn't feel that way about me,� Melissa told her brother, wiping more tears.

“Have you ever asked him?� Lance asked, grabbing a belt. “What if he does? I mean, you're friends, you can ask him.�

“I'd rather not know than find out different, James Lance Bass. I don't think I could take it. I like my fantasy world just fine, the one where I pretend not to have feelings for him. I'm going to call and see if I can go in early to work since I'm not going to class,� Melissa changed the subject, letting him know that part of the conversation was over.

“Alright. I also heard you drove the Rover, that's a testament of love right there. I'd have made you take the Audi,� Lance grabbed his watch. “Look, I'm not saying you have to say anything. Just let things happen. I love you, sis.�

“I love you too. Go hang out with Rachel for me. I'll have to kick your ass if you get to see her more than I do,� Melissa told him, hanging up. She called work and was told to come in as soon as she could if she was willing to work. Another deep breath had her somewhat settled and she started the car, turning the radio on and opening the sunroof.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

Lance and Rachel pulled into Joey's driveway and honked a couple times, waving when he came out the door to his house. “You're missing a car,� Rachel said, rolling the window down as Joey came to get into the backseat of Lance's vehicle.

Joey just shrugged as he got in, “It was the first set of keys I came to,� he told them, buckling up.

“You should know, Mel's probably got the music blaring and sunroof open. She was excited to be driving it,� Lance told him. He and Rachel had agreed to let Melissa tell Joey about the break up.

“So where we eating at?� Joey asked, hoping he looked decent. He'd grabbed a pair of Levi's and a Superman shirt and some flip flops. He wasn't going to dress up unless necessary.

“Hamburger Mary's,� Lance told him as they got on the interstate. “Think Justin was meeting us there. Gonna get something for Mel and take it to her at work.�

“She's supposed to in class til one thirty,� Joey said, raising an eyebrow, looking at his watch. It was almost 12:25. He opened his phone and sent Melissa a text. He frowned when he got a quick reply back, hitting her number on his phone. “Hi baby, you playing hooky today?� he ignored Rachel's 'shit' and watched the traffic go by, his voice pausing at the voice mail. “Call me when you get this.�

Joey stayed in his state of half pissed off, half unsettled all the way through lunch. He didn't show it outwardly, but he wasn't happy. Melissa hadn't texted or called while they were out. He picked up the bag that had her food in it and grabbed her drink from the cup holder between Rachel and Lance. “Stay here, I'll take this to her,� he said, looking at the back of the mall where employees parked. Joey fired off a text message, growling at the fact she texted him back and told him she'd be right out.

Melissa bit her lip, slipping her phone back down in her pocket. She'd told her supervisor she was going on break when her lunch was here. The sun hit her eyes as she opened the door in the back, seeing Joey sitting there on the picnic table, not looking happy. “Hi,� she told him, sitting down on the bench, waving to Lance and Rachel who were getting out of the car, yelling that they were going to go in the mall for a little bit.

“You phone must be fixed now,� Joey said, hopping off the top of the table and sitting down next to her, watching her get her burger and fries out. He took her pickles when she offered them to him and ate them, waiting on Melissa to talk.

“My phone wasn't broken. I got your voice mail, but I can't answer if I'm working. You know that,� Melissa told him, taking a bite of her burger. She swallowed and then looked over at him. “I went and turned in my homework and then came to work. Between now and then I broke up with Travis.� She tried not to get emotional about it, to keep her voice even but it didn't work, having to swallow hard to get rid of the lump in her throat.


"You what?" Joey exclaimed. He stared in shock at Melissa. He opened his mouth to question her, but the words froze when he saw a tear slip down her cheek. "Hey," he said softly. Using his fingers, he tipped her chin up to look at him. Another tear followed and he tangled his hand in her hair and pulled her to his chest. He held her tight against him, his other arm anchoring her to him. "Don't cry, Mel," he whispered to her. "Don't cry."

Melissa clung to her best friend as the tears rolled down her cheeks. Her arms encircled his waist and she held him tight. She buried her face into his chest, past the point of caring that she was soaking his shirt. The tears kept flowing. The emotions of the break up coming to the surface. She had tried so hard to bury them to get through the day, but it didn't work.

"Shhh," Joey tightened his hold. "It's okay, Mel. Don't cry," he continued whispering to her. Anything that came to mind, half the time he had no idea what he was saying. He just wanted her to stop crying. His own heart twisted in pain at her tears. And he realized that he never wanted to be the one to cause her this much pain.

"I'm sorry," Melissa hiccuped as the tears somewhat subsided. She made no move to pull away, instead continued to hold and be held.

"It's okay. I don't mind." Joey rested his head atop hers. "Are you okay?"

Melissa nodded and gave a shuddering sigh. "I will be," she pulled back to meet his eyes and attempted a smile. She could feel her lips wobble and Joey's face blurred in front of her.

"Come on Melly, don't start crying again." Joey cupped her face in both of his hands, using his thumbs to brush the tears away. "You keep this up and I'm gonna start crying here with you. And let me tell you, there is something wrong for a grown man wearing a Superman t-shirt to cry."

Melissa giggled, "There's something wrong with a grown man wearing a Superman t-shirt."

"Then I guess I shouldn't tell you that I'm wearing matching boxers?" He grinned when Melissa started laughing. 'Score one for me.' He could deal with this Melissa. He ducked down to meet her eyes, a sincere smile on his face. "You want to tell me what happened or do you just want some company while you eat? If you don't want to talk about it, I understand."

“No, it's okay,� she said, turning back to her food and grabbing a fry. “I...I thought he was a good person, you know. Then he came down for a day...� she told Joey about the picnic and then the restaurant, leaving out the sex. “Then he hit on Rachel and called her names in front of Lance.� Melissa gave him a rueful smile, “I think Lance broke his nose.�

“Wow,� Joey said, looking over at her. He hated the tear tracks coming down her face, wishing that he could fix how she felt right then. The normal part of his mind told him to just wait, that it wasn't the right time. “So he's not coming back right? I mean, do you need me to stay here in case he comes to mess with you?� Joey would gladly camp out in the mall if he had to, endure screaming girls or whatever came along.

“I'm alright, Fatone, but thanks. He just..I didn't want someone who couldn't handle me having friends that were guys without being jealous. And I needed Rachel to tell me not to be such a nice person.� She made a face at him before taking a bite of her burger.

“Rachel's delusional. You're not nice to me,� Joey teased, getting another smile from her. “I am sorry, Mel. You deserve better than that,� he said. He wondered if the time came, could he give her up to another man. To step back and let her really love someone else. She missed the pained look on his face, with Joey's heart and stomach twisting up.

“Thanks, Joey. I just didn't want to talk to you right then...I was going to tell you,� Melissa finished up her burger and offered him the rest of her fries. “Maybe someday I'll find someone that can deal with all this greatness.� Melissa stood up and made a pose at him, laughing at herself. She looked at her phone and sighed. “I better get back to work. We're getting in a few more fall things, I found a shirt you need.�

Joey pulled out his wallet and handed her his AmEx card. “Don't go crazy,� he told her, shoving it in her back pocket when she refused. “Think of it as shopping therapy.� Joey got up and pulled her to him in a hug.

“It'll just be in my pocket. I don't need shopping to make me feel better.� Melissa tried to not smile, playing it off. She let her head rest on Joey's chest for another moment. “Thank you,� she said softly.

“Welcome. Anytime.� Joey let her go, watching her go back into the store after giving him a wave. He sat down on the picnic bench once again and sighed. “Where you at?� he asked Lance after dialing his friend.

“I am currently in The Buckle with my girlfriend as she looks at shirts. You coming in? How was lunch?� Lance nodded and gave Rachel a thumbs up at her as she went into the dressing room.

“You mean the first lunch where I was pissed off or the one where your sister used me as a human kleenex?� Joey asked, making his way towards the front of the mall. “I didn't mind of course, other than it made me realize I never want to piss you off. And I'd rather sell my soul to Satan than see her cry.�

“Just admit it, Fatone, you're a softy.�

Joey chuckled, making his way through the mall to the buckle. “Only with a very few people.�

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

“You guys wanna come in for a little while?� Joey asked before Lance made it to his driveway. Joey wasn't sure he wanted to be alone right now with just his thoughts. Thoughts that seemed to be counter productive from one another.

“I don't care,� Rachel said, looking over at Lance. They'd spent an hour shopping and just wandering around the mall, enjoying the anonymity of being there in the slow part of the day.

“Sure, man. I didn't have any plans that I know of, unless Rachel made some for me,� Lance said with a smile, pulling into Joey's driveway. “It looks out of place for the Range Rover to be gone.�

“I don't see why you're making a big deal out of it,� Joey told him as they got out. “It's just a car.�

“How many people let a friend drive a seventy thousand dollar car?� Lance asked, giving him a look. “Would you let Kristen drive it?�

“Over my dead rotting corpse,� Joey told him, unlocking the door.

“Men and their machines,� Rachel muttered behind them, rolling her eyes.


Joey's house was as nice as Lance's; decorated differently that made it have a comfortable. There was a big screen and a plush oversize loveseat and couch across from the television. Dark stained wood was on the floors with it continuing in the trim around the top of the walls.

Joey threw his keys on the bar that connected the kitchen to the living room and went to the fridge. “Ya want anything?� he asked, telling them what he had to offer as far as beverages went. He took the drinks out of the fridge and sat down on the couch, with Lance in the middle and Rachel on the other end. “I vote we sit and do nothing and order pizza later,� Joey suggested, opening his Dr Pepper.

“Do you always think about food?� Rachel asked Joey as she unscrewed the cap on her bottled water. “Between you and Chris, I think you know every place to eat between here and Miami.� It always amazed her that for as long as she'd known Melissa and Lance, then the guys, that Joey and Chris always seemed to have a hollow leg when it came to food.

“No. I don't think about food all the time, I just enjoy eating. Nothing wrong with that...especially since I know how to cook. There are some people that can't,� Joey said, smiling as Lance coughed out Melissa's name.

“She made Ramen noodles once that stuck to the pan in high school in Home Ec. The teacher banned her from the cooking assignments and made her draw still lifes of the food to use as posters,� Rachel told him, smiling at the memory. “Of course we melted ex-lax and put it on a candy bar for the evil Biology teacher. Mel purposely opened it and was about to take a bite when the fatass just grabbed it and ate it. He thought if you had food, then you were sharing it with him. I was the one who made sure we had the best substitute ever. My mom came and filled in and brought one of her friends from the Air and Space Museum to talk about space and how the planets are all aligned and stuff. Best three days of school ever. Except the last week of our Senior year of course.�

The three of them sat and talked, going from school to other subjects. The tv was turned on and put on some day time show they weren't really paying attention to, other than for the noise.

Rachel's phone buzzed and she smiled and looked at Joey. “Someone obviously stepped out of character,� she showed him the picture of the passenger seat of Joey's Rover. Bags were in the seat and in the floor and she chuckled at his momentary pained look. “There's probably only one bag for her in that whole mess.�

“I hope to hell there's more than one, cause I don't want anything from Bath & Body Works or Victoria's Secret,� Joey said, then grabbed Rachel's phone and looked harder. He'd just been naming off stores when he spotted a pink bag with the 'VS' on it. “Damn it,� he muttered, wondering what she bought from a lingerie store. Even worse, with his money. The one thing Joey didn't want to think about was if he was ever going to see what was in that bag.

Rachel raised an eyebrow at Joey. “You're speaking some sort of dorkish I can't understand.�

“Why do you women have to shop at a lingerie store for therapy? Is it in a handbook?� Joey gave her phone back to her.

“She probably just bought lotion, you big sissy. They have that there..not just lacy bras and see through spanky panties and stuff,� Rachel informed Joey, closing her phone. She went and sat back down by Lance who was engrossed in a basketball replay after having grabbed the remote.

"Please," Lance groaned as he swiped the remote from the coffee table. "I do not want to think about my sister wearing spanky panties. I don't even know why y'all are having this conversation,� Lance told them both. “Just be happy she went shopping and is not balling her eyes out or back with that asshole,� a hint of a smile tugged at his lips. “Maybe she bought some stuff to get a new boyfriend with.� He was teasing Joey, laughing when the other man groaned and muttered in Italian, pinching the bridge of his nose as if he was getting a headache.

“I'm going to go order our usual,� Joey told them, moving to his bedroom to call the pizza place. He spotted Melissa's bag open over by his dresser and smiled, seeing one of his shirts halfway stuffed in there, the one she'd grabbed before she'd gotten a shower that morning since he kept it so cold. He hoped whatever she'd bought, part of it would be left here at his house. If it was left here, that meant she was coming back for it.

*^*^*^*^*^*^

“Thanks for the pizza and letting us come over,� Rachel told Joey, giving him a hug as she and Lance were going out the door to leave. “You should ask Mel what's in the Vickie's bag,� her smile was wide. Melissa had pulled up just as they had gotten up to leave.

“Shut up about the lingerie store. I don't want to see my best friend in that,� Joey said as he hugged Rachel back, watching Lance grab a few bags to help carry in. “Have fun?� he called out to Melissa, who told him yes, purposely bumping him as she went by.

Lance had grabbed the Vickie's bag and gave Joey a smirk. “Dude, it ain't lotion unless it got put into something that's soft. “My vote's on something see through,� he told Joey. “I'm teasing ya, man. She probably won't show you anyways. You know how she is about that stuff.�

Joey thought back to the bra incident when Melissa had brought him the toothpaste and nodded, grabbing the bags from Lance. “See ya prolly later this week,� he told them, feeling Melissa beside him as she waved bye to her brother and Rachel. He carried the bags into the living room and put them down with the others beside the couch. “Have fun?� Joey asked her, sitting down on the couch, watching Melissa go through bags, pulling out stuff.

“Yeah. Had more fun shopping for you,� she tossed a pair of jeans and a gray henley at him, along with a dark gray fedora. There was also a couple leather belts and a novelty t-shirt that had a 'Will sing for food'. Melissa had bought herself quite a few things, and everything she'd found had been on sale.

Joey put his clothes on the couch and gave her a look. “I want to see what you bought yourself,� he noticed she got out all the clothes from every bag but Victoria's Secret. “You not showing me that?� he asked, watching her bite her bottom lip and blush. “Rachel said it was probably lotion.�

“Rachel wasn't there with me, was she?� Melissa said, grabbing the clothes and stuffing them back into bags. She wasn't mad at Joey, just nervous about him asking about her buying underwear, something she'd never done before in that store, always thinking it was too expensive and that she didn't need that sort of thing. Until she walked in and saw the bra and panty set that matched her hair and her imagination went along with it. A cute silky slip gown in black and some lotion completed her purchase.

Joey's eyes widened at her voice changing to being defensive and he held his hands up. “You can just say no, Mel. I always thought you hated that store.�

“No,� Melissa said, picking up the pink bag and rifling through the tissue paper to pull out the lotion and showed it to him. “I love the store, just always thought it was too expensive. That I didn't need anything from there, so I never went in unless someone else wanted to go.�

Joey looked at the lotion bottle, opening the top to smell it. It smelled a little like cinnamon, not an overpowering scent and he handed it back to her. “That all?� he asked, leaning back on the couch and folding his arms over his chest.

“You don't want to see what else I got. It's girly stuff,� Melissa told him, setting the bag down on the other side of the couch.

Joey didn't say another word about the bag, the two of them watching television for a while. Melissa leaned on him and sighed, curling up more against Joey when he put his arm around her. “I guess I should go home tonight.� Melissa didn't want to go home, but she didn't think Kristen would like it if she found out Melissa had spent a few nights over at Joey's.

“Why are you running off?� Joey asked, looking down at the top of her head. “Got some hot date I don't know about?�

Melissa smiled at the way his voice changed with a hint of jealousy, shaking her head no. “I don't have to go home, I just thought maybe your girlfriend wouldn't like it if she found out I was staying with you.�

Joey didn't answer for a few minutes, playing with the ends of Melissa's hair. “Like you were with Travis, I don't exactly tell Kristen everything...� his voice trailed off and he looked at Melissa, his eyes studying her face, wondering why he couldn't just tell her how he felt. The nagging small voice inside him told him that she might not feel the same way.

“Do you tell me everything?� Melissa asked, sitting up to look at Joey. She knew what the answer would be, that she didn't even have to ask. He told her a lot, even though they both knew that there were still things they didn't know, things between him and Lance or his family or her and Rachel. There would always be those secrets, but with everything else.

“What do you think, Melly?� Joey pulled her to where she was half in his lap, his voice getting just a bit more gravelly.

“I think you tell me everything. At least everything that has to do with your life that you want me to know, that's important. Maybe not every secret, but everyone is like that. You're my best friend, so I feel pretty confident about knowing ya.� A small smile crossed her face, studying his jawline where he was letting his goatee grow in more. “You not shaving again?� she asked, using a finger to stroke his cheek.

“Shaving's fuckin' overrated,� Joey told her, letting her up when she asked. He blew out a breath when Melissa went into the kitchen to find a slice of pizza and grab them both drinks. Joey knew they couldn't keep going like this, or at least he couldn't. His resolve to keep his feelings hidden was quickly waning.

*^*^*^*^*^*

“All those girls who scream at the concerts would never believe you do this,� Melissa told Joey as they stood in the bathroom. She was brushing her teeth and he was flossing. Not just the flossing, but that Joey was one of those that was OCD with his teeth and his hair. And now his hair was wet from a shower and drops were traveling down his chest. “It's kinda cute.�

Joey rolled his eyes at her, grabbing his toothbrush. “Like I want them to know what I do at home. I mean, like this,� he nudged her and smiled, looking at her wearing the shirt she'd stolen from him with some cotton shorts. “Maybe we should let them in on what you do every day.�

“Oh yes, my life is so exciting. Please,� she said, her words garbled until she spit out the toothpaste. “They wouldn't understand normal is something you love.�

Joey nodded, watching her leave the bathroom. He heard the air conditioner kick on and the bed creaking and her getting in and flipping the tv on. Joey finished up what he was doing and came and looked at her curled up with his pillow, then at all the bags that were in his room. “Woman, you gotta leave before someone thinks I let a girl stay here and shop and share my stuff...� he joked, pulling the covers up to slide into bed.

Melissa let go of his pillow and sat up a little more, flipping through channels. She paused at MTV, grinning. “Oooo,� she said, seeing NSYNC singing “God Must Have Spent (A Little More Time On You)�.

Joey watched her and laughed, grabbing the remote and turning the television off. “Why watch that when I can sing to you?� he asked, not being able to see anything in the sudden darkness, the clock lighting up enough to barely make out his friend's face looking at him. He started softly singing the words to the song that had been on. His arms pulled her closer as he sang until she was up against him. Joey could feel her breath on his skin and he stopped singing.

“What's wrong? Joey?� Melissa asked, moving to where she could look at him. One of her hands found his cheek when he didn't answer and she bit her lip when she felt something wet on her hand. “Talk to me...please,� she said softly, her voice wavering, not sure what was going on.

Joey hadn't meant to get emotional, but it had just happened. He was sick of being like this with Melissa, being so close but at the same time trying to hide his feelings. “I'm fine, bambina,� he said after a moment, reaching up and tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “And I'm tired of talking. Or not talking...� he paused momentarily before pressing his lips to hers, a featherlight kiss before he pulled away.

Melissa laid there, her heart beating faster as she thought about what he meant. She should say no. Argue with him that he had a girlfriend, that they shouldn't feel this way about each other. Instead she stared at him, one of her hands caressing his cheek and moving up to his hair. “Are you going to kiss me again?�

Joey smiled, holding her face with both of her hands as he kissed her again. As the kiss deepened, he breathed through his nose, moving his head slightly so that he could roll Melissa over to where she was lying on her back with him beside her, her face turned towards him. He low growl left his throat when he felt his hair being pulled, her fingers wound in his hair. “Bambina,� he whispered, breaking the kiss only to let his lips trace along her jawline.

“Joey,� Melissa breathed, not sure she believed what was happening. One of her hands unwound out of his hair and moved to skim her fingernails along his neck and to his shoulder, kneading it. She ran her free hand down his arm to his bicep and back up. When his tongue found her earlobe, Melissa let out a whimper.

“What's wrong, Melly?� Joey asked, nuzzling the space between her ear and her neck, nipping it gently. When she didn't answer, Joey pulled back and looked at her. “Do you want to stop?� he asked, being serious. He'd go take a cold shower and sleep on the couch. It wasn't what he wanted to do, but if she put a halt to things he would.

“No...� she said after a moment, panic coming to her voice a little, pulling him back towards her. She felt a blush creep up from her chest to her neck and her face. “I,� she licked her lips and shook her head. “I'm nervous,� she ducked her head into his chest, clinging to Joey, trying to concentrate on the feel of his hands running along her back.

Joey held her for a few minutes. It was endearing. The woman who he joked and laughed with about all sorts of sexual things was nervous about being with him. “So you're nervous,� he said, feeling her nod and hold on to him tighter. She was avoiding looking at him and Joey knew Melissa would do that until he made her un-nervous. “Would it help if I told you I'm scared to death.�

A small laugh came from her and she looked up as Joey looked down at her, their lips barely meeting. “You're full of it, Fatone.�

“Look at me, Mel,� Joey said, maneuvering her to where they were face to face, their bodies entwined as much as they could be. “I'm scared,� he took one of her hands and kissed it before placing her palm on his heart. “As much as I want you, I worry that you might regret this. That I'd have screwed up the best thing in my life. We can't go back and undo this, Melly.� Joey waited in silence, watching her eyes study him. He was praying hard she'd say something.

“I'm just nervous that I won't be as good...as..� she shrugged, not naming names. “Or that you'll wake up in the morning and wonder if I slipped you something. I'd rather not do this and just be your friend, than do this and then you'll wish you hadn't.� Melissa bit her lip when she heard Joey suck in a breath. She heard what he said after that and her mind stopped momentarily. “Say it again,� she whispered, her voice threatening to quit, her eyes brimming with tears.

“I love you,� Joey repeated softly, running his fingers through her hair with one hand while the other anchored her to him at her lower back, his fingers splayed out across the fabric of her shirt. He smiled when Melissa's mouth twitched into a smile and he sighed when she grabbed his face and pulled him in for a kiss.

Melissa knew she loved Joey, just wasn't sure if she could say the words without crying, so she did the next best thing. She brought her lips to his, kissing him hard on the mouth. The kiss was broken only when they both needed air and she laid there, trying to catch her breath. “I love you too, Joey,� she laced her fingers in with his, smiling at him.

Joey moved into a more comfortable position, chuckling at her protest to throw the covers off. “I'll keep you warm, bambina,� he said, letting one of his hands travel up under the shirt she was wearing to skim just under her breasts and back down, settling at the waist band of her pants. His fingers skimmed along Melissa's waist and hips, moving her to where she was under him, their bodies as close as they could be with clothes on.

A soft moan of pleasure came from her lips, pulling his mouth back down to meet hers. Melissa didn't care where his hands went, as long as they were touching her. Hers were doing a good job of making Joey's hair look like he'd stuck his finger in a light socket when her nails weren't dug into his back when he'd place his mouth on her neck and nip the sensitive skin on her shoulder. She sucked in another breath when his mouth found her breasts, not realizing he'd pulled her shirt up. “Oh, god...Joey,� she gasped when his tongue flicked over a nipple.

The woman telling him she loved him and saying his name every few moments was music to Joey's ears. It spurned him on to keep going, pulling the shirt off her, smiling as he started kissing her at her hairline and down her face, intending to make his way back down to where he'd been the moment before. A groan came from Joey when Melissa's hand slipped from his chest down to his stomach to the waistband of his shorts. He knew she'd felt his erection pressed up against her and his mind tried to wrap itself around the fact that they were going to do this. Joey wanted it to be right, slow and something that meant something. Not just sex. It wouldn't ever be just sex with Melissa, but he didn't even want that to cross her mind. He smiled at her hesitation. “Don't get shy on me now, Melly,� Joey rumbled against her collarbone, kissing it.

Time was lost on the two of them, and when Joey would look over later, he'd see that they were still awake a little after 1 AM. His whole body buzzed as he looked down at Melissa, nuzzling her nose with his and kissing her softly, the smile on his face threatening to stay there forever. It had been better than a fantasy, to have her hands and mouth on him, driving him crazy. Melissa had been the one to inform him of places on his body that would feel good to kiss and lick and suck, things he'd not known. Joey was sure he'd never look at the inside of his arm where it bent at the elbow the same again. “So,� Joey whispered, settling his body weight on her more, content to stay that way, “How are you?�

Melissa giggled at his question, smiling stupidly. She could smell his scent on her. “I'm fantastic, Fatoney. How are you?� Melissa asked, playing with his hair more. It looked like a trainwreck and she made a face that it was sweaty. They both were.

“I think if I wake up in the morning and find out this is a dream, I'm going to be pissed. And then I'm going to seduce you. You will come to the dark side of the Force.� Joey said in his best Darth Vader voice and finally moved, knowing they needed to get some sleep. Kissing her lips, he groaned in pleasure when he felt her tongue play at his lips. “Gimme a few minutes and then we can both get a shower,� Joey told her when he finally pulled away.

Melissa nodded, watching him grab his boxers and shorts off the floor. She stretched and smiled as muscles protested, thinking of what had happened between them. She heard her name being called and grabbed the t-shirt she'd been wearing and the panties from the Victoria's Secrets bag.

“Holy shit, Mel,� Joey exclaimed, tilting her neck when she got into the bathroom. A large hickey was there. “I'm sorry, bambina,� he said, hoping she could cover it up. The water had been turned on and was steaming up the mirror. Joey leaned down and kissed the spot. “Let's see if I marked you anywhere else,� he murmured, looking her over.

“Does that hurt?� Melissa asked, trying not to grin at the bite mark on his chest that was turning a yellow-ish purple. When he told her to bite, she had. She looked at him when he shook his head no. “So what does this make us?� she asked quickly, not sure if she wanted to know the answer.

Joey grabbed her hands and pulled her body up to his. “This makes us better than best friends.�

Melissa laughed at him, getting into the shower and waiting for him to join her, the water spraying them both. “I don't know about all this,� her voice was teasing, a smile on her face. “Being your best friend and your lover might be a full time job.�

“Oh it is, but I give damn good benefits,� Joey told her once more, pressing Melissa against the wall and kissing her hard. He'd never get tired of kissing her now that he could without worrying about it. Or telling her how he felt. It was like his heart was free and at peace. It was the best he'd felt in a long time. “I love you.�

“I love you,� Melissa told him, biting her lip and looking him over. Three years of waiting had been worth it. Now she just prayed it would only get better.

The morning found Melissa laying in bed, replaying the last nights events in her mind. She didn't regret any of it, a small smile on her face.. Joey was sound asleep and she wasn't going to wake him. Melissa rolled over to face him, her eyes tracing over the contours of his face. She should get up since Joey turned off the alarm. There was a couple of hours before she needed to be in class and then work again until she was off for a day. One of her hands found Joey's cheek and stroked it, letting her lips trace around his jawline.

Joey woke up by degrees, the feel of a hand touching him, then lips and then he grunted, pulling her closer. He heard a sigh and barely opened one eye. “Mornin',” he said, his voice gravelly with sleep, leaning in to kiss her. His lips met hers and he smiled, wrapping his arms around her.

Melissa kissed him back, breaking off the kiss to sigh. Smiling at him. A noise distracted her she looked over at Joey's phone, seeing Kristen's name on caller ID. “Kristen's calling...” she said, her eyes not meeting his. It had made reality come back all to quickly that this had just been something of a fantasy, that they weren't together. The next minute the thought flashed through her mind that she was one of those girls she despised.


Joey felt like ice water had been doused on him at hearing his girlfriend's name. Especially from Melissa's lips. He raised an eyebrow at her, lifting his head where he could look at her. “I'll call her back later,” he said. Breaking up with Kristen was on his to do list. She was in Pittsburgh and he didn't think anything was wrong with telling Melissa how he felt. The confused look on his face intensified when Melissa slipped out of his arms. “Where you going, bambina?” Joey was awake now, sitting on the bed as he watched her throw stuff unceremoniously in her bag.

“I'm not doing this with you, Joey. I don't regret last night, but I can't..we can't...” Melissa swallowed a lump of emotion and shook her head.

“If you didn't regret it, you wouldn't be trying to leave,” Joey told her, getting up and folding his arms across his chest. “What happened between then and now? I had a girlfriend last night too. You said you loved me. I asked if you wanted to stop. Do you remember that?” Joey's words became louder the angrier he got, at Melissa and at the fact that she was right.

Melissa nodded, wiping tears away, turning to face Joey. “I remember. And I just told you, I didn't regret it. I just realized this morning that I don't want to be that girl that wrecks a relationship. Even if you are breaking up with her, Joey. She deserves to be told. I at least told Travis I was through with him.”

“So I was a rebound fuck?” he watched Melissa blanch, stepping back from him. “You sure have a damn funny way of showing someone you care about them. I didn't hear you spouting any of this last night...” Joey bit off his words.

“I just want you to do the right thing! If you want us to be together, you'll break up with Kristen first. Not get mad at me for thinking about it. Don't be so childish, Joey!”

Joey broke the standoff, getting into her personal space. “Childish? I'm fucking childish because I love you? That I thought last night meant something to you when it didn't?” he held a finger up when Melissa started to speak. “I just realized something, Mel. That for all the things I like about you, you sure are two faced. It's okay for your brother to date Rachel while he's gay. For any other guy to do whatever he wants and then when I do something, suddenly it's wrong.”

“That's because I love you more than any other guy! I don't care what my brother does, or JC or Justin or whoever,” she finally said, her voice broken and ragged.

“You have a damn funny way of showing it,” Joey repeated, grabbing her bag after she'd zipped it up, putting on a pair of capri's. He found a pair of flip flops and slipped them on, grabbing his wallet and keys. “Come on. I'll drive you home.”

“Joey...” Melissa started, heartbroken when she wouldn't even look at her or talk.

“If you love me as much as you say you do, you won't talk to me right now,” Joey snapped, tossing her bag in the backseat of the Acura. He barely waited until she had shut the door before backing out of his driveway. “I'm not a fuckin' saint. I'm a person, Mel. I have feelings. And I thought you'd be the last one in the world to make me feel like shit. Especially after yesterday...and last night.. Guess I was wrong.” Joey stopped talking after they got off the interstate and into Lance's neighborhood. He felt his breath leave a bit when he looked over at Melissa. She had her head leaned against the window and he could see her shoulders shake. There was a part of him that knew he was responsible, but the rest of him told that part to shut up.

Melissa used the back of her hand to wipe her face and got out of the car. She dug her key out of her purse and gave Joey a sad look as he got her bag and left it on the sidewalk. “Are we back to where we were before?” she asked in a small voice, watching as he stood there, emotions running across his face.

“I don't know,” Joey told her, running a hand over his face. “Not sure if I'll have my phone with me today.” It was his nice way of telling her don't call him, that he needed some time. He saw her nod, feeling like an ass. Nothing was going the way he thought it should. Joey got back in his car and backed out of the driveway, saving the cursing and banging the steering wheel until he'd gotten to the stop sign at the end of Lance's street.

^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

“You gonna sit there all day like that?” Lance asked his sister, watching her stare off at the dark screen of the television, a mad scowl on her face. He'd been surprised when she was home that morning when he got up, offering clipped answers of why she was home. It didn't tell him anything and she left for work, coming home in much the same mood. “Do you want something to eat?” he asked, thinking he heard her mutter she'd rather starve.

“What happened? Is it something with Jo--”

“Why does everyone assume things happen with Joey when I'm upset? Is Joey my boyfriend?” Melissa yelled at him, getting up and walking past her brother to go to her room. “No, he's not. He's with Kristen. “

Lance sighed heavily, grabbing the remote. “Yep, it's Joey,” he muttered, flipping channels.

*^*^*^*^*^*

“Is something weird going on? Did aliens come abduct your body or something?” Justin asked Joey as they shot hoops in front of Justin's house in Orlando. They were going for a game of HORSE,
but so far it had been quiet on Joey's side of things with one word answers and no jokes. Justin held the ball. “Seriously, dawg. Either fuckin' talk or I'm gonna body check you into the sidewalk and make you scream like a bitch. Mel will have to take you to the hospital and you'll have to tell them you got your ass kicked by me.”

Joey started to have a smile on his face from his friend's insult, but snorted at the mention of Melissa's name. “Nothing to talk about. You don't know how to keep your trap shut,” Joey grabbed the ball from Justin and shot. He didn't want to admit that he'd slept with his best friend and now not talked to her for two days. Joey felt like shit. He'd toyed with calling her, and to his surprise, Melissa had actually listened when he told her not to call. Joey told himself she hadn't called because she was waiting on him to call her, but he figured she was waiting for him to break up with Kristen.

“You don't look and act like a fuckstick until you and Mel aren't talking. Which has been more in the past three months than the past five years,” Justin told Joey, grabbing the ball back and executing the same shot Joey just had. “What's the problem? She decide to bang some guy or what?”

“We slept together...” Joey ran a hand through his hair, his eyes not meeting Justin's. “As in, we had sex.” It was no secret that he and Mel had shared a bed before, but nothing physical had gone on.

Justin stopped, a huge grin on his face. “So you're here with me because why? You aren't trying to get more bow chica wow wow?” He stopped when Joey glared at him. “I mean, if she's your girlfriend...”

“She's not.”

Justin put two and two together and Joey had to duck when the basketball sailed unceremoniously close to his head. “You motherfucking cocksucker! You fucked your best friend while you were still with Kristen? And Mel let you? Were you both high on crack?” Justin yelled at him, not caring when Joey got up in his face. “You wanna throw down, Fatone? Get mad, bitch. That's it,” Justin smacked Joey's face, getting hit in return in the mouth, spitting out blood.

“Why the fuck do you care so much? Melissa's not your little sister or your cousin or some shit. I asked her if she wanted to stop and she didn't tell me no-”

“Of course she's not going to tell you no, dumbass! She loves you!”

“Then why didn't she tell me I wasn't the rebound fuck?” Joey yelled, wishing he could really hit Justin. He was mad, confused, and not sure what he wanted. Actually he knew what he wanted, but he hated being the bad guy. “She told me to break up with Kristen before she and I did anything again, but that night it was 'oh Joey' this and 'kiss me Joey'.”

Justin had resigned himself to listen, leaning against the porch, a funny little smile on his face. “You have no fucking idea, do you? I'm not saying Melly's perfect. She's a woman, she has issues. But if you think for one second she wouldn't damn well do whatever she could to have you, you're sorely mistaken.”

“I told her she could be with me! What else do you want me to do? What about me and Kristen?”

“That's the first time I've heard you ask that since we've been home, dawg. And no woman wants to be 'the other woman'. Melissa realizes she's now that woman. She's letting you fix your shit,” Justin told him. “I sure as hell ain't gonna be the guy dating the girl I didn't want to because I was too afraid of what might happen in the most perfect relationship I had that I ruined.” Justin shrugged. “You must not love Mel like I thought you did.”

“It's not that cut and dried. What if it was you and Britney?” Joey asked, watching a stony far off look come to Justin's face.

“Fuck you. We were talking about you, not me,” Justin told him, picking up the basketball that was at his feet. “You don't want the woman who only wants you on Friday night. You want the woman you want to spend all day Saturday with cleaning house or reading the paper or whatever shit you do,” he told Joey, pointing a finger at him. “Mel's not completely innocent, but I lay the blame on you. Either break up with Kristen or tell Melissa you two are just friends. Nothing else.” He watched a pained look cross Joey's face. “Remember that feeling when someone else has her and you don't. I gotta go meet JC to go over some music,” he looked at his watch.

Joey knew Justin wasn't being rude, he hadn't called to check what Justin was doing, just showed up at his house. He nodded. “Thanks for the game.”

“You should be saying 'thanks for your wisdom oh great Justin',” Justin told him with a laugh.

Joey shook his head and chuckled slightly, “Maybe you can get your own talk show when NSYNC is done.”

“No, I'm gonna take Mel and marry her and have five or six kids.”

The space between Joey and Justin lessened in the next ten seconds and Justin smiled wide when Joey had him by the throat. Joey outweighed Justin by a bit and he was pressed up against his front door. “What's the problem?” he coughed out, still smiling. “You'd cut out your own liver with a rusty spoon if she asked you to. You don't want her with anyone else, but you won't give her what she wants.”

“Which is?” Joey ground out between clenched teeth, letting Justin go, punching the metal door. His hand throbbed and he figured he broke a knuckle, smiling back at Justin who'd flinched.

“You, Joey. That's all she wants,” Justin took that opportunity to punch Joey as hard as he could in the stomach. “That was for choking me. Love you, dawg,” he said, patting Joey's head as he was bent over. “I wonder what kind of engagement ring Mel would like.” He grinned when Joey huffed and flipped him off. “My work here is done.”

It took Joey a few moments to recover and pick up his lungs and swallow his lunch back down into his large intestine. He looked at Justin's front door, trying to figure out what kind of circles the younger man always talked in. He got in his car and picked up his phone, seeing he had missed calls from Kristen. Joey sighed, tossing his phone back into the empty cup holder.

*^**^*^*^*^*^*^*
Joey sat on his couch, dozing off. He'd planned on making the effort to go to bed, but so far it had been a bust. For a Friday night, he'd done almost nothing besides heating up some tv dinner that tasted like cardboard. Joey figured out why nothing good was on television. Most people would be going out on the start of the weekend. He'd been invited out by Chris who was going to DJ at one of the local clubs. Joey had turned him down, not in the mood. He was avoiding calling Kristen, not sure he wanted to deal with her reaction, whatever it would be. His phone hadn't even had a text message from Melissa and he was depressed over that. Joey wanted her as his best friend and his girlfriend. It seemed that it was a no brainer, but here he was over-thinking it. “Fuck,” he muttered, picking his phone up and flipping it open. Headlights coming down the road reflected into the living room and Joey paused, seeing them come into the driveway. He raised an eyebrow at company so late, wondering if he missed a text or call saying someone was coming over.

The security light came on and Joey waited until a knock on the door came to get up, praying it was someone he actually wanted to see. He looked through the peephole and blanched. There was Kristen standing on his doorstep, looking like she'd fell off a page in Vogue and not too happy.

Joey took a breath and released it as he opened the door, a smile pasted on his face. "Kristen, I didn't know you were coming."

"Surprise," Kristen grinned, throwing her arms around him. "I was missing you and decided to come and spend time with you," she leaned up touching her lips to his.

"Great," Joey said, hoping he sounded happy as a boyfriend should. He must have failed because Kristen pulled back and looked at him, searching his face.

"What's going on?" She asked as they made their way into the living room. She kept her eyes peeled for something out of place. Something to give her an inkling that not all was well. "What have you been doing on break? I've been trying to call but..." she trailed off.

Joey winced. This was not how he was planning on doing this. “Let's sit down and talk, Kris,” he said, moving towards the couch. When Kristen didn't move he turned and stood there, not sure of what to say.

“You've ignored me for almost a week, Joey,” Kristen said, looking him over. “I could understand it if you were touring or recording, but you've been off. How stupid do you think I am? That I didn't think that when you'd get back home you wouldn't be spending all your time with her.”

“Her name's Melissa,” Joey said, watching Kristen get upset. He let out a sigh and looked at her. “I was going to come see you this weekend and talk to you,” he frowned when she huffed, “I think we should start seeing other people.”

Kristen stood there for a moment before laughing. “You're kidding right?” she said, looking at Joey. He wouldn't meet her eyes and Kristen stilled. “You're serious...”

“I've been in love with Mel for a while now, I just didn't realize it. I didn't want to hurt you, Kris....It just happened.” Joey wasn't lying, but he wasn't being totally honest either, not sure he wanted to fess up to sleeping with his best friend.

“What just happened? You forget you had a girlfriend and decided to go slumming? Getting rid of me for her? I thought you had better taste than that,” Kristen sneered, looking Joey up and down. “You know what? Let's hope she's as good in bed as me. And I hope every time you fuck her that you'll think of how good we were together.”

“There's more to a relationship than just sex,” Joey told her, getting a little perturbed at her raising an eyebrow at him.

“You're a good one to talk,” Kristen told him, shaking her head. “I remember you always wanting some.”

“I think it was the other way around, sweetheart. You liked my name, my celebrity status and what I could do for you. Just like all the other fakes,” Joey said in a clipped voice as he bit off his words.

“Believe it or not, Joey, I loved you. Yes, I used you some. I liked the money you made and enjoyed being someone...but I did think you were a nice guy. Did you sleep with her?” Kristen took Joey's silence as an affirmative answer and laughed, shaking her head. “And you're like all the others, always looking for your next piece of ass. Be sure to let me know when you get rid of her like you did me. I'm not going to let you go that easily, but I will leave just so you can try and fail. Because no one breaks up with Kristen Devon and just keeps me from getting what I want. And I want you.”

“That's why they made restraining orders,” Joey told her, raising an eyebrow to Kristen laughing. “Just leave me alone, Kristen.”

Kristen's smile broke and she glared at Joey. “Fuck you.”

“Sorry, I don't think you're a part of the 'us' I want to be a part of. Now please do me a favor and get the hell out of my house.” Joey ushered Kristen out the door, but not before she kissed him softly on the lips and gave him a smile. “Bye, Kris.” He was thankful that the taxi had waited, shaking his head at her telling him he'd get tired of Melissa and come back to her. Joey stood there in his driveway a few minutes. He felt better than he had the past few days, but still sad. He had liked Kristen, up until he'd realized his real feelings for his friend. Maybe it was not as clear cut as that, but it seemed like the obvious answer of what had happened. Joey ran a hand through his hair and thought about Melissa. He felt a little lost, not knowing what she was up to.

Joey went inside and grabbed his phone and fired off a text to her. 'What u up to, bambina?' was his question and he laughed when he got the response. 'I lie awake, I drive myself crazy.'

*^*^*^*^*^*^*

“You're over there with a stupid smile on your face. Did someone text you and tell you that Justin was mistaken for a poodle?” Rachel asked, throwing popcorn at her friend. “Or did Joey text you?”

“I have no idea what you're talking about,” Melissa said, feigning innocense, trying to hold in her smile at her smartass reply to Joey. She and Rachel were sitting in her living room watching Dirty Dancing. Lance had gone to the club with Chris, the girls deciding they didn't want to mess with the crowd and the noise.

“Well if he's texting you, that's good right? Unless he's trying to get my foot up his ass,” Rachel replied, watching Baby dance her way from the bridge out of the scene where she'd just practiced with Johnny. “If he interrupts this movie, I'm kicking his ass. You two can go away and leave me to day dream about Patrick Swayze.”

“Oh shut up, it's Dirty Dancing. If he wants to see me, he can come over and watch it.” Melissa's phone rang and she looked at it. Before she could answer it, Rachel snatched it up.

“Listen, you red haired doofus. If you make us miss the practice lift scene in the lake, I will make you sing higher than Chris,” Rachel threatened as Melissa tried hard not to laugh. “Oh you did? Well good for you. If you're coming over we'll take some junk food from McDonald's. And you have to watch Dirty Dancing with us, since you're the interloper of the party..” Rachel rolled her eyes and nudged Mel, “Let me talk to Mel..” she mimicked Joey, handing the phone off and shoving Melissa towards somewhere that wasn't the living room.

“Hello?” Melissa said, going into the office that was on the main level of the house, “sorry about that.”

“It's all good,” Joey replied. “So, Dirty Dancing huh? I guess I'll live through it if I come over.”

“If? Well fine, I didn't want to see you anyways...” her voice trailed off, wanting to hope he was calling for a reason. She could just be friends with him, she reasoned. It might hurt, because she'd wanted more, but Melissa just wanted Joey to be in her life. “I hate you not talking to me.”

Joey listened to Melissa's voice change and swallowed hard. “Yeah, no shit. I wanted to call you, but...” he sighed. “We'll talk about it when I get there with some damn Mickey D's.”

“I know that just breaks your heart to get food. I want my usual, please,” she told Joey, talking to him a few more minutes before hanging up. She came back out to sit on the couch by Rachel, both of them watching the lake scene. “Why do I get the feeling you're going to bail on me after Joey gets here?” she asked the taller blonde girl.

“Because I am,” Rachel told Melissa, giving her a smile. “Don't worry, I know you aren't ditching me for Joey. You two need to talk. You want my opinion? Give it a week or three before you decide to be boyfriend and girlfriend.” She didn't miss Melissa's crestfallen look. “I'm not saying don't hang out or make out, just don't go telling everyone you're together. Ease into it. I mean, hell, you've waited this long. You both need some healing time if Joey just broke up with Kristen. Even if he did it with the purpose of being with you.”

Melissa sighed heavily and leaned back on the couch. “I hate it when you're right. I don't like hearing it, but you make a good point.” Headlights came through the blinds in the living room and Melissa got up to answer the door, smiling when Joey stepped through the doorway, handing her the carrier of drinks.

The three of them settled on the couch with their food, Joey sitting on one end with Melissa in the middle and Rach on the other. Joey hadn't really watched Dirty Dancing, but had heard some of the songs, trying not to chuckle at the girls whose attention was on Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey. “What is it about the movie you like?

“The dancing. The sex,” both of the girls answered, two different answers.

“The dancing is better than the sex,” Melissa told Joey, a stupid smile on her face as she watched Patrick Swayze's back muscles flex as he moved his hips. “It makes the parts where you know they're doing it better.”

“Because they danced?” Joey asked, raising an eyebrow at her, a bemused smile on his face.

“Think of the dancing like foreplay, Fatone.” Rachel gave him a look to stop talking, but smiled when he got this look on his face that said he got it. She gathered up her trash and slipped her shoes on, finding her keys in her purse a little bit later. “Call me tomorrow, Mel. Er..later today.” She gave them both a hug and a smile before leaving.

Joey looked over at Melissa after the door shut. “So, how are you?” he asked, watching her bite her bottom lip as he grinned.

“I'm alright, how are you?” she asked, moving to where she could snuggle into Joey, putting her arms around his neck. Melissa laid her head on his shoulder and smiled when he pulled her closer.

“I had a surprise visit tonight. My then girlfriend showed up at my house,” Joey told Melissa. “We talked a little bit and then I told her I wanted to see other people. She didn't like it, but as of about an hour ago, I'm single and she's my ex-girlfriend.”

“Are you okay with that?” Melissa asked Joey, watching him nod. “It's okay if you're not, Fatoney.”

“Melly, listen to me,” Joey said, moving around to where he could tilt her face up to look at him. “It hurts a little, but I'll be alright. It hurt me more not to talk to you for three days...You're my best friend. And I want you to be more.” He brought his mouth down to kiss hers softly.

“Mmmm,” Melissa whimpered a little at his kiss, looking at him as they broke it off. “I know this is between me and you, but Rachel had a good point,” she explained to Joey what her friend had said and they talked about the pros and cons of waiting to announce they were together. “How about two weeks?” she asked, giving him a grin.

“One week,” Joey countered, watching the ending credits of the movie roll past. “Unless you need two weeks for a mourning period.”

“Shut up,” Melissa scooted away from him and grabbed a pillow and patted it. “Lay down and we can talk.”

“You told me to shut up, how can I talk when you say that,” Joey did as she asked, laying down with his head in her lap. His eyes closed when he felt her fingers in his hair. “God I missed you.” He looked up at her, with a smile “One week?” he pouted, kissing her when she leaned down for her lips to meet his.

Melissa kissed him and sat back up, rubbing his head. “One week. And I want you to ask me to be your girlfriend. Not just assume because the week's over we're just together.”

“So you want to be romanced and all that? I'm scared,” Joey teased her. “It's sort of like one of those things you don't see coming. Like with feelings and such. I mean, I'm a guy so I stuff mine away, or try to. And you see me for who I am and like me anyway. Even when I'm being a dick.”

“There have been days I'd like to have told you to kiss my ass. When you were tired or sick..but we all have those days when you wake up in a crappy mood and stuff happens during the day. I've had them too. I hate to inform you that you're not perfect and neither am I.”

Joey feigned a surprised look. “I'm not? Holy shit!” He reached up and wound his fingers through hers, kissing her knuckles. “You are perfect. For me.”

“That's funny, I feel that way about you,” Melissa told him, making his hair a mess. It was later that they went to bed, and even then it took them a while to get to sleep, talking about different things. Joey's hand felt warm and protective on Melissa's stomach just under her shirt and she smiled, hearing the air conditioner kick on. “Lance is going to kick your ass for messing with the air.”

“I can take him,” Joey told her, his voice quiet as he kept his eyes shut. It wasn't the same as being in his bed, but he was fine with it. The woman he loved was next to him and not going anywhere. “What?” he asked when Melissa moved around to where she was facing him. “I thought we were sleeping.”

“Don't get whiny,” Melissa said, knowing she would have a grumpy Joey if she didn't leave him alone. “Sing to me?”

“No. It's your turn to sing to me,” Joey told her, opening his eyes. “Don't get embarrassed and shit, just sing.” He smiled at her biting her lip in the dark. “Am I not worth singing to?”

“No, it's not that...I mean, we are goofing off most of the time when we're singing,” Melissa explained, blushing. “The only song I can think of right now is a Britney song.”

“Then sing me a Britney song,” Joey told her, waiting. He rolled over onto his back and put his arms behind his head.

“If I suck, you can't tell..” Melissa quit talking when Joey growled. “My friends say you're so into me, and that you need me desperately. They say you say we're so complete, but I need to hear it straight from you. If you want me to believe it's true. I've been waiting for so long it hurts, I wanna hear you say the words. Don't. Don't let me be last to know.” Her voice wasn't the same timbre as Britney's, but she thought she was doing a pretty good job, making it through the chorus before stopping, waiting Joey to say something.

Joey's breath came out, not realizing he'd held it. He looked over her and rolled over to his side. “C'mere,” he pulled her down to him, cradling Melissa in his arms, kissing her softly. “What is it you want to hear me say, Melly?” he nuzzled her neck, smiling when she tried to get away, his goatee tickling her ear. His voice dropped to a whisper. “I love you.”

Melissa stopped struggling and looked at Joey, stroking the side of his face. “I love you. I don't think I'll get tired of hearing you say that.” She moved to where they were more back to where they were to sleep.

“I love you, I love you, I love you...til the day my life is through, this I promise you,” Joey sang, chuckling at Mel laughing at him being silly. “Night, Mel.”

“Night, Fatoney. I want waffles for breakfast.”

Joey harrumphed, putting a hand over her mouth. “Keep talking and you'll be getting the angry monster from the bed for breakfast. Kapeesh?” He let her mouth go a second later after she nodded, feeling her pull the covers up more and snuggle into him. Joey didn't mind, glad he'd kicked the air down. Lance would just have to deal with it.

“Watch this,� Joey said, grabbing a handful of wet sand, grinning at JC. “Oh Melly,� he singsonged, the water splashing at his ankles towards the girls who were watching the other beach goers.

“You're gonna get it, man,� JC called out, smiling at his friend, then looking back to where Lance was putting on more sunscreen.

“I just thought that she shouldn't get four days off if no one else did,� Melissa was telling Rachel until she felt grainy sand going down her back and turned quickly, glaring at Joey. “What was that for?� she asked before he rubbed his hands on her face and her cleavage, grinning. “You better help me get this off, Fatone.�

Joey laughed, picking Melissa up and throwing her over his shoulder. “As you wish,� he said, ignoring her pleading for Rachel to help.

“If I help, he'll be limping back to the car,� she called out to her friend, trying not to laugh as Joey told her he didn't need any help. “You know she loves it,� Rachel told JC, who just nodded as they walked back towards where Lance was. “What are you doing with your next week off?�

“Gonna go see some family and just hang out with friends. Just hoping the week will go by slow.� JC gave Rachel a smile as they sat down each of them on either side of Lance.

“Maybe if we're lucky, Joey and Mel will wear each other out by the time we go home,� Lance said, slipping his sunglasses on. “I feel like I'm on babysitter duty.�

“Nah, they're good,� Rachel said, reaching over to rub in some sunscreen he missed. “You ass, you tan. I'm jealous.�

“Not all of us burn. Can't help it, babe.� Lance kissed her hand and made a face when he tasted sunscreen.

“You two are almost as bad as them. Except they are louder about it,� JC commented, watching them together. “You coming to the recording studio some?� he asked Rachel, pulling his ball cap on.

“Hopefully when I'm not busy I will...I wanna hear the new stuff,� she said, laying back on her chair.


“You missed some sand,� Melissa said, her arms around Joey's neck as they wandered out deeper into the ocean. She leaned back and went under the water and then came back upright. “Ugh, saltwater.�

“I think I got it all,� Joey told her, grinning as he grabbed her ass. “I couldn't resist, Mel. Who knew you were so fun to mess with?� He'd known it for some time but now there were no brakes being put on his feelings.

“You've been like this since we met, Fatoney. Just now it's more...calculated.� Melissa reached up and messed with his hair. “Kiss me,� she said, nuzzling Joey's nose. She laughed when he looked around at all the people. “I'm serious, Fatone. Kiss me.�

“I thought you wanted a week..best friend's don't kiss--� his words were lost when Melissa grabbed his face and kissed him hard on the mouth.


JC's eyes widened and he smacked Lance when he spotted Joey and Melissa. “Holy shit, what the hell did I miss? When did that happen?�

Lance lifted his head and whistled loudly. “This is a public beach you sickos!� he laughed when Rachel wooped loudly at them. “Maybe we need to have the PDA talk with them...�

“I think they know about that, Lance,� Rachel told him, getting up to walk towards the water. “Leave him some air, Mel, he has to sing next week!� she yelled loudly, laughing at Joey's surprised expression when the kiss broke off and a shit eating grin covered his face.


“Screw the week thing. I've wanted you to ask me out for three years,� Melissa told him as she caught her breath, leaning on Joey's chest.

“Three years?� Joey exclaimed, raising an eyebrow. “Why didn't you say something sooner?� The waves were starting to get bigger and Joey moved a little closer to the shore.

“I didn't know how you felt...why ruin us? I'd rather be your best friend and not have you than tell you how I feel and you not feel the same. Besides, we had a lot of fun in three years.�

Joey couldn't argue with her there. They had a lot of memories he wouldn't trade, ones that might or might not have happened if they'd been dating, complicating the relationship up until now. “Okay so I agree...but now that it's all out...will you be my girlfriend?� he asked, giving her a slow smile. “Come on, Mel,� he said when she acted like she was thinking about it.

“Only if you ask me in song,� Melissa countered, grinning, making Joey groan. “What? It'll be fun.�

“You're spoiled,� Joey told her. He gave her a looking over and chuckled before he took a deep breath and sang. “Each time the wind blows, I hear your voice so, I call your name. Whispers at morning, our love is dawning, heaven's glad you came. You know how I feel, this thing can't go wrong, I'm so proud to say I love you,� he sang, his lip twitching into a smile when she realized what song he was singing.

Melissa's smiled widened, “I love you, Joey. And yes, I'll be your girlfriend...if I have to. Ya know since I have so many guys asking me out,� she teased as he put her down to stand when they were close to shore.

“Shut up, Bass. You know you wanna go scream like a girl at one of our concerts. “I'm dating Joey Fatone� he mimicked her and ran crazily in a circle around her. “He's so cute and I can't believe he likes me like that.�

“Okay so I'm you,� Melissa folded her arms over her chest. “Yeah, whatever. Can I grab your ass?� she asked, making him stop and look at her.

“I wouldn't ask to grab your ass. I'd just do it.� Joey smacked her backside before grabbing her hand as they made their way over to their friends. “How are ya doin?� he asked Lance, dripping water on him, laughing when Lance pulled his sunglasses halfway down.

“Do I need to beat you up?� Lance asked smiling a little. “Why are you kissing my sister?�

Joey's face went slack. “This is your sister? Man...I thought she was some random girl,� Joey pulled Melissa to him. “I'm not just kissing your sister. I'm kissing my girlfriend.�

“The world has ended..I think I felt a tectonic plate shift,� JC said, getting up. He grabbed his phone and hit a number to speed dial. “Justin...you missed it.� He put it on speaker so their friend could talk to all of them.

“What did I miss dawg? I've only been gone a day..� Justin's voice said.

“Joey and Mel are officially together,� Rachel told him, smacking both of them in the back of head. “No thanks to me telling them to wait...I see how that worked. See if I give advice again.� She had a smile on her face and was teasing.

“About fuckin' time!� Justin yelled, they could hear him yelling at someone and then back. “Let me know when the wedding is. Like next week or something right?�

“You've lost your damn mind, Timberlake. We got married back when I graduated high school,� Melissa told him with a laugh. “I miss you Justin.�

“Make jokes, chica...I'll see you next week, kay. And Joey, way to man up. Treat her right or I will hurt you.�

“I seem to get that threat a lot. I don't think you have to worry, Justin..I'm keeping her,� Joey told his friend telling him bye before the rest of their group said their goodbyes and hung up the phone.

“So now that you're together, where are you taking her on your first big date? Rachel asked, watching both of them blink. “Oh give me a break. You gotta take her somewhere nice, dress up a little.�

“Dress up?� Melissa wrinkled her nose, elbowing Joey. “You don't want to see me dressed up do you?�

Joey started to shake his head no before he caught Rachel glaring at him. “I...maybe we should just once, ya know. Just to say we did. Besides, no one would believe it. I mean, you don't own a dress do you?� It was Joey's way of playing it off, getting her to agree to it. Besides, he knew if he could get Rachel to help her shop, it could be a very good thing.

“You hate dressing up unless it's for an awards show,� Melissa pointed out, giving Joey a look. “You told me it was a pain in the ass.�

Joey wasn't sure what to say, looking to JC and Lance for help.

“How about the two of you get dressed up for our entertainment,� JC suggested. “You know ZZ Top, 'Sharp Dressed Man' and all that. Besides,� JC slid his arms around the both of them. “It makes the after the date better,� his voice was almost a whisper, grinning when Melissa blushed and Joey got this stupid smile on his face. He winked at Rachel, patting them both on the back. “I told you that you'd like it.�

“Come on, Fatone. We can go back to your house and play Madden while Melissa and Rachel shop. You can take her out tonight,� Lance said, giving Rachel a smile. “Get something for you to wear so I can take you out.�

“Oooh a date. I'm there,� Rachel told him, leaning in and giving him a small kiss. “See you later?� she said, getting a nod.

“Make sure you get a dress,� Joey told Melissa, knowing how her mind worked. “A hot dress,� he added, loving that he made her blush. “I'll pick you up at 7.�

“You better look hot yourself.� Melissa kissed him quickly as she looped her arm through Rachel's. “You suck,� she muttered once they were out of earshot of the guys, taking Lance's car back towards Orlando.

“Shut up. You know you're excited to look like a girl for once. Joey won't know what hit him.� Rachel smiled as she unlocked the car and they got in. “Just trust me on this.�

“The last time I trusted you, you got me to wax my legs and my eyebrows. I was allergic to the wax and broke out in hives. This better be a whole lot better than that.� Melissa blew kisses to Joey before they backed out, laughing at him pretending to be heartbroken. “Fine,� she said a little bit later as they made their way back to Orlando, “make me hot. But it's just this once.�

*^*^*^*^*^*

“Holy crap, I look freaking hot. Other than my boobs are going to fall out of this dress,� Melissa told Rachel, pulling at the halter top to the black dress she was wearing. It had an empire waist and covered her fine, other than she wasn't used to it. The skirt hit her about the knees and went off longer at an angle in the back, the longest side hitting her about mid calf. “You made me beautiful, Rach,� Melissa turned to grin at her friend who was getting ready herself. “And you look hot.�

“You're welcome. And technically it was me, the dress shop and Clinique. Your hair looks awesome,� Rachel told her. They'd curled Melissa's hair and pulled it up into a french twist with the big black flower barrette with a few cubic zirconias in it to sparkle. “I have to get pictures to use as blackmail,� Rachel smoothed her own dress out, a halter top long dress in a dark navy blue color, her hair half up and curled as well. Her make up was a nighttime dramatic effect and Rachel smiled. Very different from their usual dress.

Melissa slipped her feet into her new shoes, some black sparkly Tom's. She'd refused heels, arguing with Rachel that it wasn't sexy to face plant into something as she walked. “If Joey's not dressed up, I'm kicking his ass,� she told Rachel, taking a deep breath. “Why am I nervous? It's just me and Joey...�

“You're nervous because now he's coming to pick you up for a date. All the other times he's been coming to hang out. It didn't matter if you were wearing sweat pants or whatever,� Rachel told her with a shrug. “Quit pulling on your top. The girls aren't moving, take a deep breath.�

Melissa did as she was asked, letting Rachel take a few pictures. The doorbell rang and Rachel made her stay upstairs while her friend went to answer it.

