"So what do you think I should do?" Ashley asked her best friend's opinion. She had just told Cassy of Lance's request of her. Ok, so it wasn't so much a request as it was just asking her to do a big favor for the both of them. Cassy just wasn't sure how to tell Ashley she didn't want her to go without making her feel bad?
"You should do whatever it is that your heart is telling you." Cassy said simply before standing up and making her way to the kitchen for a drink. She suddenly was feeling quite parched.

"Well that tells me a lot Cassy! I don't know what my heart is telling me."

"You love him. If you want to go down there, then do it." Cassy was trying to make it sound like there was nothing to it. Too bad it was hurting her to know her best friend in the whole world would be leaving. "Cassy, I do want to go down there. More than anything."

"Well then that settles it."

"No it doesn't."

"What do you mean?"

"Cassy, we promised that we'd both get out of here. Together. We were going to move down to
Orlando some day when we had the money."

"Well plans change." There was a silence between the two women.

Ashley couldn't take it any longer, She had to know just how Cassy really felt about her moving in
with Lance. Would it kill their friendship? "Tell me truthfully. How do you feel about me moving in with him?"

Sighing, Cassy turned around and leaned against the counter. Crossing her arms across her
chest, she replied. "In all honesty? Without you getting mad?" Ashley just nodded. "Fine. I think
it's too soon. I know you two love each other and it's quite obvious you two are meant for each
other, but it's only been, what? A month? Almost two? You two have no idea how the other lives!
Your lifestyles could completely clash and it could just not work out. Myself personally, I would
say no. But that's just me."

Ashley just nodded in understanding. Cassy really didn't like the idea of her moving down to
Orlando to be with Lance. If Ashley was

completely honest with herself, she too thought it was a little soon to make this type of
commitment. They just didn't know that much about how the other lived. Could she really see
herself moving in with him now?

~3 Days Later~

Cassy was just laying on her bed writing when her phone began to ring. After the fourth ring, it was quite obvious Ashley wasn't picking it up and they weren't giving up. So leaning over, Cassy sighed into the receiver. "Hello?"

"Hey Cat!"

"Christopher, it is too early in the morning for you to be that hyper."

"You know me. Always awake!"

"I suppose. So to what do I owe this pleasure?"

"I was just wondering when you were going to sell that apartment up in Buffalo and come down
here to live with me?"

"Chris, I don't know. I mean, I don't really have anything tying me to Tonawanda, but I just don't
think I could leave right now."

"And why not? I know you want me. So come and get me." Cassy couldn't help but to burst out
laughing at that comment. Chris could always cheer her up. "Nice to know you find me funny."

"Oh I love you Chris. But I really wouldn't have anywhere to stay."

"Yes you would."

"And where would that be?"

"With me silly!" There was a long pause and Chris thought she hung up or something. "Cass? You
there? Hello!"

"Yeah I'm here."

"What's wrong?" He noticed she was being a little too quiet for his Kitty Cat.

"Ok, if I actually said I'd move down there, where would I keep my stuff? And my dogs? And
would Ashley ever forgive me for being a hypocrite?"

"Why are you a hypocrite?"

"Lance asked her to move in with him. And I blew up at her saying basically she shouldn't go. I
mean, she brought it up that it was our original plan to move there together, but I think she got
the hint that I didn't want her to go."

"Do you want her to stay or go?"

"I want her to do whatever will make her happy."

"Do you think you'll lose her friendship if she moves eight states away?"

"I don't know." Cassy answered truthfully after a long pause. "If she stays, it's only because she
thinks I'm mad at her and she won't be happy and I'll more than likely lose her that way. But if
she does agree to move in with him, then I might never see her again. It's a lose lose situation,
Chris."

"Not if you come down here too!" Cassy thought about it and figured Chris was right. She
wouldn't lose her best friend that way.

"You're right. Dammit Chris! You're supposed to be the funny one! Not the one that makes me
think. That's JC‘s job!" Cassy laughed into the phone. Chris thought it was good to hear her
sweet laugh again.

"So does that mean you're coming down here then?"

"Yes. I guess it does."

"Good! Now, the second reason I called. What's up with you and C?"

Cassy nearly choked on her water. "Excuse me? What's up with us?"

"Don't act dumb, Cassy. I know there's a thing between you two."

"Chris." She sighed into the phone. "The only thing going on between us is friendship. It doesn't
go beyond that."

"Right. And you don't want it to either I'm guessing?"

Cassy's mind was racing. Should she tell Chris she thought of JC as more than a friend ever since
day one and risk him slipping that bit of information to him? No. Chris would never do that to her.
They were too close. Chris was the best one of the group to keep his secrets. "I never said that,
Chris."

"Ah-ha! I knew you liked him! Does he know? Does anyone know? Does he like you too?" He
started spouting off millions of questions Cassy really didn't know the answers to.

"Whoa! Chris! First of all, only you and Ashley know now. Second, I would think that he liked me
back after that one night, but I'm not so sure."

"Why n...whoa whoa whoa! After what now?"

Cassy dropped her face in her hands. Why had she said that? She should have known Chris
would take it entirely the wrong way. "Relax Chris. It's nothing like that. Just when we were still
down there in Orlando for the fourth of July weekend, when I babysat Brianna for Joey and Kelly,
JC showed up. He kept me company after I had put her to bed." Cassy paused to make sure
Chris was still paying attention to her. He was known to have a quite short attention span. Him
telling her to go on told her she did. "Ok, so we were watching a movie and fighting over who
was better. John Travolta or Olivia Newton-John. I still say John Travolta, but whatever. Then we
get into this popcorn war and the next thing I know he's on top of me kissing me. And this wasn't
just an ordinary kiss either. This was like a full on make out session we were having. Thank god
Joey called and interrupted us when he did or god knows what could have happened."

There was a long silence before Chris decided to put in his two cents worth. "Cassy. There's
something you should know."

"Ok."

"See, JC isn't the kind of guy who just goes around kissing anyone trying to get in their pants.
He's real. And only dates real girls. And the only time he'd kiss a girl out of nowhere is if he were
in love with her."

"So what you're saying is he's in love with me?"

"Maybe."

