He could not believe his eyes, and the more he looked on, the more he could feel his heart expanding. He smiled as she walked towards him, and planted the softest of kisses in his lower lip. He felt himself tremble as he kissed her back, letting her take him into her passion.
“When will I see you again?” she asked softly under his breath and he sighed as he pushed a hand through her tangled hair.
“I don’t know;” he replied truthfully, “Let’s not think about that now.” But she now sighed and pulled away from him, looking into his eyes. Her own eyes filled with tears.
“I can’t go on like this,” she whispered, managing to look away from him and down at her own feet. He smiled softly to her, and gently pulled her to him, but she refused.
“We’ll figure something out,” he said as he tried to comfort her, but she shook her head.
“That’s what we’ve been doing for all these years,” she whispered back, and looked up at him with teary eyes. “How many more years will it be?”
“I don’t know,” he said rubbing the back of his neck. “He’s like a brother to me; I can’t betray him like that.”
“But you already are,” she said; now crying ever so softly and he nodded.
“I know, but telling him will be different,” he replied, “Things won’t be the same.”
“Things have already changed,” she replied and leaned forward to give him a teary kiss. “I’m sorry but this is all too much for me.” He nodded as he watched her give him one final kiss, and walk out of his life for a long time to come.

Every time he touched her she would shiver and try not to cry. Her mind filled with images of his friend, the friend who she had, slowly but surely, fallen in love with.
“Baby, you’re not yourself tonight,” Justin observed as he watched his fiancée brush her damp hair in the mirror. She shrugged and turned to face him, placing a fake smile on her lips.
“I’m just tired,” she said softly and continued to brush her hair as Justin watched her.
“Really? What did you do today?” Justin asked getting up and wrapping his arms around her waist, as he gently kissed her neck.
“Just the usual,” she said softly and turned to face him. “Wade wanted us to do rehearsals for the show tomorrow night.” Justin raised an eyebrow at her in question.
“He did?” he asked with skeptisim, “Why didn’t he call us?”
“He said he just wanted to work with the dancers,” she lied and kissed him on the lips. He seemed to accept this and kissed her back hungrily, tugging on her waist softly, gesturing for her to come to the bed with him.
She smiled at him, and even though she felt guilty for it, she let him place her softly on the bed underneath him. He leaned forward and kissed her lips tenderly, placing his hands gently on the edge of her towel. He slowly removed it, and she let him. Then he looked down on her and smiled.
“You know how much I love you right?” Justin asked her and she nodded meekly. He grinned and proceeded to place the smallest of affectionate kisses down her neck and collar bone. “I would never do anything to hurt you.”
“I know,” she whispered back, closing her eyes and liking the touch of his hands on her body. “I would never hurt you too.”
Justin looked up to her and smiled, not knowing how untrue her last words were.

He had never known true love, well not this kind. He’d always thought that when he’d find it he’d know. But now, as he sat here, on the tattered old chair, looking down at the beach, he wondered.
He wondered if this really was true love, had he found something real. And when he’d finally been able to answer that question, yes he was in love. Things had managed to slip right through his fingers.
Yes, she wasn’t really his, but she sure felt like it. Every time they were together he felt her smile, her warmth and everything else. He could feel her like she could him. Even if they were a million miles apart.
He sighed and leaned back on his chair, closing his eyes, trying not to think of how much damage this relationship could have caused. Maybe it was for the best that she’d left the way she did. He sighed and shook his head, and just about then his phone rang.
He knew who it was from the ring tone, that little tune that she’d picked out especially. They’d spent hours of her playing with the phone so she could set the tune. It was music to his ears every time he heard it.
“I thought you’d forgotten about me,” he said in that pure southern charm that made every one fall in love with him.
“I thought so too,” she whispered from the other end.
“So what made you remember?” he asked sitting up and giving her an unseen raised eyebrow in question.
“Something happened,” she began and he could hear the fear in her voice, even though she tried to hide it.
“What’s wrong?’ he asked with concern, and he heard her sigh.
“I can’t talk about it over the phone,” she replied softly, as if someone was listening in. “Can I meet you somewhere?’
“You know my room number,” he offered, and he knew she was nodding.
“Okay,” she replied, but with a bit of hesitation. “I’ll see you in a bit.”
“In a bit,” he repeated and smiled.
“Bye,” she replied and before he could reply she hung up.
“Bye,” he said into the empty phone and began to wait.

She was usually never this nervous with him, but sitting here in the silence of the room she had begun to quiver.
“So…” he began, unsure of what to say and she tried unsuccessfully to smile at him.
“So...” she countered, and he nodded.
“What happened?” he asked softly, and placed a hand on her knee, she smiled at the warmth of his hand.
“Things have gotten more complicated than we thought,” she whispered wondering how to tell him.
“Did you tell him?” he asked and she shook her head. “Then what?’
“I found out some interesting news this morning,” she said quietly, trying not to look at him but he made it hard for her.
“What news?” he asked, now his own curiosity growing.
She finally managed to look at him and smiled weakly, “We’re going to have a baby.”

He sat there, frozen in time, everything not moving. His mind iced over with fear, fear that he could not even begin to explain even if you asked him to.
“Are you sure?” Were the first things he managed to ask, he looked at her and she glanced down at her feet. The tears in her eyes evident, but she didn’t answer him. “Is it his or mine?” he asked again, and still she remained silent. “Tiff?”
“I…” she began, but stopped short as she began to weep. “Lance I’m sorry.”
He sighed because he did not know what else to do. He smiled halfly, and unsurely, and moved to wrap an arm around her.
“It’s okay,” he whispered into her ear, but she shook her head.
“No it’s not,” she hushed through the floods. “I’ve made such a mess of everyone’s life. Yours, mine and his.”
“No you didn’t,” he replied trying to calm her, but for some reason, even though he wanted to believe his own words, he couldn’t. She continued to nod furiously and got up carefully so that she didn’t fall.
“I did, and please don’t try and convince me other wise,” she whispered, he looked at her with concern flashing in his green eyes.
“Have you told him yet?’ he asked quietly and she shook her head, as new tears began to fall.
“No,” she said slowly, “I wanted to tell you first.”
“Then you better go tell him,” he said with a nod and glancing away from her.
“Okay,” she said and waited for him to look at her but he didn’t. He kept his eyes down cast at his feet until he heard the door close softly behind her, then he knew she was gone and began to silently weep.