Joey's eyebrow raised at Rachel. “You look good, Rach,� he grinned at her looking at him. “I clean up alright,� he said, standing there in a tan Armani suit with a black shirt and tie, his hair spiked up. He'd even shaved, making his goatee stand out more, the thin strip of facial hair covering his jawline.

“Wow, you look good. No fedora?� Rachel asked, laughing when Joey produced one, the same color as his suit. “Come in and I'll call Mel. Try not to faint, okay?�

A smile played on Joey's lips as he shook his head. He wasn't going to faint. His eyes widened when he saw her, swallowing hard as his heart rate increased. Joey wondered what had happened to his best friend, now some woman claiming to be Mel standing in front of him. She looked stunning and Joey was at a loss for words. “Amazing,� he murmured, pulling her to him and looking her over.

Melissa beamed at his words, blushing a little and looking him over. “You look hot, Joey. Handsome...sexy...� she smoothed down his tie and grinned. Neither one of them paid attention to Rachel who was taking pictures and got a couple with her phone.

“Ignore me, I'm not here,� Rachel told them, grinning at the shots she'd gotten, sending her phone pics off to Lance to forward to Justin, Chris and JC. She sent it to Mel's phone, knowing her friend would share it.

“So, where are you taking me?� Melissa asked Joey, grinning when he shrugged like he was keeping a secret. “Fine, I didn't want to know.�

“Come on, let's go before we miss our reservation,� Joey said, offering her his arm. The restaurant wasn't black tie or anything, but it was one he'd been to before and it was fancy enough and something he thought Melissa would enjoy. He smiled at her surprise at the black Lamborghini sitting the driveway. “You'll have to call and thank Justin. It's a friend of his that brought it over,� Joey told her, opening the suicide door and helping her in. “I left my spleen on deposit.�

Melissa laughed at Joey as he shut her door and got in. “You didn't have to do all this, Joey. I would have been happy with McDonald's or whatever, riding in the Acura.�

Joey barked a laugh, leaning over to kiss her cheek. “I know you would, so that's why it makes this more special. You don't expect this every time we go out, and God knows how many times we've sat at the house and ordered pizza.�

“We weren't dating then. I don't expect you to change because we're dating. I still want my best friend,� Melissa told him as they made their way down the interstate.

“Me too. I still want the girl who hates scary movies and can't do math. The one who laughs at my stupid jokes and knows I dislike salmon.�

“So what changes?� Melissa asked Joey, slipping her fingers into his, giving him a smile. She could think of one thing, a blush creeping up her cheeks.

Joey cut his eyes over to her, noticing her blush. “Well...the physical stuff. Not sure anything else does. Does it need to change?�

She was quiet for a few moments, thinking. “I hope not. I mean, the feelings will change in that they'll get deeper. And the Bee Gees started playing in my head.�

“How deep is your love, how deep is your love I just need to know,� Joey sang, fiddling with the radio. “Hell yeah,� he said, turning up a rap song, letting it bump the car as they both sang along.

“You need help!� Melissa yelled at him, shaking her head, the smile on her face threatening to break.

“Like you've never told me that before, bambina,� Joey yelled back, bobbing his head to the music, turning it down a little as they made their way through downtown. “Here we are,� Joey told her as they pulled up to Citrus Restaurant & Bar.

“I'm gonna order the most expensive thing on the menu,� Melissa told Joey, sticking her tongue out at him, grinning as he glared at her.

“Stick it out again, Bass.� Joey's mouth played off a smirk as she did it again, and he kissed her. A long hard kiss that left them both breathless. “I want dinner. Think you can keep your hands off of me for that long?�

Her jaw dropped and she looked him up and down. “I hope you know, Mister Fatone, you aren't all that and a bag of chips,� Melissa gave him the yeah whatever look, chuckling when he opened her door and helped her out of the car. “Look who's talking with their hands,� she muttered, grabbing Joey's fingers as they went lower down her back. “Are you always like this?�

“You know you like it,� Joey said as he opened the door for her, giving her a grin. He loved making her blush, which is what she was doing now. It wasn't about worrying if they were going to have a good time. That was a given. Joey studied Melissa as they sat down, watching her look around the restaurant. He didn't care how many other women were there, looking at him, he only had eyes for the woman sitting across from him. In that moment, Joey realized how lucky he was. The woman he wanted, the one all those words fit to all the songs was with him. And he wasn't going to let her go.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*

“I think this is the best Italian I've had in a really long time, eating out that is,� Rachel told Lance as she twined her shrimp and scallops fettuccine on her fork. “How's your steak and spaghetti?� she asked, watching him put some steak sauce on his plate next to his meat.

“It's good, the wine makes it better,� Lance said, giving her a grin. “Did you have fun out with my sister? Did she fight going to look at dresses?�

“Actually, no,� Rachel paused as the waiter poured more water into her glass, “she was nervous as hell. Who knew she cared about dressing up until now. If she starts wearing sundresses, I'm going to take her to get her head examined.�

“I tried to get mom to do that once...it won't work. And for the record, you look gorgeous.� Lance gave her a wink and chuckled as she blushed. “You know, for the record, I wish this could be real. You deserve that much, Rachel.�

Rachel swallowed her wine that was in her mouth and studied Lance, not sure of what to say. She was fine with the relationship the way it was. At the same time, she did feel a bit out of place when she looked around and knew that the couples sitting around them were real and they were just pretending. It was flattering to hear Lance say that, thankful he was a gentleman. “It's fine, Lance. I promise. If it's ever not, for either one of us, we'll talk about it, okay? But for now, you are in the running for boyfriend of the year,� she teased him slightly, reaching under the table to squeeze his hand.

Lance squeezed her hand back, nodding. “We are flying out to Los Angeles the first part of the week to hang out when the American Music Awards is. And,� his grin got wider, “I got a call about a movie. It won't be until next year, but they are thinking of putting me and Joey in it. It's a romantic comedy.� Lance told her what he knew about it. “I just know I'll be busier than a one legged man in an ass kicking contest.�

Rachel took a drink of her water and gave him an encouraging smile. “You'll do fine. Just enjoy all of the time and remember that you can sleep later. Besides, don't you live on energy drinks and stuff when you're on tour? Or at least that's what Mel said...�

“She's filling you full of crap. We get sleep as much as we can, once in a while an energy drink but for the most part they make us feel like shit. Our doctor on tour makes sure we're eating right, or as good as we can...believe me, Joey and Chris don't let us skip meals. Even if it's just stuff from catering and we are late to sound check.�

“I've seen ya eat, it's amazing you can eat all those calories and still look fit,� Rachel told him, wondering why they were talking about this. “Are any of you image conscious?�

Lance thought about it a minute before answering. “We all like to keep in shape, but I'd say Joey is...he works his ass off, but can still put on some weight if we're not touring. At the same time, he tries not to let it get to him if a fan says something to him...� he paused, looking at Rachel, “why do we keep talking about my sister and Joey instead of about us?� It wasn't an accusing question, but he was curious.

“I don't know. Maybe because it's something we have in common and we both want them happy,� she sighed, shrugging. “I've heard nothing but Joey the past three years...well, five, but still. I doubt I'll hear something different anytime soon,� she said with a chuckle.

“If we do then we worry,� Lance told her, nodding. They changed subjects a few times during the rest of dinner and dessert, from Rachel's job to their favorite sports to watch, and about them. “I have a couple people in Los Angeles I want you to meet when we go, they usually throw one awesome party after the awards show.� Lance told her about a party last year he'd went to, glad he'd have a date this year that wasn't his sister and that Rachel would be there. It made him feel better, not wanting to go stag.

“It sounds great,� Rachel started, looking surprised when she felt a hand touch her shoulder. “Hi Rachel, I didn't know that was you.� Rachel looked up, seeing her ex-boyfriend Greg smiling at her, looking between her and Lance.

“And I wish you hadn't have come to find out either,� Rachel told him through a forced smile, introducing him to Lance.

“Oh yeah, the boy band guy...NSUCK right?� Greg laughed at his own joke, then yelped loudly when Rachel's high heel found his foot. His face turned a shade of purple as she dug it in, with him whimpering. “Okay, I'm sorry...� he gasped, his fingers gripping their table hard, turning white around the knuckles.

“Thanks for not staying to chat,� Rachel said in a low voice, finally taking her heel out of his foot, figuring she broke one of his toes the way he was limping off. “Men are assholes,� she told Lance, leaning over to kiss his cheek, “well, all of them but you and the rest of the guys.�

“Good to know we rank higher than asshole,� Lance told her, bringing her face back to his and kissing her on the lips. “I'm used to the NSUCK thing, Rach.�

“I know, but no one says that to my boyfriend,� she told him matter of factly, wiggling her fingers at Greg who was limping out. The smile on her face was priceless, looking at him with a sickeningly sweet smile.

“Remind me never to piss you off,� Lance told her, handing his debit card to the waiter to run. Women were a whole different sort to deal with and it made him momentarily glad he was gay, but happy to have her there. “What do you want to do after this? We could always go to Disney World and watch the lights show...� he suggested, knowing it was still early.

“I haven't done that since I was little,� Rachel told him with a laugh. It was a little silly but it also did sound fun. “Maybe we could make it a double date? Make Mel and Joey have to keep their hands in decent places a little while longer...� her grin widened as she laughed, sending off a text to Mel.

“What did she say?� Lance asked when Rachel laughed harder at the text she'd gotten back.

“She said right after the quickie.�

Linda smiled when she looked out the window. “Melissa and Joey are here!” she called out to James who was in the family room. It was still very early on Thanksgiving Day, with company supposed to trickle in as the day wore on, with the meal being served around one that afternoon. She opened the door when the doorbell rang, hugging her daughter and then Joey. “Glad you could make it. You look still asleep Joey.”

“Not quite,” Joey said, carrying in the food they'd been asked to bring. He and Melissa had spent the night before cooking. Well, mostly him cooking but he'd convinced his girlfriend she wasn't going to burn down the kitchen and he'd enjoyed watching her bake a couple loaves of bread, the smile on her face when they came out perfect. Joey had grabbed the olive oil and oregano and made her try some hot. It ended up being a late night, but nothing he didn't mind losing a few hours sleep over. “What time's Lance coming?” he asked, knowing his friend would be there.

“I think Lance said he and Rachel would be here for drinks and appetizers around eleven. They were going to her family's for the actual dinner later,” Linda told him, shaking her head when he asked if she needed any help. “Get in there before my daughter drags you out by your ear.”

“I can take her,” Joey said with a smirk, hearing his name making a yikes face. “Happy Thanksgiving,” he told her, giving her a quick hug. He made his way to the family room where he shook James Bass' hand before sitting down next to Melissa who was grinning at him like a kid at Christmas. “You are way too happy about this stupid parade.” Joey laughed at her giving him a bad look, pulling her closer to him. “There's football pre-shows on,” he whispered a little bit later.

“I watched the whole thing last year cause these guys..uh, NSYNC were gonna sing at this stupid parade. It's tradition,” Melissa heard her dad snort, glaring at him. “Dad, you know you like it, you'll just side with Joey cause he's a guy and you aren't outnumbered with him here.”

James Bass held his hands up, “I'm Switzerland.” He handed Joey the remote and grinned. “You two argue over it. I was up too early basting a turkey..just don't break anything.”

Joey grinned at his having the remote, flipping the channel quickly and then back to the parade. “I have the remote,” he told Mel, holding his finger up and thumb out and passed it over the controller. “This is not the remote you're looking for.”

“Your Jedi mind trick won't work,” Melissa tried to get the remote from him, giggling when he pinned her down on the couch with one of her arms behind her back. “You're being stubborn,” she scoffed, smiling at him.

“I have three days off and I can watch football all day,” Joey argued, hearing James mutter something about kids and that he was going to get a drink. “What will make you let me change the channel?”he asked, holding the remote away from her free arm.

“When the parade's over,” she said, sticking out her tongue at him, squealing when he tossed the remote over where neither one of them could get it. Somehow, Melissa wiggled free and had almost gotten up when Joey grabbed her leg. “Joey!” she yelled, trying to shake him off. “You get the remote at your house!”

“We watch what you want most of the time,” he countered, enjoying the wrestling around. Joey knew it was for fun, not minding watching the parade, loving that he could aggravate her. “I'll let you hold the remote at home.”

“Fine,” Melissa said simply, laughing when he let her go to pick up the remote. “Ha! I got it now..” she turned the volume up, taunting Joey with changing the channel for a few seconds. “Aww,”she squished Joey's lips together and shook his head, seeing him glare. “De poor baby not getting his wittle foozball ..” she let his face go and kissed him. “You have to say the magic word.” She smirked at him and then screamed when he was on top of her, tickling her.

Joey pulled Melissa down and straddled her, watching where her knees were when he started tickling. “The magic word is please...” he said, his fingers finding sensitive areas, one was Melissa's ribcage as she laughed and screamed, still holding the remote. He could easily get it but this was much more fun.

In all the commotion, the two of them missed the doorbell and company that had shown up, a little old lady watching the two of them, her eyes wide, a small smile on her face. “Lord, Edgar, if I'd have known a live sex show was going on, I'd have went to the bank and gotten dollar bills to hand out,” the elderly woman said loud enough for Joey and Melissa to hear.

Joey and Melissa froze; her head peeking out at her grandparents from underneath Joey's arm. “Uh..Hi grandma. We're watching the parade.”She made no mention of what her grandmother said, her face red. 'Busted' she mouthed to Joey.

“Hello, Mrs. Raynes,” Joey said, pulling Melissa to a sitting position and getting off her. “You won the remote,” he told Mel, shrugging at Edgar who just laughed and shook his head. They both got up to greet them.

“I told you to call me Louise,” the older woman chided Joey, patting his cheek. “You better be treating my Nikki good.” Louise always called her grandchildren by their middle names, hence Lance being “Lance” and Melissa was “Nikki” only to her grandmother.

“I am. She's hard to handle sometimes,” Joey told her, hugging her and greeting Edgar. “What? You are...” he said to Melissa who was shaking her head. “Be proud. We made the bread from my Nona's recipe last night and Mel did it all by herself. Well, I brought the dough from my Mom's and helped kneed it, but she did the rest.”

Melissa flushed red and shook her head. “You act like I should get an award, Joey. It was good though,” she told her grandparents, beaming when they just looked at the two of them and smiled.

“Si, magnifico bambina mia,” Joey told her, both of them following the company to the kitchen, the remote still laying in the floor where it had been dropped.

“Next thing you know she'll be asking us if we're getting married,” Melissa whispered, shaking her head at him. Her grandmother asked her that every time she saw her whether she had a boyfriend or not.

Joey laughed at that statement, lacing his fingers through hers.“Nona asked me that a couple weeks ago when she called. I told her you were waiting on me to grow up and she said you need to not put so much pressure on me.” He grinned at the drop of her jaw, using a finger to shut her mouth. “What can I say, I'm her favorite?”

“Remind me to have a word with your Nona,” Melissa said, their teasing remarks forgotten as more people started coming in, cousins and other friends and family, including Chris, Lance and Rachel.

“Wow, this is awesome,” Chris said, having been out of town the last couple years visiting family, grabbing a small plate and some finger foods after hugging Melissa and fist bumping Joey. “You're coming over for game night, right?” he asked the four of them, grinning. After stuffing themselves with turkey and all the trimmings, it was going to be a party with drinks and games. Justin and JC were even going to fly back for it, wanting to spend time together without having work. Right then, conversations flowed around them and men could be heard yelling and talking loudly as the football game was turned on.

“Next time I'm taping the parade,” Melissa told Rachel, grabbing a plate as they went to the kitchen where the other women were, leaving the guys to talk. “Is Lance nervous about dinner with your parents?”

Rachel smiled, taking a plate and grabbing a stuffed wonton. She shook her head. “Not really. He's good at winging it. We'll stay for a while here, then go over to the house. I didn't think any liquor stores would be open today, but I called yesterday and found out they would be so we'll stop before we come to Chris' house.”

“I think we're going to pick up Justin and JC at the airport, but we'll be there.”

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

Melissa stood at the terminal, watching people get off the plane. A small smile played on her lips at seeing Justin and JC coming towards the exit. They were both waving at her, trying not to be noticed in their hats and sunglasses. Joey had opted to stay in the car so hopefully they could get out in one piece. Ricky had come with her, one of the security guys for a 'just in case' type thing, big enough to make people look twice, but he was in plain clothes standing next to her.

“Happy Thanksgiving, chica,” Justin said, hugging her tight when he got to her first. “I missed you and your stupid damn jokes.” He didn't let her go for a minute, then shoved her over to JC, who hugged her just as hard, wishing her a Happy Thanksgiving. “Sup, Rick?” Justin said, slapping the man's hand with a grin.

“Where'd you leave Superman?” JC asked after a hug, smiling at the notion of Joey sitting in the pickup parking when he heard the answer. “We just brought carry ons, so we're good to go.”

Rick led them through the airport and out to where their ride was, not taking any money from Mel. “I live ten minutes away and had to get away from the in-laws for a bit. I should be paying you,” he told her telling the guys bye and going to his own vehicle after telling them he'd see them next week.

“Did you miss me?” Justin asked as they got into the back of Joey's Range Rover, fistbumping him.

“Like a toothache, Timberlake,” Joey replied, grinning when Justin flipped him the bird. “I don't swing that way. Sides,” he leaned over and kissed Melissa on the lips. “I got a girlfriend.”

“It's getting hot in here, so take off all your clothes,” JC sang, with Justin chiming in.

“I am getting so hot, I wanna take my clothes off,” Justin sang, starting to unbutton his shirt, laughing at the both of them. “Please tell me you aren't gonna have sex on the bus. I don't wanna know about that shit.”

"We'll try to keep it down,” Joey said with a smirk.

"Try," Melissa slid Justin a look out of the corner of her eye. "Joey's a screamer."

The occupants burst out laughing as a blush crept up Joey's neck.

“So we won't tell you,” Joey told him with a grin as Justin groaned, covering his ears. Joey shook his head as they pulled out to head towards Chris' house. “How was the family, Josh?”

“They were good, man. They all said hi. My aunt asked if I was gonna be home for Christmas. I told her yes and she told me she was going to whip me if I wasn't there,” JC said with an obvious grin of affection for his family, “My mom cried at that. How was Thanksgiving for you two?”

“We ate with my family today, tomorrow is Joey's family,”Melissa said, turning around so she could talk, making faces at Justin, who was now listening. “I won remote control rights to Joey's tv.”

“Just stuff the remote and your balls in Mel's purse. You ain't seeing those anymore, dawg,” Justin told Joey.

Joey flipped him the bird and laughed. “I don't let her lead me around like that. You aren't any better.”

Melissa didn't miss the look that came over Justin's face as he looked out the window. “You okay, JT?” she watched him nod, suddenly interested in his phone. She made it a note to ask him later, glad when they pulled into Chris' driveway. There were a few cars there and she saw Lance and Rachel were already inside.

“Hey, Rach and Lance are here,” Melissa pointed out as they got out, hoping they had a good time.

“He's in so much trouble, Rachel's already dragging him around to family stuff. Better dust off the mantle for a family picture with the Weatherly's, holidays with the in-laws,” Justin joked as he shut the door. “We already know you're whipped, Fatone.”

Justin walked up to the door and put his finger to his mouth, proceeding to pound on the door, yelling “Police!”

"Come out with your hands up." Joey echoed, trying not to laugh.

"We have the place surrounded," JC chimed in, all of them listening to footfalls and loud talking inside.

Chris opened the door, and Justin whooped at the look on his face. “You thought we were the fuckin' cops. That was awesome,” he said, throwing his arm around Chris in a manly hug.

“Wouldn't be the first time,” Chris replied, shoving Justin playfully as they all came in. He eyed Joey and nodded a little at the game that was carried in.

The hugs didn't end with Justin and Chris, all five of them slapped backs and hugged, talking about their holiday and other things.

“So I heard you went and hung out with Jed Clampett in Beverly Hills,” Justin said, making Lance roll his eyes and shake his head. “How was it dawg? Did you pass the test?”

“Only you, Justin...” Lance sighed, nodding, “It was good, ya know. No one was too nosy and treated me nice. They thought we were a couple.”

Justin grinned and slid his arm around Rachel as well, pulling her into his embrace. “Good to know y'all's acting skills are up to snuff. I love that you two are together,” Justin gave them a sincere smile. “Just don't let anyone give you shit.”

“We won't. Especially you, Timberlake,” Rachel told him, hugging him back before she slipped from his arms and off to hug Chris and then JC.

Rachel watched JC set down his drink and pull her to him. She couldn't help but sigh to herself. He smelled good, like cologne and soap, not looking liked he'd been on a plane the last few hours. “Hi JC,” she said, standing there a moment and soaking it up. The tingly feeling she should have when she hugged Lance was there, one that she was trying to ignore and remind herself she wasn't wanting a real relationship with someone. She'd been hurt too many times before.

“Hi Rachel. How was your turkey day?” JC asked her, not missing the fact she looked nice, not overly dressed, but still put together. He figured it didn't matter what he thought, since she was dating Lance, even just for pretend he wasn't going to try and even see where those thoughts would take him. Instead, he let her go as he listened to her answer and grabbed his drink once more.

“Now that everyone's here, let the fun begin!” he announced, garnering whoops and hollers. There was more food and all sorts of beverages set out with a few different tables of games.

“How was dinner?” Melissa asked Rachel, grabbing a water for herself and a beer for Joey, hugging her friend once more as they moved towards the entrance to the kitchen.

“It was good. My grandpa enjoyed talking to Lance. Any other guy he's met that was my boyfriend,” she made a face at the word, “he ignored. Though looking back on some of those, I wish I had ignored them as well. What the hell was I thinking? Anyway, he thought your brother was great. How was yours? Besides Lucy of course...” Rachel's grin grew wider when Chris let out of loud groan as he walked by.

“Lucy was seated down at the other end of the table away from her future husband, much to her eleven year old dismay,” Melissa said, trying not to laugh. Lucy was her cousin who was convinced she was the love of Chris' life and for the past three years had made attempts at any family gathering to have Lance or Melissa tell their friend how she felt. “It was good...ate too much food. Watched football and then ate dessert. I think they were going back for leftovers when we left to get the guys. Nothing too exciting. Tomorrow will be the one where you don't know if a fight will break out or not. Joey's mafia ties and stuff,” Melissa continued, listening to Joey cackle at her comment, shaking his head as he shuffled cards.

“He wishes he was cool enough for that. You got the goofy guy, Mel.” Rachel looked around at the guys and some of the other people there from the band and group. She knew most of them, walking around with Melissa before games got underway, conversations coming and going about all sorts of stuff. It was going to be a fun night.

Rachel took a drink of her Pepsi and looked over at Lance. “Your brother was so good. Everything went smoothly and no one ever suspected we weren't really together. It was so nice to see my family treat him so well...I felt a little bad about it,” Rachel's voice faltered just slightly and she gave her best friend a look. “I wish I could find someone that treats me as good as your brother does. Or how Joey does you...” her voice trailed off as she looked over to where Joey and Lance were now talking.

Melissa put her arm around Rachel and pulled her in close. “You'll find someone like that. Maybe not today, but some guy will come along and sweep you off your feet. Hell be better than my brother, someone you can have a real relationship with.”

“You're just trying to make me feel better,” Rachel explained, goosing Melissa's ribs, giving her a small smile before frowning again . “I always seem to find the losers out there. So far I've struck out...maybe it's just not in the cards, you know. I can do this fake thing with Lance. Maybe it will let me figure out what to look for.” Rachel's gaze swept around the room and her eyes met JC's for a second before moving on. She didn't need any more thoughts clouding her judgment, relieved that she could keep her feelings separate about Lance and about other men.

JC swallowed hard and looked away from Rachel, downing his drink. The expression was momentary, but he'd caught Rachel's pained expression that told him she wasn't happy. He wasn't sure what made her feel that way. It wasn't his place to ask, watching the look go when she realized he'd seen her. He went back to listening to one of their friends talk, pushing it to the back of his mind for now. If it affected the group, or someone in the group, he'd make sure to get to the bottom of it. At the same time, he wasn't like Justin, who was a busy body. JC dealt with facts and figures, the reality of the situation more than feelings. It wasn't to say he didn't have feelings, but he tried not to be in everyone's business, even though something told him that Rachel was going to be part of the group more than he'd know right then.

“Just make sure you and my brother don't get hurt, Rach. You're both too good for that. Call it off if that starts to happen,” Melissa told Rachel quietly a few moments later.

Rachel grabbed a water and opened it, taking a drink before she answered. “You're brother's not gonna hurt me. It's all good. I promise,” she told her friend, watching Joey and Chris settle in with a couple of guys in the band to play poker.

“What am I missing?” Justin asked, knocking back a shot of vodka and pouring another, leaning on the counter next to the girls. He smiled widely, having come up a moment ago to get more to drink, deciding on shots.

“Just girl talk, Timberlake. You know, emotions and good mushy stuff,” Melissa said, grabbing a shot glass and letting Justin pour her a shot.

“Bullshit,” Justin said to them both, laughing. “You're over here swapping sex tips and shit. All this cock around and I know what girls talk about. You can't help it when all this eye candy is here.”

Rachel rolled her eyes and shook her head at him. “I hate to tell you, but looks aren't the only thing that's getting me into bed.”

“No, a couple more shots should do it,” Mel quipped, making Justin choke on his shot, laughing and coughing after he recovered. “That. Was. Epic,” he told them, laughing gleefully. He was glad to be there with his friends, enjoying their time to just goof off and relax.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

“It looks like a giant penis, man!” Chris yelled, laughing when Joey chucked a marker at him. “So it's not a body part?”

“A mountain...a camel hump...a rainbow,” Melissa yelled out, throwing the marker back at Joey, laughing when he drew a big x through what he was doing and started on something else.

“You suck at drawing, Fatone!” Justin yelled, getting the bird. “Just act it out...we don't give a shit.”

“You can't act out a parachute, you dipshit,” Joey told him as the buzzer rang. “See?” he told his teammates, pointing out the strings and stick man.

“If you jumped off the coffee table and fell on the floor, they might have got it,” Lance joked, listening to Chris yell about his precious table. “Or they might have thought that was normal.”

“No love, I'm tellin' ya,” Joey said, sitting down and kissing Melissa's temple.

“You two better be glad I've drank some or I'd be telling you to find a room,” Rachel said with a laugh, laughing harder when Joey jumped up and grabbed Melissa's arm, dragging her back towards the hallway. “That wasn't a suggestion, Fatone!”

Rachel looked at Justin and Lance. “It's my turn,” she drew a card and shook her head. “What game is this, Joey? Porno Pictionary?” she got up and uncapped a marker, looking at JC to start the time.

“I'd say just act it out if you can't draw it,” Lance said, laughing when JC chucked the pencil he was using at Justin's hair.

Rachel's time went by slow it seemed, and she drew a line on her paper, then another and money signs around it.

“The tax collector!” Justin yelled, and they all dissolved in a fit of laughter at the look on her face.

“You're a moron,” Rachel told him, giving them all a grin. “You might wanna cover Joey's eyes,” she told Melissa, starting to unbutton her shirt and shake her hips just slightly.

“Damn it, my money's in my room!” Chris shouted, his eyes getting wide.

Lance watched Rachel and then looked at the drawing. “It's a stripper pole!” he yelled, jumping up in victory off the couch. “You all quit looking at my girlfriend like that. Only I get to see the goods...well, you know,” he said when they all raised an eyebrow.

“It wasn't an offer, it was for the game, you sickos,” she pulled Melissa's hand away from Joey's face and he gave her an innocent look. “You're too young for that, Fatone,” Rachel teased.

Joey chuckled and shook his head at her, taking a long pull of his beer as his girlfriend got up to play.

Melissa looked at the piece of paper in her hands. “You two better get this right if I'm drawing. We're losing by ten points,” she chided over her shoulder to them. They all had a buzz going, nothing bad, but it made it more funny with everyone trying to draw.

“Then quit talking and start drawing,” Joey said, wiping his hands on his pants, giving Chris a look before watching his girlfriend.

“Okay..” JC watched the stop watch, “go!”

Melissa drew a bouquet of flowers and a wedding dress, laughing at the suggestions Chris and Joey were throwing out.

“A wedding in drag!” Chris yelled, laughing, chinking his beer bottle against Justin's.

“It doesn't have to be a wedding you dumbass!” Joey said, wasting time. He could tell Melissa was getting aggravated as she kept drawing; he and Chris yelling out stupid answers until JC said time. She kept drawing and he watched her finish the picture, amazed even in 90 seconds that she could draw that well. “What was it?” he asked, waiting until Chris had the video camera out, putting a finger up to his lips as he pulled out a ring box.

“It was “Will You Marry Me” and I can't believe you two dopes didn't know...” Melissa chose that moment to turn around and her mouth dropped open, then she started shaking her head. “Oh my god, Joey,” she whispered, seeing him get down on one knee. “What are you doing?”

“What does it look like I'm doing?” Joey asked with a chuckle at her biting her bottom lip as he took her hand. He gave her a nervous smile. “I...” he looked at the guys and the camera blowing out a breath, then back at her. “I can't imagine anyone having a place in my heart like you do, bambina. You are my heart and know me like no one else does. I want to spend the rest of my life having a life with you. Marry me, Melissa Nicole Bass.” Joey opened the ring box and laughed through a few tears that managed to escape down his cheeks when she laughed. A strawberry ring pop sat in the box and he just shrugged.

“As you can see, Fatone went for the biggest rock he could,”Chris narrated, waiting for the answer.

Melissa smiled, wiping tears and started nodding. “Yes, Joey,”she told him, trying not to laugh, hugging and kissing him as Rachel got out her phone and snapped pictures. Her face was buried in his neck, laughing and crying at the same time when he moved, pulling out the real ring.

Joey held the diamond ring up. “Bambina,” he said softly, smiling when she looked and saw the ring. “Do you like it?” he asked, watching her nod.

“It looks old..but in a good way,” she said softly, watching Joey smile as he slipped it on her hand. She held her hand up and then kissed him hard on the mouth, hugging him once more.

Joey returned her affections and held her left hand, his thumb playing with the ring. “It came from Italy,” he told Melissa and the rest of their company who was watching and listening, giving them a small smile. “My grandfather asked my Nona to marry him with this ring. When she couldn't wear it anymore, it went around a chain until the chain broke almost seven years ago.” Joey swallowed hard, trying to hold back the emotion in his voice. “When I met my fiance...and then took her to meet my grandmother, Nona told me when I was ready to come get it for my soulmate,” he explained, not sure how to explain the tears and the smile on his face, threatening to stay there for the rest of his life.

The quiet was shattered when Chris let out a big whoop and congratulations, jumping off the couch to congratulate them, the video camera still going from it's sideways position on the couch. The rest of the group followed suit, with more congratulations and shots all around.

“You'll be my maid of honor right?” Melissa asked Rachel, hugging her tight.

“No, I think I'll be busy that day,” Rachel quipped, giving her a dirty look. “You better call your parents and tell them,” she studied the ring and pursed her lips. “What are you going to do with the other one?” she asked, referring to the ring pop. “It seems like a shame to let it go to waste.”

“I think I'll save it for the honeymoon.”

“I don't even want to know,” Rachel started, holding up her hands.

“You may not, but I sure as hell do,” Joey told her, coming up and slipping an arm around Melissa, pulling Chris over to him and slugging his shoulder affectionately. “I owe you one, man.”

Chris shrugged and shook his head. “You don't owe me shit. All you said I had to do was run the video camera and help you figure out what how you were proposing. All I wanna know is how many little girls hearts you're breaking.”

Joey shrugged. “They'll live, man. Long as I don't break this one's heart, I'm good.” He pulled his phone out of his pocket and took a picture of the ring on her finger and sent off the picture. “Nona finally got a cell phone, let's see if she remembers how to work it.” Joey's phone rang a few minutes later and he grinned, answering in Italian. He laughed after a moment then hung up.

“What did she say?” Melissa asked, smiling as Joey wiped his eyes once more, still laughing.

“She asked if this meant we'd grown up, then she wanted to know when she needed to call Italy and book the church. And she told me to tell you to not take advantage of my morals. ”

Melissa raised an eyebrow at him as the closest people around them burst out laughing. “I think it's a little late for that, don't you?”

“What Nona doesn't know, won't hurt her.”

“I like that one,� Melissa pointed out at the four rows of wedding dress pictures before glancing down at the clock in the corner of the computer screen. “You know JC's going to spaz if you aren't ready when he gets here, Joey!� she said loudly towards the rec room where she could hear Madden being played. There was no answer and she sighed, looking at Rachel. “The world could be ending and he'd never know it.�

Rachel nodded, saving the picture with some of the others as they scrolled down. Joey and Lance as well as the rest of NSYNC had an appearance and photo shoot to go to and would be busy, so the girls decided they would get together and hang out and look at wedding stuff. They looked a little bit more at a different site. “Do you even see anything you like?�

Melissa pointed out different elements of things she liked, but nothing in a whole dress yet. She heard the video game turn off and Joey's footfalls go to the hall bathroom.

“Bambina, where's my razor?�

“In the first drawer on the right of the sink,� Melissa called out, smiling when she saw a dress. “That looks like yours you wore to the AMA's. Only in white,� she observed.

Rachel clicked on the picture and then opened a new tab and typed in something. “Let's see if it is,� she told her friend, laughing when Joey asked another question about where something was. “He lives here, right?�

“He does, but after packing and unpacking a bag it's like playing hide and seek. I could make the upstairs bathroom into a hair care salon with all the stuff in it,� she chuckled. “And most of it is his,� she stage whispered as Joey came into the living room freshly shaven.

“What's mostly mine?� Joey asked, raising an eyebrow at his fiance before leaning over the back of the couch to kiss her. He'd trimmed up his goatee some and threw on some aftershave.

“Your John Freida hair care salon you're starting in the bathroom upstairs. Or is it Paul Mitchell?� Rachel teased him, earning a joking dirty look.

“Let's not talk about the shoes in the closet, shall we?� Joey said, snickering when Melissa turned a shade of red and stared at the computer screen. “What is it with women and shoes? You could have a hundred pairs and you still would go buy more.�

“It's just a woman thing,� Rachel pointed out, enlarging a picture. “Look at these two,� she told both of them. “Are they the same or not?�

Joey leaned over the couch, his arms across the back as his chin sat on Melissa's shoulder. “They look the same to me. I thought you didn't like that dress.�

Rachel rolled her eyes at Joey, letting out a small laugh. “I loved the dress, but it's just the situation that happened that made me hate it. Mel didn't tell you?� she looked questioningly at them as Joey shook his head. “Lance and I went to the party at the Ritz Carlton, the one you and Melissa skipped. Anyways, Lance had went to get us drinks and Will Ferrel came and hit on me. His eyes were glued to my breasts like he expected my top to magically slide off. I didn't like the douchebag before, so I really hate him now. So now whenever I look at my dress hanging in the closet I mentally shudder.�

Joey chuckled, nodding at her assessment. “What can I say? Men are stupid.� The look on his face clearly meant men other than him. He looked at the other page they had found and at Melissa as he stood up. “See a dress you like?� he asked, wondering if she was going to go all girly on him when they were getting married.

“I've seen some I like, but nothing in the 'I want to drag someone to the store and try one on' yet,� Melissa had been busy with work and school, trying to fit in now letting a photographer come take a few pictures of her and Joey for a piece to go on the group's official website, since the news had hit the week they'd gotten engaged. That had been a week and a half ago.

“Your appointment at the bridal store downtown is for this afternoon, so you better get to looking,� Rachel reminded Melissa, handing her the computer. Rachel had taken over the job of reminding her when stuff was, since she was more organized than her friend and the only thing Melissa and Joey had decided was that they were getting married between legs of the tour which was starting in a month. So there was roughly seven and a half months to plan a wedding.

“Don't look so stressed, bambina. You're marrying me,� Joey told her, planting a kiss to the side of her head when someone rang the doorbell. He went to answer it, letting JC inside before they both came back to where the girls were.

“In that case, I'm buying you a case of Aleve and a frying pan for a wedding present.� Rachel gave them both a big grin and shrugged before getting up to grab something to drink. Being around all of the guys brought out her sense of humor and as her eyes met JC's she figured it did something for her heart rate too. At least that's what she told herself, glad when her phone buzzed with a text from Lance. She smiled and replied, sending off the mushy sentiment. “What?� she asked Melissa who was sitting there with a silly grin on her face.

“Oh nothing. You just have a look on your face.�

“Shut up. I can't get the stupid one off yours. It's been on there so long I'll never come off. I think you have Joey-itis.�

JC caught on the tale end of the conversation and laughed. “So that's what that's called? I was wondering why she always has this drool on her chin,� he sat down beside Melissa and sideways hugged her.

“Very funny. I thought we had to go...� Joey looked at his watch and raised an eyebrow at JC.

“We can hang for a few more minutes,� JC told him, peering at the computer screen. “Ewww...wedding stuff. Have fun with that.�

“Thanks, Mister Buzzkill,� Rachel chided, “you're not getting married. All you have to do is show up and be happy for Joey and Mel and save me a dance.� Rachel gave JC a small smile and then went back to looking at the computer.

Melissa looked from Rachel over to JC who was watching Rachel intently as she clicked on stuff, not really staring at her, but just thinking.

“It's not the showing up part or anything like that. It's just...forget I said anything. I am stoked that Joey's taking the plunge. He's got more cajones than the rest of us.�

“Don't mind him,� Joey told Rachel, “he has relationship issues. 12 year olds keep getting his number and texting him asking if he'll marry them. He's changed his number about three times.�

“If you'd quit giving it out, I wouldn't have that problem,� JC ground out, glaring at Joey.

“Even had someone's mom call and ask if I'd come to the girl's birthday party. Then stay for a 'party' later with her.�

The girls burst out laughing and Melissa patted JC's face. “Poor baby..all you want is to be left alone.�

“Basically covers it. I want to be the un-Celebrity. I like doing my own thing with what little time I get. We all do,� JC said as Joey nodded in agreement.

The conversation continued until JC's phone rang and he got up, tugging Joey's shirt.

“I guess we're going now,� Joey said, getting up and pulling Mel up as well. “Have fun today,� he told her, knowing she wouldn't like going to try on dresses, but hoping she'd enjoy spending time with Rachel and their families that were going to be there, women on both sides.

“I'll try. Maybe we can go to dinner if you get done in time?� she suggested. “Some Chinese sounds good.�

“You know me too well. I was gonna ask if you wanted to go see Mr. Chow.� Joey kissed her lips and grinned. “Love you, Melly.�

“Love you too, Fatoney. You and Chris behave.�

Joey clutched his chest dramatically, giving her a wink. “We'll try. I'll call you later.�

"That ain't gonna happen," JC rolled his eyes at Joey's back. He gave the girls a smile and a wave, his eyes lingering on Rachel a moment before walking toward the door.

*^*^*^*^*^*

“This tour's gonna be a beast,� Melissa said to Rachel as they came to a stop light, on their way to meet Melissa's mother and grandmothers, along with Joey's mother and sister. “I'm sure the guys will be so much fun to live with the two weeks before the tour starts. That's when you never see them and they come home snapping and acting like assholes,� she rolled her eyes. “It's better once the tour starts, but I just stay out of the way when it gets close. At least we have a little while before that happens.�

“Yeah, and you'll be Mrs. Fatone,� Rachel pointed out, giving her best friend a huge smile. “You know you love hearing that,� she said laughing at the silly giggle Melissa gave. “Are you even going to hyphenate your name at all?�

Melissa cut her eyes to her best friend and pursed her lips into a 'yeah right' expression. “The
'Fatone' is gonna be bigger than my first name,� Melissa laughed as she dug out a piece of paper and a pen, quickly signing her name with Joey's last name.

“Your 'F� is backwards,� Rachel pointed out, shaking her head as Melissa snapped a picture of it. “If you were any weirder, I'd be calling you Joey. You're acting practically giddy...� Rachel smiled, excited for her friend to be so happy. “Now just act that way when we go to try on dresses.� She sent off a text to Lance. 'Your sister is already practicing her new signature. Save me!'

Melissa stuck her tongue out at Rachel as they pulled into the parking lot, “Thanks for doing all this Rach. And for being my best friend.�

“You're welcome. Now I just expect to hear no whining if you try on more than five dresses,� Rachel told her, looping her arm through Melissa's as the two girls went in to start the dress search. Rachel paused a moment when her phone buzzed, laughing at Lance's reply. 'Welcome to my world.'

*^*^*^*^*^*^*

“So, one of you is engaged, is that right?� The DJ asked NSYNC as they all chuckled and pointed at Joey. “Congrats, man...tell me about this girl.�

Joey smiled, “Ah well, her name is Melissa and we've been best friends for three-�

“Four,� Justin interrupted.

“Five,� Lance interjected, trying not to laugh.

“Years,� Joey finished. “We've known each other for five, best friends for three. And I realized that I'd been in love with her for awhile and we've been dating a few months. I figured why wait any longer to pop the question.�

“Did any of you know about it?� the DJ was clearly enjoying the interaction between the guys, watching Chris grin big.

“I knew about it, but I had to keep it a secret.�

“That's the only time you can keep a secret,� JC told Chris, listening to him sputter as they all started trading jabs.

“Joey's my best friend and Mel's my sister and I didn't even know anything. They're together all the time and it's just awesome to see them both so happy,� Lance said, garnering 'aww's' from the other four.
“I love you, man!� Joey said, pretending to get emotional and hugged Lance.

“Oh wow, we are feeling the love in here today as we hang out with NSYNC. Introduce the next song guys.�

“We're NSYNC,� the all said in unison, “and this next song is 'This I Promise You'.�

The song played as the guys talked to the DJ and amongst themselves. When the song was done, they went back on the air.

“So, all the fans want to know how you proposed Joey. Was it just the two of you or what happened? What kind of ring did you get your fiance?�

Joey ran a hand through his hair and smiled. “The ring was one my grandmother Nona gave me to give her. It was her first one from my Grandpa, it's from Italy so it's got a lot of sentimental value. And we were all over at Chris' house playing Pictionary in teams.�

“Joey can't draw worth a crap,� Justin said, “so we stuck him on a team with Chris and Mel.�

“Look who's talking, Vincent van Gogh,� Joey shot back, as they laughed. “Anyway, so when it was Melissa's turn, she grabbed the card I'd had made to look like the others that said 'Will You Marry Me?' as the subject. Chris and I guessed all sorts of stuff...�

“She was getting mad at the end,� Chris said, smiling. “We were throwing out stupid answers and Joey pulled out the ring box.�

“What did you guys think?�

“I thought Joey'd been abducted by aliens,� Justin interjected, punching Joey in the arm.

“It was great. Chris was videoing it and the look on Mel's face...She cried. Joey said some sentimental crap and she cried more,� JC told the DJ.

“It wasn't crap! I was being serious. If she's listening, she's gonna kick your butt, Josh.�

'Oooooo' came the chorus of the other three.

“So Lance, how will it be having Joey as a brother in law?�

“Well,� Lance smiled at Joey, affection in his voice for his friend, “it won't be much different other than my sister will get to move the rest of her stuff out of my house. Yay!� he cheered lightly as Joey shook his head.

“Okay so this last question is for all of you. Who's getting married next?�

The five of them all looked at one another before finger pointing started and jabs were being thrown, a real answer lost as they all started yelling.

The DJ laughed, not sure how to take them. “Well, you heard it here first on WROK the Rock. We've been talking to NSYNC. Tell them who plays the most NSYNC in the Orlando area.�

“WROK, the Rock of Orlando,� the all answered in unison before the mics were turned off, and they shuffled out towards the photo shoot.

“That went well,� Lance told Joey as they signed a few autographs for fans that had come to the back where they were going out, the security keeping them moving and things not too crazy.

“Let's just hope your sister's finding a dress,� Joey told him, scribbling his name and pulling a girl in so her Mom could take a picture.

“She'll have fun with it,� Lance tried to sound sure of his answer, but laughed at Joey's raised eyebrow. “Okay, Rachel will have fun making her try on stuff.�

“I'm surprised she hasn't called screaming yet that we're eloping,� Joey joked as they climbed into the van.

“She ain't gonna elope, man. Mel might hang out with us jackasses and act like a dork with Joey, but she's still a girl. She wants the dress and cake and shit. I bet she'll surprise ya dawg,� Justin told them, having heard what Joey said.

“And that was another installment of philosophy by Justin,� Chris said in his best tv personality voice as they all laughed, the van pulling away from the curb. “How did you get so smart?�

“I majored in women at the University of Timberlake,� Justin said smoothly, slipping his sunglasses on and smirking.

“Now I've heard it all,� Lance said, fiddling with his phone, listening to the conversations around him. He did hope his sister was having a good time and he fired off a message to Rachel. 'Hope it's going well, off to our photo shoot.'


*^*^*^*^*^

“I like this one,� Melissa said as she looked in the mirror at herself and then at Rachel as the sales lady, Ava, fluffed out the skirt and helped get everything looking just right.

“It's the first one, of course you'd like it. You'd say that just so you wouldn't have to try on anything else. I told you no whining,� Rachel grabbed the heels she'd found and thrust them at Mel. “Try on the shoes. You can wear them long enough to walk down the aisle.�

“No, I'll wear them long enough to break my neck and then I won't have to worry about walking down anything. Knowing my luck I'll get married in an ambulance on the way to the hospital as my bone is sticking out of my leg.�

“Very funny,� Rachel narrowed her eyes and shooed her towards the room where the other women were waiting.

They could hear talking and Melissa broke out into almost a run when she heard a particular voice. “That can't be...it sounds like,� she muttered to herself, stopping when she got to the room.

Sofia Fatone, all of a hundred pounds soaking wet, was sitting between Phyllis and Linda, talking to everyone and telling a story. She was dressed simply, in a sweater and slacks, with a bit of jewelry and didn't look like she was in her 80s. “Ah, bambina, you look bellisima.� Sofia got up and went to hug the younger girl, kissing her on both cheeks. “I told my grandson he could not tell you I was coming as a surprise.�

Melissa was touched that Sofia would come from New York just to be a part of the process of dress shopping. “I'm glad you're here,� she told her after giving her another hug, standing up on the pedestal that had three mirrors to show off the dress. It was a one shoulder strap dress that had a very gathered waist and flowed. It had a train, but it wasn't a very long one; one of Melissa's requirements. She wanted simple but something that could be embellished a bit. They'd found a sash that was covered in crystals and a few real diamonds, giving the dress a little more sparkle. “What do you think?� she asked, biting her lip as she turned to them.

“I give it a thumbs up,� Rachel said, taking a couple pictures. She didn't miss the look on her friend's face. That was the dress they were going to get, but she was going to make sure that they did look.

“Close your eyes,� Phyllis told Melissa, giving her a smile. “Now think of Joey and walking down the aisle towards him.�

Beside her, Linda sniffled and then Janine did. “I think that smile says it all,� Louise piped up when Melissa smiled and wiped tears quickly, handing out kleenex to all of them. “I think you could be wearing a paper bag and that boy would like it.�

Melissa let herself get lead back to the changing room to try on another dress, fingering the one she'd just tried on. “I want that one, Rach.�

“I know..just humor us and try on a few more. What fun is it if you don't try on dresses? I have to make you try on shit you by anywhere else. Now you have people waiting on you. Enjoy it...What's wrong?� Rachel noticed the panicked look on Melissa's face.

“What if Joey doesn't like it?�

“Holy hell, Melissa Nicole,� Rachel said, rolling her eyes. “He'd love you if you turned into Fiona from Shrek. Quit worrying and try on dresses.�

Five dresses later, Melissa found herself slipping the first one back on. She let Ava add a headpiece, but no veil and wiped a tear. “This is the dress I'm gonna wear to become Mrs. Joey Fatone,� she said quietly, sticking her tongue out at Rachel, who was wiping her eyes. “Who knew you were a sap, Rach?�

“I cry at movies and shit. Shut up,� Rachel told her, smiling. “Now that this is over, we can go look at stuff for the honeymoon.�

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

Joey grabbed his phone and chuckled at the picture. He bumped JC and showed him the signature. “So it begins,� he said, laughing when JC handed it off to Lance.

“I think she signs better than you do,� Lance told him and handed it off to Justin who was sitting there with his hand out.

“Yo dawg, her F is backward. She ain't even gonna sign Bass to nothin...gonna find Fatone spray painted on the yard.�

“She'll get it tattooed on her body,� Chris said as he looked then handed the phone back to Joey. “What are you gonna dance to for your first song?�

“Dunno, we haven't talked about it,� Joey told them. “Something classic I guess.�

“'Baby Got Back' is not classic,� Chris informed him as they all laughed, the discussion turning towards songs and weddings.

“Ya know, I don't think you've ever sang to my sister...I mean, you've sang to her while in the group, but never just to her in public,� Lance pointed out.

“I sing to her all the time,� Joey defended, blushing a little when the other guys asked. “It's private.�

“He has to serenade her to get some,� Justin teased, giving him a cheesy grin. “I don't see nothin wrong...with a little bump and grind..�

Joey laughed, shaking his head. “I don't care if she is Lance's sister, you aren't getting any details.�

“The thought of you naked is something I never ever hope to think about. What's all this talk about wedding songs, dawg?� Justin slid his arm around Joey. “We want to know about the bachelor party.�

“We want fun. We demand fun!� Chris told him, jumping on Joey's back playfully.

Ideas were tossed around from all of them, leaving Joey laughing hard. Strippers were out of the question, since he only wanted to see one girl naked, but he'd find something for them all to do. He had a bit of time to plan it out, firing off a text back to Melissa from her picture. 'Nice new last name, I think it's mine.' Joey laughed at the next message he got, one apparently from Rachel. It was all of the ladies on the couch giving him a thumbs up. 'Found THE dress.' It made him smile to see their families together, all of them happy. That was the plan.

“Okay guys, they're ready for you again,� one of the assistants called out, cutting off the conversation as they all got up.

Joey did as the photographer asked, crouching down beside Justin as Lance leaned down over behind him. “This shit needs to hurry up,� he muttered loud enough for Lance to hear.

“Why? You got a hot date?� Lance asked through his teeth, still smiling.

“Damn skippy.� Joey smiled and waited for the flash before moving. His mind wasn't on work. It was far from it, on a certain blonde. He let them fix his hair and change part of his clothes, getting individual shots of him and the rest of the guys. “Finally,� he muttered, getting in the car with JC, “take me home, Josh. As fast as you can.�

“Man, I hope when I find my soulmate, I don't act as mushy and whipped as you.�

Joey smirked as he looked over at JC, “I hope you act worse, Chasez. Cause it's the best fucking feeling in the world.�

Christmas was four days away. The month of December had flown by. When Melissa hadn't been studying and taking her finals she was deciding wedding plans with Rachel. Joey had radio interviews and photo shoots for the new upcoming tour and recording. When he wasn't busy with those, he was staying away from the wedding plans at the request of Rachel before she strangled him. All of his ideas for a Superman themed wedding had been vetoed, although Melissa was lobbying for a groom's cake with his beloved red 'S' on it.

The rest of NSYNC had went their own separate ways for Christmas to their respective hometowns to celebrate with family before coming back together for the after Christmas party with Justin and then the New Years Party at Joey and Melissa's. At the current time, the only two guys left in Orlando were Joey and Lance. The two of them were at Joey's house with their girlfriends, getting ready for a date night.

“You're messing up the hot chocolate,” Rachel scolded Joey as he played with the whip cream, putting it at the top of the steaming cup.

“You can't mess up hot chocolate,” Joey retorted, swiping his finger through it, offering it to Mel and grinning wickedly when she licked it off.

“Don't even start that shit or I'll take the treats and leave. Lance and I can watch movies at the house without you two sex fiends trying to undress each other,” Rachel told them, flipping her friend off when Melissa gave her the finger. “You're not my type, Mel.”

“I'm hurt,” Melissa feigned being sad, dishing out their food from Mr. Chow's and getting the desserts ready too so that they didn't have to get up after dinner. Rachel had spent the last couple of days baking goodies while Melissa had helped her bag them up and wrap them to give as gifts. It had been fun and now the leftovers were going to be enjoyed while they watched Christmas movies.

Lance was glad for a night to just hang out. The holidays were still busy but tonight would be just a quiet night in. Even though he wasn't at his house, this was almost as good as being there. Joey's house had always been the hang out spot and now with his sister there, he and Rachel were over more. He and Joey grabbed part of the food and took it over to the coffee table.

“It looks nice in here, man,” Lance told Joey, looking at the Christmas tree with all the decorations on it. He'd looked before but not really paid attention since it had been in the works for a week to get everything done from what Joey had told him. Lights twinkled and blinked and ornaments hung and there were some he recognized that had been his sister's when she was younger, along with a set of NSYNC ornaments. There was a star on top that twinkled, making the tree complete. There was also garland strewn around the fireplace mantle and stockings hung with a fire going.

“Thanks. Took longer than I wanted to get the tree up, but we got it done,” Joey told him, admiring the tree. There were presents under the tree and it felt homey and reminded him of when he was younger and his family would decorate. “I told Mel we didn't need the NSYNC decorations, but she insisted.”

“Excuse me, Mister Fatone,” Melissa bumped him a little as she came by, “you were all worried where yours was.”

“Busted!” Rachel told him, setting down the rest of the food with Melissa. “It's time to eat. Start the movies!” she cheered, excited.

“I vote Rudolph first,” Lance said, watching Joey fiddle with the DVD player before it came on. They had a stack of movies that was a good seven inches thick, the two couples compiling a movie list.

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” Joey sang, sitting down between Melissa and Lance. “Had a very shiny nose, and if you ever saw it-”

“You'd think he was related to Joe-y,” Rachel sang, laughing. “You know I love you Joey.” She thought of Joey much like she did Lance, like a brother. More so brother than Lance, since she had to think of him somewhat romantically so that they could keep up the boyfriend/girlfriend pretense.

Joey gave Rachel a dirty look and smiled. “Sure you love me. That's why I can't have anything with Superman on it in my wedding.”

“I didn't say that, I just said the wedding couldn't be Superman themed. Mel wouldn't tell you no, so one of us has to have the voice of reason,” Rachel pointed out, taking a bite of her fried rice.

The four of them ate and talked and laughed through the cartoon movie, singing along with the songs. The next movie was 'How The Grinch Stole Christmas', the new one with Jim Carrey playing the Grinch. The dishes had been cleared between movies, with new cups of hot cocoa and marshmallows sat on the coffee table, with both couples snuggling up together.

Lance had claimed the loveseat for him and Rachel, both of them stretched out on it with his arms around her, holding her comfortably. “You smell good,” he said, giving her a smile.

“Thanks. It's Vanilla Fields,” Rachel replied, leaning her head back on Lance's chest, enjoying the movie. It was nice to be able to have someone. Even if she and Lance were just friends, it didn't hurt her feelings at all that she could call him her boyfriend. They had a lot in common, more so than she thought they would. Rachel had found Lance something she thought he would love for Christmas, hating shopping but liked getting her friends things they would enjoy. It was one of the few presents she was excited about giving that was sitting under the tree at her parents house.

Lance's eyes were on the movie, but his mind was on Rachel. He wasn't going to apologize for being gay, but there were moments that made him sad he wasn't attracted to her more than he was. She'd make some guy a great girlfriend and more than that. He knew what he wanted from a partner and it sounded odd, but it was a lot of things he saw in Rachel. He'd been out scouring stores and had come up with a gift for her, hoping she liked it. Even though they'd argued back and forth about the holiday in general, that it was too commercialized and kids didn't know what the holiday really was about, they both enjoyed the ambiance and serenity of the holiday itself.

“I love you,” Joey whispered to Melissa, pulling her into him closer as the movie played, planting a kiss along the back of her neck. He didn't miss her shiver slightly, grinning. His lips grazed over the same spot letting his facial hair tickle her. “What?” he tried to put an innocent look on his face when she cut her eyes at him.

“Behave, Joey,” Melissa scolded, not sounding convincing at all, watching him grin at her and then his lips on hers. “Mmm,” she murmured, reaching around to his hair, letting her hand slide up to find the longer part and tug.

Joey kissed his fiance a few more moments and then broke it off. “That's all you get. You have to behave or Santa won't come see you.”

“Whatever, Fatone. I already got what I wanted for Christmas,” Melissa said softly, playing with his hair. “I love you too, by the way. I don't think I'll get tired of saying that.”

“And I won't get tired of hearing it.”

“I'm tired of hearing it,” Rachel countered, making them all laugh. “You two keep your hands where we can see them and no making out.”

Melissa stuck out her tongue at Rachel. “Spoil sport.”

“I'm not going to watch a movie with Joey's tongue shoved down your throat. You can have wild monkey sex after we leave for all I care, but you can behave a few more hours.”

“You said the wrong thing,” Lance muttered, chuckling. He let out a laugh when Joey let out a Tarzan yell in the middle of “Where Are You Christmas?”

“You realize your sister's marrying a guy who has a bear that says dirty sayings and idolizes a comic book hero right?” Rachel whispered, trying not to break out into giggles.

“There could be worse things,” Lance told her, grinning wider. “He could be a Backstreet Boy.”

“I heard that, Lancypoo.” Joey remarked, narrowing his eyes at his friend, his mouth curling up at a hint of a smile. “None of those yay-hoos compare to me.”

“Yes,” Rachel told Joey, leaning over to look at him from her spot on the loveseat, “thank God there's only one of you. The world couldn't take another.”

“I'd take another Joey,” Melissa said, laughing when Joey gave her a look.

“There's only one, bambina. I'm the original.”

“There's a pick up line...” Rachel laughed, rolling her eyes. “Joey, you really need to work on seducing a woman.”

Joey grinned back at her, “I'm like Sylvester Stallone and Don Juan all in one. I can seduce a woman just by looking at her.” Joey goosed Melissa's ribs, making her jump and grinned. “How do you think I got this one?”

“Dumb luck would be my guess,” Lance told him, making a yikes face at the both of them, ducking when a pillow flew at his head. “I was kidding!” he yelped when a pillow thwacked him in the mouth. “We've missed most of the movie...” he pointed out, making them stop and look at the ending credits.

“We'll start it over,” Joey told him, moving to get up to head towards the bathroom.

“If you shake it more than once you're playing with it,” Rachel yelled towards the hallway, snickering when Joey harrumphed. She stopped for a minute, listening. “What is he singing?”

“I'm dreaming of a white Christmas, just like the ones I used know,” his baritone voice echoed from the bathroom, deeper than his usual voice. Joey grinned as he heard them all laugh. He washed his hands and wandered back into the kitchen, snagging a covered pretzel. “So, another movie?”

The other three agreed and re-started The Grinch. Halfway through it, Rachel and Lance had a blanket over them and were sacked out. Joey and Melissa were curled up, soft snores coming from Joey while Melissa laid her head on his chest. Her eyelids were getting heavy, but she smiled at the scene. This was what she loved most about the season. Getting to be with her friends and family. It made all of the craziness the rest of the year worth it. The last thing she remembered was 'You're a mean one, Mister Grinch...”

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

“Melly, we gotta go woman. We'll be late,” Joey hollered at the bathroom door. He was in a button up shirt and tie and dress pants, glancing at his watch again. He smiled, watching the 'S' flash as he looked at it. It was heavy and felt good on his wrist, the Superman logo only coming up when it was bent just right. He'd not made too much of a fuss at his fiance when she insisted that he opened one of his presents early, the look on her face making him relent. It would go in his 'man box' as Melissa called it, where his Superman necklaces and a few other man jewelry items went. His diamond stud that he was wearing now in his left earlobe. His gaze went to the door when it opened and he smiled. “Ready?”

“Yeah, my hair didn't want to cooperate,” Melissa said, looking him over, straightening out his collar in the back. “You look nice...smell nice too,” she observed, blowing a kiss at him so she didn't get lipstick on him. She had on a knee length cap sleeved red dress with a black shrug and some black flats on. Melissa had straightened her hair and put on some make up, wanting to look good for midnight service at the church. “Let's go, Fatone.”