"Right Chris. ‘Cause you know he'd fall for an ordinary ugly girl from Tonawanda, New York."

"Listen to me right now, Cassy! You are anything but ugly and ordinary. And you are just what he
needs in his life right now! I don't know if you noticed, but ever sense you came walking into his
life, he has been a million times happier than he has been in a long time. His eyes have that
extra sparkle, his face lights up whenever your name is even mentioned! Face it girl. That boy is
head over heels in love with you. It'd take a blind fool not to see that."

~*~

"Ashley? You home?" Cassy called out to her roommate as she entered the
apartment.

"I'm in my room." She heard her reply. Walking down the hallway, Cassy knocked on the
bedroom door before entering.

"Hey."

"Hey." Looking down at the young woman watching the television, Cassy spoke. "I've been
thinking. All I want is for you to be happy. And if that means going down to Orlando to move in
with Lance, then that's it. And I was also thinking about moving down there myself."

"Really?" Ashley whole face lit up at that statement. Cassy nodded in reply.

"Chris said I could move in with him until I find my own place and get a job at a hospital or
something."

"That's great. But I've been thinking too. And I don't think I'm ready to move in with Lance just
yet. But if you don't mind, I'd like to move down there with you."

"You're sure? This has nothing to do with what I said does it?"

"Cassy, you should know me well enough by now to know that I don't listen anyway." Cassy and
Ashley laughed. It felt so good to be normal with her again.

Chapter 12
(1 month later)

In a month's time everything for Ashley and Cassy had changed. Both were now moving to
Florida so they could be with their new friends. After saying goodbye to their friends and family in
Buffalo, the girls took off for the wild and exciting ride they were sure they were to have down in
their new homes. It was hard saying goodbye to the only home either had ever known, but it was
for the better. Cassy could get a great job at a near by hospital now that she was done with
school and Ashley could finish up her schooling.

Cassy walked into their apartment, which was usually clean but now had boxes everywhere. She
had just returned from her parents' house. She wanted to spend a little more time with them
before they left for their new home in two days. "Ashley!"

"In here Cassy." Cassy went straight to Ashley's room where was going through some boxes of
old photos.

"Cassy do you remember when we took this picture?" Handing the picture to Cassy, she couldn't
help but to laugh. It was of them in their nsync gear when they were nothing but teenyboppers.

"Oh my god yes! It was our first nsync concert at the HSBC arena. And you said that you would
do anything to meet them." Staring at the picture, Cassy realized that their dreams of meeting
them came true. And turned out even better then they thought.

"Yeah, well what cant I say? I was obsessed with them then, and now I'm obsessed with one."

"Oh I know"

The two giggled like little kids and started looking at their pictures together over their decade of
friendship that was growing stronger with every day. The two girls were so wrapped up in their
little stroll down memory lane; they barely heard the phone ringing. Ashley leaned over and
grabbed the cordless.

"Hello?"

"Hey sweetie, what you up to?" Ashley smiled at the soft deep voice and right away Cassy knew
it was Lance. Rolling her eyes and making a gagging noise, Cassy continued to look through the
photographs.

"Nothing really. Just Cassy and I are looking at some of old pictures from over the years."

"Cool. So u ready to move down here?"

"Yes, I am. I can't wait to be near you again."

"Will you please reconsider living with me?" Ashley could hear the sadness in his voice. A couple
weeks earlier Ashley had told him she wasn't ready to move in with him yet. He didn't let it show,
but everyone could tell he was very disappointed about it.

"Baby I don't know. What if we get mad at each other for the way each other lives? I don't want
that to hurt our relationship."

"But we love each other! And if we love each other as much as I think we do then we can live
with how the other lives. I know it would work." Lance sighed into the phone. "Unless you really
don't love me as much as I think you do."

"Lance, you take that back right now! Do not even try to start with me about that! You know I
love you more than anything. I'm just not ready yet!" Ashley practically yelled into the phone.
How dare he question her love for him? He of all people, well, maybe besides Cassy, should know
just exactly how much she truly loved him.

"I'm sorry, Ash. It's just I've been under a lot of stress with my company and this movie we're
filming now, and I miss my girlfriend. I just want to know that while I'm thinking of going home, I
know that there's someone to go home to. Not just my dog. Someone who loves me and is
waiting for me to return. And I want that person to be you, Ashley." Now how the hell was Ashley
supposed to say no to that? Exactly. She couldn't. And you want to know why? Because she
wanted the exact same things.

"Lance," Ashley sighed into the phone and he closed his eyes waiting for her to say to him once
again. "I can't say no to what you just said so I think you know my answer."

"Are you serious?" Lance asked with a smile on his face. Ashley could see it all the in Buffalo. He
hadn't been this in love with anyone ever since his first love. But first loves never seem to last, do
they? And he hoped he could be in love with her for the rest of his life. Lance was not going to let
anyone, or anything get in the way of that.

"Hun, I have a beep hold on, ok?"

"No it's ok, I have to go anyway. I'll talk to you later."

"Ok. Love you."

"Love you too, bye." Ashley switched over to the other line.

"Hello?"

"Hey Ashley. Is Cassy around?"

"Yeah. Hold on a sec, JC."

Cassy whipped around from where she was standing when she heard JC's name uttered from
Ashley's mouth. Ashley handed the phone to Cassy with a smirk before walking off into another
room.

"Hey C, how are you?"

"I'm good. How's my kitty cat?"

"Good." Cassy said smiling through the receiver. She reached over for her glass of water and
knocked it down all over herself. "Shit! JC, can I call you right back? I just spilled my drink all over me."
"OK." She hung with JC and went into the bathroom to grab a towel. Going back into the room,
she bent over to clean up what didn't land on her. After quickly changing, Cassy called JC's cell
phone back.

"Sorry about that, JC." Cassy said when she heard him answer.

"Hey. Who is this?" Another male voice answered back. Immediately Cassy knew that it wasn't
JC. She thought it kind of sounded a lot like Justin, but she wasn't sure. Who could be? She never
spoke to him in person, let alone over the phone. After a silence, the man asked, "You gonna tell
me who you are and how you got this number?

"That depends."

"On what?"

"On who you are and why you have JC's phone."

"Oo, sassy."

