My two weeks in Florida were great and fun with a few bumps along the way. I won't complain about them though because they were very minuscule compared to what they could have been. BUT, life went on, as always. I hadn't spoken to any of the guys in about a month and a half, they were really working hard. As I already said, I admired their dedication and work ethic. Even among all that, Justin managed to get his diploma. I was so happy for him, I sent him a Congrats card. I'm proud he made it through.
Besides seeing them perform "It's Gonna Be Me" on the MTV Movie Awards, I was excited to see the guys on HBO for their Madison Square Garden special. I had heard nothing but praise about their show and I was glad that there was a chance for me to see it on television. It was about two weeks away, calendar marked, videotape ready, and everything. Yes, they were my friends and I saw them do this stuff in my sleep AND theirs, but deep down I was such an *NSYNC fangirl, I had to record everything they did. Oh, and because in 10 years I was SO going to break these puppies out and show it to them.
2000: New York....New York?!
As I was leaving my last class of the summer session, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I jumped slightly, turning around to see who it was. Whew, it was a fresh face. For some reason I always think I'm gonna be stopped by campus police.
"Oh, Montez, you scared me."
Chris smiled and placed his arm comfortably across my shoulder. God, he smelled like ice-capped mountains, waterfalls, and rain-forests. Was it even possible to smell like that? I don't know.
"I take offense to that, I'm a very non-scary person. See?" he said as he smiled innocently.
I chuckled. "You're very right, not threatening at all, whatsoever."
"That's cold."
I laughed as we continued to walk. We were walking through the parking lot like we owned it, and I'm sure we were pissing off very hurried students. I still had JC's old trusty jeep in my possession. It was my car, but still, he paid it off. I don't see why he won't let me trade it in or at least let me drive the car he has parked in his garage. Okay I never asked. I need to remember that.
"You glad the first half of summer session is done?" Chris asked as he leaned against my jeep.
"Oh god yes. I had to be the overachiever and take summer classes, but I'm glad it's over. I want the rest of my summer to do absolutely
nothing on my couch," I replied as I placed my things on the passenger and closed the door.
"Mind if we do absolutely nothing together?" Chris laughed.
"I dunno Montez. I don't think you can hang, chico," I teased.
"Oh ha ha. You seriously don't have any plans?"
I shook my head. "Nope. Unless my mom is hiding a secret vacation, which is complete bullshit, I am home for the rest of the summer. What about you? Staying in Cali?" I asked.
"Nope, going to Puerto Rico to visit my dad's family. I haven't seen them in a long while. My grandmother misses me," he replied.
"Wow, Puerto Rico, that sounds like fun in your pocket," I marveled.
"It is, but it's ten times better being with family. You've gotta go there."
"Chris, my Spanish is English. I'm not fluent enough to go to Puerto Rico or even San Diego, for that matter," I joked.
Chris laughed. "You can be such a clown sometimes. I'm saying that you should come with me the next time I go back."
That hit me in the face unexpectedly, nice and hard, too. Go with him? Was that okay to do?
"Really?" I asked.
"Yeah, my family would love to have you, I'm sure. I'll be sure to do damage control and let them know we're just friends and nothing else, but that won't save you from my cousins. Don't be shocked if they're trying to talk to you with chancletas on and New York accents," he mused.
I giggled. "Sounds like fun, thank you. Let's hope that I'll save enough money to go."
"I'M inviting YOU, I'll take care of everything when push comes to shove. All you have to do is show up."
"Are you sure that's all I have to do?" I cracked, eyebrows raised.
Chris bit his lip, shaking his head. He was such a shy dork sometimes.
"Contrary to belief, I'm a gentleman. I'd at least wait until you were in PR to make my move," he teased.
I smacked him in his arm and he laughed. "Perv."
"You like it. Anyway, I'll talk to you later, I have one more class to go." Chris hurried off across the lot.
"Peace out Montez! Thanks for walking me to my car!" I called.
He waved in response. I smiled and finally got in the jeep. I turned up the radio and to my surprise, the guys were on. I waited until I was out of the parking lot, before I began to blast "Bye Bye Bye" from my car speakers. A good way to REALLY start my summer.
When I got in the door, I dropped my stuff by the couch before plunging face first into it. I already knew my mom wasn't home from work yet, so I didn't have to worry about getting scolded for what I was doing. Good thing, too. I was already quite comfortable and didn't want to move yet.
RRRRRRRIIING!
And of course the phone would ring? Nature, what the hell? I sighed heavily and got off the couch, walking to the kitchen to fetch the phone off the charger.
"Home of the Whopper, what's your beef?" I greeted.