Justin blinked. He blinked once, twice, and one more time for good measure. He stood there watching her lips move in speech, but not hearing a word she spoke.
After the words “I’m pregnant” were uttered into the room, his entire mind went blank. Unable to register one thing that she had said afterwards.
“Justin?” he snapped out of his trance, and managed to hear her last words as he forced himself to smile.
“Yeah?” he asked her, not noticing the tears that fell from her eyes.
“Are you okay with all this?” she asked sheepishly and he nodded, knowing that was the response she wanted.
“Of course baby why wouldn’t I be?” he asked and pulled her to him.
“Oh, because I just thought…” she began but he cut her off.
“It’s okay Tiff,” he said with a smile, “It just means we have to push the wedding up a bit that’s all.” She looked at him in shock, her blue eyes filled with question.
“Push it up?” she asked, her voice rising in what he presumed to be excitement.
“Sure,” he said softly because the more he thought about it, the more he got comfortable with the idea of being a father.
“Um, okay then,” she replied with a weak smile, not wanting to fight with him. He smiled at her, and leaned forward, kissing her softly on the lips. They were going to make one beautiful family.

She was very confused by Justin’s reaction to what she’d just said. But when he suggested moving up their wedding, her mind raced but her heart fell. It meant that he hadn’t heard a word of what she’d said.
She sighed at this revelation and got up slowly form the bed. She walked out onto the balcony and looked out to the sea. It was dark, and you could hardly see anything but the moon and the glistening of the water. But for her she saw only one thing.
A balcony away, he was there. Sitting alone, watching the sea and the night pass by him. His eyes were glazed over with something she could not quite place.
“How did he take it?” she jumped, not expecting him to notice her there but did not smile.
“He’s very happy,” she said trying to hide the tears that were forming.
“I’m happy for him,” he said, she could hear tears in his own voice.
“Really?” she asked and saw him nod.
“Of course, after all he is my brother,” he replied with a hint of sadness. “And I’m happy for you too.”
“Why?” she whispered and he looked at her.
“Why not?” he countered back, “Because I love you.”
“I know you do. But me and Justin…” she whispered, letting the tears come slowly.
“I know,” he finished, because he understood her woes.
“No you don’t,” she said, the sobs becoming louder. “Me and Justin, we’re not in this for the same reasons.” She stole a look at him and saw his eyes flicker with change.
“What do you mean?” he asked, now getting up and walking towards her.
“I told him about us,” she sobbed, now on her knees in tears. His face feared with panic.
“You what?” he asked, a hint of anger taking over his voice. “Why?”
“But I don’t think he really heard me,” she answered continuing to cry, and he breathed a sigh of relief.
“That’s good to know,” he said quietly and she looked up at him.
“What do you mean? I don’t want to be with him, I want to be with you,” she said quietly, and he nodded.
“I know you do. But he’s my brother, and that is something I can’t change nor want to,” he replied walking back into the room, leaving her out on the balcony alone. Her heart breaking like shattered glass.

“She’s what?” Joey looked at him with bemused eyes as he repeated the events that had lately befallen him.
“She’s pregnant Joey,” he whispered just above a voice audible to his friend.
“Are you sure it’s yours?” Joey asked sitting down next to him and looking at his friend intensely.
He sighed and shook his head, running a hand through his hair. “I don’t know. I don’t know anything as much as she told me, for all I know it could be J’s.”
“Damn,” Joey said and took a breath out, “I told you not to sleep with J’s girl, but you refused to listen.”
“Tiff is a nice girl,” he said taking a deep breath in and closing his eyes.
“I know she is,” Joey said nodding and placing a hand on his friend’s shoulder, “I’m not disputing that fact, what I’m disputing is the fact that you slept with her even though you knew the situation.”
“I couldn’t help the way I feel about her,” he hissed under his breath. Even though Joey was telling him the truth, and he shouldn’t have fought with it, it was a reflex.
“I know man,” Joey replied knowing his treaded in hot water with his friend. “But it’s the truth.”
“I know okay?” he snapped. “And I feel like shit about the fact that she’s with J and I betrayed him like that, but what can I do?”
“You have to stop seeing her,” Joey reasoned, but all his answer did receive was a glare.
“What? And what about the baby? It needs a father too you know,” he replied in a shaky voice and Joey nodded.
“Yeah, and it will have a father, J. But what about J have you even thought about that? What if he finds out then what? How will you explain this to him? He’ll hate you forever and maybe then you might never get to see this kid. At least this way you’ll see the kid even if it doesn’t know you’re the father,” Joey replied looking at him. “I know you want this baby to know the truth, but the truth may not be the best.”
“Yeah I know,” he replied with a nod. “I don’t want J to hate me if this ever got out.” He sighed and shook his head.
“So what are you going to do Lance?” Joey asked him and he shrugged.
“I don’t know,” he whispered and looked down at his shoes. “I guess I’m just going to have to take you advice, aren’t I?”

“Whoa back up man, are you serious?” Trace looked at his friend in shock. Justin nodded and smiled weakly.
“Yeah, she told me last night,” Justin replied taking out a breath of air, “And hence the push up of the wedding.”
“Man that’s cool,” Trace replied and hugged his friend. Justin smiled weakly, hugging his friend back knowing he could count on him for support.
“Thanks,” Justin said catching his breath and nodding.
“So when did you guys decide to tie the knot?” Trace asked looking at Justin with a smile and Justin shrugged.
“I dunno,” he replied as he walked across the room trying to still get his brain wrapped around the idea. “But now that she’s going to have a baby, she’s stopping with the tour so maybe in about a month or so.” He heard Trace take a deep breath in.
“Does Wade know about that? And Johnny?” Trace asked knowing that both the manager and choreographer would not be happy with the change to tour plans, because finding a dancer at this stage of the tour was impossible.
“I’m, I mean, we’re planning on telling them today as well as the other guys,” Justin said now finally stopping his pacing and sitting down. “Jayce is gonna blow a fuse.”
“I can imagine, loosing his dance partner like that,” Trace agreed nodding, “But he’ll understand, in fact I bet he won’t even think about it. He’ll be very happy, as will the others.”