"Damn straight! Now, you gonna answer my questions?"

Laughing into the phone, he gave in to her little game. "Justin. And I think you already know the
answer to that second question." So Cassy was right. It was the only member of the famous boy
band she had not met yet. Well now she couldn't say that anymore now could she?

"Yeah I'm gonna say you're over his house raiding him of food and beer. Or anything alcoholic
you can get your hands on."

"Very good, ma'am. Now, your turn to answer my question."

"Cassy."

"Ahh yes. The mystery girl he's been talking about non-stop ever since his show in Buffalo. I was
wondering when I'd get the pleasure of meeting you." Ok so apparently he's been talking about
me, a lot. Cassy thought silently.

"Well now that you have, where's is the man in question?"

"He had to take a shit."

"Ok, so did not need to hear that." Cassy closed her eyes in disgust before hearing Justin laugh.
‘Wow, he really has a nice laugh.' Cassy thought before she could stop herself.

"I'm just joking. He got a call from Johnny he had to take about his tour. He asked me to pick up
his cell for him if it started ringing."

"Ok." Cassy was really at a loss of words right now. What did you say to a man you use to be
totally obsessed about? But now you like his best friend way more? And on a completely different
level?

"So tell me about yourself, Cassy." She felt chills run up her spine when he said her name.

"What do you want to know? I'm just boring ol' Cassy from Buffalo."

"Well JC obviously finds something about you interesting. Speaking of, he talks about you a lil too
much. Are you sure you guys are just friends?"

"God! Why the hell is everyone asking me this shit?" She yelled out in frustration. "First Kelly,
then Joey, then Ashley, then Chris and Lance and now you! Ugh! For the millionth time to
everyone! No. We are not dating, nor do we have anything that even remotely resembles those
feelings toward one another. And yes! We are just friends!" Ok, so they all heard it, but who was
Cassy really trying to convince this of? Them, or herself?

"Cassy."

"What?" She sighed.

"Who are you trying to convince? Me and the guys, or yourself?" Wasn't she just thinking the exact same thing? And who the hell did he think he was to ask her this? The all mighty Justin Timberlake? Well news flash, you're not that great!

Just when Cassy was about to open her mouth and really let him have it, she heard JC's voice.
"Man, you better not be terrorizing anyone I like."

"Shut up! I'm not terrorizing her."

"Her? Gimme my phone." JC said, trying to pull his cell away from Justin.

"Ok, Ok. Geez. Don't get your panties in a twist. It was nice talking to you, Cassy." Justin said
before handing the baby his phone back.

"Cassy?" He asked hopefully.

"Hey."

"Hey. Will you stop it and go away!" JC yelled to Justin. He was standing in front of him making
kissy noises and stupid sayings like ‘oh Cassy I love you! I want you to have my babies!' And
quite frankly, it was annoying. But it didn't seem so bad once he heard Cassy's sweet laugh on
the other end.

"So, why'd you call me? Did you need something?"

" No just wanted to talk, see how the packing is going."

"It's going good. We're almost done. We're leaving in a couple days so we couldn't be happier."

"I'm happy too, did Lance convince Ashley to live with him yet?"

"I think he did tonight. I was sitting in her room looking at pictures and I heard her say she
would."

" I see. We'll have to go out when you get here. Show you guys the good places around
Orlando."

"Sounds like fun." Hell, anytime with them is fun.

"Yeah. Well, I hate to do this but I got an early day tomorrow so I guess I'll talk to you later?"

"Ok. Good night, JC. Sweet dreams."

"Thank you. Good night, kitty cat."

They both hung up and JC went into the kitchen where Justin was raiding the fridge.

"I think we should throw a surprise welcoming party for them when they move down in a couple
days." JC said getting a bottle of water from the refrigerator and then sitting at the table.

"Sounds like fun to me." Justin said joining him.

"Justin, anything that has to do with a party sounds like fun to you."

"Shut up." He said, throwing a grape at his face. "When do they get here?"

"Friday so I'm gonna have to go shopping for some shit for a barbeque or something."

"Here, I'll call the guys and some other people tomorrow so maybe the girls will know people
other than us."

"Alright, sounds like a plan."

"Yeah. Well, I'll see you later, man. I know you have a long day tomorrow."

"Yeah. See ya later." They did their manly hug before Justin left. You know the one. Where they
hold hands and do that half of a hug thing they do. Anyway, Justin left and JC was stuck tossing
and turning all night. His head was filled with thoughts of Cassy and whether or not he was going
to attempt telling her she stole his heart away again.

CHAPTER 13

As Cassy and Ashley exited their plane, they were both looking around for someone to pick them
up. They weren't fully expecting all the guys to be there, especially since Lance was supposed to
be filming, Justin was supposedly in Australia, and JC was attempting to tour. But they couldn't
have been happier.

Cassy immediately hugged Lance, JC, Chris, and Joey hello, as did Ashley. Cassy felt a little
intimidated as she made her way to meet the one man she hadn't had the pleasure of meeting
yet, face to face anyway.

"You must be Cassy I presume." Justin smiled warmly at the young woman, holding out his hand
to her.

"You presume right." Cassy smiled back, giving him a firm handshake.

From a once over, Justin could easily see why JC was into this girl. She was dressed comfortably
in a pair of black sweat pants and a white hoodie that looked a few sizes too big for her. Her dark
brown locks laid freely around her face which held no make-up. She was definitely cute, but was
she JC's type? She looked just a little too innocent for him. Come to think of it, Cassy kind of
reminded Justin of Lucy, Britney Spears' character from Crossroads. Jesus! Now he was
comparing people to his ex? She had to stop invading his mind.

"It's nice to meet you."

"Likewise. I was beginning to wonder when I'd get to meet the fifth member."

"Well now you don't have to wonder anymore. Welcome to Orlando."

"Thank you." There's that damn smile again. Maybe that's why JC liked her so much. Her smile
was just entrancing. He couldn't tear his eyes away from her when she smiled. It was a big one
everytime. Each time she smiled, it reached her eyes and you knew this was not the fake girl
type they were all so use to.

The next thing Cassy knew, Chris had bounced over to her and wrapped his arm around her neck
pulling her towards some hallway. "Come on, Cass. I wanna get you moved in so we can par-tay!
Whoo!" Cassy stepped away from the old man and began to laugh histerically.