"Can I get a number 1, with no tomatoes, lots of onions, and a side of groupies?"
I rolled my eyes and laughed. "Pig. What’s up, Killpatrick?"
"I didn't get a chance to thank you for whatever you did that day on the bus," he replied.
"Oh, no problem dude. Anything for you," I said.
"Wait, that wasn't my thank you."
"What is, then?" I asked.
"A trip to New York."
My mouth fell open. Okay, I need to remember this is Christopher Kirkpatrick, also known as, Prank 1. Calm down, he's probably just playing another one of his tricks.
"Yeah right, dude. Come on, say the thank you."
"I'm serious!" he exclaimed.
"For real? What would I do in New York?" I asked.
"Come to our show and hang out with your favorite people on the planet. At least I'D better be," he replied.
Now, my mouth was back open. He'd better not be screwing with me. “Chris you know I've never seen you guys perform live before, don't joke about this."
He laughed. "I'm not, I swe— look, here's JC, he'll tell you."
"Hello?" JC greeted.
"C?"
"Come to New York, stop being a dork! Oh hey, that rhymed. Ahhh when I'm good, I'm good. We miss you Zee, come see us, please?"
"There was so much going on in that statement that I won't address now. But hell yeah, I'll come! I heard guys in The Bronx are hot."
"Yeah, I'm hanging up now."
I laughed. "I'm really coming to see you guys perform?"
"Yes, of course. This is our biggest moment, and we want you to be here. Besides Ms. Lynn threatened to kick us in the face or something if we didn't invite you to at least ONE show," JC teased.
"I don't know what to say. I'm so excited!"
"You don't have to say it, we know you're grateful. We'll send you the plane tickets next week. You should bring Chris."
Slick bastard.
"No, he won't be able to. He'll be in Puerto Rico. Nice try, though. I'm bringing my mom," I said, thanking nature twice for redeeming me.
"Yeah, I know. It was worth a shot. I can't wait to see my Mommy Camden," JC said.
"Heyy, what about Zee Zee Camden?" I asked.
"Who?"
"You punk," I laughed.
"Kidding Zee. Anyway, Chris is gonna call you when he sends the tickets. See you soon, mama."
I instinctively bit my lip, I loved when he called me 'mama', with his voice softened, but deep. Damn, even through the phone he's got me in knots.
"Bye, Jace."
I hung up and did the running man. Yes, one leg and everything. I'm going to NEW YORK!!!!
2000: New York, New York!
It's safe to say that I don't remember what happened those two weeks leading up to me seeing the guys live. Mostly because I wasn't joking about doing absolutely nothing on my couch for the summer. I slept, I ate, I showered, and on the occasion I danced around the house to burn off the calories I ate and directly slept on. Ooh, the life of an exciting 19-year old college student.
We landed at around 2 in the morning, I was completely jacked up from the time change. As my mom and I walked through the JFK Airport, I wasn't expecting any of the guys to be there greeting us. It was 2:30 and four days until the big show, I'm sure they all had to be eating their pillows right now.
"Hey Zahra, isn't that JC?" Mom asked.
I squinted my eyes, then opened them wide again. I don't know why, it didn't help a lick. I wasn't sure who it was, anyone could be JC this late.
"I don't know, Ma," I answered.
"I think it is, I can spot those eyes a mile away. If it was Justin, I would have seen his smile from the plane," she joked.
As we came closer to the male figure, I became more familiar with the body and facial structure, it sure was JC. My mom didn't even say 'I told you', she just went to hug JC. I rolled my eyes at what was taking place before me. Why doesn't she just move into his house and be his LA mother again? Sheesh. Nonetheless, I was surprised to see JC.
"Zahra," JC smiled as he bit his lip. He was wearing a baseball cap, a hooded sweatshirt, and a pair of sweats. Still, the man looked like heavenly perfection. I placed my arms around his neck and hugged him, while his arms wrapped tightly around my waist. His body engulfed mine, knowing that his scent was going to stick all over me. I didn't mind.
"JC, I'm surprised you're here. We don't call you Mr. Sleepy for no reason," I said as we pulled apart.
"I couldn't sleep."
I looked at JC as if he committed a sin. Josh having a hard time sleeping? I wonder what's weighing heavy on his mind. I waited for my mom to walk with JC's bodyguard and we lagged behind.
"You couldn't? Are you okay?" I asked.
"Now that you're here, I'm sure I'll be able to sleep just fine."
I glanced up at JC and gave him a small smile. He was disgustingly sweet, and I had an eager craving for some candy. I locked my arm around his as we strolled to baggage claim.