At first, when Justin had told her they were to tell Johnny, Wade and the other guys tonight about the baby, she was sure it was the right thing. That was until she stepped into the room and saw Lance there. She knew at once he’d told Joey; after all they were best friends. And knowing Joey, he probably told everyone else.
“Tiff and I have something we want to tell you,” Justin began reaching next to him and taking her hand, giving it a small squeeze.
“What?” Johnny asked looking at both of them and thinking how happy they were, and wishing he had the same flame with his current wife.
“Do you want to tell them or should I?” Justin asked her, he gave her a small smile and she knew he was dying to tell everyone. She glanced around the room and saw Lance fiddling with the napkin in his hand, not looking at Justin or anyone else.
“I think you should,” she answered in a whisper and Justin nodded and took a deep breath in.
“Okay then,” he gave a small nod and glanced at all the guys in the room, not noticing Lance turn away as he did so. “Tiff and I… we’re going to have a baby.”

The room was eerily silent, and everyone stared with their mouths agape at the couple in front of them. Everyone but him that his, he took a deep breath in as the words fell upon his ears like bricks falling from the sky. The reality of what was really happening in their lives finally settling in.
“What?” Chris asked and he turned to his friend seeing a huge ass grin on his face. “Are you serious? That’s so cool!”
“Really?” Justin replied and all the guys agreed. He looked around and saw her; she wasn’t smiling as much as Justin.
“Don’t worry about her,” Joey hissed in his ear noticing his friend staring, “I’m sure she’s as happy as you are.” He rolled his eyes and sighed, this was really it. She’d made her choice, and wasn’t in the slightest way happy with it.
“I think I’m just gonna go and lie down for a bit,” he whispered back and Joey gave him a sceptical look but didn’t say anything.
“Okay then,” Joey replied and placed a smile on his face. “But it’ll look suspicious.” But he didn’t care, and without hearing anymore of his friend’s warnings he just got up and left the room, slamming the door behind him. The scene was making him feel sick.

Justin felt his heart lurch as he heard the door slam and his friend walk out the door. He couldn’t understand why his friend was so angry, he had expected all his friends to be happy for him but obviously they weren’t.
“J.” He snapped out of his trance and glanced around him and saw JC standing a few feet from him.
“Yeah?” he asked and replacing his stares on the door.
“You okay?” JC asked and he shrugged, he had no idea what he felt.
“What’s up with Lance?” the words were out of his mouth before he could stop them.
“Joe said he was tired and needed a lie down,” JC replied calmly and he shook his head. Not believing it
“Is he sick?” he asked and JC shrugged.
“I think so,” JC said, “But you never know. Besides why are you worrying yourself? Let’s go celebrate, Lance will come round he always does.” He nodded and looked back at his friend.
“Okay then,” he said and took Tiffany’s hand, their fingers intertwining, “Let’s go celebrate.”

He would not come around, he knew it, especially if the woman that he loved was letting his brother raise the child that could possibly been his. And she didn’t seem to have an ounce of regret on her face when they’d announced the news.
In fact the memory of her smiling along side Justin had made him sick, sick to the point where he’d rushed back to his room and thrown up.
Now he lay on his over sized bed, with his chest pounding and thinking about her and the future they could have had. He knew he’d been wrong, making her decision for her. Making her choose Justin instead of him had been wrong, but he’d done it because he cared. He cared too much about his friendship with Justin, and he cared even more for her.
He knew he couldn’t give her what she wanted, even if he tried. Because lurking at the back of his mind, Justin would always be there, hiding in the shadows. Making his presence bold and known. And he couldn’t live with the guilt.
He sat up slowly and glanced around him, then glanced at his watch. They would be somewhere celebrating right now, without him. He sighed and rubbed his eyes. He should make an appearance, he thought. Not give Justin a reason to be suspicious, just play the supportive friend role. Forget anything ever happed, it would be better than a lost conscious.
He smiled slowly to himself and got up with a firm nod. He walked towards the door and stepped out into the humid night air. Leaving everything that was them in the room behind him, ready to play the role of brother, friend and supporter, even if it killed him.

The weather had become hot and humid, making everyone uncomfortable, everyone especially Tiffany. She sighed heavily and closed her eyes for a moment, wondering if everything was going the way it was supposed to.
“Penny for your thoughts?” She snapped her eyes open and spun around, staring right into a familiar pair of eyes, she smiled.
“Hey Jayce,” she grinned, happy to see someone who would understand her, and she could talk to.
“You okay?” he questioned with a soft smile tucking a stray strand of her hair behind her ear. She smiled back and nodded.
“Yeah, just thinking,” she answered and took a sip of her soda. He nodded, with a small frown replacing his smile as he contemplated what to say next.
“You sure?” he asked raising an eyebrow, “Not worrying about anything too important I hope. You know I can always find a new dance partner, maybe not one as good as you, but still.” She laughed gently and nodded.
“I’m sure,” she said and he smiled again and slung an arm over her shoulder.
“Good,” he smiled and looked at her, “I’m real happy for you and J.”
“Thank you,” she smiled again and allowed him to pull the drink from her hands and set it down on a nearby table.
“So,” he continued and pulled her closer to him, like a brother would. “Would the future Mrs Timberlake care to dance?”
She giggled at his comment, he always knew how to pick up her mood, and nodded, “Okay then. Lead the way Mr Chasez.”