"I don't know this man!" She laughed, pointing to the grown man dancing in the middle of the air
port.

"Neither do we." JC smirked.

The group made their way back to the guys' car waiting for them all. First, the driver dropped
Lance and Ashley off at his home. Then he took the rest of them to Chris' home, where Cassy
would be staying until she found an apartment of her own.

Each carrying a bag (she was sure to bring all of her clothes since she wasn't sure when the truck
would arrive with her belongings) of clothes up to the large house, Chris unlocked the front door
so they all piled in after him. After lugging the bags all up to the room Cassy was to be staying in,
the group went into the game room to hang out and relax for a while.

After about an hour, Cassy had had enough. It was about ninety degrees outside and it seemed
to be about one hundred inside. "Damn Chris, I thought you were only thirty-one."

"I am."

Standing up, taking her hoodie off, Cassy said, "Well then why the hell is it so damn hot in here?
I thought only old people liked the heat."

"Oh." Chris smiled sheepishly. "I had to turn the air off last night and I forgot to turn it back on.
Sorry guys."

Cassy plopped back down onto the couch and Justin couldn't take his eyes off of her the entire
time Chris was gone. She was in just a pair of low-ride sweat pants and a small pink tank-top
that showed off her figure. This was definitely not the same girl in the pictures the guys had
showed him. That girl was fat and, in his opinion, sort of ugly. He had no idea why they liked her
so much. But now, looking at her in the flesh, she was this thin, pretty woman with a killer body.
Come to think of it, JC did mention something about her losing weight but Justin had no idea you
could lose that much. He already got a sense of how her mind worked. She was a sassy, sarcastic
girl who didn't seem like the type to take anyone's crap. Which he highly admired in a girl.

Justin snapped out of his thoughts when Chris came back into the room speaking to Cassy. "So,
Cassy. Ever play X-box?"

"Nope. The only systems I've played are, well basically everything but X-box." She smiled warmly
at him.

"Game cube?" Justin asked, raising an eyebrow her way. Locking eyes with him, Cassy replied.
"When you grow up with nothing but boys, you sort of become an expert at all systems from
family gatherings, Justin. But I'd have to say, my best game is Mario Kart."

"Oh you shouldn't have said that."

"Why not?"
"That's my game. No one can beat me. They've all tried, but I'm still the champion."

"You know, you really remind me of my brother, Mike."

"And why's that?"

"He thinks he's the shit."

"This kind of sounds like a challenge. Dost thou dare to challenge the Mario Kart king?"

"I don't know. Dost thou dare to challenge the Mario Kart queen?" She retorted.

"Get your ass over there!" Cassy complied and they both moved over to the TV and began their
competition. About an hour later the doorbell rang and Chris ran to answer it. It was Lance and
Ashley and as soon as Ashley saw Justin and her best friend racing, she began laughing.

"Boy, I can't believe your dumbass thought you could beat her at this game. She's too good." And
Ashley was right. Every race they played, Cassy kicked his ass at. And Justin whined every single
time. ‘What a soar loser.' Cassy thought to herself. Looking over at her friend, Cassy found it odd
that she was wearing what she was.

"Hey, Ash. Why are you so dressed up?"

"I don't know. Lance just said we were all going out tonight."

"Oh crap! That's right! I almost forgot. We all gotta get ready."

"Wait, ready for what?"

"You'll see." JC smiled at her and she melted right then and there. Grabbing her hand, JC pulled
her up. "Go get ready. And dress nice."

Cassy just smiled at the guys and she and Ashley went up to her room so she could shower and
get ready.

After taking a shower, Cassy dried her hair and styled it, then did her make-up. "So any idea
where we're going so I know what to wear?" Cassy asked Ashley.

"All I could get out of Lance was that it was a party place. So I figured it was a night club and he never denied it so." She shrugged.

Nodding her head, Cassy went over to the door and yelled to Chris. "Hey Chris! We're going to a
club, right?" She sounded as though she were just making sure.

"Yeah!" Chris yelled back up. Cassy could hear him cursing himself. The girls weren't supposed to
know that, and she deliberately tricked him. Cassy should feel horrible about that. Too bad.

"You're bad, Cassy."

"Eh, whatcha gonna do?" Cassy shrugged before laughing. After picking out an outfit and getting
dressed, it was already nine-thirty and Chris was knocking on the bedroom door asking if she was
ready yet. "I'm comin', I'm comin'. Don't get your panties in a twist." Cassy teased as she opened
the bedroom door. "Let's go." Cassy wrapped her arm with Chris' and Ashley did the same with
Lance's.

The group arrived at the flashy club and met up with JC outside. He said everyone was already
inside. "Everyone?" Cassy asked unsurely.

"Don't worry. It's just a small welcoming party for you girls." Cassy smiled as JC put his arm
around her for comfort. But she was still unsure about this. Yes, she loved parties just as much
as the next girl, but she didn't feel like it much tonight. It was just something about being drunk
with JC again. She really didn't think JC would take advantage of her, but she really just didn't
trust herself alone with him. He had this overpowering effect on her she couldn't control. And
quite frankly, it scared her. Only one guy had that effect on her and that just didn't end too
pretty.

Taking a deep breath, Cassy pushed all her doubts aside and entered the enormous club. Tonight
she would party and have fun until the sun came up. Or the club closed, either way she was
going to have a lot of fun with her new found friends. And she did. Not even two hours passed
and Chris and Justin had her bass ackwards drunk. If not, close to it.

Toxic began to blast from the speakers and Cassy tried getting Justin to dance with her. But the
stubborn ass that he is, wouldn't give in. Cassy said something about him never being able to get
over Britney breaking his heart, something she most definitely would regret in the morning, and
pulled JC out on the dance floor. All the while JC and Cassy were grinding along with the music,
Justin couldn't take his eyes off her. She looked so gorgeous in her black knee-length dress than
spun up around her hips when she spun. Her hair was down around her face in loose curls, one
bang hiding half of her right eye. She had on dark eye make-up with dark red lip-stick. From first
glance, the woman looked like a killer, but really wasn't. This woman really reminded Justin of a
lot of different women he noticed. Tonight she reminded him a lot of the woman after the
Backstreet Boys in their video for The Call. Not that he ever saw it much. She had that mysterious look about. And Justin promised himself he would find out the mystery that is Cassy Tonaus.