"You wanna share my room with me?" JC asked.
"Now you know that's like setting the entire building on fire. Don't ask me for the match," I replied.
JC laughed quietly. "I really do enjoy asking you things like that just to see what you'll come up with next."
I nudged him and went to grab my bag when it came into view. JC held his arm out in front of me, and stopped me.
"What are you nuts? You want all the moms to come after me because you wanna be Ms. I Can Get My Own Bags?" JC said.
I giggled and waited for him to grab my bag. We walked to the car, talking about the show and how it was going to turn out. JC was nervous, but he was ready, they all were. They'd worked too damn hard, there's no way they wouldn't be ready.
As we were in the back of the SUV, my mom was sitting in the front with the bodyguard, who was also driving. JC had his arm looped around my waist as I was laying on his chest, I was tired.
"Are you really into that guy?" JC asked.
That guy. JC knows his name is Chris, why must he do that? I'm a bit curious to see where this is going to go, though, so I'll humor him.
"I like him, yes. He's a very sweet and person. We have lots of fun together. Why are you asking?"
"I'm just wondering how serious things are between you and him," he replied.
"Being that we're in the beginning stages of things, it's not that serious yet," I said.
JC brushed his nose against the side of my face. I shivered at the feeling of his cool breath on my skin. I knew he was going to be good, since my mom was sitting not too far away. However, his finger trailed across my thigh.
"I wanna be able to kiss and touch you. Feel your body against mine," he whispered.
I shut my eyes, keeping myself calm. "Then you know what you have to do," I whispered back.
"I know. I want you so bad. I'm scared, Zahra."
Finally. JC finally admitted his fear to me. Didn't he know I was scared, too? I'm in love with him and his best friend. I'm terrified. Celeste had already told me JC was scared, but now I have it confirmed. He was scared, but of what?
"You are? Why?"
"Yes. Five years can be a lifetime when you're young. It shakes me to my core that I could feel such a way about someone."
"As time moves forward, five years will be so much closer together than you think." The truck pulled into a parking structure and began to slow as a parking space was found. "You have to learn to accept that I'll never be the same age as you are."
2000: Sunrises and Home-runs
I woke up, my second day in New York City, and looked over at the clock. 5:16. No way. My body was still getting used to the time change. I got up and I walked over to the window. The view was remarkable. The sun hadn't yet risen and I knew JC had a balcony, it'd be awesome if we sat out there and watched the sun rise.
I took off for the bathroom, washing my face and brushing my teeth. I pulled my hair back into a ponytail. I quickly slipped on my pair of Jordans, and wore basketball shorts over my boxers. I tip-toed out the hotel room, so not to wake my mom, and walked down the hall to JC's room. He gave me the extra key to get in. I quietly let myself in, cautious that he might be sleeping, and shut the door. I didn't see him in his bed, but I heard the shower going. I was going to let him know I was here, until I heard a small noise.
I crept quietly to the door, and eased it open a little bit more than it already was. I stayed, hunched over, to see what it was I'd heard. As I pushed myself a little more into the door frame, I heard JC breathing heavily. I wasn't sure what was going on until it became rhythmic. Oh....oh my God, he's... Is he? Shit. I wanted to shun myself and dash out of his hotel room, but I couldn't move. My feet were glued, one to the tile, the other to the carpet. As the water beat down, I listened to JC's quiet moans. I let myself be driven insane. As I was about to back away, I stopped in my tracks.
"Mmm....Zahra. Zahra...," JC moaned.
I slid down against the door, my body overcome with heat, passion, and most of all, flattery. He thought of me. He was thinking of me. Did he always think of me? Even when he was with her? I could feel my heart begin to race as JC was groaning and moaning out my name, coming closer to reaching his peak. I closed my eyes, picturing his body against mine, as his moans became short gasps. The loudest moan signaled he had hit his climax and would soon be completing his shower.
I quickly got up and pretended I had just come in. I knocked on the door softly. "Jace, it's me."
"I'll be out in a second," JC called breathlessly.
I kicked off my shoes, and sat on his bed, legs crossed, switching on a small lamp. I sighed, wishing I had put on a big t-shirt over my tank top. My nipples were hard. Ugh. Nature's revenge for invading JC's privacy. I already feel like I've stolen something. As I waited for JC to come out of the bathroom, I saw one of his notebooks open on the bed and picked it up. I knew it was where he'd put all his ideas for songs; he was a brilliant songwriter. Looking at the page, all I saw was a line written:
You can call me selfish, when all I want is your love
The words hit me and almost immediately, I tried to picture the words flowing melodically out of JC's mouth. I shook the thought, placing his notebook back down, as he walked into the room. I looked up and he sported a white undershirt and his boxer briefs. He was arms and legs, sporting a bulge I'm sure he didn't care to hide. Jesus.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be nosy," I said, referring to his notebook.