She looked so happy, and he leaned back against the table and sighed. This night was going to be a long one. He was finding it hard to play all the roles he’d assigned himself, but he’d played them as best as he could, especially the one of brother.
“You’re doing good,” Joey’s voice came up next to him, and he felt his friend pat his back.
“Really?” he questioned, not removing his eyes from her. “I don’t feel like I am.”
“Well you are,” Joey smiled and nudged his shoulder gently, “So keep it up, if only for tonight. J needs to see us all support him, even if we don’t.”
“Yeah well, I don’t know if I can hold up the charade for much longer,” he admitted, now forcing his eyes away from her and looking at his friend, taking a sip from his beer. “It’s killing me Joe.”
“I know Lance,” Joey said sympathetically and gave him a small grin. “But it’s only for a bit longer okay?”
“Yeah but still...” Lance began but stopped. Joey frowned and looked over his shoulder to where Lance was looking and nodded in understanding.
“Well then,” he looked back to the dance floor, “I guess it’s my turn to dance with the lucky lady.” Lance opened his mouth to stop him, but no words came out as Joey disappeared on to the dance floor.
“Hey man.” He looked back and saw Justin standing in front of him, with his hands dug deep into his blue jeans.
“Hey kid,” he forced a smile and took a slow sip of his drink. “How’s it going?”
“Good,” Justin let a small smile erupt on his face for a moment before it fell, “How about you? You feeling better?”
“I’ll get over it,” he shrugged knowing that he probably wouldn’t or it would be hard to. “This night’s about you guys.”
“Well don’t feel as if you have to be out here just because of me,” Justin said, he had a look of concern on his young face. Lance shrugged it off again and shook his head. “You should get some rest if you’re not feeling up to par.”
“Nah it’s ok,” he smiled at Justin for good measure, “Congrats.” As the words left his throat, he felt them scratching the back of it, for they were to hard to say.
“Thanks,” Justin grinned and took a step forward, “That means a lot to me, especially from you. You don’t know how bad I want all of you to approve of this.”
“Well we do,” he lied and rolled back and forth on the heels of his feet, “We approve of everything, especially Tiff.”

As his friend walked away Justin sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, watching Tiffany dance with now Chris. He smiled slightly at the sight, happy that all the guys had taken to her so easily, especially Trace. They all loved her, and supported their decision to push the wedding up, he couldn’t ask for more. Or could he?
He frowned and took a sip of his drink, slowly contemplating how Lance had been acting lately. And even though his friend had SAID he was happy for him, something at the back of his mind made him doubt that.
“Shouldn’t you be looking happy?” Justin grinned again and slowly turned around to face Johnny who smiled back to him. “Hey kid.”
“Hi,” Justin said and took another sip of his drink before setting it down beside him, the taste now becoming neutral to him. “I know I should, but I’ve just got some things on my mind.”
“Care to talk about it?” Johnny smiled and took a step closer; Justin shrugged and rolled his neck.
“Nah not really…” Justin began and gave Johnny a small smile before allowing his head to turn and his eyes cast back onto the dance floor. “Are you okay with this?”
“Kid,” Johnny began and patted Justin on the back, “It doesn’t matter what me or anyone else thinks, as long as you’re happy.”
“I know, but Lance…” Justin began and looked back at Johnny.
“Lance? What about him?” Johnny asked, concern filling his face Justin sighed and gave a small shrug.
“I dunno,” he began and took a step back, “He’s just been acting a bit odd. That’s all. It’s as if he’s mad at me or something.”
“Nah,” Johnny assured him shaking his head. “He’s just not been feeling well.”
“How do you know?” Justin asked looking at Johnny with question. Johnny smiled slowly before answering.
“It’s Lance kid,” Johnny then began to chuckle, “Who doesn’t know him?”
“I guess so,” Justin shrugged, “Who doesn’t know him?” But he was still unsure.

“Mr Bass?” It was a few months later and Lance glanced up from his paper work, smiling at the woman before him.
“Yeah?” he asked and set down his pen. The woman smiled and handed him a note.
“There’s a phone call for you from Tennessee,” she smiled and looked at the phone, “Line one.”
“Thanks,” he smiled, but his smile faltered a bit as he too let his eyes wander to the phone. He looked back at the woman and smiled, “I got it.” She nodded and walked out of the room, leaving him alone. Once the door shut quietly behind her, he took a deep breath in and picked it up. “Hello?”
“Hey man what’s up?” It was Justin. He sighed and closed his eyes for a moment. “Haven’t heard from you in ages.”
“Yeah I know sorry I’ve been busy,” he replied and leaned back in his chair, a little tense, “But, um, how are things going with you and Tiff J?”
“They’re gong,” Justin replied and he nodded, wondering why Justin was calling, “That’s why I’m calling actually, I was wondering if you’re going to be free next weekend.”
“Why what’s happening this weekend?” Lance asked, he sat up and ran a hand through his hair nervously.
“We’re getting married,” Justin replied with a light chuckle, “Didn’t you get your invite?”
“Oh yeah I did sorry,” he winced as he remembered the crisp white envelope he’d received in the mail a few days ago, leaving it on his kitchen counter unopened. “Haven’t had time to read the mail.”
“That’s ok,” Justin laughed and paused before speaking, “So will you come?”
“Uh…” he began but Justin cut him off.
“Tiff really wants you there,” Justin stated and he sighed heavily, knowing he couldn’t deny her.
“Yeah alright,” he nodded and jotted it down on a scrap piece of paper lying near by.
“Cool,” Justin answered but was interrupted by some commotion in the back. “Uh, look man, I gotta go but get the details off Joe and we’ll see you down here eh?”
“Uh, yeah ok,” he nodded and waited for his friend to reply.
“Cool,” Justin answered and hung up, leaving a dial tone ringing in his ears.