Joey put his hand on the small of her back as he let her lead the way to the car, opening the door for her. “You look beautiful, bambina. Have I mentioned that?” He grinned at her, loving it when she bit her lip and blushed. It made him feel ten feet tall that he could make her blush with just a few words.

Melissa got in and shrugged. “Not in the last hour or so. But I remember you saying something about it earlier. Or was it something along the lines of 'A little faster, bambina..You're so beautiful when you're on top...',” Melissa laughed when he snorted and waited until he was in the car to continue. “Of course there was earlier than that, when I was trying to burn the kitchen down..I mean, cook dinner.” Melissa made a face as Joey chuckled and took her hand. She wound her fingers into his as he pulled out of his neighborhood. “You still love me when I'm mad.”

“Of course. No one yells at a pan of burnt chicken like you do, Mel. And you were beautiful then too as you threw it in the trash.”

Melissa laughed, looking over at Joey. “I can't wait to marry you, ya know. So we can fight about all the fun married stuff. Money, bills, where the furniture should go. If you really need that ninety inch television in the man cave...” a smile played on her lips as Joey kissed the back of her hand.

“We won't fight. At least not over stupid stuff,” Joey told her as they drove towards the church, looking at the lights and other decorations. He pulled in a few minutes later and waved to Janine and David. “We'll fight about big important things...like if we should go to sleep or watch another episode of Fear Factor.” He grinned when she rolled her eyes, both of them getting out of the Range Rover.

“Merry Christmas!” Janine pulled her brother and Melissa into a big hug. It wasn't overly cold in Orlando, but cool. “You two look great,” she let them go to let her husband greet them before they all walked in together.

For being a midnight service, the church was full. A manger scene was at the front, as well as garland and lights twinkling with the candles lit. Joey and Melissa slid into a pew with the rest of the Fatones, feeling the holiday spirit come over them as the crowd hushed and the service began.

Melissa and Joey enjoyed the church service with his family, standing around talking afterward as they got some hot cider and finger foods, wishing others a Merry Christmas.

“You're coming for lunch tomorrow, right?” Joe Senior asked Melissa, watching her nod. “Good. That way you'll be able to enjoy your morning with Joey. I'm sure he'll wake you up at six in the morning.”

Melissa laughed and looked over at Joey who was talking to David and Steven. “He's never failed to get me up early, even when he's been a few time zones away.” Melissa thought back to when the guys were in Europe and couldn't come back for Christmas. It had been around three in the morning when Joey had called to wish her a Merry Christmas. They'd stayed up talking for a few hours and opened their gifts to each other over the phone before she'd told him she was going back to bed. Joey was always excited about the holiday, not wanting to miss anything.

On the way home, the two of them talked about Christmas and Justin's party the next day. “We're all flying to Memphis..the plane will leave around two,” Melissa told Joey, looking at her phone and the message she'd gotten from Justin about the party plans. “I wonder if he's alright,” she said more to herself, but caught Joey's look of concern. “He just has seemed a bit not himself lately. I meant to ask him about it, but never got the chance.”

“Justin's moody,” Joey told Melissa as he got on the interstate. “We all are, but he takes things differently. It's the genuis in him...I get mad and curse in Italian and then I brood about it. Lance will want to be left alone, JC withdraws and gets snippy, Chris acts even more outrageous and Justin will get quieter and then let his emotions out in song. It's scary, but cool, to watch. His dance moves always get better.”

Melissa nodded, listening to Joey's assessment of them all. He was right. They were a group, but they all reacted differently to things. “I'll wait til later to ask though. Right now I have more important things to think about,” she gave Joey a sly smile as she put her hand on Joey's knee that was closest to her, giving it a squeeze as her palm slid up his leg to his thigh and over towards the crotch of his pants, not quite getting there before stopping.

“What sorts of things would those be, bambina?” Joey asked, shifting a little in the driver's seat, groaning when her hand where it had intended to his crotch. “I was gonna suggest we call Lance and see if they were still partying, but that just got vetoed.”

“It did? Why?” Melissa smirked at Joey as she cupped his package, shifting around in her seat to lean over and kiss Joey's neck. She loved teasing Joey like this, stopping just long enough for him to get through the gate before she nipped his ear. “Joey,” she whined when he suddenly turned his head and kissed her hard on the mouth after getting the Range Rover just into the driveway before parking it. Melissa felt Joey's hand feel around for her seat belt and get it off before pulling her more to him, his mouth still on hers.

Joey finally broke off the kiss when he needed air, his eyes focused on her. He smirked at her hair, now messy and her lips swollen, both of them breathing hard. “Let's get inside before we get arrested,” he suggested, pulling her face back to him for a quick kiss, grunting when her fingers found his hair. “Behave,” he mumbled, kissing her jawline as she played with his hair. A growl came from him when she pulled hard. “Inside, Melly...”

Melissa smiled at Joey and his finger pointing towards the door. “You mean you don't want to go to bed and sleep or open presents?” she asked innocently as they went in, trying not to get more worked up as Joey's body was pressed up against hers as he opened the door then shut it. Her arms went around Joey's neck when he cornered her at the door, her eyes shut when Joey's lips found her collarbone. “You're seducing me, Fatone.”

“That's the point...” Joey stopped long enough to pull her sweater off, tossing it towards the end table by the couch. His fingers ran along her skin, up to the sleeves of her dress and back down over the fabric in the front. He knew he'd gotten somewhere when Melissa's head fell back against the wall and her back arched, one of his hands getting a handful of breast while the other was holding her. “Tell me what you want, Melly.”

“I want you,” Melissa told him, reaching for his tie and undoing it to slip it off over his head, then started in with the buttons on his shirt. Once Joey's shirt was open, her mouth caressed his skin along his chest and downward. She breathed in his scent, as she went back up, her eyes meeting his. Joey's eyes were a darker brown, smoldering almost when he looked at her. “Take me to bed, Joey.”

Joey shook his head, smirking at her confused look. He grabbed a blanket off the couch and laid it down. “We can go to bed later, bambina. I want to make love to you right here,” he told her, pulling her to him and holding her for a moment. The tree gave off enough light to see and Joey thought this was about the most perfect Christmas he'd ever had. All the sentimental thoughts went out his head when Melissa's fingers found his belt buckle on his pants, giving her a slight smile. “I love you,” he said, biting his lip when her hand slipped inside his pants to his underwear, rubbing and stroking him.

“I love you,” Melissa replied in turn, continuing to get him undressed, their clothes piled haphazardly in the floor. It was a back and forth of who was in control, until she found herself underneath Joey, his body pressed against hers. “What are you thinking?” she asked him when he stopped and was staring at her, a silly little smile on his face.

“I'll make love to you like you want me to and I'll hold you tight, all through the night,” Joey sang softly, chuckling when she blushed and pulled his face to hers. “Well that wasn't quite what I was thinking...” his voice trailed off in a groan as she yanked his hair hard.

Melissa used her legs to pull Joey's hips more into hers, leaving him enough room to put himself inside her. “Joey,” she gasped as he entered her, his lips nibbling hers.

“Mel,” Joey countered, shutting his eyes when he felt how wet she was for him, that she was his and he could look forward to having her for the rest of his life. He would know every way possible to make her want him, to seduce her. His resolve to make it last waned when she started winding her fingers through his hair. 'Hair sex' as Justin had put it, was Joey's undoing. He growled every time she yanked, gauging how fast or hard he should be going by how she was pulling. That and the sound of his name on her lips. “Bambina,” Joey grunted, reaching up and taking her hands from his hair to put them at his shoulders. He shuddered a little when her fingernails dug into his shoulders and then his back.

“Joey..oh baby, oh Joey,” Melissa's eyes were screwed shut as her body shuddered underneath him, an orgasm bringing her over the edge. She was breathing hard, her voice raspy telling him to keep going. Melissa played with Joey's hair; messing it up more before reaching down between their bodies to touch herself and him.

Joey's eyes rolled back in his head a little when he felt her hand on him and then herself. “Fuck,” he muttered, pulling her legs up higher, grinding against her, wanting to make sure they were both completely satisfied and worn out when this was done. His dick twitched and he growled when he felt her tighten up again. He'd tried not to be a screamer, but he couldn't help it, getting louder the closer he got to orgasm. His whole body convulsed as he came hard, yelling Melissa's name. He held himself up on shaky arms on top of her, nuzzling her neck. They were both sweaty and panting, a goofy smile on their faces. “Merry Christmas, bambina.”

Melissa chuckled and kissed Joey's cheek. “Merry Christmas, Fatoney.”

*^*^*^*^*^*

Joey laid in bed, watching the woman beside him sleep. They'd went to bed a few hours ago and here he was awake. He should be trying to go back to sleep but he didn't want to. It wasn't because of the holiday, though that was exciting in itself. He was awake letting his mind wander over how much his life had changed that year. Maybe to others it wouldn't be so much, but having his best friend become his lover and future wife made Joey feel he'd never want for anything again. His eyes caressed her skin, her hair falling over her shoulder. He reached over and pulled her closer to him, her head falling to his shoulder.

“Joey,” Melissa mumbled, not really awake.

“Yes, bambina?” he said softly, waiting to see if she talked again or fell back asleep. When he heard nothing after a few moments, he smiled and closed his eyes, letting out a deep sigh.

“Sing to me.”

Joey's eyes popped open and he rolled over to spoon with Melissa. “Sleep, bambina.”

“Just one verse..please, Fatoney,” Melissa asked, still not really awake, but wanting to hear his voice anyways.

Joey thought for a moment, his mouth next to her ear. “I've loved you forever, in lifetimes before. And I promise you never, will you hurt anymore. I give you my word, I give you my heart, this is a battle we've won, and with this vow forever has now begun.” He smiled at her, now asleep again with a smile on her face.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*

Rachel handed Lance a package with a big bow on it. She smiled, watching him shake it, like he'd done with every other package. “Sorry, it's not an exploding one,” she told him, looking around the living room. There was still a pile of packages under the tree, ones that were going to friends and family after they had their Christmas with each other. Lance was still in the shirt he'd slept in and shorts, while Rachel was in her sleep clothes also.

Lance opened the package and then looked at Rachel, then back at the package. “Are you shitting me?” he asked, a huge grin spreading on his face. He held up the picture of Buzz Aldron and Neil Armstrong that was signed, along side the one of the Apollo ship that took them to the moon. There was a certificate of authenticity in there. “This is awesome, Rach.” Lance put it on the couch and got up and pulled her to him in a hug, kissing her on the lips.

“You're welcome,” Rachel told him, delighted that he liked it so much. His face lit up like a kid when he talked about space travel, telling her of his plans to go into space with one of the missions after everything with NSYNC. “I vote we call up people and see who wants to go to breakfast after we get ready,” she suggested, knowing that Denny's was open.

Lance nodded, fingering the necklace he'd gotten her, the diamonds in it sparkling. “I think yours sort of made mine lackluster,” he said, giving her a smile.

“Whatever, Bass. I wouldn't have gone and gotten myself a new cell phone. I was gonna use my old one til it quit. And my awesome leather laptop case...the necklace was just the bling. Diamonds are a girls best friend ya know...” Rachel gave him a peck on the cheek, “I loved it.” She looked over at his things she'd gotten him besides his picture. “You gonna wear your new clothes?”

“Hell yeah,” Lance replied, holding her close a moment longer. “Thanks, Rach. For everything...I'm glad you agreed to do this.”

“Me too, Lance. It makes me believe I can find someone like you out there...like one of those songs you sing,” Rachel messed up his hair. “Call your almost brother in law and sister while I get in the shower.” She pulled out of Lance's arms and gathered up her stuff before taking it to Melissa's room and grabbing clothes. No one would ever know it, but Rachel mostly slept in Melissa's bed when she came over to spend the night. It wasn't that she and Lance didn't snuggle, or spend time together, but there was nothing going on. And she felt more comfortable keeping things that way.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

“Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays,” Melissa sang to her brother as she snuggled more into Joey's arms. They had yet to open presents, just spending time enjoying the quiet morning and watching the fire flicker in the fireplace. The television was muted on with “A Christmas Carol” playing.

“What are you and Joe doing?” Lance asked, smacking his head. “Forget I asked that, I don't want to know.”

Joey chuckled, bringing the phone to his mouth, “You wanna know or you wouldn't ask,” he grinned wickedly at Melissa, “Baby, keep going just like that...yes..”

Melissa laughed and took the phone back, “Ignore him, he had too much spiked apple cider,” she squealed when Joey grabbed her and started tickling. “What do you want?” she asked between giggles, trying to wiggle out of Joey's lap.

“I was going to ask y'all to come eat breakfast at Denny's, but it sounds like you're busy,” Lance told her. He heard a muffled sound and his sister's voice whispering to Joey.

“We still need to get ready,” Melissa told her brother, making a face as Joey licked her hand while it was clamped down over his mouth. “I'll text you when we're on our way.”

“Love you Mel. Merry Christmas,” Lance told them, shaking his head as he hung up. He knew for sure nothing would ever be boring having Joey as his brother in law.

Melissa gave Joey a dirty look as she took her hand off his mouth. “I don't know where your tongue has been.” She raised an eyebrow as he pulled her down underneath him.

“Oh Melly, you know that's a lie,” Joey whispered, kissing her. “How long do we have?”

“Not long enough, Joey..we still haven't even opened gifts.”

“Eh, we can come home and open them. Might be better that way. If I let you open them now, you won't let me leave the house.” Joey grinned at her and kissed her once more before getting up and holding his hand out to take hers. “Oh wait..there is one thing,” he said, going to her stocking, “close your eyes.” Joey waited until she did what he asked, grinning. He pulled out the box with a bow on it and put it in her hands.

Melissa looked at the box and then at Joey. “What did you do?” she asked, watching him trying not to grin as she slipped the bow off and open the box. Her mouth dropped open and she stared at the necklace. The whole thing sparkled and the two pear shaped diamonds hung off the end of their individual strands from the 'knot' formed in the necklace that had diamonds in it as well. “Joey...” her eyes met his and she wasn't sure what to say.

“If I knew diamonds would shut you up, I'd have bought a truckload,” he teased, laughing when she just stuck her tongue out at him. “Promises, promises Melly.” Joey helped her put it on, looking down at it twinkling back at him. “Do you like it?” he asked, hoping she did. He'd seen it and thought of her, knowing she loved things like that but wouldn't ever go spend the money on herself.

“I love it, Joey. Thank you,” Melissa wrapped her arms around his waist and sighed happily when his arms went around her. “Santa ain't got shit on you, Fatoney.”

“Good to know I beat a fat man in a red suit. You hear me Santa?” Joey yelled, his fist shaking at the ceiling. “I have defeated you! HA!” He laughed when Melissa broke out into giggles. It made him laugh and five minutes later found both of them wiping tears.

“Joey Fatone, lover of Superman and Italian food, defeater of Santa Claus and singer in NSYNC. What a resume,” Melissa said, collapsing in a fit of laughter once more.

Joey barked a laugh and shook his head as he helped her up, both of them still chuckling as they went to get ready. If this was how the morning was going, the rest of the day promised to be one of those where his cheeks and stomach would hurt from smiling and laughing so much. He'd take that any day. Grinning, Joey turned the water on in the shower. “Pour some sugar on me,” he sang, loud enough for Melissa to hear from the bedroom.

“No thanks, it attracts ants and you aren't hot enough to melt it.”

“You wound me, Melly,” Joey retorted, singing anyways and grinning when she slipped in the shower with him. “I'm not talking to you. I get you diamonds and you insult me.”

“Says the man with a naked woman in his shower that loves him more than anything.” Melissa purposely shook her hips a little as she turned around to grab the shampoo. She let Joey's hands wander over her body before smiling. “We're going to be the worst newlyweds ever,” she told him, “ Late to everything.”

“I plan on being late for at least twenty five years or so.”

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

The rest of Christmas day was filled with food, family and fun. Families were intermixed and mingled, and by the time Rachel and Melissa met up again at the Bass house, they collapsed on the couch and leaned on one another.

“I think I'm going to be sick,” Mel groaned, her eyes traveling to Joey who was munching on some snack. “You're eating again, Fatone? Jesus...” she yelled, watching Joey just shrug. “I swear he's eaten nine thousand calories today. I don't care, but...god..”

Rachel made a face, nodding. “Too much pumpkin pie. And someone made homemade Reeses cups at my parents. One of my aunt's I think...And turkey and dressing. Did you know Lance loved that green jello stuff..Green fluff.”

“He'll steal the damn bowl and eat it,” Melissa snickered and pointed out her brother who was sneaking a plate of it.

“That's your fifth helping in three hours,” Rachel said loudly, with Lance pretending to look around as if Rachel wasn't talking to him. “You know you hear me...” she laughed when he ignored her.

“I heard someone talking,” Joey said, taking a bite of a cookie and then looking at it. “Whoever made these, we want these at our wedding!” he announced loudly, causing the women to laugh that were immediately around him, grinning at his fiance, who just made a face at him still eating. He didn't care. He'd burn it all off in a couple days. They weren't on a diet, but they did watch more of what they ate while rehearsing and touring.

“How was your Christmas, man?” Lance asked Joey, both of them wandering into the den where most of the other men were sitting around watching football.

“It was great. Gotta go home and open presents. Some punk called us and asked us to go eat this morning.”

“Shut the hell up,” Lance laughed at Joey, “my sister agreed. No one told you to take your time getting ready...”

“The force is strong with that one,” Joey said, giving him an innocent look. “She's all over me. I have to beat her off of me to get sleep.”

“I feel so sorry for you, Joe. My heart's bleeding.”

“Whatever,” Joey ate the last of his cookies, “just for that, tomorrow I'm kicking your ass in bowling.”

“I bet you twenty on that.” Lance and Joey shook hands before sitting back to watch the game. “Merry Christmas, bro.”

“You too, Bass.” Joey heard the laughter of women and wondered what was going on in there. He'd heard that everywhere they'd gone, once the men were ensconsed in a different room with sports or some other activity, the laughing would start. “What do you think they're talking about?” he asked no one in particular.

“With women, when they start laughing, it's usually about us. You learn to tune it out unless it comes with the words, 'Honey, I need to borrow your Mastercard,” James Bass informed Joey, the rest of the men agreeing. “And if they say that, it's usually best to say 'Yes, dear' and hand it over.”

“Chicas!� Justin called out when he saw Rachel and Melissa walk through the doors of the bowling alley he reserved for the party. He'd pulled them away from Lance and Joey, ignoring the men's protests. There were quite a few people there already, some family, a lot friends. All were ready to have a good time and celebrate the holiday. Music was already blaring from the overhead speakers as guests gathered around, mingling “Did you miss me?� he asked, kissing them both on the cheek. He didn't care who saw him, ignoring Joey's protest. “I ain't kissin' you dawg. Sorry.�

“Keep your lips off my woman, Justin!� Joey yelled at him, nodding to a couple people he knew.

“Go find your own,� Lance stifled a laugh as Justin made a big showing of kissing Melissa, which caused Joey to spout off.

“Hi, Justin,� Rachel told him, accepting his affections and hugging him back. “How was your Christmas?� she asked when she stepped back, Lance coming up beside her. She gave him a smile and noticed out of the corner of her eye the final two members of the group, JC and Chris, entering the alley. She wiggled her fingers at Chris and JC when she saw them making their way towards where they stood.

“It was fuckin' epic. How was yours? I see you both scored some bling,� Justin said as he greeted Joey and Lance, which was a cluster of hand slaps, one armed hugs and backslapping which only grew when Chris and JC joined them.

“It was good,� Rachel told him, laughing at the disjointed-ness of their conversation, making her way to JC since Melissa and Chris were hugging like they'd not seen one another in a year. “Really?� she laughed at the two of them.

“Ignore Chris. He's had way too much caffeine between the airport and here,� JC told Rachel giving her a dazzling smile before pulling her into a hug. He knew he couldn''t let the hug linger too long, but he was glad her hair was long enough to allow him to give her a light squeeze, just enough to be more than a hug. “Merry Christmas. How are you, Rach?� he asked after letting her go.

Rachel was thankful she'd already had a smile on her face or it might have looked suspicious for her to smile more, still standing close to him; accepting a hug from Chris next. “I'm good, JC. How was your Christmas?�

“It was good,� JC told her, pulling Melissa to him in a sideways hug. “Not long enough as usual. Didn't get enough sleep.�

“I think you could sleep for a week and say that, man,� Joey came up on the other side of Melissa and slapped JC's hand in greeting. The five guys and two girls all talked for a bit before Justin found a microphone. Clearly he was the host of the party, grinning at the whistles and cheers he was garnering when he got up on the bar that ran along the divider between where the bowling lanes were and the carpeted area that had the concession stand and pool tables and other games.

“What the fuck is up, people?� Justin yelled, causing even more ruckus. “Thanks for coming out to be here. I know you didn't want more damn turkey or to sit and watch re-runs,� he said, walking along the bar, making sure not to trip over anyone's drink. “This is just for all of us to have fun and mingle, make new friends, see old friends. But...I would ask that if you bowl, if you play pool, hell, if you go take a piss, take a minute to throw some cash in one of the big jars you'll see..� Justin pointed to them, being held up. “I always party with a purpose, and this year it's going to help the Memphis and Orlando Boys and Girls Clubs respectively. So if you'll do that, we'll all be golden. And one more thing. Give a big hand to Steve and all the other flunkies working tonight. I love you guys! All the food and beverages have been paid for, so all you gotta get is your shoes and it's twenty bucks a person to bowl until you drop. Ten of it goes in the jar, so you can't be a stingy bastard.� Justin grinned, hopping down. “One more piece of business,� he said, walking towards Melissa and Rachel, his grin growing.

“What are you doing, Timberlake?� Melissa whispered, trying to hide behind Joey, who was pulling her off him and grinning.

“Rumor has it you're throwing some type of New Year's party, chica,� Justin said, pulling her out into the middle of one of the bowling lanes. “This is Melissa. Lance's little sister...she's hopelessly in love with that guy named Joey..Anyways, tell everyone what the theme is.�

Melissa glared at Justin, hating to be the center of attention. “Grease..Why?�

“I just thought it would be funny as hell to get you out here. Rach, come out here too,� Justin said, clearly enjoying the two girls being embarrassed.

“I will cut off your hair while you sleep,� Rachel whispered to Justin as she stood on the other side of him. She glanced over at Lance and JC, wondering why they had smiles on their faces.

The two girls looked at Justin, wondering what he was up to. They heard encouraging yells from over where the rest of the NSYNC entourage had sat, figuring out this was a set up. Rachel mouthed, 'dead' to Melissa, who nodded.

“So...you've been to concerts. Backstage, on tour, at practice, yadda yadda. Me and the guys wanted to know though, what the fuck is up with imitating us?� Justin asked, smiling at the lost look on their faces. “We wanted to see it for real.�

Melissa's eyes widened when she realized what Justin wanted. She and Rachel used to blast the upbeat songs and do the dance moves as exercise. It was the best workout she could find, and it took them a while to get it right. She hadn't counted on the guys coming home either as Bye Bye Bye was pounding the speakers. “Sleep with one eye open, buddy..you'll be singing Chris' part.�


Rachel started shaking her head no, but then stopped. It was all in fun...she'd done the dance moves enough that she knew them in her sleep. She and Mel could best Justin at his own game. “Fine, Justin, play Bye Bye Bye,� she told him, listening to the cheers, nodding at Mel.

“Holy shit, they're gonna do it,� Lance murmured, watching his sister and girlfriend laugh and get in place as Justin stood there when the music came on. He'd figured they'd both bow out, but his grin grew wider as they mouthed the words, dancing almost better than NSYNC themselves.

“Don't wanna be a fool for you, just another player in your game for two..� Melissa and Rachel had smiles on their faces, enjoying seeing the surprised looks on the guy's faces.

“Fuck, I'm going out there,� Joey told Justin, getting up before the chorus started, falling in line behind the girls, garnering more screams and camera flashes. He wasn't going to miss out on the opportunity to do this, especially to see her and Rachel have this much fun. “You guys are a bunch of pansies,� Joey hollered at the other four, bringing them all out there.

JC grinned at Rachel as Justin sang with the song, watching her laugh at how silly they were all being. He was impressed that they both accepted Justin's challenge and was honestly surprised at how good they were. “How long have you practiced that?� he asked as they all bowed.

“Took us about a month to learn it and It's Gonna Be Me,� Rachel told him, breathing a little harder and wiped a bead of sweat off her face. “That's all we did for exercise every day for a couple of hours,� she explained, taking a water from Justin.

“You kicked major ass,� Lance told her, pulling her in for a quick kiss when they went to sit down and start putting in names for bowling. “I'm on Rachel's team. Joey has to be on the other team, we had a bet.�

“How much did Justin lose by us dancing?� Rachel asked, fist bumping Melissa as she was saying something to Chris.

“Four benjamins,� Justin answered, a grin on his face as he sat down. “You all set me up. But what the fuck do I care? That was awesome.�

“I think Joey just joined in to look at my ass,� Melissa said, messing up Joey's hair.

“I was helping out, Bambina,� Joey told replied, winking at her. He slipped his fingers through hers, leaning over to kiss her cheek. “You got some moves, Melly.�

“Me and Rach are just awesome. We roll that way.� Melissa smiled at him rolling his eyes.

“Geez, now it starts,� Lance said, getting up and grabbing a ball. He smiled at Rachel. “How big is your ego?�

“Well, since we bested mister superstar, it's pretty damn big,� she pointed a finger at Joey and Melissa, “we'll take you two on. Bass and Weatherly against the two of you.�

“It's on,� Melissa told Rachel, laughing at Chris who was putting in names. “What the hell is that?� she asked as he laughed. Melissa watched as Chris asked Joey how to spell his last name, laughing at Joey's phonetically correct pronunciation, adding it to her first initial

“Just getting used to seeing it,� Chris told them, “What? You get that goofy grin on your face. All we have to do is mention Joey,� Chris laughed when Melissa's face turned red and she blushed, hiding her face in Joey's shoulder.


“It’s quite disgusting,� Rachel made a face, ducking to the left into Lance when a shoe came flying at her. She grabbed the bright yellow and orange bowling shoe and raised an eyebrow at her best friend. She made a point to look down at her friend’s shoeless foot. “I should launch this down the lane and watch as you fall on your ass to get it.�

Melissa stuck her tongue out at Rachel. “This is nothing worse than what you did back in our sophomore year with-� she let out a yelp as the shoe came flying back at her with a little more force than she threw it with.

“Give me this,� Joey snatched the shoe away from Melissa and proceeded to put it on his fiancée’s foot. “Before you two end up hurting someone.�

“What did you do your sophomore year?� Lance asked interested.

“Nothing,� Rachel said, shooting a glare in Melissa’s direction as she laughed. “Your body will never be found,� she threatened.

Melissa laughed in response shaking her head as the guys tried to get her to spill. “No way.�

“Don’t worry,� Joey said, “I have ways. I’ll get it out of her.� He grinned.

“Not this time Fatone,� Melissa stood up, moving her feet around in the shoes. “She means business. She’s threatened more than once to put me on one of her grandfather’s oil rigs in the middle of the ocean.�

“Keeps her in line,� Rachel grinned when the guys shot her a questioning look. Her eyes widened when she caught the names Chris had imputed in the bowling score card. R.W. Bass.

“What is that?� she nudged Lance and pointed to the screen.

“I stopped trying to understand some of the things Chris does a long time ago,� Lance slipped his arm around her shoulder, settling her closer to his side. He let himself lean into her and she rested her hand on his thigh. It was crazy, sometimes, how easily they slipped into the couple persona.

“Sometimes I wonder if they weren’t dropped on their heads when they were little,� Rachel pointed to where Mel, Joey and Justin where dancing to ‘Cotton-Eyed-Joe’ that had come over the speakers.



“I told Mom she just felt bad for Mel and adopted her instead of leaving her in the woods to be raised by wolves,� Lance replied, slapping at his sister who reached for his hair. “Mess with Joey's hair.�

“You bum,� Melissa finished her jig and sat down next to him, “if you didn't have me, what would you do?� She leaned on Lance's shoulder, smiling up at him.

“I'd have less headaches,� Lance shifted his arm, wrapping it around his sister's shoulders.

“Say cheese!� Justin called to them, snapping a picture when the three of them looked up at him smiling.

“Amen,� Rachel seconded, laughing. “Besides, if we didn't have you Mel, Joey might almost be normal.�

“Burn!� JC yelled, coming back from getting a strike. “Read it and weep ladies and gents. I am in the lead.�

“He is JC, hear him roar!� Chris announced, getting up next, along with Lance on the other side on their lane.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^
“I can't bowl anymore, my arm's gonna fall off,� Rachel told Chris, Lance and Justin, surprised they'd already bowled four games already. “I'm gonna go find Mel.� She leaned in and kissed Lance's cheek as he talked strategy with Justin's friend Trace about some sports thing.

“I'll find you when we're done with this game,� Lance told her, returning the kiss and giving her a smile. He watched Trace follow Rachel with his eyes as she walked off. He didn't dislike Trace, but Trace was one of those guys who liked to flirt a little too much for his liking.

“So, you and her, huh? How'd ya get so damn lucky?� Trace asked, the tone of voice sounding a little teasing, but not mean.

“Not sure. It just sort of happened,� Lance told him, laughing at the 'awwww' Chris gave. “She's one in a million.� Lance watched Rachel sit down on a stool next to Melissa, smiling at them laughing. He was so glad his sister had Rachel as a friend, thinking back to when she first invited Rachel over. The two of them had laughed and giggled and driven him crazy. And ever since then, it hadn't changed much other than now they were all grown. Lance thought about Melissa getting married and hoped someday it was in the cards for him, albeit very different. His eyes went back to Rachel before focusing back on his friends, trying to join back in their conversation, not wanting to think ahead to much on things that hadn't happened yet. Things he wasn't ready to go through. It would all happen in due time, and now he just wanted to focus on the next few days and the fun that was going to happen.

*^*^*^*^*^

Joey heard the knock on his door and went to answer it, letting in Melissa and Rachel. He took the bags they had and put them on the couch. “Don't tell me this is all they had?� he asked, peering down into what they'd bought from the party shop.

“You only decided to party on the most popular night of the year, Joey,� Rachel told him, laughing when Melissa produced another bag out of her purse with some more stuff. They had streamers, noise-makers, plus all the paper plates and everything else.

“We got the shit,� Justin yelled, walking through the door that had been left open since the girls were still in the entry way. “And we even picked up you girls some things,� he grinned at them wickedly.

“Knowing you, you probably picked up the erotic Grease costumes,� Rachel quipped. “Too late,� she said when she saw Justin’s face light up.

"Those were the crotchless pants Sandy wore right?" Joey whispered to Melissa, laughing when she yelped and covered her face as it turned red.

“Grease: The Erotic Musical,� Rachel held up her hands, fingers spread like she was picturing a sign. “Coming this summer to a theatre near you.�

“I will never be able to watch Grease the same again,� Melissa laughed, wiping at her eyes, to which Rachel just grinned in reply.

“Your mind is a scary place,� Joey told Rachel as they all moved from the entry way.

It was Rachel, Lance, Justin and JC joining them and Chris would be over later. She set the bags on the counter and went over to where Justin was pulling out costumes. “This will be great,� she said, excited when she saw the guys grabbing the jackets and putting them on.

“Dawg, who's gonna be Zucco?� Justin asked, slipping on his 'T-Birds' jacket. “I think it should be me.�

“Why should it be you?� Joey asked him, raising an eyebrow. “It was our idea for the theme...I should get to pick.�

“Joe, you and Mel should be Rizzo and Kenickie, since you all have sex so much,� Lance pointed out with a laugh as Joey glared at him.

“You're just jealous 'cause you aren't getting any.�

“No one wants to hear that crap,� JC interjected. “Besides, Lance and Justin are blonde, they can fight over who's being Putsie. I should be Zucco, I got the dark hair and I can dance.�

“We can all dance, Einstein,� Lance rolled his eyes. “And in twenty minutes I can have dark hair.�

“I should be Zucco, he's the leader of the T-Birds and...�

“Maybe we should have them audtion and we pick the best one?� Melissa said as she and Rachel sat on the couch, watching the argument with bemused looks on their faces. “Four grown men arguing over characters from a movie. Pathetic.�

“Be glad Chris isn't here,� Rachel leaned over and whispered, holding her 'Pink Ladies' jacket. “He'd be in the middle of it.�

“He'd probably win,� Melissa told her, trying not to laugh when they starting singing bits of Greased Lightening.

“What do the girls think?� the question was posed from JC as four pairs of eyes turned to Melissa and Rachel.

“You guys audtion and we'll pick the best one.�

“What?� Lance asked, looking at both of them, bickering still going on beside him.

“No way,� JC told them.

“I'm okay with that,� Joey replied with a shrug.

“Of course you are, Fatone,� Justin told him, “we have wouldn't have impartial judges. They might be swayed in your direction.�

“And what's wrong with that?� Joey asked, giving Melissa a wink.

“Everything, dawg.�

“I think you should let us be the T-Birds and the four of you be the 'Pink Ladies'. I'd pay to see that,� Melissa told them, watching as horror came across their faces at the thought of cross dressing.


“Justin can be Rizzo.�

“Who will play the virginal Sandy?� Melissa questioned, causing Rachel burst out with laughter. She eyeballed each man unable to quiet her laughter. She collapsed against Rachel as she dissolved into laughs, tears falling from her eyes. When Joey volunteered it caused the girls to laugh even harder.

“With the way you are all over Mel? No way could you ever be mistaken as a virgin.�

“Oh yeah because you scream ‘virgin’, Joey retorted, glaring at Justin.

“Are they really fighting over who would make a better female character?�

“Yes,� Rachel nodded solemnly as she wiped away the tears from laughing so hard. She got up and found a piece of paper and a pen on the counter. She ripped it up into five pieces and quickly wrote out the characters names. “Alright Children, listen up,� she called out, stopping the boys’ continuing argument. “Danny, Kenickie, Sonny, Putsie, and Doody.�
She folded up the pieces of paper as she said their names. “Joseph, your hat.� The hat was handed over without protest. “Now,� she dropped the pieces in before sitting it down on the coffee table. “We’ll draw names when Chris gets here.�

“No trading or swapping,� Melissa said. Then added, “Or selling, buying of any manner. Got it?�
The guys mumbled ‘yes ma’ams’ in defeat.

“Whoever Joey and Lance draw, we’ll be the matching female character.


“Women,� Justin muttered, shaking his head. “Sometimes I'd like to see you two fight over shit.�

“We do fight over stuff. Just important stuff,� Rachel told him. “Like who's cuter, Brian Littrell or Nick Carter.� She knew that would set them off again as they started yelling once more.

“She did not just say something about you thinking a Backstreet Boy was cute did she?� Joey asked Melissa, raising an eyebrow at her. He watched her blush and shrug, grabbing streamers out of a bag. “Do I need to have an intervention?�


“More like Backstreet Anonymous,� Rachel muttered, dodging Melissa’s hand.

“Need I remind you of our sophomore year?� She looked at Rachel before turning back to Joey. “And you have no room to talk! He who says he is in love with Pamela Anderson,� Melissa retorted, giving him a grin of her own. “I'm glad she's not come to one of the concerts or I'd be left hanging...�

“I'd never do that to you,� Joey told her. “Oh hi Pam, this is my uh....um...Who are you again?� He winked at Melissa, laughing when she smacked him playfully, pulling her in for a kiss. “I love you, Bambina.�

Melissa's lips met Joey and she sighed, ignoring the cat calls and whistles. “I love you too. I told you Rachel and I got tickets to a concert right?�

“Front row center, baby. Up against the stage.�

Justin snickered at the look on Joey's face, “What's wrong, Fatone. Can't get your woman front row center for stuff?�

Joey flipped him the bird and shook his head, snorting. “You're seriously going to that?� he asked both of the girls as they nodded, big smiles on their faces.

“We've seen your show enough, we need some new eye candy,� Rachel said loudly, snickering at the crestfallen looks. “Oh give me a break. Y'all are so serious. Why would we go see them? You have the smoking gun.�

“I knew they loved me,� Justin bragged, puffing out his chest.

“You?� Melissa looked at Justin like he was crazy. “We were talking about Chris.�

As if they'd timed it, Chris walked through the door and stared at them all. “What did I miss?�

The other four guys drug him over to the hat and had Melissa hold it while they argued over who was drawing first.

“Oldest to youngest,� Chris said, but got vetoed down by Justin.

“How about we go by your name as it falls in NSYNC. Justin, Chris, Joey, Lance and JC,� Rachel said, sighing when they again disagreed. “Okay, everyone close your eyes.�

“Are you gonna depants us?� Chris asked, smiling.

“You wish, Kirkpatrick. No girl wants to see your skivvies,� JC told him, chuckling, his eyes closed.

“I thought going commando was all the rage,� Justin said, all of them cracking up.

“Nasty, JT,� Rachel smacked him hard on the head. “Everyone put their hands in and grab a piece of paper at the same time.�

Melissa was standing in the middle of the circle and smiled at them. “No one mess up and grab a handful..except for Joey.�

“I thought we were saving that for later, Bambina,� Joey told her, reaching his hand into the hat. He didn't care who he got really, just wanting to have fun with the whole thing.

The five guys looked at their piece of paper, and Justin was the first to speak. “Who the hell is Doody?�

“He's the skinny dark headed guy that goes with Frenchy,� Rachel told him, looking at Lance who was smiling. “Who did you get?� she asked, looking at his piece of paper. “Zucco...nice!�

“Damn it,� JC said, a smile on his lips. “Eh, it's fine. I'm Sonny.�

“That leaves Chris and Joey,� Melissa said, looking at Chris' paper first. “You got Putsie, so I guess that leaves Fatone to be Kenickie.�

“Cause a hickie from Kenickie is like a hallmark card,� Joey quoted, wiggling his eyebrows while the other guys groaned.

“You give her a real hickey, I'll give you fifty bucks,� Justin told him laughing.

“That's my sister, you perv,� Lance shoved Justin playfully as the guys all got into their 'T-Bird' jackets.

Rachel looked at her costume and then at Melissa's. “I guess I get to wear the skin tight pants,� she told her friend as they looked them over. “I heard Olivia Newton-John had to get hers sewn on.� Five pairs of eyes stared at Rachel and Melissa leaned over and shut Joey's mouth.

“I vote they both wear pants like that,� Justin said, getting a unanimous vote from the rest of the guys.

“Men are sexist pigs. You say one thing about tight pants or boobs and they start drooling. Well, except those who go the other way,� Melissa smiled at Lance. “Least we can count on my brother to not be a horn dog.�

“So since he's gay he gets to be the good guy?� Chris asked, raising an eyebrow.

“No, he's just exempt from being in trouble,� Rachel told them, slipping an arm around Lance.

“Gays 1, Straight guys 0. I win!� Lance told them, making them laugh. “Besides, if we let Joey be Zucco, we'd never see him the whole party.�

Joey shook his head as his eyes met Melissa's. They were probably right, but he'd never say that. “How bout we get to decorating? Pizza and beer on me,� he announced as they all got busy on moving furniture around and setting up things.

“This party is gonna be off the chain,� Justin said, a smile on his face.

“Epic,� Chris echoed, “One for the record books.�

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

Melissa watched Joey fix his hair, leaning against the bathroom counter. Somehow he'd combed it back like the movie and the red was all together at the back, the front twisted around. “You look hot, Fatoney,� she told him, looking him over. He had on a white wifebeater, jeans, a black belt and boots, the jacket laying on the bed.

“I do huh? You look sexy too, Mel-Rizzo,� he replied, tossing the hairspray over with all the other products that littered the bathroom counter. “All we gotta do now is wait for everyone to show up.� He gave her a smile, leaning in to kiss her softly. Joey thought she looked good as Rizzo, even with the black wig and the tighter clothes, the Pink Ladies Jacket on her.

The doorbell rang and they both went down to answer it. The house was decorated like a drive in move theater, with the kitchen being the concession stand. Drinks and finger foods already out. Joey's television was set up to play Grease and the room downstairs was set up for games cards, darts, other group activities. Even a karaoke machine and a couple of video game consoles. They were both looking forward to celebrating ringing in the new year with their friends and family.

"Let's see who's the first to the party," Joey said, opening the door to reveal Lance and Rachel. "Holy shit, Rach. How did you get those pants on?" he took a good thwack from both women, shrugging it off as he let them in, the girls comparing looks. "You'll be fightin' guys off with a stick, Lance," he hugged the other man who looked a lot like a blonde Danny Zucco.

"I know...but she does look hot," Lance said, appreciating the costume even if he wasn't physically attracted to Rachel that way. She was a beautiful girl and he smiled wide when she kissed his cheek. "I'm just waiting for her to take off those God awful shoes," he said, pointing to the heels.

"I told you I'd wear them for a couple of hours," Rachel told Lance. "We gotta get a few pics before everyone else gets here and we forget," she said, grinning when Melissa grabbed her camera. "I think we look good as Sandy and Rizzo." She'd spent part of the afternoon curling her hair and doing her make up where it looked like the end result of the movie. She snapped a self portrait of her and Melissa before snapping one of Joey and Lance.


“Alright, go stand by Lance,� Melissa waved her hands, shooing Rachel toward her brother. “Now smile and say cheesecake.�

Rachel rolled her eyes at Lance before taking her spot next to him. She stood to his side with her body facing his; one arm around his back. The other lay on his chest, the fingertips almost brushing the collar of the white t-shirt he wore beneath the black leather T-Bird jacket. She bent the knee closest to the camera, the inside of her thigh resting against the outside of his. She felt Lance’s arm go around her back, anchoring her closer to his side. She gave Mel her best wanton look.

“That,� Joey said, quickly clearing the look off his face before Melissa turned and saw it. “Was hot. You lucky bastard.�

“Hey! You’re pretty lucky too!� Melissa glared as she passed the camera off to Rachel and pulled Joey to move with her, so they could take a couple picture.

“Next year’s Christmas card, Babe,� Rachel said as she looked at the picture on the camera. “We look fantastic.�

“I don’t think anyone is going to notice that I was even in that picture,� Lance whistled. “Joey’s right. I am a lucky bastard.� He winked at Rachel as she changed the view of the camera ready to take a picture of ‘Kenickie’ and ‘Rizzo’.

“Pretty hard act to follow,� Melissa said as she racked her brain thinking of a pose they could do.

“Could go to the garage and climb into the backseat,� Joey offered, wiggling his eyebrows.

“You’re such a horn dog,� Melissa told him, but her mind immediately drew up that picture and she felt her face flush. She heard a quiet snicker and glared at Joey.

“Just do the end scene,� Rachel said when neither of them could think of a pose. “You know where she tells him she’s not pregnant and he tells her his ‘bona-fide’ offer of making her an honest woman.�

Melissa grinned and nodded her head. “Nice,� she moved closer to Joey. Her breasts were barely touching brushing against his chest while from the stomach down was flush.

“Get any closer and we’ll have to leave the room,� Lance called out.

“That’s later tonight,� Joey grinned as he placed the arm hidden from the camera around her, pressing against her back. The arm in view, he placed lightly on her waist. Mel mirrored his movements; the arm in view of the camera softly gripping his forearm, her thumb resting on the bend of his elbow.


“Now just look at each other like you always do,� Rachel called out as she raised the camera. “You know the one look that makes the rest of us want to puke… Yup! That’s the one. Don’t grin like a moron Mel! Smile softly like someone in love, like you’re sharing a secret that no one else knows.� She smiled when she saw the perfect look come across their faces and quickly snapped the picture, capturing the moment forever.


"Come here," Melissa pulled Rachel into the downstairs bathroom and blushed. "I know you don't wanna know, but," she opened up her shirt to reveal a hickey on her collar bone and rolled her eyes. "He insisted my 'hickey from Kenickie' be authentic. I just told him to make it where it was covered up."

"You two need serious help. Psychiatric help..." Rachel told her, leaving the bathroom. When she reached Joey she just shook her head. "I am so thankful Mel lives with you. If I had to know even part of your sex life, I think I'd be scarred."

"Hey! I didn't tell her to tell anyone about it," Joey defended himself, trying not to laugh. "Besides that, we had fun..."

"Stop talking, Joey," Melissa warned him, moving to where he could put his arms around her. They were always touching somehow. It wasn't always sexual or even had to be personal space, but Joey was a hands on person, at least with her, it seemed, and she relished it. "You look good, ," she told Lance, laughing when he grabbed a comb out of his pocket to comb his hair again.

The doorbell rang and Lance moved so Joey could answer it. "Holy hell boys," he exclaimed, moving so Justin, JC and Chris could come in. Justin came in first, his usually curly hair fixed much like his friends, a smile on his face. Then JC and Chris followed, all of them looking like thugs. Or as much as thugs as was possible for the characters they were playing.


“Lance you better keep her close,� JC warned as he pulled Rachel into a hug. “You look great.� He mentally patted himself on the back for being able to keep his voice even. He had nearly swallowed his tongue when he first saw her in the tight leather pants, molding to her body.

“Thanks,� she replied. She slipped her arms around him, snaking them beneath his jacket. She pressed the palms of her hands against his back, feeling the warm skin radiating through the thing white t-shirt. Cologne wafted up, surrounding her and she breathed it in. “You look good too,� she told him when she pulled back, feeling the loss already. And he did look good for wearing just jeans, a white t-shirt and black leather jacket. And she wondered what it was about that attracted her to him now, after knowing him for years. It was something she needed to figure out because she was liked it not that she’d admit that to anyone.

JC grinned at Rachel, accepting her compliment before turning toward Melissa who watched them both with a raised eyebrow. He ignored the look he was getting, not wanted to get into it. He wasn’t even sure what he would say. He wasn’t sure what was going on either. It was hard to explain something when you didn’t have it figured out yourself. “Rizzo,� he opened his arms. Allowing her to step into them. “You’re looking great. Very nice.�

“Eat your heart out,� Melissa said flippantly, before breaking character to smile at him and return his hug. She played with his jacket zipper which earned her a dirty look.

"Hands off, we want hugs too Chasez," Justin said, pushing Chris away. "Not from you Kirkpatrick," he told Chris, who laughed, hugging Rachel and then Melissa. "How many people were coming?" he asked her, surprised at the number, but it was some family and friends. They'd even invited their parents, who declined in favor of a less noisy setting of dinner and a movie out together.

“Okay, picture time.� Rachel made the guys all pose and took pictures, laughing at some of the things they said and did, most of it not fit for public knowledge. Then she and Melissa got in the pictures with the guys trading off. They even got a picture of the end scene with Rachel putting her heel in Lance's chest. And then one of Joey showing off Melissa's hickey.

“Oh dear god, that better not make it farther than back to me,� Melissa groaned and Joey laughed and tried to bite her neck. “You animal,� she cut her eyes to him.

“I love it when you talk dirty,� he mimicked the line from the movie, hearing the camera click as he pulled her face to his so they could kiss.

“Aww...you two make me sick. If we could bottle whatever it is you two had to sell at concerts, we'd be billionaires,� Justin said, shaking his head.

“You have enough women that want you, Justin. Don't think you need help.� Melissa kissed Joey and went over to him, giving him a look. She knew something was up with Justin. “If you ever want to talk-�

“Not here, Melly. Not now,� he told her, giving her a small smile. “We're here to have a good time. Later though, next week...� Justin hugged her and let her go, pushing his emotions down to where they stayed lately, just out of the range of being shown. He could fake it with the best of them. “You better have some good alcohol, Joe.�

“You gave me the list, man. I got it all and then some for the peeps that aren't drinking.�

“Did you just say peeps?� Rachel asked, raising an eyebrow at him. “Some days you just don't have game. But I'll overlook it today since you are throwing our New Years Party.�

The doorbell rang again and the group dispersed to make room. "Let's get this party started," Joey said loudly as he opened the door, Melissa by his side to greet their guests.
*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

"Go greased lightening, you're burning up the quarter mile," the group sang, doing the hand moves as the movie played. People were squeezed together on the couch and on chairs and in the floor sitting on pillows. Poodle skirts, tight pants and even a few ball gowns were on the girls while all of the guys were either T-Birds and a few came as the Rydell High football team. Janine and David had shown up as the principal and coach respectively, while Steven opted to come as Eugene.

“How's the food in the oven looking, Bambina?� Joey asked, putting more drinks on ice. They'd thought about having food delivered, but it was cheaper and easier to just do it themselves, except for the sandwich platters and cookie platters. He smiled at her, humming along to the song that was playing. After the movie was game time until it was time for the ball to drop.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

“You're gettin' beat by a girl!� Chris yelled at Justin, who was yelling at his character to whip ass. “You are losing to a girl as yourself!

“Shut the hell up dawg,� Justin said loudly, pressing the controller harder as Rachel taunted him.

“I am beating your ass with one of the Spice Girls. Come on!� Rachel told him, laughing as the girl hit Justin in the privates, dropping him to his knees. Celebrity Death Match was a big hit, along with the racing games and football. “You suck.�

“Next person that plays me, we're dismembering them,� he said, grumpy that he lost.

“Maybe you should have been JC,� Melissa suggested, cracking up when Justin gave her the finger. “Sorry, JT. I call dibs.� She picked up the controller and smiled at Rachel.


“Let's see...� she scrolled through players, smiling big. “Pamela Anderson.� she looked over Joey who was throwing darts. “Joey, I'm being your woman. Rachel's gonna be you...I'm losing on purpose.� Melissa smirked at his expression, hitting the start button.

“You have a sick mind, Bass,� Rachel told her, clicking on Joey in the game. The loser against NSYNC had their head ripped off by the member that was being played and the other four took off their appendages.

“It's funny as hell...don't say you don't chuckle.�

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

People were wandering from downstairs back up, getting food and drinks. Everyone had a nice buzz, but no one was falling down drunk or too stupid, even though it was starting to get late. The doorbell rang and Steven answered it, looking at the woman on the other side. “Can I help you?� he asked, watching her try and peer into the house, a taxi cab sitting there.

“Who's here?� Joey hollered at his brother, grabbing another beer and opening it, going to the door. He stopped short, seeing his ex-girlfriend standing there, a smile plastered on her face, dressed as virginal Sandy. “What are you doing here? No one invited you...I think we broke up. No, I know we did.�


Kristen wasn't phased at all, still smiling. “We did break up, but I did come to deliver a little piece of news to you. Can we talk?� she asked, not going to back down from him.

“I can’t imagine anything you have to say being worth listening to.� Joey shook his head when Steven asked if he needed to leave.


“Oh,� Kristen gave a laugh and it grated Joey’s nerves. He wondered what he ever saw in the woman before him. “This you are going to want to hear very much.�

“I don’t think so, but go ahead. The faster you say it, the sooner you can leave.� Joey relented. He knew enough about her to know that she wouldn’t leave until she got her way. It would be easier to have her just say her piece and then he could get her to leave.

“I mean by ourselves,� Kristen looked past Joey at the people standing near them. They were giving them fleeting glances, trying not to appear interested in what was going on, but Kristen knew better. She knew their ears were expertly tuned and hanging onto every word that said. She was counting on that. She knew the gossip in the music business. “Is there someplace we can go alone?�

“Not on your life, Kristen,� Joey said, folding his arms over his chest. He heard Melissa’s voice and swallowed hard, seeing her stop at the foot of the stairs. She stopped so abruptly that Rachel ran into the back of her.

“What the hell, Mel?� Rachel said as she steadied herself. When Melissa didn’t answer, but stood unmoving Rachel followed her line of sight and felt her anger grow. “Fuck…�


"Please tell me this is the Twilight zone," Melissa whispered, wondering what was going on. Kristen was looking too smug for it not to be something that was bad for her and her mind obviously went to the worst possible thing. Her eyes studied Kristen's body, and Joey's as he stood there glaring at his ex-girlfriend.

"Since you want this to be everyone's business, I guess I'll just say it. I'm pregnant with your baby," Kristen announced, smiling at Joey as if she expected him to be happy. She didn't miss the twitch in his eye and the audible gasps from others that were in the room.

Lance was standing between the downstairs and the kitchen, not seeing Rachel get past until he realized what she was doing and grabbed her, snagging an arm around her stomach. “Don't,� he directed, holding her back as she fought him, tightening his hold. “You'll make it worse.�

“She's full of shit! Coming prancing in and announcing she's pregnant,� Rachel yelled, pointing at Kristen. “Don't tell me to calm the fuck down. Your sister's not saying a word when she should be the one crying foul.� A glance back at her best friend made her pause. Melissa's head was buried into Chris' chest as he held her. She had no idea what Chris was saying, but for the moment it was pacifying her friend. “I should have known she'd try something,� she sighed, releasing the anger that hand been aroused at Kristen's words.

That snapped Joey out of his trance and he looked at JC and Justin, who were on either side of him and he looked at Kristen. “It's not mine. I don't believe you...We're done. You can hear from my lawyer,� Joey told her, fully intending to get Kristen out of his house.

“I thought you'd say that,� Kristen countered, grabbing papers out of her purse and handing them to Joey. “You forget I have lawyers in the family,� she told him, letting him read the letter that was written out. It was the doctor's findings and conception date and due date of the baby, along with measurements and other offical records that would be been private for Kristen only. “See? Don't you want to be a part of your baby's life?� Kristen placed a hand over the small mound of her belly. Her face remained impassive but she was cheering triumphantly on the inside as it started to sink in. When she was alone, she would to a little dance and laugh out loud as she remembered their faces.

Joey read the words, but none of it really sank in until about the fifth time he looked at the paper, words finally going in order. He was going to be a father. A child was going to depend on him for love and protection. He felt the room spin a little and he stood there a moment, wiping his eyes. “Oh fuck,� he gasped, shaking his head, his face buried in his hand covering his eyes.

“Sit down, Joe,� Steven said softly, steering his brother to a stool that was close. He was just as shocked as everyone else, seeing his brother's face pale. The only other sound that was heard came from behind him, a sniffling sound that was followed by whispers. He looked over to Janine and David, noting that everyone was quiet as the television counted down to the New Year. When the countdown got to zero, there were no celebratory kisses or shouts of Happy New Year.

Melissa wasn't sure what to think or do. She stood there, knowing she was probably drawing blood from Chris as she held onto his arm. It was the only thing holding her up and she couldn't even speak. She heard Chris talking, not sure of what he was saying. It didn't matter. She looked up momentarily when she heard Joey take a deep breath and say something, the raw emotion of it. She slipped from Chris' grasp to go put her hand on Joey's back. There were no words to tell him, not sure how she was supposed to feel.

Joey felt the touch he loved, shaking his head as he felt her hand on him. He felt like he should tell Melissa he was sorry, but he couldn't trust himself to speak.

“I'm sure the taxi's left by now,� Kristen broke the silence, not caring the dirty looks she was getting.

“We know how to call another,� Justin said, shooting her a look of loathing.

“Are you going to let them talk to me like that? I came all the way here to tell you I'm pregnant and you sit there...�

Joey's head snapped up and he stood up quickly. “They can talk to you however they want. You interrupted MY party and MY friends, so just shut up and take it. I'll call you a cab and you can go stay at a hotel for a couple days until I figure out what I want to do.�

Kristen's eyes narrowed at him, putting her hands on her hips, “Do? DO? I'm having your child and you want to put me into a hotel?� she exclaimed.

Joey's teeth ground and he fought hard to keep his temper in check. “Unless you'd like a plane ticket back to Pittsburgh on the next flight out, you'll go to a goddamn hotel,� he told her, running a hand over his face. “You don't own me, Kristen. You aren't just shacking up here.�

“And what is living together before you're married?� she shot a look at Joey and Melissa, “That's shacking up isn't it?�

Joey grabbed Melissa's arm as she bolted towards Kristen, pulling her to him hard. “Get out of my house.� His voice was deadly and he was glad Kristen did what he said, swallowing hard once the door shut. The woman in his arms was stiff and Joey had never hated himself more for anything than at that moment. He couldn't bring himself to look at her, instead staring at a spot on the wall just above the television. “Party's over,� he said, his voice not sounding quite right.

Everyone left except for Joey's family, Rachel, and the guys. They all sat in silence, the television playing New Year's celebrations in other time zones and other countries. It seemed a bit ironic that while other people were celebrating, they were all too stunned to speak.

Melissa stood there, letting Joey hold her. Every once in a while she took in a ragged breath, her hands bunching up Joey's shirt. Every time she thought about it, tears came and she couldn't quite believe what had happened.

Rachel was the first to say something clearing her throat and pressing her mouth into a thin line before she spoke, looking at Joey and Melissa. “I say we help clean up and then get out of here,� she suggested, pushing herself off the couch. She shook her head at Joey when he started to protest, “You have other things to take care of...� she looked between him and Melissa before turning to Lance, raising an eyebrow at him.

“Yeah,� Lance said, wiping his hands on his jeans before getting up. It wasn't that it was really messy, but it would keep them busy and let his sister and Joey start talking. He couldn't imagine what his sister was going through, hating seeing her in that much pain. He went to the kitchen and opened the fridge, starting to put the unopened bottles of beer on the bottom, listening to the others shuffle downstairs.

“We're going upstairs,� Joey told Lance, watching his best friend nod. The walk upstairs was much different than the one he'd imagined earlier. Clothes didn't litter the stair case. Melissa's body was against his, but instead of her hands on him, he was slowly taking the both of them to the bedroom. The silence killed Joey, stopping at the top of the stairs. “Bambina...� he croaked, pulling her chin up so he could see her face. Tear tracks ran down her face, as she bit her lip.

“What do you want me to say?� Melissa whispered, shaking her head. “Oh I want to hate you. I hate you...� she said, making her hands into fists and hitting Joey's chest. “I hate you for getting her pregnant. That you were with her!� her voice got louder as the pain came out. “God...Oh God..� Melissa sobbed into Joey's chest, hearing him sniffle and felt his chest rise and fall quickly. She felt something on her arm that was around his neck and sobbed harder. Joey was crying. That broke her heart even more.

“I'm sorry, Melly,� Joey told her as tears streamed down his face. He couldn't tell her how sorry, she'd never know. There weren't enough words, his soul hurt and he'd gladly face Hell if he thought it would change the situation.

*^*^*^*^*^*^

The group downstairs worked in silence, all of them no doubt thinking of the scene that had taken place.

“It's just fucking wrong,� Justin said, his voice hoarse. He shook his head and grabbed the games that were out to put them back into the console the television sat on.

“I still say she's a lying bitch,� Rachel bit off, tossing a cup into a trash bag.

“I don't think a doctor would make up something like that,� Janine replied, frowning as she wiped a stray tear. “This will be hard to swallow...� she started, then shook her head, not sure it was worth saying.

Lance came downstairs and leaned against the wall, his eyes closed as his head made a thud against it. He took a deep breath and opened his eyes to look at them. “I couldn't listen anymore,� he explained, swallowing hard, “I wasn't listening on purpose, they just...Joey just kept saying I'm sorry and she just sobbed louder and louder.�

Rachel dropped the trash bag she’d been carrying and walked over him. There was a lump in her throat as she imagined the scene in the bedroom. Her heart hurt for her friends. She slid her arms around Lance and leaned against him, her head ducking down to rest against his chest. His heartbeat sounded in her ear and she tightened her arms, offering what comfort she could.


“Fuckin' hell,� Chris muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose, a headache coming on. “Let's just get this done,� he said, tying one of the sacks up to be carried out. He didn't even want to think about what had happened. His two friends were heartbroken and there was nothing he could do about it. Chris hated feeling that way, not able to help.

It took them another half hour to finish, turning all the lights out but the lamp in the living room. Janine went upstairs and halfheartedly knocked on Joey's bedroom door. She heard the squeak of the bed and Joey's voice. She blinked back tears when he opened the door, looking like hell. “We're done. I just came to tell you we're gonna go,� she pulled her younger brother into a hug as his composure broke. “Oh, Joe...I'm sorry honey.�

“I didn't know..I swear to God, Janine,� Joey shook his head, turning his head when his bed moved, Melissa's head buried in the pillow. “I don't know why she's still with me right now. I thought she was going to get sick she was crying so hard,� he ran a hand through his hair. “I'll call you later. I have to tell Mom and Dad later,� he took a shaky breath. “Tell everyone thanks...� Joey's voice trailed off, letting his sister go. He turned back to the bed and looked at the woman he'd promised to love and cherish for the rest of his life. A million thoughts ran through his head as his eyes landed on her stuff. He couldn't ask her to stay with him as much as he wanted to. He knew how Kristen was, part of him rationalized that she possibly did it on purpose. Even with the thought of being a father, his heart broke again as he pulled Melissa back into his arms. She wasn't going to be the mother of his child. That tore him up as he laid there, his hands running over Melissa's back, knowing he wasn't going to sleep that night.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*
Lance looked over at Rachel as they drove towards the house. JC was in the backseat and he'd intended to drop Josh off first, but right now he just wanted to sit by himself and gather his thoughts. “I'm going to the house and then you can run JC home...I just...I want a few minutes,� he told Rachel, squeezing her hand, hoping she understood.