"It's okay, it isn't really anything private or else I wouldn't have left it lying around," he said as he climbed onto his bed, going under the sheets and blanket. I smirked.
"You took a shower just so you could go back to sleep?" I asked.
"I didn't get much rest. I still have a few hours until we're supposed to go rehearse, so yes, I sure did," he smiled.
I shook my head and got off his bed, walking over to the sliding door. I knew JC's eyes were on me, wondering what I was thinking about. Trying to be sure of what he, himself was thinking about.
"Come on, there's always room for one more," JC said as he moved over, pulling back the blanket and sheet.
I turned to look at him. God, he was gorgeous. Years down the line and it was almost impossible to fully grasp the Adonis before me. I smiled and walked back over to the bed. I took off my basketball shorts and placed them on the armchair before climbing in next to him. Not wanting to turn up the intensity, I didn't look his way. I kept my attention on the view outside the sliding door.
"It's beautiful, isn't it? Who would've thought those long hours in a hot, mucky warehouse could lead to this," JC mentioned.
"I know right? But you guys stuck it out and worked for it." I looked over at him. "I'm real proud of you."
He smiled bashfully. "Thank you. I'm glad my mom talked me into it. I'm glad you did, too."
"You wanted to go to college. Pfft. Not with that talent. You deserved a chance to show the world, again, what you've got. At first I didn't want you to leave, but once I understood that, I knew you had to."
"I know these past years have been a rollercoaster ride of emotions for us both, and through it all, I'm glad you've stuck by me...by us all. It's hard to keep trusting friends, being in such a position me and the guys are in," JC said.
"If we didn't go through a few loops, twists, turns, and drops, our friendship would be the biggest lie on the planet. We've shared a lot together."
"Yes, we have. I was hoping we could share more."
I scrunched up my face in confusion. "More? What else could we share?"
"Ourselves." JC watched me, his eyes saying so much more than he just did.
"Are you saying what I think you're saying?"
"I am," he whispered as his lips kiss my shoulder.
I shuddered at the feeling of his cool lips. Didn't he just get off two seconds ago and now he's worked up like that again? He moved closer to me, caressing my thigh as he kissed my neck. Guess that means yes. I finally release a breath, feeling the blood continue it's flow through my body.
"I don't think it's a good idea," I mumbled.
"Your body is saying otherwise right now," he whispered as he gestured toward my breasts.
"That was from earlier when I heard --" I stopped myself. Was I really about to snitch on myself? Starfish aren't even that damn stupid. And they don't have brains.
"Heard what?" JC asked.
"Nothing."
JC continued to kiss my neck and his hand began to rise up my thigh. I almost jumped thirty feet in the air. He wasn't playing fair, he can't use this kind of ammo. Damn him.
"Fine, fine!" I breathed. JC pulled away from me, watching and waiting for my response. "I heard you earlier. In the shower."
At first, JC took a second to register what I'd said and then his face turned red, revealing more than anything he needed to say. I saw a smile appear across his face. This was definitely one of those infamous confusing JC moments. What was he smiling for?
"Oh, um, about that. I knew," he finally said.
"You knew what?"
"I knew you were at the door listening."
A warm feeling rushed over me, of total embarrassment. I was caught, he knew. How could he have known? "Wh-- How?" I asked.
"I caught a glimpse of the door cracked open when I pulled back the curtain. No one else can get in here besides you and room service. Room service isn't open until around 7."
Now I felt beyond embarrassed. He caught me spying and thing is, he wouldn't have even told me he knew if I didn't sell myself out. Karma is one slick bitch, she wasted no time in getting back to me.
"I'm sorry, I just..." I tried to explain.
"It's fine. I called out for you, hoping you would come in," JC said, both of us staring at one another. "This is up to you, Zahra. I'm here no matter what."
I looked away, finally understanding in full, what he meant. I gently placed my hands on each side of his face and pulled him down to my lips. His tongue brushed past my lower lip and our innocent kiss was easily deepened. Our foreheads touched as our lips pulled apart, gazing at one another, wishing that closing my eyes could help whatever I wanted to stop. It seemed inevitable now. I didn't want to end up regretting anything, no matter if I went along with it or didn't. But I feel something insane for him.
"Go slow," I whispered, looking up into his eyes.