“Come on,” Joey nudged him slightly, causing him to fall forward, “Let’s get there before it’s over.” He grumbled at Joey’s suggestion and stood back up, readjusting the bag on his shoulder before walking forward to the car that was awaiting them.
“I don’t know why I decided to come,” he grumbled as they climbed into the back and sat down. Joey sighed heavily, tiered of listening to him complain all day.
“You agreed because J is our brother and he needs us there,” Joey answered running a hand through his hair and checking the time on his watch, “That and Tiff wanted you to come.”
“Why so she could rub it in my face?” he asked with a low growl and Joey shook his head, pulling his cell phone from his pocket and flipping it open.
“No, because she needs support,” he replied and dialled a number before holding the phone to his ear and looking at Lance, “Now stop grumbling for a minute while I talk to my wife.”
Lance sighed and leaned back into the seat, letting his eyes drift away from Joey and out the window as the car lurched forward and they began heading towards Justin’s house.
After he had spoken with Justin, he had considered not coming but Joey had conveniently called him and told him to pack his bags, not taking no for an answer, he reluctantly agreed knowing this was not going to go well.
He rubbed the back of his neck and squinted as he read the signs they passed, every second getting closer and closer to her and his never possible future.
“I told J we’d be there in a bit,” Joey’s voice cut through his thoughts. He looked back at his friend. “Jayce and C are already there, along with Trace. They’re all waiting for us.”
“Well they can start the celebrations with out us,” Lance grumbled and Joey shook his head, frowning angrily.
“No they can’t, and they won’t. You know that,” Joey said and slipped his phone back into his pocket before speaking, “And cut the attitude it’s getting on my nerves.”
“Well sorry for not wanting to watch my life go down the tubes,” Lance snapped and leaned back, waiting for Joey to reply.
“Well I told you this would happen, but you didn’t listen to me,” Joey said angrily, quickly becoming annoyed, “So don’t go blaming someone else for something that you created.”
“I didn’t CREATE this,” Lance growled and Joey rolled his eyes sarcastically.
“Uh, uh. Sure you didn’t, you just slept with J’s girl and got her knocked up hoping no one would find out,” Joey replied and shook his head. Lance scowled at him and crossed his arms over his chest.
“It’s yet to be proven that the kid’s mine,” he replied and Joey nodded.
“You’re right,” he replied and looked at Lance evenly, “So stop acting as if it has.”

She sighed impatiently and looked at her watch again, before allowing her eyes to trail out the window and down the drive way.
“Getting impatient?” She turned her head slightly, forcing her eyes to remove themselves from their focus point and looked behind her. Justin smiled slightly and wrapped his arms gently around her growing belly. “They’ll be here soon, I just talked to Joe. He said they’ll be here in about ten then we can start.”
She sighed and allowed herself to lean back against his chest before answering, “I know. I just…”
“Can’t wait to marry me?” he joked and kissed her bare shoulder gently, pushing aside the strap of her top with his lips as he did so.
“Yeah,” she whispered and closed her eyes, hoping he wouldn’t track the slight amount of uncertainty in her voice. She felt him smile against her skin as his lips found their way to her earlobe.
“So how’s my little man doing this morning?” he asked into her ear, quickly reverting the subject to the child growing inside her. She flinched at his words, not knowing if he was right or not.
“He’s been good today,” she nodded, telling the truth for once because she’d been having little problems the whole day and she took it as a sign.
“Good,” he nodded and pulled her so she was facing him, “But take it easy just in case. We don’t want another episode like the last time”
She smiled and stood on her tiptoes to kiss his lips gently, “I will.”
“I mean it,” he said and she laughed lightly. He smiled and heard a car pull up outside. He noticed her smile grow as she pushed away from him.
“They’re here,” she whispered and looked towards the door before rushing towards it.
“Tiff be careful! Don’t run so fast!” He called after her, but he doubt she heard him.

Lance felt his breath catch in his throat as the door swung open and she stepped out. Even though she had rounded out more from the last time he’d seen her, she was still as stunning as he remembered. Pregnancy suited her well. He snapped out of his trance, focusing his gaze on her belly. Inside of her she carried another human being, someone else, someone he could have helped create.
“Joey!” She called and hurried down the steps, flinging her arms around her friend’s neck in a warm embrace. “I’m so glad you guys finally made it!”
“So are we Tiff,” Joey smiled, hugging her back, and turned his head slightly to catch Lance’s eye, “So when do all the celebrations start?”
“Tomorrow,” she smiled and pulled back, finally looking around and allowing her eyes to settle on him. “Lance.” She said it in almost a whisper. He smiled weakly and took a step forward.
“Tiff,” he breathed and before he could stop himself, he realised he had wrapped his arms tightly around her waist and pulled her as close to him as he could. “You look lovely.” She blushed slightly, and pulled away, letting a hand fall gently on her belly.
“You look good to,” she said and smiled at him shyly, wondering what to say.
“Hey guys!” Justin’s voice broke the tension and brought Lance to look up towards the front door where his friend stood, descending the steps slowly before stopping beside Tiffany. “Glad you lot could come.”
“So are we J,” Joey smiled and stepped closer, hugging the younger man. “Couldn’t let you have all the fun.” Justin smiled as he hugged Joey back, and then glanced over at Lance with an expectant look.
“Hey Lance, man you made it,” Justin smiled slightly and pulled away from Joey, manoeuvring himself so he was in front of Lance in two quick steps.
“Uh yeah,” Lance nodded and noticed Joey giving him a stern look before nodding and disappearing in search of JC and Chris, leaving Lance alone with Tiffany and Justin. He puckered up his anger and stepped towards Justin, giving him a friendly hug. “Got the earliest flight out.”
“Well that’s good,” Justin nodded and pulled away, taking Tiffany’s hand as he did so then pulling her close.
“Let’s go inside,” Tiffany said noticing the tension and smiling weakly. “Have you eaten Lance?” He shook his head and she smiled, looking up at Justin.
“No, not really hungry,” he lied. In fact he was starving but thought he couldn’t really eat anything at the moment.
“Well still,” she said and began headed up the stairs, dragging Justin with her and motioning Lance to follow, “Let me get you something to eat.” He smiled and followed her up the steps, not a few feet behind Justin.
“Alright,” he said and readjusted his bag slightly as they entered the threshold of the house.
“Okay, J why don’t you two go find the others and then meet me in the kitchen?” she asked and looked at Justin, she had become quite the housewife and doting wife even though they weren’t married yet.
“Sure thing baby,” Justin grinned happily and kissed her lips, making Lance squirm. “But take it easy ok?”
“I will,” she promised and slipped away, as she did so Lance noticed concern etched on his friends face as she walked away.
“Is she alright?” he asked, immediately sensing something was up.
“Yeah,” Justin nodded, not removing his eyes from her trail, “It’s just that she’s been having bad morning sickness. Nothing major, I just don’t like her running around too much.”
“Oh,” Lance nodded and felt his stomach tighten at the thought of her being so sick.
“Well, let’s go find the others yeah?” Justin asked breaking the silence and looking at Lance with intense eyes before walking away. Lance nodded and followed his friend further into the house.