Baby can't you see
I'm callin'
A guy like you should wear a warnin'
It's dangerous
I'm fallin'
There's no escape
I can't wait
I need a hit
Baby give me it
You're dangerous
I'm lovin' it
Too right, can't come down
Whose in my head spinnin' round and round?
Do you feel me now?
With a taste of your lips I'm on a ride
You're toxic I'm slippin' under
The taste of the boys of paradise
I'm addicted to you
Don't you know that you're toxic?
And I love what you're doin'
Don't you know that you're toxic?

As Cassy danced with JC, she couldn't help but to think of how the song sort of represented her feelings toward the man. Besides the whole drug seeming issue, it was quite true. She had only kissed him once, but she was on a high for days. The man had a hold on her, with one touch she turned to putty in his hands. Maybe that was a bad thing, but it was true. And she was sure with just a few more touches he would certainly know that, if he didn't already. JC Chasez was definitely toxic to Cassy Tonaus, but a good toxic, if there ever was one.

It's gettin' late to give you up
I took a sip
From my devil's cup
So lonely
It's takin' over me
Too right, can't come down
It's in the air and it's all around
Can you feel me now?
With a taste of your lips I'm on a ride
You're toxic I'm slippin' under
The taste of the boys of paradise
I'm addicted to you
Don't you know that you're toxic?
And I love what you're doin'
Don't you know that you're toxic?
Don't you know that you're toxic?

At the first glimpse of her best friend basically riding JC out on the dance floor, Ashley dug her camera out of her purse and took a few pictures of them. Cassy was on JC's hips, arm raised in the air looking wild as anyone could get. She had a huge smile on her face and she was just having the time of her life. Ashley only hoped Cassy didn't take it too far.

Taste of your lips I'm on a ride
You're toxic I'm slippin' under
The taste of the boys of paradise
I'm addicted to you
Don't you know that you're toxic?
With the taste of your lips I'm on a ride
You're toxic
I'm slippin' under
With a taste of the boys of paradise
I'm addicted to you
Don't you know that you're toxic?
Intoxicate me now
With your lovin' now
I think I'm ready now
Intoxicate me now
With your lovin' now
I think I'm ready now

By the time the night was over, Cassy was tripping over everything that was in her path, including some that were not. Chris had had a few too many too so he was incapable of seeing that Cassy made it to bed alright, so JC took it upon himself to get them both home safely. Of course JC was a little tipsy as well, but no where near as bad as the rest of the group. Lonnie, Mike, and Dre (their bodyguards) each took a few people. Lonnie got JC, Chris, and Cassy, Mike got Justin and some girl he picked up, and lucky Dre got Joey and the two love birds, Lance and Ashley.

Lonnie made sure Chris got into his bed alright before telling JC he would meet him back in the car. JC helped Cassy into her room and was fully planning on leaving when she spoke to him.

"Do you find me attractive, JC?"

"Of course I do. Why wouldn't I?" JC was a little confused as to why she would bring this up, and now of all times. He thought that was blatantly obvious.

"Then why haven't you made a move or something? I see the way you look at me. All the glances
you throw my way when you think no one's looking. I can tell you want something form me, you
just don't know how to go about getting it."

"Oh yeah?" He asked challengingly.

Cassy walked up to JC slowly, trying not fall over yet again and whispered to him. "You shouldn't
have to wait any longer. It's not fair to little junior there, is it?"

"What...?" JC tried to get out, but was cut rather short when Cassy's hungry lips were on his own.
He tried to protest at first, his mind insisting this wasn't right, but he eventually fell into the kiss.
Her body just felt too damn good up against his, and the curves of her mouth seemed to be a
perfect match for his own.

JC turned them around and pushed Cassy up against the wall. Somewhere between her wrapping
her legs around his hips, gyrating them into his growing bulge, and JC reaching for the place he
knew she desperately wanted him, he came to his senses and pulled away.

"What are you doing?" Cassy asked, breathless as JC stumbled away backwards.

"I can't do this."

"And why the hell not?" Cassy said angrily, her voice raising with each word. JC looked at the
woman trying to make her way over to him, stumbling over her own two feet. Having to grab the
wall so she wouldn't fall to the floor.

"Look at you, Cassy! You're stumbling and slurring like crazy! This isn't right."

"Oh, so now you're mister high and mighty?" Ouch. Okay, so that was a low blow. But who the
hell did he think he was for saying to her that this wasn't right when she was sure he had done
this many times with countless girls from countless bars and clubs? "I'm not good enough for
you. That's why you're refusing me, isn't it?"

"What? Cassy, no that's not it at all." Where was this coming from? She had just said moments
earlier that she knew he wanted her, badly. So how could she say this about him now?

"Then what is it? Here I am. Standing right here before you, ripping my clothes off. I am yours
for the taking, JC, and you refuse to have me. So what else am I suppose to think?" Oh lord, she
was crying now. If there was one thing JC really couldn't handle, it was a crying woman. And to
know he was responsible for those tears being there, well that just made it ten times worse.

"Cassy, this just isn't right. You know how much I want you. You just said it not five minutes ago!
But when, and if that moment happens, it won't be like this. You're way too drunk and I'm a little
tipsy. Don't you want it to be special?"

"Special my ass." Cassy mumbled, covering up her exposed top half. "You just want it whenever
it's convenient for you." She snapped harshly.

"Kitty Cat...."

"Just get out, JC."

"What? Cassy, I..."

"Go!" When he showed no signs of leaving Cassy began to yell and scream. "Just leave! OK? I
don't want you here! Get out! Go! Leave me alone!" When she started pushing him and shoving
him out the door, JC finally decided to leave and let her sleep it off. He would speak to her
tomorrow. She definitely needed some cool down time.

"I'll call you tomorrow, Cassy."

"The hell you will." Cassy growled lowly before slamming the door in JC's face. As soon as she
knew he was gone, Cassy fell to the floor in a fit of crying hysterics. What had she just done?