JC's reaction was a kiss that sent my hormones through the roof. He laid back on his pillow and I watched as he pulled off his boxer briefs, still under the blanket. I heard him rip a condom packet and move around next to me. My eyes immediately shot to the ceiling, the nerves were kicking in. Still, I didn't hesitate to do the same as JC and take off my bottoms. JC handed me a towel and instructed me to place it under me, just in case. So, I wasn't that nervous before, but NOW? I'm scared out of my wits.
"Sit up," JC soothed.
I'm not sure why I needed to, but I did it anyway and he did the same. JC placed his hand on my stomach, toying with the edge of my tank top. I was expecting him to be taking full charge, but JC was as nervous as I was. Almost hesitant, even. Finally, he lifted my top up over my body and threw it toward the armchair behind me. He took a moment to familiarize himself with my body, running his finger across my bare skin. He reached for my head, pulling the ponytail out of my hair. My straightened hair fell on my shoulders, JC gently ran his fingers through it.
"You're beautiful," he said quietly.
I couldn't understand why he was prolonging the act, when in fact, he was watering at the mouth and practically yearning for us to break a bed. But then it struck me, just like before. Intimacy? JC never expressed to me that he just wanted to have sex, it was always making
love. Always. I slowly took off his undershirt, reaching for his chin and planting my lips on his. He laid me down on my back, his body positioning between my legs. I was nervous, I was scared, but I never felt so safe. He waited, just holding my gaze; he was nervous, he was scared. I grazed my fingers through his hair, placing both hands on his back.
JC rubbed his erection up and down, between my folds, causing me to gasp softly. He got the exact bodily response from me that he needed. He positioned himself closer, and then slowly entered inside me. Instantly a small pain shot from my center, all the way up and through my entire body. I winced and gripped his back, whimpering at the slight feeling of discomfort.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah," I sighed.
JC's lips find mine as he continued the slow push and pull of our love making. He kissed away the tears that formed in my eyes, unsure where the emotions were coming from. After a few minutes, I soon found that JC was beginning to feel really good between my thighs. So good. I closed my eyes, feeling his tongue across my skin, hearing the manly, breathy moans I could only fantasize about hearing before.
I bit down on my lip, loving how his body is caressing my insides. I cried out when his teeth sank into my skin, and he liked it. With his body hovering over mine, he trailed his tongue up my chin, sinking his teeth into my lip, causing another moan to escape my lips. I rubbed my fingers down his skin and grabbed onto his backside, wanting to force him further into me, as we were being turned on listening to one another's heavy breathing. I gasped, closing my eyes while he filled me. I moaned his name softly, pulling his hips closer as I listened to the naughty things he whispered into my ear.
The minutes seemed to pass too quickly as the sky was now a bright pink-lavender, with the pale yellow sun barely peaking through the New York City skyscrapers. JC's hair was drenched, my own deeply damp in sweat, his fingers digging into the bedding as he was propped up on his arms, rocking back and forth. The way his body rolled into mine, made my toes curl as I felt my core starting to burst open. Picking up very little speed since we'd started, JC was hellbent on making sure I felt every inch of him. I was quietly moaning, cursing with each second I was closer to my first actual climax.
I dug my fingers into his back, signaling to him that I was near, and from the red his face was flushed with, I could tell he was right there with me. Our moans began to rise, forcing ourselves into one another and shaking the entire bed. I widened my legs, feeling him go deeper. Smack. The climax had taken over our bodies. The sound JC made was by far the sexiest moan to ever grace my ears and it was a domino effect. I felt like I was having a seizure because this feeling, at this level of intensity, was so foreign to my body. Our lips found each other as we rode the wave together.
Out of breath, sweaty, and tired, JC collapsed down next to me. He threw his arm across my waist, bringing our bodies close. I kept my head against the pillow, his head was laid across my arm. We watched as the sun came up and lit up the hotel room. JC and I made love. That same JC who was Mr. Cool on MMC and never used to pay my antics any mind, had sex with me.
Yet, all that crossed my mind was Celeste advised me to not let JC be my first. I still don't know the real reasoning behind it.
Author's Chapter Notes:
I finished my Awe Aug entries a few days ago, way faster than I expected, so...here's the update I've been itching to post. I'm also ready to post my Awe Aug stuff, too....lol. Anyway, I may be losing out on the internet sometime soon, but I hope to get stuff posted no matter what. Thanks for the lovely reviews, and enjoy.
:]
**I shortened the chapter, it was just way too long. I'll add the other part to the next chapter.
Story Tags: friendsturnedlovers mmcera firsttime tourj nsasync tour jealous triangles roommates hotel otherwoman debutsync presync tourjc jc justin friendswithbenefits cheaterjc