Justin frowned, watching her scurrying around after Lance. All she had done since he’d arrived was dote on him, and it was making Justin anxious. Not only because she was wearing herself out, but also for his own selfish reasons.
“Tiff, why don’t you sit down a minute?” he asked and placed his hands on her hips before pulling her to him and making her sit beside him on the couch, “Stop running around so much, you’re gonna wear yourself out.” She sighed reluctantly and sat down.
“Yeah Tiff, sit down,” Lance agreed from his position by the door as he leant against the door frame watching everyone in the room. Justin growled inwardly as he noticed Tiffany give Lance a small smile of agreement as she finally gave in and leaned against his chest.
“I guess I could use a break,” she smiled as Justin wrapped his arms around her waist and gently pulled her closer to him.
“Yeah you could,” he whispered and kissed the top of her head, “You doing alright though? No pains or anything?”
“No,” she smiled shaking her head and looking up at him, “No pain for a while now.”
“Good,” he smiled and reached a hand up to push away a strand of hair that had fallen in her eyes. “I’m glad, maybe it’s a sign?” She smiled and nodded again before closing her eyes.
“Maybe,” she whispered and lifted her feet up onto the couch to stretch out. JC, who was sitting on the other side of the couch, lifted her feet up and placed them on his lap so she could lie down properly.
“So what have we all been up to?” Justin asked changing the subject and drawing one of his arms out from around her waist and laid it across the head of the couch.
“Nothing much for me,” Chris shrugged from his place next to Joey on the other couch across the room, “Jayce?”
“Doing the new record, as you know,” JC smiled and gave a knowing look to Justin, “The new single’s gonna be off the rocks.”
“I heard so,” Justin smiled and looked at Joey, “Joe?”
“Me and Lance have been working on some stuff, right Lance?” Joey answered and cast a gaze back to where Lance was by the wall. Lance looked up from staring at her lying so serenely on the couch and noticed Justin glaring at him suspiciously, he nodded.
“Yeah,” he nodded and turned his gaze to glance out the window quickly.
“What kind of stuff?” Chris asked suddenly interested. Lance shrugged and hoped Joey would answer the question but he didn’t.
“Just a new TV show,” he shrugged and looked at Joey, “Apart from that nothing, I’ve had other things occupying my mind recently.”
“Other things?” JC asked raising an eyebrow and chuckling softly. Lance nodded and looked across the room.
“Yeah, actually I don’t have time to do that much…” he began but Joey cut him off, quickly saving him from his slip up.
“Yeah the TV show has been taking up a lot of both our time,” Joey smiled and glared at Lance cautiously, “I mean I don’t even have enough time for Kelly or Brianna, The show’s just got our heads rolling a bit too much that’s all he means.”
“Cool,” Justin smiled and nodded at the rest of the guys before gently touching Tiffany’s shoulder. “Tiff come on wake up, I’ll get you upstairs.” She shifted a bit, but soon her eyes fluttered open and she sighed contently.
“That’s okay,” she said and slowly sat up, “I think the nap did me good.” Justin smiled and reached out to take a hold of her arm so she wouldn’t fall over.
“You sure?” he asked and she nodded.
“Yeah… ouch,” she winced after a while and Justin’s heart beat dropped as she gripped her belly in pain.
“Tiff?” he asked and leaned forward, she waved him off but he knew it was much more than what she let up. “Come on; let’s get you upstairs so you can lie down.” He stood up and went right to her side, sliding an arm around her waist and pulling her gently up.
“Here I’ll help,” Lance’s voice said from beside him. Justin looked up and saw his friend stand in front of them before stepping on the other side of Tiffany and place an arm around the other side of her as well, helping Justin get her to the stairs.
“Thanks,” she smiled weakly and for the first time in a few minutes Justin managed to get a look at all his friends who were looking at the three of them with concern, mainly for Tiffany.
“Come on,” he nodded to Lance and Tiffany, trying to ignore the looks they were receiving, “Let’s get her upstairs.”

“What’s going on with Tiff J?” Lance asked as they descended down the stairs back to the others and he gently grabbed his friend’s arm, concern etched clearly in his eyes.
“Uh...” Justin began stopping in mid-step and glancing back towards the top of the stairs, “Nothing.”
Lance raised an eyebrow in doubt and let go of Justin’s arm, “Nothing eh?”
“Nothing,” Justin repeated then sighed heavily as the other guys crowded at the bottom of the stairs awaiting them so they could ask him the same question, all their eyes were waiting for an answer. “Just a bit of morning sickness and stuff.”
“Stuff?” Lance asked and nodded to the bottom of the stairs, they continued to walk until they had reached the bottom.
“Yeah J what stuff?” Joey asked and gave him a concerned look. “Maybe Kel and I can help.”
“It’s nothing major,” Justin tried to reassure them, “The doctors are just attributing it to stress of the wedding and stuff. It should be better once the wedding is over.”
“Are you sure that’s it?” JC asked and Justin nodded as they headed back into the other room and sat down.
“Yeah I’m sure,” he assured, he didn’t want to worry them because even he didn’t know that much. She had been hiding a lot of information from him regarding the baby’s health. “It’s just stress.”