Rachel nodded, running her thumb over his hand, giving it a return squeeze. “Just call me when you want me home,� she told Lance, leaning over and kissing him on the lips quickly at a stop light. “I'm sure I can find something to do to entertain myself.�

Lance nodded and pulled into the driveway of his house, leaving the car door open so Rachel could drive. He slapped JC's hand and then hugged his girlfriend. “I'll call you in a little while,� he told her, holding her for a moment before letting her go. He waved to JC before going into the house. He thanked God it was just him alone with his thoughts for now as he sat down on the couch, tears coming to his eyes.

JC moved into the passenger seat Rachel vacated when she moved to the driver’s side. The ride was quiet; each were lost in their own thoughts thinking about the events that had transpired earlier in the evening.

“You wanna come in?� JC asked when Rachel pulled into his drive. He didn’t like the thought of her being out alone, especially on New Year’s Eve. He glanced at her out of the corner of her eye. Especially still dressed like that. “I’m not tired yet, and I’m not sure I could even sleep if I was.�

Rachel glanced over at him and nodded, giving him a small smile. “If I'd have been thinking, I would have grabbed some other clothes,� she looked down at her outfit and sighed. “What a damn thing to do. Hear someone's having a party and show up uninvited like that. Fucking bitch… It fucking sucks. I can't even imagine what Joey and Melissa are thinking since I'm not even sure what to think.�

JC nodded, lost in his own thoughts for a moment. He felt awful for his friends. Another part of him hoped and prayed that the whole thing wouldn't mess up the group as a whole that Joey could pull it together before the tour. It was the business side of him, his job as unofficial 'leader' to think of that, to keep it separate. His eyes met Rachel's and he hated seeing the pain in her eyes. “You know Joey and Mel,� he told her as they got out, digging out his keys, “they'll talk it out and figure out what they wanna do.� He got the door open and gestured to Rachel. “After you,� he smiled, watching her walk into his house, catching a hint of her perfume that still lingered as she passed.

Rachel had been in JC's house a few times and was amazed that it was always so clean. “You better be glad I'm not your girlfriend,� she joked, sitting down on the couch. “Cause I can't live in a house that looks like it's not been touched.�

JC’s brain stumbled on the girlfriend comment and he found himself imagining what it would be like. How it would feel to be coming home like this with Rachel here with him every night. But he brushed it off. She was taken. Even if their relationship wasn’t real, there was a reason behind it. So he laughed as he went into the kitchen. “You've not seen my bedroom or the studio downstairs. You want something?� he asked, grabbing a couple waters and bringing her one. He'd shrugged off his T-Birds jacket, leaving it on the back of his recliner.
They sat there in amicable silence for a few moments. It didn't seem awkward and both people enjoyed the fact that the other person didn't feel like they had to talk. “Wanna go downstairs? I got something I need an opinion on.�

“That line work on all the ladies?� Rachel laughed as she stood up, excited about seeing more of his house, happy that he was sharing this with her. She knew he and Justin wrote a lot of the songs on the Celebrity album, and knew he was talented in his own right. She paused at the pictures on the staircase, the gold albums and pictures with them showing NSYNC's success as a group. Obviously something he was proud of. Rachel's grin grew as she stepped into the downstairs, seeing the homey feel the upstairs had been lacking. “This is much better,� she told him, studying the pictures of his family and of the guys.

JC sat down at the baby grand piano and patted at the empty spot beside him on the bench. He picked at a few notes, playing part of 'Selfish' on the piano. “Okay, this is what I've been working on,� JC told Rachel, singing the first verse of the song, he played a little more music as he looked at her.

Rachel listened, a small smile on her face. “It's good, Josh,� she laughed when he started playing and singing different words to “For The Girl Who Has Everything.� They started talking about music and other things, the conversation flowing easily. “So why is it you don't have a girlfriend?� she asked him after a while.

JC looked down at the piano, his fingers on the keys but not hitting them to make a sound. He felt like he could be honest with Rachel. “Most women want me to be the guy they see on stage. The one in front of the cameras. I love being on stage, performing. I love writing...but I'm shy,� he chuckled at her raised eyebrow. “I know, right? I like my privacy in my life away from all the craziness. I want someone who doesn't have to have the spotlight. We both know Mel could care less about it, but she and Joey are like Forrest and Jenny. She's too,� JC searched for the word, shaking his head when he couldn't come up with it.

“You two would drive each other nuts,� Rachel told him, knowing he didn't want to date her best friend, he was just throwing that out there. “I hate the spotlight.�

“You did pretty good with it on Christmas,� JC grinned as he recalled her and Melissa dancing to ‘Bye Bye Bye’ in the middle of the bowling alley.

“God,� Rachel groaned. “I was nervous as hell. I could have killed Justin for pulling that stunt. And the rest of you for being in on it. It’s much different with just me and Mel. Of course we’re usually laughing our asses off when we do it and belt out the off key lyrics, the occasional wrong word and sometimes the wrong verse.�

“Now that I’d love to hear,� JC relaxed into the conversation, enjoying the one on one time he was getting with her. It was a rare occasion, someone was always with them.

Rachel gasped in horror, “No way!�

JC laughed, “I’m sure it’s not that bad.�

“Says the singer,� Rachel rolled her eyes. “It’s worse, much worse.� The conversation lulled for a minute before she spoke again. “It’s easier being here in Orlando than it is in New York, you know? Up there I’m supposed to be part of the Weatherly’s; act a certain way. Dress a certain way, even talk a certain way. Down here…I’m just Rachel.�

JC felt the connection between them grow at her words. He knew exactly how she felt. On stage he was the ball of energy, everyone knew that. They all expected it. He was crazy, busting out their dances with precision movements; running from one end of the stage to the other. Sometimes his true self came out during interviews where he allowed himself to sit quietly, mold into the background and let the others take the lead.

“Well I like just Rachel.� He caught her eye and smiled, the eye contact strengthening their connection.

Rachel broke the contact first, her eyes sliding down to the keys as she tried to pull herself together. Being alone with JC, she felt herself sinking deeper and deeper. She didn’t want the time to grow awkward so she raised her hands, resting them on the gleaming white keys and met his eyes again. “Teach me something.�

JC smiled softly and brought his hands back to the piano. He thought for a moment before his fingers moved beautifully over the keys in a complicated manner that had Rachel glaring at him.

“Easy, you jerk,� She slapped the hand closest to her causing the wrong chord to be played and they both grimaced. “And I’m talking ‘Mary Had A Little Lamb’ easy.�

“Alright,� JC laughed and took her hands placing them on the keys he wanted.

Rachel’s pulse jumped at the touch, but she kept her breath steady as she allowed him to manipulate her fingers.

“Pressing these down at once,� he tapped the fingers he was talking about, smiling when she did just that. “Gives a C chord.�

He went on to show her a couple more chords and two of the major scales. He tested her when he took her hands off the keys and told her to play a chord he had just taught her. But he grinned with pride, when after a few seconds she played them both correctly.
“Now,� he brought his hands back to the keys.

Rachel laughed when he stared playing ‘Mary Had A Little Lamb’. She hadn’t wanted to learn the song, just threw it out there as an example of easy. But she watched and listened intently as JC played and showed her the proper keys to hit.

“I don’t think this song has ever been butchered so much,� Rachel said, laughing ten minutes later as she had another unsuccessful attempt at the nursery rhyme.

“Pretty positive it has. It’s probably the first song everyone learns how to play.�
“That pep talk sucked,� Rachel allowed him to take her hand again curling her fingers toward her palm, leaving just her pointer finger free. Acting as a puppeteer, he moved her finger, pressing down on the proper keys as the song rang out without error. “Alright!�

“Learn that and I’ll teach you the next verse.� JC winked at her.

“It’s the same keys,� she swayed her body to the side, nudging JC’s. She looked at the clock and saw that it was almost three thirty. “Damn. We missed everything fun. Happy New Year, JC,� she told him with a soft smile.

“Happy New Year, Rachel,� JC smiled, pulling her in for a hug. “I think it's a custom to give the other person a kiss. Only in celebration sake of course,� he told her. JC thought if he could just kiss her once, that it would be the end of his feelings that were growing. That this thing between them was just attraction, nothing deeper. He couldn't like her that way.

Rachel stared at JC, contemplating what he was saying. Her heart was beating fast and she nodded mutely, not trusting herself to speak. She knew she should tell him no. Lance was counting on her to be his cover, something that she was doing willingly; at the same time she wanted to see what it was like to kiss JC. “Alright,� she finally said, giving him an encouraging smile. Rachel watched him as he turned to face her, one of his hands coming up to caress the side of her face before his lips touched hers. His lips were soft and warm and she let out a small sigh.

JC had only meant to give her a chaste kiss, but the sigh made him want more. His other hand cupped her cheek cradling her face between his hands as he deepened the kiss, feeling her hands come to rest on his chest. He looked at her after he broke off the kiss, shaking his head. “Sorry,� he told her quietly, not sure what he was apologizing for. He studied her face. This kiss did nothing to quell is feelings for her. If anything they solidified them, making them call out stronger, louder. He wanted nothing more than to pull her into his arms and kiss her again. But he squelched the feeling, reminding himself that she was taken. “but it does make up for the shitty way the year started.�

“No…� Rachel replied, feeling her heart flip flop. She wanted to reach back out to him. She clenched her fingers in her lap to stop herself. “Girls are missing out...� she could stuff her emotions down for now, letting it be friendship between them. She had no idea how JC even felt about her and wasn't about to start spinning fairy tales about him in her head. That only lead to trouble and she was staying away from that, giving him a grin.

Rachel checked her phone and saw that Lance had sent her a message. She replied quickly, hating that she had to leave but wanted to talk to Lance. “What are you going to do the rest of the night?� she asked JC, watching him grab a pencil and scribble words on a piece of paper.

He held up a finger, writing for a few more moments before grinning wide. “When inspiration hits, you work,� he told Rachel. “Wanna see the rest of the house before you go? The housekeeper came over yesterday, so I don't think it's too bad. If it is, don't tell.� He got up and opened the door to his recording studio, flipping on a light. It wasn't dirty, but JC had notes on things, parts of songs on sheet music and he grinned like a little kid. “It sounds stupid, but I love being down here. I can just sit and think...� he watched Rachel look around, he frowned a little. “Can I ask you a question?� He spoke suddenly, wanting her opinion.

“Sure, JC. What's on your mind?� Rachel looked him up and down, finding it hard to not stare. She kiss rang out in the foreground again and if she closed her eyes she could feel his lips against hers again. Even though she told herself not two minutes ago she wasn’t going to start spinning fairy tales she was doing just that. She thought Lance was handsome, but she was quickly coming to appreciate how JC looked. It wouldn't hurt to think he was good looking, there were lots of men that she looked at and admired. Of course none of them were one of Lance's bandmates.

“Do you think I'm too serious?� he asked, looking intensely at her, wanting an honest answer. It sounded stupid to ask. He just wanted to know partly because he was interested in what Rachel had to say.

Rachel gave him a warm smile, walking to over to him so she could look directly into his eyes. “You are the most perfectly serious guy I've ever known. You have a worth ethic that won't quit. You're focused and driven and you do know how to have fun. I've seen it,� she reassured him, letting her mind wander a moment. “Or is that not what you wanted to hear?�

“Keep talking like that and I'm going to have you call me when I need a pep talk,� JC replied, leading her back up the stairs and then upstairs to the bedrooms.

“Anytime...unless I'm sleeping,� Rachel said. “Or even if I’m sleeping. Just don’t expect a coherent answer.�

His house was much like Lance's and Rachel found herself wanting to sit in JC's writing spot, a comfy chair in the corner of the landing when they got upstairs next to the bookshelf and the small table on the other side with the lamp, curled up with a good book, loving the plush carpet and dark wood that accented the home. “You have a beautiful home,� she told him, smiling.

“Eh, it's just where I lay my head,� he replied giving her a shit eating grin, leading her to the door, his hand on the small of her back. “Be careful driving home, Rachel. Let me know you made it. Other people are stupid this time of year.� JC heard a car drive by, the music thumping before he let her go. “Bye Rachel. I'm glad you came over.�

Rachel hugged JC, nodding. “Thanks for letting me visit. I'll text you when I get across the neighborhood.� She waited until she was out of his drive

Joey's thoughts bounced from one thing to another, all about the same subject. He cut his eyes over to the passenger seat and his stomach gave a lurch. The warm body that usually filled it wasn't there. He'd gotten up and sat there on the edge of the bed in his shorts for an hour, watching Melissa sleep. He couldn't imagine her not being there in his bed, in his house. Even more than that, he was dreading pulling into the driveway at his parents house, picturing the look on their faces.




His phone vibrated, making the cup beside it in the cup holder rattle. He'd just pulled into the driveway and opened his phone. 'Look what I made' the text said, with a picture of toast with butter and jelly. Joey yelped in laughter, leaning his head back on the headrest as the tears came following. He held his eyes shut with his fingers, trying to get himself together. He told himself to man up, but his heart was still breaking. The news of being a father was still fresh and it hadn't been able to fully sink in yet. It was there in the back of his mind, quietly knocking but weighing heavily on his mind was Melissa and just what was going to change with their relationship.

He shoved his phone in his pocket and got out of the car, running a hand through his hair. “Hey, Pop,� Joey said to his dad who had opened the door before he could get there and knock.

“I didn't think you'd even be coherent at this hour,� the elder Joe said, looking at his watch. “Everything alright? Where's Melissa?� he asked, noting the look on his youngest son's face as he let him into the house. Phyllis was fixing coffee and they hadn't planned on getting out until that afternoon to shop a little.

Joey didn't answer until he was in the house and standing in the kitchen after greeting his Mom. “I have some news,� he said quietly, not quite believing he was saying the words, “I'm gonna be a dad.� The thought alone made him want to crawl under a rock. It wasn't that he wasn't excited about some aspect of it, but the magnitude of the situation had sucked him dry of any joy about the event.

“Oh Joey,� Phyllis smiled with unshed tears in her eyes and hugged him. “You'll be a wonderful father. How's Melissa feeling? Has she been sick? When did you find out?� She fired questions but stopped when Joey bit his lip and shook his head a little. Her eyes flicked to her husband's, and then let Joey go enough to look at him. “What's wrong, honey?�

Joey was grateful that his mom quit asking questions and just stood there while he tried to pull himself together. “Sorry Mom,� he said after a few minutes, wiping his face with the back of his hands and blew out a breath. “Kristen showed up last night at the party. She told me she was having my baby and then produced the paperwork from the doctor's office. Records and such through her lawyer.�

“Kristen? She'd have to be at least four months along...� his mother said, leading them all to sit on the couch, trying to rationalize this. She was excited for a grandchild, but now was not the time to be celebrating the news. “Do you think it's yours?�

Joey ran a hand over his face. He never imagined in a million years he'd be sharing a part of his sex life with his parents. “The last time I saw Kristen before we broke up was around the right date for conception. I only remember that because the next day I had a migraine from Hell from no sleep and sh..stuff.�

“Why didn't she tell you when you broke up with her?� Phyllis asked, trying to think this out.

“I don't know. Maybe she didn't know...I didn't really give her a chance to talk a lot, Mom. We just broke up,� Joey felt his phone vibrate in his pocket and looked at the text message. “Mel's going over to Justin's so I get to come home to nothing. Sounds about damn right,� he growled, shaking his head. “I don't care that she's going..it just...nevermind.�

“Maybe she needs some space to deal with this..that's not surrounded by your stuff and hers. I'm sure it's all been very hard on both of you.�

Joey nodded, his thoughts lost for a bit. He could care less that Melissa went to Justin's it was just the fact that if he went home no one else would be there. He'd lived by himself most of his life save for room mates, but this was different. His house had felt like home when Melissa was there, making it the place he wanted to be at.

“How do you feel about all this, son?� Joe Senior asked after a bit, putting an arm around Joey and the other around his wife, looking at the emotions play across the faces of those he loved.

“Like someone just put my heart in a blender and hit frappe,� he replied, not smiling at his own joke. “I don't know what to think about the whole baby thing yet. I'm more concerned with the woman who stayed up all night with me and cried herself to sleep around six this morning. She...� he looked at both of them, swallowing hard, “Mel told me she wanted me to do the right thing. Even if it was to not marry her.�

“Where is Kristen staying?� Phyllis asked Joey, watching him get lost in thought again.

“At the Marriott for this weekend. I told her we'd talk about all this next week,� Joey said, blowing out a breath. “I don't know what to do here. I mean, I know what I should do...but..I'd rather someone just shoot me. Might be easier that way.�

“You've got more than just you to think about now, Joe. Even if you don't have feelings for Kristen...� Joe Senior's voice said, trying to keep an even tone of voice and not pull his emotions into it.

“I know, Pop. It doesn't matter what I want, does it? I mean, really,� Joey's voice turned angry and he shook his head. “I know..I know I'm being selfish and stubborn, but I just want this to go away! How am I supposed to tell Melissa that I have to marry Kristen instead of her?� he asked them, pushing off the couch to pace, letting his emotions out, things he couldn't say in front of Melissa. “That I'd rather eat broken glass than marry my child's mother? And at the same time, I'm excited about the prospect of being a father. How fucked up is that? I should be coming here grinning from ear to ear with both of you happy. Now you get to deal with all this fucked up shit...� he waved his hand towards the general direction of his house. “I can't ask Mel to be with me and be a step mom. Kristen...� he sighed, his voice quieting as he turned towards the window. “Kristen would use that every chance she got against me, or against her.�

“So you're sure about this?� Phyllis got up to put her arms around Joey. “We love you, no matter what. We'll love our grandchild, whether you marry Kristen or not.�

“I'm not one of those guys, Mom. I can't not be a part of my child's life. Other things will have to change.�

“Just be sure you and Melissa talk about things. Even if you are breaking off an engagement, that's no reason she's not still your friend. Tell her she can still come over here anytime she'd like. She's family,� Joe Senior pointed out as his son nodded. “And we will welcome Kristen to our family, if that's what you decide to do.�



Joey wanted to ask what other choice he had, but instead just nodded. He felt his phone vibrate and he pulled it out, giving a small smile. “Bambina,� Joey answered, trying to make his voice sound normal, shutting his eyes for a moment before sitting back down. This was part of normal that he was holding on to. He was going to keep it as long as he could.

“Did you know Justin bought me cooking lessons?� she asked him, looking at the papers in her hand. “I'm not sure whether to be insulted or happy. Probably happy I won't food poison anyone...�

“We need our baritone, chica,� Justin called out where Joey could hear.

“Tell Justin to shut his pie hole,� Joey said, listening to the two of them bicker. “How are you?� he asked a few minutes later, his voice quieter. “Have you decided you hate me?�

*^*^*^*^*^*

Melissa stilled at his question, her mouth moving a little but nothing came out. “Why would I hate you, Joey? I love you,� she cradled the phone, her voice getting raspy. “I am mad and angry and hurt by a few different things, but none of them make me hate you.�

“I'd hate me..If I was you. This is going to be hard,� Joey paused, looking over at his mother and then at the coffee table, “I made a decision.�

“What's that?� Melissa asked, figuring she knew what it was, shaking her head a little. “I mean, I probably already know...� her voice trailed off, fiddling with her ring.

“Let's not do this over the phone. We'll discuss it later..I'll be home in a couple hours.� Joey hated to start a conversation and then not finish, but there was no way he was doing that over the phone. He heard silence on her end and raised an eyebrow. “Melissa? You there?�

“Yeah,� she bit her bottom lip, nodding even though he couldn't see her. “I'll have Justin drive me back to the house in a little while. I'm gonna school his ass in H-O-R-S-E,� she tried to smile and not sniffle to let him know she was crying. Melissa felt like that's all she would do for the rest of her life.

“Kick his ass, Bambina. I love you.�

“I love you, Joey.� Melissa told him bye and then shut her phone. She leaned into Justin when he enveloped her into a hug. “I...I think all I do is cry...� she stammered out, shaking her head, feeling Justin's hand rub her back.

“It's okay, chica. Let it out,� Justin told her, feeling his heart break some when she let out a sob. “That bitch ain't got shit on you, Mel. So what she's having his kid...doesn't mean he's gonna love her. That's the straight up fuckin' truth,� Justin tipped Melissa's chin up so he could look at her face. “We love you, no matter if you're with Joey or not. You're our girl...�

“I thought Briney was your girl,� Melissa told him through her tears and saw Justin shake his head and frown, looking away from her for a little bit. “What happened?� she asked softly, noticing his posture change.

“We broke up a little while ago. I've just been trying to figure out what the hell I did. If I even did anything...� he growled, running a hand through his hair. “She lied to me, went out with this other guy. Looked me in the face and fucking told me she was going out with friends. The dude told me about it,� Justin snorted. “At first I was shocked, wondering if it was my fault you know. I mean, cause we all know I'm perfect,� he smirked at Melissa's laugh, glad that she'd at least smiled, even if it was about him. “So....we're done. She begged and cried and shit. I told her to go fly a goddamn kite.�

“Oh Justin, I'm sorry,� Melissa reached up and smoothed the lines in his forehead. He got them when he was thinking hard about something. “I've been meaning to ask and just didn't get a chance to...not that it was my business though.�

Justin shrugged, accepting her hug. “The media got wind of it last week. It doesn't matter I guess, what's done is done.� He got quiet for a moment before looking at Melissa. “You know what I don't get is you're with someone for a long time and all it once, you're kicked to the curb with no explanation. I mean, I know I fucking have an ego. I know millions of women want to have a piece of me...but I was so damn in love with Brit. Like I thought we had what you have with Joey.� Justin wasn't going to cry in front of his friend, but he did tear up a little, shaking his head at himself. “She's just a girl, there's more out there.�

“It still doesn't mean you don't care, Justin. It's...it's personal to you. It's dealing with you as Justin Randall Timberlake, the man. Not superstar Justin, or anything else. You have to deal with it and let your emotions out.�

“Oh I did,� his eyes got a gleam in them, “I've been dealing the hell out of it.� He smiled triumphantly at Melissa, cradling her face with his hands. Justin was more worried about her than him. “Now what the hell are we doing with you, Bass? You're all weepy and shit..I would be too, but just remember you and Joey are tight. He's your homeboy. No one can take that away from you.�


"It's not the same if he marries her, Justin," Melissa finally voiced, sitting back down in one of the chairs."He's a part of me and I don't wanna give that up. But I'll have to. She's having his baby," her eyes met Justin's blue ones. He blurred in front of her as tears filled her eyes again. "How can I take that away from him? I can't take that away from him. How can we go back to being just friends? I know we can say it six ways to Sunday but can we actually do it? Can I step back away from him, not call or text at odd hours when something's on my mind. Train myself that I'm not allowed to kiss him anymore; not allowed to touch him?" She glanced down at her hands, twirling the engagement ring on her finger. "Once this comes off, I will have no claim over him. I've loved him for so long Justin. I don't know how not too. I always thought I'd never have to find out who I would be without Joey, what I would do without him. It's always Joey and Melissa, Melissa and Joey, even when we were 'just friends'. It's like turning off a part of me. I'm afraid I won't work right. And if I ever get to working right, I won't be the same.�

Justin pursed his lips and sighed, having no answer. He hated having no answer, looking at her silently for a few moments. “Come on, chica. I'll drive you back over to the house-�

“It's Joeys,� Melissa told him, letting out a shaky breath. “It's Joey's house...� She sat over in the passenger side, watching the familiar scenery pass from Justin's house to Joey's. How many times had she ridden with Justin. Both of them not talking was odd, and for once she could hear the radio playing. Her eyes met Justin's when he pulled in the driveway and then over to the empty space where Joey's Acura was usually parked. “Thanks, Timberlake. You da man.� She fist bumped him and hugged him tight before going in the house. The door shut and Melissa found herself going to the last place she and Joey were. The bed was still unmade and she buried her face into Joey's pillow, breathing in his scent as tears came to her eyes once more.

*^*^*^*^*

“I'm sorry, Bambina,� Joey whispered, wondering if really was possible to die of a broken heart. He wasn't sure whose heart was breaking more, his or Melissa's. He'd come home to find her curled up with his pillow and had joined her in bed. His fingers had traced over her face and he'd memorized every part of her. It wasn't something new, but Joey didn't want to forget. He wanted to remember her right there beside him. When she'd stirred, he pulled her to him and held her. When the only response he could give her to his decision was to cover his face and look away when she'd asked, his shoulders shaking, she responded with a gut wrenching wail that ran his blood cold. That was when Joey held on to her, whispering over and over he was sorry, that he loved her until she was silent. Now he kept telling her, even though her face was still buried in the crook of his neck, something wet hitting his skin once in a while. “Talk to me, Mel.�

Melissa pulled away enough to look at Joey, not caring her hair was plastered to her face, if her face was blotchy. “What do you want me to say? I can't...� she sucked in a breath and lovingly stroked Joey's cheek, “I can't lie and tell you I'm not hurting, but I'm not keeping you from your kid. I can't ask you to choose...� her voice trailed off and her green eyes met his brown ones. “You're gonna be a father,� her mind stuttered over the next words, “and a good husband.� It made her sick to her stomach to think of Kristen being Mrs. Joey Fatone, that she was in his life and now pregnant with his child. The only part of Kristen that Melissa cared about was the baby that was half Joey's. “Here,� she slipped off the engagement ring and held it up between her thumb and index finger.

Joey looked at the ring and shook his head. “I'm not taking it from you. It's yours. Nona told me to give it to the girl who holds my heart,� he took the ring from her and got up momentarily to get one of his silver chains from his box. “You're the woman who has my heart,� he told her, putting the ring on the chain and handed it back to her, leaning in and kissing her softly. “It's always gonna be you.�

Melissa looked at the ring dangling there on the chain and then at him, nodding. She knew what she'd be taking from Joey's house. Pieces of herself, pieces of him. “Who do I call when I have something funny to share or a stupid joke?� she asked softly, moving to where they both sat on the edge of the bed, her arm ran through his, their fingers entwined. “Or when I remember I can't run up and kiss you...that you'll be taken by someone else.�

Joey didn't answer. He didn't know the answers, wanting them himself. Even before their relationship, they kept in constant contact with one another, save for the few times they got mad and didn't talk. Joey had taken over Melissa's cell phone bill so long ago, he didn't even know when it had gotten changed over to his account. That morning he'd told himself he could be strong and do this, but it was then he realized how much of himself he was losing. He was losing that part of him for a bigger reason, but he wondered how much his life would change. “I start rehearsals again next week...and we're finishing up recording,� he told her, looking down at her bare left hand. His finger rubbed the spot where the skin was indented from the ring. “Will you be here another week or do you know?� he left the question hanging.

“I have work and class,� she told him, sighing. “I have things to take care of...� It hurt to think about calling all the places she and Rachel had called to book things for the wedding and paid deposits on, and the dress that was hanging in the closet at her parents house. “You know I have to move out, Joey.� The sadness in her voice crept in, feeling worse when Joey frowned and blinked a few times, nodding after a bit.

“I'll help you pack,� Joey said suddenly, hopping off the bed and pulling open one of his drawers, the one with all his t-shirts in it. He pulled some of them out, tossing them backwards towards the bed, onto Melissa and the bed, some falling short landing haphazardly in the floor. He got to the next drawer and threw his shorts out, then proceeded to empty out the dresser of both their clothes. The chest of drawers blurred as angry tears came with Joey forcefully pulling the drawers out and dumped the clothes in a pile. “Don't tell me stop!� he shouted at Melissa, not turning his head as he moved towards the closet. “You need to move out, I'm just speeding up the process...�his voice trailed off as the closet door came open with a bang against the adjoining wall.

Melissa buried her face in her hands, listening to hangars rip off the rod and things being thrown. The telltale sign Joey was upset was when she heard Italian coming from his lips, yelling at first and then getting softer after a few minutes. She got up and crept over to the large walk in closet, peeking in. Joey was crouched down in the middle of the closet, his body shaking slightly. “Oh Joey,� she whispered, not sure how much more either of them could take. One of her favorite shirts was in his hands, holding it close to his chest. The closet itself looked like hell with clothes thrown everywhere.

Joey felt Melissa's arms wrap around him and he leaned back against her after moving to where he could sit. He didn't have any words, didn't know what to say. He didn't want her to leave. If she left, this would all become real. “Tell me this is all a bad dream, Bambina. That I'll wake up and none of this will be happening,� he got out before turning his head to look at her. Joey wished he could fix this, but if he did, it had to be without the woman who was being braver than he was at the moment. “I'll pick this up...everything...� He kissed her lips, not caring if he should or not. Right then all Joey wanted was to have her there.

Melissa kissed him back, fingers stroking his hair next to his temple. “I'm not leaving you upset like this, Joey. I'm not moving out today unless you want..� her words were muffled, cut off by Joey's mouth again, his answer in his kiss. She whimpered when his tongue found her mouth, opening up as his tongue slid in her mouth. “What are you doing?� she asked him when they broke off the kiss, breathing hard. He wasn't hers anymore, even though he hadn't said the words and she still wanted him just as much.

Joey got up, the shirt he'd been holding landing on the floor with the other clothes and pulled Melissa to him, giving her a hint of a smile. “Our last night together...one final hurrah,� Joey told her, chuckling when she raised an eyebrow, messing with Melissa's hair. “We can fall asleep on the couch. Remember when all I had was a couch to sleep on?� It had been almost five years ago, but when he moved into this house, his furniture and furnishings were lacking. Not because of money, but just because Joey hadn't been home long enough to go buy furniture. The first time Melissa had spent the night over at his place, they'd fell asleep on the couch. He woke up the next morning with a crick in his neck from falling asleep sitting up while Melissa was curled up beside him. It was funny that he remembered that, but he did.

“I remember that. And that time Justin woke us up by crowing like a rooster on the bus when we'd just went to bed a couple hours before,� Melissa told him as they walked downstairs. Her heart still hurt, but there was something no one could take away. All the memories her and Joey shared. It was silent the walk down the stairs and then when she watched Joey settle onto the couch, she bit her lip and sat down in front of him and turned her body sideways to lay down next to him. She turned her head to look at Joey. “Will you miss me?� she whispered, hating to ask, but had to know.

“What do you think, Bambina?� Joey asked, his hands holding her face gently. “I hate the thought of you not being with me. Of not waking up to you and falling asleep with you. This breaking up shit is hard to do,� he said, looking out at the sunset through the cracks in the widow shades. It was still early and here they were, going to bed. “Don't cry anymore, I don't think I can stand it...� he begged when tears ran down Melissa's face.

*^*^*^*^*

“Yeah I need a grande mocha cappuccino with extra foam and an espresso shot, a grande vanilla cappuccino with no foam and an espresso shot, and a grande black with two sugars,� Lance ordered as they sat in the drive thru line at Starbucks.

“Joey not a coffee drinker?� Rachel asked, curious why he only ordered three drinks.

“He won't want any coffee. If he's been upset, it messes with his voice,� Lance told her as he paid and got the drinks. He gave a wave to the girl who was at the drive thru who was grinning at him like she'd won the lottery. He took a sip of his drink and frowned. “I'm gonna stay with Joey after we get done today. Might make it a little easier on him.�

Rachel nodded as she sipped her cappuccino. “I have plans for Mel and I to blow this popsicle stand tomorrow. Just gotta get stuff taken care of.� She sighed, reaching over to hold Lance's hand. “Is it okay if I say I hate Kristen for this? Like I'd like to punch her in her face...but I'll refrain since she's allegedly pregnant with Joey's kid.�

“You say that like you don't believe her,� Lance retorted, giving her a smile. “Right now, I'm just taking this day by day. And today's gonna suck the worst. Actually back that up, yesterday was bad too, since I was the one that had to tell my parents. They called me since Mel had called crying and they couldn't get anything out of her. That was when you were on the phone with your grandfather...� he told her when she gave him a curious look.

Stopping at the gate, Rachel was glad for the extra minute this took to get a few emotions stuffed down into a place they hopefully wouldn't come out. She loved Melissa and Joey, even if her best friend drove her crazy sometimes, she prayed that this wouldn't be as bad as she figured it would be. When Lance pulled into the driveway, she looked over at him and quickly wiped away a tear. “I told myself I wouldn't cry about this shit,� she admonished herself, chuckling when Lance shook his head.

“Wanna hear something?� Lance asked her before she could get out. “Timberlake's cried over this. So if he can cry, the rest of us can boo fucking hoo all we want.�

“How the mighty have fallen,� Rachel muttered to herself, getting out of the car and sighing heavily. She didn't want to do this, but put on her best neutral expression, giving her boyfriend a slight smile, meeting his green eyes;glad that her heart was safe from this sort of thing with Lance. The momentary slip happened when she thought of JC, knowing she'd be in the same boat as Melissa or worse. That thought was quickly tossed in the back of her mind where it was beaten down into submission. She had other things to worry about as she watched Lance go to the door.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^


“You look good,� Melissa told Joey, watching him get ready. She didn't think she could cry anymore, feeling numb. He slipped on his watch and then reached for one of his Superman necklaces and she sniffled. “Sorry,� she muttered, wiping tears, hearing the doorbell ring. It was probably Rachel and Lance. Rachel had told her she'd be over to help her gather up stuff and Lance was giving Joey a ride to the studio. “I didn't know we needed babysitters,� she told Joey, smiling at him shaking his head.

She opened the door to reveal her brother and best friend, attempting to give them both a smile. It barely made it past her mouth and certainly not to her eyes.

“We brought Starbucks,� Rachel said, thrusting the cup of coffee into Melissa's hands as they came in the door. “Where's Joey?�

“Getting ready,� she said, accepting hugs and putting the coffee on the table in the living room. “He's just finishing up.�

Lance looked up when he heard Joey coming down the stairs. He thought about making a wise crack at how good Joey looked for a recording day. A black fedora, a black shirt with white diamonds on it and some jeans with black Nike's, his Superman necklace and his watch, diamond stud in his ear. He choked back his smart ass remark when he saw Joey's eyes land on his sisters, smirking at her giving him a once over. His best friend was doing this for Melissa. “We got a few minutes before we need to go,� he told them both, his eyes meeting Rachel's. The two of them quietly excused themselves to give the other couple a few minutes to themselves.

“So this is it, huh?� Melissa asked Joey, her eyes not meeting his. She wanted to scream and beg and ask him why it had to happen, but instead she just drew in a shaky breath, avoiding looking at Joey's face. His shirt blurred and she cursed herself for crying again. She was proud though when she felt Joey's arms around her that she didn't break down. “I can't tell you goodbye,� she choked out, pulling back to finally look at him, reaching up to cup his cheek and wipe away a tear forming in the corner of his eye.

“Then it's not goodbye, Bambina. It's an 'I'll see ya later.� Joey wasn't sure what part of him was talking, if he was even making sense. “Don't worry about picking up my shit in the closet. I'll do it later tonight. If you need me to call anywhere....� he started, then shook his head when she laid her head on his shoulder. They stayed silent, hugging tightly for a few minutes. “I gotta go, Melly. I love you.�

Melissa bit her lip hard and closed her eyes momentarily. It would be the last time she'd hear him say that. “I love you too. I'll see you around.� She didn't let Joey go, surprised when he didn't pull away from her. “Be good, Fatoney.�

“Always, Bambina,� Joey told her, leaning in and nuzzling her nose with his, his lips barely grazing her cheek before he stepped back. He gave a nod to Lance for them to come back in, knowing they had to get to the studio before they were late.

Lance leaned over to kiss Rachel. “Have a good day,� he told her, mouthing good luck. A part of him felt out of place when he looked over at Joey and Melissa. He'd always heard the expression that someone looked like they'd 'lost their best friend'. Now he was seeing it in person. His sister was holding it together enough to get Joey out the door and Joey was doing the same for her.

“Come on, Lance. We'll be late. I don't want to hear Josh bitch,� Joey told his friend, turning to Rachel and giving her half a wave bye as the other girl pulled Melissa in for a hug. 'Take care of her' he mouthed, glad when she nodded. He went and got in the passenger side to Lance's car, silent. The radio played, twisting Joey's heart with the words. “Fucking Backstreet Boys,� he muttered, listening to the song as it sang everything he was feeling.

“Empty spaces, fill me up with holes. Distant faces, with no place left to go, without you within me, I can't find no rest. Where I'm going is anybody's guess. I tried to go on like I never knew you, I'm awake, but my world is half asleep, I pray for this heart to be unbroken but without you all I'm going to be is incomplete...�

*^*^**^*

“I think we got it all,� Rachel told Melissa, tossing the final bag in the back of the Mustang. She'd done most of the talking while Melissa packed and even picked up the mess Joey had made. Rachel had talked about everything she could think of besides what was happening right then. “Anything else you need to do?� she asked, turning back to Melissa who was standing there, looking at the house.

Melissa shook her head no. She'd gotten all of her things, leaving her keys to Joey's house and cars in an envelope. His American Express card and insurance/prescription card, various items from her car: A pair of his sunglasses and a couple hats, even a bottle of his cologne that had been in the glove box. The envelope was sitting on the bar, next to the phone and she hit the button to hear the message that came up when someone called. 'This is Joey and Melissa, we can't come to the phone right now,� she heard her voice say, “Joey stop it,� a laugh from Joey. “Leave a message and we'll get back to you. Say goodbye Joey.� “Goodbye Joey!� she hit delete, letting it go back to the automated message. Her eyes met Rachel's knowing she'd zoned out. “I'm okay. I need to stop a few places,� she told her friend as she handed her the keys. “I want to just get this all over with, Rach. I want to get back to normal.�

“I hate to tell you, Bass. You won't ever be normal,� she teased, glad to see her friend smile and flip her off. “But I know what you mean. Want me to go talk to anyone?� she asked, knowing the flowers and catering were close to one another in the same block.

“Yeah, talk to the florist,� Melissa told her, sighing. “And I'm hungry. We forgot to eat last night. Went to bed at 8...�

“Wait, back up. Joey skipped a meal?� Rachel looked at Melissa, reaching over to pat her hand. “What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, Mel.�

Melissa just rolled her eyes at Rachel, looking out the window at the traffic going by. “By the time this is over, I should be freaking Supergirl, Wonder Woman..a Jedi,� she muttered to herself, leaning against the window and closing her eyes. It had to get better. She didn't think it would and all she wanted was to back up five years and start over.

“Once more, guys,� Wade told them as the music started over. “Joey, stay focused.�

Joey glared at their choreographer as a bead of sweat ran down the side of his face. It had been a week and he felt much like he had when he'd come home the first night and all of Melissa's stuff was gone. Empty. And then if that wasn't enough, Kristen had demanded to talk to him the next day, making rehearsals a joke. Wade had pushed Joey the hardest and he'd balked, walking out of practice. Now he was almost in step with the others, watching the mirror and himself carefully. Keep breathing in and out, he told himself. Things had to get better. He caught Wade giving him a nod, jerking his head slightly in response. He was breathing hard when the music stopped, looking at his band mates.

“Looks good, that's all for today,� Wade told them, watching Joey go grab a water.

“You wanna go out tonight?� Justin asked Joey as he flopped down beside him, taking a big gulp of water. “Me, Chris and JC were gonna go to a club or two. Might be good to get out of the house.�

“Can't,� Joey replied, grabbing a towel Chris had tossed him. “Kristen wants me to help her find an apartment. She's pissed because I won't let her move in. Then screamed at me because I threw it back in her face we weren't shacking up,� Joey shrugged. “I made it plain the reason I was doing this...� his voice trailed off and he got quiet.

Justin let Joey sit there a minute before jostling the other man. “You know Rachel drug Mel off to the beach near Cocoa. She'd tried to drag her farther off, but she protested,� Justin rolled his eyes, pulling up a picture Melissa had sent him. It was a self portrait of her and Rachel with the beach behind them, both smiling. He showed it to Joey. “Seems like someone stole a jersey before they left,� he told him with a smirk.

Joey looked at the picture and couldn't help the smile that touched the corners of his mouth. “I told her to take a couple of them,� he said, trying not to sound emotional about it. It was one of his favorites, his Knights jersey that said Phat-One on the back. “She looks like she's having fun.�

Justin just shrugged, closing his phone. “They're shopping and eating and shit. Girl stuff, dawg. You letting Kristen get an apartment near you?� he held up his hands in defeat when Joey glared at him.

“Just wonderin', man. Jesus..�

“How about you just drop the subject, Timberlake? It's not like I don't get fifty fucking texts an hour of apartments she's found or baby furniture or clothes or god knows what that would be 'nice' to have. Not to mention, 'When are we getting engaged? I want to get married before I start to show.'� Joey voice grew louder, making the rest of the guys stop and look at him. “And while I'm on the subject, who in the FUCK came up with the set list? Which one of you thought it would be funny to put 'I Thought She Knew' on there? Who's the genuis who did that, huh?� His eyes swept over the four of them as they all looked at each other and then him. “You think I wanna sing that song? Why don't you just cut my fucking heart out on stage? Look at Joe, poor Joe, let's just gut him now while he can't feel anything.�

At that moment, Lance's phone rang and he groaned, since it wasn't on silent. “Gone� was playing;it was his sister. He didn't even look at Joey as he hit end, turning it on vibrate and slipped it back in his pocket.

“I don't want to know, do I?� Joey growled as Lance shook his head slightly.

“Joey, we tried to talk to management about the set list, and about that song,� JC said, hoping to calm his friend down. “We were told that since the set list has been decided already, we can't change it once it goes through them. And none of us added it...�

“We tried to get it taken off,� Chris chimed in, watching Joey pace. “I can always sing your part too,� he suggested.

“Oh yeah, like that will help. Sit there and listen to you sing my part while all the fans wonder why the hell I'm not singing it?�

“Then sing it,� Justin taunted him. “Sing it right now for all of us. Your part.� He knew Joey couldn't do it, getting up in Joey's face after he got flipped off. “You're gonna sing the fucking song, man. Cause we all know the reason behind it. Think of it this way, it's a big unknown fuck you to Kristen. You get to sing a song about your girl...and no one knows it but us.�

The other three guys looked at Justin as if he'd grown three other heads. It was the best reverse psychology they'd ever heard and it must have worked because even though there was still a twitch in Joey's eye, he slowly nodded. “That's the only reason then. I'm gonna sing the hell out of it,� he told them all, tossing his water bottle in the trash before leaving.

“What the hell was that, Justin?� JC asked after the door shut.

“It was motivation,� Justin told JC, grinning. “He'll do it if he thinks its for a good reason...all I have to do is refer back to Mel and he's putty in my hands.�

“It sounds a little like blackmail,� Chris told him, sitting down in one of the chairs, “I mean, is it fair? He's in a messed up place right now.�

“That's not likely to change for a while, guys. I say,� Lance blew a breath out and ran a hand over his face, “I say if it gets him through all this other shit, we go with Justin's idea.�

"And if it doesn't work," Chris cut in, a smile playing at his lips. "Well it's justin's fault. After all, it was his idea"

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

Lance sat on JC's couch fiddling with his phone. The other three were playing Mario Kart and he'd opted out of this game. His phone rang and he raised an eyebrow at the number, coming up as 'Cocoa, Florida'. He almost hit the end button, but something told him to answer.

“Hello?� he said, grabbing the remote and turning it down so he could hear. “Where are you, Rach?�

“She's probably calling from jail,� Justin said, his eyes never leaving the television.

“They haven't been gone long enough to be in jail,� Chris told him, hitting buttons. “Take that, Chasez.�

“This is Rachel and Melissa we're talking about, you've witnessed them in action,� JC replied, looking at Lance and frowing at the look on his face.

“Those two need a warning when they go out,� Chris said with a grin, his eyes not leaving the television.

“No shit,� Justin muttered, grinding his teeth when Chris beat him, flipping him off.


“It must not be good.� JC looked back to Lance, wondering what was going on.

“What do you mean you're in jail? How did you get in jail?!� Lance yelled, standing up and pacing as Justin whooped with glee.

“I told you they were in jail!� Justin crowed, pointing at Lance, laughing.

“Shut up, Timberlake,� Lance said, not being able to hear. “What happened? How much did you have to drink?�

Lance listened, not sure he was able to believe what he was hearing. His girlfriend and sister were in jail. After drinking no less. “So you quit counting drinks....� his voice trailed off as he dug in his pocket for his keys. “She punched someone? Or you did? Both?! You so owe me for this.� Lance's face blushed as Rachel told him what she'd do to make it up to him. “You are drunk aren't you?� he chided, not even looking at his friends. “I'll be there in a couple hours. Love you.� He closed the phone and sighed, his eyes meeting his friends. They were all standing there, waiting to hear the news.

“What happened?� Chris asked, only hearing Lance's side. He was going, if nothing else to see Rachel and Melissa in a drunk tank in a jail.

“Did they start a bar brawl?� Justin asked, his curiosity up as to what had happened.

“Apparently, my girlfriend and my sister had some admirers at the club.-�

“Well they are hot,� Justin interrupted, smiling wider at Lance's glare.

“And after them drinking, the guys thought it would be funny to start mouthing those 'gay boy bands' that were playing,� Lance finished, sighing.

“Oh hell no,� Justin said, his grin widening. “Melly gave them a beat down?�

“She and Rachel both told them off from what I could gather. Then when they mouthed more, they got in a couple of punches. I think there was more to it than that, but..being drunk,� Lance sighed, “She said something about the police wanting to talk to whoever came and picked them up.�

“I just want to see the mug shots,� Chris said, getting hit in the back of the head by JC. “What?�

“This isn't funny,� JC said. “You want us to come with?�

Lance shrugged, “Might as well. Someone has to call Joey. Not it!� he said just as quickly.

“Not it,� chimed Chris and JC, leaving Justin standing there.

“Why the fuck does it have to be me? Why does he even need to know? We'll tell him tomorrow.� Justin said, walking out the door with the others and getting into the vehicle with the most room, which was Chris' Pathfinder. “He'll be mad.�

“Like that's different any other time this week,� Chris pointed out as he backed out of the driveway. “He's not handling this well. I mean, it's cool he's gonna be a Dad. Sucks that it has to be with Kristen.�

“You know he'll be more pissed if you don't call him,� JC told Justin. “You don't have to give any details, just tell him the girls got into some trouble and we're going to get them out.�

“That sounds fucking whack, dawg,� Justin dialed Joey's number and hit end, not wanting to leave a voicemail. “I'll try him later,� he said, putting the phone in his pocket. He was almost glad that his friend hadn't answered, not wanting to tell him that his ex-girlfriend was in jail. It was hard to think of Melissa as Joey's ex, but it was just the way the cards were dealt at the time.

*^*^*^*^*^*^

“We're in jail, Rach. Like real jail. 'Cops' meets 'Law & Order' meets 'The First 48' jail,� Melissa told her friend. “Your grandfather will send me to live in the middle of the Indian Ocean on an oil rig.� Melissa sat next to Rachel, not believing they were there.

“No he won't. They didn't even take our pictures or fingerprint us,� Rachel said. She was still plenty drunk, but at least was thinking halfway right. “Lance said he'd be here in a couple hours.�

“You called Lance?� Melissa yelled, burying her face in her hands. “He'll tell me I get to stay here to learn a lesson. 'I told you not to drink'...� she mimicked him, shaking her head. “At least it wasn't Joey. You didn't call Joey did you?�

Rachel watched her friend's lip quiver and leaned her head back on the wall and groaned. “No, Mel. I didn't call Joey. You're saying your ex-boyfriend being called would be worse than your brother?�

“I don't know,� she said, groaning covering her face. “This year has sucked and we're only a week into it. I can't wait to see what else happens. I mean, it can't get worse. I don't really think it can.�

Rachel didn't answer for a few minutes, letting the emotions settle before she said anything. A smile came to her lips. “You know that saying? Best friends are sitting there in jail next to you saying 'That was fun, let's do it again'.� She let out a laugh when Melissa did, not being able to stop laughing after a bit, both of them drunk and sitting in jail suddenly was the funniest thing ever. “You called a guy a scruffy looking nerf herder, Mel,� she gasped for air as her friend leaned on her.

“It's..Star Wars,� Melissa replied, wiping her eyes, pausing to take a breath. “Oh god..We drank way too much. This one time, at Justin's...� she cracked up again, holding her stomach. It was twenty minutes later, Melissa sat up, looking at Rach. “You know, this place has good acoustics. For being tile...� she got up, making a face like Joey would. “We like to sing in bathrooms, any place with tile...and now, a jail cell.�

“Hey hey....Bye bye bye,� Melissa sang loudly, her voice echoing off the walls, making her grin. She was doing some of the dance moves, making up others as Rachel laughed. “Bye bye don't wanna be a fool for you, just another player in your game for two. Come on, Rach, this sounds awesome.�

The officer that brought them in looked at his partner, shaking his head slightly. “Now I've officially seen it all. I can't wait until her brother gets here,� he said, smiling as the video camera caught it.

“I thought they were supposed to sit and be quiet. Not sing boy band songs,� the young rookie said, looking concerned at the drunk tank where the girls were now both singing and dancing, doing more improving than actual dancing.

“We didn't arrest them, Thomas. We're just giving them a safe place to sober up until their ride gets here. Besides, what are they hurting?�


"Our ears?" Thomas grinned.



“You are Aero-Sync, You are NSYNCA-Smith,� Melissa yelled at Rachel who was saluting her as they mocked the Superbowl performance, laughing hysterically as they made fun of the commercial, pretending to pee and then running to the other side where the bars were.

“Saiiiiling, takes me awayyyyyy,� Rachel sang, with Melissa joining in. “Wave your hands, make an ocean of people,� she said in her best Chris voice.

Then Melissa grinned and looked at Rachel. “Eat eat eat, all day long..� Rachel caught on and started drumming a rhythm. “Eat eat eat while I sing this song. Eat eat eat..�

“Goldfish taste real good,� Rachel chimed in as she drummed.

“Eat eat eat..In the neighborhood. Oh god,� they both collapsed on the floor, holding each other and laughing.

“You know, I'm glad we're here,� Melissa said after a moment wiping a tear from her eye. “I can cross this off the bucket list,� she joked, shaking her head.

“It was on mine too,� Rachel told her, sitting there, knowing they were drunk and being stupid.

"Just the two of us," Mel said staring off.

"Up against the wall,' Rachel echoed and the two started giggling.

"I wonder how many song titles we can put together to make sentences?" Melissa said.

"Let's try it."


“Here we go,� Melissa said, the first song that came to her head, not as fast as usual since she was inebriated.

“I need love,� Rachel said, hoping that her friend would come up with something good.

“Just don't tell me that.� Melissa laughed as they kept going, getting more outrageous.

“You Drive Me Crazy...Tell Me, Tell Me Baby...Underneath My Tree..Digital Get Down.�


"All I Want Is You... Home For Christmas...Under My Tree," Rachel laughed as she added, "Bringin' Da Noise"

Melissa dissolved into giggles. It took a few seconds before she added her own, "This I Promise You... That Thing You Do... Makes Me Ill."

Rachel cradled her stomach as she laughed. Tears rolled down her cheeks and she was unable to stop. "Oh God..." She breathed. "So funny!"

"I Want You back."

"Up Against The Wall"

"The Two Of Us."

"Up Against The Wall"

"I Just Wanna Be With You"

"Up Against The Wall"

"It's Gonna Be Me," Melissa glared at her friend. "If you say, 'Up Against The Wall' one more fucking time..."

The two fell into silence each trying to hold back their laughter.



"Up Against The Wall" they said at the same time breaking into giggles.

"I can't help it, it goes with everything," Rachel replied. "Are you gonna be there."
"Up Against The Wall," Melissa retorted, making Rachel roll her eyes.

Rachel replied, “Are you gonna be there.�

Silence filled the cell before they both shouted out, laughing. "Up Against The wall."


They were quiet for a few minutes before Melissa cleared her throat. “Here's an appropriate song,� she told Rachel, smiling. “Lying in your arms, so close together, didn't know just what I had.�

s*^*^*^*^^*^*^**^

Chris pulled into the parking lot of the police station and looked over at Lance. “You know we're all going in,� he told his friend. “We didn't drive two hours to just sit in the car while you go see what the girls are doing.�

“Yeah, dawg. I wanna see you go postal or somethin',� Justin told Lance, not caring he got a glare.

“Just make sure they're okay before you start griping,� JC added, all of them exiting the car.

Lance just nodded, not quite believing what he was doing, going to get his girlfriend and sister out of jail. He hoped they'd sobered up. They got in the door and stopped. There was the regular noises of calls coming in, of people shuffling around and the police scanner and then two female voices singing.

“Thank God. They've been singing for an hour,� Officer Thomas told them, leading the four of them towards where the girls were, the singing getting louder. “I think your playlist has been updated,� he told Lance, shrugging.

“Whhhhhyyyy didn't I know it, Whhhyyyyy didn't I show it,� Rachel belted, hanging onto the bars, belting JC's part as loud as she could with Melissa backing her up.

The girls didn't realize they had an audience turning their backs to the outside starting on another song.

“I want my baby back,� Melissa sang in her best JC voice.

“I want my baby back,� Rachel echoed singing Justin's part, smiling as they both sang Lance's part.

“I want my baby back, baby back, baby back,� Melissa said, doing Joey's walk from the Chili's commerical.

“Tell me you got that,� Justin whispered to Chris as his friend brought out his phone to video it, both of them laughing at the girls and at JC's stunned expression. “This is so going on the NSYNC site.�


“Are they always like this?� The old man asked Lance, raising an eyebrow as they walked towards the drunk tank.



Crazy? Yes." Lance answered. "Drunk? No."

"Time to go," he opened the door to the cell. "Concert's over."

Melissa and Rachel whirled around hearing the door of the cell clang open. They teetered at the sudden movement, their stomachs rolling. They held onto each other so they wouldn't hit the floor. Upon seeing who was standing on the other side of the bars waiting for them, they broke out in smiles.

"Lance!"

"The ladies, they love you," Chris said as he closed his phone and stuffed it in his pocket.

Lance watched as they walked from the cell, clearly using each other as a crutch. His anger had somewhat faded after finding out the story that had led them to being in the drunk tank in the first place. "Are you alright?" He asked reaching out for Rachel. He gripped her upper arm, keeping her steady before pulling her to him.

"Chica," Justin smiled, wrapping an arm around Melissa's shoulder as she leaned into him. "It's illegal to have this much fun without me."

"This was strictly an innie trip, not an outtie," Melissa smiled up at him, her eyes glazed with drunkenness.

Justin laughed out loud before pressing a kiss to the side of Melissa's head. "I love you, Chica." He held onto her, leading her through the maze of desks toward the door that lead outside. A round of applause followed them out.

"What do they know?" Rachel scoffed, stumbling slightly out the door causing Lance to tighten his hold on her. "We owned that shit."

"Owned that shit," Melissa echoed.

"You alright?" Lance asked as they made it to Chris's vehicle. Instead of getting into the car, they converged around, forming a circle.

"I feel like we drank a gallon of vodka," Rachel admitted, her head leaning against Lance's chest, her arms wrapped loosely around his waist. "I think we had more fun in jail, than we did at the club."

"No kidding," Melissa spoke up, lifting her head from Justin's shoulder. "Next time we'll skip the club and go directly to jail."

Rachel lifted her head and looked at Melissa, her mouth opened to reply but Lance's voice quickly cut her off.

"I don't think so."

"Spoilsport."

"What happened?" JC asked, eying Rachel up and down carefully. He didn't want to admit that he was slightly jealous of her standing in Lance's arms. Jealous that Lance had been the first person she called from jail. Jealous that Lance had been the one she noticed in the jail cell. Jealous that she had gone straight to Lance. It wasn't something he wanted to think of right now. "Were they arrested?"

"No," Lance said ignoring Chris's 'damn'.

"Hey man, let's get them back to their hotel," Justin broke in before Lance could tell them the events. They guys glanced around for the first time noticing the stares they were getting. When they made eye contact, the cops staring quickly went about their business. "How are we going to do this?"

Chris looked at his car before looking at his friends. There was one less seat. "Looks like someone's sitting on someone's lap. I'll drive." He took the keys from Lance.

"Rachel can sit on Lance's lap, Mel in the middle. I'll sit next to Mel and JC, you can sit up front." Justin issued out seating arrangements. He walked Melissa around the back of the vehicle, helping her climb in and scooting her to the middle before he climbed in after her.

"This outta be fun," Rachel grinned. She released Lance so he could climb into the vehicle. She swayed a little when her anchor left but was quickly righted again against a warm body. She glanced up and grinned seeing JC. "Hi."

"Hi," JC said, unable to keep the smile off his face. He held her to his side, his arm resting on her hip, holding her steady. When Lance was ready, he walked Rachel to the car and helped her in. When she was situated, he shut the door. He pushed down the jealousy down as he walked behind the vehicle to climb into the passenger seat.

"So what happened James," Chris turned the radio completely down so they could talk. He pulled from the police station driving slowly and followed the directions Rachel had given to their hotel. The last thing they needed was to be pulled over.

"Guys kept flirting with them and buying them drinks. They were pretty toasted when one of the guys that were buying drinks mouthed the guys Rachel and Melissa were hanging with..." Lance broke off when he saw JC twist in the passenger seat to look at him. He caught Chris's gaze in the rear view mirror and could feel Justin looking at him.

"You make us sound like sluts, Lance," Melissa mumbled. She rested her head on Justin's neck, pressed against him so to give her brother and best friend room.

"You gotta be getting some to be a slut," Rachel mumbled against Lance's neck. She had her head resting on Lance's shoulder, her face pressed against his neck. Her legs tangled with either Lance's or Melissa's, she didn't know whose or even care. Lance had both his arms firmly wrapped around her making sure she wouldn't slip off his lap.

Lance felt his face heat and knew he was blushing. "Quiet, you." He told her before continuing. "Apparently they befriended some gay guys. After they started making slurs to them, they started in on guys that sing in bands-"

"They called Joey a cocksucking fag and a fat bastard," Melissa interrupted him. "And before that it was about gang banging on the tour bus. How you screwed girls in all sorts of cities." Tears formed in her eyes and she turned her body toward Justin. He brought his arms up, consoling her.

"Men too." Rachel added. "Said you were card carrying, venereal diseased ridden, can't sing worth a fuck faggots. We took exception to the can't sing worth a fuck."

"Thanks... I think." Chris said, his own anger growing.

"So you couldn't just leave?" JC asked Rachel, feeling bad for them. He knew they heard worse. It was something they all were used to. It was just one of the downsides of being a 'celebrity'. He just wished they didn't have to deal with it. He would gladly take being called that all day long if it meant Rachel didn't have to be subjected to it. It was as if she was being punished just because she knew them.

"We were going to call a cab," Rachel told him, the hum of the tires of the vehicle combined with Lance's warmth made her eyes heavy and she allowed them to slip close. Her stomach was starting to protest the mixture of alcohol and liquor and she prayed she could hold off until she got to the hotel. "Tim and Andrew - they were the good guys - were going to call one but-"

"The jackwagon made a comment I didn't like so I punched him."

"It was nice," Rachel let her lips drift into a smile as her eyes remained closed. "She broke his nose."

"That's my girl," Justin grinned.

"Of course the cops got called then, because his friend didn't like the fact that I had punched his friend and started yelling and getting up into my face," Melissa continued on with the story. There was a small smile on her face despite her tear stained cheeks.

"So I took him out," Rachel's face slipped into a full blown smile. "He never saw it coming."

"You two are never allowed out by yourselves again," Lance chided them. "The last thing I expected to get was a call to come get you out of jail."

"You should have known better," Rachel shifted in Lance's lap, getting more comfortable. She sighed softly, relaxing against him once more. "I am sorry though; we didn't mean to get into a fight and end up in jail."

"You're just an overachiever Rach," Chris said as he pulled into the hotel where the girls were staying.

"The only reason you two didn't get arrested was because the two guys you hit didn't want to make it known they got their noses broken by girls and there was an off duty cop who saw the whole thing. He was the one who called the cops that took you and Melissa in. They were his friends."