CHAPTER 14
A/N: Ok, so I know there probably is no such thing as a convention for certain celebs, but it worked in perfectly for what I needed. You'll understand when you read the chapter.

Cassy woke up to the sweet aroma of pancakes and surprisingly, it didn't make her feel nauseous. Dragging herself out of bed, Cassy wasn't too shocked when her head began throbbing and she almost fell over from the pain. Wrapping her robe around herself, she slowly made her way down to the kitchen.

"Chris, I know you were just as drunk as me last night so how the hell are you up now cooking....breakfast. Hi." Cassy hadn't realized it was someone other than Chris in the kitchen when she started her rambling. "I'm sorry. I didn't know anyone else was here."

"Oh it's alright. Luanne." The woman said, holding out her hand to the girl. Taking the hand and
shaking it firmly, Cassy smiled back at her. "I'm Christopher's housekeeper. I'm here to cook and
clean. And basically keep his butt in line while his mother's not able to."

"Yeah, he really needs to be watched sometimes." Cassy laughed. "I'm...."

"Cassy? Yeah, I know. The boys talk about you all the time." That took Cassy by surprise. The
housekeeper even knew about her? "Chris speaks rather highly of you."

"Really?"

"Yep. It's been a while since he's had a woman friend in his life. I think you are just what he
needs to get him back into the dating process."

"Well, thank you." Cassy guessed that was meant as a compliment so that's how she took it.

"I bet after the party they threw for you girls last night, you have a killer hangover, right?"

"Oh yes." Cassy had almost forgotten about it, but how could she? The pain was too excruciating.

"I have just the cure for that. Why don't you go upstairs and take a nice long shower and then
come back down to eat some of my good home cooking?" Smiling at Luanne, Cassy agreed and
went up to her private bathroom to take a shower, and look more presentable. After her shower,
Cassy was feeling a little better so she decided to take Luanne up on that breakfast offer. While
she ate, she and Luanne discussed many things. How she had come to work for Chris, how long
she had worked for him, and many embarrassing things Chris has done over the past years.

"Well thank you for breakfast, Luanne. It was delicious." After putting her dishes in the
dishwasher, Cassy turned towards the front door to leave.

"Where are you off to today?"

Looking back at the older woman, Cassy frowned and said, "I need to do some thinking." And she
was out the door.

Walking up to the ranch, Cassy leaned on the fence watching the horses run around the field.
Every time she was in the town, Cassy had to stop by the Ferguson ranch. The horses were
beautiful and they were nicest old couple anyone could ever know. Timothy Ferguson use to work
with her father back up in New York. He was like a third grandfather to her. When Cassy's father
would bring her down to visit Timothy, he would always let her help him take care of the horses
and clean the stables. It was something she had always enjoyed doing as a child. Now that she
was grown up, she didn't have as much time for that as she wished she had.

Lost in thought, Cassy was a little startled when she heard a shout coming from her right.
"Cassy? Is that you?"

"Hello, Mr. Ferguson." Cassy smiled warmly at the old man, wrapping her arms around him in a
tight embrace.

"How many times must I tell you to call me Tim?"

"At least once more." Cassy smiled sweetly.

Laughing, the man shook his head. "Ah, you get more and more beautiful everytime I see you,
my dear."

"You're full of crap, Tim. But thank you."

"I hadn't realized you were back in town already."

"Oh, yes. I'm living in Orlando now."

"You are? Well, that's wonderful. You finally got out of that city, huh?"

"Yep. So now I can come by on weekends or something to help you and Maria with the ranch."

"Well, that would be wonderful. Now, I know a horse that's been waiting for you to ride him
around for quite some time now."

"He still won't allow anyone to touch him, huh?"

"Not unless it's you, Cassy." Tim helped Cassy sattle Matty up and then she rode him around the
ranch. There was a corn field not too far away, as well as a vineyard. Riding Matty always helped
Cassy clear her head. He was just six years younger than her. She remembered the day he was
born. His mother had died from complications of giving birth to him and Cassy swore she would
help him whenever he needed her. He was her baby you could say. And Matty was a stubborn
one. As far as he was concerned, Cassy was the only human allowed near him. Sure he allowed
Maria to bath him and brush him, but Cassy was the only one allowed to ride him.

"I got it, Luanne!" Chris yelled down the stairs as he picked up the phone. "Hello?"

"Hey, Chris. Is Cassy there?"

"Oh hey, C. No she's not. Lu said something about her needing to do some thinking. She left
about two hours ago."

"Oh. No idea were she went?"

"Not a clue. Try Ashley. She should know."

"Thanks man. Talk to you later."

"See ya around." Chris hung up the phone and went back to writing the lyrics to the beat that
was playing non-stop in his head.

Dialing Lance's home number, JC waited for someone to pick up. After four rings, he heard
Ashley's voice. "Hello, JC. How can I help you?"

"Hey, Ash. I was just wondering if you knew where Cassy might be. Luanne said something about
her needing to do some thinking?"

"Um, usually when she's down here and she needs to do some thinking or something she goes to
the Ferguson's."

"And that's...?"

"A ranch down outside of Sherwood Forest. It takes about an hour to get there from here."

"Thanks, Ashley. I owe you."

"Yeah, whatever. I'm just warning you though. Usually when she goes there, it means she wants
to be alone. But go at your own risk. Just don't say I didn't warn you if she bites your head off."

"Alright. Bye Ashley."

"Good luck." JC hung up with Ashley and called information for the directions to this Ferguson ranch outside of Sherwood.

~*~

As Cassy was walking Matty back to the ranch, something caught her eye. Looking over to her left, Cassy started laughing right at the sight infront of her. It was JC attempting to ride the biggest horse there. They called him Hulky because he was so big. After JC finally got up onto the sattle, he couldn't get the monstrous horse to budge from his spot. Cassy dismounted Matty and quietly walked over behind Hulky. Raising her hand, Cassy smacked the horse's behind and yelled, "Yah, Hulky!" And off he ran, giving JC the scare of a lifetime.

Once Cassy calmed down from laughing so hard, she whistled for Hulky to come back. And he
did, with the scared-out-of-his-mind JC.

When the horse came to a halt, JC glared at Cassy. "It's not funny."