It wasn’t until later that she came down stairs and saw all six boys sitting outside on the porch drinking beers. She smiled lazily and rested a hand on her belly, leaning gently against the door frame in silence. She watched the way Justin kept glaring angrily at Lance and the way Lance averted his eyes from everyone. The looks Justin was giving Lance gave her a sense of uneasiness, wondering if he knew what she had once tried to tell him.
“Hey Tiff,” Trace noticed her standing by the doorway watching them. She smiled softly and walked out to them. “How was your nap?”
“Good,” she nodded and noticed Lance glance up as she walked up, “It helped a lot.”
“Well at least now you’re well rested,” Justin smiled and reached out for her hand. She allowed him to take it and pull her gently towards him.
“Yeah,” she agreed with a nod and sat on his lap, leaning back against his chest as he snaked his arms around her waist and placed a hand on her belly and rested it there.
“So what time do we have to be up and ready tomorrow?” Chris asked and took a swig from his beer. Both Justin and Tiffany looked at him with small eyes.
“Seven,” Tiffany answered, “Coz you lot have to be out of here by eight. My bridal party’s coming over at eight thirty.”
“Shit,” Chris grumbled and put his feet up on the table, “I don’t think I can do that.”
“I’m afraid you have to,” Tiffany laughed and Justin kissed her shoulder gently.
“Yeah man, even I gotta get up and skedaddle,” Justin smiled, “The ladies need to do all the girly stuff.”
“What time we gotta be at the church?” Joey asked, Justin shrugged and looked at Tiffany.
“Four? But the ceremony doesn’t start till sunset, I don’t want you lot to be late so be there early,” she replied and slowly sat up.
“Man, can’t we just meet the J man there?” Chris complained and Justin shook his head as Tiffany stood up.
“No man, we gotta do the male bonding thing,” Justin laughed and eyed Tiffany. She smiled softly and looked around her.
“Well I’m going to head on inside for some tea,” she said, the talk of the wedding getting to her. She wasn’t really ready for anything that was to happen the next day, trying to push it aside until the time came.
“Alright, we’ll be inside in a sec,” Justin nodded and took her hand, looking into her eyes, “Take it easy though.”
“I will,” she smiled and pulled away from him, heading for the door. “I’ll see you guys in a bit.”
“See ya in a bit Tiff,” Chris smiled and she nodded, walking inside. As she left she managed to glance at Lance, and noticed his eyes down cast, and his frame slouched. Well that made two of them that weren’t ready for this wedding.

“Why so glum?” Lance looked up from staring into his glass of clear water and sighed as he noticed Joey frowning at him with concern.
“I don’t think I should be here Joe,” he grumbled and ran a hand through his hair, “I mean after seeing her like that and everything…” Joey sighed heavily and plonked himself down next to Lance in a nearby chair.
“I know but I thought we went over this?” Joey asked, rubbing his chin. “It’s not been proven that...”
“I know!” Lance sighed in aspiration and then looked around nervously, wondering if anyone had heard. “But after I saw her, I just… I dunno I got this feeling, and it felt right.”
“What the feeling that she was carrying your child?” Joey asked, making sure to lower his voice so that no one over heard what was being said. Lance nodded and glanced slightly back to the house, and saw her figure in one of the windows.
“Yeah that,” he replied and placed his glass back down before standing up. “I need to go talk to her.”
“And tell her what?” Joey asked raising an eyebrow and following suit, “Besides if you follow her J will become suspicious.”
“I’ll tell him I need to piss,” Lance replied rolling his eyes as if it was obvious, “I just need to talk to her. Alone.” He noticed Joey getting ready to follow him just in case.
“Fine go,” Joey grumbled and looked around them, “I’ll tell J you had to use the John.”
“Thanks man,” he replied with a small smile and began heading inside, as he did so he heard Joey grumble something in response but ignored it. There were more important things on his mind.

He stood by the door and watched her for a moment before saying anything, and then when she had finally stopped moving and sat herself down at the table, with her back to him, he entered the room.
“Busy day eh?” he asked and stepped up next to her, pulling out a chair. She turned her head slightly and seeing him she smiled.
“Hi Lance,” she said and grasped a hold of the cup she had before her more tightly. “Yeah you could say that.” He nodded and they fell into an awkward silence as he sat down.
“What’s going on Tiff?” he asked without looking at her. He heard her sigh before she answered.
“What do you mean?” she asked. He shook his head and ran a hand through his hair, then finally glanced at her.
“You know what I mean. With the baby,” he said the last part softly as if he were afraid of something. Again she sighed and placed a hand on his arm.
“Nothing, the doctor said it was normal,” she replied knowing he was referring to what had happened earlier. He shook his head, not believing her.
“It’s not Tiff. You saw Kelly when she was pregnant and she was nothing like that,” he stated. Her smile tightened and she pulled her hand away before looking away.
“I don’t see why you’re so concerned all of a sudden. It’s been five months Lance,” she stated and then forced herself to look at him. He nodded slowly before answering.
“I know and I’m sorry for that. But you have to understand Tiff, it was hard for me. The thought of him raising our baby was…” he began but she cut him off with a sharp tone to her voice.
“It’s not our anything Lance,” she snapped, “I don’t know whose it is.”
“Well maybe you should find out,” he snapped back, his anger getting the better of him as he heard the tone in her voice. “Maybe then it’ll save us all this trouble.”
She glared at him and refused to say anything, when he realised she wasn’t going to say another word he got up and stood, walking out of the room silently.