While Justin and Lance took both girls in the hotel to get them settled in their room, Chris and JC sat in the silence of the car. "You know we got a harder rehearsal today than yesterday, right? Wade's gonna eat us for lunch."

"Our asses are gonna be draggin'," JC ran a hand over his face, suppressing a yawn. It was going to be a very hard day on all of them. They had to get back to Orlando and get at least some semblance of sleep before they had to be back at the studio. "Maybe he won't be on Joey's ass so hard if we all suck."
“Wade pushes Joey because he knows how he is...but once Joey gets it, it's there,� Chris pointed out, watching Justin and Lance come back both of them talking. “I got video of Rachel and Melissa singing,� he told JC with a smirk. “That should be good for them to watch in a couple of days.�

“You and Justin aren't right in the head. They probably won't even remember that...I don't even want to think about the stupid crap you've done when you aren't drunk.�


Chris laughed and looked at JC as his friends got in the car. “It's all a part of my charming personality.�


*^*^*^*^*^*^

“Wakey wakey eggs and bakey,� Justin sang loudly into his phone, cackling and then hanging up. “They will hate me later,� he told the rest of the group as he smiled, tossing his phone back over into his bag. “You look like shit, dawg,� he said to Joey, who sat there next to his bag staring off into space.

“I couldn't sleep...� Joey's voice trailed off. He wasn't going to blurt out that his bed was empty and he missed his best friend. And that he'd stay up late just so he wouldn't dream because his dreams held the person he wanted to be with, not the person he was currently 'with'.That thought made his skin crawl. “Did you guys have fun last night?� he missed Justin's smirk but looked up with Chris laughed.

“We had lots of fun. Women were calling us from jail,� Chris said as Lance groaned.

“Jail? How did they get your number?� Joey looked concerned as the other four looked at him.

Lance glared at Chris. He was going to kill him later. It was going to be a long, slow and agonizing death. "Rachel and Melissa went to a club in Cocoa Beach last night. They got a little tipsy and got into a fight. The guys didn't take kindly to the fact that they were with us and had befriended some guys at the club who bat for the same team."

"So they fought with them?"

"Broke their noses," Justin stated proudly.

"An off duty cop saw the whole thing. Melissa didn't like the comment one of them made about 'gay boy bands' and you. Of course if the guy knew anything about you, he'd know you were a boob freak." Lance joked, trying to lighten the mood. "My sister brought blood and Rachel backed her up. They were taken to jail to sober up..."

"And to protect the other patrons at the club," Chris quipped.

"To sober up until I got there to pick them up. They weren't arrested or anything. No charges were filed."

Chris pulled out his phone and the video, handing it to Joey. “The other cop that was there said they'd sang for about an hour. First time anyone's sang NSYNC in the drunk tank,� he hit play and Rachel's JC impersonation played. “It was hilarious.�

Joey watched, wanting to chuckle at the girls and how silly they were being, but at the same time, he was worried. He'd watched Melissa deal with things she didn't want to and she did it all about the same. She ran away from it. He didn't want to think about her running from it to a bottle of alcohol. Although from what Lance had said, it wasn't intentional. “That's not right, Kirkpatrick. They'll both be mad if they know you have this,� he told Chris, handing him back his phone, shaking his head a little.

JC looked at the other two men. If that was the only reaction Joey had to something even he thought was funny, something was seriously wrong. He sent off a quick text to Rachel. 'U ok? Wade's getting ready to whip us into shape. Let me know..'

*^*^*^*^*^*^

“I'm never drinking again,� Rachel moaned as she rolled over, opening one eye to study the clock on the nightstand. It was almost noon and she felt like her mouth was full of cotton. She studied the bottle of water and tylenol beside it. She remembered being brought back to the hotel and talking to Lance and singing a little, but most of it was fuzzy. She sat up and groaned, picking up the note under the bottle of pills. She smiled at Lance's note, grabbing her phone and seeing her text messages. Her smile grew bigger as she looked at the one from JC, texting him back.




'Miserable. I am never drinking again, C.'

After sending the text to JC, she quickly typed out another one to Lance.

'I'm alive...barely. I'm not sure how I ended up in my hotel room. Everything's fuzzy.'

Rachel looked over at Melissa who was still asleep. She got up and made her way over to her friend's bed, glad the trip was only a few feet, her phone in her hands. “Scoot over,� she told Melissa when her friend groaned and the movement of the bed.

“Officer, did you get the number of that vodka bottle that hit me last night?� Melissa asked, scooting over and putting an arm over her face. “How did we get here? I vaguely remember something about Chris driving?�

Rachel's phone beeped and she looked at it, smiling. 'Rumor has it you serenaded the jail. Will be our next album. NSYNC live from Cocoa Beach Inmate Facility' Justin sent. “Oh God.�


“What?� Melissa asked, wondering why Rachel was grumbling under her breath.

“Seems that we gave a concert last night,� Rachel sent a text back to Justin. 'Look out Johnny Cash'.

“I don't remember a concert,� Melissa said, rolling over to face Rachel, groaning and burying her head in her arms and the comforter. “Wait. I remember singing Bye Bye Bye..I think.� She rolled back over and reached for her phone to check for messages. She had one from Joey. 'Call me' was all it said. Melissa closed it out. “Guess they told Joey.�

“Why? How do you know?� Rachel laughed at the message from JC. 'When you drink half the bar. It happens.'

'Jealous?' she typed back adding a smiley face. The way her stomach felt she was jealous that JC and Lance hadn't drank. She pulled up Lance's messages. 'Your sister is awake and somewhat coherent.'

'I can out drink you. So no, not jealous. Wade's pissy. We all suck today' JC replied. 'Talk later'

Rachel typed back 'Okay' to him and smiled at Lance's reply 'Did she decide she wasn't drinking anymore?'

“You drinking any more?� Rachel asked, realizing she still hadn't gotten an answer about her first question.

“Not today,� Melissa said, smiling. “And Joey texted me. All it said was call me. Not, are you alright...he's pissed.�

“He could be busy,� Rachel tried to make it better, but frowned when Melissa sat up and shook her head.

“His busy would be, 'Are you okay? Wade sucks ass today..busy'� she explained, sighing, sending a text back to Joey.

'U R mad.'

'Talk later, Wade taking phones. Pissed is better word.'

“I told you,� Melissa said, showing Rachel before tossing her phone on the nightstand and watched it slide off onto the floor. “Fuck it,� she gave the phone the finger.

The two of them laid there in silence, save for an occasional moan when sunlight came through the curtains the wrong way. “What do you remember?� Melissa asked Rachel, bits and pieces coming back to her.

“I remember meeting Tim and Andrew, we weren't that drunk then,� Rachel told her, with Melissa nodding.

*^*^*^*^*^*^

Rachel and Melissa went into the club, opting for a table that was somewhat out of the way of the main line of traffic from the bars to the dance floor, but close enough they wouldn't be forgotten by the waitress that was coming around taking orders. They'd both dressed in 'club' attire. Rachel had opted for a long sleeved form fitting plum sweater that showed off a bit of cleavage and some jeans that hugged her body and some knee high boots that made her a couple inches taller. Melissa had found a black shirt with the shoulders cut out, the sleeves fluttered past her elbows and rhinestones going from one cut in the shoulder fanning out across the breasts underneath and tapering off around the other side, wearing some distressed jeans and boots as well, some that she could walk and dance in, the heel not as tall as Rachel's. Both women had their hair styled and make up done, glamming it up. Rachel's diamond necklace from Lance gave off twinkles as the lights that were in the club hit it.

“What are you gonna have?� Melissa half yelled at Rachel as they studied the menu. “I'm ordering a Corona with Lime and the beef fajita nachos,� she grinned when Rachel made a face.

“I'm having a strawberry daquiri and the steak,� Rachel told her friend as the people watched. Rachel was glad to have her friend away from Orlando and to see Melissa finally smiling. It might have also had something to do with the insane amount they'd spent on clothes, bags littering the floor around both of their beds, spilling into the closet where their suitcases were and even into the bathroom. Rachel didn't care what it took, just anything to get Melissa to think about something other than Joey for a little while.

“You gonna dance?� Melissa grinned wide when 'It's Gonna Be Me' came on, getting up. They'd been there long enough to buy two rounds of drinks and had another round bought for them by a couple guys sitting a few tables away. “Come on, Rach. Please!� Melissa stuck her bottom lip out, doing a few of the moves. “I'll do them right here and embarrass you,� she threatened, cheering when Rachel finished off her drink and got up.

Rachel and Melissa made their way to the dance floor, both of them joining in the mesh of bodies dancing, both of them singing along to the song, doing the part with a few other girls where the guys did the lean and then the “It's gonna, gonna, gonna, gonna, gonna be me,� where they all had their own part to sing and pop up. Then Melissa started dancing with a very handsome guy, both of them talking over the music, introducing themselves and Rachel shook her head. Melissa could make friends easily, or at least just someone to talk to. It took her longer to trust people, but as far as just starting a conversation, she was good at it.

“This is Tim,� Melissa yelled at Rachel as they got in line to do the Cha Cha slide, “his partner Andrew's just watching,� she said, pointing out another man who gave them all a wave. A couple dances later, they all left the dance floor and decided to sit with Tim and Andrew.

“This is Rachel and Melissa,� Tim introduced the girls and then Andrew, ordering them all a round of drinks as they talked, people watching.

“These are from the guys across the way,� the waitress pointed out as she set drinks down in front of Rachel and Melissa. They didn't really want to turn down a free drink, knowing they came to drink and have fun.

“Please tell me you ladies are going to call a cab,� Tim said, watching them down drinks with bravado.

“In a little while,� Rachel told him, giving him a smile. She was feeling very good, and tipsy. She looked over at Melissa who was talking to Andrew. “Mind if I ask how long you've been together?�

“Not at all,� Tim said reaching under the table to grab his boyfriend's hand. “We've been together for six months. It's still not...acceptable in most places, but we've decided we just don't care. What about you and your girlfriend?�

Rachel gave him a wide eyed look and shook her head. “Mel and I are best friends, but not together. I have a boyfriend and Mel's recently single.� Lance would get a laugh out of it that someone asked if she and his sister were a couple.

“All the good guys are either taken or gay,� Melissa told Tim, making him shrug and Andrew laughed.

*^*^*^*^*^*^

“That's when it gets a little hazy,� Rachel admitted, sitting up once more. Her stomach growled and she couldn't believe it but she was hungry. “I vote we order room service and just hang out here for the day. Go down to the pool later,� she suggested, smiling after Melissa nodded. They perused the menu and decided on something light for lunch. After putting in the order, Rachel looked at their room.

“I'm going to take a shower and then pick up some of this stuff..at least my stuff got shoved into one corner,� she teased Melissa, laughing at the middle finger. “Sorry, you aren't my type,� Rachel told Melissa, shoving her goodnaturedly before getting up and going to grab some clothes. “I smell like an ashtray and a brewery. How attractive.�

“I doubt the guys minded,� Melissa waved her friend off, smiling wider. “But yeah, go take a shower. You reek,� she called out as Rachel shut the bathroom door.

“I heard that,� Rachel hollered back, turning the water on and letting it get hot. She studied her reflection in the mirror and was glad the streaks of mascara would wash off. She thought of Lance and JC seeing her last night and wondered if it mattered to them how she looked. It didn't, she knew, but it still was a question she wondered. Thinking of JC, she let a smile slip out that she couldn't wear in public. He was worried about her. He'd come with Lance to make sure she was alright. Of course Justin and Chris had too, so it wasn't that big of a deal, but still. Rachel sighed contentedly when the hot water hit her, the dull thud of her hangover headache lessening as she stood there, letting the steam build in the bathroom.


Melissa laid on the bed, fiddling with her phone. She knew the guys would have a break for lunch and she sighed. “Better now than later,� she muttered, hitting Joey's number in her call list. She listened to it ring and almost hang up before his voicemail came on when she heard it pick up.

“Joey has left the building, please deposit twenty five cents to continue,� Chris said, moving to where Joey couldn't get his phone.

“Chris, give the phone to Joey,� she said, not feeling like playing games.

Chris made a face and handed it over. “Be nice,� he said, not missing the look Joey gave him.

“One minute,� Joey said, making his way out of the studio to sit outside in an alley with a bench there. It was surrounded by other buildings and cut off from the public and no one else was out there. “Now...How are you?�

Melissa wanted to cry at Joey's words, even if the tone of his voice had a bite to it. “I'm fine, Joey-�

“Getting drunk enough to get into a fight and go to jail is NOT fine, Melissa Nicole! You better be fucking glad I didn't get called or you and Rachel would have been home last night. Do you know what could have happened to you? Do you?� he yelled, taking his frustrations out on her, needing some outlet.

She started to answer but was interrupted again before she could protest.

“If those guys would have gotten a hold of you,� Joey's voice shook as tears came. “I can't think about it...Or you had alcohol poisoning...or got sick and passed out. You or Rachel either one could have died. Do you even realize that?� Joey's voice was softer. “I know, Bambina. I know it feels like your world is the most fucked up place right now, cause mine is.�

“It's more than fucked up, Joey. It's like my soul is missing. And I can't get it back,� Melissa confessed, her voice quiet. “And no, last night, we weren't thinking about what could happen. We were getting free drinks, ya know? Guys were flirting with us...�

“Flirting how?� Joey's voice became pissed again.

“Nevermind,� Melissa said, curling up in bed. “I can't do this, Joey. I can't pretend to be happy when I'm not.�

“Welcome to my own personal Hell, Melly. We're in the same boat.�

She heard Joey's phone beep and him cuss. “I'll let you go, I know you're busy. Thanks for talking to me.�

“You could call you know...just to say hi,� Joey told her, muttering under his breath as his phone beeped again.

“It's easier if I don't. I can try to pretend your phone doesn't work and then I can forget you were mine and now you aren't.�

Joey nodded, not sure he understood, but if that's what she wanted. Of course if she asked him to cut his own heart out, he'd find something to do it with. The broken plastic spoon on the ground would work. “Okay then. Take care, Melly. I...� he had to stop himself from saying I love you, even though he did. “I'll see you later.�

“See ya, Joey.� Melissa hung up before he could, shoving her phone off the bed and listened to it thump on the carpet. “Ain't no lie, baby bye bye bye,� she sang quietly, sitting up and reigning in her tears before Rachel got out of the shower. She had to be happy, or at least look that way for her friend. Before she could dwell too much on the conversation between her and Joey, there was a knock on the door.

“Eat eat eat, all day long,� Melissa sang out loudly after the food had been set in the room and Rachel had cracked the bathroom door.

“Eat all you want, just no more alcohol,� Rachel admonished coming out in some capri's and a tshirt, her hair wrapped in a towel. She grabbed a piece of fruit and nibbled it.

“At least not until next time,� Melissa chuckled, throwing a grape at Rachel.

The phone rang and Rachel answered it, brightening up some when she listened to whatever the other person was saying, telling them thank you and hanging up. “Well, seems like we have friends in high places,� she told Melissa, who just nodded, waiting for her to go on. “The off duty cop that was at the club last night called and said he just dropped off my vehicle in the parking lot and the keys were in an envelope at the front desk.�

“I will never ask a cop if he wants a donut again,� Melissa said, crossing her heart as she tried not to laugh. “But I will ask if he wants a large Farve.�

“You're awful, Mel,� Rachel shook her head. “Sometimes I wonder if you weren't adopted from Chris' family. I mean, since you and him seem to have the same sick sense of humor. Actually, that's all the guys.�

“Come to the dark side, Rachel,� Melissa said, passing her hand in front of Rachel.

“I'm already there, I'm trying to get out.�

“Roseanne's on,� Rachel cheered, sticking her tongue out at Melissa as they flipped through channels. They'd eaten and now were laying on Rachel's bed watching television. Neither one of them felt up to doing anything yet, glad that neither one of them were sick. “You know you like this show,� she told Melissa as they settled in to watch.

“I know, I just like giving you grief over it,� Melissa replied. She watched as Roseanne mouthed Dan and he mouthed back something funny. She laughed and shook her head at the way it would all be resolved in half an hour. “You know, they make it look so easy. They get mad and get glad in the same show.�

“That's why we like TV,� Rachel pointed out, shrugging. “They make it simple to solve the problem.� Rachel let her mind wander, thinking of her and Lance, wedging JC in there. It wasn't a problem, at least yet. It was something she was going to think on and see where things went. Right now her priority was getting Lance through this tour. Her eyes cut to Melissa and saw her watching the show and frowning. “What's on your mind, Bass?�

Melissa shook her head. “Same thing it always is,� she sighed, laying face down on the bed. “I do have a question for you, though.�

“What's that?� Rachel hoped Melissa wouldn't stay like she was, her voice muffled.

Melissa sat back up against the headboard with the pillow behind her and sat there a few minutes before she spoke. She didn't want to imply anything or make Rachel mad. She knew her best friend wouldn't ever hurt her brother. At the same time, it was just the two of them and she could ask Rachel anything and it wouldn't leave the room. A sly smile crossed her face. “So you and JC seem to be...friendly. What's up with that?�

Rachel tried to not look surprised, making her facial expression impassive as she stared at the television. She wasn't sure what she should say, if she should even mouth the words she was thinking, of what happened after they'd left Joey's house. She heard herself talking, telling Melissa about going over to JC's and about the piano lessons. “And then we kissed. Just as a New Year's thing. It wasn't anything romantic.�

“You kissed JC? Josh kissed you?� Melissa squealed, looking at Rachel as if she hadn't been listening to the rest of what Rachel had said. She watched Rachel nod and sigh. Slipping her arm around Rachel, she hugged her. “I know you care about my brother and love him. Even though he's a pain in the ass...I know you aren't going to just leave him hanging. How do you feel about it all?�

That was the million dollar question. “I...� Rachel blew a breath out. “I'm not sure how I feel. I don't want to be hurt again, Mel. I know Lance won't hurt me and I want to be his girlfriend...� her voice trailed off.

“I'm waiting for a but.�

“But I like JC. He's quiet at home...He likes just hanging out and like Lance, he likes me for me. Not Rachel Weatherly, heiress to the Weatherly fortune,� Rachel rolled her eyes before continuing. “I can't say there's anything more to it than that as far as romance goes. I can't make him like me. I'm not sure if I even want that.�

“You know you want that. I mean, I want that...it won't happen for me, but I'm not going to lie and say I don't want someone to sweep me off my feet. It's two different situations though. You and Lance are pretending to be a couple. You and JC could be a real couple.�

Rachel sat there for a bit, fiddling with her phone, opening and shutting it. “I'm confused,� she finally voiced. “He's been there this whole time and now I decide to have feelings for him? Sounds about right.�

“When did these feelings start? I mean, you know I'm not going to judge you,� Melissa told Rachel, moving to sit indian style on the bed, wanting to hear what was on her friend's mind.

“We left Joey's...Lance wanted some time to himself, so JC said I could come over to his house...I told you that part,� she smiled a little at the memory of the kiss. “I can honestly say that I don't think he and I have ever had time alone to just talk. There wasn't a lull in the conversation. I didn't feel like I had to be anyone other than me. And Josh was just being...Josh. I guess I didn't realize how private he was until we were talking and he was giving me a tour of his place. I felt like I was seeing a different part of him, ya know?�

Melissa nodded, watching Rachel talk. “JC is protective of his life away from NSYNC. If he lets you into that part of him, it means he trusts you. Not that he didn't before, but it's not just something he opens up with.�

Rachel grinned wider at the comment, then frowned as her thoughts went to Lance. “Then what about me and Lance? I mean, I can't leave him hanging. I promised him that I would be his girlfriend through all this. He needs me. I'd be letting him down if I suddenly dumped him to date his best friend. I don't even know if JC wants to date me....� Rachel sighed heavily and leaned back against the headboard and closed her eyes. “It's all fucked up.�

“It's not fucked up. It's just...� Melissa tried to think of what she could say to make it better. “Okay, it's a little messed up, but it could be worse. My brother loves you, but not the way you want. He wants to be with a guy...Would you be mad at him or hurt if he found that while you and he were dating? Would you want him to keep dating you or would you let him go to see what happened?�

Rachel didn't hesitate in her answer. “I'd let him go. It still might hurt a little, but I'd want the best for him. It's different though, Mel..talking about it. My feelings for JC and his for a guy are two different things. I'm doing this to protect him from all those people who would hate him. You know that.�

Melissa knew Rachel was right. She was scared for her brother. Not for him liking another guy, but for the public, for the media and everyone who might suddenly turn against him. That didn't know him personally and would still judge him for his lifestyle. “Okay, so you can't think of it the same. If..If JC was in love with you and you were in love with him, would you want Lance to let you go?�

“I think so,� Rachel licked her lips as she thought. “I'm safe with Lance. He's not going to fall for me. I'm not going to fall for him. We're safe.�

“You're scared,� Melissa pointed out, smiling when Rachel glared at her. “Rachel's in looooove with JC,� she sang, screaming when a pillow hit her hard in the mouth. “What's that for?�

“I'm not in love with him, Bass!� Rachel felt a blush creep up over her neck to her cheeks and knew that was a lie. Maybe love wasn't quite the right word..Serious crush was better, slightly in love with the idea of being with him.

“So why is it when I say his name you have a little smirk on your face? Huh?� grabbing the other pillow, she tried to hit Rachel.

“I look for him in the room when I go in, even if I know he's going to be there,� Rachel confessed, hitting Melissa this time in the leg, both of them standing up on the bed, making it bounce as they walked on it, starting to laugh.

“'Oh JC, you're so hot. I want your body...hump the stage again,'� Melissa mimicked Rachel and thwacked her hard with the pillow to the side of the head. “HA! Got you.�

“You act like such a dork. You acted that way about Joey for years. I had to listen to you moon over him...it was the most awful thing ever,� Rachel pointed out, sticking her tongue out at Melissa.

“I guess payback's a bitch for me, huh?� Melissa smiled at her, shrugging. “Honestly, I think you should see what happens with it. I'm happy for you Rach. That you might let a guy back into your heart that's not my brother..well, gay, I mean. My brother would be an awesome husband. Wait, did I just say that?�

“I'm taping that so he can hear it.�

“You need help,� the two of them pillow fought until they were both out of breath and laughing, collapsing back onto the bed. “God, that's worse when you're hungover still,� Melissa pointed out, making a face.


“You're handling this better than I thought you were if I told you I thought I might like Josh Chasez,� Rachel pointed out, bumping her best friend with her shoulder.

“I don't want you or Lance hurt. I also don't want either of you to not like someone just because you are afraid of what someone might think. If my brother came to me and said he liked a guy, I'd probably cry. As much shit as I give him, he's a wonderful man and if he finds a guy he wants to date, then I will be happy for him. Liking someone doesn't mean you're going to just dump my brother for JC.�

Rachel nodded in agreement. “I want to take it slow. I'm having fun with Lance. It's what we have to do, ya know. Besides that, I have to go to give Joey a hard time while they're on tour.�

Melissa laughed. “You and Joey act like Lance and I do. I'd almost be jealous, other than Joey told me one time he couldn't like you because you were almost as tall as him.�

“What's wrong with that? That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard of!� Rachel exclaimed, shaking her head. They'd made it through Roseanne and then a familiar song came on and she grinned. “Thank you for being a friend,� she sang.

“Travel down the road and back again,� Melissa sang with her as they watched The Golden Girls. “So what do you think we did in jail?� she asked after the show had started, laughing at Estelle Getty's character, “Sophia� as she said something off color to “Blanche�.

“From what I can remember, we sang. I remember snippets of stuff. You singing 'Bye Bye Bye' and us going over song titles, or something like that. And I think we sang 'I Drive Myself Crazy',� the girls talked longer about jail, laughing at the thought of them serenading the officers.

“Hopefully I didn't say anything about donuts or fuzzy handcuffs,� Melissa remarked, smiling at Rachel before getting up and stretching. “I vote we go swim and then come back and order dinner from somewhere and just veg.�

“I vote that we do just that,� Rachel told her, grinning. “Just for the record though, I still feel like ass.�

“Oh I still feel like I went ten rounds with Jose Cuervo, but it might be good for us to go for a swim. We could send a text to the guys telling them we're going out again,� Melissa's smile grew as she thought of the reactions from the guys. “Especially when we don't say where we're going. To the hotel pool,� she said innocently as she grabbed her bathing suit and Joey's jersey and some shorts to change into before going into the bathroom.

Rachel barked a laugh as she thought of what would ensue if they did send such a cryptic message. Probably a barrage of phone calls that would include words that weren't fit for her ears. “That's probably not a good idea,� Rachel said loudly, getting up to rifle through her clothes to find her bathing suit from Victoria's Secret, a one piece with cut outs. They'd found it on sale and she'd even convinced Melissa to buy one as well.

“Spoil sport,� Melissa came out, pulling the jersey up and grinning. “We're gonna be twins.�

“I'm not sure who's mom would be sorrier,� Rachel teased, hugging her friend before going to change.

“Probably my mom if I was your twin..she'd have to just put up with Lance. We both know I'm her favorite,� Melissa told Rachel, laughing.

“Lance tried to sell you when you were little. He offered you for ten bucks to your Grandma Louise and she said no. So that's where you rank.�

The two of them traded jabs back and forth as they walked down the hall towards the elevator.

“Rich bitch.�

“NSYNC hoe,� Rachel giggled as an older couple came out of their room right at the moment Rachel said that, both of them stopping short.

“Don't make me make you part of the slap a hoe tribe,� Melissa said, snapping her fingers in a “Z� pattern in front of her.

“You stared at the orange juice box because it said concentrate.�

“Whatever.� They laughed when the old couple joined them in the elevator standing as far away as they could from the girls. “How are you today?� Melissa asked, getting a glare from the older woman. “Fine, I didn't want to be polite to you anyways.�

“Mel!� Rachel gasped, surprised at her friend.

“It's okay, girls,� the older man spoke up, giving them a knowing smile. “She was a bitch when I married her forty years ago.�

“My condolences then,� Rachel finally responded with a smile playing at her lips.

“Glad to know the sanctity of marriage is safe with you then,� Melissa called out to them as they exited the elevator and going towards the exit while the girls went to the pool. She smiled at Rachel as they got there to see they had the pool and hot tub to themselves. “Score!�

“You say that so jubilantly. I should be worried,� Rachel told her, putting a towel on one of the chairs along with her flip flops and cover up. She laughed as her friend balled up her jersey and tossed it in the chair along with her stuff. “You're so dysfunctional.�

“I put the fun it dysfunctional,� Melissa commented, testing the pool, screaming as Rachel pushed her in. She came back up sputtering and glared. “One of these days I'm gonna whip your ass.�

“In your dreams,� Rachel told her, jumping into the pool a few feet away and surfacing.

“No, in my dreams I am Godzilla and you are Tokyo.�

Rachel chuckled as she started swimming laps, Melissa joining her as they swam back and forth for a while. It was a good way to clear her mind, thinking of the number of strokes it took to get across the pool, then back, letting the sound of the water rushing over her head and body calm her. It also helped what little bit of hangover she had dissipate. She stopped after thirty laps, waiting for Melissa to stop as well. “What do you think?� Rachel raised an eyebrow at Melissa who was breathing hard as they bobbed up and down in the water.

“JC and Rachel sitting in a tree k-i-s-s-ing,� she sang, yelping when Rachel splashed her, getting out to go sit in the hot tub. “You know you like it!� she yelled after her, getting out of the pool herself.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

“The pizza will be here in twenty minutes,� Melissa said, leaning back on her bed, pillows stacked behind her. Her hair was wet and she wasn't going to bother drying it since there wasn't anyone to impress. She and Rachel had come back from their trip to the pool and gotten showers then decided on dinner. Now they were trying to find a movie to watch.

She heard Rachel's phone ring and looked at the time. “My brother must be checking in to make sure we didn't go partying again.�

“After last night, I'm not sure we need to go anywhere,� Rachel told her, looking at caller ID and trying to suppress a smile. It was JC's name that showed up. “Hello?�

“Hey, I was told to call and check to make sure you hadn't went back and decided to pick a fight with someone in nursing home or something,� JC joked, sitting in the break room of the building dance rehearsals were in. “I thought I would call before the rest of the guys got in here and were being too noisy to hear.�

“Well I'm glad you called Josh,� Rachel flipped her friend off who was making kissy faces, throwing a pillow at her. “I sent Melissa on a mission to the lobby to find any Hanson fans and put them in a full Nelson. Someone could take her...make my life quieter.�

JC laughed, “That's awful,� he said, wincing as he lifted up his foot and stretched his leg. Pain went up and down, his muscles protesting all the work they'd done today. Wade had taken no prisoners and his body had protested. “So are you still feeling like you drank half the bar or anything?�

“Not quite. Still not ourselves all the way...Thanks for coming with Lance to get us. I didn't expect the cavalry to show up.�

“Well, I wasn't about to let the rest of those goons come and leave me sitting on the couch. Besides, you rocked my part in 'I Drive Myself Crazy',� he said with a chuckle, hearing Rachel's embarrassed laugh.

“Oy, Josh's on the phone,� Chris yelled as he came in, flopping down next to JC. “Who ya talkin' to? Someone we know?� he asked, smiling when JC gave him a bad look.

“As you can see, I was joined by Chris,� JC took the phone away from his ear and put it on speaker and sighed. “Say hi Chris.�

“Hi Chris,� Chris said with a laugh.

“You're a dork, Christopher.�

“Oooo you called Lance's woman. How ya feeling? Wanna go party tomorrow?� Chris laughed at Rachel's mean comment and shrugged even though she couldn't see him. “Where's Melly? She's quiet.�

Melissa just smiled and shrugged. “I was listening to you talk. Couldn't get a word in...�

The girls listened as the rest of the guys came in and said hello. All of them talking randomly into the phone. Rachel raised her eyebrow when Joey didn't say much and neither did Melissa, usually they wouldn't shut up if one of them was on the phone. “How was practice today, Joey?�

“It was bad, Rach. Let's not talk about it. How are you and Melly? Feeling better?�

“I just opened up a twelve pack, Fatoney.�

Rachel groaned as Joey started cussing. “She's kidding, Joey...� she told him in a loud voice. “We're waiting on pizza and just hanging out.�

“Dude, I've never seen your eye twitch,� they heard Justin say. “You pissed him off, Chica.�

Melissa rolled her eyes and then frowned when her phone rang and Joey's name came up. “Apparently enough to call...� she went into the bathroom and shut the door. “Hi, Joey,� she said in the sweetest voice she could, closing her eyes when he started yelling in Italian.

Joey paced in the empty studio room they had been in, his voice echoing off the mirrors as he yelled at her in a different language. He stopped when he heard her sniffle, leaning against the wall as he tried to calm down. “You know exactly how to push my fuckin' button, Bambina,� he sighed, sliding down the wall until his ass hit the floor.

“I was kidding, Joey. I don't want to drink again for a long time.�

“Never sounds like a good time,� Joey countered, moving to get comfortable.

“It was one night of drinking Joey. We..You and me, have been out drinking before,� Melissa exclaimed, not seeing what the big deal was. They hadn't gotten as drunk as she and Rachel were last night, but still. They'd had enough to be tipsy and have to be driven home. “Why are you on my ass about this? I mean, you aren't my boyfriend or fiance or brother...�

“So you're gonna start with that jab now? Thanks a fucking lot..� Joey growled at her, shaking his head.

“I didn't mean it like that and you know it, Joe!� Melissa's mouth fell open and she covered it with her free hand. Shaking her head quickly back and forth, she knew she'd made a mistake. Calling Joey 'Joseph' was in fun, when she was aggravated, Joe was taboo from her lips. To him it was like she thought of him like everyone else did. He'd told her once that if she called him Joe, it would be worse than slapping him. “Joey, I-�

“Do whatever in the hell makes you happy, Melissa. If you want to get drunk and get killed in a car wreck or alcohol poisoning, have at it. Do whatever in the hell you want. Since I guess what I think doesn't seem to fucking MATTER ANYMORE!� Joey yelled as loud as he could into the phone. “You're right, I'm not your daddy or your brother or anything else. Just Joe,� he said, pain coming through in his voice. He sucked in a breath and leaned his head back against the wall, listening to her cry.

“Why are we fighting? I hate fighting with you,� Melissa finally said, trying to pull herself together.

“We aren't fighting, Bambina. Arguing...� Joey told her. “I can't just switch off my feelings, Mel. I still love you. I care about you..I worry about you. You're still my friend, I'm allowed to do that.� He got quiet and wished she was there with him, sitting next to him instead of him being alone. Well, he wasn't alone. His four bandmates were there, but Joey knew it wasn't the same.

“I know,� Melissa sighed, getting up from the floor in the bathroom, “I wake up at night and lay there and think about you sleeping. That damn marionette doll isn't the same as you..it doesn't snore or talk in its sleep. But he's cute.�

Joey chuckled, shaking his head. “Ya found my substitute already. I should be hurt.�

“There's no substitute Joey,� Melissa told him, smiling. “I want my baby back,� she sang after a moment, trying to be funny. She heard Rachel still talking and then a knock on the door. “The pizza's here,� she swallowed a lump of emotions, pushing them back. “I need to go pay...� she left it hanging there, not wanting to tell him goodbye but the tears department was quickly trying to make itself known.

“Just got paid, it's Friday night,� Joey sang back to her before shutting his phone after telling her he'd talk to her later. “I want my baby back too, Melly,� he said to his closed phone. Joey took a couple deep breaths wiping a tear that had escaped. He knew he was a mess and talking to Melissa was a good thing and at the same time it cut a little bit more. Joey knew he wasn't ready to give her up just yet. His heart wouldn't let him.

*^*^*^*^*

“There's Joey,� Lance said, watching Joey trudge back in and sit down in a chair. “How's my sister?� he asked Rachel, patting Joey's shoulder as he walked past him.

“Doing alright and miserable at the same time,� Rachel told him, watching Melissa grab some money out of her purse and laughed when her friend flipped her off. “Next time, I'll bring you on a mini vacation.�

Lance laughed, “Right now I think I'd be beaten up if I didn't show up for practice or something. We have media stuff starting next week. Touring starts in a few weeks. You'll be lucky to see me at bedtime.�

“I'll come see you at bedtime, Rachel!� Chris yelled into the phone, laughing when Lance pushed him. “What? You wanna go?� Chris acted like he was going to bow up on Lance, wincing when Justin gave him a head slap.

“Our pizza's here and you have dorks to deal with. Call me later. Love you, Lance.� Rachel smiled genuinely when she heard him say it back. It gave her a good feeling to hear him say the words, knowing he meant them. She meant them too, but briefly her mind went to the other man that occupied a lot of her thinking time. JC. She wondered what it would be like for him to tell her that he loved her. Her stomach flip flopped at the thought, grinning. She caught a movement out of the corner of her eye and laughed, covering her mouth.

'Oh Josh, I want to have your babies,' Melissa had written on one of the paper plates they'd grabbed on their way back up from the pool. She was grinning like an idiot, tossing it at Rachel.

“What?� Lance asked, confused as he heard laughter break out.

“Nothing. Your sister is nuts! I am going to kill her with a rusty spoon...Bye!� Rachel yelped, hanging up the phone and bounding off her bed to get Melissa. “You're a pain in the ass.�

“I won't tease you after this, I just had to,� Melissa said, kicking at her friend as the pizza box slid towards the other end of the bed. “You'll put the pizza in the floor...�

Rachel shrugged, “What do I care? You paid for it.� Her smile grew as she got Melissa's ankle and pulled, smiling at her friend's screams. She smirked when Melissa fell unceremoniously in the floor between their beds and she sat down with the pizza box. “Oh my dearest pizza pie, where art hast thou been?� she grabbed a slice and looked down at her friend. “This is damn good.�

“Next time I'm fighting back. I'll go all kung fu on your ass.�

“Bring it on Bruce Lee. I'm shaking in my boots,� Rachel pushed Melissa back down into a heap in the floor and laughed. “Sometimes it's just too easy, Bass.�

“I know you are, but what am I?� Melissa smiled cheekily at Rachel, getting back up and sitting on the bed and grabbing a slice of pizza and folding it in half long ways and taking a bite. “What?� she asked, looking at Rachel.

“I think you really are going crazy,� she said with a straight face. “I'm telling your parents to have you tested.�

“They did. I came back normal. Maybe it's you,� Melissa quipped, shrugging. “No one ever claimed you were mentally stable.�

“Only after I hung out with you,� Rachel pointed out as the girls scooted back onto one bed, the pizza box between them. “Love ya, Bass.�

“I heart you too, Weatherly.�

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^


“God damn,� Joey said, stepping into his house, not sure what was going on. He'd forgotten he'd given Kristen a house key and his eyes narrowed at her in the kitchen. “What is that smell?� he asked, his stomach suddenly not hungry. His day had been trying and all he'd wanted to do was come home and relax.

“Salmon,� Kristen said, smiling sweetly at him, obviously proud of herself for cooking. “What?� she gave him a look as he raised an eyebrow. “You need to eat healthier.�

“No, I need to eat. I don't like salmon,� he walked to the fridge and opened it, staring at what was in there. “Where the hell is the beer? There was a bottom shelf full...� he growled, slamming the door shut.

“I got rid of it,� Kristen told him simply, surprised when Joey started cursing in English, switching to Italian. “How was your day?� she asked in the middle of his tirade.

“You come in and get rid of MY shit and then ask HOW my day was? Is there anything else I should know about that's left my house? Do I need to catalog the fucking place every time I leave?� Joey yelled, making her flinch and grab her stomach. That shut him up and he turned, his knuckles gripping the chair at the bar so tight they were white. He took a few deep breaths and closed his eyes. He thought of his child that Kristen was carrying and tried to calm down. “For the love of God, Kristen...don't touch stuff that's not yours. And I'm not eating dinner. Not hungry.�

Kristen watched as Joey left, poking the cooking fish a little. He could eat what she fixed or he could go hungry, she reasoned. “He needs to thin up a little anyway,� she muttered, rolling her eyes when she heard the shower going and him singing loudly. Kristen was not going to wait until after the baby was born to marry Joey. She wanted to get married soon and she was going to tell him that after dinner. Or maybe during dinner since he wasn't going to eat. She didn't really care as long as she got her way. So far things had been going along just fine for the most part. From what she could gather, his ex girlfriend was miserable. As long as she was out of Joey's life, Kristen could deal with everything else.

“Joey where the hell are you?� Kristen snarled into her phone on the voice mail to Joey. She'd called twice before now with no answer and they had an appointment to go to the courthouse and go pick up the marriage license and he was supposed to take her out to eat. Kristen looked around Joey's house, glad that he'd been gone most of the time. She'd taken it upon herself to decorate and buy things she thought would look good. He'd even not protested when she started buying groceries to bring over. It was healthy stuff, getting rid of the pizza and beer routine, the Chinese food found it's way to the trash can the next day. Joey had slimmed up a little in the past couple of weeks. And with her mother's help, she'd gotten wedding invitations mailed out after having Joey's mom and sister help with addresses from their side of the family. She rolled her eyes when her phone finally rang. “What are you doing, we're supposed to go get our marriage license...�

Joey stood outside of the door to rehearsals rubbing his forehead. “Shit. Kris, we can't go today. We have to get at least half of this done tonight or Wade's going to make us run stairs until we puke.�

“You're so full of it, Joey,� Kristen told him, sighing. “You know what, nevermind. We'll just call everyone and tell them the wedding got moved back because you were too busy to take an hour out of your schedule to go to the courthouse with me...Maybe you can explain it to our kid why you didn't want to get married before they were born.�


"Don't start Kristen," Joey pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling a headache beginning to form. "You know this is a busy time. We have been busting our asses to learn a new routine for the tour not to mention we have a video to shoot thrown into the middle of it. I fly out to Los Angeles in a couple days... I have a schedule to keep that I can't just run out in the middle of the day with a 'sorry guys, gotta go'."


"Is this what's it's going to be like when the baby is born?" Kristen shot back, her own anger raising. "Sorry kid, but I got to go sing and dance?"


Joey breathed deep and closed his eyes, counting in his head. "This is my job Kristen. You know this is what I do and you know there will have to be sacrifices." He looked up with the door opened and Lance stuck his head out. He held up a finger in his direction. They had been given a ten minute break which he had used calling her.
“I have lunch break later. Meet me down there and then we can grab something to eat. I'll call you..it'll be at least another couple of hours,� he said quickly, walking in behind Lance. “I've gotta get off the phone,� he bristled when her voice told him she loved him. “Yeah, love you too.� He tossed his phone in his bag as he walked by, ignoring Wade's look.

“I thought marriage was supposed to be a happy time,� Wade said, raising an eyebrow when Joey glared. “So I've been wrong before, we're starting at the top with Celebrity,� he said, hitting the play button and watching the guys all in position in the mirror. “Chris, shoulders back. JC, good. Justin, bring your left leg in. Lance, scoot a foot to your right. Joey, smile. Millions of girls are not paying to see you look pissed off.�

“What about pissed on?� Chris asked with a grin as they started dancing, laughing at the look Joey gave him in the mirror.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*

“I need your drivers license, social security card, and birth certificate,� the lady behind the desk at the County Clerk's office said, looking annoyed when Joey cussed. “Hold on,� he said, ignoring Kristen's snort, pulling his phone out. His birth certificate was at his house. “Janine, are you at home?� he asked his sister as he went into the hallway, groaning when she wasn't. “I need my birth certificate..it's at the house.�

“Call Mom or Dad, or Steve,� she suggested. “Can you tell them exactly where it is?�

Joey figured it was in the fireproof safe in the master bedroom closet. “Yeah, I think so.�He saw Kristen looking pissed and waving him back in the door. “I'll try them in a minute,� he hung up and looked at his fiance. “What?�

“Nothing...I thought you'd have remembered the stuff for us to get married.�

“Don't start. I'm going to call and see if my Mom can bring it,� Joey said, calling his mother. It took her half an hour, but he grinned big when his mother pulled in and parked, hugging her.

“You're sure about this?� Phyllis Fatone asked Joey softly as she hugged him. It was no problem getting the information, but she'd sat there a few minutes in the chair in the master bedroom, trying to get a handle on her feelings about the situation. As much as she loved the thought of a grandbaby, she wanted her son happy as well.

“Yes. Thanks for bringing this,� Joey held the piece of paper and hugged her once more. “Smile, Mom.�

“I should be telling you that,� she goosed Joey in the ribs and smiled at Kristen who was waiting on the steps. “How are you dear?�

“Hi, Mrs. Fatone,� Kristen greeted the older woman giving her a light squeeze. “I'm alright, I was just surprised Joey didn't bring everything.�

“It's not like I'm sitting at home every day..I was in Miami last night after rehearsals doing a photo shoot,� Joey told her as he gave the clerk the rest of his information. Ten minutes later he was getting a reciept for a marriage license, handing it to his mother. “You can hold on to this and bring it back home after we get married right?� he asked, watching her nod. “Great. Thanks, Mom. I gotta get back to rehearsals.� He kissed her and then kissed Kristen. “You happy now?� he asked, smiling at little at her smiling. It was better than listening to her gripe.

“Not that you have to run off, but it's work. Maybe your mom and I can go do some shopping or something since you have to go,� Kristen grinned when Phyllis nodded. She waved by to Joey, smiling when he drove off. She had his black Visa and had planned on using it even before his mother showed up. “There's this cute baby store I saw downtown,� she told her almost mother in law, putting a hand on her stomach, telling her the name of it. “They had some of the most adorable things for a boy or girl.�

Phyllis just nodded. She'd heard of the store and thought it was over priced. Not that she didn't want good things for her first grandchild, but there was such as thing as something good and being ridiculous. However, she wasn't willing to argue with the younger woman. “I'll meet you there and maybe then we can have some lunch. I'll call Joe and have him meet us then.�

“Alright. It will be some good family bonding time,� she said brightly, going to get in her car.

“Oh, Joseph what have you done?� Phyllis muttered after she'd gotten in her own vehicle and turned it on. The whole family wanted to like Kristen, but it was still hard for Phyllis. She could tell her son was holding back his real emotions and she knew he was hurting. She also knew that Kristen was a completely different person than Melissa. It wasn't fair to compare the two, but Phyllis caught herself doing it and trying not to. She had to love Kristen for who she was. And that was Joey's soon to be wife and mother of his child. She called up the one person she talked to when she needed honest advice. “Sofia, how are you?�

“I'm well, mia cara. What is on your mind?� the older woman had a smile in her voice.

“Would it be wrong of me to not like my future daughter in law? Is that allowed?� she asked, afraid of hearing the answer. She was sure Sofia wasn't her biggest fan when she and Joe Senior got married, but it hadn't ever been a bad or strained relationship between them.

“Si, it is allowed. I got my invitation in the mail...I thought about replying that I wouldn't be attending..however I thought about my Joey's face if his Nona was no in presence and it hurt my heart. So I will be there, even if it's with reservations.� Sofia informed her daughter in law, sighing. “If he has happiness, that is all I wish for. And a healthy baby,� she added, talking a bit more about other family and what was going on in New York. “Take care, mia cara. Tell my Joey his Nona said she loves him.�

Phyllis smiled, nodding even though the other woman couldn't see. “I will. See you in a few weeks.� She hung up and sat there in the parking lot, putting a smile on her face and saying a quick prayer for everything to go right as she got out of the car.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

“Okay, Joey get on the middle lift,� Wade told him as they were underneath the stage, a couple of the stage hands there to help with practicing the entrance to the first song. The lifts had been sticking once in a great while and all of the guys were trying to work the kinks out of it. The stage set up had been replicated in Los Angeles and the group was there rehearsing.

Joey had been on the lifts ten minutes before and nothing significant had happened and he wasn't expecting it to now. It was easy, the lift shot him up onto the stage as he helped momentum and jumped, making the effect bigger. “Let 'er rip,� he told them. When it did nothing, he stood there, wondering what was wrong. All at once, the lift shot up and Joey's leg got caught between it and the metal part around it. “Oh fuck! Stop the damn thing!� Joey yelled as pain shot through his leg and he tried to yank it free. It took a minute, and he laid there holding his leg as the workers got it free.

The other guys had been watching from the back of the stage and rushed over to their friend.

“Fuck dawg, it looks bad,� Justin told him, looking worried. They had a physician on hand who was there almost as quick as the rest of the band.

“Can you move your leg?� Chris asked as the doctor was questioning Joey.

“We're taking you to the ER by ambulance.�

“Great,� Joey groaned, not really caring, other than he wanted to quit hurting. His leg looked gruesome and hurt like hell. He looked at the worried faces of his four friends. “It's just a flesh wound,� he tried to joke, yelling when he tried to put weight on it, not wanting to be picked up and put on the gurney at the end of the stage. He started sweating and relented as his friends helped him.

“Who do you want me to call?� Lance asked, his phone in hand after they'd gotten Joey over to the gurney and EMTs.

“Call my parents...� he gave Lance a look, sighing. “And Kristen I guess.�

Joey was instructed to lay back and he was put into the ambulance as the medical personnel asked him questions about his medical history. He answered all of them, except for when he had a tetanus shot. He knew it was probably when he was little. The blood didn't bother him, but the deep wound in his leg did. “Hey Rick, glad you could come with me.�

The security guy smiled and nodded. “It's my job, man. Besides, there's always something. This is better than the time you got stuck on the bus with no air conditioning and girls were swarming. That was awful. This is easy compared to that.�

“God that bus got rank fast,� Joey said, remembering them not wanting to open the door for fresh air. He grimaced as they moved his leg. “Fuck that hurts!� he said, looking at the EMT. “Ya gonna give me any pain medication?�

“Not until we get to the hospital and see how the wound is. I think we can just clean it and bandage it up after stitches. It's a deep wound but not big. They'll probably want to do an X-Ray to see if its broken.�

“My whole leg's throbbing and he says it's just a flesh wound,� Joey rolled his eyes at Rick and sighed as the ambulance stopped. “I'm not signing shit unless it's papers from the hospital,� he called out to the other man who stepped off the ambulance ahead of him. Right now he wasn't Joey Fatone, celebrity. He didn't want the attention, just to be treated and go to the hotel.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

Lance's phone rang and he sighed. He'd been fielding phone calls for the last two hours from their manager Johnny, Kristen and Joe Senior. He didn't mind, but it was getting old fast. They were sitting in a waiting room that was separate from the other part of the hospital. Wade and the rest of the guys were there, along with Mo and one of their PR people.

“Hello?� he said, listening to the voice on the other end. “Slow down, Mel. Take a deep breath,� Lance told her, putting his hand on his head. Of course he should have called his sister, figuring someone else did. His eyes snapped to Justin's. “He told you WHAT?�

Justin looked away from Lance, “It was a joke, dawg. I didn't know she'd freak the fuck out,� he started before Lance hit him hard in the shoulder.

“What did you do?� JC asked, his eyes wide as Lance left the waiting room with Mo.

“I called Mel and told her Joey was hurt. Then informed her they had to use a sawz all to get his leg free.�

“Jackass,� Chris huffed.

“Bite me if she can't take a joke,� Justin muttered, flopping back in his chair as Mo came back without Lance.

*^*^*^*^*

“He's fine, Melissa. I'm looking at him right now. His leg is intact, just bandaged,� Lance said as he stepped into Joey's room, bumping fists with Rick. “They're giving him some pain meds...Yes, I will kill Justin.�

Joey looked at Lance, “What did he do?� Joey asked, holding his hand out for the phone. “Gimme the phone, Bass.� He didn't care that right now he wasn't feeling any pain and that he world was spinning. “Talk to me, Bambina.�

“I'm going to kill that curly haired freak. He told me you were hurt! And that your leg had to be cut with a sawz all and you were in surgery!� Melissa's voice rose as she talked, mad and scared. “Are you alright?�

Joey half smiled at her voice. “Nothing a little pain management won't fix. I get a break from Wade's slave driving and watch tv all day for the next few days. They're giving me meds and a cane.�

“Old man,� Melissa teased, listening to him chuckle. “Need me to send you some depends too?�

“Alright, smartass. I'm fine, Melly. I promise. And the cane's not for my age,� Joey told her, listening to her fuss over him before telling her he'd talk to her later and handed the phone back to Lance. He listened to his friend talk and then say goodbye. “She'll be alright,� he told Lance, leaning back against the bed.

“I know. This sucks though, we have that video shoot for Pop. You can't dance. We can't have an NSYNC video with four people.� Lance wasn't worried about anyone being mad that Joey was hurt, just that logistically they needed all five NSYNC members to be present.

“I will use the Force and channel my Jedi powers,� Joey told Lance with a chuckle, groaning as his phone rang. “Dear god, what do you people want?� he asked the object as it rang and he answered. “Yes? I'm fine, Kristen. It's just a deep gaping hole in my leg. They're putting stitches in it. No, I'm not coming home,� Joey listened to her talk and telling her he loved her before hanging up. “They don't show this shit on VH1 and MTV,� he muttered. The only coherent thought he had was that he wanted out of the hospital, awkwardly pulling his shorts on with the nurses' help. “If I'd have known my leg was going to try and detach itself from the rest of my body, I would have worn my Superman chonies,� he told the nurse, getting her to smile.

“He's even worse when he's not drugged,� Rick informed her, holding the wheelchair for Joey, listening to him cuss when his leg got accidently jostled around. “You got it, Joe?�

“We're ready to rock and roll. Let's get the rest of the circus and blow this joint.� Joey had his phone and wallet, along with his prescriptions and discharge papers. “I wish your sister was here,� he told Lance, handing him the prescriptions. “She could go get this shit without causing a fuss. Now we gotta send Laurie,� Joey gave her a small smile.

“Oh Joey. It's my job,� Laurie told Joey, patting his shoulder.

“What meds am I allergic to?� Joey asked her, smirking when she paused, hitting speed dial on his phone. “What am I allergic to?� he said to the phone, having put it on speaker.

“Amoxicillan and sulfa,� they heard Melissa's voice say.

“Okay, thanks Bambina. Talk at you later,� Joey said, hitting end on the phone. “See? Easier.�

Laurie just rolled her eyes and smiled. She knew Joey was in a mood and drugged. She'd take a lot of shit before she got pissy with the guys and they knew it, not trying to make her mad on purpose. “I'll make sure I know that now.�

“Works for me, just get me to the hotel. I have date with a pain pill and the back of my eyelids.�

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

“Chris said there was a meeting?� Justin asked, coming in from his room to Lance's, seeing the other three guys sitting at the small table beside the bed. Their rooms were all on the same hallway, with the rest of their entourage on the floor and security roaming the hall.

“Yeah,� JC nodded as the youngest member of NSYNC sat down on the end of the bed. “There is no way around doing the shoot for this video. Wayne has everyting set up to roll tomorrow and we have to do this even if Joey can't do anything.�

“How in the fuck do you think that'll happen?� Justin asked, getting up when there was a knock on the door. It was Wade and he sat next to Justin, listening to them talk.

“Joey will have to do some of the stuff, the head shots for the video and close ups. But...� JC's eyes met Wade's. “Wade suggested something earlier.�

“I can be Joey's body double. We're almost the same height and weight. I know the dance moves,� Wade explained to all of them, waiting to hear what they would think.

“If that's what we have to do then that will work,� Lance said, giving their choreographer a smile and thumbs up. “And don't forget MTV will be doing a making of the video starting tomorrow. We get video cameras to take around...�

“I don't want to see anyone's ass crack on tv,� JC said, glaring at Chris.

“You should be telling that to Joey,� Chris said, trying to look innocent.

“So, the plan is to have Wade do the body stuff and Joey do the up close shots,� Justin said, the plan coming together in his head. “Has Wayne okayed the idea?� he asked.

“I talked to him for a few minutes earlier,� Chris told Justin. “He was open to the whole thing, but wanted all of our input. He said the show must go on. I shudder to think of the sleep I'll be missing the next couple of days.�

“That's no damn lie,� JC groaned, running a hand through his hair. “So if we're good, gentlemen, I'm calling it a night.� He stood up and went to his room. JC picked up his phone and responded to his texts, grinning at the last one he'd received. 'I'll trade you a music video for a firm that hasn't had books correct since '98. Grandpa's going to go off...looks like a Big Gulp night'. He shouldn't feel so happy Rachel had texted him, but he enjoyed their banter.

'Don't work too hard. All work and no play makes it boring. Did you hear Joey hurt his leg?'

JC stripped off his shirt and jeans, kicking them off next to his suitcase, grabbing a pair of shorts and his toothbrush. His phone beeped and he smiled at the reply.

'What do you think? Had to play Dr. Phil for an hour.'

JC got ready for bed and snuggled under the covers. He looked at his phone again and sent off a text. 'Tough situation for everyone involved. Hard to act happy for Joey'

'I know. Lend a shoulder to Mel, then smile for Joey like he hadn't broken my best friend's heart.It's rough, C'

'She's lucky to have you as a friend. Got an early morning. Burn some midnight oil for me, Rach.' His phone buzzed and he smiled. 'Sweet dreams Josh' was the reply.

JC hadn't had much time to really think about his and Rachel's “relationship�. It wasn't anything more than friendship, but in his mind he wanted there to be more. His imagination kept going off where it didn't need to. He knew the reason for Rachel being with Lance and wondered just how much of it was them pretending and if any of it could be real. And that little jealous part of him came out. He'd enjoyed the time he'd gotten to spend with Rachel on New Year's, wishing that could happen more often. It had been a long time since he'd wanted to even think about having a girlfriend, not wanting the hassle or insecurity of someone else if a fan hugged him a little too tightly or he hugged another friend that was female. He looked over his messages and smiled. Rachel was different. Now if he could just get his mind from going down the road it had no business going, it would be just fine.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

Rachel rubbed her eyes and looked at the clock down at the bottom of her computer. It was nearing three in the morning. When she'd told JC goodnight via text, she'd fielded more texts from Melissa and a few from Lance. She'd finally told both of the Bass siblings she had to get to work, leaving her phone on silent and plugged in on the kitchen counter. She'd come home to work, the first time she'd been there in a while since she and Lance had started dating. It felt almost odd, other than most of her stuff was there. It was quiet, no sports or reality show on television and people going in and out from Lance's. She was glad when she got to the end of the year for the business and made sure all of the discrepancies had been tabbed and marked. She double checked her figures and emailed it all to her grandfather's secretary to print out and be on his desk by the latest at 8 a.m that morning. Shutting her computer, Rachel got up and went to her phone. “10 text messages and three missed calls...geez,� she muttered, scrolling through her phone. Two texts from Lance, eight from Melissa. Then she got to her voice mail and hit 1 to retrieve them.

“Rachel, I need you to fly out to Los Angeles first thing tomorrow to go see about the books at a couple new firms. One is in Thousand Oaks and the other is over in Hollywood. Harold said he was available to fly you out on one of the company jets, just call the airport. Your hotel is paid for until Wednesday,� he gave her the information of the hotel and car rental. He knew he had secretaries and PR people to do this sort of thing, but Rachel knew as her grandfather, he wanted to tell her himself what he wanted. She wrote down what she needed to know and closed her phone. At least if she was up early, maybe she could talk to Lance before they got started shooting for the day.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

“You're up,� Lance said, surprised when Rachel answered her phone and looked at the time. “Your last text was around three this morning.� It was almost five in the morning in California.

“I know, I'm packing a bag to come to Cali and do some work. My grandfather summoned me to hop across the U.S. I'm so lucky I get to do this,� she said sarcastically, tossing some pants into her open suitcase. “I should just go get the bag that's packed at your place. Drag your sister along.�

“She's up already,� Lance remarked, listening to Rachel chuckle. “I asked her what she was doing and she told me she was eating ice cream and watching old NSYNC videos. Do you think she needs to talk to someone?� he asked, grabbing his watch and slipping it on before buckling the clasp.

“She talks to me all the time. Mel will be alright. She's having to relearn how to do everything. It's like those people that lose a limb and have to relearn how to walk.�

"That sounds about right," Lance broke in. "You know Joey and Mel have been close since practically the very beginning of the group. It's always been Joey and Melissa; Melissa and Joey. Now that Joey's getting married," he stumbled across the word. He tried desperately to be happy for his friend, and he did wish him the best. But he just couldn't make himself be as happy as he should have been; not when it was tearing his little sister up.

"Yeah," Rachel's voice softened."It's gonna be rough. Mel's going to have to learn she can't turn to Joey like she has in the past. I know she knows it's over, but I don't think it's really truly hit her yet."

"That's what I'm worried about," Lance said honestly. "It will hit her that it's over and Joey's not coming back. I just hope that either you or I will be around her when it does. But with the tour coming up..." he let his voice trail off. His sister was going to be alone a lot. Normally she'd be on tour with them, not for the whole thing but a good majority of the dates she'd be there. And now, with what had happened between her and Joey, he wasn't sure if she'd come to any of them. And with him dating Rachel, Rachel would be coming along for a good majority of the shows.

"This sucks," Rachel sighed and sunk to her bed. The suitcase next to her. "Makes me never want to fall in love."

"You don't love me!" Lance's voice rose in shock. "What a horrible thing to say over the phone! I can't believe this..." He kept going causing Rachel to start laughing.

"You're a dork," Rachel said with laughter in her voice. "Of course I love you. But I'll love you even more if you can spare me thirty minutes later tonight."

"Oh baby," Lance's voice dropped. He grinned into the receiver. "Be a lot longer than that. I'm not sure if I could be offended by your laughter or not." He said as he listened to Rachel laugh. "I'm not sure I can give you thirty; I don't know how this is really going to work today with Joey not being able to shoot the full video. But I could probably give you at least five...ten if you're real lucky."

"Deal," Rachel said. The past couple of days had been lonely without Lance around. And that was strange. She hasn't realized just how much time they had been spending together either in person or on the phone or via text. "I think I'll bring Mel with me. Maybe that will cheer her up some."




“MTV's starting the 'Making The Video' thing today. Joey's whacked out on meds right now but I think he'll be up and around later. They can go commiserate together.�

“Put them together and pull them back apart. Not the best idea ever,� Rachel told him as she studied her suitcase, satisfied with what was in there. “Or it might be a good idea. Least neither one of them will be moping and have that 'my whole world ended' look. I'll let you know. I need to get off here,if I'm gonna drag Mel with me; I need to leave even sooner. See ya in a few hours. Love you, Lance.�

“Love you too, call me when you land.�

Rachel hung up and then called Melissa. “Pack a bag, you're going with me.�

“I hope it's to the Bermuda Triangle. Drop me off there,� she told her, getting off her bed and grabbing clothes. “Do I need anything fancy?� she asked, having no idea where she was being whisked off to. Melissa wanted to tell her no, but she didn't think she could stand being stuck at the house with no one in town besides her parents. She'd given though to going to Mississippi and seeing her grandparents, but this sounded like more an escape.