"It's a little funny." Cassy smiled at him and JC softened. It's not everyday you can find a girl that
makes your heart soar just from one little smile. But she did that to him, among many other
things. And seeing her so happy, him being scared from the huge beastly horse didn't seem so
bad anymore. "Come on, Cowboy. Before Hulky kills you."

"Ha ha, I forgot how to laugh." Came the sarcastic reply as JC dismounted.

"I can't believe someone can have such a hard time riding a simple horse."

"Hey! Gimme a break here. The last time I rode horse, we were filming the video for For The
Girl."

Grabbing the reins of Matty and Hulky, Cassy walked the horses back to the stable. Grabbing two
brushes, Cassy handed one to JC and began brushing off Matty.

Never looking away from the horse, Cassy asked, "So why are you here?"

Looking over to Cassy, JC's breath got caught in his throat. She looked so beautiful. The light was
shining through the boards of the old wooden stable and onto Cassy's small frame, illuminating
every curve, every feature of her body. And she was breathtaking. Even in her white T-shirt that
was tucked into her old pair of jeans. He wouldn't change a thing about her.

"I needed to talk to you."

"Oh." She paused before continuing. "I need to talk to you about a few things too."

"Go ahead."

Cassy set Down the brush and turned JC. He noticed she looked a little nervous, the way she was
twisting her fingers and never meeting his gaze. "About last night..."

"No, Cassy. Don't worry about that." He cut her off.

"No, JC. Just, let me get this out." His silence told her to go on. "Now, I don't remember
everything that happened after that tenth drink Chris gave me. But I do know that I made a
complete ass of myself. And I'm sorry. I don't know all the things I said to you, and it's probably
better that way or else I really wouldn't be able to face you right now." She let out a small laugh,
as did JC. "And, if I put you into any position last night that made you even the least bit
uncomfortable, I really am truly sorry. And I hope you forgive me."

The small choking noise JC made when she said ‘position' didn't go unnoticed by Cassy. That in
itself mad her a little more nervous as to exactly what happened the night prior.

"Don't worry, Cassy. I wasn't uncomfortable at all last night. And yes, if you feel that you did
something you need to be forgiven for, you are. But it happens to all of us. We get drunk out of
our minds and do some things we regret in the morning. It's normal. Don't worry about it."

"Thank you, JC." She smiled at him. "Now, what was it you needed to talk to me about?"

"Oh, yeah. There's a Whitney Houston convention tonight in Orlo Vista that I am invited to. I was
just wondering if you would like to be my date." JC asked hopefully.

The smiled on Cassy's face made all of JC's fears go away. "I would love to be your date for the
evening. The only thing is, I don't have anything to wear."

"You don't worry about that. I'll take care of everything." Taking her hand, they walked back to
their cars. Saying goodbye to the Ferguson's, they drove back up to Orlando so they could get
ready for the convention.

About three hours later, Cassy walked out of her bedroom asking Ashley and Chris what they
thought. "Do I look alright?"

"Alright? Kit, you look absolutely gorgeous. If JC doesn't tell you he's in love with you tonight, I
most certainly will." Chris said, looking Cassy up and down.

"Yeah, Cass. You look wonderful." Ashley assured her, grabbing her hand and giving it a
reassuring squeeze.

"Thanks guys." To say she was a little nervous, well that would be like saying Eeyore's a little
sad. A huge understatement. This was she and JC's first official date. Cassy had absolutely no
idea what to expect from the night to come, and quite frankly, she was a little scared when the
doorbell sounded. Chris and Ashley went down and let him in. Once she heard Ashley say "she'll be right down," Cassy began to descend down the stairs.

Once again, Cassy surprised JC. She stole his breath away earlier in the day, and she did it again as she walked down the stairs towards him. She was wearing a simple black strapless dress that went down to her knee on the left side and angled down toward her ankle on the right. Her hair was in an updo with a couple curled tendrils hanging down around her face. Her make-up was lightly on, nothing like the night before at the club. To him, she looked just like an angel. And that's just what she was to him. His guardian angel, sent from above to help him get through each day and night.

Clearing his throat, JC held out his arm to her. "You ready?"

"As ever." Cassy smiled, taking his arm gratefully. Without it she was sure she'd fall over.

Cassy was little surprised upon seeing the limo waiting outside to take them to the convention,
but she was half expecting it. After all, JC was a celebrity. And any celebrity couldn't be seen
pulling up to an event with other celebrities in any ordinary car.

As they entered the grand building the convention was being held in, Cassy couldn't believe how gorgeous it was. After meeting and speaking with several people JC knew, they danced a little bit
to different Whitney songs. The first of which was I Have Nothing. JC's favorite line from that
song was "I have nothing if I don't love you." That's exactly how he felt with Cassy. Nothing
seemed to matter before he met her. She made everything worth while.

While all the guests were being seated for dinner and waiting the arrival of the woman of the
night, random women were going up on stage to sing something in the honor of Whitney
Houston. The last woman sang I'm Every Woman and everyone thought she sang, not to be
rude, but horribly. But they did give her props for having the guts to go up infront what seemed
like hundreds of people and sing her heart out.

"Alright, thank you very much for your involvement, Ms. Andrews. Now, who will grace us with
the next song?" The host of the evening asked the crowd. When nobody stood up, JC took the
liberty of raising Cassy's arm for her. "Yes. Thank you, woman I the black dress that
accompanied JC Chasez." Everyone clapped for her as the spot light shone on her.

"What? No. I can't."

"Come on, Kitty Cat. I've heard you sing. You're great."

"I can't JC. That was in the security of my own home. This is infront of hundreds of people. It's
different!" Cassy attempted arguing with the man in a panic, but to no avail. She was eventually
dragged up to the stage and infront of the microphone.

"Alright, what's your name miss?"

"Cassy." She choked out.

"Alright Cassy. You nervous?"

"Just a little."

"Well it'll pass. It always does. Now lets see what you'll be singing. Do you know Run To You?"

Since her voice seemed to be quitting on her, Cassy nodded her head to say yes. She couldn't believe she was actually going to do this. She must have been nuts to allow JC to bring her up on stage. Why did she have to like the guy so much? Well right now, she was seriously debating chopping his balls off and feeding them to her dogs back in New York.
The music started and Cassy closed her eyes, allowing the music to take her to the place she only went to in private.