She knew Lance was right; he always had been about these things. But she just couldn’t allow herself to do it, because then she knew she’d have to tell Justin the truth, again. And she just couldn’t do that.
She took a deep breath in and closed her eyes, allowing her hands to rest gently on her belly as she felt a soft kick coming from within her. She smiled softly, knowing that the child was trying to tell her something but not wanting to listen to it.
“Not now,” she whispered to herself and opened her eyes again. “I can’t do it now.”
“Do what now?” She almost jumped at the sound of the voice and turned her head slightly to see Justin leaning in the doorway. She smiled at him and shook her head.
“Nothing,” she whispered and slowly allowed herself to stand up, “Just the laundry.” Justin smiled back and pushed himself off the frame and walked towards her.
“Yeah, you shouldn’t do it,” he said and managed to wrap him arms around her waist gently, “You need to take it easy like I said. So are you done in here?”
“Yeah,” she nodded and looked up at him, “I’m done. Where are the others? Don’t tell me you left them out there all by themselves.” Justin smiled and shook his head as she rested her head on his shoulder.
“Nah, Trace is with them. Besides I wanted to spend sometime alone with you,” he said softly and kissed her forehead. She sighed contently grateful for the interruption into her thoughts. “What happened with Lance?”
“What?” she snapped her head up and looked at Justin who just shrugged, not letting go of her. “What do you mean?”
“Nothing, it’s just that he came back out looking pissed as hell and told Joe they had to leave,” Justin answered, she noticed his concern in his voice.
“Why do you think I would have any idea what happened?” she asked. He smiled and her and shook his head.
“I don’t, I just thought you might have passed him while he was inside that’s all. And maybe you caught something that had happened to him,” Justin replied, she let out a sigh and shook her head.
“No I didn’t see him when he came in,” she lied, “Did they go yet? Him and Joey?”
“Yeah,” Justin nodded, “They just left, and you know what was weird about it?”
“What?” she asked, holding her breath again.
“He left without even saying goodbye.”

Lance tried to control his breathing, but somehow couldn’t. He knew he shouldn’t have snapped at her like that, but he just couldn’t help himself.
“Okay Lance,” Joey’s voice cut through his thoughts angrily, “What the fuck happened back there?” Lance snapped his head up and shook his head.
“Nothing happened,” he lied and Joey rolled his eyes, knowing his friend too well.
“Yeah, I totally believe that,” Joey nodded and leaned back in his chair. “So what happened?” Lance sighed and rubbed his face before looking at his friend and replying.
“I snapped Joe,” he admitted and Joey raised an eyebrow for more information. Lance sighed and leaned his head back. “I basically told her she was causing us trouble.”
“You did what?” Joey asked with shock clearly in his voice. Lance shrugged and sighed again. “Don’t shrug at me. How has she caused all this trouble you’re in?”
“By not finding out if the kid’s mine or Js,” Lance snapped back, his anger coming back and getting the better of him again. Joey gave him a stern look and shook his head.
“That is not her fault,” Joey replied and sighed, “Maybe she’s just scared, that’s why she hasn’t found out yet.”
“Scared about what?” Lance asked angrily.
“Scared of the truth Lance,” Joey answered and looked at his friend with solemn eyes.
“What truth Joe? That it’s mine?” Lance asked, his tone in voice rising. Joey leaned forward and put a hand on his arm.
“Calm down Lance,” Joey said, “Have you ever stopped to think what will happen if it was really yours? How would she tell J without him going insane on her? Have you ever thought of that?”
“Of course I...” Lance began but stopped, realising that Joey was right he hadn’t stopped and thought about that.
Joey nodded and gave him a knowing look, “I thought not.”

Tyres screeched on the gravel outside the house and Justin sat up from his position on the couch. He checked his watch, and then looked over at Tiffany, noticing that she too had sat up and was now glancing out the window.
“They came back,” she told him, a smile creeping onto her face as she spoke the words making Justin feel once again uneasy.
“Maybe they came back so Lance could be decent,” Justin grumbled to himself and stood up, noticing she hadn’t even heard the first word he spoke. He dusted off the front of his pants and heard footsteps run through the house as his stomach fell.
He knew he shouldn’t feel this way towards his friend, but he was still angry at the way Lance had just up and left without an explanation, because Lance had at least had the courtesy to turn up after months of no communication.
“Justin!” Tiffany’s voice called from the doorway as he heard her open it. He sighed, ran a hand through his mangled curls and took a few steps forward.
“Coming!” He called back and forced himself to push aside his feelings so he could at least be civil to the man who was supposed to be his brother.

Joey pushed him roughly out of the car, grumbling something about being civil and apologize about his rude behaviour. Lance rolled his eyes, and struggled not to fall on his face, grabbing hold of the side of the car as the door to the house flew open and Tiffany stood in front of them.
“You came back,” her voice was soft and she looked down at her feet.
“Uh, yeah,” Lance nodded and glanced at Joey who had leaned against the closed door and gave him a grim look. “I uh…”
“He came to apologize,” Joey cut in and stepped up beside him. “Right Lance?”
“Yeah right,” Lance nodded and shifted uneasily on the spot as he could feel her eyes glare accusingly at him, knowing why he had left.
“There’s nothing to apologize for,” she said and offered a small smile. Lance frowned in response, wondering why she had so suddenly changed her demeanour; it was then that he noticed Justin standing behind her.
“Nothing but leaving without saying goodbye,” Justin put-in with a small chuckle, one that Lance could sense was uneasy.
“Yeah that,” Lance nodded and swallowed a bit of air. “Just wanted to come say goodbye.”
“Goodbye?” Tiffany asked with a frown, “Why?”
“Uh, there was something I remembered we needed to shoot before tomorrow morning,” Lance lied; he could feel Joey glaring into the back of his head. “We’ll be back by three for the ceremony.” He added the last part hastily, just to give Joey some satisfaction.
“You will?” Tiffany asked, her voice rising as he told her this. Lance nodded and glanced over to Justin.
“Yeah promise,” he licked his lips and shifted once again on his feet.
“Good,” Justin cut in and stepped in front of Tiffany. “Well you guys better head out then, so you can be back for the ceremony.”
“Uh, yeah we better,” Lance nodded and grabbed Joey’s arm, to pull him back towards the car. “We’ll see you guys tomorrow. And again sorry for being rude.”
Justin smiled at him and gave him a small nod, “Sure man no problems. Just make sure you’re back on time, I want you guys to be there.”
“Don’t worry,” Lance nodded and began backing up, dragging Joey with him. “We’ll be there.”

Tiffany watched in disappointment as the car pulled away again. She had truly hoped that when she’d heard the tyres outside it meant he had come back to stay for good and save her from this wedding. But he hadn’t, instead he had just pulled away again and she doubted that he would really come back.
“They’ll be back,” Justin’s voice whispered in her ear and forced her to move backwards as he took he hand and led her back into the house.
“I know,” she said, although she didn’t really know if she believed it and turned around to face him, taking one glance back. “I know.”