“No. I'm going to work and dropping you off at a video shoot. You can baby sit Joey,� Rachel replied, waiting to see how that went over.

“He's a grown man. I'm sure he's got all the help he needs,� Melissa's heart pounded, not sure how she felt. She'd gotten the wedding invitation in the mail and still hadn't opened it to respond with an RSVP. All of her things from Joey's except for her clothes were still boxed up, sitting in a corner in her room. “I'll go I guess. It will be good to see the guys...Sober that is.�

“Don't sound so excited. Kristen's not there, no one will care that you are there. Enjoy it,� Rachel told her, getting into her car. “I'm on my way to get you, be ready.�

“Thanks for making me feel better,� Melissa replied to Rachel, half teasing. She knew her friend didn't mean it like that, she knew the guys would care, just that the media wouldn't. “I'll see you in a little bit,� she told Rachel and hung up. Most of the clothes she and Rachel had gotten on their trip from Cocoa were still in their bags. She ripped off tags and stickers, tossing them in and grabbing her make up bag. Whatever she didn't bring she could buy. “Not like it matters,� she paused, fingering her ring on the chain. Melissa wanted to see Joey so much it hurt. At the same time, she wanted to go hide. She wanted to avoid him and the rest of the guys just to not have to think about what she was missing in her life. A crazy thought came to her and she wondered how it would work if she went through with it. Three thousand miles was a long ways to be from her friends and family. At the same time, she wouldn't have to be in a place that held so many memories. They were good memories, but when it came down to it, that's all they were. Things that had happened in the past that weren't going to be reclaimed except in her mind. She grabbed her phone charger and put it in her purse, sending out a text to her brother. 'Coming to CA with Rachel. Look out L.A.'

'If it's anything like Cocoa Beach, L.A. Might be in trouble.'

*^*^*^*^*^*^*

“Run, Christopher! Haul your ass!� Justin yelled at his friend as he chased him down with the golf cart, the video camera going. Mo and Rick were riding along, laughing as Chris yelled, trying to outwit Justin. “See? That's how you get work done around here, dawg,� he told the camera, smiling before he shut it off.

It had been a long day so far with Wade filling in for Joey. They'd gotten part of the shooting done and were now taking a break, the catering truck busy with everyone getting lunch. His eyes widened when he saw a familiar face sitting between Lance and JC. “Chica de mi vida,� Justin said, hugging her from behind, kissing her cheek. “When did you get here? How? No one told me you were flying out.�

Melissa hugged Justin back sort of since she hadn't turned around, shrugging since her mouth was full of food. “I didn't know either. Rachel told me to pack and so I did. Here I am,� she said with a smile after she'd swallowed.

Chris came bouncing in, a big smile on his face. “Joe's here!� he said, stopping short when he saw Melissa, running over to her and shoving Justin out of the way. “Melly! The band is back together again!�

“One of these days I'm so kicking your ass,� Justin told him, going out to find Joey, smiling when he spotted his friend. “Oh Joey,� he pretended to tear up, hugging his friend, slapping him on the back. “How's the cane? You can always beat someone with it.�

Joey smirked. “Beats the shot in the ass I got earlier. Where's lunch? I came at the right damn time.� Truth was, Joey was tired of sitting in the hotel room and didn't care if he was handicapped, he was getting out of that place.

“No shit, you won't believe who's here.�

Joey raised an eyebrow skeptically at the youngest band member. “Do you mean that in a good way or bad?� He couldn't ever tell as he hobbled towards where tables had been set up, hearing laughter and shouts. Pausing, he leaned on his cane at seeing Melissa sitting there. He swallowed hard, seeing her, a smile coming to his face.

“That's our Joey,� Justin murmured to himself, catching the other man's smile. He watched Melissa wiggle her fingers at him. She got up, making her way over to Joey before he got to where they were. He noted the slight pause between them before Joey opened his arms and Melissa melted into his embrace.

“Think she wants these?� Chris asked, watching them but grabbing Melissa's open bag of Lays.

“Nah. She's good,� Lance said, smiling. He grabbed his phone and snapped a picture and sent it to Rachel. 'Mission accomplished. Beauty and The Gimp.'

'Insanely jealous right now!' Rachel texted Lance, grinning at the picture.

He chuckled, raising an eyebrow as he typed.'That you're not hugging Joey?'

'That I'm not there! I'm gonna be seeing numbers in my sleep tonight.'


“You're okay.� Melissa said it as she looked Joey over carefully, grimacing at the bandage when he pulled up his jeans. “You're sure?� she couldn't keep the worry out of her voice watching him walk with the cane over to the table with food laid out.

“They call me Gimp Along Fatone,� Joey said, grabbing what he wanted to make a sub sandwich with, finally handing it to Melissa since she was putting everything on it anyway. “I can fix it, Bambina,� he told her after she asked what he wanted to drink.

“Shut up and let me do it. I can actually make a damn sandwich. I can't cook anything,� Melissa stuck her tongue out at him, shooing his hand away. “Besides that, I burned eggs again.�

“What?� Lance asked, his eyebrows raised. “Is that why the fans were on in the kitchen and living room last week? God...� he shook his head as Joey sat down on the end, scooting around to where his leg was protected from people walking around.

“Don't bitch, Lance,� Joey said, sighing at the sandwich. Not too much mayo and all the veggies he liked. “Better than the burnt offerings she tried to serve me. That chicken was black.�

“Burnt offerings. Yum,� JC quipped, watching Melissa's face turn red. “Maybe you should take those cooking lessons Justin got you for Christmas.�

Melissa nodded and sighed. “I might. Not much point in it now is there?� She let that thought die and sighed, catching a whiff of Joey's cologne. “I thought you were milking it today,� she told him, bumping his shoulder.

“Nah. Had to come keep Wayne in line. Besides, there's lots of hot girls here. I'm sitting by the hottest one,� Joey told her, throwing an arm around Melissa's shoulders and leaning on her, offering up his chocolate macadamia nut cookie.

'Does that line actually work?" Chris asked, happy to see Joey acting somewhat normal. At least he was in a better mood then he had been recently. It was nice to see the 'real' Joey come out.

"Not for you. You need a lot more help than that," Joey grinned when Chris flipped him the bird.

“Quit buttering me up,� Melissa told him, taking the cookie. “You want something,� she narrowed her eyes at Joey. “What do you want, Fatoney?�

Joey leaned in and smiled. “Hair sex,� he whispered, giving her his best begging look when he moved back to where they were just like they were before.

“You fed me a cookie and called me hot...I deserve more than that,� Melissa ate the cookie and wiped her hands on a napkin.

“I'm injured in the line of duty,� he stuck his bottom lip out, moving to put his head on Melissa's shoulder, pouting. Joey groaned when he felt that familiar tug, moving so his face was buried in her neck. “God this is great,� he muttered, feeling her fingers wind through his hair and rub his head down to the spot behind his ears and back up.

Lance shook his head at the two of them. “That shouldn't be legal in public,� he told them, getting up to throw away his trash. “Wayne wants you over to the set in fifteen Joe.� He got a wave in acknowledgment and motioned for the other guys to follow, none of them having their cameras open to film anything for the “Making of� bit.

“You're spoiled,� Melissa said after ten minutes, surprised to feel his lips brush hers neck and then whisper across her lips. “Joey...� she whispered, letting him kiss her again before she pulled away. She hated to be the voice of reason, wanting his lips to linger on hers. “Wayne needs you.�

“I know,� he said, getting up and lacing his fingers through hers. “Limp along with me.�

“Nice shirt,� she told him as they walked. 'Orgasm Donor' was on the front. “Is that an advertisement or what?� Melissa watched him give her a look and she blushed. “You're a perv, Fatone.�

“My shirt's the truth. You know from personal experience,� Joey said, squeezing her hand. “I miss ya, Melly. Bad.�

“I miss you too,� Melissa and Joey walked along in silence and she untangled her fingers from his when she saw Wayne coming towards them. It was then she made her decision. She gave him a warm smile and kissed Joey's cheek, ruffling his hair before he could get into where the set was. “Work hard. I'm going to go find Rachel and see if she's almost done. I hear Rodeo Drive calling my name.� She knew they wouldn't hit the famous shopping mecca in Los Angeles, but it was an excuse to get away and put her plan in motion.

“Alright. Have fun, Bambina. I have no idea when we'll be done,� he gestured to the whole set. “You're the best,� he told her, tugging at her hair and waving as she left. “Have no fear, I am back,� Joey yelled to Wade, grinning as he got his first look at the set with everything there. He felt better than he had in a long time, even with a bum leg as he made his way around the set.

“I think my retina's are burning,� Rachel remarked as she put her leather laptop case with her computer and other bag that held all of her accounting stuff in the back of the rental car before smiling at her friend. Melissa had shown up a little bit before she was ready to leave and had waited. “So, where are we going? Back to the video shoot or did you find something else you wanted to do?� Rachel was glad she'd worn flats and slipped her sunglasses on before getting into the drivers side of their rental car.

“I'm just here with you,� Melissa told her as they pulled out, biting her bottom lip. “California's nice huh? I mean, for being California.�

“It's alright. I know my way around enough I don't get lost. The traffic is fucking awful,� Rachel commented as they pulled out to head towards the freeway. She glanced over at Melissa and raised an eyebrow. “Bass, what's on your mind?�

“I've just been thinking a lot. I just-� Melissa sighed, running a hand through her hair, “I don't want to be in Orlando anymore. I think I need something new, somewhere that doesn't make me think of Joey all the time. I know I wouldn't just be leaving Joey, but I can't think of what else to do,� she finished quietly, looking out the window.

“You want to move to FREAKING California?!� Rachel yelled, almost wrecking the car as she slammed on the brakes and pulled into a parking lot. “Tell me those words did not just come across your lips. Why do you want to move three thousand miles away?� her voice was still loud as she looked at Melissa, her eyebrows arched up in surprise. “I know you're having a hard time, but Jesus Christ, that came out of nowhere!�

“What do you want me to do? Pretend Joey doesn't exist? That I just act like I don't know him?� she asked, wiping tears that came. “I'm not strong like you are, Rach. I can only take so much and I'm scared to death of the thought of moving, but I have to. I can't hide at Lance's house or in Orlando.� Melissa took a breath and looked at Rachel, the events of that morning sticking out in her mind. “Joey came in as we were eating lunch and he hugged me. I hugged him back,� she went through the conversation between them before the kiss happened. “So I play with his hair and then he kisses me. Twice,� she gave a smile, “I liked it, Rach. I know he's not mine and my head is screaming at me to stop but my heart says to just ignore my head.�

“You can kiss your friends, Mel. Like a friendly kiss...that's not wrong,� Rachel told her, watching the other girl shake her head.

“It wasn't just a friendly kiss. This is a man I love, that I would be with in a heartbeat if he asked. It's been Melissa and Joey so long that I have to go somewhere else and do something with me, Rach. I can't just sit in Florida while his life goes on without me.�

“So coming to California is the answer? Hiding out here? You hate traffic and this is worse than Orlando. All I have to say is 11th grade and the wreck downtown.�

Melissa and Rachel had been going over to the Bass house for the weekend after school when they got stuck in traffic. One lane was closed with traffic merging. It was at a standstill and Melissa had panicked, not liking being stuck in the traffic and having to wait, then the scramble when the traffic started again, the horns blaring made it worse and by the time they got home, Melissa swore she'd never drive again. Of course she had, but traffic always scared her when it was more than two lanes in one direction and it got heavy.

Melissa pursed her lips and looked at her best friend. She knew Rachel was right, but she needed to make her best friend understand. “I have to live my own life. It's a long ways from everyone, but I think I can do it,� her eyes met Rachel's. “I have to know I can do it.�

“Moving to Miami is something you could do. St. Louis, Chicago, New York City,� Rachel told Melissa giving her a look. “It's a five hour plane ride here. And that's not counting lay overs, which we didn't have because we were on a leer jet. You can't just hop in your car and come see me or your brother. What about your parents?�

“Lance will be on tour for most of the rest of the year. You'll be with him,� Melissa pointed out, shrugging a little at the mention of her Mom and Dad. “My parents will just want me happy. I want me to be happy.� It was sort of a selfish statement, but true.

Rachel wanted to protest but her mind went back to the conversation she and Lance had earlier. This would be like a clean break of sorts. Nothing around the corner to make Melissa think of Joey, no worrying about if he was just going to show up somewhere unexpectedly. It made sense in a way and she studied the traffic going by before she spoke. “If you think this is what you want, I'll help you all you need.� Rachel hoped her voice sounded more positive than she felt. It scared her to think of her friend being alone out here and more than that what was going to happen to the time she'd spend with her best friend. “How about we go look at some places and see if there's anywhere you like and then go see what the boys are doing.�

“I like that idea,� Melissa replied, smiling at Rachel. “I'm sorry...You know I wouldn't just pick up and move without a good reason.�

We haven't been apart in almost 8 years, ya know,� she added a little somberly as she pulled out of the parking lot. “What the hell am I supposed to do when I'm in Orlando?�

“You can go hang out with Chris. It will almost be like hanging out with me,� she suggested, trying to make it funny.

“Maybe if I give Chris a padded bra and shaved all his body hair off. You've gone crazy. Remind me to send out your address to every magazine subscription I can. AARP and Tattoo Monthly will be calling you.�

“Ha ha ha, smartass,� Melissa told her, giving her the finger. “Oh look, it's a California 'howdy',� she giggled when Rachel flipped her off. “This is a nice place,� she told her friend, looking around. They were in Thousand Oaks, which was outside of Los Angeles but still close enough that it wasn't a long commute. It was nestled into the mountains, making the backdrop appealing.

“We can look here if you want. There's lots of other burbs too,� Rachel told her as they talked. Rachel took one of the exits where there were restaurants and other businesses. “First thing you need to see is if there are places around here you want to go to. Grocery store, places to eat, stuff like that. Location, location, location.�

“I know,� Melissa studied both sides of the road. She wanted to be somewhere that she could get to places easily and not be stuck in traffic. “How about we stop at a real estate place and ask about properties, rentals...� she pointed out a realty sign. “I'm not paying a huge amount for a two bedroom. I mean, I have money saved up that was going to be for other stuff, so that's not it, I just don't want to run out of money before I get settled.�

“I hardly think that will happen,� Rachel assured her as they both got out of the car and went in. Rachel picked up a few brochures at the entrance and bumped Melissa's elbow. “Something like this could work. Would give you a pool and workout room, walking trails...� It was a place called 'Oak Valley' and was a condominium complex that had a lake on the acreage, along with amenities. “They take care of all the lawn stuff...�

Melissa looked at the brochure and nodded, reading about the prices and everything. “We'll ask about it for sure.�

The agent that was working walk ins was helpful, introducing herself as Gina, taking her and Rachel around, pointing out places of interest and showing them four different apartments and condo complexes, all varying prices and amenities. “There are many other places for rent, some houses, but for what you are wanting and your age demographic, a condo would be your best option,� she told Melissa, handing her a business card. “If you liked 'Oak Valley', they are taking deposits on new units until Thursday of next week. Those will be ready in two weeks to move into. Everything is inspected and I can go in and take pictures once they tell you which one is yours. Of course you have that decision to make, but I hope you will let me serve you again if you decide to move to Thousand Oaks.�

“Of course,� Melissa told her. She had paperwork to fill out from her favorite place, excited and nervous at the same time. Getting back in the car with Rachel, she looked over at her best friend. “How do you think Lance will take it?�

“I think your brother will be surprised. I think they all will be...And you have to tell Joey.�

“I was hoping to avoid that,� Melissa said, fiddling with her phone.

“That's a shitty thing to do, Mel. What if he just picked up and moved without telling you? You'd be pissed. If you're putting your big girl panties on and moving, you can tell your best friend that. You don't have to tell Joe he's the reason you're moving, but you can open your damn mouth and say something.� Rachel shook her head a little. “You aggravate me sometimes.�

“It's my job,� Melissa told her, sighing when Rachel didn't say anything back. “I'm sorry. Let's talk about something else.�

“No, I want to talk about that. You always try to change the subject when I chew your ass. What gives you the right to treat Joey like that? Is he your best friend or not?�

“Yeah, but-�

“But what? He's your best friend. So what he's marrying Kristen cause she's pregnant. He's still Joey, don't spite him just because you're hurting. That's all I'm saying about it, conversation over.� Rachel glanced over at Melissa who was sitting there with her arms folded, looking pissed off. “I hope your face sticks that way.�

“Shut up,� Melissa snarled, sighing and leaning her head back on the headrest and closing her eyes. “Just ignore me, Rach. I don't know what I'm saying or doing.�

“I take that into account. I'm letting you have a 'free pass' on a few things that I would otherwise ream your ass on. But after we get you moved, I expect you to get back to your normal happy non-bitchy self.�

“Sure, get right on that,� Melissa told Rachel, sticking her tongue out as they pulled into the studio lot and Rachel gave their names and the girls handed their ID's and hard cards to the security at the gate.

“This is still all crazy,� Melissa told Rachel as she looked at the fans that were camped out on either side of the gate on the sidewalk. They had signs and shirts and various other things with NSYNC on them or a certain member. The guys got a lot of fan mail and Melissa had at one time helped answer letters back before it got so overwhelming to handle. “Wonder how many of them will stay if the guys don't get done until late tonight?�

“Most of them aren't old enough to drive, so I hope their parents come get them,� Rachel pointed out before pulling into the lot and going to where she had dropped Melissa off earlier. She couldn't help the silly smile that crossed her face. She was ready to see Lance...and JC if the truth be told. She parked next to one of the vehicles that had brought the NSYNC entourage and smiled at Melissa. “Let's go see what the guys are doing,� she said, smacking Melissa's shoulder. “Smile.�

“I'm smiling. I'm happy. I'm going to see if Joey and I can steal a golf cart and ride it around the lot,� Melissa told her as they got out of the car. “See?� she pointed to one and grinned, the keys in it.

“Come on before you really get arrested,� Rachel told her, pulling her along. People were milling about, extras waiting and they walked into where Wayne was directing and the guys were standing over by him watching Joey as he sat in a chair and did his close ups. As they got closer, they could see sweat coming from Joey's face.

“He's hurting,� Melissa pointed out, seeing Wayne and Joey talking before Wayne went back behind the camera.

“Joey, this is the last take, buddy. You've kicked ass today.�

“I can't kick shit, but thanks,� Joey told him, giving him a slight grin. He focused on what was going on with playback starting. He knew he was going to be tired as hell and in serious need of pain meds after this was all over.

Rachel wasn't paying attention and jumped when she felt arms come around her from behind. She turned her head and smiled, leaning back on Lance. “Hi,� she said softly, turning and hugging him. “I missed you.�

“Missed you too,� Lance pulled Rachel closer and leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips, deepening the kiss after a moment and smiling. “I would ask how you were and how work was, but you look exhausted,� he said as he took her over to sit down on one of the couches where some of the extras were. Rachel looked like they all felt, ready to go back to the hotel.

“I am,� Rachel conceded, leaning on him, her head comfortably on his shoulder. “I'm too old for this crap.� She smiled as Lance snorted, looking at him innocently. “I happen to be mature for my age. You got a couple people in NSYNC that act like kids, so I figure I get a few maturity points for that alone.�

Lance chuckled and nodded, “Very true. Chris and Joey bring our age level down quite a bit. And my sister, ya know,� he shrugged, winding his fingers through hers. “Speaking of,� Lance's eyes found Melissa, over talking to JC and Justin close to where Joey was finishing up, “did you two have fun today? Before you came here I mean.�

“It was good. We still haven't eaten,� she looked at her watch and sighed. At this rate, Rachel figured they wouldn't eat until ten. “I love you, Lance, but I'm not staying here all night. I don't care if you come wake me up in the middle of the night but I just want to go take a hot bath and close my eyes and not think about numbers.�

“Good thing we're in the same hotel, cause I can't promise I'd come find you afterward. It should be interesting when we get done. Joey's going back to the hotel too I think,� Lance kissed Rachel's head softly and sighed. “I didn't realize how much I missed you until we had to fly out here. Seeing you every day and then not freakin' sucks,� he admitted, listening to her laugh. This was one of the many times he wished he wasn't gay, that he could feel for Rachel how he wanted to about a guy. It wasn't anything to do with loving her, or caring for her, just that he knew his feelings weren't what they should be completely. However, Lance knew he'd do whatever he had to in keeping her happy while they were 'together'.



JC had seen Rachel come in with Melissa, tracking her with his eyes even as he stood there talking to Justin and Melissa. He'd tried not to be jealous, but it wasn't working. The feeling surprised him somewhat, thinking he'd been handling it well but seeing Rachel and Lance kiss made him wish it was him, that he could kiss her again and see if it was just a one time feeling, the pent up emotions of that night or if his brain and possibly his heart were trying to make a leap. He tore his eyes away from them to focus on what Justin and Melissa were talking about, realizing it was about the video itself and he interjected his comments, relieved that he could follow along and not pay attention.

Melissa swatted at the hand that came around to cover her eyes, “Stop Chris,� she admonished, listening to the older man grumble. She turned and hugged him. “You're so cute when you pout,� she squished his face together and laughed when he tried to talk, letting him go.

“Fatone! She thinks I'm cute!� Chris yelled in Joey's direction as he came towards them with his cane.

“Cute like what? You're so cute you're ugly...Fugly even,� Joey snarked back as Chris pretended to sob into Justin's shoulder. He was hurting slightly and in a mood. Not mad but just aggravated that he wasn't doing his job at one hundred percent as usual. Besides, seeing Melissa having a good time with the rest of the guys reminded him of what he was missing out on. His heart ached and he just wanted her to himself. He made it to where he was standing between her and JC, not blocking them from each other, but so that he was the object to move if they wanted to be closer.

JC's eyes narrowed when he saw Joey's position, almost saying something before stepping back. They could afford for Joey to be a little possessive, since they had no way of knowing if the two of them would get another chance to be together with some alone time. “We got the rest of this until tomorrow, man,� he clapped Joey on the shoulder. “You rocked it today, Joe.�

“Thanks. I'm going back to the hotel and forgetting my name,� he replied, bumping fists with JC and Justin before pulling Melissa to him, wincing as her leg brushed his. “Damn,� he cursed, moving his leg slightly, “not your fault, mine.�

Melissa nodded, waiting until he'd moved and got comfortable. “You want a water or something?� she asked him, squeezing his hand lightly when he nodded, getting the other guys a water too from one of the ice chests that was over by the entrance.

“You're playing with fire, dude,� Justin said quietly as Melissa came back. He saw Joey's gaze fixed on her and frowned. “You know that right?�

“Ask me if I care,� Joey pulled his gaze away to look at Justin and JC. “I'll take what I can get. One minute. One hour,� he shrugged, cutting off the conversation when Melissa got back. “Thanks Bambina.�

“Anything for the gimp, the pimp and the perfectionist,� she said, grinning. “I figure I'll leave you here to work your asses off while I go take a few laps in the hotel pool,� she stuck her tongue out at Justin, who flipped her the bird.



“So, Lance, who is this beautiful woman sitting beside you?� Chris asked, having gone around with his camera shooting random stuff before coming back into the building housing the set and catching Lance and Rachel lounging, very comfortable in their seating arrangement, talking quietly.

“This is my girlfriend, Rachel,� Lance said, laughing when Rachel turned and buried her face into his chest. “And it seems she's camera shy. Say hi Rachel.�

Rachel gave a wave and didn't turn over. “Tell Chris I will take all his clothes and sell them to fans outside the hotel,� she told Lance loud enough for Chris to hear. She laughed when Chris yelled “Hey!�, peaking at him. “I have your cell phone number too,� she told him, getting a dirty look when he closed the camera.

“You're absolutely no fun,� Chris remarked, sitting down next to Rachel and Lance. “Remind me to skip your birthday this year,� he told Rachel, messing with her foot.

“Whatever, Kirkpatrick. Go film all those girls waiting to see you guys down at the gate,� she told him, glancing over at Melissa. She was leaning on Joey and still talking to JC. JC glanced in her direction and gave a small smile. Rachel pretended not to notice, but on the inside she giggled like an idiot. Her friend was right. She had a crush on JC.

“Okay ladies and gentlemen, break is over. Everyone and Wade minus Joey, get your tookus up and get ready to get more done. If you were in JC's hallway, get in there, up with Chris, same thing..I'm filming some of the big parts. Joey, we'll get yours tomorrow bud,� Wayne said through the megaphone.

Rachel got up so Lance could get up, hugging him and giving him a quick kiss. “Have fun. Call me when you're done. I still want my time with you,� she told Lance, winking at him. She hugged Chris as well, making her way over to where the other three members of NSYNC were. “Hi, Justin,� she said, letting herself be pulled into a hug by him and squeezed before being shoved into JC's arms, making them both go oomph. “Damn,� Rachel muttered, noticing how close their bodies were. She swallowed quickly and looked up at JC. “Hey, C.�

JC smiled and hugged Rachel, “Hey Rach. I guess I'll have to say bye too,� he squeezed one of her hands before he let her go, giving her a look like he wanted to say more. “See ya later. Mel said we were in the same hotel,� he said as he walked off slowly, then turned to catch up with the rest of the guys.

Rachel watched him go before turning to Joey and Melissa. “I guess I'm the chaperone in this deal,� she grinned as they both rolled their eyes.

“She makes it sound like we don't know how to act in public,� Joey said, putting his weight on the cane and not his leg. “I'm fine out in public.�

“Says who?� Melissa told him, slipping her arm through his.

“Your mother told me I was a model citizen at your high school graduation,� Joey retorted.

“You were sitting right next to her and she told you if you did anything she would make sure I didn't come on tour that whole summer.�

“I remember that,� Rachel said as they got into the rental car the girls had driven along with one of the security guards. “Joey sat up there and didn't make a peep.�

“I was afraid to move, Linda packs a mean punch.�
*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

“All I want is a bath and food. And a date with my pillow for a few hours,� Rachel said as they all got into the elevator. “You can watch Joey get stupid on painkillers or something,� she told Melissa, knowing there was a good chance she'd not see her friend for the rest of the night. It was part of the reason she'd brought Melissa along, sort of glad that she'd get to relax and it be quiet. Her friend wasn't loud, but it was just different being the only one in the hotel room.

“Hey, I only take what I'm supposed to,� Joey said, pointing his cane at Rachel. “Be nice to me, I'm injured.�

“I'm always nice to you. I haven't killed you yet and left your body out in a wooded area when you've played a practical joke on me,� Rachel replied, narrowing her eyes when Joey tried to look innocent. “Be good,� she told Melissa who proceeded to give her an equally innocent look.

“We're always good,� Melissa told her, grinning as the elevator opened and she exited with Joey and Lewis. “Have fun by yourself.�

“Have fun with the one legged wonder,� she replied, giving them a wave bye. Rachel laughed as Melissa blew her a kiss and Joey just shook his head. She leaned back against the rail in the elevator and shut her eyes. The time change plus work had been exhausting. Another reason she wanted to be alone was to try and get a handle on her thoughts. The thoughts that ran rampant about JC. It was worse when she was around him, watching him talk and smile and look in her direction. Rachel knew part of it was just a crush, the thrill of wanting something that was just out of reach. At the same time, Josh hadn't acted any different with her since New Year's. He was being nicer, if that was possible. She tampered those thoughts down as the elevator dinged, turning to Lance in her thoughts. She loved Lance and counted him as one of her best friends- her best male friend- that she'd ever had.

Slipping the key card into the door, she opened it and sighed happily. The suitcase she'd hastily tossed on the bed was sitting there waiting for her. Her favorite pajama pants and one of Lance's shirts she'd stolen from him were in there. A few minutes later, Rachel sank down into the tub that had been filled with steaming hot water. “Calgon, take me away,� she muttered, letting the stress and worries in her mind float away.
*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

The door shut to Joey's room and he let the cane fall with a thud to the floor. “Come here,� Joey leaned against the door and watched as Melissa paused in front of him. He could see her thinking and he smiled slightly when she bit her lip. “What's the problem?� he asked, his fingers reaching out and taking her wrist, pulling her closer. “I just wanted a hug.�

Melissa relaxed a little at that statement, letting herself be enveloped in Joey's arms. She could handle a hug, not caring that he'd been sweating, her head resting on his chest. Her eyes closed as she wrapped her arms around him, listening to the 'lub dub' sound of his heartbeat. Melissa knew they needed to talk, afraid of what Joey would think or say. “Will you always love me?� she asked softly, looking up at him, her head craned upward.

“What kind of question is that?� Joey asked, moving slightly so he could touch her face gently. “That's like asking the wind to quit blowing or the rain not to come. Silly woman.�

Joey anchored her to him as they made their way to the bed, with him sitting down first and sighing gratefully as it got the weight off his leg. “Damn that feels good,� he said, reaching for the drawer in the nightstand and getting his prescription pain pills, downing one with a bottled water. He looked over at Melissa who was still sitting at the edge of the bed, her stare far off. “You okay, Bambina?� he asked softly, his brow furrowing when she shook her head. “Talk to me.�

“Let's worry about you first,� Melissa told him, wanting to put off telling him the news of her thinking hard about moving. “Do you need help with getting a shower or anything?� she groaned when he grinned wickedly. “You know what I meant.�

“I know I knew what you meant, and my mind took the trip to the gutter.�

“Took a trip there? It lives there with Chris's mind. And Justin's...�

Joey got up and stripped off his shirt, sloughing off his shoes and tossing his socks in his growing pile of clothes. He reached for his pants when he heard Melissa clear her throat. “Sorry...� he heaved a sigh and went into the bathroom not shutting the door all the way. “This sucks ass. I feel like if I'm going to see you, we'll have to sneak around to do it.�

“Think about what you just said and how wrong that sounds, Joey,� Melissa told him, coming to stand by the bathroom door. She heard the water going and the shower come on. “How are you gonna do that and not get your bandage wet?� she asked, peeking into the bathroom.

“Hey, you didn't want to see my sexy manliness, no looking. I was offering earlier and now it costs money,� Joey admonished, standing in the shower with his bandaged leg sticking out, the shower head angled in such a way that it still hit him.

“I got twenty bucks,� Melissa told him and she heard him yelp a laugh. The water went off a few minutes later and she knew what he was doing, his usual routine. Drying off, deodorant, and a splash of cologne. “You decent yet?� she questioned, listening to him grumble.

“Pants suck. I'm wearing boxers and getting in bed,� Joey said, his leg still hurting and he opened the door. His favorite Superman boxers were on with the 'S' logo on the front. “Don't hate the player, hate the game,� he told Melissa, stopping at the air conditioner.

“What game?� she asked, sticking her tongue out at him and letting him get in bed as she slipped her shoes off, wanting to get under the covers too knowing it would get cold fast. “Brrrr,� she said, feeling the air creep over to where they were.

Joey didn't care that they shouldn't be sharing a bed, he wanted her here with him. He wanted things to be normal between them. At least here if not anywhere else. “Talk to me, Melly,� he said softly, settling into bed her head resting at the crook of his neck. The arm closest to her wrapped around her and Joey moaned slightly when her fingers ran over the hair just above his temples. “Don't start that unless you want this to turn into something else,� he warned, his head turning slightly, looking at her out of the corner of his eye. “You're incorrigible.� Joey felt her fingers trace his scruff around his jawline.

“I miss you. This...Us,� Melissa told him quietly. Her brain was screaming at her to stop. She knew it wasn't right. Another thing she knew was that her heart wouldn't ever heal. A part of it would be Joey's forever. No matter if eventually she moved on from him and met someone else. She also knew they couldn't go back to being ''just friends�. Just being this close to Joey was bad, wanting his lips on hers, his hands on her touching her. When he rolled over to face her, she smiled a little when he let out a growl of a curse word and then whimpered when his lips found hers. His lips felt the same, the way they always did when he started kissing her.

Joey wasn't going to push the issue, kissing Melissa softly. Her whimper spurred him on, letting his mouth travel over to the place just behind her ear, then back to her lips, kissing her harder. He growled when her fingers tangled in his hair, his body wanting hers. His hands had already started to take the familiar path, one was caressing Melissa's face gently. The other hand was at her waist, fingers underneath her shirt, sliding upwards towards her bra. He knew he was getting somewhere when she arched her back and his hand got a handful of her breast. “Just relax,� he whispered, his tongue moving over her earlobe.

“Joey.� Melissa wasn't sure if that was a plea to stop or keep going. She felt his hand pull her bra down and moaned when his fingers ran across her nipple, shivering slightly. She pressed her lips to his and her hands went to his hair, combing through it before tugging at the front.

“God, yes....Melly,� Joey whispered against her lips before kissing her once more. The silence in the room was broken by a phone ringing. 'Pretty Woman' played and Joey swore silently. If he didn't answer, Kristen would keep calling. Untangling himself from Melissa, he rolled over and felt around for his phone. “Hello?� he said, hoping it was something simple. A call of how he was doing, then goodbye.

“I didn't expect you to answer,� Kristen said, her voice sounding surprised. “I was just going to leave you a message. How has your day been?�

Joey's eyes narrowed, having heard this from Kristen before. She was fishing for something and he let Melissa go to sit up on the side of the bed. “It's been long. What do you want, Kris? I'm not in the mood to listen to this...�

“Well, a few of my girlfriends came down to see me since you were going to be out of town and we decided to do some shopping,� her voice trailed off. “We got the cutest stuff for the baby and some outfits for the honeymoon. And then they insisted I take them out to eat and you know, the girl thing. Beauty salon.�

“How much?� Joey ground out, getting a bad feeling. He'd left his debit card at home, telling Kristen she could go get groceries or hit the mall. He'd checked the balance yesterday, with bills being pulled out automatically. “How much goddamn it!�

Melissa had sat up after he did facing the other side of the bed, and was about to get up when she felt Joey's hand reach back for hers. She took it, squeezing it lightly, but not moving to face him. This was reality, a few minutes before had been just pretend, both of them not wanting to admit that the weren't together. She knew Joey would be pissed and just sat there, trying to sort out her thoughts.

“Answer me.� Joey's eyes closed when he heard her talk and his body shook. “How the fuck do you expect me to live with a hundred and fifty bucks for the next two weeks...� Joey let go of Melissa's hand and pushed himself up, limping over to the window and looking out of it. He was beyond pissed and listened to her blubber and cry. “It's a FUCKING JOB, NOT A MONEY TREE! I get paid every two weeks like a regular job. I have bills...Find a way to put the money back and if I check and the card's been used anymore tomorrow, you can keep the ring and find yourself back in Pittsburgh.�

Melissa heard Kristen scream at Joey from where she was, surprised when he didn't just hang up on her. He'd hung up on Melissa only a couple times when she thought she'd get mouthy and now Joey was standing there taking it. She laid back down on the bed and faced the opposite wall. The timing was awful, but she had to tell him about the possibility of moving.

“Yeah, you do that. Put the money back Kristen, I'll be home in a couple days,� Joey told her, his voice void of emotion. He didn't reply back when she told him she was sorry and loved him, hanging up. Propping himself up with his arms, he leaned on the window sill and stared out the curtain, watching the traffic go by. “You still here, Bambina?� he asked softly, hating that she had to listen to that.

“Tell your...fiance,� that word hurt, “that she really knows how to kill the mood.� Melissa meant it to be a joke but it was the truth. She got up and went to go stand by Joey, wrapping her arms around his middle. “You alright, Fatoney?�

“Other than being fucking broke, yeah,� he shook his head. “Let's drop it. Pisses me off... If you wanted food, sorry to say I'm not buying. You'll have to treat me. I'm ordering the biggest most expensive thing there is from wherever you get food from.� Joey heard her snort and laugh, pulling her around so that he could kiss her again. “You're my lifeline, Mel. You make all the other shit easier to deal with. You know that right?�

“Even if I do from three thousand miles away?� She let the question hang there as she watched the emotions flicker across his face. Melissa swallowed back tears when Joey looked positively heartbroken and she reached up to cup his face, stroking his jaw. “I went and looked at places today. There's one in Thousand Oaks-� her voice trailed off, biting her lip.

“You're leaving me?� Joey stared at Melissa, his heart breaking in his chest. He was so sure nothing would be more painful than breaking up with Melissa but he was wrong. Hearing his best friend, his soulmate, the woman who would always hold his heart was moving across the country to start a life without him hurt. It hurt something fierce.

He had assumed she'd stay in Orlando. it was after all where her parents lived, her brother lived, her best friend - Where he lived. Where he'd be able to see her regularly. Where he'd be able to make sure she was okay. How was he supposed to do that when she was three thousand miles away? How could he be sure she was really truly okay?

“I think...I think it would be the best thing for me. For us,� Melissa put her fingers to his lips when he started to speak. “I can't stay there Joey. I can't pretend that my heart's not breaking every time I see you, that you aren't mine.� She sniffled when Joey's lips found her forehead. “You'll be busy touring and have a wife and baby to take care of.�

“Who's going to take care of you?�


"I'll take care of me," Melissa told him softly. "Don't worry about me."

"Don't worry about you!" Joey's voice rose as he pushed away from Melissa, holding her by the forearms. "How can you say that?"

"You need to worry about Kristen and the baby now. They are your family."

"And you're not?" Joey dropped his arms so quick, it caused Melissa to stumble slightly. When Melissa failed to say anything, he rotated around, hissing as pain shot through his leg. He ignored it, taking a few steps away. He clenched his eyes shut; emotions swirled inside of him; hurt and anger.

"You're marrying someone else Joey. You're having a baby..."

"You don't think I know that!" He whirled around catching Melissa in a glare. "I know that! Heaven forbid someone fail to remind that every damn minute of every damn day. I know I'm having a baby! I know I'm getting married! I fucking know!"

Melissa stayed silent, pursing her lips as Joey slid from English to Italian and back again.

"How can you just tell me not to worry Bambina? How can you say that? Do you know how that makes me feel?" He asked, watching her look at him. "Is that what you did? The minute we ended our relationship did you just stop worrying about me?"

"No!" Melissa gasped, pain coursing through her at the thought. "I worry about you constantly! I worry if you're sleeping. If someone's taking care of you. I worry that you're not where you're supposed to be, if you need anything."

"Then how can you tell me not to worry?" Joey's voice softened. "How can you even suggest that? I worry Mel. It didn't just stop because we broke up. I worry about you every day. And I wonder what you are doing; how you're feeling. When I fall asleep every night, when I actually can sleep, I wonder about your day. What you did, where you went. You are on my mind constantly Mel."

Melissa eyes watered at Joey's words. She knew what he was going through. She was going through the same thing. She tried not to think about it, find things to keep her mind off him, but he always crept back into her mind. Everything reminded her of him and it was like going through breaking up all over again. "Now you see why I have to move?" She whispered. "It's you. It's always been you. It's always gonna be you. And it's not possible anymore. You... you're truly unavailable."

He felt like someone had ripped open his chest and tore out his heart, leaving a gaping wound. It never occurred to him in the many hours he spent working through Melissa and Kristen that when he would lose Melissa. He had always assumed she would be there; that she would be in his life in some shape or form. And now Melissa was removing herself from the equation. Leaving him. Moving three thousand miles away, starting her life over. A life that didn't include him. He suddenly felt as if he was on the outside looking in. He didn't want to let her go, even if she was choosing to do this. “Stay with me tonight.�

She knew what the right answer should have been. As she told him yes, her mind was telling her to say no. It was wrong, Joey was engaged and she was no longer his. That part was a double edged sword, pushing her towards him into his arms. Melissa wanted to be his one last time, to have that memory of Joey to hold on to, that they could say goodbye like this.

She was aware of her shirt and pants coming off, tossed into the pile with his dirty clothes as they made their way to the bed. Melissa giggled as Joey leaned in and licked her neck, groaning when he bit it, wincing as he did it harder, a firm pull on her hair. “Joey,� his name came out as a harsh sound, wanting to protest and at the same time, it felt good. Like he was marking his territory.

Joey stopped when they were against the bed, sitting down while letting Melissa stand in front of him. “Nice bra,� Joey remarked, reaching up to run his hands across the lace cups, fingers pinching her nipples as he let his arms slide around her to get it undone. “You wear this one on purpose? Thinking of seducing me?� his voice was clearly teasing. The undergarment tossed aside, Joey used the advantage of being face level with her breasts to take one of them into his mouth and suck on a nipple. His hands were full as well and Joey groaned when Melissa's hands tugged on his hair. “Pull harder, Bambina,� he said, paying attention to the other breast as well.

Melissa did as Joey asked, yanking hard on his hair, hissing when he bit down a little. That pain subsided as his tongue slid over the part he'd bitten. A whimper slid from her mouth when she felt Joey's hand touch her inner thigh. She knew the game he was playing, getting her worked up until she couldn't stand it. His fingers would get almost to where she wanted them and move off, just brushing the areas she wanted touched. “Joseph,� she breathed, looking down at him.

“Bambina,� Joey said, giving her that smile he knew drove her crazy. The one he reserved for times like this. “We're just getting started, no need to get so worked up,� Joey slid himself back with his arms to where he was lounging against the pillows and headboard. “This is the time if ever there was some sexual fantasy you harbored about me,� he grinned wider as she blushed, propping his arms up above his head. He chuckled as she eyed his erection as it strained against his boxers. “My innocent little Mel. What naughty thoughts are you thinking about me?� He tried like hell to keep the mood light, ignoring the fact that this was the last time for them to be like this, that in the back of his mind he knew they shouldn't be anyway.

“About you? Psssh,� Melissa waved her hand at Joey, walking around to one side of the bed eyeing him up and down. “You're on the injured list, Fatoney. I'm not sure you can participate. I think you might have to just watch,� Melissa kept her eyes on him, sliding her hand down into her panties, watching his eyes travel to where she was rubbing herself. “Unless you want to help,� she said after a few moments, crawling up on the bed beside him, watching Joey roll over and try not to wince.

Joey's leg hurt a little from all the moving around, but he ignored it for the most part. His hands slid over Melissa's body, down to the waist band of her panties and he held her gaze as he took them in hand and gripped them and ripped them off. “That's better,� he told her, manuvering her around so that their bodies were flush together for the most part. “Mel,� he rumbled in appreciation as he slid a couple fingers in her, the wet and warm place making Joey almost pant.

Melissa wasn't about to let Joey get her off without her teasing him some. She pulled his hand away amid protests, moving to where her head was even with his boxers. “Now, proceed..do whatever,� she told him, smiling as his brown eyed gaze met hers and she tried to look innocent as one of her hands ran over his 'package' that was bulging against his boxers.

“Oh damn,� Joey gritted his teeth, his thumb starting to work her clit as he lifted his hips so she could slide his boxers down and off. It took a few more moments than he wanted, but finally, he was as naked as she was. He felt her hand slide around his erection, stroking him from the tip to the base. “Oh Melly,� he grunted, pumping his fingers in and out harder.

Melissa bucked her hips against his fingers and thumb, letting out a long moan of appreciation before licking her lips, her tongue resting along the underside of his penis, licking it up and down the shaft a couple times before getting to the tip and letting her teeth barely graze it. She reached underneath her to have him stop to move where she could watch Joey, her eyes going to his as she took his cock in her mouth. She smiled a little as she went along, listening to him curse and encourage her, his hands buried in her hair.

Joey got louder, hating that he couldn't move a lot. “Stop..for the love of God,� he finally told her, knowing if she kept going, he'd be done. He swallowed hard Melissa just smiled, moving to where she could straddle him. “I'm going to have the last say in this, Melissa Nicole,� he instructed her, tossing her off him, chuckling when she laughed as her body made the bed bounce and Joey cussed again.

Melissa's eyes widened as Joey's mouth kissed her stomach and then proceeded to make its way back down. “Oh Joey...yes baby..� his tongue licked along her clit and nibbled on her pussy lips before going back up and down with his tongue. She didn't care to tell him what she liked, stroking his beard down by his ears before going to his hair. Her breath caught some and her body started quivering, wanting its release. She knew he knew it too, and raised an eyebrow when he stopped. “Joooey,� she whined, pulling his head up towards her upper body so that he could be on top of her.

“What, Melly? Tell me what you want, Bambina,� his voice was low and full of love, kissing her hard once he got up to where she was on the pillows, his body flush with hers. He told her how much he loved her, that she would always have his heart as he made love to her. Every kiss and touch between them had a purpose and finally when they were done,they both laid there still tangled together.

“I love you, Joey,� Melissa laid there trying to catch her breath, closing her eyes as he kissed her once more. “Til the day my life is through, this I promise you,� she told him, making him smile. “I love your smile, the real one,� she patted his cheek softly when he grinned.

“And I love you. Over and over I fall when I hear you call,� Joey sang back to her, his voice catching. He moved and rolled to where they were spooned together, the covers up over them. “I got a song for you...� he smirked when she turned her head. “From your other Joey...Please don't go girl, you would ruin my whole world.� Joey wiped her tears and held her face as he kissed her softly. No matter what happened after this, he wanted Melissa to know she'd always have a place in his heart, even if it was in pieces.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

Lance pushed the door open and quietly slipped inside the darkened hotel room. He moved carefully through the room hoping neither his sister or his girlfriend left things laying around on the floor. He scanned the double beds seeing a mound on one of them. Coming closer he saw the second bed wasn't even mused.

'Joey's,' Lance thought giving a small shake of his head. But what his sister and best friend did was not his worry. They were adults.

A soft smile graced his lips as his gaze settled on the occupied bed. He toed off his shoes and let his jeans fall to the floor. He pulled the t shirt over his head and let it drop unceremoniously to the ground next to his jeans. Moving around the bed, he pulled the covers back and slipped beneath them. He wrapped his arms around Rachel pulling her back against his chest as he spooned behind her.

"Lance..." Rachel breathed, her eyes fluttering open as a new warmth encased her. She pressed back against him, snuggling closer and let a blissful sigh escape.

"Expecting someone else?"

"Wasn't expecting anyone." Rachel whispered honestly. "How'd you get in here anyway?"

"Sweet talked the front desk girl," Lance grinned against Rachel's hair. The blonde strands tickling his face, getting stuck in the stubble gracing his jaw.

"I should complain, giving a copy of my room key to just anyone." Rachel teased. "That could have been Chris sneaking in here."

Lance laughed out loud, his arms tightening around her. "I don't think you have to worry about that. And I'm not just anyone. I'm your boyfriend."

Rachel smiled and turned in his arms so they were facing each other. "This is true," she was able to just barely make out his face. She raised her hands, running them over his bare chest. "You are my boyfriend."

Lance leaned forward pressing a whisper of a kiss to Rachel's lips. He brushed them again before settling on them. He tightened his hold bringing her flush against his chest. He felt her fingers caressing his pecs from where they were trapped between them. He broke the kiss, leaving her lips to trail kisses up her jawline to nibble on her ear.

"Lance..." Rachel pulled her hands free tangling them in his hair. She careened her neck, giving him access.

He moved back to her lips kissing them softly. He felt her sigh and relax in his arms. He brought a hand up, brushing her hair back from her face, the silly locks slipping between his fingers. "Is this okay?" he whispered.

Instead of speaking, Rachel pulled his lips back to her, instigating another round of kisses. She traced his bottom lip with her tongue silently requesting entrance. When his lips parted, her tongue moved forward meeting his.

Lance's tongue dueled with hers before he pushed Rachel onto her back. The kiss never broke, his hands starting to roam, skimming over the fabric of Rachel's t-shirt at her stomach. They'd always been able to be physical, at least the other part of it, the touching and kissing in public like a real couple would do. This was something new as Rachel's back arched, giving Lance a handful of breast. “Rachel,� Lance whispered, a little unsure of what she wanted. He told himself he'd do whatever it was she wanted, even sex if she asked.

Rachel paused, hearing the hesitation in Lance's voice. She knew she wasn't going to beg him to do something he didn't want to. At the same time, she was slightly jealous of her best friend. Sex talk wasn't off limits for her and Melissa. While she never asked for details, she figured out that her friend's sex life had been good while hers had been non existent a little bit before she and Lance had gotten together. And now she just wanted to feel wanted like that. “You don't want this do you?� she asked, letting out a sigh as his lips met her neck again just as she'd asked the question.

Lance stopped, searching Rachel's face as much as he could in the dark. “I want whatever will make you happy,� he told her, his honest to God answer. “What do you want, Rachel?�

Rachel felt heat creep up her neck and her face, not sure she could tell Lance what she wanted. She knew she had to, wondering if he would think less of her that she wanted him, or at least wanted something physical between them, something more than just kissing. “I know we kiss and hold hands but I want...more,� she finally said softly. “And I want it with you, even though I know this is just for show-�

“How I feel about you isn't just for show, Rach,� Lance told her, planting a soft kiss on her lips. “And I think it might be a good idea, you know,� he gave a slight chuckle and a smile. “I mean, what good am I as a boyfriend if I can't seduce you?� Lance let one of his hands slide under her shirt to meet her breast, squeezing it gently. “Any time you want me to stop, or I want to stop, we stop,� he said, wanting there to be no issues between them.

Rachel nodded, her head coming up to press her lips against his. “Have I told you how wonderful you are? That I love you?� she smiled, messing up his hair. The nervous butterflies she had in her stomach about him wanting her went away, but were replaced now by ones about sex.

“The wonderful part? Not today..the I love you part, earlier.� Lance smiled and hoped he could satisfy her. Even though he was gay and wanted a boyfriend, he wasn't a virgin. Being with four other men that were all heterosexual on a tour bus was also somewhat of an advantage in that respect. Lance kissed her lips once then nuzzled her jaw, his tongue darting out to flick her earlobe. “Tell me what you want,� he dropped his voice down, getting turned on when she trembled at his words, his hand that had been on one breast moved to the other, hungry for his touch, wanting his attention.

“I like my neck being kissed,� Rachel confessed, sighing when his lips met her jugular vein. “I want you to seduce me.� She wasn't going to be picky, not knowing if this was a one time thing between them, not worrying about it at that second. “I want you to kiss me and touch me, oh God,� her breath caught as she felt Lance's teeth graze the spot he'd just kissed, moving upso that he could nip her ear, his tongue delving onto the sensitive skin. His breath was warm and Rachel tangled her fingers in his hair before letting one hand slide down the back of his neck to his back and shoulder, digging her fingernails in.

Lance moaned when Rachel's nails bit his skin, his body responding to hers. When her teeth found his neck, he growled, pulling on the shirt she was wearing. “I want this off,� he said, moving just enough for her to remove it, gazing down at her body. His eyes had adjusted to the light and he smiled, whistling in appreciation. “Damn, girl,� he said, shaking his head. “You're beautiful, Rachel.� Lance put his finger under her chin and tipped her head upward to look at him. “Don't be embarrassed. You are beautiful.�

Rachel blinked back tears and smiled at him. He wasn't saying it for any other reason than that he meant it. She knew Lance wouldn't lie to her, that if at any moment she wanted to stop, he would. She moved to where she was sitting up more and ran a hand over the stubble on his face. “You aren't bad yourself James Lance Bass,� she leaned in and kissed him softly, nibbling on his bottom lip. She sighed when he pulled her closer, his hands getting buried in her hair. Her breasts were flush up against his body. Her hands were planted on his shoulders, anchoring him there with her. Her eyes were shut and she was quickly becoming putty in his hands. She felt his tongue come out and snake over her lips, once and then again. It only took a second to decide and soon she was moaning in pleasure as Lance's tongue stroked hers.

Her lips were swollen from kissing when Lance laid her back on the bed, her body relaxed and responding to every touch of his lips and feel of his fingers on her skin. “Lance,� Rachel whispered his name as his tongue circled her nipple, taking it into his mouth and sucking on it. “Mmmm, yes,� she gasped when he paid attention to the other like he had that one, his fingers taking up the slack where his mouth wasn't. She squirmed when his face tickled her stomach and she got nervous when she felt his breath on her inner thigh.

“Let me take care of you,� Lance told her, lacing his fingers through hers for a moment, squeezing. They'd both lost their bottoms respectively a while back, and Lance knew if they didn't have sex, it would be some variation of it because there was no way he was going to ignore his throbbing erection just like he wasn't about to bow out on Rachel. He could smell her scent and it was the first time in a really long time that he actually wanted to be with a woman. It might be a one time thing, but he was going to enjoy it. Lance wasn't going to lie and think that Rachel was going to turn him straight, nor did she think that. That's what made it better, he thought momentarily as his free hand went to press against her mound, his thumb brushing her clit. “Fuck,� Lance growled, his tongue making circles around her sex as he rubbed. He grinned when her hands went to his hair and she yanked him towards her pussy.

Rachel bit her lip and cried out when Lance's tongue finally got where she wanted it. Her legs went lax and she put them up over his shoulders, her fingernails running over the back of his head and neck. She felt her body getting closer to release, gasps and moans coming from her periodically. “Yes baby, that's it..Lance..mmm..right there,� Rachel let go a few minutes later with a hard orgasm, Lance's fingers pumping in and out of her while his tongue licked her clit up and down, catching her juices. Her whole body shuddered and she yelled out his name. Laying there panting, a huge smile grew on her face when Lance joined her on the pillow. Throwing her arms around him, she kissed his lips and chuckled when she tasted herself on him. “Don't think you're done,� Rachel told him, kissing his cheek as he laughed and pulled her over to rest on his chest, his heart beating faster.

“I don't think I can take much teasing,� Lance told her, groaning when she ran her fingers over his penis. It was standing at attention and throbbed when Rachel's hand went all the way down and brushed his scrotum. “I mean it, babe. Oh goddamn,� Lance bit his lips as she kissed his chin and then neck, her hand still lazily jacking him off.

“Who said I was teasing?� Rachel asked, her mouth against his skin, tasting him. She wanted Lance. And at the same time, she was satisfied with what had happened between them. It was her turn to 'return the favor' and ultimately it was her decision to make in a way. She listened to him grunt and moan as her mouth traveled south down his body. “Damn, Bass..� Rachel's tongue licked around the head of his penis, making him grip the sheets.

“Rachel Beth,� Lance's voice sounded strangled, talking through his teeth. “Please, love,� he begged, raising up his head to look at her. His whole body was tensed up as she continued, shudders coming from him as her mouth took him in, her fingers grazing his inner thighs and balls as she used her other hand to stroke him as her mouth traveled up and down his shaft. “Oh fuck,� he hissed when she stopped, ready to explode if she touched him again. Lance's eyes popped open when he felt the bed shift and looked at Rachel. “What's wrong?� he asked, concerned something wasn't right.

“I'm on the pill but we're not gonna use that as a fail safe,� Rachel said, quickly finding what she was looking for and opening the condom package. “You want me to do it?� she asked, straddling Lance's legs. She smiled when he pulled her closer, taking the item from her.

“If I let you do it, we won't be doing anything,� Lance replied, his dick still throbbing as he rolled the condom down. “I'm embarrassed to tell you that I won't last long probably.� Lance loved the shrug she gave him, pulling her down to meet him on the bed and then covering her body with his. His lips found hers, his body pressed against hers and his hands pressed hers up next to her head, their fingers intwined. “I love you,� he breathed into her skin and reached down to position himself to slide into her. “Let me know if I hurt you,� he told her, praying that wouldn't happen.

Rachel nodded, letting go of his other hand to hold onto his body. It had been a while since she'd had sex and Lance was big. She bit her lip and hissed when he pushed himself inside her. “No, keep going,� she told him when he stopped, glad when he kissed her, burying himself between her legs.

“Don't move for a minute,� Lance panted, his face in Rachel's neck, her hair tickling his nose. “Oh Jesus, Rach..you feel wonderful,� he told her, rocking back and forth a little before setting a pace. His eyes rolled back in his head a little when her nails found his shoulders.

“Cum for me Lance, come on baby,� Rachel encouraged him, throwing her head back when she felt his thumb rub her clit. “Oh...ohhhh,� she panted, letting him take control at least of that part. Her body responded to his, getting into the rhythm with him, wanting him to finish. She knew Lance was close when he quit and started grinding against her, his breath coming in gasps.

“Oh shit..fuck..Rachel,� Lance got out, his cock twitching as he buried himself inside her and came hard. He smiled as he took short breaths in and out, his whole body quickly having that tingly sensation. “Sorry I couldn't finish-�

“Don't even say the rest of that sentence,� Rachel huffed, laying there beside him, a goofy smile on her face. “I love you, Lance. Thank you,� she told him, running a hand over his sweaty face. “I can't promise it will become a permanent thing but..I needed it.�

Lance nodded, bringing her palm to his lips and kissing it. “You are my girlfriend, my best friend and better half,� he said softly after a few moments. “I want you to be happy as much as you want me to be..actually I want you to be happier than I am. It was....an honor, for lack of a less dorky term.� He smiled at her chuckle and rolled over to brush some hair out of her face. “Thank you for being mine.�

Rachel nodded, glad he couldn't see the tear escape down her cheek. She kissed him softly on the lips and smiled. “Now what will the guys think? You're going to come in with this stupid face you men get.�

“If nothing else, it will keep them guessing,� Lance told her, both of them laying there and talking for a little while longer after he'd gotten up and went to the bathroom trash and came back. “I say we go get a shower and hop in the other bed. My sister isn't coming back tonight.�

“How do you know? Or do I want to know?� Rachel asked, reaching over to turn the light on low beside the bed so they could see. She got up, smiling at the fact Lance was watching her and she was doing the same with him, no hint of embarrassment, but at the same time, it wasn't a burning attraction like she was ready to get him all worked up again. If it was anyone else, it would have bothered her, but she felt secure in that they could both handle this part of their relationship if it came up again. She pulled out her panties and some different sleep clothes, turning back to watch Lance get up to follow her.

“The tv was up some, but Joey's a loud bastard. That's all I'm saying,� Lance said as he turned on the water. “And I sure as hell wasn't going to knock on the door and tell him to shut up. Might be the last sex the poor guy sees, depending on how pregnancy hormones go.� He shrugged when Rachel gave him a look. “It was in a magazine I read. It was GQ magazine,� he added, rolling his eyes, flicking water on her after they'd gotten in.

“I didn't say a word,� Rachel told Lance, giving a sigh as the warm soapy washcloth touched her skin with his hands doing the work. “Although, I must say...you're the best gay man I've ever had sex with.�

“Don't ruin my rep, Weatherly,� Lance grinned wide when she laughed. “When I decide to come out of my proverbial closet, I'll be shopping for a boyfriend. Til now I'll just make all the men drool and be jealous over you.�

“All you need to be the perfect man right now is to order some room service and let me have the tv remote,� Rachel told him as she relaxed, letting the soap wash off her body after taking the washcloth. Lance's fingers massaged shampoo into her scalp making her groan once more in deep contentment. “Nevermind my last statement. Now you are the perfect man.�

*^*^*^*^*^*^*
Joey woke up by degrees, his eyes popping open when he reached out for the warm body that was supposed to be there and all he got was air. He looked around, the room still dark, listening for sounds that Melissa was in the bathroom, but the only noises Joey heard were the air conditioner and the noises of doors opening and closing down the hall. The spot where she'd laid was cool and he wondered when she'd left. More than that, Joey wondered why she didn't stay. It hurt that he woke up alone, more so because he knew that this couldn't keep happening. Joey wasn't going to ask Melissa to start meeting him at every hotel they would be at for one night stands. As much as he'd love for her to be with him, in the back of his mind he knew it would turn it into something cheap and ugly. Besides that, Joey didn't want her for the sex. The sex was great, but he wanted something he could no longer have.

An angry sob came out, punching his pillow. Joey was by himself, no one to answer to if he had a pity party. He was hurt and angry, cursing a little bit later when his leg still hurt. He downed a pain pill and some Tylenol, laying back on the bed, trying to sort out his feelings. The thing that was the worst that was Melissa hadn't even bothered to tell him goodbye.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^^*^*^*

Rachel woke up and sighed, burying herself further into the covers and smiled at the feel of Lance's arms tightening around her. “Mmmmm,� she moaned softly when his lips met hers in the dark. “Morning.� The events of the previous night played through her mind and she realized that she didn't feel awkward about it at all. They were still Rachel and Lance. She didn't expect him to declare his undying love for her, that he was now un-gay or something like that. However, Rachel did agree with Lance now that she'd thought about it. There would be no awkwardness physically with them in public. It was as real as it could be, circumstances being what they were.