I know that when you look at me
There's so much that you just don't see
But if, you would only take the time
I know in my heart you'd find
All the girls say sometimes
We should be strong
Can't you see they're hurting me
I feel so all alone
I wanna run to you
I wanna run to you
Won't you to hold me in your arms
And keep me safe from harm
I wanna run to you
But if I come to you
Tell me, will you stay
Or will you run away
Each day, each day I play the role
Of someone always in control
But at night I come home
And turn the heat
There's nobody there
No one cares for me
What's the sense
of trying hard to find your dreams?
Without someone to share them with
Tell me what this means
I wanna run to you
I wanna run to you
Won't you to hold me in your arms
And keep me safe from harm
I wanna run to you
But if I come to you
Tell me, will you stay
Or will you run away?
Run away, no
I need you here
I need you here to wipe away my tears
To kiss away my fears
If you only knew how much I wanna run to you
I wanna run to you
Won't you hold me in your arms
And keep me safe from harm
I wanna run to you
But if I come to you
Tell me, will you stay
Or will you run away?

Everyone at the convention could feel the emotion behind the song and knew there was a story to this girl. Behind the powerful voice stood a lonely young girl who seemed to have nobody in her life who truly loved her.

Opening her eyes, Cassy was shocked when she was met with the applause of all the guests. Handing the host the microphone, Cassy carefully made her way off the stage and back over to her seat beside the man she was truly singing her little heart out for. The man who stole it away the day they met.

After the convention was over, JC had asked Cassy to accompany him on a walk on the beach by the lake. Of course she had to say yes. It was the perfect night with the perfect man. Who would say no? The reason JC had asked was because he had decided he wanted to take another stab at it. He was going to tell Cassy he was in love with her, and he would let nothing come in the way of it this time.

"You're being quiet." Cassy stated.
"I know."

"Is there a reason for it? Or do you just not want to talk to me?"

"Cassy, you know that's not it." Stopping, Cassy turned to face him.

"Then what is it?"

This was it, the moment he had been waiting for. Now, if only he could get it out without
screwing up and coming off like a total jackass. "I have something on my mind. Something I've
been wanting to share with you for a while now but something always seemed to come up or
interfere everytime I've tried to tell you." JC rambled on.

"JC, just tell me. What is it? You know you can talk to me about anything. Tell me anything."

Taking a deep breath, JC looked into her dark hazel eyes. ‘Here goes.' He thought. "Cassy," He
paused. Cassy gave him an eager look as if to say ‘go on.' "I think I'm in love with you."

With those few words, Cassy stood there, shocked, breathless, unable to move. Had he just said
what she thinks he did? No, it's impossible.

When she didn't respond, JC started thinking the worst. "Please, say something." But instead of
Cassy answering him with what he'd hoped she would, Cassy turned and began walking away.
"Cassy, what's wrong?"

"You don't want to love me." He heard her choked back voice and he knew she was crying.

"Why not?" He asked, grabbing her by the arm forcing her to look at him.

"Because I'm unlovable. I'm not a good person." She cried to him.

"Kitty Cat, you are the most loving, caring, perfect person I have ever met. And I can't think of
anyone I would rather be with." And yet again, she was speechless. She had been waiting for this
to happen ever since day one. Never in her wildest dreams did Cassy actually think it would
happen, though. But it did. JC Chasez just told her he was in love with her.

Looking down into the sand, Cassy asked, "You love me?"

"With all my heart and soul." Looking back up into those beautiful blue orbs, Cassy let the tears
fall yet again. "Good. Because I am so in love with you."

Smiling, JC leaned down and met Cassy's soft lips in a soft kiss, growing more passionate with
each second passing.

Breaking away breathless, Cassy looked back up at the man she loved with every fiber of her
being. "Why me?"

"Because you saw me when I was invisible."

Chapter 15
2 weeks later

Ashley came walking down the stairs with her headphones on, singing as loud as her lungs would
allow her to.

Sick and Tired of this world
There's no more air
Trippin' over myself
Goin' nowhere
Waiting
Suffocating
No direction
And I took a dive
And on the way down
I saw you
And you saved me
From myself
And I won't forget
The way you loved me
On the way down
I almost fell right through
But I held onto you~ Ryan Cabrera

Ashley opened her eyes and stopped dead in her tracks when she saw JC and Lance sitting on the couch staring at her. She slipped her headphones off and set the CD player on the dinning room table.

"Uh, hey guys. I didn't know anyone was here." She said, blushing profusely.

"Yeah. Have been for 20 minutes now." Lance said, winking at his girlfriend who was as red as a
cherry now.

"You got a good voice, Ash" JC said as she sat down in the chair next to the couch.

"Please do not call me Ash" Ashley cringed at the attempt of shortening of her name. "I hate it."
She didn't really understand it, but just like people not being all too thrilled with their names
given by birth, she just did not like it when someone tried giving her a nickname of any sort.

"Sorry, Ashley."

"That's better." She smiled triumphantly.

"Hun, have you looked at what you're wearing?" Lance asked, looking his girl up and down.

"What? It's just what I..." Ashley noticed all she was wearing was a very revealing white tank top,
and she was wearing no bra none-the-less, and Lance's boxers.

"I don't even wanna know." JC said, shaking his head.

"Yeah well I'm gonna go take a shower and change now. Cassy and I are going to go to the mall
today. I feel the need to buy new shoes."

" K sweetie" Leaning down, Ashley gave Lance a peck on the lips before walking by JC. But he
just couldn't keep his mouth shut, could he?

"See ya, Ash." JC said, thinking she was too far down the hallway to hear him. Too bad he was
wrong.

"I heard that" Ashley came back around the corner and slugged him in the shoulder. "OW!" JC
yelled, rubbing his soon to be bruised shoulder. "That hurt, Ashley."

"I told you not to call me Ash." She pointed at him before walking away or the second time.

Lance and JC chuckled and went back to talking, JC still thinking of what a little spitfire that girl
was.

~ 1 and a half hours later ~

"LANCE!" Ashley screamed from upstairs, still getting