“Morning,� Lance replied, smiling at Rachel, smoothing down her flyaway hair. “No regrets from last night?� he whispered, glad when she shook her head.

“Why are you whispering?� Rachel asked, moving to where she could see over Lance's shoulder. She could see an outline in the covers and looked at her boyfriend. “When do you think that happened?�

“Dunno,� Lance told her, pulling her back down into his arms. “She's asleep so that's good I guess,� his eyes traveled over to the clock. “I better get up and around myself.� Lance didn't want to leave, but even more he didn't want Wayne on his ass for not being bright eyed and bushy tailed. “Last night was amazing,� he said softly, dropping a kiss on Rachel's shoulder.

“Agreed,� Rachel told him, smiling. “I'm gonna be jealous when you find a boyfriend, ya know.�

Lance laughed a little harder than what he meant to, shaking his head at her. “You'll have some guy so in love with you, he'll be following you around. You won't even have time to really miss me. You'll just miss my car.�

“Whatever,� Rachel told Lance, rolling her eyes at him and kissing him. “Go get ready. I'm gonna get ready and come to the set for a little while before I go to work,� Rachel told him, walking to the door behind him. Her eyes followed his body as it moved, a small smirk on her face. The sex had been good, better than good. It made her feel good and she grabbed his butt squeezing it quickly, the feel of him jumping making her chuckle. “Oops.�

“You're getting to be worse than my sister,� Lance told her, pulling her to his side. “See you in a little while, honey.�

“Yes, babe,� Rachel hugged him and let him go, watching him go down the hall and dig out his key card out of his jeans, wiggling her fingers at him. She then shut the door and went back into the room.

“The room smells like sex,� Melissa muttered, not moving from her position in the bed. She had taken her shoes off but still had her clothes on. “I don't want details, just a yes or no.�

“Yes, nosey. We thought you were asleep,� Rachel came and sat on the edge of the bed, reaching for Melissa's foot and squeezing it playfully. “Why are you here anyway?�

“My stuff's here, someone drug me with them on a plane to Los Angeles,� Melissa told her, avoiding the answer Rachel wanted. “I still can't believe you and my brother did the deed. I'm scarred for life.�

“Payback's a bitch,� Rachel said, getting quiet for a moment. “Answer my question.�

Melissa sighed, trying not to get upset. “I couldn't wake up next to him this morning and have to tell him goodbye, Rach. Now the last thing I can think about is how great last night was. Even if it shouldn't have happened. I have to move out here.�

“Have to? You don't have to do anything, Mel.�

Melissa sat up a little and looked at Rachel. “I'm not staying there ruining his marriage! Even married, I'd still want him. I'm not sure I could tell him no...� she sniffled. “I wouldn't tell him no, if he asked. And it wouldn't just be for the sex...� her voice cracked a little. “It's him. I can't get on with whatever I'm supposed to do with my life if I'm there.�

Rachel had no words of comfort to offer, knowing her friend was right. She turned and gave Melissa a smile. “Well then we'll have you fill out the application and take it over there today. And we'll go on set and watch the guys, then I have to go do some work. You can come with me or hang out there.�

“Sounds like a plan,� Melissa told her, wrinkling her nose at Rachel. “You whore,� she teased, screaming when Rachel hit her with a pillow.

“Look who's talking!� Rachel yelled back, laughing as she thwacked her friend hard in the face. “It still doesn't change the fact that this is all just pretend. We're just...�

“Get your freak on,� Melissa sang, getting up and dancing. “You know they'll know something went on. They're worse than women gossiping. Especially Justin.�

Rachel shrugged. “Justin can just keep his nose out of whatever is going on. It was a one time deal probably.�

Melissa went over to Rachel and sat down by her. “I love you both, so if it's what you wanted then fine. And if you wanna go have mad monkey sex with JC, that's good too.�

“You ruin the mood,� she muttered, shaking her head. She hoped JC wouldn't read anything into what she and Lance did, but at the same time, she couldn't stop his thoughts. Or hers, when they went to Joshua Chasez. Rachel was trying hard to keep her feelings for him on a level playing field with the rest of the guys. It was hard though, being attracted to him and that one kiss they'd shared. “Let's get ready and go see about breakfast.�

The girls got up and got showers, getting dressed and making sure their stuff was put up and grabbed their purses. Melissa grabbed the little envelope for the housekeeper and stuffed a ten down in there. “Now we can go. The housekeeper better clean like a mo' fo.�

“Someday Bass, I'm going to punch you in the mouth,� Rachel told her, opening the door.

“Just not today,� Melissa said, going by and kicking Chris's door hard. “Wake up, Christopher!� she yelled, surprised when the door opened and Joey gave her a look. “Uh, hi.�

“Hi,� Joey told her, not ignoring Melissa, but not pulling her to him either. He made his way down the hall and stopped to hug Rachel before heading on to the elevators.

“At least you waited until the end of the meeting to yell,� JC told Melissa, hugging her before letting her go. “He's decided to finish the video,� he told her, looking to where Joey was standing there at the elevator, waiting for the rest of the group. “I don't know what happened, but you two need to talk.�

“There's nothing to talk about, Josh.� Melissa hated at the look JC gave her, like he was disappointed in her. She hugged the other guys, walking when Justin pulled her along towards the elevators.

“All I wanna know is if you and Fatone got freaky last night,� Justin said, smirking when she didn't answer. “I know Lance did, dude's got that koolaid smile plastered on his face. Lucky bastard. The only gay guy among us and he's getting a piece.�

“And only you would be jealous,� she rolled her eyes as they all got on the elevator.

Rachel was sandwiched between Lance and Mo. “Wonder if we exceeded the weight limit with this,� she muttered, making Mo laugh.

“Sure bet we did. Unless you'd like us to let Justin off the elevator first with no security. That might be worth something right there.�

“I'll cut you, dawg,� Justin said, grinning. He looked over at Joey. “We'll send the gimp out into the line of fire.�

“I'll garner sympathy votes. Those teenage girls out there would eat you alive, Timberlake.� Joey tried to put himself in a different frame of mind to see fans, knowing that they wouldn't care he was going through his own issues. He'd smile and pose for pictures, giving each fan a few seconds of his time before going to the video shoot. They were the reason for NSYNC to be as big as they were. However, his mind went back to last night and he tried to ignore the girl standing back behind him to his right. Even if he could ignore her, Joey's heart still wanted her there.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*

Lance sat down his plate of food and slid into the vacant chair next to Joey. “You've been quiet today,� he pointed out to his best friend, not missing that Joey hadn't said anything to anyone really other than Wayne, giving it his all dancing, even though they all knew it was hurting him.

“Not much to say,� Joey said, popping a chip in his mouth. His eyes had followed Melissa the whole morning, watching her talk with people, the guys and the extras, even Wade and Wayne. He knew she was avoiding him, avoiding his mood. The only time she acknowledged him was to give him a wave goodbye. He waved back, unable to go to her since he was on set between takes.

“Are you and my sister going to keep doing this thing where you ignore each other?�

Joey looked over at Lance after he swallowed. “I'm not ignoring her. She's avoiding me. What the fuck did I do? We spent last night together, I wake up this morning and my bed's empty. How do you want me to act? Like nothing's fucking wrong?�

Lance watched as a couple people walk by before he answered. “Let me answer your question with another question. Would it have hurt more for you to have to tell her goodbye this morning? If she'd have stayed and you woke up and had to watch her leave...� his voice trailed off and he watched Joey's face as his friend thought.

“Mel was saving you from that. And herself,� he added, picking up his fork. “She'd rather die than make you hurt anymore, Joe.�

Joey nodded, picking at his food a little while longer before sighing and looking at Lance. “I feel like I'm just here. Like nothing makes sense anymore,� he admitted quietly, “and I know she wouldn't hurt me on purpose. It's just easy to get pissed and be mad at something like that. If I'm mad at your sister, than I can't love her right?�

“I think you'd love her no matter what,� Lance told him, opening his Coke. “But I'll tell her you said sorry if you want.�

“That works,� Joey told him, looking over at the smile on Lance's face. “Somehow, man, I don't even want to know what happened between you and Rachel last night. Don't give me that look, you were loud as hell during a quiet moment.�

Lance choked on his drink and sputtered at the last statement. “You and quiet don't even go in the same sentence. And as far as the other...as Zucco would say 'You aren't getting any of the horny details'.�

“What up, dawg?” Justin hollered to Joey, stopping short, making JC run into him. “What the fuck happened to your face?” The last time he'd saw his friend, Joey's hair had been longer and his face had a goatee and slight beard. He flopped down on the big hotel bed and looked over at Joey. “Shit, this is a water bed. Not hard to get motion on this fucker,” Justin said. He finally got the hint that he wasn't going to get a response. “You okay, Joseph?”

Joey's lips were closed tight and he stared off into space. They were due at rehearsal for the wedding in any minute and he hadn't even bothered to get dressed in what he'd brought. 'Something nice,' Kristen had insisted before leaving herself to go be with her friends and family. His immediate family and friends had flown in to Pittsburgh a little while ago. He'd greeted them all with a smile and hugs before coming and barricading himself in the honeymoon suite. The only reason he'd answered the door was because Justin had threatened to yell that they were lovers and that Joey had jilted him to go be with a woman. He'd almost laughed at that. Then he heard JC say something and went to let them in.

“Really, Joey, you okay?” The question came from JC, standing there looking at his friend. It looked like a cross between a panic attack and someone who was very sick.

“What time is it?” Joey asked, not answering either of them. When he heard the time, he got up, pulling off his shirt and grabbing the one he was supposed to be wearing, along with the tie. “Went and got a haircut and a shave,” he finally said, grabbing his phone and wallet, along with the keycard. He ignored the wedding gifts that lined the dresser. It made his stomach clench to read the 'to' part. 'To Mr. and Mrs. Joey Fatone'. His eye caught the handwriting on one and he stopped, shaking his head as tears came. Joey felt someone pull him into a hug and he broke down. He'd tried so hard to keep it all in and now here he was.

Justin swallowed hard, watching JC pull Joey into a hard hug, letting the other man weep on him. He pressed his fingers against his tear ducts and prayed he wouldn't break down. He'd never tell anyone, but he'd thought about kidnapping Joey. He didn't care if it broke up NSYNC or he went to jail, Justin just wanted the world right again. And now he was watching one of his brothers break down.

“Take a breath, Joe,” JC instructed, listening as the other man took a raspy breath. “Do not even apologize,” he said in the next moment, letting Joey go to step back. He watched as the man wiped his face and look at him and Justin. “Your mini bar is stocked right?” he asked, going to the small fridge and pulled out some whiskey and poured the three of them a shot.

“Here's to not giving a fuck,” Justin said, holding up his glass, watching Joey pull himself together.

“Here's to brothers,” JC told them.

Joey studied his shot, clinking his glass with the other two before downing it. “One more,” he told JC. He smiled a little at the glass with more liquid in it before looking at Josh and Justin. “This one's for the woman who still has my heart even as I promise my life to another tomorrow.” He took the shot, letting the liquor burn his throat.

Justin raised his glass. “To Mel,” he said quietly, downing the shot and slamming his glass down next to Joey's. “You're sure about this, man?” he asked, watching Joey nod. “Dude, your face is naked.”

“Don't remind me,” Joey told him. “And if you breathe a word-”

“About what?” JC said, shooting him a look. “I have no idea what the hell is going on.”

Lance and Chris were about to knock on the door when they jumped as it burst open with the other members of NSYNC.

“Holy shit, who are you?” Chris asked Joey, messing with his hair a little.

“I'm late is what I am. We have to leave,” he was glad to see Mo, Rick and Lewis flank them as they got on the elevators. Joey's phone rang and he sighed. “I'm throwing this thing into the ocean tomorrow. I swear all it's done is fucking ring.” He hit end on it, not in the mood to listen to Kristen bitch that he was late.

“It's a phone, what's it supposed to do?” Lance asked, making them chuckle.

The men all made their way out the door and to the waiting van. Joey sat in the seat closest to the driver, telling him where to go before settling back. “The plan for tonight is...I have no plan after dinner. All the guys are supposed to go do something. I know I promised Chris something fun, but shit happens old man.” Joey knew his friends didn't care what they did, and all he wanted was to not think about it.

“I still can't get over the hair, man,” Justin told Joey, shaking his head. “You look nineteen.”

“Fuck you,” Joey replied, sighing when they pulled up to the church. “Don't screw around...I got people so far up my ass for this to be 'perfect'. I just want to get through this tonight. As fast as possible,” he added as they all got out, security following them and finding a seat at the back of the church.

“Finally!” Kristen barked at Joey, giving him a glare. “I told you when they got here, you'd be late.”

“I'm late because I was getting ready, they were waiting on me,” Joey told her, stopping to hug his grandparents who were there sitting on the second row. Steve had picked them up from the airport not long ago. Joey didn't miss his Grandma Faye holding his face and tisking him. “I know, Granny.”

“You look as young as Justin,” she told him, patting his cheek and kissing him chastely.

“And he acts as young as Chris,” Justin chimed in as they lined up how they were supposed to. He was standing between Lance and Chris, with JC on the other side of Chris. Steve was closest to Joey since he was the best man and David was at the end.

Joey took his place and watched as Kristen and her father walked down the aisle. He tried to smile, to act happy, praying he could make the muscles in his face work. Thanks to the shots of alcohol, he was lucid enough to do so, taking her hand from Kristen's father, George.

The minister told them what was going to happen and Joey listened, trying to get a grip on his mind. It was not on the here and now. It was backtracking to find a place that was drama free. He smiled slightly when it landed on a thought.

“You look hot, Fatoney,” Melissa's voice said.

“You look good too, Mel-Rizzo.”

Joey heard himself tell the minister they were going to do the traditional vows and then he leaned in and kissed Kristen's lips, watching her smile. This grand wedding, the honeymoon she'd insisted on right before tour, the ungodly reception was all her idea. He was just along for the ride, letting her do what she wanted. He'd only put his foot down when she'd asked for money, telling her the only thing he was paying for was the rehearsal dinner and the honeymoon. It had caused a big fight, but she'd still gotten what she wanted.

“Awwww, you two are so perfect together,” Kristen's best friend Kimberly gushed, taking a picture.

“Perfect like what?” Justin muttered, rolling his eyes. He could show them perfect. He pulled out his phone and sent a text. 'Faking an appendicitis tomorrow.'

He laughed at the reply. 'Chica: Faking dead tomorrow.'

“You two need help,” Chris said, looking at his phone, watching people talk and move around. He pulled out his own phone and sent Rachel a text. 'Thought you guys were coming tonight.'

'You can take the heartbroken to the airport, but you can't make them board the plane.'

Chris bumped Lance's shoulder and shook his head. “Well tomorrow's gonna suck worse,” he muttered, giving a glance to Joey.

“Just don't tell him unless he asks,” Lance replied, glad when they were going to eat but still standing around.

“Tell me what?” Joey asked, catching the last of what Lance said, looking at him expectantly. “What is it I'm not supposed to know?” He ignored Kristen pulling on him.

“Rachel and Mel missed their flight,” Chris finally said. “They got to the airport and...” his voice trailed off when Joey swallowed hard.

“Well I'll just tell the wedding coordinator to take two off the reception list,” Kristen said, not hiding the mirth in her voice. “Your friend didn't send her RSVP anyway, so I didn't count on her coming. So I guess it was just one.”

“Kris,” Joey's voice traveled down the aisle where she had joined her friends, giggling. She looked up and saw the look on Joey's face and her smile faltered. “Take Melissa's name off the guest list and she won't be the only one not showing up tomorrow. That's not a threat.”

The two families eyed the bride and groom and then each other. No one was coming to Kristen's defense and they all breathed a sigh of relief when she nodded in understanding.

“Let's go eat. The sooner we eat the sooner we can go get drunk,” Joey said, watching Kristen get into the stretch limo that had been rented for today and tomorrow. He pulled out his phone and looked at it. No text messages or calls missed. Joey shouldn't have expected any, but he was hopeful. He and Melissa hadn't talked since that night she'd come to Los Angeles. It had been a stretch for him to think she'd come, but he'd been holding out hope.

His head snapped up when he heard a familiar voice on Lance's phone that was on speaker.

“Why aren't you coming?” Lance asked his sister, frowning.

“I'm going to Disney World and drowning myself in the water on Magic Mountain. That's why,” Melissa retorted.

“That ride's closed,” Chris told her, “try Pirates of the Caribbean.”

“Shut up!” JC hissed, punching Chris in the shoulder.

“You can't sit in the car in the airport all night. I can't believe you locked Rachel out of the car.”

“It was her dumb ass that got out first. I told her I didn't want to go to Pittsburgh but she put me in the car. Shut up, Rachel! I told you I didn't want to go!” they heard her yell and pounding ensue. “Call the cops, not like I haven't been to jail before!”

“Chica,” Justin said, trying to keep his voice even, looking at Joey. “We need you here. Joey needs you here.”

“Need me for what? What could you possibly need me for? No one needs me...other than Rachel so she can get in the fucking car.”

“Melissa Nicole,” Joey finally voiced, proud that his voice didn't crack. “Open the damn door and let Rachel in.”

“Make me,” Melissa snapped.

Joey snatched the phone from Lance and took it off speaker. “Goddamn it, Bambina. Quit being such a selfish bitch and let Rachel in the car. And after that, you better apologize to her and then to me. I'm not in the mood to listen to your bullshit,” he listened to what was going on and his voice softened. “No. You don't have to come...I know. Yeah, I cut it. No one to impress or anything. It's okay, Mel.” He handed the phone back to Lance and rubbed his face hard. Joey looked at the other three when they just stared. “She was being stubborn.”

“You called her a bitch,” Chris said, surprised.

“She called me a motherfucker, so we're even,” Joey told him, “I'm sure Rachel will go drown her in the mall fountain by tomorrow evening if they're even talking by then.”

“This is better than any Springer episode ever,” Justin said, shaking his head. “Let's go eat. I can't wait to see what the fuck happens tomorrow.”

“I'm sure you won't be disappointed,” JC told him as they met up with the rest of the wedding party. He just hoped the girls would be alright if they were staying in Florida. He sent a text to Rachel. 'You okay?' his phone buzzed with a quick reply back.

'Fine. After this drama I'm running away to a deserted island.'

'Can I come too?' he asked, chuckling at himself.

'I'll have my people contact your people. Going to see Mr. Chow and then go back home. Might sleep tonight if I can drug Mel. Wish me luck.'

'Uh, good luck..I think.' JC shut his phone and sat down, looking at the menu. He knew why he was in Pittsburgh. It wasn't because he thought Joey's marriage was a good idea. Or because he was absolutely happy about the blessed event. He was there because his friend needed him. He knew Joey would need him in the next few months, and so he'd be there. Even if he didn't agree with it. Josh thought about Joey's situation and what he would do if it was reversed. He might be in the same boat and in that case, he'd want as many people as there as possible that loved him. He thought of Melissa and prayed things would be alright, worried about her and Rachel. But there was nothing he could do being so far away.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*

“Rachel, wake up!” Rachel's eyes barely opened and she groaned. “What's wrong? What time is it?”

“We're going, I got our tickets changed to the 2:15 flight to Pittsburgh. We should be there by 6:30,” Melissa said, bouncing on one foot and then the other. “Get up Rach! All our stuff is still in the car,” she pointed out, flipping on the light as Rachel clenched her eyes shut.

“You couldn't have decided this earlier?” Rachel asked, having just gotten to sleep a couple hours before, staying up with her friend until Melissa had decided to go to bed. Or so she thought. “Did you sleep?” Rachel blinked a couple times and looked at her friend and sighed.

“About an hour,” Melissa told her, her glasses on and her hair pulled up. She had her purse and was ready to walk out the door.

“Give me a little bit to get dressed and we'll go. What made you change your mind?” Rachel got up and grabbed the jeans she'd been wearing the day before, along with some clean clothes.

“I hated not being there where Joey was. It sounds stupid, and I'm going to be an emotional wreck, but I have to go. He's my best friend,” she finished, biting her lip. Melissa held up a small plastic bag with a jewelry store logo on it. “Besides, I have a present.” It had been in her room with Rachel's stuff for the past couple of months until Melissa had moved back in to Lance's house.

Rachel nodded, sending up a small prayer when she went in to brush her teeth. She prayed that her friend could make it through what was going to happen later. A part of her wanted to tell Melissa it was too late, but if Rachel had some hair brained scheme in the middle of the night, she could count on her best friend to come along. They made it to the airport and checked in, sitting waiting for the call to board.

“You think Joey's asleep?” Melissa asked softly, messing with her phone.

“Don't call him,” Rachel told her. “If he's asleep, he'll see any message you send him in the morning.”

“Wasn't gonna call him, was just asking. He's probably drunk. Tonight I plan on forgetting the whole day.”

“Then why are we going if you want to forget the day. Sort of a moot point,” Rachel pointed out, giving Melissa a look when she gave one of her own. “Just saying. Earlier you weren't going because you were a basket case, now we're getting on a plane at oh my god thirty in the morning. I'm going to sleep. I would say you should too, but that probably won't happen.” She gave Melissa's hand a reassuring squeeze. “He'll be happy to see you, Mel.”

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^^***^

Melissa took a deep breath and looked at her reflection in the mirror above the visor once more. She'd held back tears, proud of herself. It had taken a lot of courage to make it to this point, to decide she was going to walk into the church and support her best friend on his wedding day. The small box sat wrapped beside her, seeming somewhat insignificant now, but this was what had kept her going to this decision. Melissa chewed on her bottom lip after getting out of her car. She was early, but she knew Joey was already there getting ready. Lance and the rest of the group were there too, all of them together. Rachel was still getting ready, promising Melissa she would be there before the wedding started.

Her eyes avoided looking at the decorations, and she didn't sign the guestbook. A lump of emotions welled up in her throat as she made her way down the hallway towards the door where the groom's party was, hearing shouts and laughter coming from within. Melissa held her hand up, ready to knock on the door when she hesitated. She'd come to give Joey a gift, to talk to him. But what if she couldn't do it? What if her emotions threatened to run away with her like they'd done countless times over the past few months. Melissa hadn't come there to ruin Joey's wedding day.

Before she could knock, the door opened and Justin jumped a little at seeing someone on the other side of the door. "Chica," Justin said softly, pulling pulling her into an embrace.

"Don't," Melissa whispered after momentarily allowing herself to seek comfort; to draw a little bit of strength from Justin. "If you start, if you look at me that way, I'll start bawling my eyes out and I won't be able to do this. I need to do this Justin. I need to speak with him. Just for a couple minutes. It's...it's just something I need to do." Looking back on this moment, Melissa would have been proud of herself for holding it together, but right now she didn't feel very put together.

Justin stared down at the woman in front of him who still had refused to meet his eyes. His heart went out to her. He knew today wouldn't be easy for her. He shouldn't be surprised she was here; if the roles were reversed, he would have put as much distance between the church and himself as possible. But it just went to her character that she was here putting her own heartbreak aside and be happy for the man she loved who was marrying someone else.

"Hey, man," Justin craned his neck to the man behind him. He leaned closer to Lance, whispering in his ear. "Melissa wants a few minutes alone with Joey."

Melissa watched Lance's head snap in her direction. Her eyes met his piercing green gaze but she never wavered. There was no way she was going to let him or anyone else talk her out of this. She swallowed hard and nodded slightly. Her hands were now shaking and she hid that by fiddling with the box in her hands. Her eyes went to a spot on the wall above their heads, trying to drown out what was being whispered, She knew it was about her and about her being there.

Lance watched his sister and wished things had been different. He'd seen her break down, scream and cry and now here she was. It wasn't for herself, but for Joey. Lance walked over to where Joey was sitting, fiddling with his cell phone, his tuxedo shirt still unbuttoned and his tie hanging around his neck undone. "Hey, Joe," Lance said, giving him a small smile. "You got a visitor." He looked down at his friend,. Gone were the dyed red tips. After Kristen had complained, Joey had given in and had his hair colored back to his natural dark hair color. His face clean shaven, something he hadn't seen but once or twice in the last few years.

Joey's head snapped up at Lance's words and his eyes widened when he caught site of Melissa standing in the open door. His heart stumbled. A lump rose in his throat and his breath hitched. He saw the pain etched on Melissa's face and he tried to catch her eye, but she kept her gaze firmly averted. The guys filed from the room to give them time alone and he almost called them back. If they stayed, he wouldn't have to do this. He wouldn't have to open himself up to the pain that was sure to come. But he stayed silent and the door shut behind Chris with a soft click, leaving him alone with the one person he loved more than anything in this world. The one person he swore to the moon and back he would never hurt.

There wasn't a day that passed since New Years that his brain didn't bring up the image of Melissa when he told her Kristen was pregnant and he was marrying her. His heart broke into pieces and sometimes he could still hear the sob that escaped from Melissa; that pained sob, wretched from her soul. He could still see the tears streaming down her face and feel the haphazard fists on his chest as she tried to hurt him as he had hurt her. What she didn't know was there was nothing she could have done to make his heart hurt anymore than it did at that moment. Gone from his life was his best friend; his other half. He knew with Lance still being his friend his path would still cross with Melissa but their relationship had been forever altered.

Bambina," Joey whispered as he stood from his chair. He ached to touch her. To reach out, grab her and pull her into her arms. He wanted to hold her and never let her go. He wanted to promise her that they would be together. He wanted to wrap her up in his arms, hold her against him and run from the church. Run until Mel was back in his life, by his side. But he couldn't. He stuffed his hands in his trouser pockets. An act that hopefully would keep him from reaching out for her. "You came. I-- I wasn't sure you would." He was still a little hurt about what had happened in California, but it paled emotionally in comparison to this.

"I wasn't sure I would either until I was dragging Rachel to the airport this morning around one," Melissa admitted, taking a step or two towards Joey. Her eyes finally met his, green ones blinking back tears to his brown ones. Eyes she thought she would drown in, that she'd seen angry and sad and loving. Mel bit her lip and looked away, bringing out the package. "I wanted to give you something," she told him, her voice shaking slightly.

Melissa's heart ached. She couldn't give him what Kristen was, which was a baby. Not because she couldn't get pregnant, it just hadn't happened. She stuffed down that jealous monster, trying to live in the moment. This one that had them together. She reminded herself it was to tell Joey goodbye, to wish him luck and to let him go. She wasn't sure she could do it any other way. It wasn't that she wanted to do it, but it was necessary. "I saw it and knew you had to have it," Melissa held out the box to him.

Joey's fingers brushed hers as the box exchanged hands. At the contact their eyes briefly met. The pain in Melissa's stole his breath and he gave a hard swallow. The present was the size of a jewelry box and it was on the tip of his tongue to crack a joke about marriage. But he squelched it. Nothing about today was a joking matter. He pulled the silver ribbon donning the box, letting it fall to the floor. Using his thumb he lifted the top. He breath caught as he stared down at the items nestled inside.

"They're cufflinks," Melissa told him. She didn't need to tell him, but the silence was overbearing. It never used to be like that between them. They didn't have that kind of relationship where they needed to fill every gap. "I spotted them in a jewelry store and drug Rachel in." She held back that this was supposed to be a wedding gift from her as Joey's bride-to-be. Now it was sort of a going away present, something to remember her by. The lump in her throat grew and tears welled in her eyes. She knew Joey wouldn't wear the 24 Karat gold S with garnets surrounding it, the Superman emblem, but she knew he would be excited to have something like that, something different.

"Oh Mel," Joey gasped as he held one of the cufflinks up to get a better look at it. It was a well known fact that he was a Superman fanatic - anything Superman. If it had a Superman logo on it, he probably had it. "These must have cost a fortune..." He looked at Melissa before looking back at the links.

Melissa shrugged, "They were worth it." And they were because she could file the look that Joey had on his face when he saw them away in her mind.

"Can you help me put them on?" Joey asked, holding his breath.

Melissa put them on, praying the whole time she wouldn't drop one of them. "There," she said, admiring his 'jewelry' and wondered if he was going to get ready.She didn't want him to. She wanted him to see his face light up as he shouted 'April Fool's' and take off his tux revealing normal clothes underneath. She wanted the door to thrust open revealing the guys and Rachel laughing at the look on her face once the joke was revealed. She fingered the edges of Joey's shirt still hanging open.

"You aren't going like that are you?" Melissa stared at the white undershirt covering his chest. She ran her fingers against his stomach. "I had..." she began but stopped, swallowing hard. A tear fell and she ignored it, knowing others would take its place. She had to tell him, to make him understand. "I had this whole speech planned out I was going to tell you," she said softly. Melissa's hands shook a little as she buttoned his shirt, reaching up for the next set.

She didn't look up at Joey, her hands pausing at every set of buttons, trying to memorize him. This moment. She got to the tie and had to look at him to tie it correctly. "Now I don't know what I was going to say at all...if it even mattered," she whispered, her hands reaching up for his face barely grazing his cheek.

Joey caught Melissa's hand in his own and held it against his cheek. His eyes drifted close and he felt a tear roll down his cheek. He squeezed his eyes shut in hopes of stopping the tears, but more continued to fall; one right after the other. He pursed his lips trying to stop the quiver threatening to overtake them and when that didn't work he bit his bottom lip. The pain was intense. He had never felt anything like this before and he hoped to every God he could think of that he would never feel this way again. "It matters..." he whispered, his voice cracking through the tears. "Oh Bambina, everything about you matters," he lost the restraint he had shown earlier when Melissa appeared in the room and drew her tight against him. He breathed her in, relished in her arms. He kept his eyes closed as he calculated every thing about her; how she felt pressed against him, how she smelled. He caught the scent of her shampoo, the whiff of her perfume, stubbly applied. He memorized the caress of her dangling earrings as they glanced on his cheek as she searched for that spot on his shoulder that had always been - would always be - hers.

Melissa laid her head on Joey's shoulder. His tears brought on more of hers, ones that she couldn't stop. It took her a few minutes for a rational thought to come to her mind, something other than mindless babbling, of begging him not to get married. "You'll be an awesome husband...and a great Dad. And anytime you don't think so, just remember me telling you that you will," her voice was raspy and thick with tears. It took her a minute to get her breathing and voice back under control.“I..I got all my stuff packed,” she told Joey softly. “I didn't know I had so much crap. Or that I needed so much stuff to go in my own place.”

“Three thousand miles away,” Joey added, shaking his head as more tears fell, his eyes closed. He wished he could wake up back in his home in Orlando, with Melissa by his side, his ring still on her finger. Her ridiculous amount of shoes taking up space in his closet and shouts of frustration coming from the kitchen after assuring him the house wasn't burning down. But it wasn't possible. In less than an hour, he would be walking out that door taking his place at the altar, his friends standing next to him, his family in the crowd. The happiest day of his life; his wedding day. But when those doors opened to reveal his bride it wouldn't be his best friend, his other half - his soul mate. It was then he realized that he had truly lost her.

“This fuckin' sucks,” Justin said, the four men sitting in a classroom in the church, little kid drawings everywhere. It would have been comical if the emotions surrounding the day were different, sitting on little plastic chairs.

“We're in a church,” Lance pointed out, sighing as he pulled out his phone. He smiled when he got a text from Rachel. “Rachel will be here in a few minutes.” He texted her back where they were.

“Okay..God this fuckin' sucks. Is that any better?” Justin asked, running a hand through his hair, blowing out a breath. “You think Mel and Joey are alright?”

JC looked over at Justin and smiled sadly. “They'll never be alright,” he tried to be funny about it, but it didn't come out right. “I didn't mean-”

“We all know what you meant, Josh. It's those two,” Justin replied, watching Lance get up.

Lance smiled, going out to the church foyer and to the doors when he got the text Rachel was there. He met her at the door and pulled her in for a hug. “You look great for being up most of the night,” he told her, breathing in her perfume and holding her a little tighter. “This is hard,” he said softly, letting his emotions slip for a second while he could, when no one was watching.

Rachel's heart went out to her boyfriend, nodding as she pressed her lips against his. “We'll all get through this together,” she replied, slipping her fingers through his as Lance led her to the classroom where they were. She laughed at them sitting in the chairs. “Having fun Chris?” she asked, watching him and Justin coloring a picture of Noah's ark.

“Well,” Chris colored the sky blue and then signed his name to it before looking at Rachel. “Considering I'd rather be having a root canal than watch one of my brothers from another mother get married to today, I'd say no. Other than that, I'm great.”

Rachel let go of Lance's hand to greet the guys, giving them hugs. Her heart flip flopped when she got to JC, noting how good he looked, hating that they all had looks on their faces that said they would rather be somewhere else. “I guess Mel's with Joey,” she watched them all nod and sat carefully on Lance's lap, smiling when he wrapped his arms around her waist.

“You know we can't act like this when we go back in there,” JC told them all. “I'm not saying act like fools, but we can't act like someone just died. He needs us to be cheerful.”

“He's not cheerful, so I'm not gonna pull it outta my ass, dawg. I'll stand up there pretty as you please and not say a fuckin' word. Then I'm going to go party with all the other fuckers that are here and think it's a bad idea. What?” he asked, seeing the other three men look at him. “It's a bad idea all the way around. We aren't just losing Joey to marriage, we're losing our Melly to California. It's like being kicked in the balls twice.”

“I have no balls, but I second what Justin said,” Rachel said, the conversation turning to various subjects as they waited. It was all downhill as far as she was concerned, praying that the whole day would go smoothly for everyone involved.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

Melissa watched the gauntlet of emotions run across Joey's face. She reached behind him a little to the couch where his vest was sitting, picking it up and holding it out to him so he could finish getting ready. The guys should be in here, cutting up and making him laugh. Melissa had no idea what they were doing, feeling a bit guilty now. She hadn't meant to take up Joey's last hour as a single man. She buttoned it up after he got it on, going and pinning the boutonniere to the jacket in the right place. "Don't tell I helped finish getting you ready..." she'd forgotten how many times she'd messed with his clothes backstage, the quick kisses stolen as he ran off again. A smile came to her face.

Melissa blew out a breath and looked at Joey, smoothing out his jacket. "You never know how strong you are until you let go of something you thought you couldn't live without. I'm letting you go, Joey. You will always have my heart..." her voice faltered a bit but she recovered. "Promise me you'll be happy." She had to hear him say it. She couldn't say it back to him but she'd be satisfied if he said it to her.

Joey stared at Melissa, searching her eyes. He brought up a hand, palming her cheek. His thumb brushed away a tear that fell from her eye. He wasn't sure how much more he could take. How much more he could put on his heart. He wasn't sure if he could every truly recover from this. His life was about to veer off onto a path he never saw. It was about to become immensely different. He moved his vacant hand up so he cradled Melissa's face.

"I wish I had taken a lot more care of your heart," he whispered. "And I'm sorry."

There were more words he wanted to say but he couldn't speak past the lump in his throat. He wasn't sure if he could put that kind of weight onto Melissa's shoulders. He loved her too much. He had to take a page out of her own book. He had to lie to her. Lie so she could move on. How much it pained him to even think about, that she would find someone out there that would make her happy. Who would cherish her as much as he cherished her. "I"ll be happy, my Bambina." He leaned down and softly kissed her lips. When he pulled back he watched as Melissa quickly turned around and headed for the door. "I love you," he whispered as the door closed.

Joe Fatone, Senior came to the door of the room where Joey was. His friends were talking quietly, giving their friend a few moments. He looked at the expressions on their faces and paused. It didn't feel like a wedding should. It felt forced, like the real emotions were running just under the surface. "I need to talk to my son for a moment," he'd told them before they could get back into where Joey was. He opened the door and went inside the room, the door closing with a soft click.

Joey looked at his father and shook his head slowly. "Don't say it, Pop. I don't think I can hear it...I have a child to think about, I want to be there for that child.." he said, leaning heavily on the table that was in the room.

“You have a big heart Joey," the older man said, putting a hand on his son's shoulder. "You're a good man. You have family and friends that love you. No matter what you do." He'd seen Phyllis and Rachel sitting with Melissa and he'd walked on before he could get choked up. They'd all put on a brave face; hers braver than most. "You do whatever you think is right."

"What I think is right and what I'm doing is two different things. How do I know this is right, Pop? I don't know if this will work, if it will blow up in my face! Kristen says she loves me, but I don't know if it's for me or for what's in my checking account and my lifestyle. The baby's just another part of it..." anger came to his voice. "You have no idea how many times I wished I could go back and change what happened. It makes me sound like a horrible person." Joey stood up and took a deep breath. "I haven't just sat and thought about it all..."

Justin stuck his head in the door, feeling bad for interrupting. "You got five minutes, just so you know," with that he was gone.

"Did I mention tonight was open bar?" Joey said, attempting to smile. His father gave a small grin

"Just be sure this is what you want."

It wasn't what Joey wanted, but it was what he wanted for his child. He wanted his child to have a father and mother both in their life. He wanted what he could give them. A good life and a secure future, a loving parent. "I'm sure," he said, making sure everything looked just right before he went out. Joey gave his friends a nod. "Let's go, ladies," he smiled at them, flicking his brother Steven's ear.

"There's a back door..the limo's parked out there," Justin hissed to Lance, who made a face.

"Shut up," Chris said as they all walked through the back part to go stand beside Joey.

Guests were there both sides almost full. Joey wasn't sure who was there for Kristen's side, he knew the faces on his deciding to quit looking after he'd spotted Melissa and Rachel. He swallowed hard, reminding himself that she'd let him go. She was leaving, moving off. He'd be starting a new phase in his life.

Classical piano music started playing; some that he'd told Kristen he didn't like, but if she wanted to use it he didn't care. That's how most of the wedding planning had been, her ideas, he'd not cared. That wasn't completely true, he'd cared back when he and Melissa were going to get married. He'd helped, giving his input on what he thought would be neat. Now he just wanted to get through this, say his vows and promise his life to the woman having his baby that his heart was trying desperately to love. He sucked in a deep breath when he spotted Kristen and her father at the entry of the church, focusing on her. 'You're going to be an amazing husband and father, anytime you doubt yourself, just remember me telling you,' Melissa's voice said. He tried to shoo that thought out of his mind, but it stayed as he watched Kristen walk down the aisle to him. He watched her say something to her father, who kissed her cheek before handing her off to Joey.

Lance focused hard on Rachel and Melissa as the preacher talked about love and the sanctity of marriage. They were both sitting there, impassive looks on their faces. He'd given Rachel a smile and she'd smiled back but Melissa had just shook her head slightly when he'd smiled at her. He saw her facade crack slightly as she looked away, blinking hard. He focused on what was going on around him and realized why.

“I, Joseph Anthony Fatone, Junior, take you Kristen...”

When the preacher had asked if anyone objected to Joey and Kristen getting married, there was the huge pause that ensued after it and Lance wondered how many people on Joey's side wanted to say something. Truth be told, the other four men in NSYNC had given serious thought to protesting. The only thing that stopped them was that Joey had insisted he wanted to get married. That and Melissa had shown up determined to support Joey. She'd come with a brave face and was now clapping politely with the rest of the crowd as Joey and Kristen kissed. No matter how Joey felt, Lance knew in his heart that it wouldn't ever be right. He'd accept Kristen only as Joey's wife, but that didn't mean he liked the other woman that was now in his best friend's life.

Melissa inched towards the side of the pew that was along the wall. There was a side door not far from them, leading out to a side hall. She'd done what she said she would. Now all she wanted was to leave and go back to the hotel where the reception was being held without having to go through the receiving line. As much as she loved Joey, this was one thing she couldn't do. She wasn't going to greet them both and plaster a smile on her face when her whole world had just ended a few moments ago. Over dramatic maybe, but all she wanted was out of the church. She jumped when she felt a hand on her arm.

“We can beat traffic, haul your ass, woman,” Rachel reassured her as they headed a different direction from the crowd. “Are we going to the reception?” she asked, figuring it was a big fat no as they got to the rental car Melissa had brought to the wedding.

“And torture myself more? No thanks,” she replied, sliding into the passenger side as Rachel got in. She wondered why they weren't going and realized she'd been spacing out for a moment as Rachel talked. “What?” she asked, clearly not having heard a word her best friend said.

“I was just telling you that I thought you did real good,” Rachel repeated as she started the car, seeing whatever walls Melissa had up were coming down. “Let's get out of here. All this wedding crap's making me nauseous,” she smiled a little at Melissa's harrumph.

“If I ever get married, if someone suggests that wedding music I will throw something at their head,” Melissa made a face, shaking her head.

“It was god awful. Justin's beat boxing would have been better.”

“Getting root canal would have been better.” Melissa and Rachel started suggesting outrageous wedding songs, ranging from Billy Idol's 'White Wedding' to songs from various cheesy movies. By the time they got back to the hotel, they were both laughing so hard they had to wipe tears.

Rachel took a shaky breath and looked over at her best friend. “So...are we still going with Plan A?” she asked, watching Melissa nod. Plan A had been hatched on the plane ride over. They would forgo the wedding reception to have a party in Lance's room. Rachel would miss out dancing with Lance and JC, but she wasn't going to spend the next few hours watching Melissa live through seeing Joey and Kristen being true newlyweds and acting disgustingly happy. She wasn't sure she could stomach it either.

*^*^*^*^*^*^

“I love you,” Joey told Kristen, pulling her close and kissing her when they got out to the foyer to greet the guests that had come to the wedding. He smiled at her, looking down at the metal band that encircled his finger. “What do you think, Mrs. Fatone?” Joey's smile lessened a little as the words rolled off his tongue seeing her smile widen.

“I think I can't wait for later tonight after the reception,” Kristen replied gazing down at the rings on her finger. No one would say a word if they snuck off a little bit early from the reception and went to their room. “I'm just glad we got married now. I can't imagine trying to waddle down the aisle,” she told Joey, kissing him once more before the ushers opened the doors to let guests start coming out.

Joey pasted a smile on his face, but his mind was a mess as he hugged people, accepted congratulations and laughed. He'd tried to get the wedding date pushed back, but Kristen had insisted, getting an ugly look on her face when Joey told her they made wedding gowns for pregnant women and he hardly doubted she'd be the first ever to wear one. That was an ugly one sided fight, with Joey sitting there spacing out as Kristen yelled at him. He'd went to bed, telling her she could leave when she was done. Now here he was, married with a tour about to start. Wade had swallowed his tongue when Joey told him he'd be back from his honeymoon three days before the tour started. The last thought that came to his mind was Melissa moving. No more just going to Lance's to hang out with her. She was separating herself from him. He wondered briefly if he could convince Kristen to move to the west coast, but knew that wasn't possible. He wasn't going to keep his child across the country from both sets of grandparents. He came back to the present as Lance and Melissa's parents stepped in front of him, giving them both what he hoped was a warm smile.

“We're so happy for you, Joey,” Linda Bass told Joey, kissing his cheek in a motherly fashion, hugging him tight. “You know you're family...” she whispered as Joey nodded mutely. She was surprised when Joey held on to her a second longer, patting him reassuringly on the back before letting him go and smiling. “I think this is the first time in a couple of years I've seen you fully shaved.”

Joey shrugged and accepted James Bass' hand for a handshake. “It doesn't happen very often. You know someone hated me to shave..” he cut it off there, letting Linda speak to Kristen as he hugged James. “Thanks for coming.”

“We wouldn't have missed it,” he replied, squeezing Joey's shoulder affectionately.

They got through all the guests and were standing there with the wedding party when Kristen said the words Joey had hoped to avoid.

“I didn't see your sister, Lance. Did she come?” Kristen said sweetly as if nothing was wrong with asking Lance as the guys and Joey all eyed each other.

Lance eyed Joey and then Kristen and decided to play nice. They had wedding pictures and then the reception. He could be nice to her for that long, since she was married to Joey. “Yeah, she was here. She and Rachel probably bailed . They're like that...James Bond stuff.”

“Oh well I was wanting to ask her about doing some drawings for the baby's room-”

“Are you kidding me, Kris?” Joey interrupted her, glaring. “You're kidding right?”

“She told me she wasn't going to draw for a while, so I don't think that will work,” Chris interjected, hoping it would diffuse the situation. He breathed a sigh of relief when no one said anything else about it and the couple was called back in for pictures.

“Is she fuckin' serious?” Justin exclaimed, jabbing his finger in the direction Joey and Kristen had went. “Tell me we are not going to have to put up with that shit.”

“Justin, we're in a church,” JC pointed out once again, sighing.

“I know where I am. I just watched one of my best friends marry someone who's going to make him miserable for the rest of his life.”

“Come on, man. We all have to be supportive..it's not going to be easy with Mel moving to California,” Lance pointed out. This wasn't the Melissa Bass he'd known, the same person who hated traffic and driving was moving to a place where there were six lanes in one direction. “Sounds sort of selfish..she'll freak out about the traffic and come home.”

“Rachel said she was going out there with her for a few weeks before she comes back on tour with us...She'll fly out and see her at least once a month,” Lance told them all. “I asked her why she was moving...she couldn't give me a straight answer.”

“She's running away,” Joey said quietly as heads snapped up. “When it becomes to big to deal with, if she can't hide, Mel runs away,” his voice was quiet and his hands were stuffed in his pockets. Kristen and her group of bridesmaids were in the church getting pictures taken so he'd come out to where his friends were. Joey cleared his throat. “Just let her go...if that's what she wants.”

Justin watched Joey stand there a minute before walking off in the direction of the restrooms. “I knew one of us should have said something when the preacher asked. The whole world's fucked up now,” he growled, shaking his head sadly.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

Rachel and Melissa grinned as they lined up the bottles along the dresser the mini bar sat on. There was beer, a couple bottles of wine and two different bottles of hard liquor. Also included were Coke and Sprite, plus some snacks. They'd also raided Chris' fridge and gotten his alcohol as well, leaving his door open between his room and Lance's.

“Well, let's get this party started,” Melissa told Rachel, popping the cork on the wine and pouring them both glasses almost full. “I don't want to remember any of this. Maybe the part before the wedding when I went to talk to Joey. That was nice,” she sipped her wine and sat down on the end of Lance's bed.

“Yeah, did he like his present?” Rachel asked her, watching her nod and sipped her own wine. She wasn't a wine person per se, but this blush they were drinking was good.

“They were a hit. I helped him get ready...we talked and I told him goodbye and kissed him. Then I came out to where you were.”

“No tears, Mel,” Rachel told her, leaning over to grab the remote off of the nightstand. “Let's watch some television. Get those thoughts out of your mind. We will have fun,” she told her friend, stopping at MTV. She poured them both a shot of whiskey and they downed it. Another one had them smiling.

“I wanna go downstairs,” Melissa said after a few moments. “I can stand it for that long.”

“You're sure?” Rachel asked, looking her friend over. When Melissa nodded once more, Rachel grabbed her clutch and the key card. “The moment you want to come back up and party just the two of us, say the word.”

“I hope to be stupidly drunk by then, but if I'm not, I'll definitely let you know. We can come back to the room and finish what we started.” Melissa knew Rachel had wanted to dance with Lance and Josh and she didn't want to miss seeing the guys and Joey's family that usually only came in for holidays. It was selfish, but in a way, she wanted to see Joey too. Even if he wasn't hers, she could still love him from far away.

“Look who saved us a seat,” Justin cheered, genuinely surprised to see Rachel and Melissa sitting at a table. He knew Joey had put them all together in a group for seating. He smiled big, getting to them first. “Who's dancing with me first?” he eyed Rachel and then Melissa, pulling them both up as the rest of the guys minus Joey came in. “Come on chicas, we need a shot of Jack.”

“I thought you weren't coming,” JC fell into step with Rachel, giving her a look. He was glad the girls were there, hoping he could dance with Rachel to a slow song, that the reception wouldn't be as emotionally taxing as the wedding was.

“Someone changed their mind,” she took the shot glass and smiled when JC joined them, all taking a shot. Rachel turned and smiled at Lance, watching him come towards them. Her boyfriend and Chris ordered shots as well. “The bartender's gonna be busy tonight,” she said, watching Justin and Melissa have another shot. “Easy there, Bass.”

“I flew up here with the sole purpose of drinking until I forget today,” Melissa told Rachel, making the guys still. “I don't think I can forget five years. There's not enough alcohol,” she told her best friend, smiling sadly. “And look,” Melissa pointed towards where the bride and groom were about to enter, “I can smile and pretend to be happy.”

Without her knowing it, Chris had sided up to Mel, holding on to her just enough so it appeared he was hugging her. He downed the shot he had, setting the glass back on the bar. “We got you tonight, Melly,” he whispered, watching her blink back tears as Joey and Kristen were introduced, amidst claps and whistles, all of them doing their part to make it look like they were thrilled with what was going on.

“But who has Joey?” Melissa whispered back, watching Joey carefully. He had the smile on his face he got when dealing with the media, doing interviews for long hours, the same questions over and over when he was tired. The fake smile. Her own facade slipped a little and she looked away, not able to stomach the thought of Joey not being hers. It was real..and getting more real by the second.

“Not sure how long this will last,” Rachel told Lance as they looked at his sister who was standing there with Chris. “Tell her to breathe,” she told Justin, punching him in the shoulder.

“Breathe Chica,” Justin said, pulling her from Chris and back to the table. They were all seated and dinner was being served. “What the hell is this?” he asked, making a face at his plate. “I said I wanted the steak.”

“It is steak, just a little one,” Chris pointed out, not sure about his dish. “I told them chicken.”

“I bet fifty bucks Joey has someone go get McDonald's before the night is over,” Melissa said, her eyes not leaving the table where Joey and Kristen were.


“What's wrong?” Kristen looked at her husband, watching him push his food around on his plate. “I thought you liked steak.”

“I like something that's more than one bite of food. Tell me there's more,” Joey said, his nerves frayed. The whole reception looked ridiculous in his opinion. It was too busy and overdone, but what did he care. He just wanted his family and friends to have a good time. They were all eating and his eyes drifted over to the table that held his band mates. He'd been floored to walk in and see Melissa and Rachel there. He knew that was as close as he was going to get to his best friend for the night and comforted himself in the fact that she was there at all.

“There's more. Finger foods will be available all night, there's drinks...what else did you want?” Kristen said, watching Joey spear a cooked carrot and snarl at it.

“McDonald's. Burger King. Jack In The Box,” Joey commented, eating and deciding he'd send Steve out later if he remembered. “What flavor is the cake?” he asked, eying the tiered sugary confection. He felt a little bad, not even knowing about the cake until Kristen had shown him a picture a couple days ago when he gave her a stupid look about it. He just hadn't cared.

“Vanilla, chocolate and lemon.”

“Good,” Joey said, thanking God for small miracles. Now if he could just get through it all with his heart and emotions intact, he'd be doing well. Dinner and cake came and went, then it was time for the first dance. He prayed it wasn't one of their songs as his arms moved to pull Kristen in closer. Savage Garden started playing and Joey let his mind wander. This was as good as something he'd have come up with, even better actually. He had cared less about what the song was. A band was supposed to come play in a little while, switching out with the DJ.

“I love you,” Kristen told Joey, laying her head on him, smiling when he kissed her head softly.

“I love you too,” Joey replied, his heart twisting at the words. He was going to try to do just that, having promised that very thing in front of his family and friends and God. He was going to do it if it killed him, and it just might. Swallowing a lump in his throat, Joey looked over to the table where Melissa was, watching her laugh at something Justin said, wishing like hell it was him she was giving that smile to.


“He looks miserable,” Janine told Phyllis, who frowned at her, “Well he does!”

“Your brother's tired,” Phyllis told her, knowing she was lying to her daughter as well as herself. Truth be told, she was exhausted from keeping up pretenses all day and was thinking about calling it a night. Her in laws and parents, as well as a few of the older relatives on both sides had went up to their respective rooms already. The younger crowd was out on the dance floor, leaving parents and the 'middle aged' party goers coming and going. She got up and looked at her daughter. “I'm going to go talk to Linda and Jim. Come tell me if your father wants to leave,” she said, looking over at where Joe Senior had went, talking to one of his cousins from New York.

Janine sat at the table, watching Joey sit there. Kristen had her friends at the head table and he was stuck there entertaining them. She observed Joey's head turn to listen to something Kristen had to say, then his facial expression change. “Uh oh..I've seen that look,” she muttered to herself, Joey's mouth pressing into a thin line and his brow furrow. She grew even more confused when the girls around Kristen all said something and Joey got up, stalking towards the table that held his band mates.


“She wants what?” Lance said, looking over at where Kristen was sitting and back at Joey. “Did you tell her we'd sing?”

“You think I want to sing?” Joey said, a little louder than he meant to, running a hand through his hair. “I'm on my way to being FUBAR'ed and she asks me if I will 'please' sing a song to her,” Joey growled, shaking his head. “I can't sing. I'll be lucky to be on key with Lance and Chris.”

“You think we'll be much better, dude?” Justin asked, all of them feeling good with the alcohol they'd consumed. “Fine. What the fuck ever. One damn song.”

“What song?” JC asked, grinning when Joey suggested 'Bye Bye Bye', knowing his friend was still pissed. “We'd fall on our asses.”

“I'd pay money to see that,” Rachel interjected, making them all chuckle. “Lots of money.”

“Not happening,” Chris told her, seeing someone and telling the guys he'd be back. Along with family and friends, Joey had asked a few of his friends in the music industry to come. He came back with Joe and smiled wide. “We're saved,” he said, talking over the song.

Joey stood there looking out at the crowd. He kept telling himself he could sing, the microphone in his hand. “Well, this was a surprise to me...My wife, Kristen, requested that we sing. So here's a song for you Kris.”

Joey gave her a smile and was glad Joe had come, starting “I Believe In You”. It was a lie. In the bottom of his heart he knew it was a lie. As the words passed his lips, the woman on his mind wasn't Kristen. The men beside him on the stage sounded good, glad it wasn't as bad as what he'd thought. He faltered momentarily when he saw Rachel reach for a napkin, pressing it against Melissa's face, wiping tears. He quit singing then, mouthing the words. Joey looked over at Lance and gave him the signal for 'out' on harmonizing and let Chris take over his part.

Melissa's head turned when she heard a voice drop out. She didn't have to guess whose it was. Joey wasn't singing. Her eyes met his and she stared. He was hurting and it hurt her to have to be watching and not able to do anything about it. She took a deep breath and it came back out as a sigh. She reached over and squeezed Rachel's hand hard. Melissa wondered now if this was a good idea, her own emotions at the brink of crumbling.

“We can leave, Mel. You don't have to stay,” Rachel whispered, watching Melissa and Joey look at one another. She raised an eyebrow at Lance, not sure of what to think. She knew they were all inebriated, making everything different.

The chorus came up and Chris wanted to end the song. He wanted to quit singing like Joey had. This was a joke, sitting here watching his friends be unhappy. Melissa and Rachel were talking, once in a while looking at them. It wasn't hard to guess the subject. The man sitting next to him should have been the happiest guy ever. Chris knew that had nothing to do with becoming a father. Joey was excited about that. However, the subject of who he was marrying was sobering. As they harmonized for the end of the song, cheers started and he quickly put his microphone up, not wanting anyone to get the idea for them to sing any more. “Whatta ya need Joey?” Chris asked his friend, throwing his arm around him as they walked away from where they'd sang.

“Tequila. Lots of tequila,” Joey replied, glad when Chris led him to the bar.

“I think you're being out drank,” Justin hollered at Melissa and Rachel. “Oh shit,” Justin said, watching Melissa get up. He hadn't meant to bring Joey and Melissa together, watching Kristen get interested in what they were doing.

“Let her come have a shot for the love of God,” Lance muttered at Justin, pulling his sister up to the bar next to Joey.

“Bad idea,” Justin sang softly, watching Kristen get up.


Joey looked over at Melissa and took the shot. “You drinkin' with me tonight, Bass? You're behind I think,” he said, sliding the glass over to her, his eyes glassy. “Show me how it's done, Bambina.”

Melissa nodded, looking at the three shots in front of her. She took Joey's first, downing it, then immediately going for the other two. “Ha!” she told him, slamming the last glass down in front of him. “Whoa..” she stood there a second, the alcohol rushing through her.

Joey saw Kristen standing a few feet away and glaring at him and sighed. “We came here to party. Let's get this thing started.”

Melissa nodded, grabbing Rachel and the two of them made their way to the DJ before making their way back to their table.

Lance raised his eyebrow as his girlfriend and his sister removed their heels. “What are they doing?” he asked Joey, watching as the girls went to the dance floor. The people there cleared a path and he heard Chris mutter.

The song clearly wasn't an NSYNC song, but Rachel and Melissa were doing a combination of dance moves from Bye Bye Bye and It's Gonna Be Me in time with the music, throwing in some of their own. Justin joined in, a smile on his face when the two of them kissed him on the cheek.

“Oh hell no,” Kristen muttered as the other four guys joined in, with more people making their way to the dance floor. It was the most action the reception had seen and she glared in Joey's direction as he pulled Rachel to him, dancing with her provocatively.

“Your wife's gonna be pissed,” Rachel said, laughing at his over dramatic hip thrust.

“Don't care,” Joey said as the music changed, pulling her into a proper slow dance position, his hand on her waist, the other hand enclosed around hers. “What did one casket say to the other?”

Rachel shook her head. Only Joey would think of stupid jokes at a time like this. “What Joey?”

“Is that you coffin?”

Rachel laughed and saw his gaze wander over to where Chris was dancing with Melissa. She saw Joey's fingers wiggle in their direction. “I'd change places with her in a minute,” she said, their faces close so she didn't have to talk loud over the music.

“I'd sell my soul to be Chris. Never thought I'd say that,” Joey told Rachel, sighing. “I love you Rachel...I don't mean it like that.”

“I know what you meant. And I know you love me. Who doesn't?” Rachel saw a smile come to his face once more. The song ended and Joey kissed her cheek quickly. “Have fun...Looks like your dance card is full,” he gave her a smile and went to dance with Kristen.

Rachel turned to see JC standing there as another slow song came on. “Is it your turn?” she asked, smiling at him as he nodded.

“Lance lost in rock, scissors, paper,” JC told her, his smile growing when his hands touched her. It was the same position Joey had been in, however just a bit closer. He couldn't hold her as close as he wanted, since she wasn't his, but Josh wasn't about to act like they weren't dancing.

“I can't believe you played that stupid game to figure out who was dancing with me first,” Rachel told him, laughing when he blushed a little and shook his head. “I love that I made you blush Mr. Chasez.”

JC leaned into Rachel and looked at her, his blue gaze holding hers. He let his grip on her tighten for a moment, wishing he could pull her close to him and wrap his arms around her waist. Holding her like this but not being able to hold her like he wanted was torture. “I like the feeling, Ms. Weatherly. Just don't tell anyone.”

Rachel's grin broadened at JC's words. She felt herself sway a little closer; unable to pull away from his gaze. “Your secret's safe with me Josh,” she promised, glad that Melissa had decided that she wanted to come down for the reception. She didn't feel bad for dancing with JC, they weren't doing anything wrong. And the fact that Lance was waiting to dance with her was nice as well. It was nice to feel wanted, especially with the fact that the man she was dancing with now seemed to be enjoying himself.

“You staring won't make things change, Chica,” Justin pointed out as Melissa's eyes kept wandering to where Joey was. “You're killing me, Bass. He's married. No one stood up and screamed foul,” he said softly, breaking her gaze off to look at him. “Remember what I told you?” Justin asked her as she nodded. “What was it?”

Melissa's buzz was wearing off where she could think better and she sighed, leaning on Justin. “That he's always gonna be my homeboy...Like it matters,” she muttered.

“Course it matters,” Justin told her, watching his other friends. “We all need a Melly in our lives. And now you're moving...Bitch.”

“Don't hate the player, hate the game,” Melissa told him, watching Justin laugh.

“You even sound like Fatone,” Justin shook his head and pulled her to the bar. “We need a drink.”

Melissa went with Justin, thinking she needed more than one, but took the offered shot. She smiled at Rachel, watching her talk to JC and Lance. That was the biggest reason for coming down to the reception. She wanted her friend to have some fun.



“So you finally came to dance with me?” Lance inquired, watching Rachel laugh. He pulled her in close, dropping a kiss on her lips and then one to her jaw back by her ear. “Did JC tell you I lost?” he asked, listening to her chuckle.

“I can't help it you suck at a little kids game,” Rachel told her boyfriend, letting Lance hold her closer than JC had, not caring if someone stared. She felt comfortable with him, sighing when he ran a hand up and down her back. “I'm surprised we're still here,” she told him.

“I am too. Not sure when we'll be done. When Fatone calls it a night I guess. Hopefully when you and Mel leave, we won't get bombarded with bridesmaids,” Lance rolled his eyes and smiled at Rachel's glare in their general direction.

“I'll come yank a nasty bitches fake color out of her head,” Rachel warned Lance. She saw Justin and Melissa at the bar. “Timberlake doesn't mind getting her drunk does he?” It wasn't an accusing tone, just curious.

“Justin will drink as long as he has someone to drink with him. My sister is just a willing participant.” Lance was glad his parents had went to their hotel room already. No one had acted stupid yet, but the night was still young. It wasn't quite ten thirty.

“I love you,” Rachel told Lance before the song ended.

“I love you too,” Lance replied, leaning in and kissing her. “I love you even more saying my name,” he whispered in her ear, making her blush. “That stroked my ego like you wouldn't believe.”

“You're horrible!” Rachel smacked him on the shoulder and grinned.

“I'm horrible and you love me..I should have personality disorder,” Lance quipped, smiling as he wound their fingers together leading her away from the dance floor and towards their table to get some hordervuers.



The alcohol burned and Melissa handed the glass back to the bartender. “I'm going to go say hi to Steve and Janine,” she told Justin, wandering through the crowd to find Joey's siblings. She blinked back tears when Janine pulled her in for a hug.

“You're a brave woman,” Janine told Melissa, holding back tears for the woman she thought was going to be her sister in law. “We love you, Melissa Bass. Don't forget that.”

“I won't. I love you too. You and David will have to come visit me in California when I get settled.”

“We will,” Janine promised, smiling when Steve came and goosed the younger woman. The three of them talked before an old Toto song came on and Melissa yelped in laughter, not having noticed the band came back to play.

“Our song's on!” Melissa yelled to Chris, laughing more as he sang along, coming to retrieve her as the chorus started.

“I requested this,” Chris told her, shrugging, “Meet you all the way, meet you all the way, Roseanna yeah,” he sang, watching Melissa laugh and shake her head. “Hey, it was either this or the theme song to Oklahoma.”




“You going to dance anymore?” Joey asked Kristen, having shed his tuxedo jacket and lost his tie. When she shook her head, he shrugged. “Your loss I guess, Kris.”

“What's that supposed to mean? It's my wedding reception. I don't see you spending time with me,” Kristen said back, in a mood since she'd watched Joey and Melissa at the bar.

“I'll be spending the next few days with just you. Everyone came from Florida and New York and everywhere else. I'm going to enjoy it.”

“Whatever,” Kristen said, waving him off, clearly more interested in what her friends were saying than in him at the moment.

Joey's teeth ground and then he rolled his eyes when he heard “I Will Survive” start playing, but turned at the laughter. Steve and Janine were in line with Melissa and Rachel, doing the electric slide to the song. They were soon joined by Chris and Lance. Joey shrugged, going to join them, watching as they all had fun. He hoped someone would get pictures of this, knowing they were all buzzed. It was moments like this, ones where he caught Melissa's eyes and gave her a smile, that he thought for a moment the world was spinning the right way once more.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

Rachel leaned on the rail of the elevator, watching Melissa stand there. They'd left during the bride and groom dancing before the band left for the night. The reception was still going to go on, just the DJ spinning tunes. Rachel held her shoes in her hand and had Lance's key card ready. “What are you gonna drink first?” she asked, watching Melissa, wipe tears. She sighed to herself. “No crying, Mel.”

“It's my party and I'll cry if I want to,” Melissa told Rachel, wiping her tears with the back of her hand that held her shoes. They got off the elevator and went to Lance's room where they'd left out their stock pile of alcohol. She grabbed the whiskey and all the shot glasses almost full. Grabbing the remote, she turned the television back on and turned up Destiny's Child. “Get over here, Rach. No chickening out.”

Rachel looked at the six shot glasses and at her friend. “We came to get our drink on,” she said, picking up the first glass. She did the shots in quick succession, licking her lips and groaning when the liquor found her stomach.

Melissa grabbed the remote and turned up the music louder as “Oops I Did It Again” came on, opening one of the bottles of Jack and Coke and using it as a microphone. “That I'm sent from above, but I'm not that innocent,” she danced provocatively, making Rachel laugh, grabbing another drink and join her, not caring they were singing loud and acting silly. “Eat your heart out Brit. I'm partying with you ex...” she told the television, kissing it.

“You've lost your mind, Mel,” Rachel said, sitting on the bed and changing channels, switching it to CMT. The two girls made up a game and took shots during music videos anytime someone wore boots or sang about a tractor or boat. They were feeling no pain in an hour. By the second hour they'd changed clothes, or at least some semblance of clothes: Lance's silk dress shirts and a tie loosened around their necks, the top button undone, no pants, just undergarments.

“I'm going out tonight, I'm feeling all right, gonna let it all hang out,” Melissa sang, her voice slurred, walking across Lance's bed, singing along to the television.

“Oh oh oh, get in the action, feel the attraction,” Rachel sang along with her, giggling as they ran into each other, holding on to Melissa's waist so they wouldn't fall down. She was beyond drunk. The wine cooler in her hand was almost done. In her drunk haze, Rachel looked at the counter and back at Melissa as the song ended. “We have more alcohol.”

“One bourbon, one whiskey, and one beer,” Melissa told her, both of them sitting down on the bed. “Lance's gonna be pissed. Oh well,” she didn't really care as she got up and grabbed more liquor. She poured (and spilled) it and handed Rachel another drink.

“Why don't you just use the bottle?” Rachel suggested, snorting a laugh when Melissa turned it up and chugged it.

“You think they're all drunk? I mean all of them?” Melissa asked after a moment, leering at Rachel.

“Probably,” Rachel told her, taking the shot out of Melissa's hands and drinking it. “You look hot in that shirt,” she told her friend, laughing when Melissa wiggled her hips. “I didn't mean like that.”

“Oh shut up,” Melissa told her, flopping down on the bed with the bottle in her hands, grinning. “Rach, the room is spinning.”

“We're drunk, Mel. I can't feel my toes. Or my tongue.”

“I think you kissed Chris by accident. He's poisonous,” Melissa said, laughing hard.

“You're a dork,” Rachel quipped back, looking around the room. It looked bad, alcohol bottles everywhere. Not that she cared, but the room had been wrecked.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*

“I hear a television, so that's a good sign,” JC said as Chris unlocked his room . Both men stopped at the entrance, looking around. Chris's bed had been messed up but the door was open from his room to Lance's. “Holy mother of god,” Chris murmured, looking at the open fridge and then at Lance's room.

“Hi,” Rachel smiled wide, her eyes glassy as she sat on the bed. “Melly, boys are here. It's Chris and Josh.”

“I love Chris and Josh,” Melissa told Rachel, coming out of the bathroom. “How are you?” she sang, stumbling into Chris's arms. “I missed you, Christopher Alan,” Melissa told him, grinning stupidly.

Chris was trying hard not to touch Melissa somewhere inappropriate, but the way her body was against him, he had a handful of her breast, leaving little to the imagination as the shirt she was wearing bunched up. “I missed you too, Melissa Nicole,” he said, moving to where he could lead her into his room. He looked her over carefully as she stood there, wobbly from being drunk. Drunk or not, she was making him rethink boundaries that had been set in his mind. It didn't help any he was pretty buzzed as well. “You alright?” he asked, letting himself be pulled to the bed and sit down before having her in his lap. “Mel...”

“Chris,” Melissa breathed, curling up in his arms. She knew he wasn't Joey, but her mind just wanted someone. Dark hair met her eyes and she reached up, running a hand through it. “Joey,” she murmured, tears coming to her eyes.

“No, honey..I'm Chris,” he told her, knowing she was too drunk to care. He stilled when he felt her lips on his neck. When her tongue found his ear, playing with his earring he had in, he groaned. “Mel...” Chris pulled away enough to look at Lance's little sister and his heart broke a little, wiping her tears with his finger, mascara running. “Let's just get you cleaned up a little,” he said, standing her up and leading her to the bathroom. He leaned her against the wall and grabbed a washcloth and got it warm, wiping off the make up. “There,” he said, pushing her hair out of her face.

“I look ugly with no make up,” Melissa said, looking in the mirror, frowning. She shook her head slightly. “And I don't like fixing my hair..I'm not all girly and all that stuff..”

“You're beautiful, Mel,” Chris told her, pulling her around to hold her. “Look at me,” he said, waiting until she did. “You're beautiful. You don't need that stuff.”

“You're just saying that, Kirkpatrick.”

Chris knew he shouldn't, but he leaned down and kissed Melissa on the lips anyway. Her lips were soft and he found himself pressing his body up against hers. He groaned when he felt her hands pull his shirt out of where it had been tucked in, her fingers finding skin. He reluctantly pulled back, giving her a searching look. “We can't do this.” The drunk male part of his brain was kicking the other part of him, telling him to shut up, but Chris didn't want his best friend's sister to wake up in the morning and regret anything. And Chris didn't either, truth be told. That and the rational part of his mind didn't want Joey to stuff his body in a bag to float down the Hudson River.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

“I think we missed the room,” Joey told Lance and Justin, trying to press the buttons on the elevator. “It's down...not up,” he slurred, laughing.

“Dawg, you're fucking drunk. Fatone..Fat one,” Justin laughed when Joey gave him the finger. “Dude, you're in the honeymoon suite.”

“No shit?” Joey asked, looking down at his left hand. “Oh yeah. I got married. And it wasn't because I wanted to, let me be the first to tell you,” Joey pointed out, frowning. “I want Melly. She'll fix it.”

“Joe...” Lance wasn't sure what to say. “She can't fix it. You wanted to get married.”

“I know. Stupid Joey,” Joey said, sighing. “You sure my room's up here?” he asked once more, stumbling towards the two men as they caught him. “Did ya see my jewelry?” he asked, holding up his sleeve of his shirt.

Lance looked and smiled. “Nice,” he said, watching Joey grin big.

“Your sister got them for me...I love your sister,” he said, hugging Lance.

“I know you do, man. I know,” Lance told him, glad he wasn't as drunk as Joey or he wasn't sure if they would make it to the right room, much less back to their own.

Joey turned after hugging Lance and hugged Justin. “I know I'm fucked up right now. But I'm serious,” he pointed his finger at Justin with as much seriousness as an inebriated man could, “You take care of my woman, Timberlake. You..and Christopher..make sure she doesn't cry over me. I don't think I could stand it...”

Justin just nodded, not sure of what else to say to Joey besides yes as his friend hugged him. He felt something wet and looked at Lance. “Fuck, man,” Justin's composure broke. “You weren't s'posed to marry Kristen, you feel me?” he half yelled at Joey, crying himself. “You were supposed to marry Mel. It was supposed to be the damn love story we sing about you dumb fuck.”

Lance pushed the stop button on the elevator, listening to his friends have an emotional meltdown. He blamed it on the alcohol, at least somewhat. As a group though, they had yet to deal with this. He felt a tear slip down his face and wiped it quickly. “Come on you two,” he said after a few moments, trying to smile at the two grown men who were now trying to act like nothing had happened. He pressed the button and the elevator opened and they herded Joey towards his room.

“Have a good night, Joe.” Lance didn't miss Joey cutting his eyes towards him as they knocked on the door.

“Fuck you,” Joey whispered, running a hand over his bare face. He smiled at Kristen when she opened the door.

“We brought you your lawfully wedded husband,” Justin told her, trying not to laugh at the go to hell look he was getting.

“He's so drunk he'll probably just go to bed,” Kristen said, getting shrugs from Justin and Lance both. “What am I supposed to do with him?” she asked as Joey moved past her into the room.

“Not our problem,” Justin told her. “Oh wait..” Justin went and got Joey's cufflinks and held them up so Joey could see them. “I'll take these home. Keep them safe.”

Joey nodded, reaching for the buttons his vest. “Get outta here, JT,” he mumbled, not in the mood to see anyone anymore. “Thanks,” he called out to Justin and Lance. He heard the door close and looked at Kristen. She was still in her wedding dress and giving him a look he knew.

“Not tonight,” Joey told her, tossing his vest on the floor reaching for the buttons on his shirt, his alcohol muddled brain thinking of Melissa's hands buttoning them up.

“It's our wedding night,” Kristen scoffed, her hands on her hips. She hadn't been waiting the whole day and now an hour after she'd come up to their room just to be denied sex. Not just that but to consummate their marriage.

“And you're already knocked up, sort of defeats the purpose. Not to mention the fact we were together a couple days ago. I'm drunk,” Joey told her, not in the mood to discuss it.

“And I'm your wife.”

Joey made his way to the bathroom and shut the door. “I know, that's why I'm drunk,” he muttered, sighing. He'd told himself the past week he was going to be a good husband and love his wife. It was just his heart protesting. If it would just stop beating, it might just work. That wasn't the answer, so Joey was going to do what he did when he had to make something work. He'd fake it until it became real.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^***

“Hi Josh,” Rachel said, smiling as she hugged him. “You smell good.” She didn't care he was sweaty and had alcohol on his breath. He still had on cologne and deodorant and his own scent.

“Thanks,” JC said, holding Rachel, his eyes wandering over her. “That's a good look for you,” he said, fingering the tie as he sat down on the bed. He looked around at the bottles of alcohol and then at Rachel who was still smiling at him.

“We stole Lance's stuff. His pants don't fit. We tried,” she said, giggling. Rachel knew she was talking to JC, her brain just wasn't registering everything she was saying. “And if it had been your pants...” her eyes went to JC's pants and back up to his face before shrugging.

“Oh Rachel.” Josh cupped her face and smiled, “You're somethin' else.” He could hear Chris and Melissa talking in Chris's room and pressed his lips against Rachel's. A satisfied moan left his mouth as she returned the kiss, not caring he shouldn't be doing that. He let his fingers run through her hair as he pulled her closer. It took all of his willpower to break off the kiss, studying Rachel's face. JC prayed she wouldn't be mad at him. “Sorry..I shouldn't have-”

“It's alright, JC. Really,” Rachel told him, returning his kiss with one of her own. In the back of her mind, she knew it was wrong, but she also thought she could play it off, the alcohol helping muddle those thoughts. She smiled against his lips, her forehead resting against his after she'd broken off the kiss.

“Come on, let's get some of this picked up,” JC said after holding Rachel a few moments, both of them quiet, enjoying the moment and feelings that neither one of them would admit to. “Or how about you stay on the bed and I'll pick up.” Josh patted Rachel's leg and went and started picking up empty bottles of alcohol.


Lance opened the door to his room and paused, looking around. He could just make out the dresser where the mini bar was sitting on and saw it was open and stepping in a few more steps, he could hear the clink of glass against glass. “Holy shit,” he said, watching JC toss another bottle into the trash.

“Hi Lance,” Rachel sat, watching JC like it was a sporting event, a goofy smile on her face. “I'm watching Josh clean. All he needs is a maid's outfit.”

“Don't think so, Rachel,” JC told her, sighing at another bottle. “It's a wonder they didn't get alcohol poisoning.”

Justin came in behind Lance and looked at the room that was still disheveled no matter if someone was cleaning it or not. “You have fun, chica?” he asked Rachel, going over and hugging her.

“Yeah, Timber timber timberlake,” Rachel replied with a laugh. “We drank and sang and drank more.” She let Justin go to hug Lance. “I missed you,” she snuggled into Lance when he sat beside her on the bed. When Lance didn't say anything, she frowned a little. “What's wrong?”

“Nothing. Really,” Lance gave her a little smile, his arm around her. He'd told JC not to worry about the rest of the stuff on the dresser and anywhere else. “I don't think I'll be leaving you and my sister alone with any alcohol for a while. Speaking of, where's Melissa?”

“With Chris,” Rachel said, closing her eyes and sighing. “Hope she drank enough. Cause I don't want anymore.”

“You drank two minibars. That should be quite sufficient,” JC said, sitting on the other side of Rachel and looking over at Lance. “You want me to hang out here tonight? Just to keep an eye on the girls? It won't be fun for them when they wake up if they mixed all that alcohol.”

“Stay if you want, C. The bed's big enough or there's the couch hide-a-bed,” Lance told him. The king sized bed could have fit four easily and it wouldn't be the first or last time one of his bandmates crashed in his room.

“Dude, it won't be fun for us either,” Justin told JC, going to Chris's room and standing there at the doorway. “Fuck. I told myself I was done getting emotional at this shit.” Justin went over to the light and was about to shut it off when he heard Chris's voice.

“She asleep?” he asked, his voice raspy, opening his eyes.

“Yeah man. Out,” Justin replied, watching Chris move Melissa around to get comfortable. He watched her squirm and whimper, sitting down on the other side of the bed. “It's okay, Mel,” he brushed hair out of her face. It hurt to watch her face scrunch up and he was relieved when she finally fell back asleep. “Tomorrow's gonna be fun.”

“That's what I'm screaming. All this alcohol and no one got into a cat fight. I'm a little disappointed,” Chris said with laugh.

“Dude, you really need help,” Justin said, tossing his tuxedo jacket and dress shirt towards a chair, along with a tie. “And if I wake up and find you curled up next to me, I'm gonna whip the shit out of you.”

“Try it and see what happens.”

Justin smiled, turning off the light, a glow still coming from Lance's room and talking. “Fine. I'll just tell Joey you got fresh with his 'Bambina'. She was drunk and you wanted to get in on the action.”

“You're a bastard, Timberlake. And don't do it. I'd like to live to have kids someday,” Chris told Justin, letting Melissa snuggle closer to him.

“I don't think Joey would just stop at castration. He'd go all Gestapo on your ass.” Justin smirked as Chris muttered. “Night old man.”

“Shut up, fool.”

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^^*^*

JC couldn't sleep. It wasn't for lack of being tired, because he was tired mentally and physically. And it wasn't where he was. He was comfortable on the couch in Lance's room. He laid there in the dark and thought about things. Things that wouldn't leave him alone. Mostly one thing. The woman laying in the bed in the same room. He closed his eyes and told himself to quit fooling himself. It was just the alcohol talking for the both of them. As much as his head wanted to be rational, Rachel's smile came back to the foreground of his memory and the way she pressed her lips to his. He wasn't going to admit it, but Josh Chasez was smitten.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

“Never. Drinking. Again,” Melissa moaned softly as she felt her stomach clench up again, tears coming to her eyes. Her head pounded and after she flushed the toilet, she curled up beside the counter and whimpered. Everything was a haze sometime after a Britney Spears song. She felt a cool washcloth on her face and looked up, not hearing anyone come in. “Justin,” she croaked, shaking her head when he asked if she needed help.

“You look like shit,” Justin told her, looking concerned. “Let's get you back in bed,” he said, gingerly helping her up, only to be shoved out of the door when they got close to it, listening to her heave again. “Want a Heineken?” he asked, smiling when she told him to fuck off. “I love you too, Bass.”

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

Rachel woke up and laid in bed a moment. She rolled over and smiled at Lance's still form, the covers just barely moving. A soft snore coming from the couch got her attention and she turned. Her eyes adjusted in the dark and she could make out JC's form. She knew it was him by the way he slept. She prayed her stomach would behave a few moments, her head starting to throb. A few seconds later her feet hit the floor as she made her way to the bathroom. Rachel got sick, glad no one was awake yet. She certainly didn't want to be babied and groaned when someone knocked on the bathroom door.

“You're a guy, go pee in a plant or something,” she barked, rinsing her mouth out with water after she flushed and washed her hands. When the knock came again, she jerked the door open, surprised to see a half asleep JC.

“There are no plants to pee in,” JC mumbled, waiting until Rachel had moved before shutting the door. He came back out a few moments later, wiping his hands on the towel just outside the bathroom with them smelling faintly of soap. “All yours again, mademoiselle.”

“Go back to sleep, Josh.”

“Don't worry. Wake up call isn't until noon,” JC replied, curling back up on the couch. “Wake me or Lance up if you need anything,” he muttered, a soft snore coming from his lips a couple moments later.

Rachel slipped back under the covers, actually glad she hadn't drank quite as much as Melissa. The night came back to her in snippets and a small smile came to her face. She wasn't sure if she really kissed JC or not, but the thought of it was nice. As was the thought of Lance kissing her. She knew it sounded crazy to like both men, but it was possible. At least for that time. Her eyes closed as she moved back next to Lance, ignoring the sounds of the hotel, trying to keep from having to get up again.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*

Joey downed four Aleve and slipped his sunglasses on, even though he was still in the hotel room. Part of the night was hazy, but he did know Kristen was mad at him. Judging by the way she was ignoring him, he wondered if there was anything he could do to make the honeymoon go smoothly. He wasn't about to go spend three days in the Bahamas with his wife pissed at him. A part of him didn't care, but the more sober and nice part of Joey won out. He went into the bedroom and looked at Kristen. “Sorry about last night, Kris.”

“Mmmmhmmm,” she said, not looking up from her magazine. “Listen, I know you've been stressed out with work, and the news of becoming a father and us getting married. But you were an ass last night. I mean, I didn't care you wanted to see your friends and everyone- I get that. But I'm your wife.”

Joey nodded, pulling her to him and kissing her. There was a piece of paper stating that fact. “I'll do better,” he promised. He had to do better. This was his future. It was at that time, he stuffed every facet of feeling he had for Melissa back into the recesses of his mind. Joey knew that time was coming, he just hadn't wanted it to come so soon. It took him a minute to remember to breathe, letting it out and smiled at Kristen. “Let's hit the airport. We got a plane to catch.”

Kristen returned his smile, kissing him on the lips. “As long as you let me have the inside seat.”

“Whatever you want, Kris.” Joey didn't miss her laugh at that statement, grabbing the bags after checking once more they had everything. His parents were going to get his tux and Kristen's wedding dress out of their room later. It was early enough no one else was up and they had almost made it to the door when Sofia Fatone called out his name.

“Nona, you are up early,” Joey said in Italian, hugging her.

“Nona is always up early, my Joey,” she replied, returning his hug and hugging Kristen. She studied Joey's face, pulling down his sunglasses. Without a word, she pushed them back into place and patted his cheek. “Be careful and have fun,” she told the couple, promising her grandson she would talk to him soon.

“What was that about?” Kristen asked, curious as they got into a cab to take them to the airport.

“That's just Nona,” Joey said, winding his fingers through hers. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” Kristen leaned into a Joey, a small smile on her face. Everything had gone the way she wanted it to, aside from a few moments. Her wedding ring sat on her finger and she studied it. She had the perfect life now, at least to her way of thinking. Everything was just going to fall into place.

“To your left, you'll see Super K-Mart and various other stores crammed into this shopping center with the mall,� Rachel pointed out in her best tour guide voice as they got into the turn lane to turn into said shopping mecca. The California sun shone on the girls, the same sun that was on Florida albeit it felt different.

“I still can't believe you picked this loser rental car. We could be in an Escalade,� Melissa said as Rachel slowly went through the parking lot to find a space.

“We could have, but we would have been driving it to the gas station every few blocks or so.� Rachel found a spot and pulled in. “Where to first?� she asked, scanning names of the stores and then the mall entrance.

“The ATM. Then I guess we can hit Bed Bath and Beyond and then K-Mart,� Melissa made a face and looked over at Rachel. “This ain't Kansas anymore...or Florida,� she told her friend, forcing herself to smile. It was her choice to be out here, so far from her family and friends. She'd spent the days leading up to the flight they'd taken this morning flip flopping on if she really wanted to move. The sticking point was that Joey was married and had a new life now. She'd prayed the whole way there that it wouldn't hurt so bad leaving. “Thanks for coming out here with me,� she told Rachel as they got out of the car.

“Had to clear my busy schedule and all,� Rachel replied, bumping Melissa's shoulder affectionately. “Seriously, Mel. I'm glad to be here. Who wants to be starting a tour anyway? The first week or two is always a pain in the ass.� Rachel had been around the guys enough to know that she'd be spending that time alone. The promoting and different public outings were heavier in the first two weeks than the rest of the tour. And she didn't relish the thought of possibly being stuck on the bus with Joey's wife.

Melissa found the ATM kiosk and grabbed her ATM card. Rachel was standing with her back to it, but blocking other people from seeing the numbers. “Let's see,� Melissa punched in the pin number and raised an eyebrow. “That's odd,� she muttered, hitting the arrow to look at her deposits. “That man....�

“What man?� Rachel said, turning her head enough to see her friend. “Got a sugar daddy I don't know about?�

“At least he didn't make the memo for 'sexual favors',� Melissa told her, shaking her head, withdrawing money. “Text Joey and tell him thanks. I'm trying to kick the habit...� she waited for the money to come out. “Seriously, he put in five hundred bucks. He's buying lunch.�

Rachel pulled out her phone and sent off a text to Joey, smiling when her phone beeped a minute later and laughing hard after she read his response.

'Getting rid of mafia money and gigolo funds. Have fun! ;)'

Melissa looked over Rachel's shoulder and laughed. “Tell him we're spending it on male strippers and Victoria's Secret.�

Rachel barked a laugh and fired off the text, getting one back quickly.

'Yes to Vickie's. No to strippers. I thought you were nice girls.'

Melissa's phone buzzed and she looked at it. Her brother had sent her a message. 'Fatone's looking concerned. What are you doing?'

'What we do best, big brother. Love you. Have fun today!' Melissa stuck her tongue out at her phone and sent the message.

'Sending pictures of the strippers..not at Vickie's' Rachel fired back with a heart symbol. She smirked when she didn't get a reply back, other than one from Lance.

'We lose our baritone, I blame you and my sister. I miss you!'

'Miss and love you too, Lance. Call you later after we've bought out the mall with Joey's whoring money. I don't know who paid him for sex, but they should get a refund for him being a screamer. No sneaking in the closet.'

Rachel's hand clamped over her mouth and she felt tears sting the corners of her eyes as she laughed hard. She'd accidentally sent the text to Joey too. “Oh. Shit.� She laughed when Joey messaged her back.

'How would you know? ;) And for that matter, it was Mel's money to begin with...so there.'

“Oh he didn't!!� Melissa yelled, laughing as they moved away from the middle of the sidewalk and started walking towards the first store. She couldn't let the text go unanswered and fired off one of her own to Joey.

'Worth every penny. Smartass...'

'I try. Have fun. No escort services and stay away from Compton.'

Melissa rolled her eyes and put her phone up. It was like Joey was being two different people. One minute he was the Joey she knew, and the next he was more serious..acting like her father instead of the man she'd loved..still loved.

Rachel's fingers flew over her phone and she smiled when a text popped up from JC. Her smile grew bigger as she read it and sent the reply back. It was just a normal message, one that said he hoped she was having fun. He was over there trying to keep order to the three ring circus that was going on.

'Good luck with that C. Go borrow some straight jackets and some good drugs. Might work then. Gotta shop!'

“You done over there, Social Queen?� Melissa asked with a smile, her own phone vibrating.

“Bite my ass. I bet you have texts from Justin.�“Uh...� Melissa looked at her phone and rolled her eyes seeing Justin's name pop up. “Fine. Let's tell them we're unavailable or we'll never get into the first store.�

“Deal,� Rachel said, sending x's and o's to Lance and telling JC she would text him to see if he survived later. Slipping her phone down into her purse, she grabbed Melissa by her shirt sleeve and pulled her into the massive home goods store. “Grab a cart woman.�

“I'm not buying anything by Martha Stewart. She's the devil.� Melissa grabbed a cart and followed Rachel.

“How do you know? She does some cool stuff,� Rachel said, going back to the bathroom stuff.

“She went to jail and her stuff is over priced. I dislike her like you do Will Ferrel. So there.�

Rachel rolled her eyes and stopped at the color coordinated towels and décor. “See anything you like?�

“I have towels, Rach. I don't need more towels,� Melissa started, then sighed. “Fine..I like the black ones. Black and white is a good bathroom theme.�

Nodding, Rachel grabbed a black bathroom rug and a couple big towels and then some white smaller ones. “Now for a pop of color,� she said, grabbing a red soap dish and toothbrush holder. “See?�

“Dirty Pop, bet you can't stop.�

“Only you, Bass. Only you,� Rachel muttered, shaking her head. There was a smile on her face though as they walked through the store, laughing at displays and cutting up before heading to the check out. “Oh Lord,� Rachel said, rolling her eyes at the magazine rack located at the front. Most were the usual home decorating ones, but there was one People magazine in the stands. And it was a cover of Joey and Kristen's wedding.

“I didn't even bother,� Melissa told her, seeing what she was looking at. “Although they did get a good picture of you and Lance,� she told Rachel, giving her a small smile. “I looked online at a couple.�

“Then I guess you didn't see this,� Rachel grabbed the magazine and flipped until she found what she wanted. She and Lance had kept quiet about what was in there, knowing how Melissa was feeling about everything. Now that they were out in California, Rachel felt like it wouldn't be as big of a deal.

“Oh..wow,� Melissa said, holding the magazine and her mouth slightly open, staring. Whoever had taken the picture had caught her and Joey making eye contact. It was taken where the camera was focused on Rachel and Joey and Joey had looked in her direction and you could see Melissa with Justin with her looking at him. “I bet Kristen was pissed.�

“This picture only made it into a few issues before Joey called to have it yanked. Not before he made his mom go get a copy or five..�

“This would make a good picture to go in the on the wall with all of my other black and whites,� Melissa said, tossing the magazine in there. She wouldn't read the article or look at any other pictures.

“And you were worried about having art work in your new place. What do you need me for?� Rachel asked, slipping her arm around Melissa and giving her a sideways hug.

“Well someone has to help carry body bags,� she quipped, making the cashier look nervous.

“What are you gonna kill them with? Your cooking?�

“Very funny,� Melissa cut her eyes at Rachel and handed over her money. “When we get to the parking lot, I'm gonna shank your ass with my plastic Wendy's knife. Cause that's how I roll.�

“Please. I'd shank your ass with a spork.�

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

K-Mart proved to be more successful than the previous store, cleaning supplies and odds and ends were bought. Curtains, shelves that stand on the kitchen counter and more bathroom stuff to go in the half bath on the bottom floor. Along with a blow up queen size mattress and a sheet set.

“Look!� Melissa smiled wide at the towels hanging on the clearance rack. They were now only a few dollars, having a Christmas theme, but had NSYNC on them, a picture of the guys. “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays,� she sang, grabbing two of them. “There..we can be twins.�

“No more driving the cart,� Rachel told her friend, stopping when she spotted Backstreet Boys t-shirts and NSYNC t-shirts hanging in the same vicinity in the petites section. “I think we need to wander that way.�

A smile crossed Melissa's face as they went to the shirts and grabbed a couple of both groups. “You know we need pictures. What we spent money on,� Melissa snapped a picture of Rachel pretending to kiss Brian Littrell's picture on the shirt. “Nice.�

“You didn't,� Rachel's eyes narrowed and she saw her friend smirk. “You're dead, Bass.�

“Oh hush,� Melissa picked up the NSYNC shirt and smiled, pretending to kiss Chris's face.

“That's even better,� Rachel said, snapping her own picture. “Now we have blackmail.�

“Poor Christopher...He needs a woman.� Melissa tossed the shirt into the basket.

“He has his mother,� Rachel told her, snickering. “I'm kidding, Mel. Sheesh...I thought Chris was still hung up on that one girl.�

“Chris is hung up on lots of girls. They're just the wrong sort...He needs a nice girl. And not Lucy,� she told Rachel before she could open her mouth. They walked along in silence for a few minutes before Melissa spoke again. “I kissed Chris on Joey's wedding night. At least I think I did.�

“It doesn't count if you don't remember,� Rachel told her, not mentioning her own kiss to JC. She wasn't quite ready for that to be aired. “How about we worry about you for now? And about some mall shopping.�

“You said the magic words,� Melissa cheered as they made their way to check out. “Who decided we needed all this stuff?� She looked down in the basket.

“Don't even take that out,� Rachel snatched a picture away that said 'Martha Stewart' on the label.

“If I buy that and take it into my house, little people from New Zealand are going to come shrink my head and put it on a stick. I read it once in a National Geographic.�

Rachel laughed as the item was rung up. “I find it hard to believe you read anything in National Geographic.�

“Says the woman who reads smutty romance novels.�

“Touche,� Rachel replied, gathering up some of the plastic bags. She made her way back to the rental and then checked her phone, smiling at the text from Lance.

'Shop til you drop yet? Sucks here without you.'

'Not yet. Miss you too. Give Chris a knock upside the head for me.' Rachel sent off the text and grinned when she got a picture of Chris grimacing.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

The girls shopped around the mall, hitting their favorite stores before making their way to where a couple of restaurants were situated. They'd stopped in the food court long enough to get a drink on their trek from Aeropostale to Cato's.

Rachel and Melissa had talked and laughed and giggled the whole way through their drink order. Now they were semi quiet, their food being sat down in front of them.

“Look,� Melissa pointed at something behind Rachel, making her friend turn around and look before stealing a couple fries off of Rachel's plate.

“What were you lookin- Hey!� Rachel looked down at her plate where she'd piled her ketchup beside her fries and saw it was now used. “You took my fries, bitch.� There was no bite behind the name, watching Melissa look innocently at her. “You might get away with that when you're with Joey, but I'll hurt you over my fries.�

“Whatever,� Melissa told her, grabbing her own fry and popping it in her mouth. “You ever seen Joey share his fries?� She chuckled at Rachel's shake of her head. “Me either. Why haven't we come here before?�

Rachel looked around at The Rainforest Cafe. The place looked like the jungle, complete with sounds of wild birds and animals, a waterfall and small stream running through it. It was a very cool esthetic and the food was good. “I dunno. I mean, usually we're busy and can you see the guys getting stuck in the mall?� She mentally shuddered at what would happen when fans realized that one of the most popular boy bands was inside a place. The amount of people that could be there would be a logistical nightmare.

“Good point,� Melissa said, taking a bite of her cheeseburger. She always liked going to places that were different, and even though this one was in the mall it was still not a place she'd been to. “We need to order dessert,� she told Rachel after she swallowed, pointing out the dessert menu.

“You haven't even finished your food.�

“Yes, mother,� Melissa rolled her eyes at her friend and then stuck her tongue out when Rachel's phone rang. “Tell my brother to go away.�

“Hush,� Rachel admonished, opening her phone to answer it. “Hi. How's the bus?�

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

Lance looked at Chris who was watching television and shrugged. “It's the bus. I feel for Justin. He's the odd man out on the other bus with Joey and Kristen. It's just so happy over there,� he said sarcastically, groaning. “Joey called..Hold on. I'll let Chris tell you since he called him.�

“When are you gonna dump this guy and be with me?� Chris teased Rachel after he took the phone and said hello. “JC's doing what he does best..Sleeping his life away. Probably dreaming of tonight's performance and writing songs.�

Rachel couldn't help but smile. She'd gotten a text from JC that he was going to try and sleep. She flipped her friend off across the table when she rolled her eyes at her grin. “So, tell me this story.�

“ Joe calls me and asks if anyone took his food that he requested for the bus. I come look in this fridge. All his stuff's here, so I tell him that. Dude tells me he'll pay me a hundred bucks if I sneak him a Coke and a Hostess cake. Kristen took all the food that was junk and tossed it. Told him and Justin that they could eat shit when she left, but she wasn't going to sit and watch Joey stuff his face.�

Rachel blinked a few times and processed the information. “I bet that went over well.�

“Like a lead balloon. Justin just went to his bunk from what I heard. And Joey just took it. He texted and told me we were finding an all you can eat buffet after the show tonight.�

“Damn. I'll be there in a couple weeks. If you all survive that long,� Rachel told him, trying to smile. “I think Mel ordered a big dessert we're sharing.�

“I'm jealous,� Chris told her, talking a few more minutes before handing the phone back over to Lance.

“So yeah, we are just living the dream here. Public things and touring and all this great wonderful stuff. Sucks ass,� Lance told her. “I love the music. Love the fans and the songs..but all the drama.�

“These are the days of our lives,� Chris said loudly, making Rachel laugh.

“You need help. Tell the rest of the guys hi. Our dessert's here. It looks almost as hot as you do,� she flirted with Lance and giggled when Melissa groaned and covered her ears. “I love you. And I embarrassed the hell out of Mel.�

“Good job. Love you too,� Lance chuckled, hanging up the phone. He looked over at Chris and sighed. “All I can say is the Fatone's have their own hotel room. On a different floor,� Lance fist bumped Chris.

“No shit.� Chris felt a little bad for not wanting Joey to be right with them, but Kristen was just too much for him to handle. He didn't want to be mean, but he had the feeling this tour was going to be vastly different than the one they'd done last year. He missed Melissa being there, seeing his friends all happy and smiling. “You think your sister will be okay in California?� he asked Lance.

“She'll be alright until Rachel leaves. Then after that...� his voice trailed off. Lance was trying not to be scared for his sister. He knew she wasn't a kid, but he also knew she'd never lived by herself either. Even if she'd moved out of his house and stayed somewhere close to Orlando, they were all there. He felt himself give Chris a look. “I made her have one of those security alarms installed before she even paid the moving company.�

“Mel will be fine. L.A is a cool place to live. Besides, her and Rachel will be attached at the hip with the phone. You worry too much,� Chris said, pushing himself off the couch. “I'm gonna take JC's advice and try and get some sleep. TV's yours.�

Lance nodded, stretching out on the couch, remote in hand. He smiled at the picture Rachel sent him, one of her and Melissa both about to take huge bites of a brownie with ice cream, big grins on their faces. He sent off a reply and shut his phone, throwing the remote on the floor and closing his eyes. He took a moment to pray that everything would work out for the best. He let that thought drift off as he kept his eyes closed, willing himself to relax. A nap sounded like the perfect thing to wile away the next few hours on the tour bus.

*^^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

“It looks good,� Melissa told Rachel, surveying her bathroom upstairs. They'd hung the black towels and a white hand towel up, along with a couple of red wash cloths and red accessories. A long black bathroom rug was on the floor and the shower curtain was a bright red as well. “You had a good idea.� She threw an arm around Rachel, leaning on her.

“I know I did. Now let's get some dinner going. We didn't go buy all those groceries to eat out again,� Rachel said, standing there a few more minutes. She studied her and Melissa's reflection in the mirror and smiled. “You've come a long way, baby.�

“Oh shut up,� Melissa said, laughing. “I'll make you sleep on the floor.�

“Like hell. That blow up bed is big enough for the both of us. You have your own cover and everything,� Rachel pointed out as they made their way downstairs. There was still bags to go through, but the girls both agreed they wanted the bathroom fixed up so they could take a bath or shower and have one less thing to worry about.

The girls put up groceries and then looked at their options. “Okay so Olive Garden sounds good,� Rachel said, grabbing Melissa's shirt before she could protest. “I need a glass of wine and you don't have any. That made my decision for me,� she looked sideways at Melissa. “And I'd hate for the smoke alarm to go off your first day.�

“Kiss my ass,� Melissa said, grabbing her purse and keys. “I'm so taking those cooking lessons Justin got me. Then the next time you come, I'm cooking you food.�

Rachel reached over and patted her knee. “Keep the dream alive, Melly.�

Melissa snorted and shook her head as they got in the car. “Between you and Chris, I'm surprised I'm not in jail. Smartass,� she told her friend, turning the radio up when “I Want It That Way� came on, both of them singing along. “This would so not happen on the tour bus,� she said loudly.

“Not likely,� Rachel replied, turning the radio back down after the song. “Think you can do this? I mean, when I'm not chauffeuring you.� The traffic wasn't bumper to bumper, but it was heavy. “I'm making you drive after your car gets here. We'll wait and get things set up in your place and then that night you're gonna drive. I'm not leaving you in Los Angeles afraid to drive.� Rachel didn't hear an answer and looked over at her friend. “You'll be fine, Mel. You can drive in this...�

“I don't live anywhere near Compton do I?� she asked out of nowhere, watching Rachel shake her head. Melissa nodded, knowing Rachel probably thought she was crazy. At least if she didn't live near there, there was less possibilities of her getting lost. That was her biggest fear more than driving. “You know if you drink wine, I'll have to drive right,� she pointed out to Rachel.

“I was just telling you that to get you out of the house,� Rachel replied, smiling.

“I don't even want to know what you say to my brother to get him out of the house. I don't want to hear it either.�

Rachel laughed. “I'm not always perverted when I think,� she caught Melissa's stare and chuckled. “Okay I lie. Most of the time I am.� Rachel pulled into Olive Garden and parked. “Let's go eat. Then we can discuss where we want all your crap to go in your place.�

“Thanks for the encouragement, Kemosabe.� Melissa felt her phone vibrate and smiled at the message from Justin, messaging him back before slipping her phone in her purse.

“Anytime, Tonto. Anytime.�
*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*
“Well, your dad was right Mel. You definitely needed a couch and chair. And the small kitchen table.� Rachel studied the items being brought in by the movers and was glad Jim Bass had talked his daughter into letting him and her mother buy her some furniture. The apartment was starting to fill up with boxes and the movers had told the girls they would help set up the television and even put together the bed frame. She raised an eyebrow at the weathered leather ottoman that was carried in and put down by the couch. “Where did that come from?�

Melissa had been in the kitchen and stuck her head around the corner. She looked at the item and then at Rachel. “No idea,� she told her, coming to inspect it.

“There was a note with that,� one of the men handed Melissa a note before going out to grab something else.

Melissa unfolded the note and read.

'A familiar place to rest your feet. Enjoy! Love, Joe Sr. and Phyllis P.S. The top opens up for storage.'

“I guess it came from the Fatone's,� Melissa looked at Rachel and smiled. “This was in the den. I think it got moved to Steve's place a couple years ago. Before that, Joey and I used to fight over it. It's
comfortable to sit on. They asked what I wanted for Christmas one year and I told them this.� Melissa sat down on one side of the ottoman and patted the other. “Sit with me.�

Rachel sat down and could tell why there was a fight over it. It was worn enough to be very comfortable. “Forget the bed, I'm sleeping sitting up.�

“Whatever. Get up so we can look inside it.�

“They wouldn't leave anything in there, Mel,� Rachel told her, but got up anyway. She grinned when Melissa lifted the top and looked inside. “See?� It was empty, but she'd secretly hoped something would be in there. “What were you expecting? Millions of dollars?�

“Jimmy Hoffa,� Melissa told her, smirking.

“Come on, let's get this done. We have a hot date tonight,� Rachel said, ready to get the clutter and boxes out of the way. “Let's start in the kitchen.�

“Geez, you're bossy. It's almost like living with my brother.� Melissa put the ottoman back together and pushed it against the couch. She followed Rachel to the kitchen, glad for some help. They made their way from the kitchen to the living room after the movers left, having a method of emptying a box and putting things up in it before grabbing another.

“This box has...pictures,� Melissa said, opening it up. She grabbed a sleeve and opened it, pulling out a few. “New Year's,� a small smile came to her face as she studied her and Joey as Rizzo and Kenickie. It had been a wonderful night until Kristen had shown up. She took a shaky breath and moved on through the other pictures. “You and my brother look hot.� She held the picture up to Rachel who was standing right behind her looking over her shoulder.

“Yeah, we do, huh?� Rachel grinned wider at the picture of her and JC. “I didn't know you got that picture.�

“I didn't know you'd look at another man like that,� Melissa told her, chuckling when Rachel blushed a bright red. “Oh good grief. Let's get this done. I still want to unpack stuff in my room.�

“Tell you what,� Rachel took the box with the pictures. “You go upstairs and deal with all your clothes and stuff. I will stay down here and unpack and arrange your pictures. They'll all look spectacular.�

Melissa nodded. “Let's give it an hour and then get ready to go out,� she suggested, watching Rachel dig out pictures.

“Works for me. We got most of it done anyways. Dishes and kitchen stuff put up and the bathrooms ready to use, the bed made and tv set up. Now it's just the little stuff. And I'm not getting into your underwear drawer.�

Melissa laughed and shook her head. “Not like we don't know about that shit...but yeah. It won't take me too long to get all that stuff done. And don't put any pictures of me and Joey up. I'm not sure I'm ready for that yet.�

“Just one or two. I promise,� Rachel said, knowing which ones she was getting out and smiled when her friend relented. They'd bought some shelves to go on the walls to display pictures and put them up. She eyed the photo albums and grinned big. It was fun to decorate for other people, as she went and grabbed the bags from K-Mart and a couple of the mall stores for photo frames. She started arranging pictures on the couch and sat on the ottoman, picking out what would go good together as a group of photos or one to set alone. One caught her eye and she paused. Rachel had never seen it before and figured it was from the Fatone house from a while back. Someone had stood over Joey and Melissa and took a picture as they slept, curled up on the couch. She could see dark circles under Joey's eyes as well as her friends. 'After last day of U.S. Tour for NSYNC album. Two peas in a pod.'

Rachel went on through other pictures, taking ones out until she had the ones she wanted. A variety of pictures that showed Melissa's family and friends. There were others that would be set other places, but for now she was happy with what she had. She smiled at the first picture she set on the shelf, the one Justin took of her, Melissa and Lance. Getting them all situated, she made her way upstairs to check on the progress being made in the bedroom. “Looks good in here, Bass.�

“It's not too shabby,� Melissa commented, tossing another empty box towards the door. “I'm tired. I vote we take showers and make dinner and watch tv for a little while. Forget this whole moving mess.�

“You read my mind. I think some leftover Olive Garden sounds wonderful,� Rachel replied, flopping down on the bed.

“You know where the microwave is, Weatherly. Get your ass up.�

“Don't be rude, Mel. You don't talk to your guests like that,� Rachel told her, laughing when a pillow was aimed at her head and went on the other side completely missing her. “You suck.�

“You're not a guest, but I guess since you did help me unpack this stuff I can fix your dinner. Not like I can burn the house down with the microwave. Okay, maybe I could, but I got mad microwave skills.�

“You should put that on a dating site. SWF seeks SM who can cook. SWF has mad microwave skills,� Rachel got up and laughed when Melissa flipped her off. “Come on and laugh. You know it's funny.�

“Ha ha ha. I'm telling Lance you're being mean. No gay man sex for you. What will you do then?� Melissa asked, watching Rachel pretend to cry.

“Easy. I'll call Chris,� she replied as they both started laughing uncontrollably.

*^*^*^*^*

“Thank God we're off the bus,� Kristen said, watching Joey get ready for sound check. “What are we doing for dinner?� she asked him, hoping it was going to be something good.

“Whatever is in catering,� Joey replied, pulling on a t-shirt. “They usually have good stuff. We have to be back on the bus around midnight to hit Dallas from here.�

“Catering? Really, Joey..I've had catering the past week. And when we did go out, it was to wherever the whole group was going.� Kristen didn't miss Joey's glare at her from the mirror.

“No one said you had to come. You told me you wanted to come on tour with us. Everyone else is gonna eat whatever's in catering. That's what we do. I have to go to sound check, eat, get ready for the meet and greet..not like we have a lot of time to go out somewhere.�

“Fine,� Kristen huffed, getting up to find some different clothes. “You told me other females were going to be on tour too. What happened to that?� she opened her suitcase and pulled out a shirt.

“Rachel will be here in the next couple of weeks. And all of the dancers have tried to be nice to you until you asked Monica why she had to dance like a slut with me. It's her job, she's a dancer and those are the moves. Just like the damn hip thrusts and whatever else I do.�

Kristen just sighed, changing clothes. “Just make sure all those other girls know you're taken.�

“Oh they know alright. How could they not? You hang on me like you're attached to my ass.�

“I didn't hear you bitching before..when it was her,� Kristen had turned her head to smirk slightly as Joey stopped what he was doing.

“You tell me not to bring Mel up, and then you do? Fine,� Joey turned around to face Kristen. “I can't compare the two of you. She knows this is my job. It's Lance's job. That whatever I do on stage, or at the meet and greet doesn't have a damn thing to do with how I feel about her. If I kiss a girl on the cheek cause she rode with her mom five hundred miles because I'm her favorite guy ever, she wouldn't freak the fuck out and not talk to me for five hours.�

Kristen just glared at Joey, shrugging when he waited for her to respond. “I'm jealous. I'm your wife and we're having a baby and it seems like you're more worried about the fans than you are about me.�

“You're not helping your cause any, Kris. Tossing my shit off the bus pissed me the fuck off. I should get all your healthy food and toss it. But I won't. Cause I'm a nice person. Because for some reason I keep hoping that somehow you will figure out that whoever you think I am on tour or on stage isn't the only part of me. That you can love me even if I wasn't making a paycheck like I am. Can you do that?�

Kristen's mouth dropped open like she'd been slapped. “You're an ass, Joe Fatone.�

Joey's mouth clamped shut and he jammed his fedora down on his head. “Let's go,� he said, ushering Kristen out the door, in a bad mood. He only prayed the night would get better but his hopes were slim.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*

“Look at the lights,� Rachel pointed out as they went towards Los Angeles. “I always loved big cities at night. The guys are in Houston tonight.�

“I know. Houston is a good venue,� Melissa replied. “My favorite is NYC though. And Orlando.�

“And Atlantis,� Rachel said as she smiled. She and Melissa had went with the guys and their families when they performed in the Bahamas. It was three days of sun and sightseeing and a great concert. “Other than JC's god awful pants.�

“I loved his shirt though. It reminded me of Elvis.� Melissa laughed when Rachel rolled her eyes as they drove. “At least my car fits in here. I love this car.�

“Joey wanted to buy you something flashier and you turned him down.�

“This is what I wanted. He told me to pick it out and I did. Of course the sales man bent over backwards to make sure it had all the bells and whistles on it. The killer stereo system...� she smiled, fiddling with the knobs. The car was a few years old, but Melissa was happy to drive it, keeping it maintained and polished up.

“Huh? What did you say? I'm going deaf,� Rachel exclaimed, sticking out her tongue and turning the radio up.


“This isn't so bad,� Melissa said after they'd gotten quiet for a little bit, checking her rear view mirror again, merging with traffic. “You haven't gotten sick yet and I'm not having a panic attack.� It was nearing eight thirty and cars going down the interstate had tapered off from rush hour traffic. As many times as she'd been to Los Angeles since NSYNC had been formed, she was still backwards on where things were at times, since most of the time she was in the passenger. It was much different being there and in the flow of vehicles.

“Take this exit and we can go downtown,� Rachel instructed, planning on showing Melissa the fastest way to get to the Staples Center and a few other places. “Other lane, Mel,� she said, watching her friend get nervous a little. “Take a breath, you did fine. Plenty of room to get over.�

Melissa looked at the turn lane and at the light. She was the first in the line of cars and paused a moment to look. She pulled out and was in front of the waiting traffic when she saw the flash of headlights. There was a screech of tires and the last thing she saw was a truck coming towards her side of the car.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*

“We've got two females, both early twenties with multiple injuries,� an EMS responder said, talking on the phone to the paramedics that were en route to the accident. “One has a laceration to her forehead and a broken elbow. She got knocked out for approximately two minutes. There is bruising to her ribs from the seatbelt and a contusion on her head where it struck the passenger side window. The driver has a black eye from contact with the airbag and steering wheel. A broken ankle from where the door and floorboard came together. She also was unconscious for a matter of minutes. Both are awake and somewhat oriented. We have them immobilized and awaiting your arrival..� the woman looked at the girls that were laying on backboards and then at the car they'd been in, as well as the huge F-350 that hit them. The car was a total loss.


“What's your name?� A mustached man asked Rachel, holding a small flashlight up to her pupils.

“Rachel Weatherly,� Rachel told him, her head pounding at the light and having to think, reciting off her address and date of birth. “My arm hurts,� she groaned, surpressing a scream when her right arm was moved and taped to her clothes with heavy tape.

“I know, hon. Paramedics are on their way. If you feel sick let me know,� the man looked up when someone hollered his name. He brought a purse into her line of sight. “Is this yours or your friend's?�

Rachel could make out that it was hers, reaching out for it with her other arm. “Thanks.� All she could think of was calling her parents and then Lance. She figured the hospital would call her parens, so Lance went to the forefront of her mind.

“It was wedged in there good,� a different voice said out of Rachel's range of sight. “Damn..let me go help.�

Rachel frowned and wished it didn't hurt so much to move her head, her whole body hurting. Her eyes closed but she could hear Melissa getting sick and then wondering about her car. From what she could gather, the truck hit them doing forty and ended sending them into a light pole. The man was drunk and had sustained only minor injuries. “You're taking us to the same place right?� Rachel asked, concerned when she heard the ambulance sirens.

“Yes. Cedar Sinai. The man said as they hoisted Rachel, backboard and all onto a gurney.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

“There's a Jim and Linda Bass listed as your emergency contact. And a Joey Fatone?� the girl in the ambulance riding with Melissa questioned, holding a cold compress over Melissa's eye, on the phone with the hospital.

“Call Jim and Linda..my parents. Joey's..working,� she mumbled, hurting and scared. She didn't know what had happened, glad that she and Rachel were going to the same place. They'd given her some pain medication for her ankle and all she wanted was to be out of the moving vehicle. “Did anyone find my purse? My phone..�

“It's right here. Just lie still and take a couple deep breaths. We're taking you to X-ray as soon as we get to the hospital. Then you'll be put in a room with your friend.�

Melissa nodded and laid there, trying hard not to cry. She wondered what the guys were doing, trying not to think about the wreck. It was just something else to make it seem like she was destined to not have anything good happen.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*


The dancing of the phone across the table as it vibrated broke through the laughter.
Chris snatched up the device. He grinned at the name flashing across the screen. “The future Mrs. Bass,� Chris boasted.
Rachel groaned and pulled the phone away from her ear. The loud voice causing her head to pound. “Chris...� her voice came out a little breathless.
“Ooo did you call to talk dirty to Lance? Well tell me and I'll pass it on,� Chris laughed out loud, joined in by Joey and Justin.
“Put it on speaker! Why should you get all the fun?� Justin yelled before snatching the phone. “Hey girl, if you're gonna talk dirty don't waste it on these yahoos,� he smirked and lowered his voice. “Talk to me.�
“A player like you? Wouldn't waste my breath,� Rachel quipped. She pinched the bridge of her nose; the pounding growing worse.
“You wound me!� Justin grabbed his chest, feigning hurt. “JC!� He yelled as the older man walked into the room with Lance. “Rachel's hurt my feelings for the last time,� he thrusted the phone out.
JC took the phone raising a questioning eyebrow toward Justin then Lance. The latter shrugged.
“Rachel called to talk dirty to Lance,� Chris filled them in. “She's holding out though. I bet she'll respond to your sexy voice.�
JC rolled his eyes ignoring Lance's protests of it's my phone'. “Hey Rachel,� he said with a smile.
“Can I just talk to Lance!� Rachel snapped out not ready to deal with anymore teasing. Her head pounded furiously and her stomach started to roll. The doctor had warned her about the queasiness. This was worse than any hangover she's ever had. At the silence on the other end she cringed; ashamed for snapping at JC. “C,� she whispered. “I'm sorry. It's just...� she trailed off and laid back on the Emergency Room gurney. She closed her eyes shutting out the light. It brought little relief.
JC's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Rachel had never been short with any of them before. It took him by surprise. She could always put a stop to their teasing, her and Melissa both with a short retort but it was never angry. “No, it's okay,� JC brushed off her apologies.

“JC I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap,� Rachel sighed cutting him off. She felt a couple tears slip through her closed eyes. She let out a wavering breath trying to hold the tears back. She shouldn't be crying. She was fine; Melissa was fine. But she could still hear the screech of the brakes as the tires squealed against the asphalt; the pop as metal collided with metal. They were like rag dolls in the car as it turned and skidded out of control on the highway.
“Rachel, what's wrong?� JC's heart stumbled as he heard the tears over the line. His pulse quickened and he tried not to panic. “Are you okay? Mel?� The worry in JC's voice brought Lance closer to him, his own worry evident on his face. The other three members stopped horsing around and migrated closer to the phone.
“We're at the hospital,� Rachel's voice broke. She wiped at her tears listening as JC yelled questions into the phone. She winced as the level of loudness grew.
“Hospital? Why are you there? What happened? Are you hurt? Are you okay? Is Melissa okay?'�JC shot questions out as his mind blew through scenarios of why she ended up in. The hospital - none of them good. A chorus of other questioners joined him, all of the guys talking at once.
“Quiet,� Rachel whispered on the phone, her eyes clenched. The voices on the other end of the phone abruptly stopped before JC, volumes lower, returned.
“Are you okay?� JC spoke softly into the phone.
“I'm okay, JC,� Rachel felt a small smile grace her lips. The worry the man was feeling washing over her. “Can you put me on speaker so I can say this once? And the first time I hear yelling I'm hanging up. My head will explode.�
“Shut up and let her talk,� JC punched a button on the phone and held it in front of him. They all leaned forward waiting for Rachel to speak.
“Mel and I were in a car accident,� Rachel started out. The other end stayed silent and a small smile formed on her lips as she imagined them all hovered around the phone, bouncy movements as they fought to stay silent. “We are both okay, just banged up good. Mel's car is destroyed...�

“Who cares about the damn car, Rachel,� Joey burst unable to keep quiet any longer. His mind was racing, his heart thumping wildly. Melissa was in a car accident. She was in a hospital thousands of miles away from him.

Lance's eyes cut to Joey. He could agree with his best friend; he didn't care about the car either. He was more worried about his sister and Rachel. At least he knew Rachel was fine just by hearing her voice. But Melissa, he had no idea. Rachel wouldn't lie to him about the extent of their injuries.

“I know; I'm sorry,' Rachel said softly causing JC to raise the phone higher so they could hear. “It's all still kind of fresh.�

“Take your time,� JC's voice melted over the phone, laced with worry.

“They took Mel for an X-ray and a CAT scan. I went first for the CAT scan and then the X-ray. Now waiting for the results. I knocked my head against the window. Got my bell ring pretty good. They say I have a concussion. Have the worst headache in the world. Lights are killing me.�

“A CAT scan?�Lance questioned, mentally going through their schedule the next couple of days to see if he can go to California. After the show tonight, they had a travel day before the next show. He could see if there was a flight available after the show.

“Just a precautionary measure Lance,� Rachel assured him. “I promise you, we're fine. We're bruised from the seatbelt. The airbag gave her quite a shiner though. I knocked my elbow pretty hard, I cracked the bone and they have me in a cast. Mel broke her ankle and they might have to do surgery.� She gave a slight pause. “She's fine Lance. I talked to her before they took her back. She's already bitching about how she loved that car.�

“Jesus,� Chris released the breath he'd been holding in relief. “I'd have much rather this had been a dirty phone call.�

“A dirty phone call with five guys on speaker? What type of woman do you think I am? Shut up Justin.�

Justin snapped his mouth close. The quip he had died on the tip of his tongue. “I wasn't gonna say anything, chica.�

Rachel laughed, “You're such a liar. They want to keep me over night. I haven't heard if they want Mel to stay as well. I would assume she is.�

“Keep you overnight?� JC broke in. “Why? Are they worried?�

“Relax JC,� Rachel smiled. 'I'm really alright. They just want me to stay for observation. I knocked my head pretty hard; I was out for a minute or two.�

It was easier said than done for JC. He felt tied. He was thousands of miles away unable to do anything. And Rachel could tell him she was fine seven ways to Sunday; he wouldn't be put at ease until he physically saw her.

“I'm coming out there,�Lance said abruptly. Hospitals and CAT scans. There were just too many things about it that he didn't like.

“Lance, you can't. You just started your tour. Of which you should be getting ready to go on stage in an hour or so. If we stay at the hospital-�

“You're staying.�

Rachel rolled her eyes. “Yes Dad. But seriously, you don't need to come. I won't allow you to cancel any dates.�

Four sets of eyes looked at Lance with their eyebrows raised. “Allow?� Chris mouthed.

“You and Mel are more important than any concert Rachel. You know that.�

“And I'm telling you we are fine. Nothing a couple days of rest and the best over-the-counter meds money can buy. I'm sure they'll let us out tomorrow, broken limbs and all.� The curtain surrounding her cubicle on one side parted and her doctor walked in. “I need to go guys. The doctors back. I'll call and let you know anything new hopefully before you go on stage and I'll make sure Mel is with me when I do so you can hear that she's fine.�

“You better call before we go on stage tonight.�

“I will Lance,� Rachel said softly. “Stop worrying. Bye guys,� she clicked off the phone. Before looking at the doctor she quickly sent off a text to Lance a grin on her face.

'Let me know when you land.